SGB Gold Oct/No 17

Progress report: BGIA boss signposts the game’s direction October 2017

“Connecting the Golf Industry”

PING fined £1.45m QHotels sold for £525m Latest bags and trolleys Henry Cotton honoured PGA Cup win for GB&I Orlando booking news

Ryder Cup Countdown

Europe’s finest await Americans in Paris

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17/10/2017 16:52

First Words Paul Trow

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uch has happened in our sport since the last issue of SGB Golf. Under normal circumstances we publish on a monthly basis, but for operational reasons we have been in dry dock these past few weeks.

Still, we’re now back in the public domain and have plenty to say, as ever. Over the past few months, American golf has reasserted itself with a vengeance. Jordan Spieth lifted the Claret Jug, Justin Thomas won the PGA’s Wannamaker Trophy and the $10m FedExCup cheque, and US teams triumphed in the Solheim, Walker and Presidents Cups.

Looking ahead to 2018, European golf is now focusing on the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in less than 12 months’ time. We can be sure that any repeat of the boorish American behaviour both inside and outside the ropes at the Presidents Cup, under the ‘see no evil’ eye of the Statue of Liberty, will meet with stiffer Resistance in Paris than it did in New York.

Rory McIlroy will hopefully roar out of the traps come the new year in rude health and add to his tally of four Majors.

We also have yeomen like Garcia, Stenson, Casey and Rose who are unlikely to be fazed by any Yankee bully-boy tactics.

And the supporting cast – perm any seven from Rahm, Molinari, Pieters, Fleetwood, Cabrera Bello, Fitzpatrick, Poulter, Noren, Hatton, Kaymer and Wiesberger – will give as good as it gets. We think skipper Thomas Bjorn has a strong hand at present and every reason to feel confident.

Not as confident about the immediate future, understandably, will be PING Europe after being fined the not inconsiderable sum of £1.45 million for trying to prevent two (unnamed) retailers from selling its clubs online.

Until this fine was announced, it had never occurred to me it was an offence for a manufacturer not to want to sell

its products online. Surely it is every manufacturer’s right to decide where and when it goes to retail? However, this is apparently not the case, according to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The CMA exists to protect the interests of the consumer against anti-competitive supplying and pricing. And what could be more in the interests of golf consumers than to have the chance to be fitted with the correct equipment in exchange for their hard-earned cash? It has long been PING’s policy to serve consumers via experienced retailers who can custom-fit them properly according to their particular needs. This can’t happen with an internet purchase.

All the consumer gets when buying clubs online is an approximation based on the assumption that one size fits all.

You wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes that were roughly the right size without trying them on, especially as one brand’s 10 isn’t quite the same as another’s 10. And most people expect to be fitted personally when they buy a suit. So why are golf clubs, generally more expensive than most suits, any different?

Then there’s the lasting perception of a brand that is happy to sell precision equipment online? The moment something unsuitable arrives in the post, that brand’s image is damaged and the manufacturer, rightly or wrongly, is blamed. PING doesn’t want that to happen with its products – and what can possibly be wrong, or illegal, about that?

The company is not restricting retailers’ right to trade, rather it is prioritising its customers’ right to receive the goods and service they pay for.

Not surprisingly, the company is appealing against this ridiculous fine. Let’s hope common sense prevails.

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 / October 2017 04 News

12 Showcase

20 Apparel News

24 Travel News

PING hit by £1.45m fine

Bags on the market

AW17 and SS18 offerings

Orlando deals from TTC

08 PGA News

16 Equipment News

22 People News

26 Mulligan

GB&I triumph at Foxhills

The latest launches

Titleist boss Uilhein to retire

Is Sky losing its grip?

10 Showcase

18 Interview

23 Company News

The latest trolleys

Phil Morley of the BGIA

QHotels sold for £525m

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

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

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en Green Stage, a computer-controlled, adjustable playing surface designed and built in Sheffield, made its TV debut during Sky Sports’ coverage of this year’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

Thomas Bjorn, Brooks Koepka, Gary Player, Henrik Stenson and Dustin Johnson were among the leading players who demonstrated breaking putts and shots from sloping lies for TV viewers and the watching crowds.

Jason Wesseley, Sky Sports golf supremo, said: “The

ZEN AND THE ART OF GOLF-GAME MAINTENANCE introduction of Zen Green technology brought an extra dimension to our Open coverage this year. The world’s best players were able to show viewers how to play from hanging lies, their thought processes on breaking putts and more.”

Co-inventor Nick Middleton said: “Imagine a future where you’re watching live coverage of a golf event and can immediately recreate the exact putt you’ve just seen on television. That’s possible now

with the Green Stage. Its rapid transformations add an element of uncertainty, posing addictive new putting challenges which fire the imagination.”

The Zen Green Stage, augmented by reality technology from German company Putt View, is a digitally-adjustable playing surface designed to help golfers read greens and practise hitting every club in the bag.

It is also a teaching aid that can be used with Quintic Ball Roll, SAM Putt Lab and Blast Golf

technology, and most types of launch monitor.

“I think that Zen Green Stage is set to be the foundation for a new type of golf experience,” Middleton added. “It has that asseen-on-TV excitement factor, and mirrors the undulations which you find on a real-world golf course. It can recreate any makeable putt on the planet, and puts you right there on the fairway to help you practice firing shots at the green from any kind of sloping lie.” www.ZenGreenStage.com

Sky Sports presenter Andrew Coltart uses the Zen Green Stage to recreate Jordan Spieth’s clutch eightfoot putt on the 13th hole in the final round of the Open at Royal Birkdale

SKY GOLF DOMINANCE UNDER THREAT

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he BBC’s broadcasting figures for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow were 2.1 million for live viewing, 1.5m for red-button coverage, and 725,000 on BBC iPlayer and bbc.co.uk.

The corporation picked up the rights at short notice after Sky Sports failed to extend its 10-year agreement with the PGA of America, an embarrassing turn of events at a time when the company was launching its dedicated golf channel.

“We had a good partnership with Sky,” said Jeff Price, the PGA of America’s chief commercial officer. “Ultimately one of the key things for us is scale of distribution and obviously, given all the new platforms that consumers are engaging with, we want to make sure we reach all of them. Multi–platform distribution is the key objective

for us and we want the ability to engage golf fans of all ages across all platforms.”

The BBC’s coverage from Quail Hollow was widely criticised for its sloppiness but its viewing figures still eclipsed anything that Sky could have achieved.

No decision has yet been forthcoming about next year’s PGA Championship at Bellerive, but Sky’s grip on the four Majors is under further threat with BT apparently in talks with Augusta National about wresting full coverage of the Masters and the USGA seeking bigger viewing figures once the current deal runs out after next year’s US Open at Shinnecock Hills.

Sky has been the UK’s host channel for the Masters since 2011, in a shared agreement which allows the BBC to show the final two rounds live.

TURNBERRY TO HOST TOUR OPERATORS

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ore than 70 tour operators from around the world will attend Scottish Golf Tourism Week at Trump Turnberry from October 23-27.

Tom Lovering, of organisers PSP Media, said: “We are determined to increase the 220,000 golf tourists who

currently come to Scotland annually.”

Spokeswoman Fiona Hyslop said the Scottish government would like to increase the country’s golf tourism revenue from £286m last year to £300m by 2020. www.visitscotland.org

Fiona Hyslop and Tom Lovering

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PING FINED £1.45M FOR INTERNET RETAIL BAN

ING has been fined £1.45 million for banning UK retailers from selling its golf clubs online.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has found that PING broke competition law by preventing two (unnamed) UK retailers from selling its clubs on their websites. PING is required to bring the ban to an end and not impose equivalent terms on other retailers, but it seems the club manufacturer will resist this order.

The CMA found that, while PING was pursuing a genuine commercial aim of promoting in-store custom fitting, it could have achieved this through less restrictive means.

Ann Pope, the CMA’s senior director for antitrust enforcement, said: “The internet is an increasingly important distribution channel and

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retailers’ ability to sell online, and reach as wide a customer base as possible, should not be unduly restricted. The fine the CMA has imposed on Ping should act as a warning to companies that preventing its products from being sold online could be illegal.”

In response, PING Europe said it “profoundly disagrees with the announced decision.

Our internet policy is an important pro-competitive aspect of our long-standing commitment to custom fitting.

This ensures the customer is fitted in person, something which cannot be achieved in an online environment. PING Europe strongly believes consumers should be custom fitted in person by a trained PING fitter before purchasing PING golf clubs. This personal, face-to-face service is the key to realising the full value and

performance designed and built into every PING club.

“More than five decades of effort, resources and commitment has established PING as the industry leader in custom fitting. Our customfitting innovations, including advanced processes, tools and training methods, allow millions to better enjoy the game of golf.

“PING Europe will appeal the decision to the competition appeal tribunal (CAT) to demonstrate how our policy benefits consumers and improves consumer choice.

Whilst the CMA’s decision does not require an immediate change to PING’s internet policy, we will seek a stay to keep our internet policy in place during the appeal process.

“We remain committed to distributing custom-fitted and custom-built golf clubs in a manner that is in the best

interest of the consumer. We are confident the CAT will recognise PING Europe’s internet policy is an appropriate and justified means to ensure we continue this valuable service to golfers.”

“PING Europe will not respond to questions [about this] because we want to fully respect the process the CMA has started and we will strongly make our case in the appropriate tribunal or court.”

This is not the first time PING has stood up to the regulators.

Nearly three decades ago, the company sued the USGA and PGA Tour for $200m after their Eye 2 clubs were deemed illegal for having square grooves. An out-of-court settlement was reached after it had been proved the clubs were not illegal, and the company then agreed to stop producing the PING Eye 2 irons with a groove pattern ruled too wide by the USGA.

MORE GOLFERS IN 2016

he number of registered golfers across Europe increased by 82,584 (2 per cent) in 2016, according to a survey conducted by KPMG’s golf advisory practice.

On the downside, the supply

of courses declined by 28 (24 openings and 52 closures), though 46 per cent of European countries experienced a growth in participation rates, 35 per cent showed stability and demand declined in only 19 per cent.

The research also showed that men made up 67 per cent of Europe’s registered golfers in 2016 while the proportion of the continent’s population who actively play golf (0.9 per cent) has not changed since 2015.

The survey concluded that the industry-wide efforts to embrace junior and female participation and introduce innovative formats of play are slowly working. www.golfbenchmark.com

COTTON PICKED FOR BLUE PLAQUE

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nglish Heritage has unveiled a ‘blue plaque’ to commemorate one of the boyhood homes of threetime Open champion Sir Henry Cotton in south London.

The ceremony involved representatives of the Golf Foundation, the junior charity Cotton founded in 1952 to

encourage youngsters to take up the game, Aquarius Golf Club in nearby Honor Oak where he first played with his brother Leslie, and their secondary school Alleyn’s in East Dulwich.

Speakers included the BBC’s Peter Alliss, Golf Foundation chief executive Brendon Pyle (pictured together), and the Mayor of Southwark, Charlie Smith, and.

Around a hundred onlookers and other interested parties braved squalls and showers to gather outside 47 Crystal Palace Road where Cotton moved as a 15-year-old.

Cotton’s family moved from Cheshire to London in 1913 and young Henry’s first school was

in Peckham. He then attended Reigate Grammar before winning a scholarship to Alleyn’s.

Alliss said: “I still cherish the letter that Henry wrote to me, congratulating me on my first win in the Assistants’ Championship [in 1952].”

Pyle said: “When starting the Golf Foundation with his friends, Sir Henry said, ‘we should give the game, without compromise, without intimidation, without prejudice, to as many as we possibly can’.”

