SGB golf march 2017

FACELIFT: Turn the pages and enjoy the brand-new look of SGB Golf!

March 2017

“Connecting the Golf Industry”

Callaway buys OGIO PrideSports-CHAMP merger Scotland’s Open windfall Orlando show review SS17 collections unveiled John Jacobs remembered

INSIDE: Lock onto the latest DMDs, lasers and launch monitors

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21/02/2017 12:13

First Words Paul Trow

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or a sport once again contemplating its navel with the revisited Muirfield vote due to land on news pages around mid-March, I must say that golf seems to have done rather well from the latest Sport England round of grants.

At a time when a popular sport like badminton has been stripped of its elite funding, it’s heartening to see that the England Golf Partnership is to be given £8.48m to spend in 2017.

The breakdown of the award is £2.25m towards nurturing and supporting talented players and £6.23m to encourage regular golfers to continue playing.

From Sport England’s total pot of £189m, only cycling, netball, rugby union and hockey of the 52 sports to benefit have received more money for the year than golf.

EGP chairman Nic Coward reckons there are 3.6m golfers in England, which begs the question as to how far the £6.23m will go, and also where it will go. No doubt a significant portion will be allocated to encouraging women and juniors to keep playing. And quite right too!

But what about older folk who keep hearing golf is good for them and boosts longevity. Somehow, something tells me that we geriatrics, who are predominantly golf-club members, will be magically overlooked when this largesse is dished out.

Talking of old buffers, news has come through that

the erstwhile bastion of male supremacy, Royal St. George’s, is to host the 2020 Open. Personally, I’d have preferred to see it go to near neighbour Royal Cinque Ports to mark the centenary of its only previous Open.

Any argument that Deal doesn’t have the infrastructure to host the championship while Sandwich, which is tiny by comparison, does is poppycock. After being made to queue for hours to travel 500 yards from the railway station to the course back in 2011, I wouldn’t blame any golf fan for giving 2020 a miss. But that would be a shame for the county of Kent which relies upon, and thoroughly deserves, the economic windfall that comes with hosting the Open every decade or so.

Finally, it is heartening to discover that Blighty isn’t the only golfing fortress to fall foul of the gender police.

It seems that Kasumigaseki Country Club just outside Tokyo is going through the same agonies as Muirfield.

Kasumigaseki, a private club but home to one of the world’s great courses, has been selected to host the golf tournament during the 2020 Olympics.

But all that is on hold, pending a vote of its 15-strong male Board. And if these august, and probably very elderly gentlemen, don’t vote unanimously to admit women, the event will be switched to an alternative location. Which would also be a shame... or would it?

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 / March 2017 04 Industry News Callaway and CHAMP 06 News Open windfall for Scotland 08 Orlando Review PGA Merchandise Show 10 Grow the Game National Golf Month 12 PGAs of Europe Gloria revisited 14 PGA News Golf Foundation cheque

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

16 Q&A PowaKaddy 18 Equipment News Clubs, balls, bags, trolleys 20 Q&A Shot Scope 22 Apparel news Shoes and SS17 25 Obituary John Jacobs OBE 26 BTME News Happenings in Harrogate 27 TGI News Awards and partnerships

28 Travel News Trade Travel Club/IGTM 29 People News Who’s doing what 30 Company News Record Foremost survey 31 Governing Bodies European Tour and LET 32 Showcase Latest DMDs and monitors 34 Mulligan Driving distances

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

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NEWS

MIURA UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

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anker Howard Milstein and his family have bought handcrafted forged clubs’ manufacturer Miura Golf.

Milstein, also a real-estate developer and philanthropist, plans to grow the brand globally and produce clubs that are easier for the average golfer to hit.

The company’s sales and distribution worldwide will now be managed by custom-fitting specialists True Spec Golf.

Founder Katsuhiro Miura has

been manufacturing from Himeji in Japan since 1957 and several major championships have been won by players using his clubs.

Milstein is chairman, president and CEO of New York Private Bank & Trust and its subsidiary, Emigrant Bank, the oldest savings bank in New York City and the ninth-largest privately owned bank in America.

In 2007, Milstein acquired, through Emigrant Bank, a partnership interest in Nicklaus

Companies, embracing the Golden Bear’s golf course design and licensing deals.

He said: “We are excited to announce this new chapter in Miura Golf’s storied history. We believe that Miura, with its decades-old reputation as perhaps the world’s finest designer and maker of forged clubs, is a tremendous fit with our company. It has been and remains a wonderful ‘players’ equipment brand.”

Miura’s new Genesis irons sell for just under £300 each.

K.J. Choi used a set of CB501 irons to win the Players Championship in 2011.

UNDER ARMOUR BELOW STRENGTH

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fter nearly seven years of 20 per cent sales growth, Under Armour had more than a quarter of its Wall Street stock value wiped out after delivering only a 12 per cent rise in the final quarter of 2016.

The sports apparel brand, which has recently launched the much-vaunted Spieth One golf shoes, still enjoyed Octoberto-December sales of £1.1bn, but results still fell way short of

expectations.

Blaming a sluggish holiday season and widespread retail discounting, Under Armour’s founder and largest shareholder Kevin Plank said: “Having the right product for the right consumer at the right time is the price of admission.”

Plank, whose personal fortune was revised downwards to £1.65bn by Forbes as a result of the shares’ slump, is also funding

a massive redevelopment of Port Covington in Baltimore where the company’s new headquarters will be flanked by offices, residences, retail outlets and parks.

Chief financial officer Chip Molloy has resigned after a year with the company and has been replaced on a temporary basis

by David Bergman, senior vicepresident of corporate finance.

The brand’s merchandise

assortment was “out of balance,” according to Plank, with a growing demand for lifestyle sports apparel.

“Performance is not dead – that’s a requirement,” he said.

“We need to become more fashionable.”

Bucking the trend in the US, Under Armour’s international sales jumped 55 per cent during the fourth quarter and made up 16 per cent of total revenues.

n Callaway Golf has acquired OGIO International for around £62m in an all-cash transaction.

The takeover provides Callaway with a source of golf bags, accessories and apparel.

Chip Brewer, Callaway’s president and CEO, said: “There is a robust strategic fit between the companies: both are strong brands with a sports heritage that share a passion for creating high-quality, performancedriven products.”

In 2017, OGIO is expected to contribute approximately £38m to Callaway’s revenue worldwide. Callaway intends to finance the transaction with cash and borrowings from existing credit facilities.

Meanwhile, Callaway’s net sales across the fourth quarter in 2016 grew by seven per cent, resulting in full-year growth of three per cent.

This hike will have been partly aided by Nike’s withdrawal from the hardware market and uncertainty about TaylorMade’s ownership.

“We demonstrated continued ability to grow market share and revenue throughout the year by

introducing product with exceptional performance,” Brewer said.

“And we demonstrated our commitment to investing in the core business through the acquisition of Toulon Design and the hiring of Rock Ishii, a highly respected golfball innovator.

“Looking ahead to 2017, we are encouraged by the early enthusiasm surrounding the EPIC driver with Jailbreak technology and the newest addition to our balls range, Chrome Soft X. On Tour, we have signed Michelle Wie and other promising players like Patrick Rodgers, Mariah Stackhouse and Daniel Berger.”

With Rory McIlroy also putting the EPIC driver in his bag, it might not be long before he signs on the dotted line as well. n PrideSports has merged with MacNeill Engineering, maker of CHAMP spikes.

The new company, MacNeill Pride Group, will be the world’s largest designer, manufacturer and distributor of golf cleats and other accessories.

A fourth-generation family business, MacNeill Engineering was

founded in 1931 and over the past eight decades has become the leading global supplier of sports footwear traction.

“The merger of Pride Sports and MacNeill Engineering is an exciting development for everyone associated with our companies,” said Joe Zeller, president and CEO of the new entity, which will be headquartered at PrideSports’ current base in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Harris MacNeill, president and CEO of MacNeill Engineering, said: “Both companies have a deep history of innovation in the sports industry. Original equipment manufacturers, retailers and athletes will all benefit from strengthened R&D, increased distribution and enhanced customer service.” n Ben Hogan Golf Equipment has filed for bankruptcy, less than a month after it laid off most of its workforce.

The Chapter 11 petition lists the company’s liabilities at between £1m and £8.5m. Among its main creditors are apparel distributor Perry Ellis International, which licensed the Hogan name.

Corbett Capital brought the Hogan name back to market two years ago and the company introduced the Fort Worth 15 irons in 2015 and the PTx line in 2016.

The new Hogan irons were unusually numbered by loft – from 20 degrees to 63 – instead of the traditional 2-W. Thirty workers were laid off in early January, leaving fewer than 10 employees still at Hogan’s factory in Fort Worth, Texas. At the time, Hogan described the move as “re–tooling and right–sizing in an effort to become more nimble and profitable.” n TaylorMade-adidas Golf has launched TMaGDirect, a business-to-business e-commerce platform for retail partners designed to be intuitive, efficient and, above all, convenient.

This 24-7 service will enable retail partners to place orders, view real-time stock availability, check order status, track orders and monitor and print invoices.

All orders placed on the site are exempt from the minimum order charge until further notice and will receive priority processing through the warehouses.

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For more information visit www.lamkin.co.uk or email sales@lamkin.co.uk

FREE LAMKIN Z5 FOR EVERY READER As you’ll have already seen, we’ve teamed up with Lamkin Grips to bring you a very special reader offer this month, a free gift of a brand new Lamkin Z5 grip for every reader!

Z

5 is the most advanced grip that Lamkin has ever produced and the 92 year old grip expert is so happy with the result, it wants every reader to feel the difference that its 5 distinct zones can make to performance.

We caught up with Bob Lamkin so he could explain in his own words why he felt it was so important to get the new Z5 into the hands of Professionals.

“Seeing and feeling is believing…. Z5 is truly a superior grip that provides players with a functional performance advantage and each colour looks fantastic on a set of clubs. We want every professional to get their hands on the new Z5 grip so that they can experience this exciting new grip innovation first hand.

When we send out information on the Z5, a lot of people will understand how excited we are about the new grip but we want people to understand why we are excited and I think you can only truly get that from having it in your hands. The sheer complexity of Z5 makes it the most advanced we’ve ever created. I’m not sure there’s another grip on the market that includes multiple zones of unique textures, patterns, design features and even multiple compounds. We also used a proprie-

tary technology to create the grip’s new micro textures, which is an exciting development in the production of rubber grips.

But it’s not just complex for the sake of it. We wanted to produce a grip that addressed all of the key areas where a grip can improve performance. In traditional grips there’s always a compromise between comfort, tackiness and traction. With Z5 we provide all of those things exactly where they’re needed most. Zones 1 and 2 combine a horizontally aligned pattern with a cord weave for maximum all-weather traction without the discomfort of most traditional cord grips. The middle section features FingerLock panels for consistent thumb placement and a comfortable responsive texture and then in Zones 4 and 5 we have shallow micro-texture for exceptional feel on the bottom hand along with the V dividing groove for consistent hand positioning. Each of the 5 Zones has a specific functional performance feature that every golfer can benefit from.

But that’s enough of me telling you about Z5, get your free grip on a club and feel for yourselves that benefit they will bring to your and your customers’ game.

Bob Lamkin CEO Lamkin Grips

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21/02/2017 12:13

NEWS

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CELTIC MANOR UNDER CONSTRUCTION

onstruction of the new International Convention Centre Wales at Celtic Manor Resort, venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup, will begin next month.

Funded by a £51.5m NatWest loan facility, the project will be a 50/50 joint venture between the Welsh Government and Celtic Manor. The total development cost, including car parking and external landscaping, is estimated at £83.7m.

Upon completion, scheduled for June 2019, the new centre will accommodate up to 5,000 delegates across more than 26,000 square metres of floor

OPEN WINDFALL FOR SCOTLAND

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osting the Open at Royal Troon last July benefited Scotland by more than £110m.

The championship, which attracted 173,000 spectators, delivered a direct economic fillip in excess of £64m, according to a survey by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre.

And TV coverage to over 600m households in 193 territories is estimated to have earned an additional £46m.

The research, commissioned by the R&A, VisitScotland and South Ayrshire Council,

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concluded that the county alone received £23m from event-specific spending.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Hosting the Open is a chance to see one of the world’s most popular sports return to the country where it all started.

These brilliant figures highlight the huge economic benefit that bringing home such a prestigious championship has for Scotland.

“It has benefits for local businesses and hotels – and it also inspires the next generation of players.”

Paul Bush, VisitScotland’s

director of events, said: “These figures illustrate the importance of the championship to Scotland, not just in delivering economic impact and supporting jobs but in promoting Scotland as the Home of Golf.”

Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: “The report found that 62 per cent of non-Ayrshire residents [who attended the Open] said they’d return here for a holiday, which will bring further economic benefits to the area.” www.theopen.com

CLEAN UP WITH ZELUP

lubs in search of a more efficient way to clean both greenkeeping machinery and golfers’ shoes and trolleys should check out the latest equipment from French brand Zelup.

“Our compressors have great durability and are very different from the conventional piston compressors that you see at most golf clubs,” said a company spokesman.

Zelup claims its compressors are comparatively soundless, more durable, easy to maintain and monitored on Wifi so problems can be detected remotely and the power can be adjusted.

For demonstrations, prices and further information, contact Tim Greenwood on 07815-097928 or tim@w3golf.co.uk, or log on to www.zelup.golf

n Playgolf has bought the Nicklaus-designed Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club at Broxbourne for £8m.

The 186-acre site features an 18-hole course and a Grade 2 listed mansion which incorporates the clubhouse and a health club. There is planning consent for 95

bedrooms in the mansion, a new health club and six conference suites.

Playgolf currently owns and operates six golf venues, including Northwick Park near Harrow in north-west London. n The Dunvegan Hotel, a stone’s throw from the 18th green on the Old Course

space. Its facilities will include a 1,500-seat auditorium and a ballroom capable of hosting 2,400 people for a gala dinner.

Celtic Manor Resort chairman Sir Terry Matthews said: “After many years in the planning, I am delighted we are now in a position to deliver this asset to Wales.”

