Lady Golfer July 2013 Issue

LG Cover July 13 16/05/2013 17:37 Page 3

July 2013 £3.50

US OPEN PREVIEW

Alison Nicholas’s insight into the showpiece event in ladies’ golf

SOINDWEHY N I O S L AICKEY WALKER NOW M

OON K WE’LL S LAY IN THE P WHO’LL CUP

M

SOLHEI

PLUS

AMATEUR

DRAMATICS

We look ahead to the European Ladies Championship and review the Helen Holm

BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL Our late Spring collection is bursting with colour and vibrancy In association with

LEARN FROM

PAULA

What you can take from Creamer’s unique swing

FIRST LOOK

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LG pp 4 Ed Comm July 13 17/05/2013 12:14 Page 4

Welcome

W

E were recently lucky enough to be in St Andrews at the media day for the Ricoh Women’s British Open.

This year’s event will be held in the first week of August over the Old Course and it promises to be a week to remember.

This will be the second time the Ricoh has visited the game’s spiritual home – Lorena Ochoa winning the first ladies’ event held here in 2007.

The event has not been blessed in recent years with good weather. Last year, at Hoylake in September, the players had to contend with gale-force winds that caused a suspension in play and then driving rain.

Some blamed that on the Autumn date but in truth it can happen at any time of the year – and given the conditions we all faced last summer there would hardly have been a guarantee of anything better in the middle of July.

Still, it is pretty rare that there is not at least one or two sunny days during the Open so there is no reason why the same should not be true at the Ricoh championship.

All the other ingredients are in place – not least the unique atmosphere of St Andrews and the fact that every single player in the field would rather win here than anywhere else in the world.

4 Lady Golfer

On the cover

July 2013 Volume 17 Issue 1 Consulting Editor Mickey Walker

Amateur special July 2013 £3.50

We look ahead to the European Amateur Team Championships at Fulford and back to the Helen Holm Trophy P22

Mickey Walker The former Solheim Cup captain on how the teams are shaping up for this year’s match P10

Editorial Director Dan Murphy Deputy Editor Mark Townsend

US OPEN PREVIEW

Alison Nicholas’s insight into the showpiece event in ladies’ golf

SIDWHEY O IN ALS LKER ON OW CKEY WA MI

ON KN WE’LL SO AY IN THE PL WHO’LL M CUP

SOLHEI

PLUS

AMATEUR

DRAMATICS

We look ahead to the European Ladies Championship and review the Helen Holm

Contributor Madeleine Winnett

Designer & Webmaster Daniel Cooper

Who better to learn from than the American Solheim Cup superstar? P31

This month’s fashion feature is on bright and bold colours – we’re sure you’ll be inspired to give your wardrobe some zest

Fashion Editor Justine Board

Chief Designer Andrew Kenworthy

Paula Creamer

Cover story

Staff Writers Joe Harrison James Tompkinson Joe Whitley

Publisher Tom Irwin

BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

LEARN FROM

PAULA

What you can take from Creamer’s unique swing

FIRST LOOK

Our late Spring collection is bursting with colour and vibrancy In association with

The most exciting new equipment on the scene

Sales Executives Carley Warrington Neil Braddish Luke Kelly Tom Lenton Jamie Miles Digital Marketing Eve Burton Finance Director WIll Shucksmith (ACA) Accounts Emma Abbott

What we’re talking about this month

Chairman Peter Burgess Subscriptions Tel 0113 289 3979 12 issues (incl. P&P): UK £36 Europe £42 World £52 Sports Publications Ltd, Unit 2, Arena Park, Tarn Lane, Scarcroft, Leeds LS17 9BF Tel 01132 893 979 editorial@sportspub.co.uk ISSN 1369 4790

Alison Nicholas

A myth of exposure?

An inspiration

The former Solheim Cup captain and US Open champion talks about the Major that they all want to win the most, which is held later this month.

See what she has to say on page 20.

We get grumpy about how much coverage ladies’ golf receives, but compared to that enjoyed by football, rugby and cricket, are we actually quite fortunate? What do you think? Let us know...

We know you’ll enjoy this story of triumph against adversity – in fact you might well shed a tear as you read it. We know that we did.

Read Odette’s story on page 24.

Published by © Sports Publications Ltd. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for omissions and errors. Readers are advised to check pricing and details of availability before making any journeys. All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of Sports Publications Ltd. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from participation in any offer, competition or advertising contained within

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LG pp 6-7 Tweets, 5 Mins With 16/05/2013 17:38 Page 6

THE STARTER

Annika Sorenstam The 10-time Major winner on Lydia Ko, being No 1 and Lotta’s dream

I

DON’T remember being 15 and playing in a Major and winning tournaments.

I started playing at the age of 12. I ran into Lydia Ko in the lunch room, and she came up to me and she was so cute. She said, “I’m Lydia Ko”. I said “I know”. First of all, it said Lydia on her necklace. I said, “I’ve I seen you on TV”. She said, “You have?” I said, “Yeah. I admire what you’ve achieved.”

The LPGA Tour is very international. We’ve seen that the last 15, 20 years. Obviously with Se Ri Pak’s success we have seen a lot players from Asia. That’s a big deal. I would say they seem younger and a lot more professional. It seems like more of an entourage: coaches, physios, you name it.

They’re very approachable.

They’re good people, which is good for the game.

I’ve tried every sport there is. I grew up playing soccer, tennis and golf is one of the last sports I tried and one of the hardest things I tried. I think that’s why I liked it so much.

Every day it changes and conditions are different.

I think that’s what attracted me to the game. I think as far as golf goes, it’s a tough sport. It’s

a mental game. It’s not just about having a good swing.

You’ve got to think right. You’ve got to have the mind in the right place.

Knowing Yani for a few years, it’s been fun to watch her.

Obviously now with Stacy Lewis playing well and getting the No 1 spot, I think it’s terrific. It creates a little competition. I know most of the players want to be No 1, so they’re going to work harder and look up to the leader.

I remember when I was in that spot I was proud of it, but it took a lot of hard work. It’s almost tougher to stay at the top than it is to get there. To get there, you’re looking at somebody, you’re following somebody’s path, and you almost seem to know what to do.

When you’re up there you’re alone and you have to find your own path. You have to be

creative and innovative and think outside the box on how to stay there and work harder.

Europe has not had a chance to win on US soil so that’s always been the goal for every captain. Lotta is a terrific leader, with a lot of class and experience, and being a fellow Swede, I’m proud of what she has achieved. She was one of the players that opened our eyes for the tour.

Winning the US Open in ‘88 was a big thing for us.

Follow Lady Golfer: @LadyGolferMag

TOP TWEETS I once forgot a head of lettuce in the fridge.

3 weeks later it looked the same. I ate it @SophieGustafson 53 yrd hole in 1 today.

Found my zone!!

Does it count??? @JuliInkster Didn’t want to mention anything bc I didn’t want to jinx it...But I went and did my @usopengolf sectional qualifier today.

Medalist, baby! @TheChristinaKim I know all the hard work I have been putting in this year will pay off and when it does it is going to be AMAZING! #keepbelieving @themichellewie Dear Orlando, pls give me some sun and wind-free days next week... pretty beat after 3 weeks in very windy conditions! @ANordqvist Even though u r dating a barsa player [defender Gerard Pique] and me and barsa are no friends...

U rock shakira! @AzaharaGOLF With 36 holes tomorrow I really should go to bed but the voice is immense @FlicJohnsonGolf Working on legs today, lots of lunges with medicine balls, squats and things that remind me of ballet class!! @Kstupples

6 Lady Golfer

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LG pp 6-7 Tweets, 5 Mins With 16/05/2013 17:39 Page 7

SOLHEIM CUP

COUNTDOWN

N rin 20 EW g/ 13 Su m m er

Sp

GOLFWEAR

Azahara Munoz

The Solheim Cup takes place at Colorado Golf Club from Aug 13-18

How the teams Fancy going to the are shaping up Solheim Cup?

for Colorado European Points List 1 Suzann Pettersen

125

2 Carlota Ciganda

118.53

3 Caroline Hedwall

93.25

4 Caroline Masson

91.5

5 Giulia Sergas

91.38

6 Pernilla Lindberg

69.21

7 Catriona Matthew

65.75

8 Trish Johnson

55.55

9 Diana Luna

54.89

10 Christel Boeljon

54.00

World Points List 1 Suzann Pettersen

8.21

2 Catriona Matthew

4.24

3 Azahara Munoz

3.94

4 Carlota Ciganda

3.30

5 Karine Icher

3.22

6 Beatriz Recari

3.22

7 Caroline Hedwall

3.10

8 Anna Nordqvist

2.97

9 Sandra Gal

2.35

10 Giulia Segas

2.15

USA Points List 1 Stacy Lewis

764

2 Cristie Kerr

408

3 Paula Creamer

379

4 Angela Stanford

297

5 Brittany Lincicome

215

6 Lexi Thompson

174

7 Lizette Salas

168

8 Jessica Korda

160

9 Brittany Lang

154

10 Gerina Piller

124

11 Vicky Hurst

100

12 Katie Futcher

97

It’s thrilling to watch the Solheim Cup on TV – it is the best spectacle every two years, bar none.

But why not make the trip stateside to support the European team?

There are a number of great package deals from which to choose.

A five-day package is available, offering five nights' accommodation as well as tickets for all four days of the event starting on August 14.

Those hoping for a longer stay should look into booking a nine-day package.

This deal gives you the chance to arrive a few days before the event and to enjoy a few rounds on some of the outstanding courses around Colorado.

You will also be entitled to attend a special golf clinic hosted by former European Solheim Cup captain Alison Nicholas.

Accommodation is available at a range of luxurious hotels in Denver.

For prices and further details visit europeansolheimcuptravel.com

Qualification Process The European team will consist of the leading four players from the LET standings, the next highest four players on the world rankings and then four captains' picks.

The American team will consist of the leading 10 players on their standings with two additional picks. *Players in bold are currently in the qualifying places

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LG pp 8 Helen Holm 16/05/2013 17:39 Page 8

THE STARTER

NEWS IN

BRIEF

BOULDEN WINS HOME STROKEPLAY TITLE CURTIS Cup star Amy Boulden continued her strong start to the season with an impressive victory in the Welsh Ladies Open Strokeplay Championship at the Vale of Glamorgan.

The Conwy star carded a brilliant eagle on the 15th and birdied again two holes later to take both the individual honours, and the team title for Wales. England's Alex Peters was second.

SENIOR MELVILLE WINS AT SHERWOOD

Yorkshire youngster lives up to name ROTHERHAM starlet Olivia Winning secured the biggest victory of her career at the Helen Holm Scottish women’s open amateur strokeplay championship at a windy Royal Troon.

The 18-year-old led from wire to wire, carding impressive rounds of 70 and 72 on the opening two days to race to eight-under and a one-stroke lead.

On the final day, and with challenging conditions affecting everyone, it became a battle between Winning and Vicars Cross youngster Poppy Finlay, who was well in with a shout until a quadruple bogey on the 9th cost her dearly.

In fact, it was the difference between winning and losing.

Elderslie’s Alyson McKechin was also in contention after firing a second-best-of-the-day 74, but ultimately paid the price for a poor opening round. Indeed, Winning was able to card a final-round 78 and still cruise home by two strokes.

Incredibly, Olivia had not

8 Lady Golfer

had a chance to fit in a practice round on the Open course due to exams.