The Golf Foundation turned 65 this year, a coincidence considering the ‘Dunlop 65’ golf ball was named after Cotton’s epic 65 en route to winning the 1934 Open at Royal St George’s. www.golf-foundation.org

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NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF n The golf tournaments at the 2024 and 2028 Olympic Games will be played respectively at Le Golf National in Paris, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup, and Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, the site of the PGA Tour’s annual Genesis Open. n England Golf’s latest Impact Report, which reviews the county network’s support for clubs, has established that 640,000 people have taken up the sport over the past four years, 40 per cent of them female, with 44,000 joining clubs. The report reveals that more than 180,000 of the newcomers started through the Get into Golf initiative. \ www.englandgolf.org

PINK-FACED NICK TACKLES SPEEDGOLF

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ngland Golf staff picked up the pace when a Speedgolf demonstration, combining running and golf, was held on the Bracken course at their Woodhall Spa HQ in Lincolnshire.

Through its Golf Express campaign, England Golf encourages busy people to play more often, and last month it promoted this, and other shorter, quicker formats of the game, in conjunction with British Speedgolf.

England Golf chief executive Nick Pink, who put on his running shoes and gained first-hand experience of the format, said: “It was great fun.

There were parts I had not really

considered, like how to hold the bag whilst running, but for the first few holes I found that I actually played OK as I was not thinking about golf, just breathing. The challenge came as I got tired and the legs no longer moved!”

Pink, pictured with British Open Speedgolf champion Chris Benians, added: “There was plenty of chat afterwards and a real sense of camaraderie which bound the group together. I liked this side of it and can see Speedgolf spreading and being successful for those who want to combine playing with fun and fitness.” www.golfexpress9.org www.englandgolf.org

NOVEL CAREER MOVE BY ANNELI

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nneli Lort, a former golf public relations executive who worked for leading brands like Nike and Champ, has reinvented herself as a pot-boiling novelist.

She made her literary debut with The Sweet Spot, a tale of intrigue, ambition and emotion that roams from a sleepy English village to the jet-set lifestyle of international sports stardom, and has signed.

Within 24 hours of going on sale, The Sweet Spot entered Amazon’s top ten of sports fiction books in the UK and US. “The years I spent working in

golf and on Tour gave me a unique insight that enabled me to develop the idea that eventually became The Sweet Spot,” said Anneli. “I wanted to create a character-driven world of contemporary romance that is both heart-warming and engaging and, at the same time, show a wider audience the behindthe-scenes drama that makes golf a lot more glamorous and sexy than they think.”

The Country Club – her second novel (she has signed a three-book publishing contract with Creativia) – will be on sale in December. http://mybook.to/TheSweetSpot

n Teams of boys and girls recently played in Golf Foundation ‘GolfSixes’ leagues involving 32 English clubs. Each team consisted of six players, the format was six holes of Texas Scramble and the European Tour provided participants with coloured shirts. www.golf-foundation.org n The R&A and the USGA have received feedback on the proposed new Rules of Golf from more than 22,000 golfers in 102 countries. The worldwide survey is now complete and the two bodies will finalise the new Rules next spring for implementation on January 1, 2019. www.randa.org n The number of golf rounds played in the UK during the second quarter of 2017 rose by 4 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to Sports Marketing Surveys. www.sportsmarketingsurveysinc.com n Craig Tracey, the Conservative MP for North Warwickshire, and Stephen Gethins, SNP MP for North East Fife, are the new co-chairs of the All-Party Parliamentary Golf Group. The six vicechairs include former Conservative sports minister Lord Moynihan. www.parliamentary.golf n Royal Albartross, a UK-based manufacturer of luxury golf shoes, donated 10 per cent of its profits in September to provide aid for the victims of the recent natural disasters in Florida, Texas and the Caribbean. www.albartross.com n More than 2,000 amateur golfers in the UK are trialling Benecta, an innovative food supplement launched in Iceland two years ago. Taking two capsules a day can alleviate symptoms associated with ageing, such as stiffness, aches and lethargy.

Created in Siglufjörður in northern Iceland, Benecta is produced from natural crustacean ingredients. www.benecta.co.uk n Next year’s European Golf Business Conference will take place in Vienna from March 22-24.

The conference will be jointly organised by the European Golf Course Owners’ Association (ECGOA) and the Austrian Golf Association. www.egcoa.eu

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PROPERTY NEWS n Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course near Kelso in the Scottish Borders is on the market, and agents Savills are seeking offers in excess of £3.25 million.

The late Dave Thomas designed the 7,111-yard parkland layout, which opened in 1995. It has hosted the Scottish Seniors Open and pro-celebrity matches featuring the Duke of York, Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Sergio Garcia, who holds the course record (66). Last month, the European Tour staged a qualifying school event there.

Set in 292 acres, the B-Listed mansion was converted into a 22-bedroom hotel by the current owner, the Duke of Roxburghe, in 1982. The property also includes fishing and shooting schools, and planning consent for 60 self-catering holiday lodges, a new clubhouse and a 10-bedroom dormy house. www.savills.co.uk www.roxburghe-hotel.net n Carton House Resort, the ancestral home of the Earls of Kildare and Dukes of Leinster, has been put on the market by the current owners with a guide price of €60m.

The 668-acre estate in Co. Kildare, which dates back to the 11th century, features two 18-hole championship courses, the Montgomerie and the O’Meara, along with a Palladian mansion, built in 1739, and a 165-bedroom hotel.

A half hour’s drive from Dublin city centre and airport, Carton House Resort has staged three Irish Opens and is home to the Golfing Union of Ireland. The sale is being handled by Savills. www.savills.co.uk www.cartonhouse.com n Styrrup Hall Golf & Country Club, on the border between Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire, is available for £1.7m as a freehold property or on a long-term lease at an annual rental to experienced golf and leisure operators.

The club, set in 147 acres, opened in 2000 and comprises an 18-hole course, 15-bay floodlit driving range, and two-storey clubhouse. The sale is being handled by Ben Allen of GVA. www.gva.co.uk www.styrrupgolf.co.uk n Gatton Manor Hotel & Golf Club near Dorking in Surrey is on the market at a guide price of £4m.

The 18-hole course, laid out by a Canadian course designer, Commander John D. Harris, during the late 1960s, is the centrepiece of a 166-acre freehold estate which also includes an 18-bedroom hotel. The sale is being handled by Tom Marriott at HMH Golf & Leisure. www.hmhgolfandleisure.com www.gattonmanor.co.uk n Offers in excess of £2.9m are invited for Cambridge Meridian Golf Club, home to an 18-hole course designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark.

The 205-acre property also includes a driving range with eight covered bays and planning consent for a 29-bedroom hotel.

The club, a five-mile drive from Cambridge, has been co-owned by former Ladies European Tour player Vivien Saunders and managing partner Jenny Wisson since 1993. The sale is being handled by Tom Marriott at HMH Golf & Leisure. www.hmhgolfandleisure.com www.cmgc.co.uk

FOREMOST FINANCE FUELS FORESIGHT FORAYS

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£1m-plus finance scheme from Foremost Golf has cut the cost of purchasing Foresight Sports launch monitors, swing studios and simulators for more than 100 of its members over the past two years.

The deal enables Foremost professionals to offer their customers improved fitting and teaching services, indoors and outside, all year round.

Craig George of Radcliffe-on-Trent GC said: “The Foremost finance was quick and easy to arrange and was a great saving compared to alternatives.

Since I invested in my studio, fitted with Foresight’s GC2 unit, the reaction at the club has been fantastic and

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income from fittings, sales and lessons has greatly increased.”

Foremost CEO Paul Hedges said: “We are delighted to provide this unique, low-cost service to our members. Not only do our member professionals benefit, but the revenue generated supports other group initiatives.”

Ed Doling, sales director for Foresight Sports Europe, said: “Our partnership has proved a great success and we would like to thank the Foremost team and all those members who contributed to this incredible investment milestone.” www.Foresightsports.eu www.foremostgolf.com

TAGMARSHAL IS WATCHING YOU!

agmarshal, an American pace-of-play system, is being piloted on the Championship Course at Carnoustie Golf Links where next year’s Open will be staged.

Reportedly, Tagmarshal’s geotagging and pace algorithms can speed up round times by 15-17 minutes. “We are continuously looking for ways to enhance our on-course experience,” head professional Colin Sinclair said.

“Tagmarshal’s technology will be a valuable tool in exploring improvement opportunities.”

Tagmarshal’s discreet datatransmitting tags track walking and cart rounds. The intuitive information the system provides is designed to enable courses to give positive, non-confrontational

assistance to players and routinely improve per-hole goal times.

Tagmarshal uses real-time data through a series of small “tags” clipped onto one golf bag or cart per group which transmit geolocation data. www.tagmarshal.com

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GOV, PGA & PGAE

NEWS

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he brass band that serenaded the victorious Great Britain & Ireland team during the PGA Cup’s closing ceremony could easily have blasted out a few bars of ‘Scotland the Brave’.

In defeating the United States 16-10 to register backto-back victories for the first time since 1984, a trio of Scots played influential roles at Foxhills Resort in Surrey. Greig Hutcheon, from Aberdeen,

HUTCHEON SEALS GB&I TRIUMPH AT FOXHILLS holed the match-winning putt after Glasgow’s Chris Currie had halved the match that retained the Llandudno Trophy. Masterminding the triumph, meanwhile, was non-playing captain Albert MacKenzie, another Aberdonian.

A close contest looked in the offing, not least because the match at Slaley Hall four years ago ended all square before GB&I prevailed by a point at

LYNN HOT TO TROT IN TURKEY

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avid Lynn carded a three-under par 70 to win the Beko Classic ProAm at National Golf Club in Belek, southern Turkey.

The former European and PGA Tour professional had five birdies and two bogeys on the final day for a six-under-par, three-round total of 213 that earned him a $10,000 cheque and his first PGAs of Europe victory.

“I came out here with zero expectations having retired from tournament golf,” said Lynn. “My practice round was awful, but I managed to shoot a good score in the first round and continued from there.”

Fellow Englishman Andrew Marshall also closed with 70 but finished one shot shy of Lynn on 214. Georg Schultes of Austria, the leader after two rounds, was third on 215.

The pro-am team event was won by former Open champion Darren Clarke and his three Turkish amateur partners.

Corde Valle in California in 2015.

Robert Coles, Matthew Cort, Andrew Raitt, Phillip Archer and David Higgins all won their singles, as did Damien McGrane after trailing Mark Brown by two holes.

The comeback kid, however, was Currie. Three down at the turn, he went up the 18th a hole to the good, but his opponent, Rod Perry, birdied the last to snatch a half.

That meant it fell to Hutcheon on the 17th to claim the halfpoint needed for victory. “I hit a great second shot in but it went too long and I left myself a tricky chip,” he said. “I’m glad no-one told me the subsequent putt was for the overall victory because I might have missed it!

“I managed to roll it in. It’s absolutely brilliant. At my age, I’m never going to get in a Ryder Cup team, so this is the next best thing.”

HIGH-OCTANE FOURBALL FINISH

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he roar of high-performance cars lapping the Silverstone circuit next door proved a fitting soundtrack at Whittlebury Park as David Clarke and Martyn Jobling found an extra gear to win the Golfbreaks.com PGA Fourball Championship.

Having begun their third and final round at the Northamptonshire course four shots adrift of the lead, the duo from Morpeth in Northumberland clinched victory when Clark sank a 20ft birdie putt on the final green.