Ken Skates, the Welsh Government’s cabinet secretary for economy and infrastructure, said: “It is important to emphasise that not only will this be an asset for Celtic Manor and Newport specifically, but it will provide a long-term boost for the entire economy of South Wales.” www.celtic-manor.com

TAP INS

n Three British golfers – world champion Joe Miller (above), UK champion Lucas Dorman and fitness model Brad Pearmain – will be among eight contestants in a floodlit Long Drive World Series event in Dubai on Friday, March 17. www.longdriveworldseries.com n The merger of the Ladies’ Golf Union and the R&A has been finalised and is now in effect. www.lgu.org and www.randa.org n GolfBox A/S has signed a partnership agreement with the PGA of Sweden to provide a lesson-booking facility via its new Protrainer software. www.golfbox.net

at St Andrews, has been sold to Forth Bridge Capital LLP, a consortium of golf enthusiasts from Canada and the United States.

Jack and Sheena Willoughby, who have owned and managed the business for the past 23 years, will maintain an interest and assist the new owners.

n Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society in Edinburgh, which dates back to 1761, has commissioned Mackenzie & Ebert to undertake a £1m project of course improvements. www.bruntsfieldlinks.co.uk and www.mackenzieandebert.co.uk

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ALL POWER TO POWER TEE

Accessories company PRG, one of several UK exhibitors, showcased its embroidery and stitching skills along with its product range that includes headcovers, tote bags, tee pouches pitchmark repairers and ball markers. www.prgolfonline.com

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utomated ball-teeing system Power Tee celebrated its 21st year in the golf industry by being voted the most interesting product at the show by PGA.COM. “Power Tee is a product that you really have to see and use to appreciate what it can do for your customers and your business, that’s why the PGA Merchandise Show is always a great week for us to exhibit,” said Martin Wyeth, Power Tee’s owner and inventor.

Already installed in over 60 per cent of the golf ranges in the UK and Ireland, Power Tee, whose global ambassadors are US Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk and English Tour pro Robert Rock, is now making significant inroads in North America. www.powertee.co.uk

ORLANDO BLOOMING The 64th PGA Merchandise Show welcomed more than 40,000 golf industry professionals from all 50 US states and 84 countries

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GA professionals and buyers uncovered the newest products, trends and technology from more than 1,000 exhibiting companies and brands at the Orange County Convention Center.

More than 7,500 PGA Professionals from around the world, a three per cent increase over 2016. The top five countries (outside of US) represented in attendance were Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and Mexico. The top five US states represented in attendance were Florida, New York, Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

The 2017 PGA Show was marked by significant industry announcements and product introductions, not least Tiger Woods and Michelle Wie signing up for TaylorMade and Callaway respectively. Other major equipment announcements included Cobra Puma Golf’s King F7 line; PING’s new iBlade irons and Vault series of putters; Callaway Golf’s Great Big Bertha Epic and Epic Sub-Zero drivers

and fairway woods; TaylorMade Golf’s new M family of clubs and TP Putter; Titleist’s new 917 drivers and woods and new Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls; Srixon’s new Z-Star and Z-Star XV golf balls and Cleveland’s RTX3 wedges.

Apparel companies introduced their newest fashions for the forthcoming season while thousands of other products and services were showcased along nearly 10 miles of aisles.

“The energy level and optimism on the PGA Show floor were at an all-time high,” PGA Merchandise Show event director Marc Simon said.

“The fact that so many leading companies were launching new products this year, the long list of celebrity appearances and industry insights offered on three live stages combined to generate an exciting, compelling week.”

The week teed off on Tuesday, January 24, at the Demo Day, when approaching 20,000 PGA professionals and invited golf retailers previewed and personally tested the newest equipment, training aids and

accessories on display from more than 100 companies at Orange County National Golf Center in Winter Garden. There were 200 hitting bays at the 42acre practice facility along with multiple putting greens and a vendor villag.

The following day, World Golf Hall of Famers Colin Montgomerie and Annika Sorenstam joined 2016 PGA professional of the year Cary Cozby and PGA president Paul K. Levy to open the PGA Merchandise Show.

Montgomerie and Sorenstam were among a long list of celebrities, renowned golf instructors and specials guests, such as: 2016 PGA Champion Jimmy Walker, Bubba Watson, Jesper Parnevik, Blair O’Neal, Greg Norman, Russell Knox, John Daly, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Johnny Miller, Nancy Lopez and David Leadbetter,.

My colleague Pete Simmons and I kicked off our show week with the innovative folks from Tour Edge/Exotics at the spectacular, and somewhat exclusive, Lake Nona

Country Club.

This year’s Tour Edge Media event was held at the magnificent Lake Nona Country Club. There aren’t many days when golf writers convene in one place, especially in such a setting as this, although high winds made scoring nigh on an impossibility.

Tour Edge, not a familiar name to UK retailers, had a supplier relationship with Foremost Golf for the past few years, but that was terminated at the end of 2016. Notwithstanding, the company’s drivers and fairway woods are among the finest on the US market – its new EX10 line has been particulary well received - and retailers should keep an eye out in case the brand, either as Tour Edge or Exotics, should find an alternative entree to the European market. www.touredge.com

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HOLE MORE PUTTS WHY NOT?

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ne of the show’s undoubted hits was the Irish high-tech portable solution to getting the ball into the hole, Hole More Putts.

During a personal clinic at Lake Nona, the editor discovered what he always knew, that there was a lot of room for improvement in his putting. But at least he was encouraged by the putting frailties of playing partner Des Burke, the company’s technical officer, during the fourball later that day. What Des, an eight-handicapper, did do well was drive the ball prodigious distances.

In the words of PGA professional Ian Kearney, “HoleMorePutts is a coach’s dream – easy to set up, no wires, robust, easy to use, instant feedback and instant results.”

Featuring an iPad style tablet and patented infrared technology, Hole More Putts measures five elements of the putting stroke – face angle, impact point, path, angle of attack and speed – and provides an instant analysis of the stroke on the screen.

Requiring no set up, and very little space, Hole More Putts can be used indoors or outdoors so golfers can build a clear picture of their putting strengths and weaknesses, and develop a stroke that is more enduringly effective. www.holemoreputts.com

Below: The Hole More Putts team (L to R): Kevin Burke (CEO), Des Burke (Tech), Sarah Kavannah (marketing), Ian Kearney (teaching Pro), Robert Slade-Baker (head of business development)

n PuttView gave us a preview of its reality system that provides intricate and accurate visual guidance for putts breaking several ways during the course of the ball’s journey to the hole.

Following Orlando, PuttView exhibited at Hanse Golf in Hamburg, where it is based, and the Irish GolfExpo, and will appear at the Scottish Golf Show in Glasgow from March 24-26.

The fledgling German company has teamed up the Sheffield-based Zen Green Stage, which can recreate virtually any putt on the planet under 20 feet, while PuttView shows how to hole it via an animated light path.

One day, PuttView hopes to have databased the contours of every green on the world’s 30,000-plus courses, though that is unlikely to be achieved in a hurry. www.ZenGreenStage.com and www.puttview.com n A flick forward in this issue to Page 34 will reveal Mulligan’s encounter with the revolutionary new graphite shaft brand, TPT Golf (Thin Ply Technology).

Using carbon-fibre materials in a radically different way, and a patented manufacturing process developed by their parent company when designing the sails of the victorious Swiss boat in the 2007 America’s Cup, TPT Golf certainly made an impression in Orlando.

Backed by European Tour biomechanical specialist Jean-Jacques Rivet and hosted

by David Leadbetter at his Champions Gate academy, TPT Golf’s founders revealed that they set out to create a shaft that delivered more accurate shot dispersion, lower spin, and increased distance because of the wildly varying discrepancies between current shafts that are supposedly the same.

TPT Golf’s shafts are designed to suit players with any swing speed – watch this space! www.thinplytechnology.com

SEEN & HEARD AT THE SHOW… n fibodo, an online, mobile and app business tool used by professionals and golf clubs to help consumers ‘find, book and do’ activities in their local area, made its debut at the PGA Merchandise Show. Soon after teaming up with Foremost Golf to manage its members’ diaries and take bookings and payments for lessons, the British brand’s future seems somewhat rosy. www.fibodo.com n The Scottish golf tourism industry was out in force in Orlando, hoping to build on a successful 2016 when US visitors to the Home of Golf soared. www.visitscotland.com n Waterville Golf Links in Ireland’s County Kerry received the ‘Best of the Best’ award from the Association of Golf Merchandisers as one of the top 10 best pro shops in the world. n The RX1 electric trolley from Newcastle company ProCaddie created a stir with its innovative linear ‘tube’ design for fitting the battery within the structure of the trolley. Early models cost in excess of £1,000, but the price should come down once economies of scale have kicked in. www.procaddie.com n Another UK accessories brand, Asbri Golf, recently exhibited for a 13th consecutive year and was far from unlucky as it secured new overseas distribution deals and a 14 per cent increase in sales worldwide. www.asbrigolf.co.uk n A third accessories brand to catch the eye was Twisted Frog, which launched DivA, a threeprong divot repair tool fitted with a push-button opening system, magnetic ball marker and putter rest. Twisted Frog, founded by two Frenchman and managing director Ewan Davidson, who is Scottish, created an infographic to show delegates how a pitchmark should be repaired. www.twistedfrog.co.uk

n Founder Elisa Gaudet announced that Woman’s Golf Day in 2017 worldwide would be Tuesday June 6. Last year’s inaugural event spanned 28 countries in 485 locations. www.womensgolfday.com n Evnroll putters returned to the scene of its industry debut 12 months ago with Calliforniabased designer Guerin Rife unveiling three new models – the ER3 Wing Blade, ER7 Full Mallet and ER8 Tour Mallet – along with a black version of the ER6 iRoll full mallet. www.evnroll.com

n Golf Pride wasted no opportunities to promote its new ALIGN grip technology.

Based on a raised ridge that extends down the back of the grip to promote consistent hand placement, ALIGN features in both the MCC and MCC Plus4 models. www.golfpride.com n Other new products to catch the eye were: Foresight QC Quad launch monitor, PING’s Sigma G putters, Callaway’s Mack Daddy forged wedges, Scotty Cameron’s Futura putters, the new Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls and G/ Fore-Peter Millar shoes.

n The next stop for merchandising, marketing and networking Stateside will be the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, scene of PGA Fashion & Demo Experience from August 14-16. n The 2018 PGA Merchandise Show will take place in Orlando once again from January 23-26.

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GROWING THE GAME

NEWS

N

ational Golf Month in 2017 will focus on encouraging women to take up the game.

Currently, fewer than around one in seven UK golfers is female compared to one in four in Europe.

“Women should be a higher proportion of the playing base, which is why increasing the number playing the sport will be the top priority for National Golf Month when it tees off on May 1st,” said project director Doug Poole. “If we can boost the number of women golfers, then we can revitalise the playing base through increased family participation.”

This year’s National Golf Month will address key

LADIES FIRST FOR NATIONAL GOLF MONTH obstacles that women face, including the cost of taster sessions, access to the game and the chance to try it out with friends. These factors were highlighted by Syngenta’s recent global report, Unlocking Golf’s True Potential.

One target this year is to provide 50,000 free one-hour trial sessions, exclusively for women, worth over £2m.

Another is to create a better understanding of how clubs and PGA professionals can attract more women.

“There is a clear business case for attracting more women to play the game,” Poole (pictured) said. “New female club members each generate an additional £750 of revenue

per annum and they also help to open up the family market.

“Golf clubs, golf centres and PGA professionals wishing to participate should register on the National Golf Month website or email doug@ dougpoolegolfconsultancy.com for more details.”

Co-sponsors Bauer Media will provide exposure across several platforms, including Top Santé and Yours magazines which both have substantial female readerships.

“Last year, National Golf Month reached 20m people across Britain with a mix of marketing and promotional activities. Over 140,000 people new to the sport or recently lapsed have come back during

the campaign’s three years. This year, we’re targeting 100,000 new or lapsed participants of whom we hope 50 per cent will be women,” Poole added. www.nationalgolfmonth.com

AMERICAN GOLF LAUNCHES FOUR SHOWS

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merican Golf is teaming up with the European Tour and Sky Sports to stage four free-to-enter consumer shows across the United Kingdom in 2017 in a bid to increase participation and make the game more accessible.

Daniel Gathercole, American Golf’s director of marketing and communications, said: “Our

free golf show format brought a wide range of people through the doors in Manchester last year, especially families and non-golfers. This proved to us that with the right partners and locations we have a format that can make a real impact, challenge misconceptions and share our passion for the game.”

As well as returning to

Manchester Event City (April 28-30), there will be a show at ExCeL in London (April 7-9).

In addition, American Golf will also hold events at two European Tour events – the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Dundonald Links in Ayrshire (July 1316) and the British Masters presented by Sky Sports at

Golf and Health project can help to improve the sport’s public image and increase support for golf among policymakers. We are committed to growing the game and hope that the clear health benefits of golf will help to drive increased participation.”

Parliamentary.golf

doing my sport’. Understanding participation is critical for demand forecasting, strategic planning and identification of potential growth areas,” said SMS managing director John Bushell.

The report costs £650 per country per sport, although discounts are available. * SMS has confirmed that the average number of golf rounds played in England, Wales and Scotland during the final quarter of last year is up 10 per cent on the same period in 2015.

Richard Payne, SMS director of sports accounts, said: “Better weather in the final quarter has prevented four consecutive quarters of decline.” sportsmarketingsurveysinc.com

Close House, Newcastle-uponTyne (September 28-October 1). www.americangolf.co.uk/ free-shows

TAP INS n The All-Party Parliamentary Golf Group hosted representatives of the Golf and Health project last month.

Dr Roger Hawkes, the European Tour’s chief medical officer, and Dr Andrew Murray of Edinburgh University made presentations to assorted parliamentarians on the sport’s health benefits.

Research has found that playing golf improves life expectancy, cholesterol levels and body composition. It also decreases the risk of over 40 major chronic diseases and boosts wellness and self-confidence.

Baroness Nye of Lambeth, who chaired the meeting, said: “The Group was delighted to hear about the significant health benefits that golf provides. Golf is a sport for people of all ages, and I hope the findings of the

n Sports Marketing Surveys’ research into the participation levels and demographics of 27 sports in 21 countries has now been published.

