Swing Image - Issue 12

G o l f & L i f e s t y l e M a g a z i n e • I s s u e 12 • M a r c h - M ay 2 0 1 0

Greg Norman - Aviation The Legend Golf & Safari Resort Black Mountain Golf Club Peter Alliss - Interview BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo Stoke Park - Course & Movies Knightsbridge Golf School Anthony Kim - Interview Camilo Villegas - Swing

www.swingimage.co.uk

“The first class golf course and fantastic club atmosphere made my second home purchase here at Black Mountain an easy choice.”

Per-Erik Nilsson Member and condo owner.

“My villa at Black Mountain is my pride and joy.”

Simon Yates Asian Tour Pro-golfer and villa owner.

“Fantastic golf course and atmosphere... I will be there as often as possible.”

Johan Edfors Member and villa owner.

Winner of the Black Mountain Masters 2009.

Join the in crowd!

In this years round of Asia’s most prominent golf industry awards, The Asian Golf Monthly Awards, Black Mountain Golf Club reached a milestone by ranking: • Fourth Best Championship Course in the Asia Pacific Region.

• Best Championship Course in Thailand.

Hua Hin (just 2 hours south of Bangkok) is renowned in Thailand for its all-year-round good climate and temperate weather conditions.

Black Mountain Golf Club is proud of its record of “Never Closing due to bad weather”, letting our golfers enjoy the course every day of the year.

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www.bmghuahin.com

Luxury Condos & Villas

with stunning golf course views

Imagine waking to a view overlooking a valley, crisp with morning air and manicured fairways just waiting for use.

Superior standards offer residents a sense of dignity and comfort that only this kind of quality home can provide.

For property enquries contact: Harald Elisson - +66 (0) 857 017 536 or email harald@bmghuahin.com

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Peninsular Court Islington, London N1

A selection of 1,2 and 3 bedroom luxury apartments available immediately Suited for high end professionals located within walking distance to the City Peninsular Court, located in Islington, is one of London’s most popular inner city regions for both visitors and residents. Only five minutes from trendy Upper Street where there are a multitude of bars, restaurants and shopping in the unique local markets and designer boutiques.

LONDON www.peninsularcourt.com

Paul Lynch paullynch.mac@mac.com +44 (0) 7971 016 072

Cope House Kensington

Cope House consists of 4 individually crafted dwellings located 50 meters from High St Kensington one of the finest shopping streets in the capital.

With Heathrow Airport only 40 minutes away and the London Heliport 25 minutes, you will soon be in your own air conditioned flat next to one of London’s most loved Parks - Holland Park.

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One of the most unique buildings in London

Contact

www.kensingtonapartments.net

Paul Lynch

paullynch.mac@mac.com

+44 (0) 7971 016 072

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The legends Golf and Safari resort Golfing stars from all corners of the globe have come together to design a unique course – KJ Choi,V J Singh, Jim Furyk, Justin Rose, Camilo Villegas, Robert Allenby and Mike Weir among the other star names involved in this unique project

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Published by Swing Image Ltd. 20 Abbey Road, St Johns Wood, London Asia Office Phuket Golf Studio Co. Ltd.

Greg Norman

22/11 Sirirad Road, Kathu,

In the early days, I was one of perhaps only a handful of golfers that operated their own aircraft, and subsequently, yes, I had a lot of players hitching rides from tour stop to tour stop, which I was all too happy to accommodate.

Thailand 83150 Editor Sean Harrison sean@golfswingimage Art & Design

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MaxMedia - Asia Tel: +66 (0) 822 717 424

Black Mountain Golf Club

Photography

Have completed the construction of the course-side condominium project. Each unit takes advantage of its location overlooking the wellmaintained fairways and provides residents with a perfect mix of luxury and scenery.

Mark Newcombe - Visions in golf - www.visionsingolf.com Getty Images - www.gettyimages.com Advertising UK - golfswingimage@yahoo.com

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Asia - MaxMedia ianlenton@hotmail.com Tel: +66 (0) 822 717 424

Peter Alliss I’m always reminded of the Japanese pro who was speaking to Michael Bonallack, when he was Secretary of the R&A (I think it was at Muirfield), and he asked Mr Bonallack, “Why you no play the championship in the summer time?”

38 Camilo Villegas His tremendous physical power allows him to drive the ball a huge distance from the tee box. He is well known for his commitment to physical fitness, and says his mentor and inspiration is golf icon Gary Player.

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Contributing Writers/Interviews Paul Mahoney, Ian Lenton (ianlenton@hotmail.com) Printed by Lake & Fountain Printing Company Ltd. Distribution Swing Image is a luxury golf and lifestyle publication for London and Asia and is distributed to business class travellers through airline gates and lounges, estate agencies, private aviation, golf clubs, golf resorts and 5-star hotels To view a media kit go to www.swingimage.co.uk Dawson Media - www.dawsonmediadirect.com

Swing Image is distributed at the gate service and the lounges of the above airlines at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Stoke Park Situated just seven miles from London Heathrow and 35 minutes from London , this elegant Buckinghamshire venue is the perfect location for corporate,

All of the articles and photographs published in this magazine are the property of Swing Image and any reproduction in any form is prohibited unless written permission is given by the publisher. While we make every effort possible at Swing Image to ensure that everything printed is correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur.

Design Copyright Swing Image 2009/10. All rights reserved.

hospitality and individual golf fanatical customers.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Could new tax rules drive visiting tour players away from golf events in Britain?

The intention of HM Revenue and Customs to calculate tax on a proportion of visiting sportspersons’ global earnings could prove disastrous for golf and other sports events in Britain.

Visiting competitors would be required to complete a UK tax form declaring their worldwide appearance fees, winnings, endorsement income and sponsors’ performance-related bonuses. Leading professionals could not be blamed for avoiding events in the UK when, in some cases, the punitive taxes imposed on them could far exceed their appearance fees and winnings.

It is not just golf that will be affected by these harsh tax rules. There are concerns that tennis players will avoid traditional pre-Wimbledon tournaments such as Eastbourne and the Queen’s Club as they could pay 50% tax on a proportion of their sponsorship deals.

Another concern must be for the events entered prior to our Championship, e.g. Loch Lomond the week before The Open, being ignored in favour of tournaments based in countries that do not tax endorsement income of visiting players. How many big names will boycott Britain’s sports calendar?

Discouraging the world’s most prominent sportspersons from competing in the UK has to be a major cause for concern. Surely the UK should entice them to compete in its sporting events, not only to satisfy the millions of fans but to maintain the quality of its world class events and for the benefit of its worldwide TV audiences? Would any of us get the same level of enjoyment if the key players were missing from these events?

Let’s wait and see what happens but I feel that the entry lists for golf and other sporting events in Britain could look quite desolate and, judging by people’s reactions made known to me recently, the concern seems to be quite widespread.

SEAN HARRISON EDITOR

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The Legend Golf & Safari Resort

now open!

Africa’s Leading Tourism Development Project

The Legends Now Open!

It’s been one of the world’s most eagerly anticipated golf and safari resort openings ever.

Now Africa’s most talked about leisure venue has unlocked the gates to its majestic Monomotapastyle Great Enclosure and is inviting golf and safari enthusiasts to take the recreational experience of a lifetime.

Legend Golf & Safari Resort at the 22,000 hectare malaria-free Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the Waterberg, Limpopo, South Africa, has already scooped major international awards and is welcoming guests, celebrities and sports stars, tour operators and conferences from across the world.

It has been crowned Africa’s Leading Tourism Development Project at the World Travel Awards, and is the recipient of a CNBC Property Award in the category of Best Golf Resort.

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The resort is a spectacular example of a 21st century leisure complex set in the heart of the African bush – a truly modern amenity in an ancient and aweinspiring landscape.

At the heart of the resort is the world’s first championship Signature Course – designed by 18 of the world’s top golfers including Trevor Immelman, Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen and Sergio Garcia.

Golfing stars from all corners of the globe have come together to design a unique course – KJ Choi, V.J. Singh, Jim Furyk, Justin Rose, Camilo Villegas, Robert Allenby and Mike Weir among the other star names involved in this unique project.

In addition to the magnificent Signature Course, golfers can also now take the challenge of the world’s

most talked about extreme Par 3, the Extreme 19th.

Set high up on the majestic Hanglip Mountain, the hole is accessible only by helicopter and played to a green the shape of Africa some 400m below perhaps the most talked about golf hole in the world following an online campaign which saw more than three million people watching Padraig Harrington make the first par 3.

South Africa

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Comments from those who have taken on this challenge sum up the uniqueness of the Extreme 19th experience:

“The most epic experience of my golfing life.”