Such a turnaround suggests overnight

leaders Michael Watson and Richard O’Hanlon from the West Country froze with victory in their grasp. In truth, Clarke and Jobling earned the £5,500 winners’ cheque rather than having it gifted to them.

Although Watson and O’Hanlon’s final five-under par round of 67 did not live up to the high-octane golf they had produced over the first 36 holes, their 22-under par total of 194 still took some beating.

Scottish duo Gareth Wright and Graeme Brown also finished on 22-under par to tie second.

FIELDSEND EMULATES JACKLIN

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atthew Fieldsend held his nerve to complete a wire-to-wire victory and scoop the £5,000 winner’s cheque in the Galvin Green PGA Assistants’ Championship at Coxmoor Golf Club in Nottinghamshire.

The 24-year-old from Drayton Park in

Staffordshire holed an 8ft putt on the final green to join a list of winners that includes former Open champion Tony Jacklin and BBC pundit Peter Alliss.

He won by a shot from local player Stuart David (Wollaton Park) and Elliott Groves (Romsey).

STRONG FIELD FOR WALTON HEATH

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he UK’s leading club professionals will descend on Walton Heath for the 12th staging of the 54-hole PGA PlayOffs from October 30 to November 1.

Stuart Christie, secretary of the Surrey club, said: “We have a rich tradition of hosting big golf events, including the Ryder Cup in 1981 and the annual US Open regional qualifier since 2005.”

The 24-strong field will include PGA

Professionals champion Paul O’Hara and runner-up Chris Currie. Joining them will be Matthew Fieldsend, the PGA Assistants’ champion, and former winners Matthew Cort, Greig Hutcheon and Richard Wallis.

As well as an increased prize fund of £25,000, four spots in next year’s BMW PGA Championship will be up for grabs and two places available in the British Masters.

WINNERS CIRCLE n Sarah Smith of Saffron Walden GC recorded a WPGA One Day Series victory at Salisbury & South Wilts GC. Smith carded a level par round of 73 to win by one shot from Catherine PantonLewis (The Berkshire GC) and Katie Rule (Mullion GC).

n Kim Larratt, a Ladies European Tour player, teamed up with her former French teacher at school, Trish Formoy, to win the WPGA Lombard Trophy on behalf of Kibworth GC in Leicestershire.

The pair recorded a wire-to-wire victory at Pestana Vila Sol in the Algarve.

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ALISON CLAIMS PLAYOFF VICTORY

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lison Nicholas scaled the pinnacles of the female game 20 years ago by winning the US Women’s Open at Pumpkin Ridge, Oregon, but she was equally delighted when she

took the Titleist & FootJoy Women’s PGA Professional Championship for a third time at The Berkshire.

With her nephew Tom caddying, the 55-year-old Yorkshirewoman saw off two-

time winner Alison Gray and Marie Martindale in a tense play-off to claim the £1,000 top prize. All three had finished on 143 and Nicholas, based at Beau Desert GC in Staffordshire, claimed the title at the third

extra hole.

Afterwards, Nicholas said: “Perhaps I should just hang my boots up now! I’m getting on a bit and I’m feeling it – my body is aching. But winning feels great.”

n The Troon Golf Abu Dhabi PGA ProAm, scheduled for later this month, has been put back to March 26-28, 2018. It will be played over two courses – Abu Dhabi GC, venue of the European Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, and the Gary Player-designed Saadiyat Beach GC. For further details, contact Matt Waters at mwaters@sbgolfclub.ae

Costa Navarino from February 21-24, 2018. Fifty professionals, each accompanied by three amateurs, will contest a €50,000 prize fund. messiniaproam.costanavarino.com

FORTHCOMING EVENTS n The Ladies European Tour is gearing up for the climax of the Lalla Aicha Tour School in Morocco. PalmGolf Marrakech Ourika will host two pre-qualifying events (November 16-19 and December 6-9) before the final stage takes place over two other Marrakech courses – Amelkis Golf Club and Samanah Country Club – from December 16-20. n The 54-hole PGAs of Europe

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Fourball Championship Presented

by Costa Daurada, open to 120 pairs of professionals, will be played over the Lakes and Hills courses at Lumine Mediterránea Beach & Golf Club near Taragona on Spain’s east coast from February 12-15, 2018. It will be preceded by the Costa Daurada International ProAm, a separate event for teams of three amateurs and one professional over the same courses from February 8-11. For further details, email jjhp@pgae.com

n Entries are now open for the 2nd Messinia Pro-Am over the two courses at the luxury Greek destination

n The fifth international Pro-Am at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club in Abu Dhabi will take place from January 29 to February 1, 2018. For further details, email gavin@aesgc.ae

HALL’S PERFECT SEASON

ydia Hall completed a 100 per cent record in the WPGA One Day Series by winning the final event of the season at South Herts.

The Ladies European Tour player, based at Hensol Golf

Academy in South Wales, won all five of the One Day events she entered this year.

Hall, who missed two of the seven tournaments, one because of a back injury and the other due to a schedule clash, plans to play

in the series again next year when she can.

“I’m going to the LPGA Q-School in October and I have quite a heavy end of year schedule,” she said. “Whenever I’m home I like to support the

WPGA, but if I get my LPGA tour card I’m not sure I’d be able to fit them all in.”

Hall’s other four victories in 2017 were at Little Aston, Dunham Forest, Stoke-by-Nayland and Kedleston Park.

than six million businesses around the world. www.firstdata.com

efficient IT systems and the rapid resolution of any problems are key to business success in the 21st century.” www.silverbug.it

benefit each other’s business.” www. pgae.com/login/pga-professionalbenefits/bmw-offer/

COMMERCIAL NEWS n Antalya Golf Club, home to the PGA Sultan and Pasha golf courses and Sirene and Kempinski the Dome hotels, has joined the PGA’s branded resorts’ register as The PGA National Turkey. n Payment technology specialist First Data has become a PGA official supplier and is offering members preferential rates. The company securely processes 2,800 transactions per second for more

n The PGAs of Europe have signed an agreement to promote the GolfBox ProPlanner and utilise its tournament software package. www.

GolfBox.net n Milton Keynes-based IT support specialist Silverbug has become a PGA partner. PGA chief executive Robert Maxfield said: “Effective and

n The PGAs of Europe have extended their corporate partnership with BMW. “Historically, most of our partnerships have been about brand association and communication,” said PGAE chief executive Ian Randell. “But our corporate partnerships also need to directly

n Aphrodite Hills Resort in southern Cyprus is undergoing a €2.5m facelift and has been rebranded as the PGA National Cyprus. Long-serving director of golf Andrew Darker said: “Over 15 years, Aphrodite Hills has built a strong reputation.” www. aphroditehills.com

WILLETT COACHES HONOURED BY PGA

F

our leading PGA members have attained master professional status.

The distinguished quartet, who were each presented with

a commemorative plaque by PGA captain John Hegarty, are: Peter Ball (Moorview Driving Range, Sheffield), Phil Kenyon (owner of the Harold Swash Putting School of Excellence

n Steve Parry holed a 6ft birdie putt on the second extra hole at Pestana Vila Sol in the Algarve to win the Lombard Trophy for Bolton club Hart Common. Parry, who scooped the £12,000 winner’s cheque, and his 16-handicap partner Andy Picton saw off pairings from Old Fold Manor in Hertfordshire and Normanton in Yorkshire. n Sion Bebb held his nerve at Celtic Manor

at Formby Hall, Merseyside), Paul Burley, a former director of golf at Turnberry and now an executive with International Management Group (IMG), and Graham

to win the Asbri Golf-sponsored Welsh National PGA Championship for the third time. The pro from Morlais Castle, who previously won the event in 2005 and 2006, finished three shots clear of joint runners-up Toby Hunt and Matthew Dearden. n John Hay, the professional at Waterlooville in Hampshire, won his first PGA Super 60s title on debut at Wollaton

Walker, who runs his own academy at Oaks GC in Selby, Yorkshire.

Both Ball and Walker formerly coached 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett.

Park in Nottingham. Hay, who has just turned 60, partnered amateur Rob Dennett to a five-shot victory with a 17-under-par two-round total of 125. n Italy’s Federico Elli won the 9th Vivacom Pro-Am title over the Gary Player-designed links at BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas Resort in Bulgaria with a nine-under-par, threeround total of 206.

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TROLLEYS

SHOWCASE

EASE OF MOVEMENT You can be the best golfer in the world, but without proper transportation you have no chance of teeing it up whenever and wherever you choose to play. SGB Golf samples the latest trolleys and bags on the market BIG MAX Blade Quattro The Blade Quattro combines four-wheel stability, simplicity of use and fold-flat technology to give unrivalled levels of practicality on the course, in the car and stored away at home.

RRP: £279.99

www.golfstream.co.uk

MOTOCADDY

Autofold FF This three-wheel push trolley folds flat in seconds for ease of use and storage. It also benefits from bags of storage and accessory options that make it a ‘must have’ for both consumers and retailers alike.

RRP: £274.99 Terrain This new electric three-wheel trolley has a 230w whisperquiet motor and is designed to provide complete control and comfort on even the toughest courses. SRP: £799

speed control and an easy-touse electronic parking brake to the features available on the compact-folding M1 Prol.

Standout features include adjustable distance control (up to 50 yards) and a USB charging port. RRPs: £549.99 or £599.99 with an extended lithium battery.

Powered trolleys

Push trolleys

S5 Connect The new S5 Connect can be synced to Motocaddy’s GPS app via a Bluetooth connection on any compatible

P360 The new P360 offers exceptional manoeuvrability around the course thanks to a 360° rotating front wheel with quick-lock capability that allows the trolley to access even the tightest of spaces. An easy-push ergonomic handle with adjustable height control makes it comfortable to hold and easy to steer. RRP: £169.99

GOLFSTREAM

smartphone, allowing the trolley’s digital display to be used like a conventional GPS, with access to details of 36,000 courses worldwide. It can also receive incoming call, text, email or app alerts, has a softtouch ergonomic handle and streamlined battery tray. RRPs: £549.99 or £599.99 with an extended lithium battery. RRPs for downhill control (DHC) models: £599.99 (standard) and £649.99 (extended). All battery options include a five-year warranty.

DV-8 Made entirely in the UK from

M1 Pro DHC This model adds downhill

www.bigmaxgolf.com

also includes an easy-push ergonomic handle with adjustable height control and friction-free oversize wheels.

RRP: £149.99

UK components and featuring full remote control, sprung suspension, anti-splatter mudguards, twin 200w motors and a CaddyCell lithium power source, the DV-8 folds compactly when being stored or transported. RRP: £799

P1 The lightweight (6.9kg), fast-folding P1 can be folded up or down in one simple step. It includes friction-free, oversized

wheels, a foot-operated brake, an adjustable handle height and quick-release wheels. RRP: £129.99 S1 Lite Even lighter than its predecessor (5.3kg), the S1 Lite incorporates easy-run, oversized rear wheels and an anti-clog front wheel to ensure a smooth ride on the course.

Other standout features include a foot-operated parking brake.

RRP: £119.99 M1 Lite This trolley features a triplefold mechanism so it can fit into the smallest possible spaces and a foot-operated parking brake. In addition to an adjustable handle height, up to four accessories can be attached to the handle. RRP: £149.99 www.motocaddy.com

Cube The Cube trolley has a simple two-step assembly system that enables it to quickly fold over 45 per cent smaller than traditional push trolleys. It

POWAKADDY FW7s GPS This trolley’s integrated GPS technology ensures golfers can manage their game from the

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handle irrespective of external devices or mobile reception. It delivers fast, accurate distances to the front, middle and back of the green on over 30,000 golf courses worldwide as well as precise distances to hazards.