The research, spanning 2014-16 and engaging 3,000 households per country, offers up-to-date information from the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Australia, USA, Japan and India.

“This research gives invaluable data and detailed insight into the key question of ‘who is

n A development group has been launched in Stoke-on-

Trent to tackle the challenge of attracting and retaining new club members.

The idea is based on similar local groups covering Merseyside, Derby, Chesterfield and High Peak.

The Stoke clubs involved include Trentham Park, Norton Bridge, Stone Driving Range, Barlaston, Onneley and Burslem.

Clubs throughout the region are welcome to join the new group and its next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 29, at Barlaston Golf Club.

The group aims to support campaigns like Get Into Golf, Golf Express and Girls Golf Rocks. www.getintogolf.org, www.staffsgolfpartnership. com www.englandgolf.org

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PGAS OF…

EUROPE

KIDS FROM AMERICA

U

.S. Kids Golf has cemented a development partnership with the PGAs of Europe.

The company’s clubs, up to 30 per cent lighter than those used by adults, are engineered to accommodate players of every ability level and height.

“Our plan for the partnership is to spread the word, especially in emerging markets,” said Lars-Hendrik Pirck, man-

aging director of ORGAHEAD Consulting Trading GmbH, the main U.S. Kids Golf distributor in Europe.

“We want to make it clear to people that kids should be playing with the right equipment so they can be successful, enjoy themselves and ultimately stay in the game,” Ian Randell, the PGAs of Europe’s chief executive, said. www.uskidsgolf.com

WRIGLEY ROMPS TO UAE VICTORY

A

lex Wrigley was in dominant form on the final two days to win the Mercedes-Benz International Pro-Am at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club in the UAE. Runner-up in both 2015 and 2016, the Hartlepool-based professional followed up his course-record 63 in the third round with a three-under-par 67 to close out the tournament

on 266.

The only significant challenge to the winner came from left-hander Chris Gane, who started the final round seven shots back but carded a closing 64 to post a ten-under-par total of 270.

However, Wrigley was unfazed by Gane’s charge and capped off his week with a birdie on the final green.

Third place, on 275, went

to Ondrej Lieser of the Czech Republic while the team competition was won by the Greek professional Christos Nikopoulas and his amateur partners Nikos Valsamidis, Sungjin Hwang and Moonwon Jo with a total of 268 Stableford points.

Second, nine points behind, was Wrigley and his amateur partners Jonathan Wrigley, Neil Ashby and John Fawcett. They finished a point clear of the

third-placed team of Westerhope Golf Club professional Michael Nesbit, Stephen Dixon, David Lawson and Tony Brown.

AEGEAN PRO-AM TAKING OFF AGAIN The 12th Aegean Airlines ProAm will be held over 54 holes

at the Costa Navarino resort in western Greece from June 7-10.

A total of 60 PGA professionals will compete for a prize fund

of €70,000 while each team will consist of one professional and three amateurs.

Scotland’s Carly Booth be-

came the event’s first female winner in 2016 following a final round of 67. www.aegeanproam.com

GERMANY CLAIMS MAIDEN VICTORY

G

ermany lifted the PGAs of Europe’s international team championship for the first time at Gloria Hotels & Resorts in Belek, southern Turkey.

The German trio of Dennis Küpper, Christopher Godson and Florian Jahn registered a 27-under par total to pip the

four British countries for the €6,000 winners’ cheque.

The Germans were tied for the lead going into the final round. But Küpper, who finished leading individual, steered his side to a threestroke victory over Scotland (Greig Hutcheon, Graham Fox and Greg McBain) with a five-

under-par 67.

The England team of Andrew Raitt, Paul Hendriksen and Stuart Brown ended on 21-under par while Ireland (Damian Mooney, Eamonn Brady and Michael McDermott) were a stroke further back and Wales (Garry Houston, Stuart Runcie and Liam Bond) were fifth on 19 under.

There was home success too for Turkey, who tied seventh overall but successfully defended the international team shield – for PGAs with 100 members or fewer.

The championship, hosted at Gloria for the third time and coinciding with the PGAs of Europe’s annual congress, consisted of 72 holes with the best two individual scores from three counting each day towards the team score.

PGAs of Europe chief executive Ian Randell said: “Gloria has been an excellent host. The facilities on offer are secondto-none and our delegates and competitors always have a great experience.”

Director of golf David Clare said: “2017 is the 20th anniversary of Gloria’s opening and it was a fitting event for us to host.

There was some high-quality golf and it was a pleasure to welcome the players and delegates once again.”

Gloria’s anniversary celebrations will continue with a Challenge Tour event sponsored by Turkish Airlines (April 20-23), Gloria Ladies Open week (April 23-30) and the Nuri Özaltin Gloria pro-am (May 13-20). www.gloria.com.tr and www.pgae.com

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Hasta La Manga Places are still available for teams to enter the €20,000 La Manga Club International

Pro-Am from March 6-10 at the famed resort in south-east Spain.

Pro-am competitors will

grapple with the testing North Course as well as play two rounds on the South Course – the scene of the 1975 Spanish

Open win by the late, great Arnold Palmer who redesigned it in 1996. www.pgae.com

PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR VICE-PRESIDENT

U

roš Gregorič, vice-president of the PGA of Slovenia, has received the PGAs of Europe’s president’s award for golf development.

The award acknowledges the work of an individual or specific project that has excelled in developing golf.

In addition to coaching the Slovenian and Serbian national teams at his own academy in Ljubljana, Gregorič has ac-

quired a reputation for ensuring Slovenian professionals are properly trained.

Gregorič said: “I am very proud of all the tutors who have done a great job of putting the programmes together. I am going to stay involved in education, definitely, and I want to improve players in Slovenia so we have male and female players on the European and PGA Tours. That’s our goal.”

WILLETT COACH SCOOPS JACOBS AWARD

Mike Walker, coach of Masters champion Danny Willett, has been awarded the John Jacobs award for teaching and

coaching.

Walker, nominated by the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland, has helped steer more than 40 European Tour players to success over the past decade.

“I feel very humbled and very proud – especially with John Jacobs linked to my roots at Hallamshire and Lindrick Golf Clubs at different stages,” said Walker, who has worked with fellow teacher Pete Cowen

PARAMOR’S FAVOURABLE RULING

J

ohn Paramor, the European Tour’s chief referee, was awarded the Christer Lindberg Bowl at the gala awards dinner following the PGAs of Europe’s annual congress in Turkey.

The award, named after the PGAs of Europe’s first chairman, is awarded to individuals or organisations in recognition of their impact on, and services to, golf.

Paramor, who has worked as a European Tour rules official for more than 40 years, said: “I’ve loved my life in golf so this is the icing on the cake. I’ve been very lucky to work with some fantastic people and I owe them for the chance it’s given me to try and help them.

“The first people I worked with were George O’Grady and Tony Gray, so I was able to take all their best points – well I hope I did anyway – and use them as my own! Now, of course, we are in the era of Keith Pelley who is bringing

freshness and vibrancy to the game.”

Paramor joined the European Tour in 1976 as a referee, was promoted to tournament director in 1979, director of Tour operations in 1985 and subsequently chief referee in 1991. He has officiated at more than 100 Majors and is approaching his 1,000th tournament.

Before receiving his award, Paramor had led a rules seminar with congress delegates. “So many PGAs of Europe professionals have to anchor the rules in their countries and teach the youngsters coming into the game,” he said.

Previous Christer Lindberg Bowl winners include O’Grady, Annika Sorenstam, Jaime Ortiz-Patiño, Neil Coles, Sir Michael Bonallack and Ken Schofield. *O’Grady has succeeded Paris lawyer Pierre Bechmann as honorary president of the PGAs of Europe.

since 2010. “One of my players, Matt Fitzpatrick, originates from Hallamshire and my first proper golf lesson was at Lindrick with Pete.”

The John Jacobs Award is the PGAs of Europe’s highest coaching accolade and is presented to a professional who has excelled as a golf coach at all levels of the game, be it with elite or beginner players.

Previous winners include

Neil Manchip, Michael Bannon and Salvador Luna – coaches respectively of Shane Lowry, Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia.

“What has driven me forward in coaching is an obsession with golf technique,” Walker said. “Being brutally honest it’s for selfish reasons to begin with, but when you don’t manage it yourself [as a player] the people you are actually teaching become the vehicle.”

LORENZO LIGHTS UP LUMINE

L

orenzo Gagli led from start to finish in the inaugural Lumine International Pro-Am near the ancient city of Tarragona on eastern Spain’s Costa Dorada.

Hot from tying third earlier in the week in harness with compatriot and former European Tour player Emanuele Canonica in the PGAs of Europe Fourball Championship, the Italian dominated all three rounds to emerge victorious with a three-underpar total of 211.

Gagli, who pipped Sweden’s Bjorn Pettersson by three shots for the €3,800 winner’s cheque, said: “I played very solid from tee to green... I missed a few putts on the back nine, but it was really windy so sometimes that happens.”

Completing the top three over the two Greg Norman-designed courses at Lumine Mediterránea Beach & Golf Club was Canoni-

ca, who finished on three-over par (217).

The pro-am team competition was won by French professional Eric Colletta and his trio of amateurs – Pierre Fedrigo, Baptiste Montaut and Simon Cohen – with 256 Stableford points.

Earlier, England’s Paul Hendriksen (left) and James Ruth (right) produced a dazzling closing round to win the Fourball Championship and €6,150 with a 17-under par total of 197. While many of the 48 pairs that made the 36-hole cut struggled to find their rhythm on the final day, Hendriksen and Ruth blitzed to the turn in five-under par.

Runners-up, two shots back, were Spanish pair Casabona Navarro and García Simarro while Gagli and Canonica, and Liam Murray and Xavier Puig, representing the PGA of Spain, tied for third on 201.

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PGA

NEWS

P

GA members in Scotland can look forward to plenty of competitive days on the 2017 Tartan Tour schedule.

For the second successive year, the grand finale will be

TARTAN TOUR DATES REVEALED

the M&H Logistics Scottish PGA Championship over the King’s Course at Gleneagles from October 16-19.

A month earlier, the P&H Championship returns to

AGE NO BARRIER TO DISTANCE

A

golfer approaching her 91st birthday is hitting the ball 15 yards further than she did five years ago, thanks to help from her PGA coach.

Frustrated by her loss of distance, Brenda Chapman sought a remedy from former Ladies European Tour professional Caroline Grady,

NAME CHECKS n Jordan Spieth’s swing coach Cameron McCormick will be one of the guest speakers at the PGA of Sweden’s summit meeting from March 8-10 at Hotel Tylösand in Halmstad. n Jonathan Paine, who has worked for the PGA North region since 2009, has been promoted to secretary. n Robert Moss, the former pro at Mendip Spring Golf Club in Somerset, is the new secretary for the PGA in England & Wales (South West) region.

who teaches at the QGolf Academy at Dunston Hall in Norfolk.

Grady, based at Dunston Hall for more than a decade, said: “Brenda has been playing golf for over 65 years and is in great physical shape. I am so proud of her work ethic, desire and passion – not only for golf, but in her daily life. With golf, age is no object if you’re passionate about the game and love to play.

She is an incredible student and I am very honoured and proud to teach her.

“It is a reality of life that as you get older you can lose distance.

But Brenda has proved that by making alterations to technique you can regain those lost yards.”

the Renaissance Club in East Lothian from September 18-20.

Sandwiched between those two events is the Highland Golf Links Pro-Am at Castle Stuart, Nairn and Royal Dornoch from October 2-4.

The curtain-raiser will be the Northern Open at Moray Golf Club from June 6-8 while also counting towards the Order of Merit, and offering five spots in the field for the tournament proper at Dundonald Links in Ayrshire, will be the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish

Open qualifier from July 8-9 at a venue to be confirmed.

The schedule also features more than 30 proams, including a four-day international gathering at Gleneagles from July 25-28 and a visit to Trump Turnberry in aid of Ayrshire Hospice.

The Scottish Young Professionals’ Championship will be played at West Lothian from June 27-29 and a series of seniors’ tournaments is also planned. pgagbi.bluegolf.com

THE CHEQUE’S IN GOOD HANDS

T

he PGA donated £50,000 to the Golf Foundation during its recent annual luncheon in London.

Golf Foundation chairman Stephen Lewis, who received the cheque from PGA captain Nicky Lumb (pictured left) with Ian Poulter in attendance, said: “The PGA continues to be a major supporter while increasing numbers of professionals are helping to make golf accessible and fun for a greater mix of young people.”

One of the Golf Foundation’s key initiatives is the PGAendorsed Junior Golf Passport which has proved particularly popular with pros.

“The vast majority of our PGA Members run junior programmes, many in conjunction with the Golf Foundation, and often give their skill and expertise on a voluntary basis to encourage new generations of golfers,” said PGA chief executive Sandy Jones.

NEW AGENDA AT SILVERMERE

T

eaching professionals at Silvermere Golf & Leisure in Surrey have given the thumbs-up to their new online diary and lesson booking system.

Developed over the past eight years by Amsterdam-based ProAgenda.com, the service has already been installed by 30 UK customers for nearly 100 teaching professionals.

“Not so long ago we were using paper-based systems; then we started using a modified online tee-time booking app,” said Silvermere director Terry Sims. “But with mobile technology developing

so rapidly, we were acutely aware that tailor-made lessonbooking diary apps for teaching professionals were becoming available.

“We wanted a system that could manage all the diaries for our 15 professional staff with a communications facility so each of them could communicate with their customers, and vice versa.

“After looking at three systems in depth, one was way out in front: ProAgenda.com. The guy behind it, Bob Kruijs, used to be a teaching professional, so he naturally understood everything any teaching pro

ever needed in an online lesson diary.

“Its design incorporates everything they’ve learnt from their customers – that’s well over 200 in the Netherlands alone.

To me, that makes ProAgenda. com the most reliable choice of technology for a challenging retail and teaching operation like Silvermere.

“Its cost is competitive too and while cost is less important than reliability and effectiveness at Silvermere it’s nice to know it’s not going to take an unfair amount off our teaching professionals’ lesson revenues.” www.proagenda.com

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PEOPLE

Q&A

GETTING A HANDLE ON

PUSHING OR PULLING…

PowaKaddy CEO David Catford assesses the powered trolley market as he sees it What is your background and how did you come to work for PowaKaddy?