“I was sceptical but what a fantastic fun experience.”

“A million dollar experience even if you don’t get a hole in one.”

“A must for any true golfer. This only happens once in a lifetime.”

Mr Eugene Louw, who penned the last comment, joins a list of those who have been mesmerised by the whole drama of the Extreme 19th and Legend Golf & Safari Resort.

Following a visit Sergio Garcia said: “This is truly unique. I have never seen a hole like this and it’s a great challenge. What a hole…what a view…what a resort.”

What a resort indeed.

Trevor Immelman and Sergio Garcia (Above) on the tee boxes of their hole designs.

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In addition to the 18-hole Signature Course, a Tribute Course pays homage to nine of the world’s most famous par 3s, recreated here in all their glory and joined by one of the resort’s own design to form an amazing 10-hole journey round the best short golf holes in the world.

After his helicopter ride, Justin Rose gets ready to take the challenge of the world’s most talked about Par 3, the Extreme 19th.

Set high up on the majestic Hanglip Mountain, the hole is accessible only by helicopter and played to a green the shape of Africa some 400m below.

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The resort’s academy and driving range have been built with amateur and professionals alike in mind – those who want the very best facilities to help perfect their game. Three different grass types allow every detail of game play to be addressed while specially built slopes on teeing areas replicate authentic on-

world via trade routes to the east and west.

Those trade routes are now being reborn as travelers again visit Limpopo and Legend Golf & Safari Resort for their modern African adventure.

That adventure at Legend Golf & Safari Resort includes visiting the Wildlife and Cultural Centre, home

course golf experiences.

The social amenities replicate the attention to detail of the golf facilities.

A new clubhouse has been specially constructed with all the facilities you would expect at a world class resort – despite it being under canvas – and offers magnificent views of the golf course and spectacular Waterberg scenery.

This facility will be moved to another area of the resort when the mighty Monomotapa-style main clubhouse construction is completed during 2010.

The main clubhouse is another example of the resort’s unique architectural style, heavily influence by the ancient kingdom of Monomotapa which for hundreds of years linked this part of Africa with the rest of the

to the once only mythical white lions. The centre also boasts the Pedi Village African Cultural Centre where visitors can experience traditional African life under African skies, entertained by the rhythms of African drums and voices.

At the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, where the Big 5 roam free on the stunning 22,000 malariafree hectares of bushveld, forests, mountains and river beds, game drives are hosted by highly trained game rangers, whose tracking skills lead guests to see lions, rhino, buffalo, leopard, elephants, cheetah, hippo, giraffes, zebra, and all manner of Africa’s bountiful wildlife.

Add to that the other leisure facilities, including the swimming pools, the tennis, football, basketball and

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other sporting activities, plus horse riding, quad-biking, ballooning, helicopter flights, curio shops, special children’s activity and play areas plus self-guided bird and tree walks through the botanical gardens, and Legend Golf & Safari Resort really is driving golf and safari resort experiences to a new level of excellence.

not only independent travelers and groups but major national and international conferences.

Golf groups are already enjoying the resort and its unique setting and facilities.

So whether it’s a social golfing holiday, a serious sports training squad, a tournament needing a dynamic new venue, or that special place for a couple to enjoy their golf together, consider Legend Golf & Safari Resort. The Legend really has awakened.

To make a golf booking please contact the golf reservations team on: • 00 27 (0) 14 743 6278 • golfadmin1@legendlodges.co.za For more information, latest news, pictures, video, and more about Legend Golf & Safari Resort please visit: www.legendgolfsafari.com Accommodation is another unique aspect of the resort with 450 plots each holding four en-suite double resort suites plus a master suite.

With 160 of these rooms available by January 2010 and more coming online each month, the resort is gearing up to be one Africa’s principle venues for

For further information and general enquiries or to arrange a site inspection contact Pete Richardson • 00 27 (0) 767 835 173 • pete@theazaleagroup.com

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IJP DESIGN ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF THEIR STYLISH AND VIBRANT SPRING/SUMMER 2010 COLLECTION Tartan Roots Each season the IJP designers follow their ‘lead with the legs’ philosophy and chose a 5 colour palette for each of the 3 tartans. This then determines the mood for the rest of the collection.

For the Spring/Summer season their chosen lead colours consist of hot pink and blueberry, glass and flamingo, cobalt and acid.

Lead with the Legs Trousers are at the heart of IJP Design and indeed IJP (Ian James Poulter) himself. The brand is unique in designing their range of shorts and trousers first, then co-ordinating the shirts and knitwear to complete spectacular outfits. IJP Design is best known for their Signature Tartan Bootleg Trousers (“like putting on Ian Poulter’s legs”) which are milled in Great Britain.

However, the range has many alternatives to offer, including 3 different styles of beautifully tailored shorts and high performance shirts and luxury light weight knitwear.

Golf and Lifestyle Apparel IJP Design clothing has been designed to look and feel great both on and off the golf course.

It has have taken the game of golf and created a sports lifestyle collection that is specialist in this field, yet transgresses into other similar lifestyle sports and more importantly, fashion apparel. A huge amount of energy is put into the detail and finish of every garment to ensure it fulfils this multifunctional nature.

www.ijpdesign.com 20

Technical Perfection As well as looking great IJP apparel performs.

The latest technology and materials are included throughout the range, fusing functionality with fashion. From the caps which include a COOLMAX™ (superior moisture management) headband to the shirts which boast Freshness (reduces perspiration and odours), Cool Comfort (keeps you cool and dry), SCOTCHGARD™ (wicks away moisture), Pima Cotton (soft and longer lasting) and more. The founder and lead ambassador, Ian Poulter (ranking in the world’s top 20), relies upon the addition of all of these important features to enhance his performance in the biggest tournaments in the world.

Unique Accessories One of the key points to note with every IJP collection is that each item is produced to be part of an outfit, and no outfit is complete without the accessories! The right belt is vital and IJP offer a variety of leathers with detachable buckles to allow the wearer to mix and match. The show stopper this season is the IJP Stars and Stripes buckle featuring Swarovski crystals. But don’t forget the headwear, which isn’t missing any of IJP’s trade mark design features such as piped trims and sandwich peaks.

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An affordable way to make the ultimate lifestyle statement

Portofino 48 The Portofino 48 has now replaced the older Portofino 47 model. Newly released at the London Boatshow in January 2010, it was clear that this new model was a hit with those who had the opportunity to board her for a viewing. Sunseeker has, once again, managed to take all the best characteristics off a former model, the 47, and add these to the new Portofino 48. The boat also has a lot of new innovative changes, ensuring that this model is something special.

Despite many yacht builders suffering from the downturn in the boating industry, Sunseeker have managed to maintain their order books at full capacity and also introduce new models, such as the Portofino 48, with resounding success.

This newcomer has managed a remarkably larger interior than other models. Where once there was the classic main-suite in the bow with a cross-beam central twin cabin, the Portofino 48 has now switched this with a midships full-beam owner’s suite containing huge in-hull windows.

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While forward there’s a clever new VIP suite with the central double bed swinging apart to create V single berths for family or friends combination.

How have the designers achieved so much extra space? Sunseeker has a new take on hull design, optimizing accommodation without unduly affecting performance, derived here from pod drives with which you can point and park by joystick control.

Bringing the big-bodied and outdoor-life Portofino theme bang up to date, the Portofino 48 can be specified either as an open cockpit craft or topped with stylish retracting hard top.

New detailing also introduces the submerging platform in combination with the garage now allowing you to utilize the swim deck without having to remove the tender.

This boat is ideal for Phuket waters whether you use her as a day-trip boat or overnight on her in comfort and in true Sunseeker style, it’s a lifestyle that has become much more affordable recently with these smaller vessels. As the British Sterling

www.sunseekerthailand.com

currency sits at its recent lows, this has made these smaller Sunseeker’s much more interesting to perspective buyers. An opportunity to fullfill that dream you have been waiting to come true!

If a Sports Boat is not your thing, you might take a look at the flybridge model, the Manhattan 52.

Manhattan 52 Configured to mirror many of the benefits of the bigger siblings, the Manhattan 52 incorporates many surprises for her size.

First there is the space. A well proportioned beam and deep V allow the three generous cabins below the main deck’s open-plan stepped main saloon.

Meanwhile the wheelhouse arrangement provides different socializing areas and a mix of moods to go with the moment.

But there’s much more that hints big boat heritage. The contemporary electronic navigational equipment, ample ancillary power generation with a low noise unit exhausting underwater and flatscreen televisions in every cabin with a hideaway rise

and fall system for the big screen in the main deck saloon.