RRP: £749.99 Compact C2 The Compact C2 has a simple-2-fold system for setting up and packing away in two folds. Following feedback from

full-colour widescreen that hosts a USB charging port and an automatic distance function to set the trolley off on pre-set distances of 15, 30 and 45 yards.

It also has digital power and enhanced battery fuel gauges.

RRP: from £549.99 Touch The innovative Touch has new trims on its frame, handle and wheels. Adding to its other features – including Touch ‘n’ Go technology – the

trolleys, and high-performance Lithium batteries.

As well as explaining specific benefits unique to each model, the videos delve into mainstay features, and the Plug ‘n’ Play battery system that avoids any fiddly wires or connectors.

“We believe the videos provide an opportunity for golfers to learn more about each trolley and the level of technology at their disposal,” said Mei Tierney, PowaKaddy’s marketing manager. “We wanted to create an easy way for golfers to research our new products from their computer, tablet or mobile device, but the videos will also help our retail partners when communicating with their customers.” www.PowaKaddy.com

anti-rotation bag straps. It also has a two-year warranty and a unique serial-number plaque.

RRP: £1,699 *Kitzbühel Golf Club in Austria has recently taken delivery of 30 X9 Follows.

R1-S Push The new R1-S PUSH trolley is built by hand in Gloucestershire. Now complete with 10 different colour variations, the R1-S PUSH has a patented rack and piniondriven folding mechanism. It weighs 8.1kg and its features include an umbrella holder, ball holder, scorecard holder,

STEWART golfers and retailers, this trolley has been designed to save time as well as space with the folding system taking just two or three seconds to operate. RRP: £599.99 FW3i Boasting a stylish widescreen display, the FW3i offers engineered simplicity and reliability through a

straightforward on-off button and ‘power, pause and resume’ function. RRP: from £499.99 FW5i Ideal for golfers seeking added features at a mid-price point. The FW5i sports a new

new design upgrades and frame graphics have been based on product trends, as well as consumer and retailer feedback. RRP: from £529.99 FW7s This is the ultimate in cutting-edge design. Packed with technology, it features a full-colour 3.5-inch widescreen display, built-in calorie counter, distance measurement function and near silent 230w motor. A USB charging port enables golfers to charge their smart phone or GPS device.

RRP: £639.99

X9 Follow Originally launched in 2003 as the X1 Remote, this is the latest model in Stewart’s X-Series of controlled machines. Specifically designed as a follow trolley, it also comes with remote-control functionality. Its features include Bluetooth technology, a rechargeable Lithium handset, a Lithium battery and charger, non-metallic wheels, quick-release rear wheels and

ball marker, soft-touch handle, bottle holder and adjustable, padded bag jaws that will accept virtually any Tour, cart or even stand bag. It comes with a two-year warranty. RRP: £199 www.stewartgolf.com

TwinLine 4 This lightweight push trolley is easy to set up and folds down swiftly and compactly. It has a strong, lightweight aluminium frame and its features include a foot-operated parking brake plus a telescopic handle for height adjustment. RRP: £159.99 *PowaKaddy has introduced high-tech videos about its Freeway and Compact C2

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BAGS

SHOWCASE BIG MAX Aqua V-1 Featuring 100 per cent waterproof fabric, seams and zips along with a patented V-Lock system that, with a simple turn and lock, ensures all a golfer’s woods locked in place with an unobscured view of the irons, the Aqua V-1 has 14 full-length dividers, an oversize putter well and nine waterproof pockets. RRP: £299.99 Dri Lite G Dri Lite G is a full-size, water-resistant stand bag that weighs in at 2kg and has seven waterproof pockets. A 14-way divider, air-channel strap for

one lined for valuables and one insulated drink pouch), a zip-off front embroidery panel and rain hood. Weighing 3.2kg, it comes in black and staff colours. RRP: £240 golf.mizunoeurope.com

MOTOCADDY including one that holds a drink, it has a four-way top, two full-length dividers and an improved comfort strap. RRP: £169 uk.callawaygolf.com

GOLFSTREAM

Pro Tour This carbon-fibre designed Tour cart bag features 14 full-length club dividers, four clothing/accessories side pockets, a large front shoe pocket, cooler pocket, dry pocket, scorecard pouch, three grab handles for easy lifting, a three-way carry strap, external putter pit, karabina for towel, velcro glove fastener, umbrella tube, anti-twist base that fits most electric trolleys and a dual-zipped, easy-access rain

10-inch top coupled with a 14-way divider and an extralarge putter well. Nine pockets provide plenty of storage for all accessories and gear and a padded shoulder strap facilitates easy carrying. RRP: £79.99 www.macgregor-golf.co.uk

MIZUNO Pro Cart This bag has a 10-inch, 14way top cuff with integrated putter well, an oversized cooler pocket with drainage holes,

breathability and leg lock mean the ‘G’ can be carried as well as mounted on a cart. RRP: £149.99 www.bigmaxgolf.com

CALLAWAY GOLF GBB Epic Staff This Callaway Tour branded stand bag has four-way top with velour-wrapped dividers and an ergonomic moulded handle.

Its seven pockets include a velour-lined valuables pocket.

It also has a soft hip pad for comfort, non-slip foot pads that prevent slipping or sinking on turf and a full-size rain hood.

RRP: £209

Hyper-Lite Zero Callaway’s lightest stand bag (2.5lb), the Hyper-Lite Zero is made from durable, featherlight fabrics and has a carbonfibre leg system. In addition to a variety of zippered pockets,

hood. RRP: £130 www.golfstream.co.uk

MACGREGOR GOLF Tourney Plus This stand bag from MacGregor has a padded crossbow dual strap, thick hip/back pad and lightweight stand system. Eight pockets provide ample storage while a 9-inch, seven-way divider top facilitates maximum club organisation. RRP: £69.99 Menawhile, the lightweight Tourney Plus cart bag has a

nine pockets, a zip-off front embroidery panel and rain hood. Weighing 3.8kg, it comes in black and staff colours. RRP: £240 Pro Stand This bag has a four-way top cuff, six pockets (including one with magnetic closure,

Dry-Series This bag is available in five colour options: Black/ Blue, Black/ Fuchsia, Black/ Lime, Black/ Orange & Black/Red. Superlightweight (2.4kg) and 100 per cent waterproof, it is manufactured from durable nylon fabric and has heatwelded seams, thermo-sealed zips, 14 full-length dividers, upper and lower grab handles, and an anti-twist base. RRP £199.99 Pro-Series Available in four colour options – Black/Blue, Black/ Lime, Black/Orange and Black/Red – this bag has been upgraded with a bold new look and eye-catching colour combinations.

Features include seven extra spacious pockets, scorecard and pencil holders, 14 full-length dividers, a dedicated putter well, upper and lower grab handles, and an anti-twist base.

RRP £159.99 www.motocaddy.com

POWAKADDY Dri Edition Made from a 2000mm-coated waterproof fabric, this cart bag incorporates covered zip holders and

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heat-welded seams to offer maximum protection against the elements along with seven pockets. Available in White/ Grey/Blue, Black/Yellow and White/Grey/Red. RRP: £219.99 Premium This cart bag comes in three colour stylings: Black/ Yellow, Black/ Red and White/Lime.

Constructed from vinyl and polyurethane materials, it offers 14 full-length dividers to give each club its rightful place and prevent snagging. RRP £169.99 Lite This lightweight cart option does not compromise on features, with 14 full-length dividers, seven storage pockets, a rain hood and quick-release strap. Available in Black/Silver/ Fuschia, Black/Silver/Yellow and Black/Silver/Teal. RRP: £109.99

Deluxe This cart bag has 14 fulllength dividers and seven convenient storage pockets, while its nylon, polyester and vinyl construction makes it an attractive lightweight option to combine with a trolley. Other features include a large storage pocket for balls and a cooler pocket for drinks. RRP: £129.99 www.powakaddy.co.uk

two large side pockets, a large ball pocket, and a rain hood. It weighs 5.3kg. RRP: £179 www.stewartgolf.com

SUN MOUNTAIN H2NO Superlite This waterproof stand bag is available in Grey/Black/ Flash (pictured), White/Navy/ Blaze, Black, and Black/White/ Red. Contents are kept dry by a water-repellent nylon material and YKK zips to protect the four accessory pockets, including the full-length apparel pouch.

Weighing just 1.8kg, the bag also features a four-way flared top with full length dividers, tensile aluminium legs and an X-strap dual carry system. An optional hip belt (sold separately for £19.99) transfers the weight of the bag from the shoulders to the hips. RRP: £209 H2NO Sunday This ultra-lightweight nylon bag with a solid base features retractable ‘stubby legs’ to keep it off the ground during play and has waterresistant zips and taped seams. It incorporates a three-way padded divider, a full length and half-length pocket, rain hood; andadjustable padded carry strap.

RRP: £140 www.brandfusionltd.co.uk

STEWART GOLF

TAYLORMADE GOLF

T5 This tour bag provides the luxury and quality customers expect of Stewart Golf. The T5 is

Waterproof Cart This waterproof 14-way bag (2.5kg) has a crush-resistant construction, three full-length dividers, seven pockets, integrated top-opening grab handles, synthetic leather cuff, heat-welded seam, thermosealed zippers, rain hood, single shoulder strap and trolley keylock base system. RRP: £219

available with green, blue and red highlights. Other features include: six-way, full-length divider, nine pockets in total, an umbrella holder, shoulder strap,

FlexTech Stand The smooth-release, collapsible base system on this stand bag (2.5kg) ensures no club crowding or sticking. Other features include water-resistant pockets with micro-suede

lining, a large internal insulated cooler pocket, full-length dividers and a zip-off ball pocket. RRP: £169 www.taylormadegolf.eu

Lightweight Cart Designed with a reverse top-cuff, 14-way divider system, integrated putter well, multiple pockets and lightweight materials, this cart bag works equally well on a motorised trolley or with a pull trolley.

Easy-life handles and a padded sling make handling the bag a breeze. Available in four colour combinations: black, black/ blue/white, black/red/white and black/grey/lime. SRP: £150 www.titleist.co.uk

TITLEIST

WILSON STAFF

Players 5 With an optimal blend of organisation, storage and lightweight engineering, this stand bag provides a combination of comfort and

Hybrix Available in navy/red and black/silver, this bag is designed for both carry and cart use. It features a stay-flat base and trolley holder compatible with most trolleys and carts while also including a quick-action stand and double-padded strap

structure with its five-way top cuff and high-density cushioning foam in the shoulder straps, ensuring comfort and durability.

Available in four colour combinations: black, black/ white/red, navy/grey and charcoal/grey/red.

SRP: £160 Players 5 StaDry The StaDry option offers the same performance features as the Players 5 but with advanced waterproof technology, featuring a seamsealed construction and internal stand mechanism with a re-engineered leg system.

Available in three colour combinations: black/white/red, black/red and navy/sapphire.

SRP: £230 Players 14 This stand bag is lightweight engineered and features a fulllength divider and three-way handle surrounding the 14-way top-cuff. Available in two colour combinations: black and black/ white/red. SRP: £200

with soft-mesh hip pad for carrying comfort. Six storage pockets including two large accessory options are offered, plus a 14-way top with fulllength dividers and integrated lift handle. RRP: £125 www.wilson.com

YONEX Ezone This lightweight cart bag features a 14-way club divider and 10 functional pockets for practical storage. Its moulded base fits securely onto an electric trolley. RRP: £189 Ezone Waterproof This fully waterproof (fabric and fasteners) stand bag is lightweight with a seven-way divider and six pockets including a valuables and drinks sleeve.

