SGB Golf 2017

National Golf Month: Celebrities rally round to boost our industry June 2017

“Connecting the Golf Industry”

TaylorMade sold to private equity Clubs’ VAT windfall in the offing Eddie Reid celebrates 10 years Up-to-date drivers’ showcase GolfSixes hailed as a success Is The Belfry up for sale again?

Straight hitting from SkyCaddie James Holmes points way forward for top DMD brand

01_Cover.indd 1

01/06/2017 17:35

Ad_Layouts.indd 1

30/05/2017 15:59

First Words Paul Trow

A

s I key in this introduction, National Golf Month is drawing to a conclusion and hopes are high that it’s been successful in its twin principal aims of encouraging more female and family participation.

It would certainly be a start if the ratio of men to women and juniors playing the game across the UK and Ireland moves closer in line with countries like France, Germany, Sweden and Holland over the next couple of years.

The resulting boost to clubs and retailers in terms of additional revenue would indeed be handy, but none of us should regard this first and foremost as a means to get the tills ringing again.

The reason in our hearts we should want more women and families playing golf is because we want them to enjoy it. We should want the game to become a happier place for everyone and encourage people of all ages to take it up as a healthy outdoor pursuit in a safe and sensibly-run environment.

If that were to happen, then golf should be secure for the next generation – the minimum outcome we’re striving for – and the tills will ring as a consequence.

But there are still a myriad outside pressures, largely beyond the influence of golf’s slickest marketeers, which make it impossible to achieve Utopia during a month-long promotional campaign.

As electioneering politicians keep telling us, it’s all about the economy (stupid). This is the economy of mass home ownership and mortgage payments which can only be paid

for by more than one income, usually by people who also have children to raise. This is also the economy of shrinking spending power triggered by stealth charges, student loans, child and elderly care charges, and spiralling rents. And it is the economy of zero hours working arrangements, job insecurity and a shortage of housing for an ever-expanding population.

What, in the face of all these economic challenges, can National Golf Month reasonably achieve? Even if they have disposable income, most 30-50-year-olds simply don’t have time for golf, or other extracurricular activities for that matter, while the young can’t afford it once they enter further education.

We are about to have a General Election that will be followed by years of Brexit wrangling and an uncertain future for business prospects and personal incomes. And following the Manchester atrocity, the extra spending required on homeland security is bound to push up taxes.

Golf’s best hope in the face of all these threats is to portray itself as The Great Escape from day-to-day troubles and responsibilities – a game that enables its participants to enter a fantasy world, if you like, where they can switch off, forget their cares and woes, and have some unconditional fun.

If National Golf Month has helped to get this message across, and the people who work at and run golf clubs make it their No.1 priority moving forward, then genuine progress will have been made. And the larger head count might just generate the money needed to make it work.

Enjoy the read!

Editor: Paul Trow n Tel: 07973 862747 n email: ptrow76780@aol.com Advertising: Pete Simmons n Tel: 07827 995 080 n email: simmogolf@icloud.com

Contents / June 2017 04 News

All change at TaylorMade

10 Showcase

View the latest drivers

06 News

12 Feature

GolfSixes success

08 News

17 PGA News

Davies is top assistant

18 Q&A

Hole More Putts

JamesHolmesofSkyCaddie

23 Travel News

Gastro Golf and Italy

24 Company News

PGAE business club meets

Growing the game

Eddie Reid of TGI Golf

13 Interview

20 Equipment News Callaway’s Epic irons

AW17 apparel extra

09 News

16 Governing bodies

22 People News

26 Mulligan

National Golf Month

Global handicap system

PUBLISHED BY: Silverback Publishing Ltd Publisher: Tom Saunders Managing Director: Andrew Crispin

Harrington award

25 Showcase Power Tee is 21

DESIGN BY: Keith Wood, Hype Creative SUBSCRIBE: subscriptions@sgbgolf.co.uk

Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of SGB Golf, the editor or publisher do not accept any liability for inaccuracies. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Publication of advertisements and information does not imply recommendation. Publication of submitted items will be at the discretion of the editor. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the permission of the directors of the company

03_Contents.indd 1

30/05/2017 16:32

NEWS

A

didas has sold TaylorMade, Adams Golf and Ashworth to private-equity firm KPS Capital Partners for $425m (approximately £340m).

Half of the sale price will be paid in cash and the remainder will consist of secured notes and other borrowings.

“Long–term, our focus is on our core competencies in footwear and apparel and our two major brands, adidas and Reebok,” adidas chief executive Kasper Rorsted said.

The announcement, less than a day after TaylorMade added Rory McIlroy on an £80m, tenyear equipment deal to a player roster that includes Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Tiger Woods, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose,

TAYLORMADE SIGNS MCILROY AND LEAVES ADIDAS Jason Day and Martyn Kaymer, prompted analysts to speculate that KPS had bagged a bargain from the German apparel giant.

In addition to his TaylorMade windfall, McIlroy, who had been without an equipment contract since late 2016 when Nike withdrew from the market, has an apparel deal with Nike worth £160m over the next decade.

The 28-year-old Northern Irishman, who has struggled recently with a rib injury, has committed to use TaylorMade’s M2 woods, prototype blade irons, golf bag and TP5x ball.

On the ball choice, he said: “I played two tournaments pre and post injury and they were both at altitude with no wind.

Once I got back to sea level and played Bay Hill and the Masters

BUSY GOLFING FIRST QUARTER

N

ine per cent more golf rounds were played in the UK during the first quarter compared with the same period last year.

According to Sports Marketing Surveys (SMS), the number of rounds during the first three months of 2017 was the highest for the period since 2012.

Last year, a very wet January (the wettest in Scotland since 1910) resulted in all regions suffering a decrease while this year’s milder and drier weather enabled more people to play.

The South was the most successful region with an increase of at least 10 per cent each month, and the Midlands and Scotland also saw overall increases. The North had a strong January but decreases in February and March resulted in a similar position to 2016.

SMS director Richard Payne said: “Another positive quarter of rounds played is evidence that golf is not broken and when the elements are kind, golfers will play. Our research has frequently highlighted the habitual nature of the sport, so a positive Q1 is critical to build momentum for the rest of the year. With Easter weekend this year falling in Q2 and a thrilling Masters, let’s hope the traditional start of the golf season continues this upward trend.” www.sportsmarketingsurveysinc.com

in a little bit of wind I realised it just wasn’t right, it wasn’t performing for me.

“I tested quite a few balls and this was the one I landed on.

This is the best ball I’ve hit, ever.

I feel like it’s really the best ball for me going forward. I tested quite a few balls and the one that I landed on was really it.

Then it was just about trying to match everything up to that.”

With ongoing agreements with Omega, Bose, EA Sports and Upper Deck, McIlroy, who had trialled Callaway clubs before plumping for TaylorMade, will be earning more than £30m a year from his endorsements for the foreseeable future. www.taylormadegolf.eu

VAT REBATE IN THE OFFING

U

K golf clubs could receive a £300m windfall this summer if the Supreme Court rules that tax rebates should include compound interest.

Retailer Littlewoods is battling with HMRC over this issue and if its argument is successful it could benefit golf clubs that have waited up to two decades for VAT rebates.

More than 450 clubs collectively received hundreds of millions of pounds from HMRC following a European Union Court of Justice ruling in 2013 that green fees should have been exempt from VAT. Conservative MP Karl McCartney, co-chairman of the allparty parliamentary golf group, urged the government “to move quickly on making decisions” on the VAT situation. He said: “It is vital that as a country we have a successful golf industry that provides jobs, contributes to economic growth and keeps the nation fit and healthy.

“Like any organisation, all golf clubs want is clarity and consistency in how VAT is applied. For not-for-profit clubs this is whether the VAT overpayments they receive should be based on compound or simple interest while proprietary golf clubs just want a level VAT playing field.”

BELFRY IN THE SHOP WINDOW

T

he Belfry has been put up for sale by US privateequity firm KSL Capital, according to Bloomberg.

KSL bought the 324–bedroom hotel and golf complex for around £180 million in 2012 from Irish tycoon Sean Quinn, who had owned the four-times

Ryder Cup venue and PGA HQ for seven years.

At the time of the £90m sale to KSL, Quinn was in jail for contempt of court following a loans’ fall-out with Anglo Irish Bank.

The plunge in the pound following the UK’s Brexit vote has spurred demand from

overseas hotel investors seeking to benefit from lower prices and an anticipated tourism boom, according to a recent survey by broker CBRE Group Inc. KSL has reportedly appointed Jones Lang LaSalle to handle the sale.

04 04_News.indd 2

30/05/2017 17:12

Professional Golf Europe

The finest products in Golf.

www.pge-ltd.com 01432 344556

help@professionalgolfeurope.com

Unit 5D, 5 Ramsden Road, Rotherwas, Hereford, HR2 6LR Ad_Layouts.indd 1

30/05/2017 15:59

NEWS

SIXES OF THE BEST

M

ore than 9,000 spectators, many of them children, attended the European Tour’s inaugural GolfSixes event at Centurion Club in Hertfordshire last month.

This short-form tournament, which featured two-man teams from 16 nations, was won by Denmark’s Thorbjørn Olesen and Lucas Bjerregaard.

Another winner was the junior GolfSixes event organised by the Golf Foundation and supported by 14 European Tour players, including

Olesen (pictured with a young apprentice).

A new six-hole team game is to be piloted in GolfSixes academies at 32 golf clubs around England over the summer.

Sarah Sorrell, the Golf Foundation’s marketing manager, said: “All the players were outstanding in their support for the children – really friendly and patient. They clearly remembered being at the same stage of learning the game as the youngsters here. Much of our work is about encouraging children to learn the valuable

DIDN’T HOWDIDIDO DO WELL?

O

nline golf community HowDidiDo experienced a 63 per cent year-on-year rise in unique users (from 27,905 to 45,463) over a recent weekend compared with the same period in 2016.

HowDidiDo revamped its website and launched a new smartphone app – available for both iOS and Android – at the end of last year.

The app is now approaching 100,000 downloads and has already been the No.1 free sports app in the Apple Store chart.

HowDidiDo spokesman Barry Dyett said: “We want to provide what club golfers require and these figures suggest a wholly positive

response. Clearly the app is proving popular given the increase in mobile users.

“More users are logging on more often and viewing content for longer. And they’re returning to the site more often. This trend is probably supported by the increase in mobile log-ons.”

Half-a-million golfers, from 1,800-plus clubs across the UK and Ireland, are availing themselves of the website’s faster response times and enhanced security features.

HowDidiDo holds data from more than 53m rounds of golf, along with the handicaps, results and scores of some 1.3m club members. www.howdidido.com

GOLFING VINEYARD

E

ngland’s newest vineyard, consisting of 38,000 vines, has been planted at Mannings Heath Golf Club & Wine Estate near Horsham in West Sussex.

The Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes will be ready for harvesting in 2020, with the first bottles available three years later.