“I grew up in Whitstable in north Kent and went to school in nearby Herne Bay. My first real job was in April 1983 when I joined PowaKaddy.”

What is your role at PowaKaddy and what attracted you to the company?

“I’m the CEO. I was inspired to join PowaKaddy and the golf sector by my father Joe, who invented the first commercially successful electric golf trolley in April 1983. I shared that passion with my father from the moment I joined PowaKaddy. I left PowaKaddy in 1994 to join my father and brother at a new trolley firm called Hill Billy. In 2000 we sold Hill Billy to a consortium headed up by my current chairman, John deGraft-Johnson, who had bought PowaKaddy. In 2012, an opportunity arose for me to team up with John again to purchase the company and it’s been a successful move.”

Where is PowaKaddy positioned in the market and who do you see as your core clientele?

“PowaKaddy is positioned at the premium end of the trolley market and in over 30 years we’ve built our status as the No.1 brand. More PowaKaddy trolleys have been sold than any other brand – an achievement we’re especially proud of.”

Are powered trolleys designed with older golfers in mind or are these products for all ages?

“When the business started, powered trolleys were favoured by older golfers but they aren’t designed for any type of golfer now – players of all ages and abilities will benefit from using an electric trolley. Electric trolleys are now a genuine performance enhancer, rather than a functional piece of equipment.”

How big a market, actual and potential, do you feel the powered trolleys’ sector is?

“There is definite potential to grow the powered trolley market and there’s still an education process for golfers who carry or push their golf bag. An electric trolley helps maintain energy on the course and therefore has a genuine impact on performance.”

How important an innovation have lithium batteries been for your sector?

“It’s been an important innovation, probably the biggest in the electric trolley market since PowaKaddy pioneered the use of sealed lead-acid batteries in 1984. In the last five years, golfers have really bought into the benefits of Lithium batteries. With PowaKaddy Lithium, the golfer has benefited from having the most powerful lithium battery on the market, as well as our unique Plug ‘n’ Play system.”

With Freeway trolley sales now beyond half a million, how many customers are repeat business, looking to upgrade, and how many are new to PowaKaddy or first-time buyers?

“It’s hard to say exactly, but often golfers tell us they’re on their second or third PowaKaddy. The company’s double-digit growth over the last two to three years suggests a significant amount of new owners.

Breaking that half-million barrier was a real landmark for the company, but also testament to our retail partners who do a fantastic job in promoting the brand.”

Given the rules prohibiting in-competition information like wind speed and direction, how much further can you go with technological enhancements?

“There are restrictions, but we see these as a challenge. Our R&D team lead the way with innovations and industry ‘firsts’.

More of these will appear in our 2017 range!”

What are your marketing priorities and sales targets in 2017?

“Sadly, I can’t give these away, but the brand will up its marketing and PR investments in 2017 to drive further growth for the company and its retail partners.

Last year, we recorded a 15 per cent growth in sales value and we’ll always strive to get better every year.”

important as it is for the PGA professional. A fleet pays for itself in a matter of weeks.

There are fantastic revenue opportunities for golf clubs and resorts of all sizes. Last year we had a 59 per cent growth in the number of rental units and 2017 has started strongly with new partnerships at high-profile resorts like The Carrick and The Grove.”

Does PowaKaddy still produce pull trolleys? If so, how big a percentage of the overall business are they?

“We have the TwinLine 4, which has sold well over the past few years. Whilst it only forms a small part of our overall business, there will always be a market for push trolleys.”

What is the company’s timetable in terms of new and follow-up product launches?

“We’re launching the next generation of our award-winning Freeway range from March 1.

Despite innovative enhancements, including intelligent new screens on the FW3i and FW5i, we’ve kept the price point the same. In April, we’re launching our new compact C2 model with its simple-2-fold frame.

And later in the season, we will bring something completely new to the trolley industry!” www.powakaddy.com

In a competitive marketplace, how do you set out to interact with your retailers?

“The marketplace is competitive, but we have a first-class team of area sales managers, led by David Howse. We have that personal touch with individual retailers, as well as the important buying groups, and our customer services team is always on hand to offer assistance when required. This year we’re backing all our retail partners with stunning point of sale and the most exciting product line in our history.”

How important is the rental market? Do you lease the trolleys to the pro with a service agreement or does the pro buy the trolleys outright?

“The rental market is very

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21/02/2017 18:04

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29/02/2016 15:41 21/02/2017 12:16

EQUIPMENT

NEWS

C

JAILBREAK UNLEASHED BY CALLAWAY

allaway Golf’s innovative Jailbreak technology could transform the drivers’ market following the arrival of the new Great Big Bertha Epic and Great Big Bertha Epic Sub Zero (both RRP £469).

Jailbreak changes the way the clubhead behaves at impact to promote more distance for every type of player.

Currently, the key structural components of a driver – crown, sole and face – deform at impact, and because they’re connected they influence each other’s dynamics. Jailbreak positions two slender titanium bars parallel to each other behind the face, connected to the crown and sole. The size, strength and position of each bar creates a new dynamic relationship between the crown, sole and face. The result is a profound change in how the head, as a whole, behaves at impact, resulting in more speed across a much larger area.

Epic’s clubhead consists of an aerospace-grade titanium Exo-cage outfitted with a crown and sole panels made of triaxial carbon, an unusually light and strong composite material.

Nearly half of the head’s surface – 46 per cent – consists of triaxial carbon, with the crown weighing just 9.7g and the sole just 5.8g. That’s the lightest crown of any Callaway driver.

Epic’s increased accuracy is rooted in the adjustable perimeter-weighting technology that enables a golfer to adjust the club to suit their swing.

The drivers are available in four premium shaft options, distinguished by weight class: Project X HZRDUS Green, MRC

Diamana Greenboard, Fujikura Pro Green and Aldila Rogue Max. Meanwhile, the Great Big Bertha Epic Sub Zero Driver marries Tour performance characteristics with forgiveness.

“Tour drivers typically emphasise the performance better players want most – speed, low spin and control – at the expense of forgiveness,” said Dr Alan Hocknell, Callaway’s senior vice president of R&D. “GBB Epic Sub Zero’s combination of Tour performance and forgiveness make it a breakthrough in driver engineering.”

The Epic fairway woods (RRP £279) are offered in five lofts – 3+, 3, 5, 7 and 9 – and the Epic Sub Zero fairway woods are available in 13.5°, 15° and 18° lofts. *Callaway’s new Steelhead XR Pro irons (3-AW), featuring a more compact head with a thinner top line and narrower sole width than the Steelhead XR, will be in store across Europe from march 17 (RRP £759). The stock shaft offering is True Temper XP 105 Stepless Steel in Regular, Stiff and X-Stiff. *The Mack Daddy forged wedge (RRP £139) has been unveiled by Callaway designer Roger Cleveland. Forged from soft 1025c steel, with a squarer toe, straighter leading edge and loft options between 50° and 60°, the Mack Daddy has a 16-groove configuration that incorporates an added groove at the bottom, close to the leading edge, to promote stopping power. It also has a crescent sole and mid bounce so controlled shots can be played from all types of grass. www.callawaygolf.com

TAYLORMADE IRONS FOR THE BETTER PLAYER

T

aylorMade Golf’s new P770 and P750 Tour Proto irons, aimed at the better player, will be available at retail from March 17.

The P770 (RRP £1,049 for seven irons) features a forged carbon-steel face/hosel and precision-milled faces and grooves. The longer irons

(3-7) have a 70gm tungsten back-bar weighting while the shorter irons (8-AW) have a one-piece forged cavity-back construction.

The P750 Tour Proto irons (RRP £1,499 for seven irons) feature a thinner topline than the P770 and minimal offset for a blade-like look.

*TaylorMade’s new Milled Grind wedges have leading edges and three different sole grinds that are individually CNC milled to ensure consistency from club to club and grind to grind. Available at retail from March 15 at an MSRP of £139. www.taylormadegolf.com

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SHOT-MAKERS’ IRONS FROM PING

T

he new PING i200 irons have a more dynamic face and cavity structure to promote faster ball speeds and greater forgiveness.

“The i200 iron is engineered for golfers who want an iron with a clean look that delivers exceptional feel, distance and forgiveness while providing the trajectory control they need to play with precision,” said John A. Solheim, PING’s chairman and CEO. “It’s a shotmaker’s iron by design, but it will fit a lot of golfers because it’s so easy to play.”

The stainless-steel head has a hydropearl chrome finish that repels moisture and minimises fliers. The face (30 per cent thinner than the i irons) and tuning port structure produce weight savings that are redistributed towards the toe and hosel.

The stock shaft is the proprietary PING AWT 2.0, but KBS Tour, Dynamic Gold, N. S. Pro Modus3 105, XP 95, and Project X can also be fitted at no upcharge.

Available 3-9, PW, UW (RRP: £120 per club, steel shaft; £130 per club, graphite shaft). *The new Glide 2.0 has sharper groove edges than any previous PING wedge. Intended to deliver increased spin rates and trajectory control, the grooves in the lower-lofted wedges (46°, 50° and 52°) are milled with a 20° sidewall and a .005-inch edge radius while the higher-lofted versions (54°, 56°, 58° and 60°) are

milled to a .004-inch edge radius and a 28° sidewall.

Available with four sole grinds (SS, WS, ES and TS), the Glide 2.0 has RRPs of £130 (steel shaft) and £140 (graphite). *Multi-piece face technology based on the soles of trainers inspired the new PING Sigma G putters. “The combination of high-grade elastomer and fully machined aerospace-grade aluminium over the entire face delivers an amazing feel and sound,” said John A. Solheim.

The Pebax elastomer, a material commonly used in the soles of trainers for its elasticity properties, is a lightweight, high-energy compound that delivers a soft yet responsive feel. Sigma G putters come in 16 options (RRPs £175-£199), finished either in platinum or black nickel. *PING’s new G Le (Ladies edition) line of clubs for women includes a driver, fairway woods, iron/hybrid set and three putters. The driver (RRP £319) has a standard loft of 11.5° while the fairway woods (RRP £185 each) are available in 3W (19.0º), 5W (22.5º), 7W (26.0º) and 9W (30.0º). The stainlesssteel irons (RRP £107 per club) come in 5-9, PW, UW and SW, and are complemented by three hybrids (£107 each when bought with a minimum of five irons, othersie £160) – 4H (22.0º), 5H (26.0º) and 6H (30.0º). The putters are Caru, Arna (RRP £160) and Oslo (£229). www.ping.com

ODYSSEY UNVEILS MICROHINGE PUTTER

O

dyssey’s 2017 O-Works Putter line introduces the brand’s new microhinge face insert technology.

Microhinge technology consists of a 304 stainlesssteel hinge plate backed by a soft thermoplastic elastomer inner layer. The hinge plate is populated with ‘microhinges’ designed to flex gently and rebound at impact to impart forward spin.

Robot tests indicate that microhinge technology

promotes almost twice as much forward-spin as Odyssey’s Fusion RX insert.

Austie Rollinson, Odyssey’s chief designer, said: “The microhinge is incredibly difficult to manufacture but it has, quite simply, created a whole new way in which the golf ball rolls off the putter face.” www.odysseygolf.com

COBRA WEDGES OFFER VERSATILITY

C

obra Golf’s KING PŪR wedges feature an unplated stainless-steel finish for maximum spin and improved feel, versatility and precision around the greens “We recognise that not all golfers approach the short game with the same shot-making strategy, and turf interaction varies widely from course to course and according to the conditions. Thus, we designed our KING PŪR wedges with three grind options to better fit the

needs of golfers with different short-games,” said Jose Miraflor, Cobra Golf’s senior director of product marketing at COBRA Golf KING PŪR wedges (RRP £89), available in lofts ranging from 52-60º, also have wider grooves, closer gapping on the higher lofts and thinner, deeper grooves on the lower lofts.

Depending on grind preference, KING PŪR wedges will be available at retail from March 17. www.cobragolf.co.uk

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23/02/2017 14:45

PEOPLE

Q&A

arrive at the correct distance per club?

Shot Scope users are provided with both a straight average, showing everything including outliers, and a performance average, from which the outliers are removed giving the golfer a true reflection of how far they hit the ball with a good strike.

Gavin Dear, the chief commercial officer of Shot Scope, is under the spotlight constantly collecting my own stats and therefore believed in the product straight away. The opportunity to join a Scottish company involved in golf was the ideal opportunity for me.

What is your background and how did you come to work for Shot Scope?

I played as an amateur for Scotland and was part of the 2009 Walker Cup team. Then I turned professional and played for four years, mainly on the Challenge Tour. In 2013 I retired from competitive golf to pursue success elsewhere. At this point I enrolled in the Saltire Foundation’s fellowship programme which began my career in the business world. When I was on the Saltire programme, David Hunter, Shot Scope’s CEO, invited me to be involved with the company and I officially joined Shot Scope in February 2015.

What is your role at Shot Scope and what attracted you to the company?

I run the commercial team at Shot Scope, which includes support, marketing, graphic design and course mapping. It’s an exciting position to hold. I get involved with everything from design to manufacturing to course mapping. I was attracted to the company because of my personal experience as a pro golfer. When I was a pro, I was

Do you personally concentrate on the UK market or do you have a wider remit?

We’re passionate about bringing performance tracking to every golfer, so I have a global approach to marketing. That said, the UK golf community has been hugely receptive to the technology and we have made a conscious effort to work with PGA professionals.

As a former professional, what do you feel is Shot Scope’s USP – as a teaching aid for pros or more for individuals to monitor their own games?

Shot Scope has two key aspects which, when combined, provide huge potential for both teaching pros and individuals.

First, there’s the data giving golfers insights into their game and capabilities. Then there’s how this is collected. It’s all done in the background and doesn’t disturb play. Combining the two allows the golfer to play as normal and then learn from their data, which is a true reflection of how they play because they don’t need to alter their routine.

The data is ideal for PGA professionals to use when teaching.

Does Shot Scope measure every aspect of the game – from driving to chipping and putting?