RRP: £149 www.yonex.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

THE DETAIL IN RETAIL The life of the humble PGA Professional has changed somewhat since The Great Triumvirate became the first of their kind. Today’s PGA Professional requires a whole host of skills to be successful. TGI Golf’s Head of Communications Matt Millard takes a look at the PGA Pro’s toolbox.

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ADVERTORIAL

I

wonder what the Great Triumvirate of JH Taylor, James Braid and Harry Vardon would make of the life of the PGA Professional today?

When those legends of the game put pen to paper in 1901 to form The PGA and become the first PGA Professionals, I bet they never imagined EPOS Systems and Launch Monitors would become essential tools.

In fact, even if you go back to the birth of TGI Golf in 1984, some of those boys at Haggs Castle would be scratching their heads at the sheer number of tools a PGA Professional in 2017 needs to be using to be both successful and profitable.

Gone are the days of a PGA Professional giving a few lessons, selling a few Mars Bars and popping a few quid into a wooden drawer under the desk…well at least they should be!

Today’s PGA Professional needs to be the master of all trades – marketing, social media, engineer, scientist, interior designer, mentor, the list of skills to be a successful retailer is gargantuan.

Technology has played a key role in the success of the on-course retailer wrestling business back from the off-course competitors over recent years.

Launch monitors are an essential piece of kit for the modern day PGA Professional.

Utilising this technology for a whole host of services, including club fitting, gapping sessions and, of course, lessons.

While these pieces of kit can be expensive, many Pros who have invested in them have found they pay for themselves in a relatively short space of time as club members flock to see their stats on screen and enjoy lessons with tangible results.

Combine a launch monitor with an indoor swing studio and you’re laughing, it opens up a whole other host of benefits and services to club members and the Pro…lessons in the warm and dry being the most appealing!

It’s not just on the range or the swing room that technology has played an important role in changing the way the PGA Professional operates.

Social Media and the internet has meant the PGA Pro now needs to have a good grasp of marketing like never before.

Gone are the days on relying on the loyal and captive audience of the golf club members. There are now a whole host of ways that they can purchase everything they need to enjoy their game of golf.

Without a doubt, if a business is not communicating with its customers you can

bet your bottom dollar that somebody else is. Whether it’s the high street retailers, the internet companies or even the PGA Pro down the road.

So it is vitally important that PGA Professionals communicate with their customers using at least one of the channels available.

The best will be via Email. TGI Golf Partners are fortunate that they have access to one of the world’s leading email marketing tools in Campaign Monitor, the same system used by Disney, MercedesBenz and Callaway.

Through this programme they can send bespoke communications direct to their customers’ inboxes, something highly recommended to all on course golf retailers.

In these structured email campaigns they keep their customers abreast of what’s happening in their shop, new products, sale items, news and club competition results.

Social Media is another important avenue for PGA Professionals to explore and exploit.

These, predominately, free platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are perfect for highlighting products and the services on offer.

It is very easy for club professionals to assume that everyone knows the services they can perform, but it is essential to continue reminding them through email, signage, social media, clubhouse notice boards and mailers. They should be letting everyone know their expertise in custom fitting, teaching, club repairs, club cresting etc.

In-store marketing is just as important, there are still far too many Pro Shops around with bright colourful star bursts with black marker pen stuck on rails and walls highlighting prices and offers.

Let’s move away from that. Again, TGI Golf Partners have access to a system called MyMarketing HUB, where they can design personalised and professional marketing material free of charge.

Things have certainly changed massively over the years, but it has all been to the benefit of the PGA Professional, who is now in a far better place than they have been for many years. That is down to the Pro continually adapting and moving with the market.

Long may that continue, who knows how we’ll look in another 116 years.

For further information on how the TGI Golf Partnership can help your business visit tgigolf.com.

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EQUIPMENT

NEWS

T

aylorMade has launched a new range of irons, the M CGB, and two extensions to its P700 series.

The M CGB irons are a gameimprovement option with highMOI Tungsten-weighting in the clubhead. New to the P700 line is the P790 set of forged distance irons that use SpeedFoam technology in the hollow cavity for enhanced feel.

TaylorMade has also released P730 blade irons, Rory McIlroy’s current sticks of choice, which received input from both Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose at the design stage.

Extra forgiveness was achieved by reducing the overall blade length and moving some mass

PING SHOPPING

P

ING’s latest clubs are the G400 Series – a full line of custom-fit, custom-built drivers, irons, fairway woods, hybrids and crossovers that benefit from a thinner, hotter impact area.

RRPs: Driver: £389; Irons ( available 4-9, PW, UW, SW, LW in 10 colour codes): £110 per iron (steel), £120 per iron (graphite); Fairway woods: £240; Hybrids: £200; G400 Crossovers: £200 www.ping.com

NEW IRONS AND NEW OWNERS FOR TAYLORMADE away from the centre.

RRPs: M CGB irons (3-PW) with Nippon NS Pro 840 steel shafts: £849; with UST Recoil 460 ES graphite shafts: £1,099; P790 irons (3-PW, AW, SW) with True Temper’s Dynamic Gold 105 steel shafts: £1,049; with UST Mamiya’s Recoil 760/780 ES SmacWrap graphite shafts: £1,299; P730 irons (3-PW) with True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts: £1,049 TaylorMade has also expanded its collection of putters with the introduction of six TP Red performance mallets.

MSRP: £239 *adidas has formally severed its relationship with the TaylorMade, Adams and

Ashworth golf brands. However, while the three brands now belong to a newly formed affiliate of KPS Capital Partners as the result of a deal reportedly worth £330m, adidas will continue to bring its own golf apparel and footwear to market. *TaylorMade has mutually agreed a parting of the ways with Masters champion Sergio Garcia after an association that lasted more than 15 years. *TaylorMade’s myRoundPro statistical analysis platform is exclusively available on Samsung Gear Smartwatches and Smart Fitness Bands following a partnership agreement. www.taylormadegolf.com

MIZUNO SLEEK TITLEIST UNMUZZLED

T

itleist’s latest 718 irons are being offered in six models and continue the brand’s legacy of delivering Tour-proven performance in a sleek, cavity back profile.

Delivering precision shot control with added forgiveness throughout the bag is a complex range. The new AMT red, black and white models provide lighter long-iron shafts for launch and heavier shortiron shafts.

RRPs: £115 (steel); £140 (graphite). 718 T-MB steel: MSRP £230 per club • Ggraphite: MSRP £255 per club

M

izuno’s MP-18 irons apparently have an evolved, grain-flow, forged high-density process (whatever that means) and deliver “incredible, precise feedback,” according to the Japanese company. The shorter blade length and low heel profile carry Sir Nick Faldo’s imprimatur, but then again he’s paid to make such pronouncements.

In the absence of any RRPs from Mizuno’s agency, it’s impossible to give an indication whether these products are worth stocking. Historically, they probably are, based on the known quality of the engineering. golf.mizunoeurope.com

LAUNCHER PAD

C

leveland Golf has new Launcher woods on the market, utilising a redesigned crown, an ultralightweight hosel, and low and deep weighting.

SRPs: Driver: £279; Fairway woods: £200; Hybrids: £179; Irons (all 5-PW): men’s steel: £570 (single iron: £95); men’s graphite: £648 (single iron: £108); women’s graphite: £648 Cleveland has also unveiled its cavity-back CBX wedge, a versatile club that caters for ordinary players rather than the more-skilled folk who tend to play with the RTX-3 model. SRP: £109 www.clevelandgolf.co.uk

NEWS GET A GRIP n Golf Pride’s ALIGN range of MCC and MCC Plus4 grips is now available across Europe.

Featuring a raised ridge that extends down the back of the grip for consistent hand placement, the ALIGN

Technology is designed to keep the clubface square at impact. www.golfpride.com n Cobra Golf has launched its easy-swing F-MAX family of

woods and irons. RRPs: £229 (driver), £169 (fairway woods); men’s irons (5-PW): £449 (steel); men’s and women’s graphite irons (5-PW and GW): £699 www.cobragolf.co.uk

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PUTTER NEWS

MORE ODYSSEYS INTO THE BANK ACCOUNT

O

dyssey has added six red putters to its O-Works line and introduced the Toulon Design range. The face insert on the O-Works putters features tiny hinges on the hitting surface

to lift the ball into a better roll at impact. RRP: £179-159 (depending on the model) The Toulon Design putters come in five blades and two face-balanced mallets, all with variable shaft lengths. A key

feature is the deep, precisionmilled pattern in the face of soft a 303 stainless-steel head.

RRP: Start budgeting from £350 (sorry!)

n PING has expanded its Sigma G series of putters with two mallets, the Craz-E and Tyne

H. Made from precision-milled, aerospace-grade aluminium, they are finished in platinum or black nickel. RRPs: £175 (adjustable-length shafts are available for an extra £24).

Futura line of putters. The great man said: “Justin Thomas came to my studio looking for a new option. He wanted a smaller mallet he could align easily but promoted the arced putting stroke he preferred. We welded a flare neck to a Futura X5 Tour putter and sent him on his way.” SRP: £335

www.ping.com n Scotty Cameron has added a high-MOI mallet with enhanced toe flow to his

R

www.odysseygolf.com

www.titleist.co.uk

LONG DRIVERS TURN TO VOLVIK

ecord distances are being achieved by longdriving specialists using Volvik coloured golf balls.

At the UK’s American Golf Long Drive Championship final at Heythorp Hall in Oxfordshire, 33-year-old Glaswegian Ilona Stubley hit the longest drive ever recorded by a female in the event’s three-year history

(338 yards) while the runnerup was 14-year-old Barnet schoolgirl Elle Gibson (pictured) who smacked a VIVID XT ball 326 yards.

Dan Konyk from Huddersfield drove an orange VIVID XT ball 430 yards while William Hunt Tyrell from London won the over-45 category with an eyepopping hit of 413 yards.

Recently, New Zealand’s Phillis Meti set a new record for the longest drive by a female competitor when she hit a Volvik ball 406 yards in Denver, Colorado.

“The VIVID XT ball is ideal for long-drive players,” said Nigel Freemantle of Volvik’s UK distributer, Brand Fusion International.

n Wilson Staff’s DX2 Optix twopiece ball has a scruff-resistant outer layer and is available in yellow, orange, pink, green and red.

It has a three-per-cent larger core, a thinner sodium/zinc ionomer cover and six-per-cent shallower dimples to promote a higher flight.

RPP: £19.99 (per dozen) www.wilson.com

n Mizuno’s new two-piece ball, the JPX, features a softcompression core and a multiblend polymer cover with 512 micro-dimples. RRP: £25 (per dozen) golf.mizunoeurope.com

n Srixon’s redesigned twopiece AD333 ball features a lower-compression core, a ‘spin skin’ coating and an enhanced 338 dimple pattern. Available in pure white and Tour yellow, it has an SRP of £22.00 per dozen. www.srixon.co.uk

n The DT TruSoft is the softest ball Titleist has ever made. It has a low-compression core and generates low spin on longer-distance shots yet offers a softer feel all round. www.titleist.co.uk

n GolfBuddy’s latest GPS unit, Voice X, has an automatic course update function if it finds that changes have been made to its owner’s venue since the installation of its original programme. The device can also speak the distances and

provide them on its screen.

RRP: £149.99 eu.golfbuddyglobal.com

n Shot Scope’s new V2 model combines advanced GPS technology with automatic performance tracking.