She said: "I've been so busy studying for my A-levels that I could not get up to Troon in time to play a practice round over either course but this was the third time I'd played in the Helen Holm so I did have that experience of the conditions and holes to fall back on.

"It's definitely the biggest win I've had so far,” she added.

Interestingly, coming down the last and facing a tricky bunker shot, Winning believed she needed to get up and down to avoid a play-off.

“I felt a little bit under pressure over the last few holes, especially in a greenside bunker at the last,” she said.

LEADING SCORES 220 (-5) Olivia Winning; 222 Alyson McKechin, Poppy Finlay; 223 Bronte Law, Amy Boulden; 225 Olivia Mehaffey, Rachael Goodall

"I thought I had to get up and down to avoid a play-off. I didn't know I had a couple of shots in hand.

"But it's a great feeling to win from a field as strong as this."

Defending champion Amy Boulden started the final round just one off the pace but never recovered after carding a double bogey on the downwind par-5 5th, which was one of the day’s easier holes. The Welsh Curtis Cup star turned in 40, still in the hunt, but made another overpar score on the 12th, which killed her hopes. Another Curtis Cupper, Bronte Law (Bramhall), closed with a 78 to finish three back alongside Boulden.

There was a positive for young Amy, though – alongside Becky Harries (Haverfordwest), six off the lead, she won the international team event with a total of 449.

Scotland (Eilidh Briggs and Kelsey MacDonald) finished second, eight shots adrift.

Ireland, represented by the Maguire twins, finished third.

JANET Melville won the English senior women’s championship on her home course of Sherwood Forest.

She defeated reigning champion Chris Quinn 2&1, sealing the victory with two clutch putts on the 16th and 17th holes.

She said: “It’s absolutely amazing to win on my home course.

“Everyone has been so supportive during the week and I’m pleased to do it both for myself and for the club.”

ENGLISH STUDENTS IMPRESSING ABROAD ENGLAND'S Meghan MacLaren and Lauren Taylor have won 'freshman of the year' honours on the US women’s college circuit.

Both teenagers have recently won their respective conference championships.

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

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LG pp 10-11 Columnist MW 16/05/2013 17:39 Page 10

COMMENT

Mickey Walker The two Solheim Cup teams are about to take shape very quickly

T

HE next two women’s Majors, the LPGA Championship and then the US Women’s Open, will go a long way to deciding which players make this year’s Solheim Cup teams.

Majors are weighted, pointswise, for Solheim qualifying purposes. In a non-Solheim year, there’s one-and-a-half times the points, but with double points in a Solheim year it means anyone who performs well in the Majors before the teams are selected will almost certainly secure a place in their team.

For players who are borderline for making their team, a good performance – even if it doesn’t get that player into their team automatically – will bring them to the attention of their captain.

America’s Ryan O’Toole was one such player when in the 2011 US Open at the Broadmoor in Colorado, she got herself into contention and hung around the top of the leaderboard for the duration of the championship.

Captain Rosie Jones rather controversially gave Ryan one of her two wildcard picks for the matches that year, and I’m sure her performance at the US Open was a big factor in her selection. A lot of relatively unknown players get to, or near the top of, the leaderboard in Majors, but the ‘unknowns’ don’t usually stay there for all four days.

Every player would prefer to make the team automatically and not have to rely on a captain’s pick. But several players have surely caught European captain’s Lotte Neuman’s eye. One is 10 Lady Golfer

Debut hope Yorkshire’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff eyes the Solheim

England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff, who led at the Kraft Nabisco for much of the first two rounds, eventually finishing in a tie for ninth.

Jodi hasn’t been on everyone’s radar until recently, but the Yorkshirewoman is working her way up the LPGA money list and world rankings following an excellent amateur career. Impressively, Jodi is number one in hitting greens in regulation and high on the birdie stats, averaging nearly threeand-a-half per round. The one area that can let her down is her putting where she is languishing in 127th. This is good news in that if Jodie can improve her putting just slightly, weeks like the Kraft Nabisco would be the norm and she would start to

consistently challenge the top of the leaderboard. Even so, I’d say Jodi must be a strong contender for a captain’s pick if she continues to play as she has done so far this season.

Another player who is playing the best golf of her career is Italy’s Julia Sergas. She is a powerful hitter, makes lots of birdies, but in the past has struggled to keep her emotions under control and lacked consistency.

After taking a long break skiing this winter, she’s come back to the game rejuvenated and calmer on the course. Julia has always had loads of talent, but now that talent is beginning to show much more regularly. If she continues to be in control of her emotions Julia would be a real asset.

“KARINE ICHER MAY MAKE THE EUROPEAN TEAM OVER A DECADE AFTER HER DEBUT”

My final suggestion for a captain’s pick would be a Frenchwoman who has made the Solheim Cup team once before – at Crooked Stick in 2002. Karine Icher started her professional career playing in Europe and with some success with a victory in the Dutch Open in 2001. Having made the decision to play on the LPGA Tour and live in America from 2003, Karine has come close to making the Solheim Cup team again on several occasions. During her time playing on the LPGA, there is no doubt she has become a much better player than in her European Tour days. Her swing is 100 per cent better, she has gained length and improved her putting, which was always pretty good. This may well be the year that she makes the European team again – more than a decade after her last appearance. www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

LG pp 10-11 Columnist MW 16/05/2013 17:40 Page 11

Style council Natalie Gulbis is a breath of fresh air

Why our attitudes need to change... now So many private golf clubs are not very welcoming to women and girls.

I’m sure some readers will say ‘absolute rubbish’, but it is true. It is difficult to find a balance between maintaining the standards that make golf such a special sport, but the average age in many private clubs is still getting older. This is because it isn’t easy for juniors, and girls and women in particular to join.

It can be very expensive plus the dress rules and restrictions are not often welcoming. When the Ricoh is on television, the BBC get numerous emails from lady members complaining about the standard of dress.

How come Paula Creamer is playing in such a short skirt, why is Natalie Gulbis allowed to wear a shirt without a collar and so on.

Of course not all clubs are like this, and not all members of those clubs are.

The savvy clubs realise they won’t be in existence for much longer if they can’t attract young people to become members. www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

Change is needed if the women’s game is to grow in the UK. It is easy to see why European women’s golf continues to grow and thrive where there is no such thing as men’s and women’s sections in golf clubs and children are encouraged to come to the club with their family or friends. Because the game in Europe is so much younger than in Britain, it isn’t tied down with some of the historic traditions that make it difficult for us to progress.

Despite several stuttering starts, the Ladies European Tour is firmly established and has many rising stars. As golf becomes more global, just like British golf clubs, the LET needs to change with the times. I believe it is doing just that. And it would make the tour’s tasks so much easier if we could win the Solheim Cup on American soil for the first time? Why not!

Mickey Walker • Lady Golfer’s consulting editor captained Europe in the first four Solheim Cups. She regularly appears on Sky Sports as an expert summariser

Lady Golfer 11

LG pp 12 Columnist BB 16/05/2013 17:40 Page 12

COMMENT

Becky Brewerton Why I would love some more British events

O

NE thing the men’s and women’s European Tours have in common is a lack of British tournaments.

When I started on tour there was the English Open at Chart Hills, the Welsh Open and an event in Northern Ireland while the Irish Open at Killeen Castle came later as did the Scottish Open at Archerfield.

Now we have the European Masters at The Buckinghamshire and nothing in Wales or Ireland. When I played in the Welsh at Royal Porthcawl and at Chart Hills the crowds were fantastic and, as a British player, it is difficult to understand why there aren’t more home-based tournaments.

Obviously you can understand it with the recession but so many other countries manage it and the popularity of golf in places like Slovakia is not even on the same scale as the UK. The promoters and sponsors of that tournament have a personal interest in their event as their leading player on tour, Zuzana Kamasova, is a member there and it gets off the ground. Here, though, that doesn’t seem to work.

The one thing the ladies do well is get involved with the pro-ams and support the dinners and spend time with the amateurs but it’s not happening at the moment.

I was devastated when we lost the Welsh Open and I did a few interviews afterwards, which weren’t too complimentary, and the promoter actually rang me up.

It seemed to be a choice between the Senior Tour or the ladies and, having seen our 12 Lady Golfer

Royal Porthcawl Home to one of my favourite memories

crowds and live coverage on S4C, it was so disappointing.

I nearly won the Welsh PGA Championship when I was still an amateur at Royal Porthcawl when Shani Waugh holed a 100-foot putt across the last green and that remains one of my favourite memories, particularly making a birdie myself at the 18th in front of a huge crowd.

Now we also don’t have the Irish Open as the Solheim Cup has been and gone so it is tricky to maintain these events.

As an amateur we played some brilliant events and I always looked forward to the Helen Holm where we had three rounds on the ladies’ course and then the final round on Royal Troon.

All the events were on the very top courses and as a pro you tend not to play maybe the very best courses but more those where they can afford to put on a tournament.

The Solheim Cup visits Germany in 2015 and the German Open gets thousands of fans, the biggest on tour, and it is brilliantly run and I always thought the English Open at Chart Hills was like that. To win at Chart Hills was my most memorable win of the three I have had, my parents and friends were all there and I have got a picture on the 18th where players ran on and sprayed champagne.

The noise and atmosphere was so special.

The British fan is incredible and it is noticeable that you can tell that the majority of spectators play the game. In some countries you can stick one in to two feet and there is no reaction.

Back on the tour, it was great to have two 17-year-olds at the top of the leaderboard in Morocco.

Since Ariya Jutanugarn has come out on tour she has

been phenomenal. She is built differently and looks so much older than 17 while Charley Hull seems to have been around for so long already and she was second again in South Africa for the third successive time.

Speaking of changing faces I have just had some laser eye surgery at the Focus Clinic in London. It feels incredible to suddenly have 20-20 vision after so many years of wearing glasses and contact lens and I’m hoping that it can really inspire me to some greater things on the course.

I look forward to telling you all about my new life, with perfect eyesight, next month – and hopefully some high finishes.

Becky Brewerton • Becky, from Abergele in Wales, plays on the LET. She has won three times and was part of the 2007 and 2009 Solheim Cup teams.

Twitter: @BeckyBrewerton

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

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LG pp 14-15 Columnist Mad Win 16/05/2013 17:41 Page 14

COMMENT

Madeleine Winnett My first trip to bingo. Was it the start of a new passion?

Bingo time Numbers are not my thing

G

OLF clubs have more to offer than just golf. They also offer life experiences. At Trentham we are very lucky to have a large group of ladies who are all around my age, and who take it in turns to do different things on their birthdays. Usually, this involves something entirely safe, like playing nine holes, followed by champagne and oatcakes, or attending lakeside concerts at Trentham Gardens with picnic tables.

These events are entirely within my comfort zone.

However, this time, the birthday girl decided that she wanted to try Bingo! So, 15 Bingo virgins duly trotted off to Gala Bingo – including the club treasurer, which did worry me slightly in case she was looking for new opportunities to ‘invest’ next year’s subscriptions!

14 Lady Golfer

I have always been scrupulously honest with form filling – until it came to completing my membership form here. To prevent any possible future correspondence, there might have been one or two teensyweensy errors in each bit where they may have wanted to contact me.

On the off-chance that my computer is ever seized by the police, I thought it would be

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less embarrassing to explain the emails from companies wanting to sell me Viagra than having to expound why I was on the mailing list from Gala Bingo!

However, willing to immerse myself in the full experience, I settled down with my waxed paper cup and my free dabber full of eager anticipation. Admittedly, I hadn’t seen so much crimplene since I inadvertently strayed into a Bon Marche shop, and as someone who likes to blend imperceptibly into the background, I did feel slightly conspicuous not having a blue hair rinse.