Health-care entrepreneur

Penny Streeter, who owns the Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate in South Africa, bought the struggling 36-hole complex last year and decided soon afterwards to plant vines across nine holes of the Kingfisher course.

She is pictured here with her son Adam (right), the general manager at Mannings Heath, and winemaker Johann Fourie (left). www.manningsheath.com

‘Skills for Life’ that golf can offer, and the Danish pair embodied this positive spirit brilliantly.”

Golf Foundation chief executive Brendon Pyle said: “The aim of the Golf Sixes academies is to encourage more young people, supported by their parents, to enjoy the fun and competitive team atmosphere of golf so they want to play golf on a more regular basis.”

Celebrities who supported the new tournament included Mike Tindall, Darren Gough, Tony McCoy and Vernon Kay. Centurion Club’s 7,200yard course was designed

by Scott Evans and Simon Gidman, a past president of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects. www.golf-foundation.org www.centurionclub.co.uk

MUSSELBURGH RESTORATION

A

£10m, seven-year plan is breathing fresh life into six-time Open venue Musselburgh Links just south of Edinburgh on the east coast of Scotland.

The course, which last hosted the Open in 1889, is about to be “regenerated, restored and recreated to the style and reputation of its former glory” by investors Blue Thistle.

Blue Thistle director Robin McGregor, a former Musselburgh club secretary, said: “The course has an immensely important role in the history and development of the game Scotland gave to the world and it is our wish that be recognised and returned to its former glory. Essentially, we wish to make Musselburgh great again.

“We have entered negotiations with East Lothian Council, who are custodians of the course. Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll make more details available.”

When the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews was appointed to create a standard set of rules in 1894, it adopted Musselburgh’s 4¼ inches for the hole’s diameter – still the norm today.

Blue Thistle is working with golf architects Mackenzie & Ebert on the project. www.letsmakemusselburghgreatagain.com

SLUGGER MCSLOY

F

ive golfers qualified for the under-45 final of the American Golf Long Drive Championship by hitting the ball further than 400 yards. More than 5,000 golfers took part in qualification and John McSloy from Glasgow led the way with a 415-yard monster.

Ladies European Tour player Carly Booth (pictured) led the female qualifiers with a drive of 304 yards. Heading the over-45s was Sean McCormack from Dunblane with 387 yards.

The finals will take place at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire on Friday, August 4.

06 04_News.indd 4

30/05/2017 17:42

TITLEIST BALLS FIT FOR PURPOSE

S

GB Golf recently visited Moor Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire to take in one of the 300 or so ball-fitting sessions Titleist is staging across the UK through to October.

Product specialist Anthony Williams talked us through the basics.

“Every golfer, regardless of ability, age, and gender can benefit from going through a golf ball fitting,” he said. “Why? Because it’s the only piece of equipment a golfer will use on every shot, and there are many game-changing performance and quality differences between the brands and their various models, especially on shots into and around the green.

“The new Pro V1, which has an updated core, faster speeds and lower spin rates, tends towards a lower flight and a softer landing while the refined Pro V1x flies higher. We generally disregard a player’s clubhead speed but we analyse all the other relevant data like launch angles and spin rates, and believe that a proper fitting should take place on the golf course.

“We always begin with an assessment of a golfer’s game, their performance objectives and personal preferences. I assess shots with three clubs – drivers, 7-irons and 50yard pitches – and use Trackman if one is available while my colleague works on the

putting green.

“We always have a two-man team at a ball fitting and I’m usually assisted by the local sales rep so we can have a proper conversation with the consumer.

“All the dates are on the website. We’re booked up six weeks in advance. Prior to the event we contact the pro to clear everything. We provide them with point-of-sale material, posters, media packs and other stuff for social media.

“Every club member who does the test and has a conversation with us will get two packs.

For the consumer, it’s a two part experience – talk to your pro first, then test the balls on the course. “Finally, we say to these members - commit to playing the golf ball you’ve been fitted for exclusively. Using the same model on every shot of every round eliminates performance variation, builds confidence and consistency, and will ultimately lead to you shooting lower scores.” * Stephen Gallacher was the guest of honour as Titleist opened its new national fitting centre at Craigielaw Golf Club in East Lothian. The Ryder Cup player (pictured at the opening) said the new centre would “give golfers the same fitting experience we receive on Tour.” www.titleist.co.uk

GOLFERS’ MEANS TEST

A

n organisation called GolfSupport. com, surveying UK clubs outside London, has worked out that golf in Southampton is the most expensive for local residents.

Southampton golfers need to work an average of 79 hours and 42 minutes to afford club membership while their counterparts in Newcastle-upon-Tyne take only 41 hours and 36 minutes.

Other towns and cities investigated

by GolfSupport.com were Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Swansea, York, Liverpool,

T

Nottingham, Leeds, Oxford, Norwich, Coventry, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham and Leicester.

The findings were based on weekly wages for residents in the respective areas, using statistics from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

Overall, golf clubs in half the reviewed towns and cities require local residents to work more than 60 hours in order to afford membership. www.golfsupport.com

IDEAS FROM SDEA

he 2017-18 Shop and Display Equipment Association (SDEA) directory features thousands of products and services from Europe’s leading specialist shop fittings and display manufacturers.

BLADE QUATTRO Flat-Fold meets Quick-Fold technology. The BLADE QUATTRO is the latest evolution of BIG MAX family of ultra-flat technology. The BLADE QUATTRO combines the best of fast and flat-folding technology with added stability for hilly courses, delivering robust simplicity that folds faster than any other cart.

Of course, BLADE QUATTRO includes all the classic and practical features of the BIG MAX Trolley Family and offers a luxurious High Tech Smart Organizer Panel with an ergonomic scorecard holder.

The directory enables users to search by supplier, product, trade name, retail discipline or location.

To obtain a copy, call 01883-348911 or email directory@sdea.co.uk.

www.bigmaxgolf.com | office@golftech.at

04_News.indd 5

30/05/2017 17:42

GROWING THE GAME

NEWS GOLF IS A FAMILY FAVOURITE

A

study by Sports Marketing Surveys for the Golf Foundation has underlined the importance of family to growing the game.

The research surveyed parents and guardians, junior golfers, club officials and coaches across England and Wales.

The results suggested that 99 per cent of parents see golf as a safe environment for their children and 95 per cent believe the sport can teach them valuable life skills. Most revealing, though, was the finding that 71 per cent of junior

golfers would like to play more golf with their parents.

“The results prove that golf can have a positive impact on a child’s upbringing,” Golf Foundation chief executive Brendon Pyle said. “We know we can provide safe environments for children of all ages but it was particularly pleasing to see that younger children also have a real appetite to play with their parents.

“Golf is perhaps the only sport where multiple generations of the same family can play together over decades. If clubs

can provide an environment in which all ages feel welcome and comfortable, the sport will grow!”

A key age for attracting youngsters is between six and 12 when 67 per cent of the UK’s participating junior golfers first take up the game.

As part of the wider Get into Golf campaign, the Golf Foundation will distribute HSBC Golf Roots kit bags offering free taster sessions to families to more than 300 UK golf clubs. The bags will include child-friendly, fun-oriented golf equipment, adaptable tee

SWIFT RISE FOR SPEEDGOLF

TREETOP FUN IN WALES

A

partnership with Treetop Adventure Golf is enabling participants in the New2Golf scheme run by Golf Development Wales to enjoy a complimentary round of jungle-themed, indoor mini-golf.

New2Golf packs, which also include offers like 50 per cent off lessons, six lessons for the price of five, free lesson vouchers for friends of the family, exclusive discounts, rules and etiquette books, and places in a prize draw, are available for people taking part in beginner schemes at golf clubs around Wales.

Golf Union of Wales development director Hannah McAllister said: “Most people’s first experience of the sport is through a shorter version of the game with their family and friends. This is a fun way of building on that.” www.golfdevelopmentwales.org

VICKERY JOINS WOMEN’S INITIATIVE

J

oe Vickery, the Golf Union of Wales’ PGA professional of the year for 2016, has joined the love.golf team.

Run across England, Scotland and Wales, love.golf gives groups of women golf experience on the course rather than the practice range.

Vickery, based at Parc Golf Club in Gwent, said: “I feel love.golf is perfectly aligned to my own teaching philosophy. It’s very different to traditional coaching but it’s the ideal way to introduce women to golf.”

Other recent love.golf coaching recruits include Amy Millward of Cleobury Mortimer GC in Shropshire, Daniel Higgs of Walsall GC in the West Midlands, Jo Taylor of Tyrrells Wood GC in Surrey and Kelly Hanwell of Broadstone GC in Dorset.

Founder and head coach Alastair Spink, who has introduced 350 women to golf through the programme at Fynn Valley GC in Suffolk, said: “It’s a real positive to have an increasing number of PGA professionals on board.” www.love.golf

E

markers and ideas on playing formats for all generations to play together. golf-foundation.org portsmarketingsurveysinc.com

E

ngland Golf is partnering British Speedgolf to promote a fast and fun version of the game as part of its Golf Express campaign.

The partnership supports the aims of both organisations to attract more people to golf through shorter, quicker formats.

Speedgolf offers a fast, athletic version with players aiming to complete 18 holes in under 80 minutes or nine holes in half that time by jogging between shots.

A Speedgolf score combines the number of shots played with the time taken. For example, shooting 90 in 70 minutes and 21 seconds gives a Speedgolf score of 160:21.

British Speedgolf will be showcased during England Golf Week in August with an event on the Bracken course at Woodhall Spa. Meanwhile, Golf Express is celebrating a successful first year which prompted around 25,000 people to play at more than 200 venues.

Claire Hodgson, England Golf’s head of participation, said: “Golf Express has shown golfers they can fit the game in alongside all their commitments. It’s a great way for families to relax and have fun together.” www.englandgolf.org www.golfexpress9.org www.britishspeedgolf.co.uk

CONFERENCE AT VILLA PARK

ngland Golf’s first #MoreThanGolf conference exploring ways to develop the game takes place at Villa Park on Tuesday, June 13.

There is no fee for the event but attendees are invited to donate £10 each to the England Golf Trust which supports young people who need

financial help to play.

Speakers include England Golf chief executive Nick Pink, Svend Elkjaer, a director of the Sports Marketing Network

consultancy, and Maria Nolan, general manager of Hollingbury Park and Waterhall golf clubs in Brighton. www.englandgolf.org

08 08_News_Growing.indd 2

30/05/2017 18:28

A MAJOR MEDIA EVENT Doug Poole, organiser of the fourth National Golf Month (NGM), gave the following report to SGB Golf about the events and progress of the 2017 initiative at the time of going to press…

W

hen you read this update, National Golf Month (May 2017) will have finished. One trusts that everyone within the golf industry will have supported the event in some way or other during the past few weeks and used their position in the golf market to advance its objectives.

As a low-cost promotion, it has over the last four years tried to maximise communication with the non-golfing sections of the public using free marketing support on radio and in magazines, especially from Bauer Media, celebrity support from both the sporting and media world, and social media channels.