Available to pre-order at the introductory price of £189, it has an RRP of £225. www.shotscope.com

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17/10/2017 16:24

BGIA

NEWS

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT With Phil Morley soon to complete 12 months as the first executive chairman of the British Golf Industry Association, it seemed an appropriate time to find out what he thinks of the job so far and what he sees as the main challenges that lie ahead

I

am very lucky to have had a life working in the golf business and playing golf. Having completed ten months as BGIA chairman it is interesting to reflect on what I have learnt and how my perceptions of the industry have changed.

When Jane Montgomery, managing director of the Federation of Sports and Play Associations, the BGIA’s umbrella body, gave me an overview of the industry and its major stakeholders, the fragmentation quickly struck home. However, I now have a better understanding of the need for specialist skills across various sectors.

I’d worked at MacGregor for 25 years so I knew how disjointed the game could be. But when I took on this role I found myself pleasantly surprised by how all the different strands – the national associations, R&A, PGA, BIGGA – want to pull together.

Having met many of the chief executives I am really impressed with their respect and passion for the game’s traditions.

Yet they understand the need to be relevant in today’s market, and have the expertise and determination to deliver results.

Golf has received a lot of negative press in recent years and perhaps lacked the cohesion to promote and market all its positive stories and benefits.

The last two decades have been really challenging and seen a lot of change, not least with the arrival of the internet.

But this has affected every industry and business, not just ours. All golf’s problems are at least on the table and everyone is now discussing them. The important thing is that we have a great foundation and drive to grow the game.

We all know the importance of encouraging more juniors

and women to take up golf and stick at it, but we should also be looking to encourage the 40-60 age bracket who have stopped playing contact sports like football or rugby but want to keep enjoying the competitive and social sides of sport.

We also need to maintain quality control over the game.

Members are the nucleus of any club and we’re realising that private-member clubs that offer green fees that are too cheap are harming the game to the extent that some courses are being killed off.

We all know about the millions of dollars of R&D that are invested into new product, but it’s not always recognised how much the industry markets itself to new golfers. Technology has improved performances and equipment, but it should be remembered that pre-internet a lot of brands used to be mail order. We’ve had a marked change in the distribution of product both in the UK and the US, but not so much in Europe.

Since I took up my position, we’ve had National Golf Month – sending a message out to non-golfers is important. Now we’re going through the process of reviewing it with Doug Poole, who has run it for four years. We are also pleased to be working with the On Course Foundation, to promote playing and working within the golf industry to injured or traumatised service people. The Golf Foundation is still the most important promoter of junior golf and is very much at the forefront of all our thinking. And we’re also delighted to have the support of the Parliamentary Golf Group – especially to promote the health benefits of playing and watching golf.

With our help, the NHS is running two pilot schemes over the winter at a course in Berkshire (Ascot) and another

in Oxfordshire (North Oxford).

The idea is for doctors’ surgeries to prescribe golf as a form of treatment – thus promoting its social and health benefits.

If it’s deemed a success then we can take it to the wider world next year and have a poster in every surgery across the UK promoting the game’s health benefits and carrying details of local golf club so the newcomers can get in touch.

This activity should help to promote golf clubs as friendly and welcoming places, which is vital for the future of our game.

So who am I and what is my background? I was born and bred in Reading, played junior golf at Reading Golf Club, and I’m still a member now. I grew up playing with some big names.

Sandy Lyle was my foursomes partner in the England amateur team and I lost to Nick Faldo in the semi-final of the 1975 English Amateur Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes. I turned pro in 1979 and played on the European Tour for a few years, around the time it started to expand. I took a break from playing because I wasn’t making much progress and I started working with Doug (Poole) at Sol Golf selling golf holidays. Then I moved to MacGregor to work with John Ennis and stayed there till 2008, but I never relinquished my pro status as I was encouraged at MacGregor to play with other pros while doing business with them. After 2008, I worked with clubs around Reading and Oxford before taking up the BGIA job.

I see the BGIA as the voice of the whole golf industry – our diverse membership is definitely one of the association’s strengths. The industry has resized and changed, but I would say it’s in a stable situation. With challenges come opportunities, and I see a bright future for the game of golf.”

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19/10/2017 08:54

BGIA

NEWS

MEETING OF MINDS AT THE OPEN

M

orley was one of the speakers at the golf industry lunch in support of the HSBC Golf Roots initiative during the week of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in July.

He stressed the need for the industry to work together to make the game more appealing and its formats more flexible for both those already playing and for the next generation of customers. He also said it was important for manufacturers to keep creating its innovative products to excite consumers.

An upbeat mood on the prospects of the industry was reflected in talks also given

by Richard Payne and John Bushell, of Sports Marketing Surveys (SMS, INC), and the Golf Foundation chief executive Brendon Pyle.

Pyle emphasised the need to show youngsters that golf can be fun, inclusive and a game for life. Ian Peacock and Paul Jepson, two veterans of the annual lunch having attended the very first one in 1985, were warmly applauded while the hard work of Di Gilder (SMS INC), BGIA marketing manager Ciara Morgan (BGIA) and Sarah Sorrell of the Golf Foundation was also acknowledged.

From left: Payne, Pyle, Golf Foundation chairman Steven Lewis, Morgan, Morley and Bushell at the lunch

www.golf-foundation.org

EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE BGIA

T

he BGIA has teamed up with the Department for International Trade (DIT) to offer grants of £2,000 to help small and medium-sized UK businesses to attend the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Covention Center in Orlando, Florida from January 23-26.

Morley said: “If your business is looking for new export opportunities then attending

the PGA show is essential. It’s hard to appreciate how big the golf equipment business is until you step through onto the show floor and see everyone who is there.

“The variety of products and services on display is mind-blowing – from the latest drivers to high-tech training aids and everything in between. I’d recommend that any business in golf should have

a presence at the show and the DIT grants make this an affordable prospect for small and medium-sized businesses.

“The BGIA will be there and hosting a drinks reception to all our members and UK exhibitors. We hope to see you there.”

DIT grants are provided on a first-come, first-served basis and will only be guaranteed when the BGIA

has received an invoice from the show organisers to say that exhibition space has been paid for. The grants are offered on a matched funding basis, so if a UK company spends £2,000 on their stand and marketing they will receive £2,000 back after the show.

Those interested in obtaining a grant, should contact Ciara Morgan on ciara@ sportsandplay.com

BACKING EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL Will Barker pictured with Phil Morley

T

he BGIA’s Grow Golf Fund has given the On Course Foundation a grant to cover the cost of four two-day courses to help wounded,

injured and sick Service personnel take up the game and possible find employment within the golf industry.

The Grow Golf Fund was set

up in April 2007 when Acushnet, Callaway, Ping and TaylorMade, under the umbrella of the BGIA, resolved to stimulate participation across all age groups, geographic regions and social backgrounds in the UK. Since then, many other companies have joined the initiative which also supports the Golf Foundation, England Golf Partnership and National Golf Month.

Morley recently attended a Grow Golf Fund event at High Post GC in Wiltshire, and said: “It was great to see first-hand the work of the On Course Foundation to allow attendees to fully explore how golf can help them on the road to recovery.”

Will Barker, the On Course

Foundation’s regional employment and events manager, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from the Grow Golf Fund. Despite the lack of combat-related injuries within the military since pulling our troops out of the Middle East, we are unfortunately seeing more Service personnel than ever on the recovery pathway with many looking at the prospect of an impending medical discharge.

“Golf is one of only a few sports that can be played on a level playing field with able-bodied people. We would like to thank the BGIA’s Grow Golf Fund for this generous grant.” www.oncoursefoundation.com

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18/10/2017 19:04

APPAREL

NEWS

S

STYLISH SUNDERLAND AND GLENMUIR

underland of Scotland’s AW17 collection offers stylish designs in a variety of vibrant colours and advanced fabrics, along with a lifetime waterproof guarantee.

Petrol Inferno is the new colour story for the men’s collection, offering a palette of ‘inferno orange’ with a contrast of ‘petrol blue’ and highlights of white, while, pink is the colour story for the ladies’ collection.

The latest rain and wind jackets are made from fourway stretch fabric while the coldwear jacket is quilted with stretch-fleece sleeves. Also

available are thermal-lined, ribbed bobble hats and robust performance umbrellas.

Sunderland of Scotland’s SS18 collection has also been unveiled and the emphasis is on ‘navy red’ for men and ‘ice blue’ for women.

Sister brand Glenmuir’s SS18 range of knitwear along with cotton and performance shirts and trousers is built on three colour stories – Tahiti (black, light grey with a hint of white), Dalmahoy Daiqyuri (Navy, light greay and white) and Hebridean Sunrise (light grey, white and Navy). www.glenmuir.com

n Adidas Golf has upgraded its Tour360 shoe with a more flexible outsole top plate, improved upper-lining technology, a clean toe-down appearance and a heel lined with premium leather.

MSRP: £149.95. www.adidasgolf.com

n ECCO’s casual hybrid range of SS18 golf shoes incorporates a Hydromax-treated, water-repellent fornello leather upper, a snug heel setting, a roomier forefoot area that allows toes to move naturally and an outsole with moulded traction bars. golf.ecco.com

n Mizuno is stepping out with two lightweight shoes for SS18, the Nexlite Boa and Wave Cadence.

The former features the Boa closure system instead of conventional laces while the latter is a long-distance shoe based on the Japanese company’s designs for marathon runners. golf.mizunoeurope.com

n Duca del Cosma, the Italian brand that pioneered ultra-lightweight spikeless golf shoes more than a decade ago, has been acquired by former Hi-Tec supremo Frank van Wezel and is launching a new range of premium shoes, the Kuba and Camelot for men and the Palm Springs and Porte Ercole for women. www.ducadelcosma.com

AND THE OSCAR GOES TO...

O

scar Jacobson’s SS18 range for men features performance-enhancing garments in sky/coral, naturals and electric colour themes.

The ‘ice cotton’ polo shirt is an innovative yarn that,

through advanced spinning technology, is cool to touch, breathable and made from 100 per cent liquid cotton.

On those days when shirtsleeves alone will not suffice, the Waldorf mélange sweater

will sit elegantly over the top of any polo shirt. Woven in Italy from Egyptian cotton, Waldorf has a half-zip design with full fashion details at the collar and sleeve insert. www.oscarjacobson.com

ENHANCE YOUR CPD PROFILE WITH DGI

P

rofessionals intent on enhancing their club making, fitting and repair skills are encouraged to book a place on one of Diamond Golf International’s academy courses this winter.

Now in the programme’s third year, each course contributes 25 points per day towards a PGA professional’s CPD profile. Group sizes are kept deliberately small to allow for hands-on, one-to-one tuition from DGI’s expert staff.

Held in a purpose-built workshop facility and classroom, the courses are headed up by Doug Holmes, a master club fitter and maker who has worked at DGI for 20 years. “There’s a big demand for professionally-accredited club-fitting and club-making courses – both for beginners and for more experienced pros requiring a refresher course on the latest equipment and techniques,” he said. “With the

demand for custom-fit clubs from golfers on the increase, it’s essential that club pros can offer these services to their members.”

The courses include the art of club fitting (75 CPD points), complete club repairs (50 points) and advanced club fitting (75 points). Wedge and putter fitting is also part of the syllabus.

To book a place, email dgiacademy@diamondgolf.co.uk or call 01903 726999

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18/10/2017 17:45

PEOPLE PEOPLE

Q&A

ordered from MyJoys is a plain white style.