The bathing platform aft has a hydraulic rise and fall system to ease launch and retrieval of the tender and to provide a submerged bathing platform cum beach. A single-crew cabin comes with the optional inclusion of house-keeping aids such as a washing machine.

There’s also a choice of engines with the top option, the MAN CRM 800 diesel, providing up to 32 knots and at a more modest 23 knots, a cruising range up to 250 nautical miles.

The Manhattan 52 may be the smallest of the Sunseeker Flybridge line, but she is no less a performer or provider for that acclaim.

Max Marine Asia the exclusive Sunseeker dealer for Thailand is now offering special discounted pricing to the Swing Image readers and would recommend a visit to there new office for information on the various Sunseeker models. Don’t forget to mention you’re a Swing Image reader!

Located 50m before Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina.

Just look out for the Sunseeker sign!

Contacts: Craig Murphy Email:

craig@sunseekerthailand.com

Web:

www.sunseekerthailand.com

Mobile: +66 (0) 81 9700583

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GREG NORMAN

Flight

Fascinated with

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Greg Norman has always been fascinated with aircraft.

Swing Image Editor, Sean Harrison, asked Greg about his passion for aviation. ave you been fascinated with aviation since H childhood?

Yes. My love of aviation goes back to my childhood in Australia, when jets and the thought of becoming a pilot obsessed me. I assembled dozens of model airplanes and had them tethered all over my room, and at night I’d lie in my bed and imagine my future as a fighter pilot. I tried collecting stamps and had a few other hobbies, but it was flight, especially fighter jets, that really fascinated me.

What age were you when you learned to fly?

I first started to fly in my early 30’s, typically flying in the left seat of the helicopter or the right seat of the business jet I was operating at the time. id you ever have the ambition to become a pilot, D rather than a golf professional?

When I was younger, I remember going to local air shows when I lived in Townsville, Australia, and admiring the skill of the pilots who flew the F111’s. Later, at Townsville Grammar School, I joined the air cadets with the idea that eventually I’d become a pilot for the Royal Australian Air Force. I was just enamored with flying and I wanted to do Mach-1 with 60 million dollar jets sitting underneath the seat of my pants. At the end of the day I decided not to do that, went off for about 18 months, and decided just to play golf. That is where I am today. ne of your first endorsements in 1976 was with O Qantas. Do you still fly with them?

Given that I have owned my own aircraft for the past fifteen years, you might think that my Qantas relationship would have dissolved, but the company continues to utilise me, more as a spokesperson for Australia than for the airline itself. In fact, I recently flew from Sydney to Los Angeles on Qantas and the experience could not have been better, from the service to the pilots to the flight attendants.

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hen did you purchase your first jet and did you lease W aircraft previous that?

Originally I leased planes to fly from event to event, but then a blown engine during a flight in 1990 forced me to make an emergency landing in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Let me tell you, there were some harrowing moments before we touched down, and I decided right then to buy my own plane.

Is the Helicopter used more for the course design? ike my G550, my Bell 407 is a business tool. I utilize L it more for short haul trips within the state of Florida.

It is used for a mix of Golf Course Design, trips to Orlando for sessions with my coach and other business activities in Florida such as the Merrill Lynch Shootout, my PGA Tour event in Naples, Florida, the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, etc.

Do you fly the Helicopter yourself most of the time?

Yes, I fly my helicopter, but never solo, always with my senior flight officer in the right seat. hat plane do you now own/use and do you use it W mostly for pleasure or travelling to your Golf Course Design projects?

The Gulfstream G-550 I have now is the seventh jet I’ve owned in the last fifteen years. I travel about forty weeks a year. Because of the intense schedule I keep, I could not possibly accomplish what I do without my jet. It is a vital business tool that allows me to further develop Great White Shark Enterprises.

Do you have players at tour events hitching a ride?

In the early days, I was one of perhaps only a handful of golfers that operated their own aircraft, and subsequently, yes, I had a lot of players hitching rides from tour stop to tour stop, which I was all too happy to accommodate. Today, with both the fractional jet programs and the increasing purses on the Tour, you see more golfers operating their own aircraft, and as such, it is not as prevalent today.

How many crew do you have in your flight team?

I now have a full-time flight department operating both my Gulfstream and my Bell 407 helicopter. I have two pilots, an engineer and two other pilots on standby for my long haul trips.

My plane does 6,500 nautical miles non-stop, so when I go on global trips, Florida to Australia for example, I station a pilot at the first stop. He would travel two days ahead of time. We stop for fuel then keep going straight through to Australia, 27

With all your business commitments and travelling to golf events, how many hours a week do you spend flying?

I average about 600 hours, or about 25 full days, in the air each year.

I figure that from the time I first turned professional in 1976 until now, I’ve put in more than eight million air miles. Without my jet and my helicopter, I couldn’t do what I do. It would be utterly impossible.

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about 22-24 hours of flying, which is a drain on anyone’s body, the pilots’ and my own.

You are spending a lot of time travelling to Dubai now with your new designs there. How do you see golf in Dubai developing now?

I have been a regular visitor to Dubai for nearly two decades, and my company has been closely monitoring the city for a number of years. The scope of development and the speed at which projects are completed is truly remarkable. Dubai has an entrepreneurial edge and its geographical position places it right at the heart of international commerce.

A combination of a progressive approach to business and an excellent location means that golf is bound to thrive and I’ve been fortunate to be involved in the development of Jumeirah Golf Estates which, on completion, will be one of the world’s leading golf communities. I like to think that our work at Jumeirah Golf Estates will set a new standard for the design and development of sustainable and environmentally friendly courses. Due to this, Dubai truly represents a new way forward for international golf.

As a passenger, do you work when you are flying?

Absolutely, some of my most productive meetings both internal and external take place aboard

the aircraft.

The aircraft also provides me with an opportunity to catch up on my day-to-day work load, and as such, it is extremely efficient.

How many passengers do you normally have on a trip?

That’s a good question, I think on average I have three or four passengers on the aircraft.

Finally, from a British point of view, in the early

eighties you were always dashing off to catch Concorde. What was your reaction when the Concorde was sadly grounded? Do you think there was any way she could have been kept in service and do you think there will ever be an opportunity to have an aircraft like that again?

As an aviation enthusiast, I loved crossing the Atlantic on the Concorde. I became very good friends with one of the chief pilots for the British Airways Concorde Program. I believe supersonic travel will most likely return to the private sector ahead of the public sector. I am aware of several manufacturers who are currently experimenting with the idea. With the advent of fractional programs such as Net Jet, I think there is room in their inventory for a supersonic jet program, which provides the operators the flexibility to lease different types of aircraft.

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With just one call you’re in control.

ProJet International offer a full service from purchase through to delivery and follow up aircraft management.

Full ownership, part ownership or charter?

Our professional advice will help you clarify which direction is best to suit your needs.

We offer a full management service, addressing every detail, so that aircraft owners can relax in the knowledge that everything will be taken care of.

Even if you simply need support with specific aspects of your aircraft, ProJet International provides the highset quality assistance, evey step of the way.

ProJet International Limited Tel: +44 (0) 113 267 4263 Cell: +44 (0) 7816 923707 Email: paul@projetinternational.com

www.projetinternational.com 30

Reward your success

Black Mountain Editorial by Ian Lenton

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Black Mountain rocks the Thailand golfing world with a charity concert for needy Thai families.

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The weather was great, the atmosphere was electric and the entertainment was some of the best that Hua Hin, Thailand has seen in many a year.

In what can be described as a roaring success, the newly formed Hua Hin charity, Black Mountain Charity Fund, started its charity campaign with the Rhapsody of Rock Concert at the Black Mountain Golf Club.

Tickets were on sale for a short time but quickly sold out showing signs that live entertainment in the area is in huge demand. A good mixture of locals and expats filled the site making a fun atmosphere for such a special night. The crowd roared with each song and act, giving a good indication that future such events would be very welcome.

Black Mountain General Manager, Mr Harald Elisson noted in his welcome speech, “It’s Fantastic to see so many people here tonight! Thanks to you for making this charity concert possible. It is a great honour for us to have Robert Wells and Rhapsody of Rock here with us tonight with so many fantastic

artists and musicians”.

“Black Mountain Golf Club is delighted that today, with this concert, we announce the start of the Black Mountain Charity Foundation. The objectives with this foundation are to support well-known charity projects throughout Thailand”.

He then introduced the charity Chairman, General Surapan Poomkaew Ph.D, who said, “I would like to thank all of you who have come here to enjoy this concert and for creating this great atmosphere”.

General Surapan talked about Her Majesty The Queen Sirikits project “Arts and Craft Center of Her Majesty the Queen Sirikit of Thailand” (established 1976), who supports poor families around Thailand by making it possible for them to find alternative incomes by creating handicrafts and artwork”, He declared that with help from this concert the board of the Black Mountain Charity Foundation will donate one (1) million baht to Her Majesty the Queens Arts and Craft Center project.