But, I listened attentively to the nice man who came across to tell us what to do.

Clearly, 15 golfers pretending to be seasoned Bingoists didn’t fool anyone!

Numbers aren’t my thing, if I’m honest. Adding up the

scorecard at the end of a round is bad enough, but having to keep tabs (never mind dabs) on six boxes at the same time while somebody is doing a speed reading contest isn’t easy – especially when they have a speech impediment. Calling numbers with clothes pegs on their noses seemed to be obligatory. This was highlighted when the number eight was called three times, only to learn he was saying the name Aide instead – and dabbers don’t come with erasers!

The nice man who told us how to play also returned with three free boxes of chocolates and two bottles of something fizzy that is the Gala equivalent of champagne.

I’m not entirely sure what it was, but one firmly unopened bottle was slipped into a bag upon leaving, and I shall wait with interest to see if it www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

LG pp 14-15 Columnist Mad Win 16/05/2013 17:41 Page 15

reappears at the next Put & Take competition! However, it was a very nice gesture – especially as playing Bingo is more stressful than standing over a three-foot putt in the final of the county championships. I’m convinced I had gone cross-eyed by the end of the evening.

As golfers are naturally shy, introverted people, I was secretly hoping my numbers wouldn’t come up, so that I wouldn’t have to shout out. This clearly didn’t worry my neighbour who nearly leapt in the air at her excitement to shout “Bingo” with full gusto, only to discover that she had only completed two lines when we had now moved onto a full house!

At least if you claim you got a birdie, only to subsequently discover it was merely a par, there’s only one person to witness it. Here, the mistake

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was followed by a full five minutes of uncontrollable giggling from fourteen other ladies in a room otherwise dominated by silence and a sound system extricated from a railway station.

Bizarrely, we were treated to the voices of Ant and Dec calling numbers at various intervals, and, to be honest, I then became worried about the thoughts of the Bush Tucker Trial. The contents of my sticky toffee pudding had been largely unidentifiable, and I was wholly grateful that I hadn’t gone for the twopuddings-for-£3.99 offer after all!

More pleasing was the leaflet I spotted offering: “Some friendly advice on staying in control.” This is something missing for golfers, and something I think which could be introduced to locker rooms with only a few word adjustments.

There are various sub sections, such as ‘Take it Easy’, suggesting I should read on if I’ve lost control and it has taken over my life; if it’s all I think about; if I’ve lost relationships, friends or money.

How important is this information after the mixed foursomes?

The next section suggests “How to stay in control” with things like setting yourself a time limit, and if you say you’re going to stop playing at 10 o’clock, stick to it. How perfect would that be for a round of golf? As soon as you get to three hours, stop playing and leave the course!

My favourite section, though, has to be “What are the signs of a (golfing) problem?” Slightly the wrong way round, I feel, is

the question asking if arguments, frustrations or disappointments make me want to (play golf).

No, golf causes all those in the first place.

However, my favourite question is, “Have you ever thought of suicide as a way of solving your problem?” Hasn’t everyone when they have just gone up 0.1?

Under the “Strategies for help section” it tells you to share your issues with someone you trust, which might be your partner, a family member, a friend or a counsellor. I can assure you that the first three have absolutely no interest whatsoever in you giving them a hole-by-hole post mortem on what went wrong in your round. I have done it to all of them many times over many years, so clearly now, counselling is the only option left. In fact, golf clubs should all employ counsellors as a matter of course.

CONGU clearly has a lot to answer for, and a simple replacement of GAMCARE by CONGUCARE offering confidential one-to-one advice on the back of the leaflet together with a Helpline number would be invaluable.

Here I am advised to call the (CONGUCARE) Helpline because “they’ll understand what you’re going through.”

On second thoughts, no they won’t because they’re the cause of all the problems in the first place!

At the end of the night, when all the spoils were divided up, we were each £12 up.

Kerching! Clearly, this has potential after all. Eyes down Gala Bingo. The girls are coming back!

Whistle while you work We all know how difficult it is to stay calm when you have to a knock a testing three-foot putt in, or when you know you are playing under your handicap.

Well, doctors have come up with a solution which I think could be perfectly transferrable from the operating theatre to the course. Apparently, as an alternative to sedatives, or general anaesthetic, patients were kept relaxed during surgery under spinal block anaesthesia by watching films such as The Sound of Music – and patients often burst into song mid-operation.

Thus, I would like to encourage anyone to deliver a lung-bursting rendition of Climb Every Mountain whenever they feel nervous on the course. If nothing else, you’ll probably go one up on the 1st tee!

Madeleine Winnett • Lady Golfer’s equipment expert is a Staffordshire county player and never short of a forthright opinion on the game!

Lady Golfer 15

LG pp 16 Yonex Comp 16/05/2013 17:42 Page 16

THE STARTER

WIN A SET OF PREMIUM YONEX CLUBS – AND A BAG TO PUT THEM IN! We've teamed up with the Japanese brand to offer you a superb prize worth over £1,000

Y

ONEX are renowned for offering top-of-the-range equipment made with premium materials as well as tailoring the specifications to get the most out of the swing of the lady golfer.

Their new VXF FL range is no different, and we are offering a full package, including a driver, fairway, hybrid, iron set, putter, and a bag – worth £1,085 – absolutely free.

All of the kit boasts top-class technology.

Indeed, the VXF FL driver (SRP: £159) features a 460cc head created completely from titanium, with an extremely fast face that helps launch the ball at extreme velocity for more distance.

16 Lady Golfer

The fairway woods (£129) and hybrids (£89) work on a similar premise but feature all-steel heads that have been precision cast to ensure the weight distribution is ideal for promoting long, straight hits.

The irons (£479 per set) are large and forgiving and glide through the turf – helping you hit the ball further, straighter and more consistently.

Finally, the VXF FL putter (£79) has an acrylic polymer insert that sounds and feels amazing, helping you hole more putts.

To enter log on to www.ladygolferonline.co.uk and click on competitions. As always, entry is free and there are loads more brilliant prizes up for grabs at all times.

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East Lothian 17/05/2013 14:21 Page 1

LG pp 18 Di Dougherty 16/05/2013 17:42 Page 18

THE STARTER

How is your golf at the moment, are you a member of your club and what do you play off?

Rusty. Very rusty. I've been in winter hibernation and recovering from an ACL injury so I need to get practising. I play off 12 but am probably nearer 112 at the moment. I'm lucky enough to be a member of both Leckford, which is right on my door step in Hampshire, and St Enodoc in Cornwall, which is a course and area I am passionate about.

Do you prefer inland or seaside golf and what's your favourite course?

I have been brought up playing links golf and a sunny day at St Enodoc is hard to beat with its stunning views of the Camel estuary. My favourite inland course is Sunningdale.

How closely do you follow golf on TV and who are your favourite players?

Very closely. There is no better way to unwind after presenting Super Sunday than to watch the final round of a tournament in the US on Sky Sports.

I enjoy a bet on the golf and Phil Mickelson has done me a few good turns over the years, especially at Augusta National.

When were you most nervous on a golf course?

I do get nervous and am hopeless under pressure. The most nervous I have been was when I was paired with Wayne Rooney at the England golf da. I stood on the 1st tee at The Grove with three camera crews filming and the entire England squad watching. My knees were knocking and live on Sky Sports News I put my tee shot straight in a bush at short mid-wicket – much to Rooney and Steven Gerrard's amusement. However, I held my pose a la Monty to make it look like it had gone down the middle and got a number of texts from people saying 'that looked like a good shot'.

18 Lady Golfer

“I PUT MY DRIVE INTO A BUSH AT SHORT MID-WICKET ON ENGLAND’S GOLF DAY...”

TV presenter and Lynx ambassador Di Dougherty chats to Sky Sports' Ed Chamberlin about Seve, St Enodoc – and making a fool of himself in front of Gerrard and Rooney Will Tiger Woods win another Major?

I'm sure he will. He didn't play that well, got penalised two shots, yet still nearly won the Masters.

Give us your tip for the Open I would love to see Lee Westwood win. I can't wait to see it back at Muirfield, which is my favourite Open course.

Who is your favourite golfer?

Easy. Seve.

Whose swing do you most admire?

Tiger and Adam Scott. I love Mickelson's flop shot, which I fancy myself at too – although often it ends in a shank.

We know you play golf with Gary Neville and Jamie Redknapp. Are they useful?

I have played and lost to both!

Despite my opening tee shot I was the leader in the clubhouse at the England golf day until the final group came in. Nev won it on the last. I was inconsolable.

Which footballer in your eyes is the best golfer?

Redknapp and Matt Le Tissier are right up there and James Milner looks the best of the golfers in the England squad.

DI TEAMS UP WITH LYNX “I became the ambassador for Lynx last year and the brand is growing from strength to strength.

We all remember Ernie Els and Fred Couples winning Majors with Lynx, the company are building on that heritage and are keen to remember their history. The company also recognises the importance of the women’s tour and is very keen to support female British golfers. Design, style and performance are key and their innovative ideas are clear to see in their new ranges.” lynxgolf.co.uk

n For more visit www.didougherty.com and follow her on Twitter @DiDougherty1

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LG pp 20-21 US Open Preview 16/05/2013 18:07 Page 20

US OPEN PREVIEW

E

VER since Patty Berg had won the first staging of the event in 1946, the US Women’s Open had always been dominated by its home-based players. But one of its favourites, Nancy Lopez, had never managed to capture the biggest jewel in the women’s game despite having three other Majors and 48 LPGA Tour wins to her name.

Standing in her way in 1997 was England’s Alison Nicholas who was hoping to make it three successive European victories, following on from the back-to-back triumphs of Annika Sorenstam.

In her own words Alison recalls a very special week for her and British golf.

HOW TO WIN THE US OPEN

By Alison Nicholas

She relives her victory in women’s golf’s most prestigious title in 1997 with Mark Townsend

The course I liked the course at Pumpkin Ridge, it was a difficult course and I had to divide the greens up into areas we could play to and parts where we weren’t even going to contemplate.

They were that fast and slopey that you couldn’t get up and down from certain areas so my caddy Mark Fulcher, who now caddies for Justin Rose, and I looked at that quite carefully.

There was also some water so there was a lot to think about and the pins could be tucked away by the water so we didn’t even think of attacking those flags.

If I did miss the greens I would have a chance of getting up and down.

The set-up It was usually the toughest setup of the year and the rough would be horrendous.

If you miss a fairway it would be a chip out. The courses have now been lengthened but the greens were always fast and tricky.

I was a medium to long hitter but that week I hit it about 280 yards on some drives which wasn’t too bad for a little ‘un. I was striking it very well that week but I had worked on it for

two years by then and I had said to my coach that I wanted to win a US Major which meant hitting it further and hitting it higher.

I also didn’t three-putt the whole week.

The final round It was tough sleeping on a three-shot lead. I did sleep, but you want to get on with it and try and win.

You have got all morning to think about it but you tend to

get used to it as a tournament player. I knew I was playing against Nancy Lopez and she was the darling of American golf so that was always going to be a difficult thing.

I made a mental note of pretending that they were actually cheering for me so when I went up to every green I would put my hand up to acknowledge them.

The other mental note was to enjoy the day as you might never get the chance again.

TWO TO WATCH

A couple of names to look out for this year STACY LEWIS She is playing superbly and it is such a great story with her recovering from careerthreatening back problems. She is someone to admire. Her game is now very consistent and she makes a lot of birdies – so will be a real threat.