Yes, Shot Scope has been built from the ground up by golfers and this first-hand knowledge has driven the performance analytics. From your first tee shot until your last putt, the system will track and collect data.

The product has been built specifically for golf, so specialist technology has been developed to fulfil the needs of the market. For example, PinCollect is exclusive to Shot Scope and allows the system to accurately gather putting statistics as well as precise pin locations. Shot Scope’s putting insights are far more advanced than you can access anywhere else.

How much has the brand grown since its launch just over a year ago?

It’s incredible how the brand and company has changed in only a year. Shot Scope has been used in 27 countries and we’re about to roll out to over 100 UK pro shops who have placed orders. The team has doubled in size and we now have 19 people working in our Edinburgh office. The reviews and feedback so far have been fantastic and it’s been encouraging to share this directly with the people who have

built the product.

When analysing a golfer’s shots, what information does it gather and process apart from distance and accuracy?

The best way to get a feel for the Shot Scope dashboard is to look at our demo account on the website. Shot Scope breaks down each individual area of the game but also links up the golfer’s game to improve understanding. For example, do you know the effect of lie with the same club/distance and how your score changes? Shot Scope breaks down the lie type so golfers can choose a better strategy off the tee.

Where is the information stored so the golfer or teacher can readily access it?

Post-round all of the data gathered is available to view on our website, iOS or Android app. There are no subscriptions and the golfer’s account stores as many rounds as they upload.

Shot Scope golfers have 24/7 access to their statistics, so you can bring the on-course experience with you wherever you go in the palm of your hand.

What is the company’s timetable in terms of new and follow-up product launches?

Being a technology company puts innovation at the core of what we do. We’re constantly developing new software, from releasing new performance pages to app upgrades. Shot Scope users are engaged with the team and are constantly providing feedback to help us improve and maximise their experience. www.shotscope.com

Given that most amateurs mishit the ball more often than flush it, how does Shot Scope

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21/02/2017 21:23

www.seignosse.fr

GOLF DE SEIGNOSSE

Landes, France.

Concession notice

Golf de Seignosse, whose course was designed by the architect Robert van Haggue, is located in a protected forest environment, close to the Ocean as well as one of France’s most renowned tourist locations. The Town of Seignosse, owner of the golf, intends on developing its drawing power and considers this golf to be a major tool in its touristic development.

The town shows its clear ambition of making Seignosse Golf a quality course, which carries attractive touristic potential and which is recognised, on a national and international level, for it’s high level competitions. To maintain its level of quality and attraction, the golf today requires modernisation, which the Commune of Seignosse intends to give to a concessionary for duration of eighteen years so as to leverage a high level of investment.

Legal nature of this agreement The concession is a Public Service Delegation Contract at the risk and peril of the concessionary, according to article L1411-1 of the General code of the regional government (said: collectivités territoriales (CGCT)).

Designation of installations: • A 6 129m, 18 hole par 72 golf course • A driving range, with putting green and pitching zone.

• A club house with restaurant.

• A shop.

Object of the concession An 18 hole golf and with driving range, club house and technical installations located avenue de Belvédère 40510 Seignosse.

Role of concessionary The Concessionary protects and finances, in particular: • The large repairs and renewal of goods classed as property to return.

• The draining of the course in winter seasons so as to curb the overflow onto riverside properties.

• The renovation of paths.

• The management of forest plots.

• The renovation of the sprinkling system.

• The addition of water points throughout the course.

• The construction of a sanitary bloc on hole number 10.

• The complete refurbishment of the driving range (boxes and floors).

• The modification of the course by the improvement of the pathway, renovation of the tee starts, the reconfiguration of the holes including the securing of hole number 11 • The flattening of the mounds For more information, please contact Seignosse Town Hall at: MAIRIE DE SEIGNOSSE 1998, avenue Charles-de-Gaulle 40510 Seignosse – France Tel: +33 5 58 49 89 89 By email mairie@seignosse.fr

Ad_Layouts.indd Annonce SGB Golf1English.indd 1

• The creation of a 3 hole course for « Pitch & Putt ».

Duration From the 25th November 2017, or it’s date of notification if later than the 25th November 2017, to the 25th November 2035.

Financial Regime of the agreement The Concessionary will pay an occupation of public domain fee, comprising a fixed indexed share (of 180 000 € per year) and a variable share expressed in percentages of gross exploitation.

Right of Entry: 264 197€.

The concession notice in full is published on the BOAMP (www.boamp.fr) Address of the buyer profile: https://marchespublics.landespublic.org.

Deadline for submission of applications and offers: 12th April 2017 at 15:00.

“narrow fairways, steep slopes, and contoured greens which require strategic and pinpoint iron play”

Jeff Barr, 1001 Golf Holes You Must Play Before You Die

21/02/2017 04/02/2017 12:17 21:09

APPAREL

NEWS SPIETH ONE KICKS OFF

I

n addition to making five PGA Tour appearances before the end of February, including four top-10 finishes, Jordan Spieth has just completed a global promotional tour with Under Armour that has taken in Tokyo, Seoul, Los Angeles and Mexico City.

“I couldn’t be more excited

to officially unveil my first signature shoe, the Spieth One, with Under Armour,” said the 23-year-old double Major winner. “I worked closely with the Under Armour footwear team to design this innovative shoe that is grounded in the details of my game.”

The Spieth One’s technical features rotational resistance

traction, which prevents the feet from rotating during the swing, from load up to impact, a one-seam upper and dual durometer outsole for flexibility.

“This is an exciting moment for Under Armour. We’re honored to introduce the Spieth One,” said Under Armour spokesman Kevin Ross.

The Spieth One debuted at retail on March 1 and will be available in the UK at an RRP of £150 (€191 in Ireland). www.underarmour.co.uk *The Golfing Union of Ireland has sealed an exclusive, technical partnership with Under Armour so its teams’ official green shirts will all bear the Under Armour logo in 2017.

GALVIN GREEN GOES ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT

G

alvin Green has created a large range of ultralightweight clothing that incorporates original fabrics for the 2017 golf season.

The collection contains more than 100 garments and accessories, including 25 new lines for men, 28 for ladies plus an enlarged junior offering. Colours include Deep Ocean blue and Apple, plus the return of Navy.

Marking a 15-year association with the Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, the Japanese-made C-Knit backer features in threelayer stretch fabric jackets and trousers that can ’slide & glide’ over garments underneath. The new jackets include the full-zip Argon and half-zip Aldrin (each comes in three colour options)

and are matched by Arn trousers.

Meanwhile, the Bow half-zip jacket in a new Gore windstopper fabric that weighs only 107gms, or the equivalent of just two golf balls, is windproof, water repellent and breathable, and comes in three colours and sizes S-3XL. The warm-layer Insula pullover is now offered in a version that is 15 per cent lighter than before and the Ventil8 range of premium shirts come in short and long sleeves and feature bodymapping technology and UV protection 20+.

Headlining the ladies’ garments are the full-zip Alyssa and Adriana jackets and Aisha and Astrid trousers. www.galvingreen.com

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23/02/2017 17:01

LONG HITTERS INSPIRE CROSS

F

unction and fashion have been the guiding principles behind Cross Sportswear’s apparel since it first launched in 1986.

This is still the case with its SS17 collection, inspired by the Swedish long drive team including women’s world record-holder Sandra Carlborg.

At the elite level, long driving competitors need comfortable, well-fitted clothes that provide freedom of movement and physiological support, as well as protection from the elements.

The range features a wide range of natural materials, including cotton, wool and bamboo charcoal, as well as man-made fibres, such as polyester and nylon.

The polo shirts for women come in eight different designs and RRPs varying between £43 and £60. These include the narrow-fit Classic which is available in four colours and sizes XS-XL, the summerthemed Leaf which consists of three designs and is available in sizes XS-XXL, the two-toned

Push, the collarless Nostalgia and the distinctive Big Logo.

The shorts and skorts (RRPs £55-65) have been designed to suit all climatic conditions with a palette to match the polo shirt range while the H2OFF Slender Pants (RRP £84) are lightweight, quick drying and available in a variety of sizes (34-46 waist) and colours. The stretch Capri trousers (RRPs £60-65) remain popular with their comfortable, stylish, slim-fitting cut in four colours. www.cross-sportswear.com

A

ADIDAS KEEPS IT COOL

didas Golf’s SS17 collection aims to keep golfers cool, dry, and comfortable while maximising performance through its climachill, climacool and climaproof technologies.

Sported by world No.1 Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose, the men’s range offers the Ultimate 365 3-Stripes pant along with the Heather Block Competition and Chevron polos and Ultimate Adistar Bermuda shorts. www.adidas.com/golf

NEW TAKES IN PUMA’S JUNIOR DESIGNS

P

UMA Golf’s new SS17 collection for juniors presents new takes on classic designs, patented cuttingedge technologies, fun detailing and an evolved offering for girls.

“We want junior golfers to have access to great technologies, performance and style for wear on and off the course,” said Kristin Hinze, PUMA Golf’s head of apparel. “We are offering PWRWARM layering technology to juniors for the first time along with performance-ready polos, bottoms, accessories and even DISC footwear.”

The new Levels Polo Jr. for boys has the same dry-cell technologies and UV protection as the established Road Map and Essential Pounce designs while the PWRWARM quarter-zip for juniors features the latest layering technology.

The footwear options include a junior version of Rickie Fowler’s Hi-Tops along with Grip Sport Junior DISC shoes (RRP £50). *PUMA Golf’s new DISC shoes for men (Titan Tour Ignite) and women (Blaze) are now available (RRPs between £90 and £150). www.cobragolf.co.uk/pumagolf

COMFORT CONTOURS FROM FOOTJOY

F

ootJoy has radically upgraded its comfortorientated Contour Series of golf shoes.

“With a successful category like Contour, the tendency is to implement minor enhancements over the life of the product, but that’s not something we subscribe to,” said Doug Robinson, vice-president of golf footwear worldwide.

“From the moment a product is created, we start looking for ways to enhance every detail

– from the overall design and materials, to every stitch and groove, to the laces and cleats.”

The key features include a flexible and durable outsole, a soft, light midsole and a full rounded toe character with a standard instep and heel.

The U-Throat lacing system provides a more generous fit and the shoes also come with an Achilles pad and greenfriendly Pulsar cleats from SoftSpikes. www.FootJoy.co.uk

OSCAR’S LATEST NOMINATION

O

scar Jacobson’s SS17 collection features the high-tech Torex Field sensor fabric from Japan which raises polo shirt technology and UV-protection to new levels in humid or sunny conditions.

Torex Field sensor disperses perspiration efficiently and quickly by wicking it from the body to the fabric’s outside where it can then evaporate and diffuse more rapidly.

The headline shirts will be the Ivo Pin, a flat-knit collar polo available in five colours, and the Egon, available in four colours. Alric, a pique-knit polo in three colours with a stiff flat-knit collar and eyecatching sleeve, and the Ace polo, available in three colours, complete the range.

The collection also includes a classic Wyatt and Rutger V-neck sweaters, both woven from Cashwool, an extra-fine merino wool crafted by Baruffa at its Borgosesia plant in northern Italy. www.oscarjacobson.com

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23/02/2017 17:01

APPAREL

NEWS

SOLHEIM DEAL FOR CUTTER & BUCK

C

utter & Buck has been named official apparel partner for the European team for the Solheim Cup match against the United States at Des Moines Golf & Country Club in Iowa from August 14-20.

Jake Rawson, Cutter & Buck’s global director of sales, said the company is working on the team’s uniform design in collaboration with team captain Annika Sorenstam, who has been a brand ambassador since 2004.

“The Solheim Cup has always

ECCO

E

CCO Golf has introduced a spikeless shoe that utilises a new sole design to aid grip and performance.

The ECCO Cage Pro features a SPYDR-GRIP outsole and a HYDROMAX treated leather upper.

The SPYDR-GRIP outsole is less abrasive on the greens and minimises dirt clogging while the Cage Pro’s anatomical design aligns and moves in unison with the foot’s ligaments and muscles “With Cage Pro, we’ve been able to take golf shoe design to a new dimension,” said Michael Waack, ECCO’s head of global golf. golf.ecco.com

KASCO

W

ith winter’s chill still in the air, demand for Kasco’s highperformance winter golf gloves (RRP £29.99) persists.

The gloves, washable and touchscreen friendly with silicone on the palm and thumb, are made of Heatwarm microfleece material and feature a Velcro wrist enclosure to help store heat inside.

“The hands link the movement of the body to the

G/FORE

been one of my favourite events,” said Sorenstam, who played in the match eight times between 1994 and 2007.

“It’s a tremendous honour to have Team Europe wear my collection.”

The European players will primarily wear brightly hued uniforms in blue and yellow team colours. The team’s headwear will be created

by Ahead, a sister company of Cutter & Buck. www.cutterbuck.com

SKECHERS CALLAWAY

G

S

C

strike of the golf ball, so it’s important to keep them as comfortable as possible in all

conditions,” said Tony Fletcher, Brand Fusion’s UK sales manager. “These gloves offer a

superb fit and excellent grip in the coldest weather.” www.brandfusionltd.co.uk

/FORE and Peter Millar have teamed up to collaborate on an innovative line of golf shoes.

The new range combines G/FORE’s custom design and footwear expertise with classic Peter Millar styling.

Available in three styles – the Brogue Gallivanter, the Pintuck Gallivanter and the Disruptor – the shoes feature an athletic fit with premium waterproof leather upper in colours which complement Peter Millar’s autumn 2017 collection.

G/FORE founder Mossimo Giannulli said: “We have collectively designed elegant, premium golf shoes that speak to the traditional Peter Millar DNA without losing the G/FORE edge.”

Scott Mahoney, chairman and CEO of Peter Millar, said: “I admire the incredible sense of style and exceptional quality that G/FORE has created over the years. This collaboration provides the Peter Millar guy with great on-course footwear that doesn’t sacrifice style.”

International shipping will begin in May 2017. www.gfore.com and www. petermillar.co.uk

kechers hopes its latest GO GOLF shoe collection makes similarly impressive strides as its 2016 predecessor.

The new GO GOLF collection has seven new additions – five for men and two for women.

Heading the men’s collection are the Pro 2 and Pro 2-LX (RRPs £129/£142) which deliver maximum grip along with a low profile, quickrelease outsole that preserves stability on any terrain.