After the concert had concluded, many of the 35

Courseside villas and condominiums are now complete with owners already taking full advantage of the luxury courside living.

attendees could be heard commenting that the concert was extremely enjoyable with all of the acts being enjoyed by both the crowd and performers.

With such a huge success many people are looking forward to the next event that the Black Mountain Charity Fund promotes.

In fact, Rhapsody in Rock superstar, Robert Wells, also made mention that this was one of his favourite concerts of all time. “I have enjoyed performing here at Black Mountain so much. The atmosphere created by the large crowd was inspiring and their feedback and response was terrific”, he said. He enjoyed it so much that he also agreed to perform one more time in Hua Hin. Recently, Black Mountain also completed the construction of the course-side condominium project and has maintained their high standards with both building and fit out. Each unit, with its contemporary feel, takes advantage of its location overlooking the well-maintained fairways and provides residents with a perfect mix of luxury and scenery.

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Mr. Elisson commented, “we are so pleased with the results of the condominium project and the response from the public and our customers has been extremely positive. Some of the floors are now completely sold out and we have high expectations to finalise sales of all units this high season. Residents have started to occupy their units too and the Black Mountain community is growing fast.”

Included in the estate are some impressive facilities such as: two infinity swimming pools that sit adjacent to the fairways and overlook the course, several poolside sun decks, a residents convenience store, stylish restaurant, sauna, steam sauna and gymnasium.

Mr. Elisson commented, “we have gone the extra mile in making sure that all of our condominiums are finished with the same high standards that we instill in our golf course. In the end, customer satisfaction is our main goal and we are confident that all our owners will be very pleased with their purchase.”

Rated as the number one championship golf course in Thailand.

For more information on the course visit www.bmghuahin.com.

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The career of Peter Alliss currently spans over 60 years. He started playing professional golf at the age of 16 in 1947 and he: • won three British PGA Championships, played in eight Ryder Cup teams, played in ten teams representing England in the World Cup and had five top-ten finishes in the Open Championship, coming closest in 1954 at Royal Birkdale, when he finished just four shots behind Peter Thomson.

• and his father, Percy, were the first father and son to both participate in the Ryder Cup. He also won 23 tournaments and made his last appearance on tour in 1975.

• was Captain of The Professional Golfers’ Association twice, President of the British Greenkeepers Association and first President of the European Women’s Professional Golfers’ Association.

• worked as a commentator for the BBC, Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and in Britain he is probably the best known golf broadcaster.

• has hosted a total of 140 Pro Celebrity Golf TV programmes and was the host of Around with Alliss.

• has written twenty books as well as articles in magazines.

• is also involved in golf course architecture. He designed 50 courses with David Thomas, his first design partner. One of these included The Belfry, now the home of the Professional Golfers‘ Association and which has staged the Ryder Cup several times. He then joined forces with Clive Clark and added another 22 courses to his portfolio.

What do you ask a man who has crammed so much into his life so far? I could have asked a hundred questions but these are but a few …..

Photography by Visions in Golf 38

Being the son of a professional golfer, did you always want to follow in your Father’s footsteps? At what age did you start to play golf?

My informative years were during World War II. We lived at Ferndown, just north of Bournemouth, and although it wasn’t a heavily bombed area life was full of restrictions.

My father was one of the top professionals of the day and I was swinging a club from the age of two, at thirteen I had a handicap of scratch, so no other profession entered into the equation.

Did you embrace the challenge from playing golf to becoming a broadcaster or is there always a part of you down there on the course when you are commentating?

I have had the most wonderful life and in all honesty have never planned for anything.

It was in 1960 I was approached by Ray Lakeland, BBC Producer from Manchester, enquiring if I would be interested in doing some commentary at the Open championship at Birkdale in 1961. I played professionally at the highest level for a further ten years and combined the two professions.

Looking back I obviously had a style that was perhaps quirky but it suited them, and that’s where I have been all these years.

Your projects have included The Belfry, Brocket Hall, the Marquess Course at Woburn, Cams Hall, the Links Course at Belle Mare Plage Hotel in Mauritius and the ‘Seve Club’ in Japan. Do you have any favourites or is the most recent project always your favourite?

My first design partner was David Thomas. Together we were involved in the creation of 40 or 50 golf courses, we then parted company, I was alone for a year or two and then partnered my BBC colleague, Clive Clark, with whom I also had a very productive partnership. The success of the Belfry over the years has been very rewarding, but you always live in the hope of finding an enthusiastic, sympathetic client who has found the most wonderful piece of golfing land with not too many restrictions, although I honestly think those days finished round about 1925!

Do you have a current design project and how much of your time does this claim?

From my standpoint the golf course design business is very much in a “holding” pattern but I’m working

Peter Alliss

Interview by Sean Harrison

39

on one just south of Hungerford in the Savernake Forest which may come to fruition - it’s been a long, hard journey, and with the economic climate the way it is it’s not easy, but I live in hope.

Does the change in golf equipment (driver and ball etc.) influence new course designs?

Much is made of new equipment and the fact that the ball goes so far these days. The game of golf shouldn’t be altered for the sake of 2,000 or 3,000 people who play the game at the highest level, whether they be male or female, amateur or professional. At the end of the day I don’t think the term “par” serves much purpose, particularly at the highest level. You go and play and the person with the lowest score wins. Too much stress is placed now on so and so “winning at 20 under par”. “Oh, if that’s the case the course must be a pitch and putt!”. Not so. Given the opportunities for the top players, narrow courses with deep bunkers along the sides of the fairways and small greens are able to create enough problems. I don’t like golf courses now edging towards 8,000 yards in length.

With the Masters approaching, what are the biggest changes you have seen made to Augusta - for good or for bad?

Years ago, members of the Ryder Cup teams were always invited to play in the Masters, and it’s hard to make people understand now that I had several invitations and didn’t go! Well, it was a long journey and the rewards were very meagre. If you didn’t make the last day $400 was all you got and the rate then was about $3.40 to the £1. Not only that, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Billy Caspar and a host of other super players were waiting for you and in those far off days they didn’t make visitors VERY welcome, as many American pros thought we might relieve them of their livelihood! They’re not afraid of change, and if it doesn’t work they put it back the way it was and you don’t even notice the ‘seam’! I don’t think making Augusta longer has made it a greater test.

Since they are innovative, although in some quarters they are considered “fuddy duddies”, one thing 40

which has intrigued me over the years, (considering they’ve made so many changes), they’ve never narrowed the fairways and grown the rough, which would be a very simple thing for them to do, and if it didn’t work out cut the fairways back and revert to normal. Also I’d like to see the old players, who are so revered, allowed to play, but they should start from the 10th tee, play nine holes every day and receive the adulation of the multitude. There should be a prize (a piece of Waterford crystal) something for them, they wouldn’t get in anyone’s way, they wouldn’t be reducing the field and they would give the early spectators, sitting for hours on the back nine waiting for players to come round, something to look at and enjoyment in seeing their old favourites.

How much do you think modern jet travel and private aviation has changed life on the golf tour?

The use of private planes for the top athletes now has made a huge change in their lives. No queuing up at airports, getting through customs is the simplest of tasks, and with sports men and women at the top making so much money now it’s not such an outrageous idea to have the use of a jet, especially when you can write it off against expenses and tax.

How do you see the golf tours changing with the Fed Ex cup and the Race to Dubai?

There are so many new ideas being thrown up in the world of golf, sometimes I think they lose sight of the fact there are only 52 weeks in a year.. I’m not sure the Fedex Cup has been a great success although it’s early days. The Race to Dubai is fascinating, it’s not easy for a European Tour to keep several hundred players in employment for nine or ten months a years and I think they do a fantastic job, although they do stretch the imagination if you’re a “geographical buff” with some of the locations they’ve found for the “European” Tour!

When you played in the Masters in the late 60’s there was a payout guarantee of $400. What is your opinion on golf prizes today?

Prize money is quite amazing. I’ve been waiting for the bubble to burst for several years but it hasn’t done yet. What I think a lot of players seem to forget, the world would go on without professional golf, without professional sport in fact, so perhaps a clamp down for a couple of years wouldn’t be a bad thing, so that prizes and wages could get back to sensible levels. But we live in a free society and that’s what the market stands, so no good blaming the players or the agents, it’s what is available and what people/companies are prepared to pay.

From a broadcasting point of view do you have a favourite event, course and/or country?