SUZANN PETTERSEN Suzann is due a US Open I think – I would really like to see her win one. She has worked hard to get her game to where it is now and her ability warrants more than the Major she has. Maybe this could be her year if her putter is hot.

She played her own game, we wished each other well and after that we didn’t talk.

The last hole I hit the middle of the fairway as did Nancy. I couldn’t get up so I just laid up to a perfect distance, she tried to go for the green in two and hit it in the rough on the right. She had maybe a 30-yard chip and it just ran on a little.

I didn’t know this at the time but Johnny Miller had said in commentary that nobody had holed a putt from above the hole.

I hit a sand wedge to the right as there was a swale to the left and I could have been there all day, I hit it to about 12 feet and nudged it up close.

She then missed her putt.

Afterwards she was in tears so I just thanked her and said she was a legend. I think I actually said sorry. It affected her for a long time.

We get on very well and she has mentioned a few times that I beat her but I tell her it doesn’t define you as a person and what’s gone is gone and that she still won so many tournaments.

The biggest Major It has more history than the others and it was always the biggest event.

You get looked after well, the crowds are amazing and it is unlike any other tournament though – in essence, it is 72 holes of strokeplay and people can try too hard and get too technical with their coaches.

There is a balance and your preparations have to be done early on. For me course management is crucial particularly around the greens.

It put the pressure on as I thought I should win every week and it took me a couple of years to win again.

My expectations were too much and you see the same today, every week is a new week and it is a level playing field. I was a bit harsh on myself.

LG pp 20-21 US Open Preview 16/05/2013 18:07 Page 21

The US Wo men’s Open will take place at Sebonack GC in Southampto n, New York , from June 27 to 30. Korea’s Na Yeon Choi will defend her title with co verage on Sky Sports

LG pp 22-23 Euro Champs Fulford 16/05/2013 17:46 Page 22

FEATURE

LADY GOLFER PREVIEWS

European Ladies’ Amateur Team

Championship All you need to know about the prestigious event, this year held at Fulford in Yorkshire

22 Lady Golfer

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

LG pp 22-23 Euro Champs Fulford 16/05/2013 17:47 Page 23

THE COURSE Fulford staged 23 successive European Tour events up until 1991 and former winners include Tony Jacklin, Lee Trevino, Greg Norman and Sandy Lyle.

Best known is Bernhard Langer’s shot from up the ash tree by the side of the 17th.

THE HISTORY The competition began in 1959 and Sweden will be defending the title that they won in both 2010 and 2011.

England have won the championship eight times but their last success came in 1993 in the Netherlands.

The last time the event came to England, at Wentworth in 1991, the hosts also prevailed.

Ireland have two wins, Scotland have managed three runner-up spots while Wales were second in 1987.

Sweden or Spain have won seven of the last eight renewals.

THE FORMAT All teams will play two strokeplay qualifying rounds and the best eight teams will progress to the matchplay stages; the best five scores from six will count each day.

The leading player from the first two rounds will win a place at the European Masters at The Buckinghamshire.

THE ONE TO WATCH

FEELING THE POWA PowaKaddy will continue to sponsor England Golf this season and will provide their elite amateurs with a Freeway Sport trolley. Pictured here (from left to right) are Bronte Law, Sarah-Jane Boyd, Alex Peters and Georgia Hall.

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The cham pionship will take p lace from July 9-13 and entr y is free. All sp ectators a re welcome a nd this is a great chan ce to see the stars of to morrow

Remedy Oak’s Georgia Hall is currently the sixth highest ranked amateur in the world and the highest in Europe. We were lucky enough to play with Georgia in the media day at Fulford and it’s easy to see why. Among many other things the teenager has won two gold medals at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival and played in this year’s Kraft Nabisco.

Yet she remains giggly, funny and modest as well as being ridiculously talented. Her current handicap is plus four and it is still coming down – or should that be going up?!

Lady Golfer 23

LG pp 24-25 Muscular Dystrophy 16/05/2013 17:47 Page 24

WELLBEING

Odette’s Story

When did you first realise that all was not right health wise?

It started when I was a teenager, I was about to start my GCSE PE exam and I went through a couple of periods when I couldn’t move my legs.

My dad would have to help me up on to the sofa and they called out the GP and that went on for about a week.

I was playing tennis then and it regressed up until college and the relapses began to get more frequent but they were ‘only’ 5-6 times a year.

In 2004 I was diagnosed as being diabetic but in 2010, when I was lady captain, I became really poorly during a medal and it has gone downhill since then.

24 Lady Golfer

Why did you not know straightaway that it was muscular dystrophy?

There are so many other muscle conditions. They said when I first went into Kings (hospital) it would take five years to get to a diagnosis and we are two and a half years in.

I went from somebody who was going to the gym every day and playing golf five times a week to someone who can’t do any of those things. I have just started hitting balls again.

This year I have had four relapses. It is caused by the muscles breaking down and it leaks creatine kinase (CK), which is an enzyme, into the blood. That then cannot come

out of the body as it floods the kidneys and they can’t then clear it and you can’t pass urine.

My legs and arms swell to twice the size and you have a fever and are very disorientated.

+2 in my captaincy.

I played county and intermediates but I’m not really a big lover of the whole county thing. Sometimes it is done on who you are and not on merit and I’m not a big fan of that.

How did you get into golf?

I was 16 when I started playing and my dad played off four. I took it up and went from a handicap of 11 at 19, by the time I was 20 I had got down to 4. I was quite lucky.

I worked as an assistant for a couple of years and in 2009 I really took it seriously.

When I became lady captain I was 30 and I wanted to be off plus figures. I got to

How did you cope with being lady captain?

In June or July I was playing a medal with my vice-captain and it wasn’t a particularly warm day but I had the usual Lucozade and Mars bars in the bag. By the 3rd hole I really didn’t feel well, by the 8th I had been sick a few times. We got to the 9th tee and my partner said let’s go in but she was playing quite well. www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

LG pp 24-25 Muscular Dystrophy 16/05/2013 17:48 Page 25

If anyone’s story illustrates what can be done through perseverance, dedication and sheer bloody will it is Odette Lattimer’s as Mark Townsend found out

I then collapsed on the 10th green. I went to the hospital and they did some tests and my CK levels were well over 3000. They knew there was some sort of trauma occurring in the muscles which was good as I knew that something could finally be done about it.

How does it manifest itself in your body?

From the hips down to my toes my legs go to two and a half times the normal size so the pain is terrible. The steroids do work if you take them at the right time.

I always tell myself is that this has taken my golf away from me and golf is such a huge part of my life. I was doing a www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

lot of swimming every morning but they told me to stop that, I am hoping that my body can settle down and I can do some cycling.

Where do you get your inspiration to keep fighting?

I have not met many people with my exact symptoms but you are on a ward with people with other muscular problems and I find that a massive inspiration. Some of them are 20 years older and they are still battling away. There is always someone worse off than you, particularly on a neuro ward.

What would you say to someone considering playing in the Four Course Classic?

However you play just enjoy it and the money you earn will be so well spent.

Without my doctors I think I would have given up long ago. I am a fairly positive person but when I couldn’t walk, and you could see on the MRI how bad my legs were, and I had had 18 bags of IV and my veins were collapsing I was at the point of giving in.

You could see blood coming out of the cafeter and I just lay there and I had had enough. I was crying and someone had come in to visit and she started crying and she just said she would swap places I would. And that was my turning point.

Up for the classic?

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Four Course Classic 2013 will take place on Friday 21 June, the longest day of the year.

Tee off as soon as the sun rises and then tackle four courses in one day. To reserve your chosen courses all you need to do is pay £25 per golfer and they will then book everything else for you. Any money will be very well spent. www.fourcourseclassic.co.uk

Lady Golfer 25

LG pp 26 Equipment Directory Ads 17/05/2013 12:02 Page 26

EQUIPMENT DIRECTORY

Once you step off the plane, we take care of everything; from airport transfer to hotel accommodations to tee-off time, ensuring that there are no disappointments or unpleasant surprises to ruin your holiday!

www.golfturkey.com

Algarve PGA Golf Coaching Holidays from £479pp Penina Nov 2013 from £479pp Lagos Feb 2014 from £529pp Limited spaces available www.golftoatee.co.uk 26 Lady Golfer

01789 552798 www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

LG pp 27 Lead to Equipment 16/05/2013 17:48 Page 27

YOUR GEAR The latest club reviews I New equipment I Fashion I Style tips I Electric trolleys I Pull trolleys

NEW LYNX RANGE ADDS ELEGANCE The legendary brand are back with a super-stylish new line Lynx have long been renowned for their ladies’ equipment range. Where other brands have been guilty of treating us as an afterthought, Lynx have consistently worked hard to offer clubs that play as good as they look.

Never, though, has that been more the case than with the new Elegance range, which is certainly aptly named.

The crisp, elegant white heads and shafts offer maximum style

and class and this super-stylish line of clubs includes a driver, fairway, hybrid and irons.

SRP: Driver £179

Powerful The 460cc-head driver is made from cast titanium for more consistent, stronger shots. It has 12.5° of loft.

Precise Progressive Face Thickness (PFT) technology makes for more accurate shotmaking

Forgiving The Elegance driver pushes the boundaries so the Moment of Inertia (MOI) is at its limit

Desirable Crisp, elegant white heads and shafts set off the Elegance range

Fairway £89

Hybrid £89

Irons £399 (5-SW)

LG pp 28-29 Equipment 17/05/2013 12:16 Page 28

EQUIPMENT

PING Serene Craz-E Putter As this putter belongs to the Serene ladies’ range, it comes in similar matching shades of distinctive purple. I have always loved the Craz-E head shape. It is so solid at address, never feeling like it is going to twist, and the long alignment line is a great visual aid to help you square up on the smallest target.

The putter feels very light, but you can feel the head – which I like – and it produces a very solid strike and roll. For short putts, it definitely inspires confidence. You can just pop the head behind the ball knowing it will stay there, and point the line at the precise spot you want to aim at. Then, slotting the putt in seems like a formality!

As a lady-specific putter, its standard length is also far more suitable for ladies than the men’s putters usually donated to them by their husbands!

SRP: £140

A PRODLUL REVIE CTS

BY M WED ADEL WINNETEINE T

TRX Home Suspension Training Kit

GLOVE IT Signature Range

When Alison Nicholas raved about how good this is for golf – especially for improving rotation and core stability – I wanted to try it. I have since spoken to a physio and several LET players who also swear by it, and always travel with it, since it is so easy to use and takes up so little space. The straps are simple to adjust, and you only need a door to anchor them. The foam handles are comfortable, you get an intense workout and your flexibility increases hugely!

SRP: £198 www.trxtraining.com/uk

Glove It is a glamorous collection of ladies’ golf accessories designed with passion in the USA. There are lots of brand-new designs to choose from and the introduction of the new fabulous accessory bags that double up as a handbag!

The Glove It range – and much more – is available at the outstanding online shop Golf Queen.

SRP: Glove £21.95; Visor £19.95 www.golfqueen.co.uk

28 Lady Golfer

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

LG pp 28-29 Equipment 17/05/2013 12:16 Page 29

ADAMS Super S Driver With strong, fast-swinging lady golfers in mind, Madeleine reviews clubs designed for men

EVERTAN Glove There is no loss of quality in the feel of the cabretta leather parts in order to retain your tan on the back of your hand. It feels really soft, and the lycra mesh is definitely a cooler option on hot days. Initially, it felt slightly strange having the adjustable strap on the palm side, rather than the back, but that took very little time to get used to. Lots of colours and patterns.