So far we have reached out to over 10m members of the public with opportunities to give golf a go this May. The focus to introduce 30,000 women to the game was clearly part of our strategy for the reasons obvious to us all in the golf industry. We had over 50,000 taster sessions on offer on our website which manages the day-to-day operation for booking and servicing NGM. In addition, many other clubs and professionals have used NGM branding to run special events directly (and not just through the NGM website).

With the help and social media support of enthusiastic celebrity ambassadors, who include Denise van Outen

(above), BBC presenter Dan Walker, Niall Horan of One Direction, Westlife’s Brian McFadden and Charley Hull, #GirlsGetGolfing has reached nearly 3m people across various social media platforms – smashing last year’s performance of 1.5m. We were also live on a Saturday morning talkSPORT breakfast show, hosted by Georgie Bingham and Tony Cascarino, when Solheim Cup golfer Mel Reid provided welcome support.

The social media campaign was kick-started with a ‘thunderclap’ on April 28, which attracted simultaneous support from winning Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, England Golf and Sport England. Golf clubs, PGA professionals and golf centres up and down the country have since used the hashtag to help recruit more participants.

The Thunderclap enabled us to reach new heights and gave us the boost we needed right from the get-go. Our eclectic range of supporters, from new participants, to celebrities, to golf clubs, really helped put #GirlsGetGolfing on the social media map.

We have been supported by 35 national and regional radio stations, numerous magazines and ‘in-house’ websites like Mediadrive, GolfShake, GolfALot and Golf Empire.

But there have been some misses! Too many on the playing side have been slow to support all the active initiatives being offered by many associations and partners in the industry.

Also, communication to golf clubs and PGA professionals has been difficult. With NGM offering thousands of pounds’ worth of free publicity to help attract new and returning participants, it’s hard to

understand why every club has not become actively involved.

NGM focused on the health and wellbeing assets that come from playing golf and used these as a major story at the recent American Golf shows in London and Manchester with the support of Pilates specialist Linda Segastam, director of The Intelligent Core, and Felicity Dunderdale of Forewomen UK. The story for golf is simple – being a low-handicap player is not given to everyone, but 10,000 steps per round and burning 1,000 calories in the process is great. It is also a socially relaxing way to exercise.

Linda and Felicity have done a superb job in selling that message for NGM. We also had a really pleasing feature article in the April issue of Bauer Media’s TopSanté magazine and I would ask everyone to get hold of a copy or read it online. It sent an excellent message to women about the real benefits of playing.

NGM makes a difference to growing golf participation, but it is only a small part of the jigsaw we need to put together to restore our industry to a firmer footing. Getting everyone involved in golf and, in particular, looking at ways to grow participation in the ‘missing’ sectors, such as women’s golf and the ‘failing’ age category of 30-50, is a key message that cannot be subsumed by the “we’re doing OK” philosophy that does regrettably exist in some parts of our game.

We therefore hope that our marketing campaign, which was free for clubs and pros to take part in to grow their businesses, went some way towards increasing female participation.

A full report on this year’s NGM will be available towards the end of June. In the meantime, my thanks go to the overwhelming majority of the golf industry for all your support.” www.nationalgolfmonth.com

Doug Poole (right) with 2015 Solheim Cup captain Carin Koch

09 08_News_Growing.indd 3

01/06/2017 15:19

SGB man

DRIVERS

SHOWCASE

DRIVERS FOR SHOW Always the big beasts in the golfing jungle, the latest selection of drivers from the manufacturers is again worthy of attention

Callaway Golf

Great Big Bertha Epic The Epic represents an epic shift in the way the head and face behave to enhance power, spearheaded

by Jailbreak Technology and the Exo-Cage/triaxial carbon construction. The

key structural components of a metalwood – crown, sole and face – each bend, flex and rebound at impact.

Great Big Bertha Epic Sub Zero The GBB Epic Sub Zero represents a paradigm shift – it is a forgiving, low-spinning driver that’s based on Jailbreak Technology. The key structural components – crown, sole and face – bend, flex and rebound at impact, and influence each other’s dynamics. www.callawaygolf.com

Cobra Golf

KING F7 Featuring a larger face and address profile that increases MOI to provide more distance, forgiveness and speed across

the face, the KING F7 has an adjustable weight system with three CG settings in the

front, back and heel positions to deliver differing ball flights.

RRP: £279 KING F7+ Equipped with a traditional sized head and lower loft range, the F7+ utilises the same key technologies as the F7 driver -

including the three CG weight settings, a forged face and fibre crown. RRP: £299 KING LTD Featuring the same innovative technology used in the first LTD driver, this driver has a dropped hosel, a lower CG, an ultra-light carboncomposite crown, along with a thin Titanium face. RRP: £279 www.cobragolf.co.uk

M2 A new Geocoustic technique has created the latest M2 driver with a seven per cent larger clubface which unlocks more forgiveness and sound. The sunken sole portion uses an ultra-light, thick-thin Titanium,

layer, carbon-composite panel that is precision-fit to a skeletal Titanium body. RRP: £479

PING G

Through Dragonfly technology, the thinner crown enables weight to be re-allocated within the head to move the CG even lower and deeper to maximise MOI for maximum forgiveness. As well as repositioned turbulators to further delay air flow separation prior to impact, the G driver also features Vortec technology which improves clubhead

a design that frees up volume while not raising the CG. RRP: £369 www.taylormadegolf.eu

Titleist

917D2 Distance with forgiveness in a aerodynamics. RRP: £349 www.ping.com

Lynx

Black Cat The Black Cat driver includes a removable and reversible weight bar which repositions weight either further forward, or further back, in the clubhead.

Full adjustability from 9º-12º

TaylorMade

M1 The M1 460’s mass properties deliver optimal launch conditions, more personalisation and increased forgiveness. The iconic twotone crown of the M1 driver incorporates a proprietary six-

more workability and slightly lower launch and spin. SRP: £450 Titleist.co.uk

full 460cc pear profile. Titleist’s 917 drivers are adaptable and feature a SureFit hosel and CG to ensure the best possible fit for all golfers. The 917D2 is Titleist’s most forgiving driver, producing a higher peak trajectory and more spin. SRP: £450 917D3 Delivering distance with feel in a traditional, smaller, Tourinspired 440cc pear profile, the 917D3 features a SureFit hosel and CG to allow precise customisation. The smaller head and weight features offer

includes draw and fade bias settings. Custom fitting is available. RRP: £239 Parallax Lynx’s Parallax driver is

10 10_Showcase.indd 2

01/06/2017 16:17

adjustable from 8.5º-12.5º and features a BiTitanium 460cc head with high-gloss mirror finish and a distance-enhancing power channel. Standard shaft options include AldilaRegular/ Stiff/X-Stiff. RRP: £199 Predator Lynx’s Predator driver

and ball speed. The lightweight flexible shaft and heaviest head XXIO has used in a driver, which together weigh 272gm, combine to maintain a golfer’s wrist-cock longer during the transition. www.srixon.co.uk

MacGregor

Benross

HTX Compressor Type R Benross has created a thin crown and low CG to reduce spin and promote a penetrating ball flight. This driver features the R-Flight rail, which allows the user to modify CG position, and is fitted with a Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage Black TiNi

that allows players to swing faster with the same effort.

New micro-vortex generators reduce the drag forces through the head shape to increase clubhead speed. The fast-fit technology gives the hosel six settings, including three draw options. RRP: £279 www.wilson.com

Yonex

Ezone XPG Type HD The Dual Tungsten Power system, featuring a Tungsten grip and removable screw, is counterbalanced by a lightweight shaft. The enlarged carbon composite crown ensures the optimum CG to promote a highdraw ball flight. The quick-adjust system alters loft by +/-1.5°. delivers quality and adjustability. Six loft options include slice-beating bias settings of 11º, 11.5º and 12º.

Available in four different head colours; RRP: £139 www.lynxgolf.co.uk

Srixon

Z 765 Featuring a 445cc head with a similar footprint to the previous Z745, this driver uses rippleeffect technology consisting of a power-wave sole for greater distance, a stretch flex cup with a larger sweet spot area and a lightweight crown for a higher launch and increased MOI.

DCT Elite This 460cc titanium driver features a high-MOI design for increased stability at impact and an expanded sweetspot for greater forgiveness on offcentre hits. Its ultra-thin face design promotes faster ball speeds. RRP: £69.99 www.macgregor-golf.co.uk

XXIO9 The latest generation of XXIO’s dual speed technology, this driver maximises head

HTX Compressor This driver uses a three-piece Titanium construction which helps to increase ball speed across the entire face. Heel and toe weight cells maximise MoI and enhance forgiveness. CG is positioned toward the back of the head to optimise the launch angle.

Ezone Elite The Octaforce technology in the crown and face reduces weight, allowing it to be repositioned lower and deeper

HTX Compressor Gold A lighter headweight and softer shaft make this driver ideal for those with slower swing speeds. www.benrossgolf.com

Wilson Staff

Mizuno

Z 565 The 460cc head promotes a higher launch, offers more forgiveness and is also equipped with a slight draw bias. It also has a rounded head and shallow face design and generates higher ball speeds with greater distance stability and less dispersion on off-centre hits.

shaft and Lamkin UTX grip.

JPX900 Mizuno’s most adaptable driver ever has a multithickness face that significantly boosts ball speeds, a quick switch hosel that facilitates a loft or shaft change in an instant, and a face angle prop in the sole. Available in RH and LH for men, but RH only

Triton The winning design from the successful Driver Vs Driver TV show, this adjustable multipiece driver incorporates two interchangeable sole plates and four adjustable weights. The 1:1

for optimum distance and maximum forgiveness. The lightweight shaft promotes faster swing speeds. The quick-adjust system alters loft by +/-1.5°. www.yonex.co.uk

Wishon

919THI Designed with a bendable Titanium hosel that enables it to be fitted for a wide range of lie and face angles, this variable face-thickness driver delivers high MOI for consistent performance even on off-centre hits. RH: 9°, 11°, 13°, 15.5°; LH: 11°; Black Oxide RH: 9°, 11°, 13°. www.diamondgolf.co.uk

visible swing active technology promotes greater accuracy, distance and consistency. Fast fit technology gives the hosel six adjustable settings. RRP: £349 for ladies. RRP: £399.00 golf.mizunoeurope.com

D300 This light, adjustable driver has an interchangeable weight

11 10_Showcase.indd 3

01/06/2017 16:46

PRODUCT

ANALYSIS

HOLE MORE… What is Hole More Putts?

HOLE MORE PUTTS™, or Hole More Putts as this interesting new Irish brand will be referred to from here on, is a high-tech, portable solution to an area of the game that causes more frustration than all of the other parts combined – getting the ball into the hole on the short grass So what are its roots?

Hole More Putts is the brainchild of keen golfers Desmond Burke and his brother Kevin.