The Elite 2 (RRP £102) features a durable bottom grip and a fresh, sleek look while the Focus and Focus Collegiate (both RRP £139) offer cushioning and lightweight stability. The rest of the men’s range consists of the Drive 2, Drive 2-LX (both RRP £79) and Fairway (RRP £77).

The women’s collection features the Birdie and BirdieTropic shoes (both RRP £77) and Birdie-Tour (RRP £92), all modern-looking and spikeless. www.skechers.co.uk

allaway Golf’s 2017 footwear collection blends performanceenhancing design features with innovative styles and striking colours for men and women.

Featuring 43 different shoe styles and colour combinations, the offering is split into four sub-collections – X Series, Chev Series, Del Mar Series and Sky Series.

Duncan Patmore, Callaway Europe’s footwear manager, said: “Our 2017 family pushes the performance boundaries a stage further thanks to a host of ground-breaking technologies.”

The Xfer Fusion gives golfers the comfort of a spikeless shoe with the performance of cleats and has a lateral power wall that prevents side foot slippage during the swing.

The Chev Vent takes design inspiration from 1980s running shoes while the Del Mar Retro combines high-quality leather with an opti-soft drop-in footbed.

The Sky Series for women is headlined by the Halo Pro, Ozone and Sunset Pro lines. www.callawaygolf.com

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23/02/2017 17:05

A GIANT OF THE GAME

Tributes continue to flow in to mark the extraordinary life and career of golf’s Renaissance Man, John Jacobs OBE, who died last month aged 91

T

he modern game would simply not be the same without this sporting visionary, a tall, straight-talking Yorkshireman with a ready smile and the charm of a diplomat.

For a generation, Jacobs was the game’s leading teacher. He also invented the European Tour, captained the first two European Ryder Cup teams, and earned plaudits for his laconic yet informative style as an ITV commentator. In his spare time, he designed several courses, including The Buckinghamshire and the Edinburgh layout at Wentworth, was a club pro for nigh on two decades and, almost as an afterthought, was a decent player, borne out by his 100 per cent record in the Ryder Cup. Fifty years from now, his influence will still resonate. He was equally at home working with beginners like the wife of King Leopold of Belgium, who he warned would become “the biggest hooker on the continent” if she didn’t change her grip, and global stars like Jack Nicklaus, whose driving problems he ironed out during the 1969 Open at Lytham.

Subliminally, few golfers remain untouched

by Jacobs’ genius and his infectious love for the game.

As a coach he transformed the fundamentals with his revolutionary philosophy based on ball flight, clubface alignment and swing path. Through his coaching schools, promotion of driving ranges, videos, clinics, TV series and best-selling instruction books like the 1972 masterpiece Practical Golf, his methods spread way beyond the UK, across America and around the world.

Everyone, from the best to the worst, could understand his teaching. “Keep it

simple,” he insisted. “It’s two turns and a swish. Open the door, close the door. There’s nothing much more to it than that.”

But his mastery and understanding of the nuances of technique were second to none.

He wrote the PGA’s first training manual and half a century later his principles still inform every professional’s education.

Jacobs’ legacy will benefit generations to come not just on the practice ground but also in the corridors of power where his innovative thinking had a similar, far-reaching impact.

For more than 20 years he was the driving force behind the gradual separation of the tournament players division from the PGA. And within months of taking control in 1971, he had increased the number of events, crucially adding many continental championships to the schedule and doubling the prize money on offer.

In doing so, he laid the foundations for the modern European Tour, long regarded as the blueprint for all successful sports administrations.

THE EARLY DAYS Jacobs was born in Woodsetts, Yorkshire, to Bob and Vivian Jacobs, respectively the professional and stewardess at Lindrick Golf Club. He joined the RAF during World War II but did not see active service.

After the war, he worked briefly as an unpaid assistant to his cousin Jack Jacobs, who had taken over at Lindrick following his father’s death. Once demobbed in 1947, he took his first paid job as an assistant at Hallamshire Golf Club near Sheffield, and the following year was runner-up in the Yorkshire Professional Championship at Oakdale.

In 1949, after marrying Rita (who died in 2006), Jacobs became the professional at Gezira Sporting Club in Cairo, Egypt, but the Suez Crisis prompted an abrupt departure three years later. Shortly afterwards, he became the professional at Sandy Lodge where he stayed until 1964.

During what spare time he eked from his teaching and pro-shop duties at the Hertfordshire club, he enjoyed some tournament success. His two international victories, both in 1957, came in the Dunlop South African Professional Match Play Masters at Houghton, when he beat Gary Player 2&1 in the final, and the Dutch Open at Hilversum. Jacobs never won a big title in Britain but was runner-up numerous times, most notably in the 1954 Penfold Tournament, won by Henry Cotton, the 1960 Dunlop Masters and the 1963 Gleneagles Hotel Foursomes Tournament, partnering Irish amateur star Joe Carr.

However, the highlight of his playing career came in 1955 when he made his one appearance in the Ryder Cup, at Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. GB & Ireland lost 8-4, but Jacobs won both his matches one-up, in harness with John Fallon in the foursomes and against reigning Masters champion Cary Middlecoff in the singles.

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.

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22/02/2017 13:32

BTME

ONCOURSE UPGRADE ON STREAM

BIGGA SHOW GETS BIGGER

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total of 4,460 delegates attended the recent three-day British Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) at the Harrogate International Centre, a 10 per cent increase on the 2016 total.

In addition to the 145 exhibitors who spanned the four halls, the show also featured the Golf Business & Industry Convention (GolfBIC), held jointly by the UK Golf Course Owners Association (UKGCOA), the British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association (BIGGA) and the Organisation of Golf & Range Operators (OGRO).

BIGGA’s Continue to Learn programme, comprising 240 hours of lectures and seminars, goes from strength to strength with 2,375 spaces sold prior to the event, adding up to 6,096 combined hours of greenkeeper education.

Grant Wright, CEO of World of Golf, spoke at GolfBIC about how he turned four of London’s driving ranges into among the busiest and most popular golf facilities in the UK. Ian Bonser, owner of the 3 Hammers Golf Complex in Wolverhampton, was another guest speaker at GolfBIC.

Bonser, who was joined on the stage by 3 Hammers academy directors Rob Bluck and John Cheetham, outlined his formula for success, encapsulated in the centre’s Love.golf initative.

Bonser said: “Having worked in the golf industry for 30 years, it’s a pleasure to be able to showcase our passion, commitment and hard work in attracting new golfers to the game.”

Alec Fernihough, owner of Gaudet Luce Golf Club in Worcestershire, said: “I came away from GolfBIC with a number of ideas I’ll be implementing. I look forward to GolfBIC next year and would advise all in the golf industry to book if they want to improve their business.”

Other speakers included representatives of several Ryder Cup venues, including Celtic Manor, Medinah, Hazeltine National, Gleneagles and 2018 hosts Le Golf National, Paris.

Almost half the delegates attended BTME for more than one day, thus proving that events held during the evenings are now an integral part of the show.

In addition to the welcome celebration, hosted by BBC broadcaster Naga Munchetty (pictured) and featuring entertainment from comedian Ian Moore, BIGGA presented three awards...

Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year, sponsored by GBR Technology: Lee Bishop and his team at Burnham Beeches Golf Club in Buckinghamshire. The runner-up was Phil Chilverton and his team at The Grove in Hertfordshire.

BIGGA Young Greenkeeper of the Year, sponsored by Jacobsen: David Stewart, deputy head greenkeeper at Walmley Golf Club in the West Midlands. The runner-up was Dan Waring from Ashbourne Golf Club in Derbyshire.

BIGGA Greenkeeping Achievement of the Year, sponsored by Rigby Taylor: David Langheim and his team at Wimbledon Park Golf Club in south-west London. The runner-up was Ben Kebby and his team at Temple Golf Club in Berkshire.

Next year’s BTME will run from January 23-25. www.bigga.org.uk and www.ukgcoa.com

STRI AWARDS The Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) announced the winners of its annual Golf Environment Awards at the Hotel du Vin in Harrogate.

They were: Greetham Valley Golf Club in Rutland (environmental golf course of the year); Edward Ainsworth of Avro Golf Club in Greater Manchester (conservation greenkeeper of the year); Frilford Heath Golf Club (outstanding environmental project of the year); and John O’Gaunt Golf Club in Befordshire (Operation Pollinator award).

The head greenkeeper at Greetham Valley, Adi Porter, has 45 holes to look after while Ainsworth not only maintains Avro’s nine-hole layout but also the wider landscape. Frilford Heath was honoured for its fen restoration work and John O’Gaunt for promoting its local bees and butterflies. www.strigroup.com/gea * The R&A has become a lead partner of the Golf Environment Awards.

An upgraded version of OnCourse, the web app that highlights the social and environmental value of golf facilities, was unveiled at BTME. OnCourse is managed by the Golf Environmental Organisation (GEO) and supported by the R&A, European Tour, PGAs of Europe, BIGGA, Jacobsen, Toro, John Deere, Golf Europe and dozens of national associations.

Its multiple benefits include best-practice guidance and a bank of shared examples from other clubs, new tools to help improve performance and cost-savings, and the ability to produce reports to share with local communities.

Jonathan Smith, the GEO’s CEO, said: “After input from across the golf industry and looking closely at the way other sectors are supporting and promoting sustainability, we are delighted to bring this new version of OnCourse forward to make sustainability easier to understand, act on and communicate.

“This new platform gives golf the technological means to harness data and stories from across thousands of courses.”

Steve Isaac, the R&A’s sustainability director, said: “This means we can offer a proactive solution for selfregulation and enables us to communicate more confidently and visibly to the wider world.”

Jim Croxton, CEO of BIGGA, said: “A central system to record and evaluate the fantastic work that greenkeepers and golf clubs do to support the environment is critical to our industry.” www.getoncourse.golf

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22/02/2017 13:27

Left: Glyn Evans (left), FootJoy’s UK and Ireland field sales manager, receives the award from Cameron Clark, PGA professional at Moor Hall and TGI Golf Board Member

NICHOLLS HEADS AWARD WINNERS

S

tephen Nicholls collected the partner of the year title during the fifth annual TGI Golf Awards at The Belfry.

The head professional at Rossendale Golf Club in Lancashire, who joined the retail services group back in 2003, was honoured at the ceremony where leading figures from the industry and suppliers joined TGI partners.

A PGA pro for 35 years, Nicholls won from a short list completed

by Woking’s Carl Bianco, Lee Harrington (Limerick) and Chris

Robinson (Portpartick Dunskey).

He said: “It was an incredible honour simply to be nominated.

To win when up against three excellent pros is just unbelievable.

“TGI Golf has always helped me to put great disciplines in place. The retail consultants and educational events help you continually to evolve your business – you’re always learning.”

Meanwhile, PING picked up awards as product of the year for its G Series range of clubs and supplier of the year.

Steve Carter, PING’s European sales director, said: “To be voted

PUGH DOES THE BUSINESS

T

he TGI Golf Partnership staged its ‘most successful business conference ever’ earlier this month at The Belfry.

More partners attended than ever before and the educational seminar timetable was headed by Sky Sports pundit and European Tour coach Denis Pugh, Crossover Technologies president Phil Barnard, Trackman sales director Michael Malone, Titleist golf ball manager Michael Creighton and Javier Ruiz from email marketing brand Campaign Monitor.

TGI Golf Managing Director Eddie Reid said: “The quality of the seminars continues to increase and develop.”

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the number one supplier again by first-class retailers is a great honour.”

FootJoy was voted apparel supplier of the year while Callaway took home hardware supplier of the year.

In the partner awards categories, Stuart Williamson of Clydeway Golf Performance Centre in Glasgow added pro shop of the year to the new partner of the year award he won in 2013.

Tim Stevens from The Leicestershire Golf Club was honoured for most improved

VPAR LINK UP

PAR and TGI Golf have announced a strategic partnership across the UK and Ireland for 2017.

Through this deal, VPAR has become TGI Golf’s preferred supplier of tournament scoring technology.

VPAR’s services, already used at over 400 charity and corporate golf days each year in the UK, were exhibited at last month’s PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

TGI Golf managing director Eddie Reid said: “I have been impressed with VPAR’s technology and service over the past few years. Our partners will benefit from the interactive benefits of the app as well as the opportunity to increase revenue.”

VPAR sales director Jeremy Gray said: “We pride ourselves on giving golfers that real wow factor both on and off the course.” *VPAR has launched a crowdfunding campaign on the investment platform, Seedrs. www.vpar.com

business, while Bernard Quigley from Tullamore Golf Club in Co. Offaly, central Ireland was crowned new partner of the year.

TGI Golf managing director Eddie Reid said: “It was great to see so many partners and the senior management teams from the biggest brands in the room.”

TGI Golf’s supplier awards are voted for by the group’s 470-plus partners across the UK and Ireland through its extensive supplier survey, which rates brands in a range of different categories. www.tgigolf.com

POWAKADDY SUCCESS

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owaKaddy has completed its most successful year with TGI partners, thanks to a 27 per cent increase in sales during 2016.

“We’d like to thank TGI and their partners for their incredible support,” said PowaKaddy CEO David Catford. “We’re particularly proud of the performance of the Freeway range during the last 12 months and we have recently introduced a five-year warranty on Lithium batteries.

“Our pre-orders are up by more than 40 per cent and we look forward to working with our stockists on what will be our most revolutionary product line.”

PowaKaddy’s 2017 line-up will feature a new Freeway stable, a simple-to-fold, compact electric trolley and the world’s first electric trolley with integrated GPS. www.powakaddy.com

LOVE-IN WITH LOVE.GOLF

Right: (L to R: TGI Golf Partnership’s Marketing Manager, Pauline Dale with love.golf founder, Alastair Spink and TGI Golf Partnership Board Member and PGA Professional at Huddersfield Golf Club, Alex Keighley

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he TGI Golf Partnership is teaming up with the love.golf social group to pioneer a new women’s golf coaching programme.

TGI Golf partners wishing to become love.golf coaches will attend regional workshops on February 27 (Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate) and March 7 (Cumberwell Park, Bath).