Great feel and no more white-left-hand syndrome! SRP: £15.99

LADIES WHO LAUNCH

This is really attractive thanks to the white head and red markings. It feels very light, but it is beautifully balanced.

Even with preliminary practice swings, you can’t wait to hit the ball because it feels so good! It feels completely effortless to swing – which can encourage you to swing progressively faster.

However, you can do so without fear of losing your accuracy, because the forgiveness is very good – due to a slot on the base which effectively increases the sweet spot and gives you more forgiveness on off-centre shots, but while keeping the ‘smash factor’ high (some Trackman terminology for you there!)

It’s very simple to adjust – just a few twists with the wrench can alter the loft from 9.5 to 11.5°. You can also lift the toe if you fade it a little too much, or move it to a fade setting if even more drastic measures are needed.

Very impressive performance. SRP: £299

YOUR

VIEW

Liz Maw, who plays off 14, puts Benross’ Pearl irons through their paces

DAILY SPORTS Striped Trousers Whether in black/white or blue/white, these trousers are very striking. They actually look too good to play golf in, so I shall definitely be wearing them off the course as well – especially as they are so comfortable, being stretchy, with three per cent spandex. With four pockets, you are well catered for, and the front ones are deep enough not to lose tees, but lay flat so they don’t interfere with the design.

Excellent! SRP: £74

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

I thought this club was pleasing to look at, with its lightcoloured shaft, and it has a very good grip.

The trajectory of the ball was medium to high, so it is easy to get plenty of height on the shots. From my personal point of view, the sole is visually too thick, and therefore the club feels a little on the heavy side, and looks a bit clumsy.

However, I did have some good shots with it, and found it quite forgiving and easy to use after my first couple of mis-hits – but that was probably me, not the club! SRP: £349 (6-SW)

Lady Golfer 29

LET 16/05/2013 16:30 Page 1

LG pp 31 Lead to Instruction 16/05/2013 17:49 Page 31

YOUR GAME Hit it further and straighter I Hole more putts I Short game I Golf psychology I Course management

TOUR TIPS: What you can learn from Paula Creamer

2) This allows the hands and arms to release down into the back of the ball and allow a full extension of the arms through the impact area. Many amateurs could look to this position to improve their golf. Making practice swings without a ball, try and replicate Paula here and your golf will almost certainly improve.

1) This is a classic postimpact position, showing that everything has moved in sequence on the downswing. With the weight having moved first from the top of the backswing into the left foot, the left leg has straightened nicely and the hips have cleared the right amount.

Analysis by Sandy Smith.

Sandy is Carly Booth's coach, a PGA Fellow Professional and the head pro at Ladybank in Fife.

For more www.sandysmithgolf.com or Twitter @sandysmithgolf

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

Lady Golfer 31

LG pp 32-33 Davies Instruction 16/05/2013 17:50 Page 32

INSTRUCTION

Putting edge How to remove any flicking from

X

In the full swing your wrists play a vital role. With putting they can jeopardise your stroke. Maintaining your wrist angles and preventing the common flick of the wrists is vital to a consistent strike.

your putting stroke

H

AVE you had a putting lesson recently? With putting making up nearly half of your score it is definitely a part of the game under-practised by amateurs and well worth investing some time and effort in! While it looks simple there are some common faults that must be corrected in order to get your putting stroke on the right track.

Lucinda Davies is based at Royal MidSurrey in Richmond – book a lesson at www.lucindadaviesgolf. com/lessons

32 Lady Golfer

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

LG pp 32-33 Davies Instruction 16/05/2013 17:50 Page 33

X

A common fault is the weight being too much on the heels. This can cause the toe of the putter to come off the ground at address and will

cause the putter head to track too much on the inside on the way back, which will make hitting the sweet spot every time very inconsistent.

You should have your weight comfortably on the balls of your feet, the putter sitting flat on the green and the ball in the centre or slightly forward

in the stance. Stand about two putter heads away from the ball so that when you look down your eyes are directly over the ball

Try this now, as you do not need your putter. Take a comfortable width of stance, bend from your hips and let

your arms hang from your shoulders, keeping the elbows close to your body and clap your hands gently.

Then simply rock your shoulders back and through and that’s the putting stroke!

Just vary how far back and

through you rock to control distance, simply do this when the putter is there!

Good luck!

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Lady Golfer 33

SMALL BUT MIGHTY

Introducing the compact folding M1 PRO, developed to fold down over 40% smaller than traditional electric trolleys – Different is good.

www.motocaddy.com

LG pp 35 Jennings Instruction 16/05/2013 17:51 Page 35

NARROW

YOUR FOCUS

How to help overcome those nervy tee shots

E all face tee shots where all we can picture is ending up in some sort of trouble, either left or right. To give yourself a much better chance of finding the short stuff really try to get in the habit of being very specific in where you aim.

Whether it is picking out a spot ahead of you on the tee or a tree in the distance concentrate on just this point.

You will find that even your misses will be less wayward and it should help to take your mind off the hazards for those all-important few seconds!

W

Rachel Jennings is a second year professional on the Ladies European Tour. Follow her on Twitter @racheyjgolf

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

Lady Golfer 35

LG pp 36 CM Crail 16/05/2013 17:52 Page 36

INSTRUCTION

COURSE

MANAGEM ENT

HELL’S HOLE

This par 5 can do serious damage to your scorecard, so keep your wits about you, says Sarah Gallagher

FB OU

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HIS is called ‘Hell’s Hole’ because it is a devilish dogleg right, with the ocean intruding into your line of flight off the tee. With OOB on the right, and a bunker or deep rough on the left, your only option on this tricky hole is to keep finding the fairway!

UP TO 8 HANDICAP This long par 5 wraps itself around the bay, so your decision is whether to drive over the water to set up a birdie opportunity, or take the longer, safer route for a steady par. If you have any doubts, opt for the safer route, and hit out to the corner of the dogleg, just short of the bunkers.

Play your second over the left half of the fairway bunker to set yourself up with a short pitch, creating an up and down opportunity for birdie.

5th Crail ), Fife (Balcomie s, rd a y 427 par 5

8-20 HANDICAPS

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Although it’s stroke-index one, this tricky par 5 can be reached in three shots if played correctly with accurate yardages. A 160-yard tee shot up the centre of the fairway will enable you to cut some yardage off the hole with your second shot. By aiming for the centre, short of the fairway bunker, you will be left with a 90-yard approach shot – so be positive, and walk off with a welldeserved par 5.

20+ HANDICAPS

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Using your handicap allowance wisely, your goal is to use three short, accurate, iron shots to conquer the tricky dogleg, and leave yourself in the centre of the fairway. Anything leaked out right from here will be beach-bound, so aim for the left half of the fairway and hit a yardage to avoid the fairway bunker. The green entrance for your approach shot is wide open, so play to your strengths and either pitch it all the way, or run it in. n Sarah Gallagher is a PGA professional at Lightwood Driving Range in Staffordshire 01782 335812

36 Lady Golfer

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

Menara Travel Morocco 16/05/2013 16:30 Page 1

MOROCCO GOLF

The Magic Awaits You...

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MAZAGAN BEACH & GOLF RESORT 5***** From £589 per golfer = 4 nights on B&B + Unlimited Golf

From £829 per golfer = 7 Nights on B&B + Unlimited Golf Including: Return direct flight from London Gatwick with Air Arabia inclusive of taxes & check-in luggage of 20Kg & golf clubs carriage + Accommodation on bed & buffet breakfast in a deluxe room (partial ocean view) + Unlimited golf on the MAZAGAN GOLF COURSE + Complimentary shared buggy per day on the Mzazgan Golf Course + 1 golf round at the ROYAL GOLF EL JADIDA + Airport transfers (shared shuttle - scheduled hours only) from & to Casablanca Airport

MOROCCO GOLF FESTIVAL ‘5th edition’ 5 – 12 October 2013 MARRAKECH £1195 pp on ALL INCLUSIVE in the DECAMERON ISSIL HOTEL 4***** £1289 pp on B&B in PALMERAIE GOLF PALACE HOTEL 5***** Including: Return flight from London Gatwick or Manchester + 7 Nights accommodation + 5 rounds of golf + 2 cocktail parties + Gala dinner + Prizes presentations ceremony + Guided city tour of Marrakech + 1 massage + Excursions to the Ourika Valley + Airport & golf transfers

For bookings & further details please contact

Menara Travel Ltd Fully bonded Tour Operator ATOL 6662 t: 0207 371 2030 e: info@morocco4golf.com www.morocco4golf.com

LG pp 38 Equipment Directory Ads 17/05/2013 12:35 Page 38

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Take part in Norfolk’s very first Men and Ladies Golf Open Week at Barnham Broom Hotel, Golf and Spa; 5 exciting days of competitive strokeplay and matchplay with great prizes to be won.

38 Lady Golfer

Barnham Broom is home to two beautiful 18 hole Championship golf courses, The Hill and The Valley and is considered to be one of the finest golf clubs in Norfolk, the courses provide golfers of all abilities with an exciting challenge.

£80 VISITORS

Special overnight rates available

To book call 01603 759393 www.barnham-broom.co.uk

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LG pp 39 Fitness 16/05/2013 18:00 Page 39

FITNESS

SO YOU THINK

YOUR CORE IS PERFECT?

You may reconsider after doing the exercises in this routine – especially the advanced one!

Last month I highlighted exercises which would improve the core stability of anyone who hasn’t worked on this aspect of fitness.

This month, we up the ante. I recognise that the sight of the fitness ball will immediately be a big turn-off for some of Lady Golfer’s readers. I totally understand that – indeed, that’s why I have been so keen to make this fitness section easy to digest and action (hopefully it has been anyway!).

So, if this seems like hassle to some of you, I understand. But just ensure you get your hands on Lady Golfer next month, because we are back to extremely basic stuff everyone can do in two minutes.

For those of you still with me, this issue’s tips will take your core stability to the next level...

CLUB MEETS BALL For this one, we get a club involved. Lying on the ball with your shoulder blades supporting your weight and your feet flat on the floor, turn your upper half so the club is as perpendicular to the floor as possible. Repeat on the other side. Try to do this for three sets on either side and really stretch as far as you can so the outer hand gets as close to the floor as possible.

THE START POSITION Start with your palms in a praying position, your forearms resting on the fitness ball and with your toes on the floor. Just balancing yourself like this has started to fire your core. But we’re going to take it on a bit from here...

WORK YOUR CORE HARD As is pictured left, now ‘roll’ the ball away from you so you end up with a straight back which is extended and parallel to the floor. Your elbows should touching the ball – nothing more. To add a bit more difficulty, raise one foot off the floor (inset picture).

Kati Crossfield is a personal trainer based at David Lloyd gym in Leeds. She can be contacted on 07786 557822 or by visiting davidlloyd.co.uk

LG pp 40-41 Fashion 16/05/2013 17:53 Page 40

Lady Golfer Fashion

BRIGHT D

E A Argyle sweater £65, Fairway Polo £40, both Lija (Lijastyle.com)

S

tand out on the course with these vibrant looks

LG pp 40-41 Fashion 16/05/2013 17:53 Page 41

In association with

Lady Golfer single pages June 13_Layout 1 17/05/2013 14:52 Page 6

REDUCTIONS. NOW ON. WE ARE DEDICATED TO SAVING YOU SHOTS. STATE OF THE ART CLUB FITTING TECHNOLOGY*

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LG pp 43 Fashion 16/05/2013 17:54 Page 43

Lady Golfer Fashion

Metallic Zip Jacket £90, Lija Kim Skort £54.95, Rohnisch (en.rohnisch.com) Adicross II shoes £59.99, Adidas (adidas.co.uk)

In association with

Best Kept Secret

Morning mists caress the contours of Rockliffe’s magnificent course. Set in the stunning estate of one of the finest five-star destination golf and spa resorts in the country, Rockliffe Hall is the perfect place to escape and relax, improve your game, and to create memories that will linger on...