My favourite event is, without doubt, our Open championship, although over the years, from my point of view, getting around has been more and more difficult. In the halcyon days when I worked with Henry Longhurst, we used to indulge in a glass of champagne around about 10.30 or 11 o’clock in the morning, just to “lubricate” the tonsils, but now recording

starts about 9 o’clock and we don’t get away until 8 o’clock at night. It’s a long day for everyone concerned. But the variety of the Open championship, the cosmopolitan look of it and the wonderful selection of players from around the world, make it very, very special, although it can be very tedious when the weather turns against us. When it does, I’m always reminded of the Japanese pro who was speaking to Michael Bonallack, when he was Secretary of the R&A, at a particularly miserable time (I think it was at Muirfield), and he asked Mr Bonallack, “Why you no play the championship in the summer time?”

Looking back on the duels between Nicklaus and Watson to Faldo and Norman, which match stays in your memory the most?

Two matches, Nicklaus and Watson at Turnberry were quite amazing. They were, indeed, two “heavyweight boxers” slugging it out, toe to toe. They finished ten shots ahead of the player in third spot, Hubert Green, who remarked, “Well, I don’t 41

know about them, I won the tournament I was competing in!”

to be “rescued” to get them back to the hotel for dinner and prize-giving.

Faldo and Norman - chalk and cheese. Faldo’s round when he won the Masters and Greg Norman saw his 6 or 8 shot lead disappear, was one of the finest rounds of golf under the circumstances I’ve ever seen anyone play. I’m one of the few people who didn’t think Greg Norman totally disintegrated.

Etiquette remains pretty good, although I do not like hats on back to front, particularly when in the club house. Fashion comes and goes, look at the “fads” of the ‘70s - the big check ‘Rupert Bear’ trousers and diamond patterned sweaters.

During the course of the round he played about three poor shots and had some bad luck, and at the end of the day he was well beaten, nay humiliated, but people tend to forget he was still “in it” playing the 15th hole, but that’s long forgotten. Norman was very good for the game.

Who do you see as the up and coming players at the moment?

There are so many up and coming players at the moment but many of them flatter to deceive. They win tournaments and the next week fail to qualify.

There must be at least eight or ten players from Europe who have the opportunity of moving forward but they must learn to be consistent. I don’t go for the idea that you win one week and then you need a rest to recover from your trials and tribulations. If you were carrying your own clubs or pulling a trolley, yes you might be a bit weary, but when I was winning I was on the ‘crest of a wave’ and couldn’t wait to get out the following week!

A career spanning over 60 years has seen so many changes. Do you sometimes wish you could turn back the clock on some aspects i.e. etiquette, golf equipment and fashion? On the other hand which changes have you welcomed?

There have been many changes over the last 60 years. I suppose corporate golf has been one of the main ones; it has been the salvation of many clubs, courses, hotels, complexes, but I don’t particularly like to see people having ‘air shots’ on the first tee, taking eight hours to play 15 holes and then have 42

Caddies remain unique, there aren’t the rogues and vagabonds there were 40 years ago; there are, however, many characters of a different “hue”, a lot with university degrees, able to hold a conversation in most ‘camps’ and why not? If you team up with a good player it’s possible to earn thousands of pounds, dollars, yen a year. On the whole I think golf has held itself together pretty well, that’s due to the people who run it both at the professional and amateur level.

As to the future, what changes would you like to make, given the chance. Are there any rules which you would change?

For instance, slow play seems to be predominantly discussed amongst players and viewers alike.

I just wish the players would learn to play faster! In a threeball, if each one could save a minute a hole, which isn’t asking a lot, that’s knocked an hour off the time it takes to play a round, which should be simple.

The only way it will change is if the players decide to ‘get on with it’ or you have massive punishment, not just money - that’s like fining a footballer two weeks wages when you find he’s earning £80,000 a week - you’ve got to ban them from playing for a couple of tournaments, but then you’d probably be sued for restricting their livelihood so you can see it’s not an easy task, but the players should get together and just DO it.

Now for the difficult question - If you could be given three moments in your career to re-live, which would they be?

Three moments come to mind. One, I’d like to go back to the 1953 Ryder Cup and play the final few

Percy Alliss (left) father of Peter, with Alf Padgham the1936 Open Championship winner.

With his father, Percy Alliss, among the finest players of his generation, it was perhaps inevitable that Peter would also make a career in golf. Percy hired Peter as his unpaid assistant at Ferndown Golf Club, allowing him time off during midweek to compete in tournaments. strokes to the 18th green again on the West Course.

In other words I’d like to have won that match instead of losing it and being, along with Bernard Hunt, “the culprits”, those accused of costing us the Ryder Cup, which we hadn’t won in this country since 1933, 20 years before.

The second one, played with my partner, Christy O’Connor, in the Ryder Cup at Royal Birkdale in 1965 against Arnold Palmer and Dave Marr, was the second shot with a 4-wood into a slight right to left against wind at the 18th, hitting it to within 15 feet of the hole to win the match, when they were snapping at our heels.

And the third occasion, in the mid-60s, when I won the Esso Golden Tournament at the Moor Park club near Watford; it was a ‘round robin’ and I’d actually amassed all the points needed to win the event before going out for the final round! You’ve no idea how joyous it was playing 18 holes in a carefree manner, knowing that you’d already done enough to win the £750 first prize. Ah, what bliss!

Finally, do you ever get the opportunity to play golf yourself and which is your choice course?

Yes, I broke my ankle quite badly a couple of years ago, so walking 18 holes is not possible, but I still enjoy playing very much, but I must have a golf buggy. I am the President of Old Thorns Golf & Country Estate at Liphook in Hampshire where they have a host of buggies, where I go with my sons, Simon and Henry, and we play there occasionally with my good friend John Shrewsbury, who for so many years was one of the doyens of BBC sport production. I’m hoping in the year 2009 I will play more because I still enjoy it.

Favourite courses? Well, I was brought up on heather and pine and silver birch, so they always “do it” for me - The Berkshire, Swinley Forest, Sunningdale, Ferndown, Parkstone, Broadstone, Blairgowrie, Moortown, Moor Allerton, Alwoodley - courses that, when the sun is shining, look pretty well the same winter and summer; I love them.

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Hankley Common

inset - The 7th hole - par 3

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Main picture - The 8th hole - par 5.

Hankley Common Golf Club, in Tilford, Surrey, England, was first opened for play

over nine holes in 1897. In 1922 James Braid advised on the addition of a further nine holes. Bobby Locke described the course as the closest resemblance to a seaside links and the famous course architect, Charles Lawrie, once described the course as “one of the best inland layouts in Britain”.

The course and surrounding area are classified as a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ which includes a number of indigenous trees such as Rowan, Oak and Silver Birch, together with the invading Scots Pine.

The course is also home to many birds and animals, including the rare Dartford Warbler, Woodlark, Night Jar, Adder, Deer, Badger and the Sand Lizard.

The clubhouse, originally built in 1982, was refurbished and extended in 1999 and now features excellent facilities. The Regional Qualifier for the Open Championship will be returning to Hankley Common in 2011. The Club has hosted this event in the past on 13 other occasions.

www.hankley.co.uk 45

The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo The first of its kind

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“Travel in style”the

idea behind the “Gran Turismo”. The BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo is a new interpretation of a classic concept incorporating sophisticated elegance, generous spaciousness and surprising versatility.

Powerful yet efficient, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo offers superb driving comfort as well as plenty of room in the luggage compartment for large items.

Inside the dynamic coupé-like design awaits something completely new: the perfect combination of a stylish sedan, touring car flexibility and the versatility of an SUV. This new model to the BMW line up combines an understated coupé-like silhouette to the luxurious interior of a BMW 7 Series, while at the same time giving the functionality of a BMW 5 Series Touring or X5.

47

SPECIFICATIONS

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is available as either a four-seat Executive specification car for a luxurious, spacious feel or in a five-seat SE configuration for a blend of sophistication and practicality.

But its truly innovative feature is a twopiece tailgate which is a first in the premium segment. Now an owner has the option to choose between two ways of opening the rear of the vehicle depending on the objects needed to be stowed.

The biggest seller in the UK is predicted to be the BMW 530d GT. Producing 245hp at 4,000rpm, the 530d accelerates from zero to 62mph in 6.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 149mph. Fuel economy is exceptional with a combined fuel consumption figure of 43.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 173g/km.

Topping the range is the BMW 550i GT. Powered by an acclaimed 407hp 4,395cc V8 engine with twin-turbo technology, it offers near supercar performance with a zero to 62mph time of 5.5 seconds.