Russell Lawes was recently promoted to sales and marketing director for the UK region following his predecessor Richard Fryer’s relocation to FootJoy’s headquarters in Brockton, Massachusetts. SGB Golf asked Russell about the role and products he has inherited What is your role at FootJoy? I look after the overall FJ sales and marketing operations in UK, Ireland, South Africa and the distributor markets of Europe and the Middle East.

How did you become an expert on shoes and apparel?

I have worked for FJ for over ten years in area sales and then marketing. I’ve played a significant part in the launch of many products and I’ve also worked closely with the team in the US from both a marketing and design perspective.

Briefly describe FootJoy’s range of products For nearly 150 years, FootJoy has created superior golf footwear, gloves, apparel and accessories with a focus on premium comfort, style and performance. As the No.1 shoe, glove and sock, the brand is trusted by golfers of all levels.

Whether playing conditions demand cool, rain, wind or warm-weather apparel, we provide on-trend, performance solutions for everyone.

Where are they designed and manufactured?

We have several factories around the world including our own dedicated glove factory.

The diversity of these locations enables us to source the best possible materials and refine the most effective manufacturing processes for each product.

Are shoes FootJoy’s core business with the rest an add-on?

The clue is in the name – shoes will always be at the forefront of the business, but we want everything we produce to be the best on the market. None of our products are commodities and remembering this is what has helped us to achieve No.1 status.

What advances have FootJoy made with custom-fitting shoes?

We pride ourselves on our dedication to shoe-fitting, and we know the importance a properly fitted golf shoe has on comfort, performance and product longevity. We are proud of the education we provide our accounts and understand the importance of equipping them with the knowledge and tools to help them sell effectively. After all, the best place for golfers to buy shoes is through accounts where they can try them on and get fitted before purchasing.

How does FootJoy accommodate customers with different sized feet?

FootJoy’s MyJoys service allows golfers to customise their FootJoy shoes from over 14 million combinations – more than any other brand offers. Not only can golfers choose their design, the personalisation service allows them to order a different sized left and right shoe. The most popular shoe

What improvements are FootJoy seeking with shoe and apparel technology?

We’re constantly searching for premium materials for each product. For example, our StaSof glove is the world’s No.1 Cabretta leather glove, but our processes and sourcing have to be diligent for it to meet changing consumer demand and stay ahead of the opposition. Our DryJoys Tour LTS Rain Jacket is another example of how our materials meet golfers’ needs.

Reducing panels and seams from as many as 24 to, say, just five sheds weight and bulk as well as improving mobility.

Why is the D.N.A. Helix superior to previous shoes?

As a result of feedback from Tour professionals, D.N.A. Helix delivers more stability with improved flexibility and comfort. D.N.A. 2.0 was a mobile shoe allowing for free range of movement through the golf swing, whereas D.N.A. Helix is a structured shoe offering the golfer more stability. Extra stability is achieved through a new NitroThinTM 3.0 TPU outsole with its widened heel platform.

This increases the overall surface area and allows a wider cleat spread for maximum traction throughout the swing.

In what order does FootJoy prioritise traction, comfort and style?

One should not compromise the other. We understand the importance of each area and whilst a particular shoe may focus on traction, comfort or style predominantly, all three elements are at the forefront of every design process.

Is there any future for laces, slip-ons or shoes with tightening dials on the heels?

For some golfers, nothing can replace the look and feel of tying your laces and we will always offer traditional laced options. For others, the comfort, consistency of fit and support offered by the BOA system means traditional laces are a thing of the past. Take our Jap-

anese market; around 80 per cent of all FootJoy shoes sold in Japan are BOA. It’s not until you experience the benefits of BOA for yourself that you’ll appreciate the difference.

How important is ultra-violet protection for FootJoy’s apparel offering?

UV protection is integral for apparel and it’s a consideration when developing all our garments, including shirts which provide SPF 30. With a comprehensive performance range covering rain, cold, wind and warmth, we strive to ‘make every day playable’. This includes keeping golfers safe and protected in all elements.

How much training does FootJoy give professionals/retailers in terms of fitting?

We want every day in our accounts to be a fitting day – not just when FJ visits the venue. In fact, we’ve decreased the number of fitting days and increased training days to educate accounts. Next year we’ll spend even more time with accounts to help improve their knowledge of not only shoe fitting but also our product line and the best way to present it in store.

How important is the greengrass market?

Green-grass accounts are at the heart of our business – they’re the core way in which we sell our products.

The reason we spend a large proportion of our marketing budget on in-store point of sale and collateral is to enable these accounts to sell our products in the best way possible. Whilst the golf industry evolves, greengrass accounts will stay at the forefront of everything we do.

An increased FJ sales force is already primed to spend more time in store with our valued customer base in 2018. www.footjoy.co.uk

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17/10/2017 16:51

PEOPLE

NEWS

W

UIHLEIN TO STEP DOWN

ally Uihlein, president and CEO of Acushnet Holdings, owners of Titleist and FootJoy, will retire at the end of the year.

Uihlein, father of European Tour pro Peter Uihlein, started with Acushnet in 1976 and has been the brands since 1995. He will remain on the company’s Board of directors and also become advisor to the chairman.

David Maher, 49, Acushnet’s current chief operating officer, will succeed Uihlein in both his roles. Maher joined the company in 1991 and was appointed COO in June 2016 after 15 years as a vicepresident.

Acushnet chairman Gene Yoon said: “We thank Wally Uihlein for his 40-plus years with Acushnet and the terrific

leadership he has provided during this time. I am very happy that Wally will remain on the Board and also serve as advisor to me.

“I also want to congratulate David Maher on his promotion. During 26 years with the company, David has demonstrated leadership and strategy skills that will ensure Acushnet continues as one of the world’s leading golf companies.” www.acushnetholdingscorp.com.

PING MATRIARCH PASSES AWAY

L

ouise Solheim, widow of PING founder Karsten Solheim, died at her home in Phoenix, Arizona, aged 99.

“We have lost a very special woman who touched and improved the lives of so many,” said John A. Solheim, PING’s chairman and CEO. “Our mother was a blessing. We looked to her for guidance and she always took great care to build our confidence to make decisions ourselves.”

She worked alongside her husband to build PING into one of golf’s most successful equipment companies while raising four children.

“Our mother preferred working behind the scenes,” said Allan D. Solheim, a retired executive vice-president but still a Board member. “Karsten’s tinkering with putter designs in our garage began as a hobby, but it quickly turned into a thriving business. From the beginning, my mother assumed the administrative side of the business, allowing Karsten to focus on club designs. Together, they made an amazing team.”

Louise was predeceased by Karsten (February, 2000) and their daughter, Sandra Solheim Aiken (December, 2013). She is survived by her three sons, 14 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

LYNX POUNCES FOR SMITH

G

olf industry veteran Mike Smith has been appointed Lynx Golf’s area sales manager in north-east England.

Smith has worked in golf for more than 30 years and held senior positions with, among others, Cobra in the USA, and Dunlop Slazenger, Nike and Benross in Europe.

Stephanie Zinser, Lynx Golf’s co-owner, said: “We are delighted to have Mike on board and I am sure everyone will give him a very warm Lynx welcome.

“Attracting the calibre of employee like Mike demonstrates how far Lynx has developed as an authentic UK brand – and how committed we are to expanding our business.” www.lynxgolf.co.uk

BEST FOOT FORWARD

D

avid Leadbetter’s admiration for luxury footwear and leather brand Royal Albartross is now official.

“We aim to offer golfers something different to anything currently in the marketplace, so we are proud to be recognized by of one of the world’s top golf coaches who has been a Royal Albartross client since 2015,” said Alex Bartholomew, CEO of Royal Albartross.

“Partnering with Royal Albartross seems like a natural fit,” Leadbetter said. “Given the amount of time I spend on my feet, whether it be coaching or walking 18 holes with my players, I can honestly say that Royal Albartross shoes are the best I’ve ever worn. I get compliments on the look of them as well.” www.albartross.com www.davidleadbetter.com

WHO’S WHO? n Gavin Grenville-Wood is the new general manager at Oak Park, a 27-hole club in Crondall, Hampshire. During his 20-year career as a PGA professional, Granville-Wood spent six years in South Carolina and met his wife Lisa, now the mother of his two teenage sons, on a karaoke night in Philadelphia. www. oakparkgolf.co.uk and www.crown-golf.co.uk n fibodo, a provider of cloud-based booking management software for sports professionals, has appointed Tom Knight as chairman. Knight is a former CEO at both Blacks Leisure and JJB Sports. n Heather Tubb has been appointed general manager at the 27-hole Cams Hall Estate in Fareham, Hampshire. Tubb, 49, previously worked at Abbotsley Golf Hotel in Cambridgeshire.

n Hannah Chaudry, 18, a volunteer at Northcliffe GC in Yorkshire, has received a Golf Foundation award for encouraging young players to take up the sport. When she became junior captain, her club had nine junior members. Now there are 44, 12 of whom are girls. n Sam Oliver has joined Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club near Edinburgh as director of golf and leisure. He previously worked at Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire, and Slaley Hall, Northumberland. n Dan Hendriksen has returned to Torquay GC as head PGA professional following two years at Staddon Heights in Plymouth. After working as an assistant at both Saunton and Churston, he became secretary-manager at Torquay before moving to nearby Staddon Heights. n John Reynolds, who served as head professional at Crews Hill and King’s Lynn after playing on the European Tour during the 1970s, has died, aged 61. He helped to form the PGA east region 30 years ago and was its first chairman. n Burnham & Berrow head professional David Haines, 46, a former west region captain who learned his golf as a junior at the Somerset club, has been reappointed as the south-west representative on the PGA Board for a further three years. n Former British boys champion Mark Grieve has been appointed general manager at Datchet GC in Berkshire. A PGA professional and top coach for more than 30 years, Grieve was formerly head pro at both Calcot Park near Reading and Pinner Hill in Middlesex. n Tony Moore, a much-travelled Parachute Regiment veteran, is the new head of golf at Aldwark Manor near York. He was previously an assistant professional in Spain before working at Ufford Park in Suffolk and, more recently, Oulton Hall in Leeds.

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17/10/2017 17:16

COMPANY

NEWS

Q

Hotels, which includes 10 resorts with 17 golf courses, has been bought by UK investment company Aprirose in a deal reportedly worth £525 million.

Redefine BDL Hotels (RBH) has been appointed to manage the portfolio which Aprirose has purchased in a 50-50 partnership with China’s Cindat Capital Management.

QHotels, founded in 2003,

QHOTELS SOLD IN £525M DEAL has grown from two to 26 hotels and swells the number of bedrooms under RBH’s management to more than 11,000 at 75 hotels.

QHotels’ 10 golf resorts were: Aldwark Manor Golf & Spa Hotel, York; Belton Woods, Grantham, Lincolnshire; Dunston Hall, Norwich; Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort, Yorkshire and Humberside; Hellidon Lakes Golf & Spa

Hotel, Northamptonshire; Mottram Hall, Macclesfield, Cheshire; Oulton Hall, Leeds; Slaley Hall, Hexham, Northumberland; Telford Hotel & Golf Resort, Shropshire; and The Westerwood Hotel & Golf Resort near Glasgow.

Dunston Hall, Oulton Hall, Mottram Hall, Slaley Hall and Belton Woods were bought from De Vere Hotels in November 2014.