Enjoy a golfing break at Rockliffe Hall with something for everyone...

Stay with friends or family in a beautiful Woodland Mews Holiday home including 36 holes of golf from just £80 per person, or indulge in the Sunday Driver or Stay and Play breaks including accommodation in a luxury Tiplady Lodge bedroom, 18, 36 or 52 holes of golf, dinner in The Clubhouse, full English breakfast and complimentary access to all spa and wellness facilities throughout your stay from just £160 per person.

To find out more about staying and playing at Rockliffe Hall, call 01325 729999 or email enquiries@rockliffehall.com

www.rockliffehall.com Hurworth-on-Tees Darlington County Durham DL2 2DU +44 (0)1325 729999 enquiries@rockliffehall.com

LG pp 45-47 Fashion 16/05/2013 17:55 Page 45

Lady Golfer Fashion

Kim Skort £54.95, Amber SL Polo shirt £44.95, Zahra Pullover £69.95, all Rohnisch.

In association with

LG pp 45-47 Fashion 16/05/2013 17:55 Page 46

Lady Golfer Fashion

Annie Skort £61.99, Ping Collection.

Belt £54.95 (buckle £15, sold separately) and visor £16, IJP Design. blog.ijpdesign.com/ wearthetrouserswomen ProQuip Abbie polo £15

LG pp 45-47 Fashion 16/05/2013 17:55 Page 47

Pink trousers £65, Women’s Royal Tee shoes £75, both Puma (shop.puma.co.uk). Cap £14.99, Nike (nike.com).

Drop Stitch cardigan £65, Lija. Pleat Collar Top £65, Pret a Golf (pretagolf.com)

In association with

“Wow.”

£125

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Golf, Hotel & Breakfast*

Stay & Play* Sun-Thurs

Groups of 8 or More*

promo code: LG2013

promo code: LG99

please call to book

E

very golf break at Machrihanish Dunes is filled with magical, memorable moments. But with golf this spectacular and package rates this low, you might just want to book two. Read the reviews of our UK Top-100 links course and four-star hotels on TripAdvisor™. Then book your visit - and prepare to be wowed.

www.MachDunes.com tel: 01586 810 000 | e-mail: info@machdunes.com The Village at Machrihanish Dunes | Machrihanish, Scotland

Win Your Way In. Visit our website today for your chance to win a 3-day unlimited golf break for four! *Offer valid 1 May - 31 October 2013. Rates listed are per person per night including VAT based on high season double occupancy in a Classic Room at The Ugadale & The Royal Hotels. Group rates based on four person occupancy in The Ugadale Cottages. Lower rates available in shoulder seasons. Subject to availability and not inclusive of £3 per room night resort fee.

LG pp 49 Fashion 16/05/2013 17:56 Page 49

Lady Golfer Fashion

Rugby Striped Polo £34.99, Fashion Knit skort £34.99, both Adidas.

Bradyn golf shoes £79.99, Crocs (crocs.com)

In association with

LG pp 50-51 Fashion 16/05/2013 17:56 Page 50

Lady Golfer Fashion

LG pp 50-51 Fashion 16/05/2013 17:56 Page 51

(From L to R) 3 Stripes Printed Polo White £34.99, White Rangewear Skort £34.99, Shoes as before, all Adidas Black 3 Stripes Printed polo £34.99, Passionfruit Rangewear Skort £34.99 both Adidas. Golf Street Shoes, in Concrete and Candy, £105, Ecco (shopeeu.ecco.com) 3 Stripes Printed Polo as before, Printed Chevron Knit Skort £39.99, both Adidas Golf Street Shoes, in Imperial Purple, £105, Ecco

Shot on location at Rudding Park, Harrogate, North Yorkshire (www.ruddingpark.co.uk) With special thanks to: James Whitaker, head professional at Moor Allerton (www.jwgolf.co.uk), and Brenda Moore at Rudding Park for their kind assistance

In association with

LG pp 52-53 Fashion Shops 17/05/2013 16:55 Page 52

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11

1 Pret a Golf Belize polo, £69 2 Nike Graphic Wrap polo, £50 3 Sunice Katie polo, £44.99 4 Abacus Addison polo, £49.99 5 Abacus Emy polo, £59.99 6 Abacus Linden polo, £69.99 7 Abacus Marion polo, £49.99 8 Nivo Sharp polo, £39.99 9 Abacus Yarc polo, £49.99 10 Galvin Naomi trousers, £99 11 Galvin Green Nova skort, £89

WEAR TO

LG pp 52-53 Fashion Shops 17/05/2013 16:56 Page 53

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Details on the items which took your eye...

1 Nivo Spin polo, £36.99 2 Nivo Spin polo, £39.99 3 Abacus Pond polo, £49.99 4 Galvin Green Marissa polo, £69 5 ProQuip Hannah polo, £30 6 Daily Sports Quick Dry, £34.99 7 Pret a Golf Seville polo, £59 8 Galvin Madeleine polo, £79 9 Lija Tech Zip polo, £40 10 Galvin Naomi trousers, £99 11 Galvin Nova shorts, £89

SHOP

Inspired by our fashion shoot? Here are some bright ideas on where to shop...

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h s y t Ke hnisc bacu re a Ro ort, A sto o n p S lfin :I ub uy Cl off Go o b Golf t 0% g w ne 1 o : H lla in fer Gu ial of cloth e ’ Jun c s e e 1 m Sp ladi out 11 .co all ough 843 oshop r r p e th 20 16 ullan t: 0 fo@g n e: i

LG pp 54-55 Fashion Shop Ads 16/05/2013 17:31 Page 54

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54 Lady Golfer

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

LG pp 54-55 Fashion Shop Ads 16/05/2013 17:31 Page 55

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Lady Golfer 55

LG pp 56-57 Sports Spas 16/05/2013 17:46 Page 56

PLAY AWAY

Sports spas The right spa treatment can soothe niggling aches and pains, says our expert Bonnie Friend

Clarins Honey Hot Stone for muscular aches & pains What is it?

A 50-minute full body massage using hot stones. It starts with work on the back of the body, applying a honey gel from the toes upwards in a sweeping motion before using the stones to massage over the legs, back and arms, and then repeating the ritual on the front of the body. It finishes by refreshing the body with damp mitts, and as it’s a three-phase gel, when it is combined with water it turns into an emulsion that is worked into the skin to act as a moisturiser.

What is it supposed to do?

Very relaxing and is particularly good for aches and pains. It’s warming, good for dry and dehydrated skin, and for sports fans it is a great way to ease tension, aches and pains.

56 Lady Golfer

Where to go?

Whittlebury Hall, Northants, offers the Clarins Honey Hot Stones treatment as well as an all-encompassing thermal suite. The hotel and spa are adjacent to the course while its welcoming atmosphere, 23 treatment rooms, and regular events including tribute nights, mean it is a fun destination for a girly group getaway.

Acupuncture for Shin Splints What is it?

There are various different forms, but generally the treatment uses fine needles on specific trigger points throughout the body to stimulate the energy flow, immune and endocrine systems in specific areas of the body, bringing them back into balance.

What is it supposed to do?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, pass like rivers, irrigating and nourishing the tissues.

An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up creating imbalances in the body.

Where to go?

SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante is every inch the specialised health destination.

The spa is dedicated to looking after the mind and body through a combination of Oriental techniques and relaxation in the welcoming Spanish climate, a region that is a perennial favourite among golfers.

Thalassotherapy for Joint Inflammation What is it?

Thalassotherapy is a Greek variation on Hydrotherapy, a spa feature that rather sweepingly refers to ‘treatments with water’, most commonly featured in the form of hydrotherapy pools. It extends this idea with the addition of natural elements including marine resources such as sea water, seaweed, mud, and temperatures between 35 and 37º C. What is it supposed to do?

The warm temperatures have a restorative effect on the skin and body, helping in the treatment of Osteoarthritis and lower back pain, sports injuries, anxiety and stress. The minerals and nutrients from the marine elements, as well as the temperature, have a soothing www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

LG pp 56-57 Sports Spas 16/05/2013 17:46 Page 57

effect on aching joints such as hips, knees and spine. Waters containing sulphur are also help with rheumatic diseases and chronic inflammation.

Muscular pain and limited joint movement can improve, and swelling in joints reduced.

Where to go?

Evason Ma’in and Six Senses Spa in Jordan. At the heart of the five-star retreat are the mineral-rich, natural hot spring waterfalls, which perfectly compliment the synergy with Mother Nature that the place invokes, a feature that’s enhanced by the use of deep-sea inspired products, Jordanian olive oil, and herbs in the spa treatments.

Reflexology for Achilles Tendonitis What is it?

It works with compression www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

massage, usually applied with the thumb and fingers, delivering a moderate pressure to the feet and sometimes the hands if the foot is damaged or severely infected. Treatments usually last about an hour and are taken at weekly intervals to allow the body to balance between treatments. The feet are divided into 10 longitudinal and transverse zones. Both feet are worked on, and the treatment usually starts at the head and works down through points that correspond with the feet, chest, abdomen, and groin areas, depending on the individual requirements.

What is it supposed to do?

It releases tension, improves circulation and improves the energy flow by breaking down calcium deposits at the end of the nerve endings in feet and

hands. Most patients feel very relaxed, some energized. It can help with Tendonitis by stimulating the nerve and blood flow to the damaged region and helping the body to heal itself.

Where to go?

Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa in Leicestershire.

An enormous Victorian country house, the ornate red brick building retains a sense of easy-going, homely comfort alongside the grandeur.

Ytsara Moham to Stretch Out What is it?

A Thai-style massage using the Ytsara product line. It uses royal Thai pressure points over a towel, and a hot herbal poultice containing cinnamon and indigo as well as gentle stretching and a deep tissue oil massage.

What is it supposed to do?

Eases aches and pains and uses the ancient healing arts of the Hamong Shaman, which is where the poultice comes in. Great for anyone who exercises a lot and therefore has a lot of tension – as well as aiding flexibility.

Where to go?

Bovey Castle is a devotee of the Ytsara brand. Situated in Devon, it is a 275-acre estate with an abundance of history, although the existing hotel dates back to the 1920s. The spa is located in the Art-Deco inspired Orangery, taking in views across the awe-inspiring Dartmoor National Park.

n Bonnie Friend is the editor of Spabreaks.com 0800 043 6600

Lady Golfer 57

LG pp 58-59 Stoke By Nayland 16/05/2013 17:44 Page 58

PLAY AWAY

PLAY AND STAY AT...

Stoke by Nayland This resort has everything you need for a short break, says Dan Murphy

S

toke by Nayland has a certain energy. There are many famous golfing institutions where nothing ever seems to change – but that is certainly not the case here.

This family-owned resort on the Suffolk-Essex border is preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary, which is even more of an achievement considering they began with little or no knowledge of either the golf or hotel industries.