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Wheels Tyre dimensions front Tyre dimensions rear Wheel dimensions front Wheel dimensions rear

245/50 R 18 Y 245/50 R 18 Y 8 J x 18 aluminium 8 J x 18 aluminium

Engine Cylinders/valves Capacity in ccm Stroke/bore in mm Max. output in kW (hp) at 1/min Max. torque in Nm at 1/min Power-to-weight ratio (EU) in kg/hp

6/4 2,979 89.6/84.0 225 (306)/5,800 400/1,200 - 5,000 6.6

Weight in kg Unladen weight EU Maximum permissible weight Permitted load Permitted axle load front/rear

2,015 2,570 630 1,165/1,470

Performance Drag (cw) Top speed (km/h) Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h (in s) Acceleration 0 - 1,000 m (in s)

0.31 250 6.3 26.2

Fuel Consumption Urban (l/100 km) Extra-urban (l/100 km) Composite (l/100 km) CO2 emissions (g/km) Tank capacity in I (approx.)

12.3 6.9 8.9 209 70

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51

Swing Images With one European Tour win (the Dubai Open) at the young age of 20 and well positioned in the top 25 World Golf Rankings, Rory McIlroy’s future success seems inevitable.

But how far he’ll go depends on his dedication and whether he’ll continue to have the cutting edge necessary to not only be one of the greatest golfers ever, but to join a growing list of up and coming talent.

Tiger Woods’ success has inspired Rory, along with a new generation of young golfers such as Danny Lee and Anthony Kim who not only have technically sound golf swings but promise to keep golf fans worldwide glued to their TV screens for years to come.

For any player to challenge Tiger they are going to have to challenge his swing as well, so we have placed the swing moves of McIlroy side by side with Tiger to compare.

TIGER USES A NIKE DYNO PROTOTYPE DRIVER - 10.5 DEGREE , AND A NIKE ONE TOUR TW BALL RORY USES A TITLEIST 909D2 - 8.5 DEGREE DRIVER, AND A TITLEIST PRO V1x BALL Words by PGA Professional Sean Harrison – Photo Sequence - Mark Newcombe - www.visionsingolf.com

Words by PGA Professional Sean Harrison Photo Sequence Mark Newcombe m www.visionsingolf.co

Listed below are the top ten players for driving distance on the European Tour.

The swing moves

that create

!

315-yard drives ome the longest d Spaniard has bec an average The 6’3”, 26-year-ol in the world, with al ion fess pro r hitting Tou opean Tour.

315-yards on the Eur driving distance of y called Quiros Tiger Woods jokingl power and Earlier in the year, Championship. For A PG the at g” ugh. “stupid lon d swing to look thro accuracy, this is a goo

Alvaro QUIROS

315.1

John DALY Anton HAIG Pelle EDBERG

304.1

Rory MCILROY James KAMTE

307.9 303.3 302.7 301.7

Johan EDFORS Daniel VANCSIK Bernd WIESBERGER

300.7

Lee WESTWOOD

300.3

301.6 300.8

www.

Distances taken from - Genworth europeantour.com/stats Financial Statistics.

2

Click the related links online to view swing sequences from: Alvaro Quiros, Camilo Villegas, Rory McIlroy & Tiger Woods.

Putting Instruction from Swinley Forest.

Building a better golf swing by Justin Rose Visit swingimage.co.uk/golfinstruction

www.swingimage.co.uk 52

Golf & lifestyle MaGazine

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Camilo Villegas 58

Swing Analysis by PGA Professional

Sean Harrison Photo Sequence Mark Newcombe www.visionsingolf.com

The 28 year old Colombian plays on the PGA Tour and the European Tour and is currently ranked 22nd in the Official World Rankings following his third place finish at the Accenture World Matchplay.

Equipment Ball: Titleist Pro V 1 Driver: King Cobra S9-1 F’way W’ds: King Cobra Speed LD F 3 &5 Irons: King Cobra Pro CB Wedges: Titleist Voke y Design Spin Milled 54, 58 & 60 Putter: º Scotty Cam eron Circa ‘62 #6

Camilo Villegas’ tremendous physical power allows him to drive the ball a huge distance from the tee box averaging 303.1 yards. At 5 ft 9 inches tall and weighing 73 kg, he is well known for his commitment to physical fitness, and says his mentor and inspiration is golf icon Gary Player.

Like Gary Player, he spends time working on the strength in his forearms. But take note of how relaxed his forearms look here in his set up, compared to his impact position over the page - slight difference.

For those of you looking for extra distance, as a focus point in the following nine images - note the scorecard in his back-right pocket and how it moves throughout the swing.

(A swing thought/exercise for you on the driving range) You will also notice in the sequence that when Camilo starts his transition, the lower body is compressing into the ground.

This enables Camilo to unwind his upperbody and arms over strong ground pressure, allowing him to pull his hands and clubhead to impact at high speed.

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60

Camilo makes his move - away by turning his chest - hinging the club up on plane with his wrists. The clubhead stays outside the hands.

It’s a classic ‘one piece’ first move to copy.

With a good move of the upper body, his arms have set the club in place.

Limited hip rotation at this point - when the club is parallel to the ground.

Halfway down Camilo has the squat look in the legs - with his hips rotating towards the target pulling the arms.

Note the right pocket compared with the top of the swing and the lag between the clubhead and arms.

The shaft plane has flattened out with the clubshaft bisecting his forearms.

At impact - the shoulders are only half as open as the hips, and the belt buckle is already trying to face the target. This creates a huge amount of energy through the ball - swinging the club through the impact area with clubhead speed around 112 - 117 MPH.

At half way back with the shaft vertical - Camilo is maintaining the flex in his right knee to create stability in his lower body.

The clubshaft is now set at a slightly steeper angle than at his set-up position

At the top of the swing - the stability in the legs have allowed Camilo to rotate his shoulders fully with a shorter arm swing. The right leg has maintained flex creating a squat position.

Now make a note of his back right pocket (Scorecard).

The momentum of the swing has pulled the arms together.

The clubhead has stayed outside the hand line with the butt end of the club pointing into the centre of his chest.

(Note the scorecard).

Balanced and relaxed. His hips have never stopped rotating, and the club shaft has finished around his neck - pointing towards the target.

Believe it or not, his body is quite relaxed here.

Camilo can hold this finish (pose) until the ball lands.

61

Stoke Park’s famous 27-hole Championship Parkland Golf Course, designed in 1908 by the greatest course architecture of his generation, Harry Shapland Colt, is one of the finest in the world. It is enjoyed by amateurs, professionals and innumerable celebrities from all over the world. Whether you are a member or visiting as part of a company day out, you will not be disappointed. The Independent on Sunday agrees, ‘Stoke Park Club is one of golf’s stately treasures.’

Stoke Park is an award winning course and has received grand accolades such as ‘A Fantastic Golf Course’ by Conde Nast Traveller and ‘Most Stylish Golf Club in Great Britain ’ by The Sunday Times – an added motive to hold a corporate golf day here.

Playing lessons with PGA qualified staff, teaching seminars, competitions and even full course hire can create an unforgettable event and ultimately a tremendous corporate golf venue.

“Having managed golf events throughout the UK, Stoke Park is one of, if not, the best corporate golfing venue in the the region. The facilities are second to none and the people you deal with at the club are exceptional”, states Paul Hills, Managing Director of Leaderboard.

As well as being a challenging and demanding course, you will find it hard not to be stirred by the exquisite views and landscapes of the Club’s Championship course known as Stoke Poges. Over it’s 100 year history the exceptionally high quality of the 62

greens, which have been consistently maintained, are a particular feature of the course. The Club’s true 27hole course is made up of three 9-hole courses; Colt, Alison and Lane Jackson.

Added to this, the facilities are second to none with a 10-bay driving range with all year round grass practise areas, a pitching area with four bunkers, an eighteen hole putting green and indoor video analysis. However, Stoke Park is always looking at ways to improve on their excellence and challenge what the golf course offers.

During 2008 the Club continued to develop and improve the condition. From the work that has been done to it, the golf course has now a different look with greater definition of semi-rough and rough. The development of these has put a premium on accuracy and shot selection. The 15th hole has undergone a complete reconstruction with new bunkers and a new tee. The angle from tee to green has changed and with the great options on pin positions it makes

play on par three exciting. On the 16th hole the Club has built a new championship tee, which demands a long fade from the tee. The approach shot to the green offers a completely different challenge with a longer club in the hand.

Situated just seven miles from London Heathrow and 35 minutes from London , this elegant Buckinghamshire venue is the perfect location for corporate, hospitality and individual golf fanatical customers.

“The venue is not too far outside London and its near Heathrow, so its very accessible for most of our clients and the facilities are amazing – our customers love it”, says American Airlines, Consumer Marketing Manager Petra Luckman.