MOVING & SHAKING… Callaway Golf has acquired Californian apparel company TravisMathew for just under £100m in cash. The brand is currently distributed throughout the UK and Ireland by accessories specialist Premier Licensing. www.premier-licensing.com, www.callawaygolf.com and www.travismathew.com Stewart Golf, which moved into a new £1m factory earlier this year, has posted a 57 per cent increase in X Series electric trolley sales and a 29 per cent growth in R1-S Push trolley sales over the past 12 months. Export sales, to 37 countries, account for 40 per cent of the Gloucestershire company’s output. www.stewartgolf.co.uk Golf Deals Group has acquired 2-FORE!-1 from Today’s Golfer magazine.

Steve Cooper, Golf Deals Group’s managing director, said: “2-FORE!-1 has been around for a long time and it was a shame to see it being closed.

It is a great tool for clubs to use and maximise their exposure. We have over 700 courses on the site and are always looking for more.” www. golfdealsgroup.co.uk Mizuno has appointed Carser Sports to distribute its golf products in Spain. “We’re looking forward to working with Sergi Cots, Carlos Ruiz and their team at Carser to help more golfers in Spain find out why nothing feels like a Mizuno,” Rob Jackson, head of Mizuno Golf EMEA, said. www.carsersports.com and golf.mizunoeurope.com Pic: (Left to right): Cots, Adrian Longstaff, Mizuno’s northern Europe sales manager, Ruiz and Jackson Twisted Frog was the official repair tool for the recent Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship at Nailcote Hall, Warwickshire. Each competitor was supplied with one of the company’s two DivA repair tools – the Aero or the Pro. www.twistedfrog.co.uk

P

BARR IS BEST OF BRITISH

GA master professional Alasdair Barr was recognised for his work with the On Course Foundation at American Golf’s inaugural ‘Best of British’ awards at The Belfry.

Barr (pictured left with American Golf CEO Barry Leach) said: “I’ve been a PGA professional for 50 years, but the past five years working with On Course Foundation, which runs a rehabilitation programme for wounded, injured and sick Service personnel through golf, have been the most satisfying.”

Jon Earl, head pro at Ifield Golf Club in Sussex, was PGA professional of the year and PING was named brand of the year.

Arccos took the ‘most innovative product’ prize for

Skechers GO GOLF will become an elite marketing programme (EMP) footwear supplier partner to Foremost Golf members from January 1, 2018. The brand will use Foremost’s central payment system which saves professionals time and money, and guarantees payments to the supplier. www.foremostgolf.com and www.skechers.com/en-gb/

its virtual caddie while the 3 Hammers Golf Complex in Wolverhampton was golf facility of the year. *American Golf has opened a new store at La Grande Mare Golf Club in Guernsey. Store manager Mark Renshaw said: “It’s our first venture into the Channel Islands so we’re determined to give every level of golfer access to the best equipment and the latest club fitting technology.” www.americangolf.co.uk

SURREY ACCOLADE FOR BURHILL

Swedish men’s brand Oscar Jacobson has partnered with Top100golfcourses.com to provide apparel for the website’s worldwide team. “Our aim is to provide golfers with quality clothing and their mission is to connect golfers with quality golf courses,” said Carl-Johan Frisk, Oscar Jacobson’s collection manager. www.oscarjacobson.com PING Europe boosted its total fund-raising for local charities to more than £200,000 following its 20th annual golf day at Gainsborough GC in Lincolnshire. John Clark, managing director of PING Europe, said: “We have been a Gainsborough business since 1973 and employ over 200 local people. Giving back to the community has always been very important to the Solheim family.” www.gainsboroughgc.co.uk and www. ping.com

A spokesperson for RBH said: “Our golf members will continue to have access to 10 sensational resorts.” www.redefinebdl.com

B

urhill Golf and Leisure group (BGL) has been named as one of Surrey’s top-20 performing companies.

Business advisory firm BDO’s analysis of companies with a turnover of up to £300m has highlighted BGL for its

impressive growth over the last three years.

“Companies such as BGL form part of the county’s economic engine and are crucial to our continued success,” Kevin Cook, a BDO Guildford partner, said.

BGL was founded in 1926 by members of the Guinness Family and is based at Burhill Golf Club in Walton-on-Thames.

Ninety years on, it is now one of the largest and most successful golf operators in the country with 22 courses at 10 locations. www.bglgolf.co.uk

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17/10/2017 17:28

TRAVEL

NEWS TTC LINES UP ORLANDO DEALS

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rade Travel Club (TTC), which is part of Your Golf Travel, has announced its packages for the 2018 PGA Merchandise show in Orlando from January 23-26.

Your Golf Travel spokesman Ben Davis said: “This year we helped around 38 UK golf industry professionals make the trip to Orlando for the PGA

Show and we are expecting to assist many more in 2018.”

TTC has secured bedrooms at the Vista Cay Apartments, a short distance from the show’s venue, the Orange County Convention Center. Four-night packages start from £919 per person, based on three sharing a three-bed apartment. Having recently signed a preferred

partner agreement with Virgin Atlantic, the price includes economy flights with Virgin. Flights and accommodation can be secured now for a £50 deposit.

TTC also host an industry gathering during the PGA Show.

This year’s networking event at Bahama Breeze on International Drive brought together more than 100 attendees.

“Trade Travel Club goes beyond just travel,” added Davis.

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

For bookings, call Rhys Weston on 0207 336 5416 or email rhysw@yourgolftravel.com

ITALY GOLF MORE POPULAR

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reen fees booked by visitors to Italy have risen by 25 per cent over the last two years since the launch of the promotional campaign, Italy Golf & More.

Co-ordinator Bruno Bertero said: “It has been another

exciting and encouraging 12 months. We are looking forward to Italy’s influence as a golf tourism destination continuing to spread as momentum builds towards the 2022 Ryder Cup [at Marco Simone GC near Rome].”

The project’s 12 partner

regions – Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont, Lazio, Veneto, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia, Marche and Umbria – feature 119 of Italy’s 141 18-hole courses. www.italygolfandmore.com

N

IGTM BOOKINGS IN THE CANNES

early 90 per cent of the exhibition space for the 20th International Golf Travel Market at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes from December 11-14 has already been allocated.

Nineteen years after first IGTM in Fort Lauderdale, the appointment-based event is set to attract at least 420 buyers, 550 golf travel suppliers and 100 media personnel.

Exhibition manager Peter Grimster said: “Every year we

G

aim to attract new destinations and travel businesses, so it’s particularly pleasing to see such strong buyer interest.

“It’s also satisfying to see exhibitors like Morocco, the Canary Islands, Tuscany and European Tour Properties choosing to increase their presence at the show.

“More than 14,500 appointments took place in 2016, and we expect this year’s edition to reach another all-time high.” www.igtm.wtm.com

THE GENERATION GAME

eneration Golfer has become the preferred travel partner of Gastro Golf, which caters for golfers with a passion for fine dining.

Founded earlier this year, Generation Golfer enables golfers to take advantage of value deals on tee times, holidays, equipment and lessons at icon-

ic venues like The Belfry and Celtic Manor.

Gastro Golf founder John Sullivan said: “Generation Golfer members will benefit from receiving the best package for their golf holiday and our professionally managed service from end-to end at no extra cost.”

Generation Golfer founder

Richard Clayton said: “Our community of golfers and societies is growing so quickly that we needed to find a partner that could not only provide our members with a range of golf breaks and holidays, but could also provide bespoke, higher-end holidays.” www.gastrogolf.co.uk www.generationgolfer.com

Generation Golfer’s Richard Herbert (left) and Richard Clayton (right) flank John Sullivan of Gastro Golf

said: “These findings emphasise the impact of our work in ensuring golfers across Europe and further afield are aware of the quality and breadth of England’s golf courses.”

www.GolfTourismEngland.com

the Algarve, designed by Sir Nick Faldo and the late Christy O’Connor Jnr, up for sale. The portfolio also includes more than 300 holiday properties. www.savills.co.uk

IN BRIEF… n A Sports Marketing Services survey of golfers from Sweden, Germany and France has revealed a strong liking for English courses. Andrew Cooke, CEO of Golf Tourism England,

n Oceanico Group, represented by real-estate adviser Savills, has put its two 18-hole Amendoeira Golf Resort courses in

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17/10/2017 17:45

MULLIGAN

THE INDEPENDENT VOICE

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t looks like Sky Sports’ reign as the UK’s broadcaster of all things golf might be ending. Cuts are inevitable as Rupert Murdoch circles the wagons to recapture his satellite baby, with the assistance of culture, media and sports minister Karen Bradley.

To be fair, golf is barely registering with TV viewers on this side of the Atlantic, much to the chagrin of the leading Tours’ sponsors and other commercial partners.

When the Sky falls in, will there be any takers? The BBC, for publicity purposes, pounced on the recent PGA Championship, but don’t hold your breath for any further golf commitment We thought you’d like this picture of a couple of swells goofing about at a junior golf tournament in America. On the left, with some dodgy confectionary wedged in his mouth, is Justin Thomas while his sidekick happens to be Jordan Spieth. Ten years later, they are the winners of the two most recent Major championships

from Auntie. The coverage from Quail Hollow, admittedly cobbled together at short notice, was shambolic and predictably harangued by armchair golf fans spoiled by Sky’s technical excellence.

Official audience figures were uninspiring by terrestrial standards – 2.1m TV viewers, 1.5m red-button accesses and 725,000 requests for live coverage on BBC Sport’s website and iPlayer. None the less, these are still numbers that Sky would die for.

BT is apparently in the frame for next year’s Masters, but it’s hard to see how the Green Jackets’ search for a global audience can square up with a fledgling channel that exists to promote an archaic broadband system and delivers even fewer viewers than Sky. And the USGA apparently desires a wider audience for the US Open, so Sky could be under threat there as well.

Frankly, this is a mess. Unfortunately, and it gives me no pleasure to say this, it’s one I predicted a quarter of a century ago, provoking much vitriol from the European Tour’s senior management at the time.

To this day, I have no idea why the Tour felt it was important to hide their assets away on a subscription satellite channel. Sky

Sports’ camera work is superb – no argument. Their production people love the game and their knowledge Spieth played his recovery shot at Royal Birkdale’s 13th with, is immense. Their appropriately, a Titleist 718 commentary is T-MB prototype 3-iron pedestrian, but workable. Their analysis, on the whole, is interesting for enthusiasts. Their reach (penetration across the masses and potential converts) is useless.

Surely this last point is crucial... here we are, more than two decades later, struggling to grow a game in which we (as a continent and nation) are serious players, certainly on a par with tennis, cycling, cricket, boxing and rugby union.

Since 1993, Europe has won nine Ryder Cups and 17 Majors.

There has been plenty of Solheim Cup success and Bernhard Langer is running rings round his contemporaries on the senior circuit.

Yet the Sunday Times (owned by Murdoch) carried not one single word about golf in its sports section the weekend immediately after Jordan Spieth’s triumph in the Open at Royal Birkdale. In addition to the absence of an Inside Track on Spieth’s much-discussed practice-ground drop on the 13th, the three big tournaments taking place in Europe at the time – the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies’ Scottish Open at Dundonald Links, the Porsche European Open in Germany and the Senior Open at Royal Porthcawl – were all ignored, along with the RBC Canadian Open, which is, unquestionably, an above-average stop on the PGA Tour.

Surely, this is a joke? Actually, it’s not funny at all. The blame lies with Murdoch and those he seduced. To attribute any interest in golf to Murdoch is almost a libel. According to legend, when he bought the News of the World back in the 1960s he learned from some flunky that he’d acquired a golf club along with a newspaper. “What golf club?” he asked. “A 7-iron?” “No,” came the reply: “Walton Heath.”

He was perplexed and, thankfully, sold the Surrey club to the members straight away.

Mulligan

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17/10/2017 17:49

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