58 Lady Golfer

It has grown over the years – and it continues to do so to this day – so it is useful to begin with a run-down of the comprehensive facilities on offer here.

Stoke by Nayland has two courses – the Constable and the Gainsborough. You would expect there to be a hierarchy between the two but in truth there really isn't.

The Constable is marginally the older, but only by a couple

of years, while both have been used to host professional events.

Over the years, the Senior, Challenge and EuroPro Tours have all called in at Stoke by Nayland, which has the infrastructure to pull off such tournaments with style.

The hotel has 80 rooms and was the preferred choice of many Premier League football teams back in the days when Ipswich Town were flying high.

The clubhouse is in the same building, as is the spa, swimming pool and fitness facilities which include a gym and aerobics suite.

There are several bars to choose from, and a finedining restaurant – the Lakes.

Come the summer, patios, terraces and verandahs provide an opportunity to watch fellow golfers tackling

the final hole on both courses, a pair of par 3s played over water. It is effectively a mini holiday village and there is even a shop that stocks the daily essentials so that guests do not need to leave the property unless they want to.

Most don't, and Stoke by Nayland moved up in the world last year thanks to its latest significant addition – several luxury lodges. Around half a mile away from the main complex, they offer the discerning golfer a rare level of facilities.

The design is all about space and clean lines while the décor was inspired by the Women's Land Army that was based here in the Second World War. Fully equipped, you can cater for yourselves in style, order meals to be delivered

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

LG pp 58-59 Stoke By Nayland 16/05/2013 17:44 Page 59

from the hotel or even arrange for a chef to come over and cook for you and your party.

Travelling golfers like the space to spread out and the flexibility to come and go as they please – and that is exactly what you get here.

More than that, though, this is accommodation of the highest specification and style.

The lodges overlook the back nine on the Gainsborough, which has been recently lengthened to suit the demands of modern professional golf.

You might reasonably expect the two courses here to be similar in character but that is surprisingly not the case.

The Constable takes you further away from the clubhouse and few holes are flat. Often you play both up and down hill on the same

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

READER OFFER Enjoy an overnight stay in the hotel with three-course dinner in the AA Rosette Lakes Restaurant, breakfast, two rounds and free use of the pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Plus a drink at the halfway house!

Cost: £130pp based on two sharing a twin or double room. Call 01206 265 827 or 262 836 or email sales@stokebynayland.com and quote “LG offer”. Terms and conditions apply.

Book a playing group of 16 or more and two of your group will be invited (first come, first served) to participate in the popular Stoke by Nayland Challenge event on Tuesday October 1.

hole. Open in places, elsewhere you are in and among mature trees and it is rare that you do not have a view of the rolling countryside.

On the Gainsborough, by contrast, you can generally see where you are going. It is perhaps slightly less charming but a more honest test.

Stoke by Nayland combines the demands of being a members' club with the needs of hotel and lodge guests.

Having two 18-hole courses is clearly a key to success, as is a varied choice of places to eat and drink so that those dining in the excellent Lakes restaurant – I recommend the lamb – can enjoy an intimate evening while larger groups enjoy themselves in a more relaxed atmosphere elsewhere.

Coming soon to the resort,

which is roughly halfway between Ipswich and Colchester, are further choices of indoor and outdoor spaces where you can enjoy food and drink, extensive work on the reception area of the hotel as well as significant course improvements.

It just goes to show that life never stands still here. In a timeless, rural part of England immortalised by the likes of Constable and Gainsborough's art is a resort of rare dynamism.

STAYING AT THE LODGES The lodges are available for minimum stays of two nights or more. Cost: £295 per night for a one-bedroom Penthouse Lodge (sleeps up to four) and £395 for a two-bedroom lodge (sleeps up to six).

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WISH YOU WERE THERE?

ROCKLIFFE HALL An outstanding new course complemented by a wonderful hotel and spa

S

ET on the banks of the River Tees in the north east of England, Rockliffe boasts a modern parkland course as well as five-star hotel complex.

So it is the perfect venue for a short golf and spa break.

While the course can play to a scary 7,879 yards off the

tips, Marc Westonberg of the renowned Hawtree firm has, with five individual tee positions per hole, ensured it is very playable off forward tees for ladies and higher handicappers. So you get the same enjoyable experience in 375 acres of rolling countryside, but without the

immense amount of hitting!

Off the course, your enjoyment will continue, whether savouring food and refreshment in the clubhouse or in the beautiful surroundings of the hotel – which is a luxury, country-house style venue offering state-of-the-art spa treatments and a wide range

of dining options.

The Hall has been skillfully converted into a 21st-century luxury hotel without losing the grandeur of its heritage. The choices for dining, meeting or celebrating range from the Victorian glass-roofed Orangery to the spectacular Rockliffe Suite and Lounge.

O WANT TORE? M KNOW 980 or

25 729 Call 013 ehall.com for liff k to book visit roc tails and e d r e h furt k a re your b

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www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

LG pp 60-61 WYWT Rockliffe 16/05/2013 17:42 Page 61

TWO PACKAGES YOU MAY LIKE Best of Both Worlds This is aimed at groups of friends where some may enjoy spa and others golf. The day includes spa treatments, use of the awardwinning spa facilities and brunch, followed by dinner in The Clubhouse. For the golfers, the day includes full English breakfast in The Clubhouse, 18 holes, a drink before dinner and then dinner with the spa-goers in The Clubhouse. Cost: ÂŁ250 per couple.

Sunday Drivers This includes bed and breakfast, 18 holes on Sunday and 18 on Monday, dinner in The Clubhouse on Sunday evening and full spa use. Cost: From ÂŁ160 per person.

Golf & spa Rockliffe is a quality venue on and off the course

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

Lady Golfer 61

LG pp 62-63 My Golf Trip 16/05/2013 17:41 Page 62

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I

The Abu Dhabi

experience

Regular golf traveller Linda Brady, from Southampton, took in January’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship as a guest of My Golf Trip and had an experience to remember

F you, like many of us, are tired and run down after all the poor weather we seem to receive regardless of the month then guaranteed sunshine may just be the tonic you are looking for. Golf in Abu Dhabi may also just be the answer you require.

With regular daily highs of 26˚C in January and pure clear blue skies, Abu Dhabi provides a perfect opportunity of sun and warmth to banish the winter blues.

One of our regular readers, Linda Brady, took the chance to travel to the Emirates and was lucky enough to miss all the snow and slush that fell those few weeks.

Linda had never been to Abu Dhabi before but had ventured to Dubai some years ago. So, she was looking for something that little bit different and special.

“I have been to some brilliant courses all over the world but I wanted to go somewhere with guaranteed sun and also some excitement and therefore I chose Abu Dhabi and the week of the HSBC Championship,” she said.

This year’s tournament was again held over the National Course, which is just 10 minutes away from the airport yet set in an calm oasis.

As the first part of the Desert Swing that dovetails with both Qatar and Dubai, this has become recently the standout tournament of the three.

With the participation of the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Open champion Ernie Els and a certain Tiger Woods, golf of the highest order would also be on display. A stellar field promised to deliver a memorable tournament in the desert – and with names like that who could fail to be impressed?

Linda stayed in the five-star Westin Hotel, part of the Starwood group, which is based on the same complex as the National Course which hosted the tournament.

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

LG pp 62-63 My Golf Trip 16/05/2013 17:42 Page 63

Location was obviously a key benefit for Linda as it was onsite, and she also received a free weekly ticket for the championship courtesy of the hotel as standard for all guests.

We feel the spa, two pools, six different restaurants and lots of bars may also have helped Linda in the decision!

A balcony with a view is usually a prerequisite, however Linda was pleased with her’s – it had a view overlooking the driving range, putting area and bunkers. All hotel rooms

ABOUT LINDA’S TRIP Linda Brady travelled to Abu Dhabi in January with new bespoke golf booking service Mygolftrip.co.uk “I found the guys at mygolftrip on the web and was very impressed with the service more than anything else,” she said.

“They were very knowledgeable on the venue but more importantly, they listened to me and asked lots of questions to ensure I received exactly what I wanted.

“The after-sales service was also excellent. I get the feeling it just wasn’t another booking for them.

I have already booked to go on another trip with them to play some proper links golf... bring it on!”

faced out towards these practice facilities and with full sun across the balconies during the day, it became one of those special little places.

Linda said: “The hotel was beautiful and was only surpassed by the service levels that you receive.

“Even better was the accessibility of the golfers. It was so relaxed there. I have been to the Open, the BMW at Wentworth, Ryder Cup practice days, Scottish and Welsh

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

Opens and so on – but this was so different.

“We followed Rory in the ProAm and I was one of about 30 people he stopped to have his photo taken with – everybody is so friendly. The players stop, talk and chat with you if you ask – it’s just totally chilled.”

The HSBC village at the tournament was also impressive, with lots of activities for adults and children alike such as tennis with Tim Henman or even free golf lessons from a pro attached to the course in the nets.

There is also food, bars and huge tournament television relaying the scores.

The golfing opportunities in the Emirates are well known because as well as the National course In Abu Dhabi there is also the excellent Gary Player Saadiyat Beach course and the Kyle Phillips-designed Yas Links all within a 20- minute drive.

All of these courses have various tees to allow for various golfing abilities and are not designed to beat up golfers on length.

You have to shape shots and be able to putt more than anything here.

However if the sun is shining you may want to take a little more time to double-check the line on that putt just one more time...

As with most things in the Emirates, the service levels you receive are top class.

The courses and practice facilities are also superb and with Troon Golf looking after two of these three courses, you know standards will always be of the highest level.

ABOUT MY GOLF TRIP Mygolftrip.co.uk provide bespoke golfing trips to all of the UK and have extensive knowledge of Ireland. This year they also have availability to some lovely European venues as well as the Middle East and Asia. Call 08000 588 988.

Star status With Rory McIlroy

Meeting Ollie With Jose Maria

Prize guy With Jamie Donaldson

LG pp 64-65 Castle Combe 16/05/2013 17:39 Page 64

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LG pp 64-65 Castle Combe 16/05/2013 17:39 Page 65

To the

Manor born I

had been charmed by the Cotswolds before, but driving through the village of Castle Combe – once voted the prettiest village in England – cannot fail to make you fall in love with the place instantly. It is utterly charming!

Castle Combe was the setting for ‘War Horse’ and ‘Dr Doolittle’, but it could be the unspoilt setting of any period drama. Having an honesty box for an array of homemade cakes laid out on a table in the street summed the place up perfectly.

As you sweep into the drive of the hotel, and over the river, you have your first glimpse of the 365-acre grounds and hugely impressive 14th-century Manor House.

I uttered the words: “This is definitely my kind of place.”

And as I followed the sign from the car park ‘To the Manor’, I was sorely tempted to chalk in the word ‘Born’!

No two rooms are the same at the hotel, but I was delighted with my junior suite overlooking the weir, and its wonderful juxtaposition of new and old. You never forget the sense of history, but the bedroom is light, modern and airy at the same time.

Lying back in my walkthrough bathroom, watching one of my three tellies, with my thoughtfully provided rubber duck, there was a wonderful feeling of space – from the high-beamed ceiling and no sense of enclosure. Marvellous!

The homemade cup cakes in the room were gorgeous, and in addition to the usual facilities, there was also a Nespresso machine.

Little touches abound, which makes the place so special.