TGI Golf managing director

Eddie Reid said: “We have been following love.golf for some time and are impressed with its alternative approach to introducing women to golf.” love.golf, whichfocuses on learning by playing on golf courses rather than practice ranges, is supported by global agriculture company Syngenta and its ‘Unlocking Golf’s True Potential’ campaign.

PGA professional and love. golf founder Alastair Spink said: “It’s clear a different approach is required to successfully engage and retain new female players. What we’ll be doing is showing the partners what it takes to help women not just learn a new skill but fall in love with a game they can play with friends and family for life.” www.love.golf/workshops2017

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22/02/2017 14:47

TRAVEL

NEWS

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OOH-LA-LA, IGTM OFF TO CANNES

he 20th International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) will be held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès at Cannes in the south of France from December 11-14.

Organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, IGTM attracts more than 1,300 visitors, 600 exhibitors, 400 tour operators and at least 100 media personnel.

David Lisnard, the Mayor of Cannes, said: “In view of the next Ryder Cup taking place in Paris, the gathering of international golf tourism professionals in

Cannes will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase France as a golf destination.”

Charlie Cracknell, senior exhibition director at Reed Travel Exhibitions, said: “Cannes is one of the most glamorous destinations in Europe. The quality of the golf courses and resorts in and near Cannes is also outstanding.”

The 2017 edition of IGTM follows a record-breaking event in Mallorca last November that delivered more than 14,000 appointments. www.igtm.co.uk

FORTE RESORT JOINS EUROPEAN TOUR

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erdura, a Rocco Forte resort in south-west Sicily, has become the latest addition to the European Tour properties portfolio.

The spectacular complex, which will host a new European Tour event, the Rocco Forte Open-Verdura,

from May 18-21, comprises three Kyle Phillips-designed, links-style courses which run along two kilometres of coastline and offer spectacular Mediterranean views. www.roccofortehotels.com and europeantourproperties.com

TRADE TRAVEL CLUB HAS LANDED

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rade Travel Club, the new initiative from Your Golf Travel, hit the ground running with its arrangements for the golf trade at the recent PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

The Trade Travel Cub assisted 38 golf industry professionals from the UK to make the trip to Florida last month and Ben Davis, YGT’s head of offline marketing and commercial partnerships, said: “We were delighted to help

so many colleagues from the UK golf industry. It was a great way to kick things off for the Trade Travel Club.”

In addition, Trade Travel Club also hosted a reception for golf industry folk at Bahama Breeze, a short walk from the Orange County Convention Center, on the first night of the show.

“Trade Travel Club goes beyond just travel,” Davis explained. “While our goal is to

become the go-to provider of travel solutions for the UK golf industry, we also want to use our expertise to bring people together at key times throughout the golfing calendar.”

Offers for the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show will be available shortly and golf industry professionals are urged to register their interest early.

“Next up is the Masters and then the Open. We have some great

offers for both events,” Davis added.

Trade Travel Club packages for the Open include three nights at the Holiday Inn Express in Liverpool’s Albert Dock for £219 per person (twin sharing) or £435 (single occupancy), including breakfast and golf-course transfers, or three nights at the Premier Inn, Southport Central for £449 per person (twin sharing) or £865 (single occupancy). www.yourgolftravel.com

VIDEO SERIES LAUNCHED BY GOLF TOURISM ENGLAND

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olf Tourism England has released its first in a mini-series of five videos designed to capture the essence of golf in each of five separate regions.

England’s Golf Coast is the first to be launched and Andrew Cooke, CEO of Golf Tourism England, argues the likes of Formby, Fairhaven and West Lancashire offer experiences just as memorable as the region’s three Open Championship venues – Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham & St Annes.

And with the Open being staged at Birkdale for the tenth time in July, there is even more reason to visit this stretch of golfing paradise, home to 11 of England’s top-100 courses.

Cooke said: “We hope these videos resonate with golfers from all over the world.”

Golf Tourism England has also teamed up with Sweden’s busiest indoor centre to attract more visits from Scandinavian golfers.

The month-long campaign at Ullna Indoor Golf, a few miles north of Stockholm, featured branding and video content from

leading English courses and sponsorship of individual driving bays and their Protracer screens.

Cooke said: “As one of our most important neighbouring markets, Scandinavia offers significant potential for growing golf tourism to England.”

Johan Hagefeldt, president of Ullna Indoor Golf, said: “Our partnership represents a tremendous opportunity for golfers to find out more about the golf experiences on offer in England.” www.GolfTourismEngland.com

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22/02/2017 15:51

PEOPLE

TRUMAN STILL CELEBRATING

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teve Truman, a 40-year-old club pro who has been somewhat round the houses during his 15-year career in the paid ranks, is still pinching himself that he was named breakthrough pro of the year in the Foremost Golf Industry Awards at the MK Dons Stadium in December.

Truman, the club pro at Llanwern Golf Club near Newport for the past six years, only joined Foremost 18 months ago after a lively career which, at one point, involved controlling the buying and selling at five different pro shops.

“Since teaming up with Foremost, I’ve enjoyed a minimum 30 per cent increase in sales,” said Truman, who started playing as an amateur at Llanwern before studying for a degree in business and marketing at the University of South Wales and then returning to the club as an assistant.

At one time, his company Steve Truman Golf stocked five shops – Llanwern, Dewstow in nearby Caldicott where he was head pro for six years, Kendleshire and Stockwood

WHO’S WHO? n Jason Day has been followed into the Nike family by six European Tour pros, including eight-time winner Alex Noren and Ryder Cup star Thomas Pieters.

Vale, both near Bristol, and South Cerney in Gloucestershire.

“I had 20 employees at one point,” he said. “But we now only have Llanwern, where I started my pro career. It’s just me and my two assistants, Scott Hood and Rhiannon Thomas. The majority of our business comes from the 500 or so members of the club.”

In his own words, Truman has a “well-organised shop and fitting studio” and has “just launched an indoor facility called golftheatre.com. It’s a high-end custom-fitting centre, coach led with a three-metre plasma course-monitor screen.

“It has certainly attracted more business to the club. The

club owns the building but I invested all the money. David Murch, our local Foremost rep, has been very helpful and given us lots of support.

“When I joined Freomost’s elite marketing programme (EMP), I was offered financial advice

by Crossover Technologies and they taught me how to offload surplus stock online. With Foremost, every two weeks or so new deals come up from their exclusive lines.

“I was surprised and delighted with the award – it was a certificate and glass trophy – because there are so many good pros around. I suppose I’ve been very lucky.”

BECKY SIGNS ON AMY’S PROMOTION

MAIR AND WORTHY TAKE HART

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ynx Golf has added twotime Ladies European Tour winner and Solheim Cup player Becky Brewerton to its team of playing ambassadors.

The 34-year-old Welsh golfer said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be signing for Lynx. It was a no brainier after all the wonderful things I’d heard about their product from fellow Tour players Lydia Hall and Laura Davies.”

Lynx Golf CEO Steve Elford said: “We’re delighted to welcome Becky to the team.

She’s successful, articulate, respected and right behind everything we’re trying to do.” www.lynxgolf.co.uk

NEWS

airmont St Andrews has promoted Amy Yeates to director of golf, spa & leisure.

She has been director of golf since joining the resort in 2015 and the new role will put her in charge of a team of 20 people, including recently appointed spa manager Michelle Burns.

With extensive sales and operational experience, Yeates, who began her career at The Belfry, is the only female PGA professional in St Andrews.

She said: “I am really passionate about showcasing wellness, leisure and golf to our guests within the hotel, and showcasing the property as a top health resort in Scotland.”

n Lionel Freedman, who cofounded the World Hickory Open in 2005 and resided in Musselburgh, East Lothian, has died aged 82.

n Andrew Lloyd-Skinner (above), a former chief executive officer of the UK Golf Course Owners Association, has joined the Golf Consultants Association. n COBRA PUMA GOLF has signed Sky Sports commentator and Floridabased teacher Claude Harmon III as a brand ambassador.

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lternative apparel brand Bunker Mentality has appointed two new regional sales directors.

After years of trying to work through agents, creative director Robert Hart has decided to put together an inhouse sales team.

The two appointments are Jonathan Worthy, formerly with Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, and golf-industry veteran Brian Mair, who is joining from Scottish Golf where he has been commercial manager since May 2015.

Mair, a former secretary of the PGA in Scotland, previously worked for Wilson as well as several apparel brands, including Glenmuir, Sunderland of Scotland and Lyle & Scott.

n Mizuno’s 14th performance fitting centre across the UK and Ireland was opened recently by brand ambassador Chris Wood (above) at Burnham & Berrow Golf Club in Somerset. n PGA Catalunya Resort, near Barcelona, has appointed its former golf course manager David Bataller as its new director of golf operations.

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22/02/2017 16:40

NEWS

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STEWART ON THE RISE

tewart Golf enjoyed a bumper Christmas and registered a 44 per cent increase in sales over the last two months of the year compared with the corresponding period in 2015.

Added-value promotions on X, F and R Series trolleys were all received well by the trade and consumers.

R1-S Push sales rose by 28 per cent and X Series sales

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oyal & Awesome, the golfclothing brand whose trousers are favoured by celebrities like singer Brian McFadden and TV presenter Naga Munchetty, has broken through the £1m turnover barrier before its fifth birthday.

The Edinburgh-based label,

continued to grow with more than three out of four golfers opting for the more expensive X9 Follow over the X9 Remote.

Stewart Golf managing director David Funnell said: “The fact that most X Series buyers opt for the more expensive Follow version shows our clients value true innovation in their equipment.

The follow system is a major leap from remote control and

it’s great that our users agree.”

Exports are again a key feature of Stewart Golf’s sales profile, with one third of production sent to 29 different countries. Whilst the traditional golf markets of USA and Canada and Europe make up a significant proportion, golfers in Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Chile are also buying Stewart Golf machines. www.stewartgolf.com

AWESOME FIGURES launched in April 2012, sells 60 per cent of its output to the United States, 35 per cent to the UK and the remaining five per cent to Australia. Sales have grown by 50 per cent year-onyear each year since the label was created.

Graeme Smeaton, Royal &

Awesome managing director, said: “The growth of our brand over the past five years has been ‘awesome’ – there’s no other word for it.

“Social media has been at the heart of our growth. We’ve got so many great pictures and videos of people having fun in our

range and social media is the perfect channel to share these.

“Trick shots are incredibly popular on platforms such as Instagram and Youtube, and we’ve partnered with some of the best in the business to create bespoke branded content.” www.royalandawesome.co.uk

VOLVIK GO WITH BRAND FUSION IN BRIEF n Mizuno had already achieved record custom-fit sales across its EMEA golf operation for the financial year ending March 2017 with 50 days of the audit period still remaining. golf. mizunoeurope.com n ECCO Golf is to continue as the Asian Tour’s official footwear sponsor for the next two years. “We see this as a meeting of marketleading brands,” Asian Tour CEO Josh Burack, pictured left with ECCO’s Jesper Thuen, said. golf.ecco.com n Foresight Sports Europe has appointed specialist marketing agency Sports Impact to handle its launch-monitor brand and product promotion throughout Europe. www.foresightsports.com n The latest event management technology endorsed by the USGA and used by more than 13,000 American clubs is powered

by Golf Genius Software. www.golfgenius.com

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rand Fusion International will distribute the multicoloured Volvik golf balls played by Bubba Watson throughout the UK. The initial focus will be on sales of the Korean company’s S4 and Vivid ranges.

“We’re extremely excited about prospects for Volvik in the UK market given its commitment to innovative and colourful golf balls,” said Brand Fusion managing director Nigel Freemantle.

Volvik is established as a leading

ball manufacturer throughout Asia and the USA, but has made little impact on Europe to date.

The S4 will have an RRP of £49 per dozen and the Vivid will retail at £39 per dozen. www.brandfusionltd.co.uk or www.volvik.com

RECORD FOREMOST CUSTOMER SURVEY

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oremost has completed Europe’s most comprehensive public equipment survey on behalf of its Elite Marketing Programme (EMP) members.

Nearly 30,000 golfers around the country provided details on their golf retail behaviour, including the brands they play now and their buying intentions for the future.

The annual, in-depth survey provides Foremost’s EMP

members with personalised reports based on data from golfers at their clubs.

Based on the data collected, the survey was able to process findings about retail, coaching, customer demographics, frequency of play and equipment by product category.

The results of the survey will also allow members to target customers that stated they are looking to play a specific

brand next, or that they require specific help and advice.

“We believe this is the largest and most comprehensive survey of golfers and their preferences in Europe,” Foremost managing director Andy Martin said. “It once again empowers our members with information to provide the best possible service to their customers, and contains a wealth of data that will help them maximise sales this year.”

Professionals interested in joining Foremost’s Elite Marketing Programme should contact Graham Starkey on +44 (0) 1753 218 913 or email graham. starkey@foremostgolf.com

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22/02/2017 17:33

RYDER CUP SELECTION SHAKEN UP

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he European Tour has reduced the number of sanctioned tournaments its members have to play outside the Majors and World Golf Championships to four per season.

Chief executive Keith Pelley said: “This move will help our members who play around the world but wish to remain loyal to the European Tour.”

The tournament committee also approved three changes to the qualification process for Europe’s 2018 Ryder Cup team.

Firstly, there will be a greater weighting for points earned in the latter stages of the process to reward current form. Race to Dubai and world ranking points earned in these tournaments will be multiplied by 1.5 from the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May 2018.

Secondly, no Ryder Cup qualification points will be available from any tournament that clashes with a Rolex Series event. And thirdly, team captain Thomas Bjørn will have an extra wildcard pick at his disposal for the 2018 team.

It means the 12-man European team will comprise the first four players from

the European points list, the leading four players from the world points list and four wild cards.

In addition, the stipulation that players must be European Tour members to be eligible for the Ryder Cup was upheld.

Bjørn said: “I’m delighted the Tournament Committee passed these regulations which I believe will considerably benefit the European Ryder Cup team in 2018 without compromising the strength or importance of the European Tour.” *Bjørn has been succeeded as chairman of the tournament committee – a position he had held since 2007 – by former Ryder Cup player David Howell. www.europeantour.com

LET OPTIMISM

SKILLS FOR LIFE SCHEME LAUNCHED

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he Ladies European Tour has included three new tournaments in its international schedule for 2017.