A growing frustration at the lack of available products that provided meaningful feedback when practising with the putter meant that there could be only one solution – create their own.

Their objective was to invent a product that was easy to use, provided meaningful feedback in an easy-to-understand format, with simple solutions and practice drills. Surely this would be a piece of cake! History, of course, will be the judge of that.

But in the meantime, thus was Hole More Putts born.

How does it work?

Hole More Putts combines an iPad style tablet with patented infrared technology to measure the five key elements of the putting stroke, as defined by the PGA – face angle, impact point, path, angle of attack and speed. The tablet then provides instant analysis of the stroke on a hi-visibility screen situated in the top right corner of the unit.

After just five putts, Hole More Putts’ technology analyses the

putting stroke and calculates the player’s ‘putting index’ – their putting performance score. By synchronizing the tablet with the Hole More Putts app and website, the golfer is given a clear visualisation of each putt, a detailed analysis of their putting stroke and personalised video instruction in an easy-tofollow format.

Experienced PGA professionals and respected international coaches David and Ian Kearney were brought in to oversee the development of this process and to provide the video instruction that was needed to make the Hole More Putts product unique.

David Kearney, who is director of golf at Carton House Hotel in Co. Kildare, explained: “One of the most difficult areas in a putting lesson is getting golfers to understand that what they see on the green is the product of what they do in their putting stroke. For example, it is hard to analyse with the naked eye where the ball comes off the face, the angle of attack and the path that the putter takes as it approaches and goes through the ball.

“Working with Hole More Putts has enabled us to unravel this area so that golfers can now clearly see the faults in their putting strokes and, crucially, can learn easily how to correct those faults using the simple video instruction on the website. Hole More Putts makes my putting lessons more effective.

But more importantly, if golfers start to improve, they play

more, have more lessons and get more enjoyment out of the game. Overall, that’s good for golf.

Are there benefits for the PGA professional?

Ian Kearney, who is head teaching professional at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg in Co. Clare, said: “For the teaching pro, Hole More Putts is a real gift – it is portable, robust, easy to set up and use, has no wires or charging cables, can be used indoors and outside, and the feedback is instant.

“Pupils who have used it are staggered at how quickly they get results back from the unit.

Being able to show them how their putting stroke looks instead of concentrating on the result makes a real difference.

Add in simple video instruction that can be practised anywhere and we are seeing golfers of all standards benefit from spending time on a unit.

“Hole More Putts is making putting lessons more engaging, and therefore, more meaningful to the golfer. We are seeing demand for putting lessons increase and the results are impressive as golfers start to realise just how easy it can be to improve – they really can have a repeatable putting stroke.”

exceptionally astute move for Hole More Putts management.

Overall, their acceptance of the principles behind the technology and their enthusiasm for the product was overwhelming and, being golf pros, they weren’t shy in giving feedback.

By the time the show was over, the company had a lengthy list of potential improvements and ideas for ‘next generation’ units.

“From a business perspective, a few of the suggestions made so much sense, that we took the decision to incorporate them into our first-edition units that are due out shortly,” Robert Slade-Baker, head of business development, said. “What this has done is to ensure that the next model remains compatible with the first generation.

Of course, this has meant that bringing product to market has been delayed somewhat, but we believe this has been entirely the right move for the company and the future development of the product range. This is not a one-hit wonder – there is so much more to come from Hole More Putts...”

For more, call +44 (0) 753 4922603, email Robert@SQ9.ie or visit: www.holemoreputts.com

Is there more to come?

Spending time at the PGA Merchandise Show earlier this year talking to PGA professionals and listening to their feedback has proven to be an

12 12_Hole_More.indd 2

01/06/2017 14:08

PEOPLE PEOPLE

Q&A

TGI Golf, a bulwark of the golf industry, is going from strength to strength. Eddie Reid, who recently completed a decade as managing director, gives Paul Trow his progress report

T

’was a cold, wet day at Haggs Castle GC near Glasgow back in 1984.

Some 40 PGA professionals sat in the clubhouse after their Winter Alliance had fallen foul of the weather. And they started to chat – largely about business. At the end of the day, they agreed: “We must do this again.”

Thus were the seeds sown that sprouted into Tartan Golf.

Things have changed dramatically since then, and there is no better chronicler of how and why than ebullient Glaswegian Eddie Reid.

For the record, Reid, 57, succeeded Ian Johnston as TGI Golf’s managing director just over 10 years ago, but he was already a loyal servant. “Around the time I joined in 2001, Tartan Golf was merging with Golf Ecosse,” he recalls. “A couple of years later there was another merger with Golfers Direct and shortly afterwards it was decided to rebrand the group as TGI Golf, especially as most of our members by then were not from Scotland.

“I came to Tartan Golf from the oil industry – I was a business mentor to petrol forecourt managers. I was the first full-time employee – now there are 17 of us operating out of Livingston (near Edinburgh).

Today, we have 470 members who between them own 530 golf stores.”

Given this level of expansion, I queried the demise last year of the October trade show that

TGI Golf jointly hosted with Foremost Golf in Harrogate.

Was there more to this, I wondered, than met the eye?

“The passing of the show is, I think, a reflection of the PGA professional’s success in the marketplace today,” Reid said.

“Around £4.5m of business was written over two and a half days in Harrogate – not to be sniffed at.

“When we started it most new product was launched there.

Now products are launched at different times throughout the year, so we do more business over 12 months and there’s no need any more for an industry event. Our partners collectively retailed £88m from their shops last year. We communicate with them daily, especially with retail updates to help them with their businesses, so there’s no need to bring them to a show any more.

“In the last ten years, the industry has changed and the

younger pros are better qualified than their predecessors because of their PGA training.

Forward-thinking pros are embracing custom-fitting and technology to give consumers a real experience when they come into the shop. Club fitting, putter fitting, ball fitting and the technology involved in all these services is turning the consumer on. And clubs are now seeing good PGA professionals for what they are – an asset. Rather than cutting their retainers or getting rid of them altogether, forward-thinking clubs are involving them and their expertise on a daily basis.

“We (TGI Golf) are more a retail services provider today than a buyers’ collective. We represent 30 per cent of the UK and Ireland on-course output and are very much a commercial entity.”

So how does this commercial entity work? “TGI Golf is fully owned by the partners. A successful applicant must pay a small joining fee (£500+VAT), then, if applying to become a full partner, purchase 200 A shares (currently costing around £640). There’s no annual subscription because our members are shareholders of a successful company. So even if you’re a member for 30 years your only outlay will be £1,240.

“Our members get a dividend at the end of each year, just as shareholders in other companies do. Over the past decade, TGI Golf has paid back more than £3m through its profit distribution scheme. Over the years we’ve pulled together a team of experts, whether in retail, marketing, PR, finance or admin. We don’t impose anything on our partners – they

remain in complete control of their businesses. We’re simply there to offer guidance and support so they can lean on our experience. They can use us as much or as little as they like.

“That said, we assess our partners every year and offer them help if they’re towards the bottom of our ranking system which takes into account credit ratings, financial strength, how much they spend with brands.

This gives us an overall ranking – you need to get to a certain level, otherwise your business is struggling. On the other hand, we’re here to help when someone really grows their business. After all, they have to understand that if you’ve got 12 shops it doesn’t mean you get 12 times the money.

“The Board of directors consists of myself, our finance director Amanda Wilson and eight non-executives who are all golf professionals. We vote in a new chairman every three years. The mix of non-execs is not really based on geographical representation, more on variation in type of outlet, age and experience.”

And what about Eddie’s life away from work? “I’m a member of the New Club at St Andrews and play off 14, but I don’t play enough to get any better.”

There is, however, another string to his bow. Matt Millard, TGI Golf’ head of communications, told me: “Eddie’s a bit of crooner.

He and his wife Lynne go to gigs and watch bands in pubs. They also enjoy karaoke. I can confirm Eddie is an accomplished guitar player and singer.”

Would he have struck a chord 33 years ago in Haggs Castle’s clubhouse? You bet! www.tgigolf.com

13 13_Q&A_TGi.indd 3

02/06/2017 11:18

partnership

DRIVE OUR VISION SHARE OUR SUCCESS

> Best Buying Terms > Free Retail and

Marketing Advice > First Class Events

PARTNERSHIP “ Joining the TGI Golf Partnership was the best business decision I have made since becoming a PGA Professional.”

Bernard Quigley, Tullamore Golf Club

The TGI Golf Partnership is owned wholly by PGA Professionals who pay no monthly or annual subscriptions and benefit from guaranteed best UK & Ireland buying terms, free in-store retail and marketing assistance and a whole host of other features.

More than 480 of the country’s leading PGA Professionals are part of the group, which exists to assist them in running successful and profitable businesses.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you. tgigolf.com

@TGI_Golf

/TGIGolfPartnership

THE TGI GOLF PARTNERSHIP IS A GOLF RETAIL SERVICES GROUP, OWNED BY PGA PROFESSIONALS.

12_Equipment_News.indd 4

30/05/2017 16:01

Since joining TGI Golf in 2011 I have found many of the services of huge benefit to my business. Including the free in-store advice from Retail Consultants supporting my business, the best terms negotiated on our behalf, the opportunity to meet with like-minded professionals at various TGI Golf events throughout the year and entry to the annual Business Conference with educational seminars, perfect for my business. The list of benefits increases each year with new initiatives from the team.

David Fleming, Prestwick Golf Club

Over the course of the year TGI Golf stages a number of events, which not only satisfy our needs as professional golfers, but are also vital to us as businessmen. Being able to spend time with my fellow PGA Professionals at events like the Business Conference allows me to pick up on new ideas and best practices as well as learning from speakers who are experts in their fields.

Rob Glazier, Dartmouth Golf & Country Club

Since becoming a TGI Golf Partner I have been able to tap into a number of services through the group’s partnerships, which have helped me take my business to the next level. Utilising the relationship with Crossover Technologies I was able to enhance my business through a new EPOS machine and valuable training.

Matthew Holland, Rye Golf Club

The help, assistance and expert advice from my dedicated Retail Consultant has been invaluable to me and my business. Having a second pair of eyes, with so much retail experience behind them, available to visit me in store at no cost is something that has benefitted me throughout my time as a TGI Golf Partner.

Michael McCrudden, Roe Park Resort

Joining TGI Golf has been an incredible investment in my business. After paying a joining fee and purchasing shares I pay nothing else to be a Partner and receive money back each year through a cash distribution scheme. The tools available to us to help us run successful businesses, such as the Enewsletter are simple to use and look great.

Anthony Haste, Hinckley Golf Club

12_Equipment_News.indd 5

30/05/2017 16:01

GOV, PGA & PGAE

NEWS

T

he R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA) are working towards establishing a single worldwide handicap system.

More than 15 million ordinary golfers in 80-plus countries have a handicap, but these are currently delivered through six different procedures.

Thus an extensive review of the handicap systems administered by Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions in Great

GLOBAL HANDICAP SYSTEM MOOTED Britain and Ireland (CONGU), the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the USGA is now under way.