Stoke Park is more about just a great golf course, it is about the exceptional facilities on offer, the welcoming staff and the ambience created by all. Stoke Park also offers five star standard hotel accommodation with 28 new bedrooms opened in May 2008, 13 tennis courts, an award winning SPA SPC and

gymnasium boasting a SALON SPC and swimming pool, making this the ultimate golfing day or weekend break for leisure or corporate clients.

The new 28 bedrooms are in complete contrast to the 21 traditional style rooms that can be found in The Mansion – each offering breath taking views, antique furniture and sumptuous fabric, making each a masterpiece of luxury.

“With some attention to creating better definition from the tee and the continued improvement to the quality of the fairways the overall experience is vastly improved.

The greens have once again been superb and the feedback received from members and visitors to the club has been very positive.

I am sure with the plans in place for winter works we will move forwards once again and can look forward to a great 2010”, says Stuart Collier, Director of Golf.

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at the movies As a film location, Stoke Park has played host to the most memorable game of golf in cinema history, when James Bond defeated Auric Goldfinger on the 18th green in Goldfinger (1964). Goldfinger was the first of two James Bond films to be shot at Stoke Park, the second being Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) Many TV commercials and product launches have also been organised in the mansion and grounds.

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The film of the best-selling novel Bridget Jones’s Diary was also shot at Stoke Park in the summer of 2000. Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) takes Bridget (Renée Zellweger) away for a luxury romantic break. After a hilarious afternoon’s rowing, filmed at the club, the couple retire to the Club’s Pennsylvania Suite with its gloriously comfortable four poster bed and exquisite marble bathroom.

In 2004 three movies were released all featuring the Club.

Wimbledon, Bride & Prejudice and Layer Cake.

Layer Cake’s dramatic ending with Daniel Craig and Sienna Miller was filmed on the mansion steps.

In Goldfinger, Oddjob, one of the most memorable villains in all the Bond movies, throws his steel rimmed bowler hat and cuts of the head of the golf club statue.

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CloCkwise from bottom-left D.J. and Steve; the school’s unassuming entrance; Hugh Grant one of the School’s well-known pupils; Clockwise Lowndesfrom Square; a pupil in bottom left the nets.

• D.J. and Steve • the school’s unassuming entrance • Hugh Grant, one of the school’s well-known pupils

Published by: Elliott & Thompson www.elliottthompson.com/books Available at: www.waterstones.com www.whsmith.co.uk Amazon.co.uk

THE GOLF DELUSION 23

Leslie King, the Knightsbridge Golf School and the Golf Delusion Knightsbridge is one of the most prestigious locations in Europe. It is home to the rich and the famous, the socialites and the aristocrats and – surprisingly enough – to one of the most glamorous and successful golf schools in the world.

Located a mere Tiger drive away from Harrods and a short chip from the Harvey Nichols handbag display, a converted squash court beneath a Georgian façade may be the last place you would expect to see a golf lesson taking place. Yet it is our belief that, since its conception in 1951, more lessons have been given at the Knightsbridge Golf School than anywhere else on earth.

The School was founded by Leslie King, one of the first instructors to develop a system of teaching the golf swing. He never claimed to have invented a swing, but to have watched it and categorised it, pulling it apart to enable him to help his pupils

build a swing that was as near perfect as possible.

He had devised his swing model from watching the great players of his day, building their swing fundamentals into a foolproof technique that could be learnt by all.

During the 1970’s and 80’s Mr King passed his knowledge down to us, and over the past twenty years we have developed his original technique into a modelled swing that can be taught to anyone, from the wonderfully talented to the woefully inept. In the time we have been at the School, we have taught tens of thousands of golfers.

Sadly, the swings that we see today are no better than those we saw when we first started teaching in the 1970’s. How can this be, in an age where golf instruction is such a massive industry?

Foreword

No-one in the world has had more golf lessons, or seen more teachers, than I have.

All I can say is that time and gain, I come back to Steve and Dave and they always put me right. I truly believe that their obsession (inherited from Leslie King) with the early part of the backswing is indeed the key to a proper swing.When that part of my swing deteriorates, I have no chance and when they’ve put it back in the groove I play at my best.

The same applies to countless friends I’ve sent to their basement, and to my aged father who has never been easy to teach.

This book is a brilliant distillation of their wisdom, and if you care about golf you would be insane not to read it.

Hugh Grant 67

A lesson at the school

When a pupil first visits the school we are ready for them before they even walk through the door.

As you are by now aware, 9 out of 10 golfers make the same mistakes and we can assure you that this is an absolute fact. Every year, hundreds of new golfers take to the mat and it seems to us that the more books they’ve read, the more DVDs they’ve watched and the more lessons they’ve had, the worse their swings are. In short, they are totally confused! Once we have recorded a new pupil’s swing we replay it and take them through it in great detail, explaining how one poor position invariably leads to another in a series of catastrophic chain reactions.

Almost without exception a player will twist or roll the hands and wrists during the takeaway, which immediately destroys the crucial swing plane. From here it is all downhill. At the top of the backswing the club is hopelessly out of position and a good movement through impact and beyond is near impossible.

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We then carefully reconstruct the swing, pushing and pulling the pupil through the entire sequence slowly and deliberately, explaining each and every part. In effect the swing is built up frame-by-frame, just as it appears on a slow-motion video replay.

This is a concept the pupil can easily understand as they can see what is happening throughout the entire movement. By the end of the first lesson, the student has a complete understanding of where the club should be at each and every stage of the swing and has been given a time-tested programme for immediate improvement.

When a pupil first visits the school we are ready for them before they even walk through the door.

We pride ourselves on teaching golf at every level to anyone, from absolute beginners to a tour professional. If you want to learn to play golf in the most convenient location in London then contact us at KNIGHTSBRIDGE GOLF SCHOOL 47 Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge, London Telephone: +44 20 7235 2468 +44 7976 597 195

www.knightsbridgegolfschool.com

THE GOLF DELUSION 2169

Interview - Paul Mahoney Your dream was to play NBA. So is PGA second best?

That’s tough to say. The grass is always greener. I wasn’t good enough to play pro basketball. I was destined to play golf. It would have been great to play in the NBA. But that was obviously a pipe dream. But I love it. There’s a lot more strategy than guys just running around. It’s great that you get to be competitive by mouthing off a little bit to your opponents, too.

Is that why you always seem to get pumped up for matchplay events?

Matchplay is great. You are playing the course but you are playing your opponent, too. I love it. It rewards aggression. You have to play smart, too, but most of the time it’s guys making birdies who win holes. But mouthing off obviously fits better in basketball because golf is a gentleman’s game (laughs).

Do you struggle to rein in your natural aggression in strokeplay events?

One bad shot used to be the end of the world for me. But I’m getting better at controlling my emotions to get less angry on bad days. I’m learning to be more even keel, to tone back a little.

You know, don’t fire at every pin. But I still get that itch to do it once in a while when I know I shouldn’t. And then I’ll get away with it one time and then I’ll say, hey I can do it all the time.

How do you feel about your reputation as a party animal?

There is a time and a place for everything. My mother has been telling me that since I was four. I try to listen to her because she still scares me (laughs).

Which characteristics do you dislike in others?

Dishonesty, disloyalty and people who are cheap (laughs). You know, I’ve got no problem forking out for the bill nine times out of 10. But just once, you gotta shout your round. That’s for acquaintances. But for pals, the bill is always on me – 100 times out of 100.

What would you change about your own character?

Impatience is by biggest fault. It pretty much creates all my problems. (smiles) What are your ambitions?

I’m not really about making history because you have to know history to make history, right? So if I broke a record, I wouldn’t know what record I broke. You know, Y E Yang won the PGA and, granted I was born in the US and I am an American, but I would still like to help grow the game in Asia. I just wanna be as good as I can be. It could be No.1. The problem with my rookie year (2007) was that I said I wanted to be No.1, to be the baddest person on the planet. I still do. I would love to win majors.

Do you enjoy being the centre of attention?

I always wanted to do interviews, be on TV, have money, and be able to help my friends and family. And I feel like I’m doing all those things. I know I would enjoy all the extra attention and responsibility that comes from winning majors. I haven’t done the best job with that so far. I’ll get better at it. I’d love the opportunity.

Do you feel you can’t go out for a drink when you want to?

I am sure nobody would mind if I was hanging out for a birthday party ‘til late but nobody wants to hear that somebody is throwing away their potential. I agree with that, which is why I have changed my tune from my rookie year. When I go home I am with college buddies and friends I grew up with and everyone wants to go out and let their hair down once in a while. But I understand that people are going to take pictures and twitter. So I have to mind my P’s and Q’s and be careful.

So what was all that hassle at the Presidents Cup about?