The first of the three – the Oates Vic Open played over the 13th Beach Golf Links in Victoria earlier this month – was won by England’s Mel Reid.

The second new event will be the Estrella Damm Mediterranean Ladies Open at Club de Golf Terramar just south of Barcelona from April 20-23 while the third, earmarked for southern Europe in late June, has still to be confirmed.

The Turkish Ladies Open is also back on the schedule and returns to the National Golf Club in Belek from June 19-21.

The RICOH Women’s British Open at Kingsbarns Golf Links from August 3-6 will be the final qualifying event for the 2017 European Solheim Cup team and straight afterwards captain Annika Sörenstam will announce her 12-woman line-up for the 15th match in the series against the United States at Des Moines Golf Club in Iowa from August 18-20.

CEO Ivan Khodabakhsh said: “This promises to be a great year for the Ladies European Tour. With 18 live televised events, there will be more exposure than ever this year.” www.ladieseuropeantour.com

30_News.indd 3

facebook.com/bigmaxgolf www.bigmaxgolf.com | office@golftech.at

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SEAPROOF – The new Big Max Aqua V-1 uses the highest standard of waterproof and seam sealing technology. With an ultra high water column you have complete peace of mind that your clubs and belongings are fully protected.

SEEPROOF - The world`s first Sport Organizer bag introduces the patented V-Lock System with an ingenious Wood Turn & Lock technology that fixes your woods in place, allowing you to SEE 100% of your irons. No more searching for the right club and no more headcovers blocking your view.

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he Golf Foundation has initiated a ‘Skills for Life’ awards scheme for golf clubs in England, Scotland and Wales to promote the sport’s traditional values of honesty, respect, co-operation, resilience, sportsmanship and fair play.

Part of the HSBC Golf Roots programme, the project will enable the first 600 clubs signing up to reward and acknowledge juniors who show these key personal and social skills.

Each club will receive a trophy created

by Burridge of London to be awarded annually and a medal which can be used as a returnable weekly prize.

All clubs taking part will also be eligible for the Skills for Life award that will be presented at the charity’s presidents’ awards during the week of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May. Golf Foundation chief executive Brendon Pyle said: “This is all about recognising the boys and girls who may not win every week but who contribute positively to the club and who respect and support others, playing with a healthy attitude and a smile.”

Clubs interested in taking part should register at marketing@golf-foundation.org

22/02/2017 17:33

HI-TECH

SHOWCASE

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HI-TECH SHOWCASE

s is traditional at this time of year, many of the companies that specialise in computerised technology have new products on the market. SGB Golf takes a look at a few of the distance measuring devices (DMDs), lasers, launch monitors and simulators that have been unveiled for 2017. Any brand not featured this time is welcome to forward its details to the Editor for inclusion in the March issue of SGB Golf

Callaway Hybrid Laser-GPS Rangefinder Incorporating the pin-seeking precision of a laser with the added convenience of a GPS, this compact device weighs little more than 200gm. The laser can lock onto pins up to 300 yards away using Pin Acquisition Technology (PAT) with accuracy to within a single yard, while the GPS comes preloaded with more than 30,000 worldwide courses, offering lay-up and carry distances to hazards and accurate yardages to the front, middle and back of greens. RRP £329. www.callawaygolf.com

MOTOCADDY GPS APP LINKS WITH S5 CONNECT TROLLEY

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otocaddy has become the first trolley brand to introduce a mobile phone app, partnering with a world-renowned GPS mapping company in the United States to feature 36,000 courses worldwide through its ‘Play Now’ mode.

The app includes overhead maps, detailed yardages, distance of the last shot and greenside information in five different languages.

Following extensive product development, the S5 Connect trolley can be synched to the app via a Bluetooth connection on any compatible smartphone; allowing the trolley’s digital display to be used in place of a conventional GPS, offering golfers front, middle and back distances to

the green (in yards or metres), along with a clock and round timer. The digital control button works in the same way as other Motocaddy models, regulating the nine speed settings and stopping and starting as required around the course.

The S5 Connect can also receive notifications alerting the golfer of an incoming call, text, email or alerts including WhatsApp and Facebook. The phone can remain connected even when securely placed in the pocket of a golf bag or being charged by the trolley’s patented USB charging port.

“The S5 Connect is at the forefront of golf technology and we’re proud to be pioneering the next generation of electric trolleys,” said Tony Webb, Motocaddy’s managing

director. “It acts as the ultimate caddy for any golfer out on the course, as it carries your bag and gives you accurate yardages.

“The first iPhone was launched a decade ago and since then a lot has changed in golf technology. We’re certainly not encouraging golfers to keep checking their phones during play. O the contrary, we believe the S5 Connect could actually reduce phone use because it tells you all you need to know and can be pre-set to let you focus on your game. It is also incredibly easy to disable notifications altogether when needed.”

The app is free to download on iOS and Android from Apple and Google Play stores. www.motocaddy.com/uk

FORESIGHT FSX SIMULATION SOFTWARE

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TomTom Golfer 2 This ultra-slim GPS Watch is designed to help golfers improve their game by using automatic shot detection to give detailed post-round analysis. Eliminating uncertainty, the TomTom Golfer 2 enables players to analyse their performance in TomTom MySports after a game. The ultimate round feature combines the best holes from a course that has been played regularly to demonstrate what a best potential round could look like.

The TomTom MySports postgame analysis gives insights into shot patterns and greens in regulation. Carrying data on 40,000 courses worldwide, the TomTom Golfer 2 can be worn both on and off the course. RRP £199.99. www.tomtom.com

his ultra-high-definition simulator software is used with the Foresight Sports launch monitor family to offer the most true-to-life golf simulation experience possible. Golfers can play more than 60 of the world’s leading courses through the software with each one mapped exactly to every contour, bunker and hazard. The experience also includes intricate details such as six differing types of grass and the ability to choose live weather conditions on any course at the exact moment of playing from the warmth and comfort of indoors. www.foresightsports.com

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23/02/2017 17:57

TWO NEW WATCHES FROM GOLFBUDDY

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olfBuddy has introduced two new GPS watch models for 2017.

The WT6 and WTX watches build on GolfBuddy’s reputation for accuracy and are supported by the company’s new UK distributors, Golftech, for both trade and consumer customers.

The WTX delivers all the functionality usually associated with a handheld unit in a stylish, compact watch. With touchscreen function, golfers can navigate their way around a course with ease.

Features such as distances to front, centre, back and hazards come as standard, but the WTX also provides complete hole layout with the golfer’s position, a dynamic green view for accurate distances from the

specific angle of approach, shot distance measurement and pin position selection.

Smart phone compatibility brings extra levels of function, with on-course updates available for download automatically via Bluetooth and fitness watch features such as an odometer and GPS tracking. At £199.99 retail WTX is competitive on price as well as function.

Where the WTX offers advanced features and connectivity, WT6 delivers simple, accurate GPS numbers for the golfer who wants dependable yardages at a glance. It comes with a ninehour battery in golf mode and up to two months in the watch.

The WT6 benefits from Dynamic Green View for improved accuracy and retails

at £139.99.

Also available are compact and voice models along with a laser rangefinder and handheld GPS. www.gpsgolfbuddy.com

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OLFZON (www.golfzonsimulator.com), the global leader in golf simulators, is introducing its new VISION Curved Screen simulator, a device with a 23-foot wide screen with full HD quality and the expansion capability to 50 feet. GOLFZON has brought its products recently to the 2016 Open Championship, 2016 Ryder Cup, the Executive Women’s Golf Association Cup and during a $1 Million Shootout at the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show.

GARMIN TAKES THE RIGHT APPROACH

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armin International has added the sleek, compact handheld Approach G30 to its comprehensive line-up of golf GPS devices.

The Approach G30 has a 2.3-inch colour touchscreen with full mapping of more than 40,000 courses worldwide plus free lifetime map updates. With features like Green View and Touch Targeting, users can track their stats and performances over each round. In addition, the Approach G30 can be mounted in a variety of places – users’ belts, pull carts or golf bags.

“With the Approach G30, we were able to pack a ton of features into a streamlined device,” said Martin Resch, Garmin EMEA senior product manager, outdoor. “The colour touchscreen combined with Touch Targeting, Green View and stat tracking, give users a competitive advantage no matter what course they play.”

Thanks to its sunlightreadable touchscreen, the

Approach G30 displays yardages in a large font for at-a-glance viewing, so even with a smaller device users can easily see all the important information they need during a round.

It also features a built-in highsensitivity GPS, so users will get accurate distances to greens, hazards and doglegs even if they are under heavy tree cover.

Meanwhile, the Green View shows the shape of the green and allows users to manually position the pin.

The Approach G30 is compatible with the Garmin TruSwing analyser so users have access to data like swing speed and club path angles. In addition to TruSwing compatibility, users can receive smart notifications for incoming calls and texts, and automatically upload their golf data to the Garmin Connect Mobile app.

With up to 15 hours of battery life between charges, the Approach G30 is ready for a

few rounds and is designed to withstand the elements. SRP £269.99. www.garmin.com/golf

Shot Scope Designed specifically for golfers, the Shot Scope performance tracking system operates in the background without interrupting play and provides insights previously only available to the top tour professionals. By monitoring trends in your game through the use of integrated GPS technology, Shot Scope helps identify your strengths and weaknesses without impeding or slowing down your game. www.Shotscope.com

Talon Ojee Golf’s must-have digital training aid of 2017... The groundbreaking, innovative Talon, uses patented technology to deliver real-time, visual feedback on set-up angles of address and club face rotation, enabling golfers to instantly view their posture and adjust to their optimum position – improving muscle memory, consistency and performance. www.ojeegolf.com Zepp 2 The latest Zepp golf app measuring the consistency of a swing’s plane and tempo can be downloaded from either iTunes or the Google Play store.

Designed to be lightweight and easy-to-use, the Zepp 2 sensor has a circular shape and can be worn on a glove. It has a battery that lasts up to eight hours, includes two accelerometers, two gyroscopes and Bluetooth low energy for greater accuracy. www.zepp.com

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23/02/2017 17:57

MULLIGAN

THE INDEPENDENT VOICE

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h, the joy of statistics – far more fun for the serial dissembler than bare-faced lies. No wonder politicians trot them out at the drop of a hat. Step aside patriotism, no more the last refuge of a scoundrel; these days we all dance to the tune of data.

The latest bout of number crunching from the R&A and USGA in their annual review of driving distance is a case in point. And how the hacks have howled in dismay at the key finding – that average driving distance on five of the major professional tours had only increased by a measly 1.2 per cent between 2003 and the end of last year. And, believe it or not, the figure was down 1.5 per cent over the same period of time on the two other tours surveyed. It seems a grand total of 285,000 drives were analysed to validate these figures.

“In the interests of good governance and transparency it is important that we continue to provide reliable data and facts about driving distance in golf,” chanted R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers. “Driving distance remains a topic of discussion within the game and the review provides accurate data to help inform the debate.” Keith McKenzie, one of his illustrious predecessors and a straight-talking former Gurkhas officer, would have turned in his grave.

Anyone who has watched golf at the highest level for four decades needs no recourse to statistics to know the truth about the colossal driving distances achieved by today’s top players. The evidence of one’s own eyes is sufficient.

Mulligan is old enough to remember watching Tony Jacklin on the practice range prior to the 1976 Open at Royal Birkdale. How we marvelled at his peerless, penetrating ball flight and the carry of around 250 yards he achieved through the air. This was ball striking of the highest quality from one of the great players of the day, a strong man blessed with a superbly rhythmical swing. But Tony didn’t hold back, he used to give it a real rip.

For some reason, I thought of that day when I visited the David Leadbetter Academy at Champions Gate in Orlando during the week of the PGA Merchandise Show last month. We were hearing about a revolutionary, Swiss-made graphite shaft consisting of Thin Ply Technology (TPT) carbon-fibre materials. David’s staff

had fitted the new shafts to a selection of Callaway Golf’s Great Big Bertha Epic and Epic Sub-Zero drivers and fairway woods and a motley crew of about 20 of us proceeded to batter away to our hearts’ content.

Except, as it turned out, we weren’t such a motley crew. We were accompanied on the range by two professionals of differing vintage – Denis Watson, a 61-year-old Zimbabwean now in the twilight of his Champions Tour career, and Jodi Ewart Shadoff, a 29-year-old Englishwoman who makes a living on the LPGA Tour.

Watson was fascinating. He struggled with his timing to start with as he tinkered with a number of different drivers. Gradually he clicked, to such an extent that by the end he appeared to be threatening the far boundary of Champions Gate’s seemingly endless practice facility, his gentle fade replaced by a piercing arrow with a slight hint of draw. “How does that compare with your prime,” we asked him. “Not even close. I’m at least 20 yards longer now,” he replied.

But it was Ewart Shadoff who really held my gaze. Blonde, standing 5ft 5in and slightly built, her elegant, unhurried swing was delivering drives eerily reminiscent of Jacklin’s all those years ago. The carry, the penetration and, above all, the accuracy were identical. All achieved with what appeared to be the minimum of effort.

For the record, the five Tours to increase in driving distance were the PGA, European, Web.com, Champions and LPGA, and the two to decrease were the Japan Golf Tour and the Ladies European Tour. It seems no account was taken into whether players had drivers in their hands at the holes surveyed – at some, almost certainly, a fairway metal or long iron would have been the club of choice.

So, what is this refusal to acknowledge the truth, this determination to hide behind flawed statistics, all about?

Even the late, great Arnold Palmer found himself battering his head against a brick wall whenever he confronted the authorities about driving distances. “We simply haven’t got enough land or money in the game to build 8,000 yard golf courses,” he would routinely complain.

Mulligan’s take, for what it’s worth, is that stock-holders’ investment in the leading manufacturers’ ball and club R&D is at such a level that a big, expensive court case against the governing bodies in the event of any rule tightening would be inevitable.

For the record, Jodi Ewart Shadoff is 14th on the current LPGA driving distance stats out of 135 players surveyed. Her average distance? 258 yards. When I watched her, she was clearing that comfortably before her ball even landed. How could I tell? I just could.

Mulligan

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27/02/2017 10:18

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