A committee, including representatives from the R&A, the six handicap authorities, the Japan Golf Association and Golf Canada, plans to announce proposals later this year after taking into account different golf cultures and formats of

play along with course ratings and administration.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said: “We have been concerned for some time that many golfers find the handicapping landscape to be complicated and can be frustrated when it is not always applied in the same way in different parts of the world.

“We are working closely with the existing handicapping bodies to benefit from their insights as we try to formulate

a system that will be easy to understand and can be applied consistently on a global basis.

We very much appreciate their support for this initiative.”

USGA executive director Mike Davis said: “With one global system, golf courses will be rated and handicaps calculated in a consistent manner everywhere in the world. Providing an easy way for all to play together will be great for the game and golfers everywhere.”

ETIQUS WATCHES ON TICK

W

atch brand ETIQUS is offering England Golf members a £25 discount when buying one of its bespoke timepieces.

ETIQUS founder Gary Butler (pictured right with England Golf chief executive Nick Pink) said: “By partnering with England Golf

we hope to help the game thrive over the coming years.”

Pink said: “ETIQUS has a proven track record of helping to support the next generation of golfers through its charitable initiatives and donations to the Golf Foundation.” www.ETIQUS.co.uk

BOOST FOR YOUNG SCOTTISH PROS

S

cottish Golf has teamed up with Aberdeen Asset Management, SSE Scottish Hydro and Bounce Sports Management to give financial and management help to young players turning professional.

The two-year deal will immediately benefit two of the country’s newest professionals – Grant Forrest and Ewen Ferguson.

Both players are guaranteed eight Challenge Tour starts this season through the initiative

and similar experience-building opportunities will soon be offered to more up-and-coming Scottish professionals.

Scottish Golf CEO Blane Dodds said: “If players are good enough and ready to turn professional,

this support package could be available to them, albeit in limited numbers to begin with. We simply want to support the best talent we have in this country on their journey into professional golf.” www.scottishgolf.org

GREENS BOOKS UNDER THREAT

A

nother joint R&A-USGA announcement appears to have issued a death warrant to the greens-reading books that have become popular in recent years with Tour professionals.

Slow play does not appear to be the motivation for the proposed outlawing of these

T

he recent Golf Foundation presidents’ awards at Wentworth celebrated the “inspirational work” of volunteers and professionals who have given their time and enthusiasm to provide young people from all backgrounds and abilities with a start in the game.

Prior to the presentation of 10 awards, Emma Anderson, England Golf’s young ambassador of the year, spoke about how she has been inspired by the game. “Golf is a great sport for girls because it helps grow their confidence.

topological maps of putting surfaces, more the feeling that they are negating one of the game’s traditional skills.

The joint statement put out by the governing bodies to set the debate in motion reads as follows: “The R&A and the USGA believe that a player’s ability to read greens is an essential part

It can teach girls how to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds. To encourage more girls to take up the sport, it is crucial to grow the inclusive atmosphere at golf clubs, allowing everyone to feel welcome and comfortable.”

Before presenting the awards, Golf Foundation president Sandy Jones said: “The desire and commitment to support young people shines through in every case and makes me feel they are making the game better now, and for the future.” www.golf-foundation.org

of the skill of putting. Rule 14-3 limits the use of equipment and devices that might assist a player in their play, based on the principle that golf is a challenging game in which success should depend on the judgement, skills and abilities of the player.

“We are concerned about the rapid development of

increasingly detailed materials that players are using to help with reading greens during a round. We are reviewing the use of these materials to assess whether any actions need to be taken to protect this important part of the game. We expect to address this matter further in the coming months.”

GOLF FOUNDATION’S TOP TEN

16 16_PGA_News.indd 2

30/05/2017 20:51

DAVIES SCOOPS TOP ASSISTANTS’ PRIZE

G

areth Davies, the head teaching professional at Abbeydale Golf Club in Sheffield, is not far short of his 40th birthday but that didn’t prevent him from being named the Titleist PGA assistant of the year.

Davies collected the Whitcombe Cox Trophy and a cheque for £3,500 from Jeremy Tomlinson, managing director of Acushnet EMEA, and guest of honour Denis Pugh during the recent PGA graduation ceremony at Birmingham University.

Davies, who had been rookie of the year in 2015, also received a cheque for £1,500 from Golf Pride for finishing first in the equipment technology exams.

“The money will come in handy because we’re moving house soon and our child will be two in June,” Davies, who

won the 2015 PGA Assistants’ Championship, said.

Davies turned professional in 2001 after playing for England and Yorkshire and competed for several years on the EuroPro, Sunshine and European Challenge tours before a back injury prompted his decision to revert to a club teaching role.

Christopher Hamilton, who was an English teacher before taking up his position at Wyke Green Golf Club in west London, won £2,500 as runnerup while former engineer James Harper, of The Wynyard Club in Co. Durham, collected £1,500 for finishing third.

Michael Lander, a golf operations manager at Myerscough College Academy in Lancashire, won £1,000 and the Lord Derby Trophy for finishing top ‘year two’ assistant while Ben Wilkinson, an assistant at Royal

MANN KEEPS SENIORS’ TITLE IN SCOTLAND

T

he Silversea Senior PGA Championship seems to have become a golfing ‘pass the parcel’ involving two Scotsmen.

Having won the Bernard Hunt trophy at Foxhills Club & Resort two years ago, 57-year-old Fraser Mann has just reclaimed it from compatriot Robert Arnott, last year’s winner.

Mann tied after 54 holes with Paul Streeter and Roger Tuddenham on 218, level par, and clinched the silverware and the winner’s £6,000 cheque on the third extra hole.

“I was second last year as well and have played in it five times now and finished in the top 10 every time,” Mann, who clearly has a liking for Foxhills’ Bernard Hunt and Longcross courses, said.

CROSSLAND AT THE DOUBLE

Winchester Golf Club, received £1,000 and the Major John Bywaters Trophy as the PGA rookie of the year.

Titleist brand director Matthew Johnson said: “We are pleased to continue our support of the PGA assistant of the year award, recognising this as a starting point of the PGA’s commitment to provide its members with a framework for

lifelong learning.

“Titleist has had a longstanding commitment to PGA professionals. We realise and endorse that they play a key role in the development and growth of the game across all levels, so we are delighted to support the next generation of qualified professionals.” www.pga.info www.titleist.co.uk

(from left) Matthew Johnson, Titleist brand director, Denis Pugh, Gareth Davies and PGA captain John Heggarty

BULGARIAN PRO-AM FIELD NOT FULL YET

P

laces are still available for the 54-hole BlackSeaRama Vivacom Pro-Am in Bulgaria from July 12-14.

Professionals will compete for a prize fund of €25,000 over the Gary Player-designed courses at BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas and Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort and the Ian Woosnam layout at Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort.

K

evin Crossland lifted the Foremost Golf professionals’ championship for the second time in four years following a three-stroke victory in testing conditions at The Oxfordshire.

The head professional at Worksop Golf Club in Nottinghamshire beat a record field of 114 players as he carded three birdies and just one bogey in a two-under-par 70.

In strong winds and continuous rain, only half a dozen players returned scores of 75 or better.

Crossland previously won

PGA professionals bringing a team of three amateurs will not be charged a fee. Amateur packages begin at €970 per person and include: five nights accommodation, complimentary airport transfer from/to Varna Airport, three tournament green fees and a prizegiving ceremony with gala dinner.

Entries online at http://eur. pe/2nLNszM the Foremost championship, which is supported by Glenmuir, in 2014 at Hadley Wood in Hertfordshire.

“It was a tough day out there but I managed to play quite nicely and luckily nobody managed to pip me,” he said. * Srixon/Cleveland Golf will sponsor Foremost’s assistant professionals’ championship for the second successive year at The Oxfordshire on Wednesday, July 12. The 110-strong field will contest a prize fund of £5,000 along with 10 Srixon ball and wedge contracts. www.foremostgolf.com

17 16_PGA_News.indd 3

30/05/2017 20:51

PEOPLE

Q&A

SGB Golf catches up with SkyCaddie’s UK and European sales manager James Holmes What is your background?

I turned pro in 2000 and played the EuroPro and Sunshine Tours until 2004 when I got my Challenge Tour card.

How did you start working for SkyCaddie?

I met Steve Winstone, who manages SkyCaddie’s course enablement teams in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, at a EuroPro Tour event. He was looking for pros willing to learn how to map courses. He trained me at Wychwood Park in Crewe and the first course I mapped on my own was Brookfield in Cheshire in late 2006. In 2008, I joined the sales team full time.

Describe your role with SkyCaddie It’s much more than SkyCaddie GPS these days: we also have the SkyTrak launch monitor/golf simulator, the SkyPro personal swing trainer and the Game Tracker. In 2016, I took on the UK and European sales manager’s role and more recently I’ve focused on marketing and day-today operations. Jacqui Surman, who many people knew as the UK managing director, is now in charge of global sales and marketing, based at SkyGolf’s Mississippi HQ.

Where are you based and how does your sales network operate?

Our UK and European team is based in Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, close to the M40. We have nine agents on the road. Our aim has always been to entice customers to the retailer’s door.

What makes SkyCaddie unique among DMDs? We don’t use aerial imagery – that sets us apart from other GPS brands. Aerial photos are much cheaper than visiting courses.

Every SkyCaddie course map is created and updated on foot by trained mappers using professional surveying equipment.

Satellite images, notoriously made up of stitched-together images from different angles, aren’t accurate, which is why we don’t use them.

How often is SkyCaddie’s oncourse data updated?

Every day of the year! If you follow Steve Winstone’s Twitter feed (@SkyCaddieSteve) you’ll see how hard he and the team work. They’ve already updated over 250 UK courses in 2017.

How does SkyTrak work?

SkyTrak is a photometric launch

monitor: its high-speed cameras measure what the ball does immediately after impact, and then calculates flight path and distance using sophisticated algorithms.

It’s ideal for indoor golf, especially after dark or when it’s wet, as well as at driving ranges. It measures five key parameters – ball speed, launch angle, side angle, total spin and spin axis (backspin and sidespin) – and also offers virtual play at thousands of courses thanks to partnerships with leading simulator brands.

Who is it aimed at – professionals or ordinary golfers?

Both, in truth! Our primary UK purchasers are PGA professionals and golf academies. They in turn are attracting an increasing number of individuals who want a SkyTrak for themselves, not least because of its competitive price point and zero per cent monthly finance deal.

What are the latest SkyCaddie/ SkyTrak/SkyPro products?

SkyCaddie’s newest product is the Linx GT, a GPS watch offering expanded HD views when used with our mobile app. With SkyTrak, it’s more about upgrading the app, adding features like dispersion circles, bag mapping and skills assessment. SkyPro’s big thing on the near-horizon is integration with SkyTrak, which should open up a wealth of possibilities for coaches.

How important to you is the grass-roots retail trade?