(Robert Allenby accused Kim of staggering home in the early hours before their Sunday singles) It was unfortunate that my week had to end that way because I had a good week with my team and what came out and what was said was completely false. But I understand that comes with the job. I’m pretty laid back, and if somebody wants to know something, they’re probably going to find out. I think that’s a pretty fine line to walk because then people can make up stories and speculate on what’s going on in your life. But at the same time, I’m not like Tiger Woods in that not every single person in the world wants to know what I’m doing.

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“I’ve got no problem forking out for the bill nine times out of 10. But just once, you gotta shout your round”

Anthony Kim

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on tour

SERGIO GARCIA HITS 675 YARD DRIVE AT INAUGURAL ‘WHACK FROM THE TRACK’ CHALLENGE

Etihad Airways, a diamond sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship (ADGC), hosted European Ryder Cup star, Sergio Garcia, at its inaugural ‘Whack from the Track’ golf challenge at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit.

To celebrate the airline’s partnership with the ADGC and on the eve of the tournament, Sergio was invited to drive a golf ball along the longest straight of the Yas

Lee Westwood presented with champion’s logo

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Marina Circuit, attempting to beat the Asian long drive record of 721 yards set by Sweden’s Henrik Stenson in 2007. Sergio was unsuccessful in beating Henrik’s record, however still drove a phenomenal 675 yards.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “Etihad is proud to offer innovative events around its sponsorships and each year we have created a different golf challenge with one of the game’s top stars.

This year is no exception, and with our sponsorship of the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, we are particularly excited that Sergio could participate in the challenge at the Yas Marina Circuit” Sergio said: “This is certainly one of the most fun golf challenges I have been involved in” As the diamond sponsor and official airline for the 2010 ADGC, Etihad is involved in a series of promotional activities surrounding the tournament as well as flying the players, officials and their equipment to the UAE.

Lee Westwood returned to Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, the scene of one of the greatest moments of his career, to accept a logo which has been specially designed for The Race to Dubai champion.

The Englishman enjoyed a double triumph last November, winning the season-ending Dubai World Championship presented by: DP World and with it the inaugural Race to Dubai. As Europe’s Number One, Westwood will wear a special logo on his right sleeve throughout the 2010 season and beyond, representing the feat he achieved last season.

“When I first heard about The Race to Dubai champion wearing a special logo throughout the following season I thought it was a great idea,” said Westwood. “I will be extremely proud to have such a significant symbol on my shirt.

“Winning the inaugural Race to Dubai was one of the finest moments of my career and to wear a logo representing my title as Europe’s Number One is very special.

Keith Waters, The European Tour’s COO and Director of International Policy, said: “The introduction of the logo, which has been designed by The European Tour and Leisurecorp, will herald the beginning of a legacy and will be worn by each Race to Dubai Champion in the future.

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Jesper Parnevik I’ll have to hope for a miracle if there’s going to be any more competitive golf.

Jesper Parnevik has announced he will likely have to quit golf because of a broken vertebrae in his lower back.

Parnevik, a five-time winner on the PGA Tour has said that doctors have told him he needs to have joint fusion surgery, which means he will not be able to play anymore.

The 44-year-old Swedish golfer said a more advanced operation that could risk his career seems inevitable. But Parnevik was more optimistic in his interview with PGA Tour, saying he would visit a physiotherapist in Detroit with hopes of returning to the tour later this year.

Parnevik finished second in the 1994 British Open and is considered one of Sweden’s greatest golfers. He had surgery on his right hip last year and did not play a tournament until Q-school in December, when he withdrew before the six rounds were over because he wasn’t ready. Back problems forced Parnevik to withdraw from the Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles in February.

He will visit a physiotherapist in Detroit for a last-ditch attempt to prolong his career.

Jimenez wins in Dubai Following a thrilling final round at the Emirates Golf Club, Miguel Angel Jiménez beat Lee Westwood, the European Tour number one, at the third play-off hole to win the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

The 46 year old appeared to be out of the race on the first two play-off holes but watched Westwood as he missed two championship putts after the pair had topped the leader-board at 11 under par - one shot clear of Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee.

Jiménez has now claimed nine of his 16 European Tour titles in his 40s, and is the oldest player to win on the circuit since Mark O’Meara prevailed in Dubai in 2004 at the age of 47.

“Like a good wine, with age, I get better and better,” said Jiménez, following his last win at the 2008 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

1 2 3 4 4 6 6

JIMÉNEZ Miguel Angel ESP -11 WESTWOOD Lee ENG -11 JAIDEE Thongchai THA -10 KAYMER Martin GER -9 MOLINARI Edoardo ITA -9 MCILROY Rory NIR -8 QUIROS Alvaro ESP -8

euro 296 500.30 euro 197 664.49 euro 111 367.29 euro 82 191.20 euro 82 191.20 euro 57 818.48 euro 57 818.48 73

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on tour

This image shows the snow covered 14th hole at the Celtic Manor 2010 Course, Wales, taken in January.

Like much of the UK it was blanketed in heavy snow this winter after forecasters correctly predicted half a metre would fall in some areas.

Picture credit - www.visionsingolf.com

Ryder Cup Venue for October 2010

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am There was one point in Bill Murray’s round at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am when he wasn’t laughing. When told by playing partner, Tim Herron, that officials had given him a 2 stroke penalty. Murray looked stunned when walking to the scoring trailer.

“He thinks I’m kidding,” Herron said.

Turns out, he wasn’t.

It seems that the group’s tee time was 10:01 and Murray wasn’t deemed prepared to hit. Murray agreed with that, but he had a good point – the pros always hit first and 10:01 wasn’t really Murray’s tee time. But said he was ready to hit when it was his turn, after Herron and Rocco Mediate had played.

But a funny scene did follow – with Murray opening his small rules book and then a tournament official going to his golf cart to retrieve an even larger rules book.

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on tour

Druh Belts & Buckles Celebrates First Major Tour Title Druh Belts & Buckles celebrates its first major Tour title following the sensational three-stroke victory by Druh ambassador Robert Karlsson at the European Tour’s Qatar Masters in January.

Karlsson, who endorses Druh as the ‘Choice of Champions’, went on to prove exactly that by claiming the prestigious championship in Doha.

“The focus this year was to come back and start to put together a string of good rounds and then you never know what’s going to happen,” commented 40-year-old Karlsson, after securing his 10th career title and moving back into the world top 20.

Known for his quirky, yet stylish golf attire, Karlsson has been sporting Druh belts whilst playing on the European Tour for almost a year now and acts as an official ambassador for this unique range of stylish belts and buckles.

Druh Belts & Buckles offer the discerning golfer a selection of stylish handmade leather and snakeskin belts in sumptuous classic and chic casual styles and have quickly become the golf professionals’ style secret with six Major winners, two current Ryder Cup players, 60 European Tour players and over 50 Asian Tour players all wearing and loving Druh Belts & Buckles.

Karlsson’s victory coincided with a hugely successful outing for Druh at the recent PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando where the company secured a number of distributors for the product around the world.

www.druhbeltsandbuckle

s.com

Available through the internet at : www.druhbeltsandbuckles.com allows golfers to design their own unique belt by choosing their own belt and buckle combination. Druh Belts retail at US$200 for snakeskin and $100 for leather and guarantees that the snakes used in production are not a protected species.

Fly daily Dubai - Bangkok on the Emirates A380 Book the Emirates A380 flight to experience unmatched luxury in the air, including a spacious onboard Lounge in Business Class and First Class Shower Spas.

www.emirates.com 75

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on tour

WGC Accenture Match Play Championship Ritz-Carlton GC, Dove Mountain - Arizona, USA Ian Poulter defeated Paul Casey 4 & 2 in the World Golf Championships - Accenture Match Play Championship final.

The pair were competing not just for the title, but a difference in prize money of around €400,000. The winner’s cheque was €1,019,635 and the runner-up received €619,060 along with the World Number Five spot.

Following his first win in the US, Poulter also moved to the top of the Race to Dubai standings.

World Rankings - Despite his 2nd round exit, Lee Westwood remains the highest-placed European at fourth, but Poulter and Casey are now immediately behind him, placing English players 4th, 5th and 6th - placing six Europeans in the top ten following the event.

Poulter is the first Englishman to win any of the four World Golf Championships individual titles since they began in 1999. Only Darren Clarke and Henrik Stenson have previously brought the WGC - Accenture Match Play title to Europe.

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Player Woods Stricker Mickelson Westwood Poulter Casey Furyk Kaymer McIlroy Harrington

Pts Ave 12.60 7.93 7.68 7.04 6.31 6.03 5.35 5.30 5.00 4.93

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The New Sunseeker Predator 60

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