It’s our main sales focus. It’s how we built the business in the UK. We also gather a lot of information about course alterations from grass-roots relationships.

What current deals are in place for retailers?

Our current SkyCaddie deal runs until July 31st and offers golfers £50 off a new Linx GT or £80 off a new SkyCaddie Touch if they trade in a DMD – any brand, any model, any condition, even broken! As for

SkyTrak, over 400 UK pros are now showcase dealers – see the ‘Find a Dealer’ link on our website. Pros and consumers can also buy SkyTrak on a zero per cent pay-monthly basis, which is very popular.

What innovations do you expect from the next generation of DMDs? GPS devices will increasingly help to speed up play. A GPS is much quicker to use than a laser and provides much more information. All new SkyCaddies connect with our mobile app via Bluetooth: that gives you fast, simple info on your wrist and more in-depth info when you need it on your phone. The mobile app uses GPS information from Linx GT or SW2 watches, improving accuracy and extending battery life. But the main innovation, as always, is keeping on top of course changes.

How will the price of DMDs and swing monitors evolve? £100 is as low as you can go for a high-quality DMD. While more golfers use GPS apps on their mobiles, on its own a phone’s GPS isn’t very accurate as it’s only designed for general location or navigation. At the other end of the price range, there’s still a strong market for devices like SkyCaddie Touch which gives you the fullest available course information. As for launch monitors, SkyTrak has established a price point around £2,000 which is very competitive.

Do your products have applications away from golf?

We’re all golf and happy that way! Many cyclists, runners and walkers use features on the SW2 and Linx GT watches to export odometer data to Google Earth and other fitness websites. Our priority, though, is to get you out there, hitting balls, walking the fairways, playing better golf and having more fun! www.skygolf.com

18 18_Q&A_Sky_Caddie.indd 2

01/06/2017 14:15

LET THERE BE TOUR-LITE! GRAVITY DEFYING GOLF WEAR

Dual layer knitted fabric

Packs down to 15cms by 12cms

Four-Way power stretch

TOUR-LITE - OUR LIGHTEST EVER RAIN JACKET… SO SOFT YOU’LL FORGET YOU’RE WEARING IT! 3 YEAR WATERPROOF GUARANTEE ProQuip Tour-Lite - the lightest waterproofs for the heaviest rain Contact your local ProQuip sales agent today or book direct on: 013873 82861 or email: info@proquipgolf.com

Ad_Layouts.indd 1

www.proquipgolf.com

30/05/2017 16:02

EQUIPMENT

NEWS

C

EPIC MONTH FOR CALLAWAY

allaway Golf’s new Epic irons and hybrids and Epic Pro irons will be available in store across the UK and Ireland from June 16.

Consisting of groundbreaking technologies and engineering processes that optimise every performance ingredient – ball speed, distance, forgiveness, accuracy, control and feel – the irons are the result of an

exhaustive ‘innovation without boundaries’ R&D project involving 70 Callaway designer and engineers.

At the heart of each head is a lightweight, cast-steel ExoCage construction that stiffens the body, particularly in the top line and sole, and loads more impact onto the face.

A next-generation 360 Face Cup features a rim (1mm at its thinnest point) that flexes and

rebounds at impact to add ball speed.

The hybrids have Callaway’s lightest ever crown (just 5gm) and the weight saving is redistributed through the body frame to increase MOI and lower the CG. All RH and LH, the Epic and Epic Pro irons are available 3-PW and the Epic hybrids in four lofts – 18°, 20°, 23° and 26°. www.callawaygolf.com

STERLING EFFORT FROM WISHON

CLEVELAND’S RAW FINISH

BLUE ARC AT 3 HAMMERS

W

ishon Golf has added two wedge models to its Sterling Single Length irons range.

The new sand and lob wedges are cast from soft carbon steel and have the same MOI, total weight, headweight and balance point as the other Sterling Single Length irons.

Club designer Tom Wishon said: “The sand wedge features 12 degrees of bounce over the main area of the sole while the lob wedge offers eight degrees of bounce, making them versatile performers from all types of lie.”

Available with S2S Stepless shafts in regular or firm flexes, the clubs can be custom built to suit the golfer’s comfort and preference. www.diamondgolf.co.uk

WILSON INCENTIVES

C

leveland Golf will be retailing a distinctive new Tour RAW finish wedge designed to rust over time from July 1.

In addition to making full use of the company’s established RTX-3 wedge technology, the Tour RAW finish has a CG closer to the middle of the face, more leading-edge bounce and zip grooves with a deeper, narrower U-shape edge radius in all lofts.

Cleveland’s laser technology milling precisely roughens the face to the conforming USGA limit, allowing golfers the maximum amount of spin possible. www.clevelandgolf.co.uk

W

ilson Golf is encouraging golfers to have sets of irons custom-fitted by offering a variety of incentives.

Provided they complete a form online when placing the order, every golfer fitted with a Wilson Staff D300, FG Tour V6, FG Tour F5 or C200 set will receive a two-ball pack of DX low-compression balls

V

iewers of golf on TV will be familiar with that blue arc sailing down the fairway, tracing a baby fade or delicate draw, or screaming over trees and out of bounds Now range users at the 3 Hammers Golf Complex in Wolverhampton can see for themselves how the Toptracer (formerly Protracer) that powers the graphics actually works.

“We’re always on the lookout for technologies that make playing golf even more fun,” 3 Hammers owner Ian Bonser said. “It was an easy decision to install this as golfers really enjoy seeing the flight of their ball and receiving instant feedback.”

Visitors to 3 Hammers can use the Toptracer system at no extra charge. www.3hammers.co.uk

matched to the irons. In addition, their name will be printed on each shaft and the guarantee will be extended by a year.

A custom-fit set consists of six clubs for men and five for women and the offer can be taken up at any authorised Wilson stockist across the UK and Ireland.

“This offer is designed to drive consumers to trade retailers who

CAMERON ADDS FOUR PUTTERS

S

cotty Cameron has followed up last year’s Cameron & Crown introduction by offering four new putters to complete his 2017 line-up.

Precisely crafted at 33 inches and specifically weighted for the player whose set-up demands a shorter shaft, the Cameron & Crown line includes head styles from the Select Newport, Select Mallet 1, Futura 5MB and Futura 6M putters. These provide blade, mid-mallet and high-MOI mallet options to satisfy a variety of strokes, styles and preferences.

Cameron said: “I’ve always said that the length sets the eyes and the eyes set the path. For those men, women and juniors who need a shorter putter, it gets their eyes in the right position to make a proper stroke while maintaining good posture and balance.”

The new putters will be available at Titleist retailers from July 21 in RH and LH. SRP: £335 www.titleist.co.uk

provide a custom-fit service and want to do more business with our range of clubs,” said national accounts manager Lee Farrar. “We offer fast delivery times with an average turnaround of one week and the consumer will also receive a note from the technician who assembled the set so they can appreciate the personal service.” www.wilson.com

20 20_Equipment_News.indd 2

31/05/2017 11:14

FREEWAY UPGRADE

P

owaKaddy’s Freeway family – the FW3, FW5 and FW7s – has been upgraded for 2017.

With a new digital screen and battery fuel indicator, the FW3 and FW5 trolleys have been rebranded as the FW3i and FW5i.

After a year which saw sales increase by 28 per cent in value, the frames of the top-of-the-range FW7s have new colours and graphics while the front wheel has been given stylish yellow trims.

Backed by a three-year warranty, the FW7s includes an electronic braking system (EBS) and a stunning 3.5-inch fullcolour widescreen that can even count the number of calories a golfer burns during a round.

“The performance of the Freeway range last year exceeded our expectations and we’re really excited about this line-up,” CEO David Catford said. “We’ve kept the same price points as last year. Added to that is the new five-year warranty on all Plug ‘n’ Play Lithium batteries.”

RRPs (18-hole Lithium batteries): FW3i £499.99; FW5i

LASER TECHNOLOGY WITH BUSHNELL

B

ushnell Golf has unveiled its latest Tour V4 laser rangefinder and introduced the EXCEL Golf GPS watch.

With a flick of the logo switch on the side of the new Tour V4 SHIFT, the user can move between tournamentlegal yardages and the Slope technology that provides even more accurate distances. The device also includes JOLT technology, giving golfers the signal that they have locked onto their desired target via short vibrations. The Tour V4 SHIFT has a two-year warranty.

SRP: £339 As well as providing the

key information a golfer needs, the EXCEL also uses Bluetooth technology to ensure the 35,000-plus pre-loaded courses are updated and offer a 3D flyover option via the new Bushnell Golf app. Its sleek design features a mounted colour display that adjusts to brightness automatically and a function that monitors swing speeds and tempo during practice. RRP: £199 www.bushnellgolf.co.uk

M

G

walking. Both its 18- and 36-hole Lithium batteries are backed by a full five-year warranty. www.powakaddy.co.uk

TWO NEW GOLFBUDDIES

olfBuddy’s two latest laser rangefinders – the LR7 and LR7S – will shortly be available at retail.

Housed in a compact, ergonomic body and weighing 218gm, the lightweight LR7 fits snugly in the hand and provides accurate distances to within a yard at the touch of a button. With one click, it continuously scans for 10 seconds showing distances to varying targets and hazards.

In addition to all the LR7’s features, the LR7S has a slope function that provides

distances that take into account the elevation of the target – an invaluable learning tool during practice rounds.

RRPs: £249.99 (LR7) and £279.99 (LR7S) eu.golfbuddyglobal.com

BAG DROP

MOTOCADDY UPDATES BAG RANGE

otocaddy has updated its Dry, Pro, Lite and Club bags with new colours and other standout features.

Lightweight (2.4kg) and 100 per cent waterproof, the Dry bag is made from a durable nylon fabric and has heat-welded seams and thermo-sealed zips.

It incorporates seven pockets, 14 full-length dividers and an anti-twist base featuring a bag-totrolley connection system. Colour options are: black/Blue, black/ lime, black/orange, black/red and

£549.99; FW7s EBS £639.99. RRPs (36-hole Lithium batteries) FW3i £549.99; FW5i £599.99; FW7s EBS £699.99 * PowaKaddy has upgraded its intelligent TOUCH trolley with new trims on its frame, handle and wheels and graphics while dropping its price point by 13 per cent. The TOUCH only requires the golfer to rest a hand on the grip and start walking to begin moving at the same speed as its user. It continues to travel at the same speed even when the user’s hand has left the handle. To bring it to a standstill, golfers simply place a hand on the grip and stop

black/fuchsia. RRP: £199.99.

The 2017 Pro has seven pockets, 14-full length dividers, a dedicated putter well, upper and lower grab handles, an external umbrella sleeve and an anti-twist base. Available in black/blue, black/lime, black/orange and black/red; RRP: £159.99.

The Club, made from durable nylon fabric, offers 14 full-length dividers, an external putter well, eight pockets, a dedicated compartment to keep valuables dry, a towel hook, Velcro glove

n The new Titleist Players Collection stand bags feature lightweight designs with advanced stand and strap systems. The three models are: Players 5 Stand Bag (SRP: £160); Players 5 StaDry Stand Bag (SRP: £230); and Players 14 Stand Bag (SRP £200). www.Titleist.co.uk

n BIG MAX has also brought three new bags to market this summer – Dri Lite PRIME, Dri Lite G and Dri Lite 7. The PRIME (RRP: £199.99) is a cart bag while the G (RRP: £149.99) is a fullsize stand bag and the 7 (RRP: £89.99) is ideal for carrying. www.bigmaxgolf.com

grip, umbrella sleeve, insulated cooler pocket, and upper and lower grab handles. Colours: black/blue, black/lime and black/ red. RRP: £119.99.

Meanwhile, the Lite (2.2kg) is made from lightweight nylon material and features 14 club dividers, seven pockets, upper and lower grab handles, a detachable rain hood, towel hook and external umbrella loop.

Colours: black/blue, black/fuchsia and black/red. RRP: £99.99. * More than 13,000 downloads

were made in April from Motocaddy’s free GPS app which can be synced with the S5 Connect trolley. www.motocaddy.com

21 20_Equipment_News.indd 3

31/05/2017 11:14

PEOPLE

NEWS

P

SPIRIT OF GOLF AWARD

adraig Harrington has received the Golf Foundation’s Spirit of Golf award in recognition of his “outstanding contribution” to the sport and for inspiring so many young players over the years.

The previous ten recipients were Gary Player (2007), Tony Jacklin (2008), Lee Westwood (2009), Ian Poulter (2010), Ernie Els (2011), Peter Alliss (2012), Tom Watson (2013), Darren Clarke (2014), Justin Rose (2015) and Laura Davies (2016).

Golf Foundation chairman

Stephen Lewis presented the three-time Major winner from Ireland with the award during the recent BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, saying: “Padraig has always played the game with huge focus and hard work to back up his talent, but alongside this has always been a great attitude, a smile on his face and an appreciation of the value of sportsmanship.”

Harrington said: “As professional golfers we are usually judged on our Tour

successes, but I’m honoured to receive this award because it’s about the manner in which we play the game. Ever since I was a boy I’ve always tried to respect my opponents and the golf course. I fix every pitch-mark, replace every divot and never lose my temper.

“Golf is a wonderful sport for youngsters – big or small, boy or girl, all can be competitive.

It can also help develop many attributes through the way it is played and its etiquette.”

The silver and glass Spirit

of Golf trophy was specially crafted for the Golf Foundation

by Derrick Burridge. www.golf-foundation.org

NEW FOR OLD

ARRESTING DEVELOPMENT AT GOLFTECH

CUNLIFFE MOVES IN

TOP STRI SIGNINGS

G

J

T

n Stephen McAllister, a former European Tour winner who now organises corporate golf days, has joined Scottish Golf

as a commercial consultant.

The 55-year-old, who won the Atlantic Open and KLM Dutch Open in 1990, combines

playing on the European Senior Tour with his business interests. www.scottishgolf.org

D

erek McKenzie is the new general manager at Scotscraig in Fife, the 13th oldest golf club in the world.

McKenzie, from Elgin in north-east Scotland, has previously served as a PGA professional at Forres, Banchory and Brunston Castle golf clubs. He has also worked in Germany, Egypt, Spain, Thailand and Wiltshire.

Recently, he moved into golf management and was certified by the Club Managers Association of Europe in 2014. www.scotscraiggolfclub.com www.cmaeurope.org

WHO’S WHO? n Lamkin Corporation has named former Dynasty and True Temper executive Ray Lucas as its new vicepresident of global sales and business development.

“Ray is an accomplished, customer-centric leader with a successful record of identifying new growth opportunities and increasing worldwide sales,” CEO Bob Lamkin said. www.lamkin.co.uk

olftech, owner of BIG MAX and ZOOM gloves and distributor of GolfBuddy DMDs, has appointed serving police officer John Kelly as its Midlands sales agent.

Kelly, who is still with West Mercia police, plays off 3.2 and is a member of Church Stretton GC in Shropshire.

“Golf has been a huge part of my life for over 30 years so I’m delighted to work with Golftech’s fantastic portfolio of brands,” he said.

Golftech UK managing director Ian Waddicar said: “It was clear from our first meeting that John cared about the quality of the brands and that he believed in the products.”

Kelly can be contacted on 07711 529982 or johnowenkellygolf@gmail.com

ames Cunliffe is the new head professional at Dunston Hall, Norwich, reporting to director of golf Tom Turner.

The 42-year-old, who has a considerable reputation as a club maker and fitter, hails from north-west England and has moved to East Anglia from Sedlescombe GC in East Sussex.

“I’m passionate about both coaching and growing the game of golf and I feel I’m in the ideal place here at Dunston Hall to embrace both those ambitions,” Cunliffe said.

Part of the QHotels group, Dunston Hall has an Elizabethan-style mansion that dates from 1859 and is spread across 150 acres of Norfolk woodland. www.qhotels.co.uk

he Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) Group has appointed two new agronomists.

Michael Boyes (top) takes charge of the South and south Midlands after working as a greenkeeper in Spain, Dubai and Scotland while Gary Walters (below), formerly of The Belfry, two Norweigian clubs and The Vail GC in Colorado, moves to STRI’s HQ in Bingley, West Yorkshire from Myerscough College where he worked as a full-time lecturer.

TheSTRI’sheadofagronomy, AlistairBeggs,said:“GaryandMichael bringwiththempracticalexperience andhigh-levelgreenkeeping expertise.Theirrecruitmentexpands theservicesweoffertotheUKand Europeanmarket.” www.strigroup.com

22 22_People_News.indd 2

31/05/2017 11:46

TRAVEL

NEWS FAIRWAYS & FINE DINING FROM GASTRO GOLF

G

astro Golf offers tailormade breaks at leading courses across continental Europe spiced up with exceptional cuisine and the finest wines.

The highlights of the travel company’s tour programme this summer and autumn include guided trips to the Costa Brava, Lisbon’s Golf Coast in Portugal, and the Rioja wine region in northern Spain.

Gastro Golf personnel will accompany groups of between eight and 16 guests on bespoke tours that comprise fouror five-night breaks, including three or four rounds of golf, bed & breakfast accommodation in luxury hotels, visits to local wineries, gourmet dinners, guided tours of towns and cities, and trips to local points of interest.

Founder John Sullivan said: “Our aim is to make our customers’ golfing experience truly memorable, and to stand out from other golf holidays on offer. Our clients are golfers of all ages and abilities who want to explore the culturally rich and diverse countries they play in.”

The Costa Brava tours, flying to Girona

on Monday or Thursday for four nights during September and October, will include three or four rounds, including one on the Tour Course at PGA Catalunya, a wine-tasting tour of Peralada Winery, a gourmet dinner at Castella Peralada and plus an evening sightseeing tour of Girona. The package, not including flights, costs £895 per person sharing a double or twin room.

The Lisbon Golf Coast tours, departing Tuesday or Thursday for five nights in October, will be based in Cascais with guests playing at a selection of courses, including Penha Longa, Oitavos Dunes and Praia d’el Rey. There will also be a private dinner at a prestigious coastal seafood restaurant and an excursion to Lisbon that includes a wine cellar tour and a sightseeing visit to the old part of the city in a Tuk-Tuk. The price, excluding flights, is £895 per person.

The trips to Rioja, for four nights in October, departing Monday or Thursday and flying into Bilbao or Santander, will be based in the region’s historic capital, Logroño. Guests will stay in a traditional finca and play three local courses. The package includes visits to a local wine producer for a tasting and dinner, a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage La Rioja wine museum, and a guided tour through Logroño. The price, excluding flights, is £695 per person. www.gastrogolf.co.uk

Fits like a second skin

3 models 12 colors

ZOOM is a new generation of performance golf gloves. They fit like a second skin and deliver unmatched feel on the course. One glove fits across most sizes. This is the biggest innovation in this category since many decades – glove 2.0

Above: Logroño’s Cathedral Santa María de La Redonda

I

ITALY INITIATIVE UNDER WAY

taly Golf & More, the country’s first significant international golf promotion, will have a high-profile presence at three European Tour events this summer.

Having made a presentation to leading UK golf tour operators and media at the N1Golf centre on London’s Greenwich Peninsula in April, Italy Golf & More teed off the continental leg of its initiative at this month’s Nordea Masters in Sweden.

Following that will be further exhibitions at the BMW International Open in Munich from June 21-25 and the Open de France from June 29 to July 2 at Le Golf National – host venue for the 2018 Ryder Cup. Co-ordinator Bruno Bertero said: “Italy has so much to offer as a golf destination, and it’s a real pleasure for us to invite new people to experience its many delights and benefits.

“There is now a real desire for golfers

23_Travel_News.indd 3

across Europe to play golf in countries they wouldn’t previously have considered. We are looking forward to spreading the message about Italian golf this summer.”

Boosted by the launch of Italy Golf & More last year, golf visitor numbers to Italy rose by 20 per cent with the majority coming from the UK, Germany, Switzerland, France and Scandinavia.

Featuring more than 140 18-hole courses, Italy is proving adept at combining golfing breaks with its other historic, cultural and gastronomic delights.

As well as profiling Italy’s golf venues, the new Italy Golf & More website, available in both English and Italian, carries detailed information about the 12 regions that have partnered the Italian Golf Federation and tourism ministry in the project. www.italygolfandmore.com

office@golftech.at • www.zoomgloves.com facebook.com/zoomgloves

FLEXX-FIT

one size fits all

SHAPE-FIT

holds the shape longer

INSTANT-FIT

fits the moment you wear it

31/05/2017 11:55

COMPANY

NEWS

T

he 2017 meeting of the PGAs of Europe’s business club of corporate partners took place last month at Foxhills Club & Resort in Surrey.

The club enables the partners to network, explore ideas and discuss commercial and collaborative opportunities while the PGAE gains important feedback about potential initiatives.

“It’s been nice to meet everybody face-to-face to talk on an informal basis and learn what the other organisations look for and where we can potentially work together,” Herr Lars-Hendrik Pirck , CEO of ORGAHEAD Consulting Trading GmbH, distributors for

FOXHILLS HOSTS PGAE AND PARTNERS U.S. Kids Golf, said.

“The partners represent various areas of the industry, so it’s great to hear different ideas and initiatives and what everybody’s doing,” Dan Killen, international business development manager of SNAG Golf/GSA Golfsports GmbH, said.

“It’s been great to catch up with some old faces and some new ones. As the PGAs of Europe bring more partners on, there are more opportunities for us as well,” Golfbidder managing director Liam Robb said.

“This is the third year we’ve operated the business club with our partners and the feedback about the event has been excellent,” PGAE chief executive Ian Randell

said. “Bringing the partners together in one room makes such a difference in terms of feedback and the flow of ideas and discussions.

“A relaxed and informal atmosphere, dinner with new friends and old, and some golf

at Foxhills as well made for a wonderful couple of days.” *Software brand Golf Genius has installed its live scoring system and real-time leaderboards in Foxhills’ new fleet of E-Z-GO RXV golf cars. www.pgae.com

AMERICAN GOLF OPENS NEW STORE

A

merican Golf has invested more than £250,000 in its latest UK retail outlet at Playgolf Bournemouth in Dorset.

In addition to a state-of-the-art fitting studio with a Trackman and SAM Putting lab, the store has a newly-recruited team of ten staff while the

TAP-INS n Callaway Golf’s net sales for the first quarter of 2017 increased by 13 per cent to $309m (nearly £250m) compared to the same period last year. President and CEO Chip Brewer said: “Business around the globe remains very strong with all major regions reporting sales growth and market share gains. And our new business ventures, namely the apparel joint venture in Japan and the recently acquired OGIO business, are performing ahead of plan.” n All orders placed through TMaGDirect, TaylorMade’s new B2B website, before the end of June will benefit from an extra two per cent discount on top of the already agreed terms. n The National Golf Course Owners Association in the United States has named GOLFZON as its official golf simulator partner. The Korean company has more than 30,000 simulators in operation in over 40 countries.

venue already has an 18-hole parkland course and a two-tier, 40-bay, floodlit driving range.

Store manager Julian Griffiths said: “Playgolf is a fantastic venue and is set to become a flagship facility for us.”

Daniel Gathercole, American Golf’s director

of marketing and communications, said: “A venue like Bournemouth puts us at the heart of a golfing community. We’re delighted to make the investment into the venue and the people of the local area.” www.americangolf.co.uk

SEEMORE LYNX JOINS SELLING MORE BGIA

L

ynx Golf has joined the British Golf Industry Association (BGIA) and its managing partner, Stephanie Zinser, has been co-opted onto the Board.

Zinser said: “It’s a great tribute to Lynx to be invited onto a Board representing the leading lights of our industry. And it’s a personal honour for me to become its first female member.”

BGIA chairman Philip Morley said: “The BGIA campaigns for sustained growth in value and participation across the sport and its supporting industry.

Having Lynx Golf as part of the BGIA and Stephanie Zinser as an executive Board member will help us better reflect the views of the entire industry and unite together to grow the game of golf.” www.bgia.org.uk

S

eeMore is reporting a surge in sales following its recent roadshow of four seminars and seven demo days across the UK. Spearheaded by Cody Hale, director of the putter institute and tour operations at SeeMore’s HQ in Nashville, Tennessee, the roadshow concentrated on advising retailers about the brand’s range, its Rifle Scope technology, the putting system it promotes through its SPi teaching platform, and custom-fitting.

In the month since, sales of putters increased by 55 per cent and Rosemark grips by 60 per cent at SeeMore’s 110 outlets across the UK and Ireland. www.seemore.com

24 24_Company_News.indd 2

31/05/2017 12:44

AW17

NEWS

B

unker Mentality has partnered with Polygiene, a Swedish specialist in environmentally-friendly, odour control.

Bluesign-approved, Polygiene’s anti-bacterial

BUNKER MENTALITY TEAMS WITH POLYGIENE fabric treatment uses recycled silver-salt technology to inhibit odours so golfers can ‘wear more, wash less’ and garments can have a longer lifetime.

This Polygiene solution has been added to the range of CMax

A

Performance polos which furthers Bunker Mentality’s tradition of bringing contemporary, ‘unapologetically bold’ menswear styles to the golf course. www.bunker-mentality.com www.polygiene.com

ANYONE FOR ADIPURE?

pparel giant adidas is relying mainly on the internet to sell its latest premium golf and lifestyle line, adiPure, which was worn by

Justin Rose at the Masters and will be available from July 1.

This means only a select number of green-grass retailers will be allowed to showcase

the performance-driven innovations of adiPure’s polos, outwears, shorts and trousers. www.adidas.com/golf

DUNNING AIMS AT THE ELITE D unning is making a concerted effort with its latest collection to establish itself as an apparel brand for aspiring elite golfers.

Research suggests 34 per cent of players who wear Dunning are scratch or single-figure golfers and 56 per cent play more than 50 rounds per year.

With the emphasis on fit, playability and performance, the golf shirts offer maximum airflow, moisture management, odour control, breathability and UV protection.

Founder Ralph Dunning said: “Dunning players have precise standards. They practise and play regularly and the game is a significant part of their lifestyle. That is why each piece of Dunning apparel balances function and comfort.”

Retailers can stock Dunning apparel by contacting Trendy Sports. The agency is also staging a series of pop-up showrooms for the range this summer across the UK and Ireland. www.trendysports.com

AUTHENTIC JAPANESE FROM MIZUNO

M

izuno’s Japanese apparel line-up is coming to Europe for the first time for AW17 and will be

worn on the European Tour by Ryder Cup player Chris Wood.

“We call this the authentic Japanese collection,” says designer Aki Shirane. “European tastes have become more sophisticated to the point where performance-enhancing apparel is more accepted. A jacket that

finds extra warmth through solar panels is no longer just something that fits the Japanese consumer – we’re all looking for something special now.”

Headliners are Impermalite F20 rain jacket and pants, which come with a rain cap, removable arms and poppers so leg length

can be adjusted by up to four inches, and Breath Thermo garments, which owe their origins to ski-wear designs and engineering. Other items include the mid-weight Tech Shield jacket and fleece-lined Move Tech trousers. golf.mizunoeurope.com

FOOTNOTE FROM STANCE

T

he editor has recently been wearing a couple of pairs of Fusion Golf socks sent to him for trial by Stance, a new brand on the market.

In addition to their multicoloured pattern design, the socks each have four black synthetic stripes across the sole to provide traction control and a better grip. Perhaps world No.1 Dustin Johnson should have been wearing a pair when he made that

fateful descent of the stairs at his accommodation on the eve of the Masters! If so, the chances are he would have held his footing.

Fusion Golf socks stretch most of the way up the calf, making them ideal for wearing with tailored shorts in the summer as well as providing lower-leg warmth in colder climes. At the other end of the leg, their moisture-wicking fabrics keep your feet cool while Triniti

technology secures them firmly inside your shoes.

“In a game that appreciates nature and the mechanics of a perfect swing, these socks are a work of art,” claims Stance’s publicity blurb. They’re certainly eye catching, I’ll grant them that.

For those who thrive on technical jargon, Fusion Golf socks also feature an advance cushion support system, a breathable performance mesh, left/right

engineered arch support and advanced moisture management.

RRP: £11.99-£13.99 a pair www.stance.com

25 25_AW17_Extra.indd 3

31/05/2017 13:06

MULLIGAN

THE INDEPENDENT VOICE

W

hen Martin Wyeth, an engineer by trade and entrepreneur by spirit, learned to play golf, he was continually frustrated by how difficult it was to establish any sort of rhythm when practising. He’d hit one massively wild slice and immediately follow it up with an arrow-straight flight, but he never understood what he was doing differently from shot to shot.

In an attempt to solve this problem, he decided to create a machine that could re-tee his ball automatically and thus spare him the need to bend down after each swing and lose his focus.

Thus, with a prototype in harness, Martin and his

wife Clare founded Power Tee in March 1996 and based themselves in Swindon.

A short while afterwards, Mulligan was invited along with a few other hacks to the Metro Golf Centre in Hendon, north London, to cast his eye over this new-fangled contraption. And with his customary prescience, he uttered the immortal words: “It’ll never catch on!”

Mulligan’s reasoning was that the new device would cost driving-range owners more than they’d ever be prepared to shell out when they were turning a perfectly decent profit using bog-standard, cheap-as-chips mats in their bays. And they wouldn’t just be paying a lot more for some pretty sophisticated technology, their electricity bills would go through the roof.

Golf at the time was all about making a fast buck and giving the customer as little as possible in return.

What did Mulligan know? Power Tee was an overnight success, appealing to novice and advanced golfers alike. And its momentum over the years was such that the brand received a Queen’s award for innovation in 2009. By then it was installed in more than 60 per cent of the commercial ranges across the UK and Ireland and swiftly gaining popularity on the continent.

With the company growing exponentially, Martin and Clare faced a number of tricky questions? Should they cash in and sell the company? Should they consolidate the UK business and grow further into Europe? Or, most ambitiously, should they keep the UK business as it was, continue to grow into Europe and make a concerted effort to expand into the US? Perhaps even go to live there?

It didn’t take Martin much research time to appreciate the sheer scale of the US market and its potential for automated golf tees. The decision, he said, was an easy one to make.

“We estimated the US market for Power Tee was approximately $1.7bn, and nobody was doing it,” he said. “We felt that if we were to ignore it completely, or sell the company before coming here, we would not really be doing the product a service.”

Upon moving to Ponte Vedra in north-east Florida in 2009, the Wyeths’ expectations were dampened by a recession in the wake of the banking crisis and the golf industry’s coincidental decline.

Martin said: “Power Tee is dependent on bank debt because the company rents the equipment to range operators and sells the rental contracts to banks in exchange for the capital to grow the business. During the recession, the banks ‘disappeared’ and refused to take on the contracts.”

Consequently, the only US income Power Tee received was the cash paid by customers, meaning there was, essentially, no working capital for the business.

“We’ve been here for seven years on a sort of standstill basis, waiting for the economy to recover and waiting for golf to recover,” Martin added.

But now the US economy is in recovery and golf participation is reportedly back to about 30 million people. “There’s a sense of optimism in the golf industry,” he said.

Power Tee, now 21 years old, has experienced a recent streak of good fortune, including an endorsement from US Ryder Cup captain and happy customer Jim Furyk (pictured with Martin). It was also recognized by the PGA of America as one of golf’s most innovative products at January’s merchandise show in Orlando.

“Everything seems to be working in our favour,” said Martin.

“The climate is here for growth and right now we’ve got this great alignment of things going on. We’re continuing to develop our product with continual research and testing, and the latest version is being very well received by new and existing customers.”

What, indeed, does Mulligan know?

Mulligan

26 26_Mulligan.indd 2

30/05/2017 16:07

Unleash Distance Control Spin

ble

rsa Reve

S-

WB

ght Wei

fer

ans y Tr

nerg

eE ctiv

ffe -E T EE

Bar

ta

djus 16 A

ions

pt ble O

The 2017 Black Cat driver is packed with new technology, reducing spin for maximum distance. It features a reversible weight bar on the sole which repositions weight to give you ultimate control of your launch angle.

Loft adjustability is also available on the Black Cat 3 wood.

Unparalleled Performance.

Unbelievable Control.

Ad_Layouts.indd 1

30/05/2017 16:02

Europe’s biggest component supplier to the golf trade ... since 1978

Contact us today for a free catalogue UK Freephone: 0800 083 7388 Ad_Layouts.indd 1

international: +44 (0) 1903 726999

sales@diamondgolf.co.uk 30/05/2017 16:03