You can choose your own egg for breakfast, or opt to have a waiter serve your own picnic by the river. www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

Madeleine Winnett falls for the Manor House Hotel & Golf Club in the Cotswolds

I didn’t sample the Michelinstarred, seven-course dinner, but now wish I had done, if breakfast was anything to go by. I loved the little extra touches – the homemade jam and marmalade on a slate at each table, and as well as the usual drink choices, jugs of smoothies, such as strawberry and yoghurt, and mango, lime and ginger were on hand.

The smoked salmon and scrambled egg on toasted

By 10am when I checked out to go to the course, log fires were already roaring in the lounges, and I was reluctant to leave. I did linger briefly at the window seat where Margaret Thatcher wrote her memoirs, and regretted I hadn’t had time to see the Italian gardens.

But then, it’s a reason to go back – that, and the chance to try blindfold driving which I had spotted as one of the activities mentioned in the

brioche was quite decadent enough for me, but should you feel so inclined, there is also a champagne breakfast option!

Looking out of the mullioned windows over the lawn with the giant chess pieces, it’s almost like a scene from Alice in Wonderland. It’s a very peaceful start to the day, but then the whole experience of being at the Manor oozes peace and tranquility.

‘101 things to do while at the Manor’ leaflet!

I really liked the Peter Allissdesigned course, but quickly learned why so many others were using buggies. I have never done ascents and descents like it, even when playing in the Alps!

Apart from a couple of holes on the back nine which were on slopes, the rest were on the flat to play them – it was just

getting to and from them that was hard work. That said, it wouldn’t stop me doing it again. Several of the par 3s are very short, only requiring a wedge, and from elevated positions are very inviting. The 8th is also a tantalisingly drivable par 4 from another spectacularly lofted position, and when a couple of the par 5s are reachable as well, it’s definitely my kind of course!

The back nine is certainly harder than the front, although once you know where you are going, it is probably easier. It is tighter and trickier to plot your way round, and the 13th foxed us completely; the fairway appears to go left from the tee, when the hole actually goes to the right!

The 17th is the most dramatic par 3 I have ever played. You feel as though you are standing on the edge of the world looking down to the green below.

The satisfying sight of your wedge shot soaring into the stratosphere before it plunges into the depths is only tempered slightly by the fact you know you then have to descend all that way just to putt out, before climbing back out of the valley to the 18th tee.

I can’t wait to play it again, whether with a buggy or after some training on some flights of stairs.

Castle Combe, with its village, hotel and golf course, is a very special place.

FACTFILE One-night golf packages start from £142 per person on Sundays, £167 Monday to Thursdays, £195 Fridays, £225 Saturdays.

Includes breakfast, two rounds and dinner. Two-night packages also available.

01249 782 206 www.manorhouse.co.uk

Lady Golfer 65

draycote

whitefie

H O T E L

G O L F

from

ÂŁ49 CALL: 01788 521800 www.whitefieldsgolfclub.co.uk Bed, Breakfast & Two Rounds Golf. Please quote ref: NCG1 to receive free range balls on your stay.

Draycote Hotel & Whitefields Golf Course and Club, London Road, Thurlaston, Nr. Rugby, Warwickshire CV23 9LF Tel: 01788 521800 Fax: 01788 521695 Email: davidmills@draycotehotel.co.uk Terms & conditions apply. Subject to availability.

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County Champions Two fabulous courses perfectly set up to make your next ladies’ away day a memorable one

Draycote Hotel, Warwickshire Stay and play at this fantastic Midlands resort

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About also be enjoyed as a 9-hole Situated in the heart of layout, making it accessible to Shakespeare country, golfers of all abilities. The Draycote Hotel is the course also features C HA MP Y perfect location attractive views of T I N for a stay-andnearby Draycote T C play break in Water Country Park.

A T N CO 521800 the Midlands.

8 8 7 1 0 t: otel.co.uk The hotel Top Hole draycoteh LF p: CV23 9 offers 49 There are many luxurious rooms, memorable holes on all of which are the course, but the 16th equipped with WiFi and is known as the finest. It freeview television. The venue may only measure 163 yards, also boasts a 16-bay floodlit but features an island green range as well as putting and and has the potential to make chipping facilities and is easily or break your round. reached from the M45.

Card Wrecker The Course The 397-yard par-4 7th is The main attraction is known as ‘White’s Walk’. undoubtedly the Whitefields Ranked stroke-index one, it championship course. features a fairway bunker and Measuring 5,377 yards, the two more sand traps around undulating par-71 design can the large green.

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Formby Hall, Lancashire A parkland gem among the links of England’s Golf Coast

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About nine-hole, par-3 course Situated eight miles outside complete with rivetted linksSouthport, Formby Hall is a style bunkers and one of the great parkland alternative on best driving ranges in the England’s links-dominated Golf north-west of England.

Coast.

The resort has hosted various Top Hole tour events since it was The 15th is a real treat and opened back in 1996, C H A lives long in the TY M while a £15m refurb memory. A large UN in 2008 resulted in stretch of water CONTACT t: 01704 a 62-bedroom lies between you 875 formbyhallg 699 hotel and luxury and a wellolfresort. co.uk Spa. bunkered green.

Card Wrecker With a lake and no fewer than six bunkers that will swallow up any wayward tee shots, you’ll want to make sure of a proper warm up before heading to the dangerous par-3 2nd hole or you could suffer early on.

TY CHAM

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

UN

The Course Formby Hall’s main attraction is the Old Course.

The tree-lined, American-style layout – with water hazards on 16 of the 18 holes – makes for a pleasant change from all the nearby seaside courses.

The venue also boasts a new

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LG pp 68-69 Open Play & Stay 17/05/2013 11:50 Page 68

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While you’re at the Open If you’re spectating at Muirfield, make sure you play some of these East Lothian courses too

Sea view The 1st at Craigielaw

Dunbar

Gifford

Haddington

Originally laid out in 1856, Dunbar has been reshaped over the years by luminaries such as Old Tom Morris and James Braid.

The course is usually tackled in the kind of sea breeze which makes links golf so charming. It has a modest start and finish but in between there are holes of rare class. It has often been used for Open qualifying for Muirfield championships.

Nearest town: Dunbar

Situated just 30 minutes from the capital city of Edinburgh, Gifford is the only nine-hole course on the East Lothian ‘Golf Coast’.

Known for its challenging greens, it rewards clear thinking and accuracy rather than big hitting.

The toughest hole is the 402yard 8th which has three greenside bunkers and a burn before the green.

Nearest town: Edinburgh

Opened in 1865, Haddington lies just off the A1 roughly 18 miles east of Edinburgh.

It also borders the River Tyne, bringing water and trees into play at several holes.

The club also offers first-class catering facilities and welcomes societies and visiting parties.

Nearest town: Haddington

Whitekirk Situated only two miles from the sea and just outside the town of North Berwick, Whitekirk is an inland gem with a links feel.

The undulating design is set to be re-designed by former Open Despite only opening in 1995, it has hosted PGA and EuroPro Tour events.

The par-3 8th is certainly a stand-out highlight, played from an elevated tee to a well-protected green.

Nearest town: North Berwick

68 Lady Golfer

PLAN THE PERFECT TRIP TO EAST LOTHIAN Many of these hotels and courses can be booked through Golf East Lothian, an initiative set up by the council to help golfers get the most out of their stay in the region. There’s a lot of golf and a lot to do off the course, so getting some help with your itinerary is well worthwhile. For further details visit the website www.golfeastlothian.com

Castle Park Located just 15 miles from Muirfield, Castle Park has been described as the ‘Gleneagles of East Lothian’. It features undulating terrain as well as attractive views of the Lammermuir Hills.

The signature hole is the par3 12th. Known as ‘The Well’, the hole plays from an elevated tee across a gully, while the green is guarded by trees at the back.

Nearest town: Gullane

Craigielaw Just over a decade old, the modern links of Craigielaw is

just a few minutes from Muirfield.

The par-72 Donald Steel design features large, undulating greens that can really dent your card if you leave yourself too many long putts. It is also very well bunkered.

The venue played host to the 2006 Scottish Amateur Stroke Play and qualifying for the 2007 British Seniors Open at Muirfield.

Nearest town: Gullane

The Glen Situated in the town of North Berwick, The Glen – known as the East links alongside the iconic, aforementioned West – offers a mixture of inland and clifftop golf.

Originally designed by James Braid, the signature hole is the 13th.

Featuring a blind tee shot to a green flanked by beach and rocks, this short par 3 is one of the most picturesque in Scotland.

Nearest town: North Berwick

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

LG pp 68-69 Open Play & Stay 17/05/2013 11:50 Page 69

Variety pack Dunbar, Castle Park and Whitekirk

Kilspindie Set right on the coast with views of Fife and the Edinburgh skyline, Kilspindie offers a great example of short, cute links golf.

Certainly not long by modern standards, it is well bunkered and features several holes where par is a very good score. Of the many outstanding holes, one highlight is the 8th, ‘Gosford Bay’ – a pretty 162-yard par 3 across a sandy bay.

Nearest town: Aberlady

Longniddry Since opening in 1921, the highly distinctive links-parkland hybrid of Longniddry has been reshaped by some of the bestknown course architects in the world.

The likes of Harry Colt, James Braid, Mackenzie Ross and Donald Steel have all left their mark over the years, helping to create a memorable layout.

The course features tree-lined fairways and sandy soil and has hosted Open qualifying

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

and European Senior Tour events.

Nearest town: Gullane

addition to a well-bunkered green.

Nearest town: Musselburgh

Luffness New

Winterfield

Founded in 1894, Luffness New lies just over a mile away from Muirfield on the edge of Gullane.

The main attraction is the par-70 course. Originally designed by Old Tom Morris, the layout features classic links turf and a collection of long par 4s.

The course is also home to some of the best putting surfaces in the region.

Nearest town: Gullane

Originally opened in 1935, Winterfield offers both parkland and links-style holes.

While the course may be short it is no pushover and features eight testing par 3s.

The opening hole is particularly tough – it features a ravine standing between you and the green.

Nearest town: Dunbar

Royal Musselburgh Founded in 1774, Royal Musselburgh is the fifth-oldest club in the world.

The current layout was designed by James Braid back in 1926 and boasts tight fairways that demand accuracy from the tee.

The best hole is the par-3 14th, which features a 30-foot ravine between the tee in

Royal Burgess Based just six miles from the centre of Edinburgh, Royal Burgess is home to the oldest golfing society in the world.

The course has been reshaped by the likes of Harry Colt and Philip Mackenzie Ross over the years and is known for its smooth greens and strategically placed bunkers.

The signature hole is the par-4 11th, which is played downhill and features a dogleg.

Nearest town: Edinburgh

Musselburgh Old Links Officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest golf course in the world, the game has been played at Musselburgh Links since back in 1672.

This layout regularly played host to the Open, or the ‘General Open Competition’ as it was known back then, during the 19th century and guests can still get a taste of that history by hiring and playing with a set of hickory clubs.

Nearest town: Edinburgh

WHERE TO STAY A short hop from Muirfield in the heart of East Lothian is Duck’s at Kilspindie House. It boasts 23 en-suite rooms and a range of catering options. The venue is surrounded by 21 golf courses and is also a ‘home from home’ partner with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. It’s in Aberlady, which is next door to Gullane.

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LG pp 70-73 Club Golf Ads 17/05/2013 14:11 Page 70

COURSE DIRECTORY

Craigielaw Golf Club AB E R L ADY | E A S T LOT H IA N | S COT L A N D | EH32 0P Y

MALTON & NORTON GOLF CLUB “North Yorkshire’s hidden Gem” - Peter Allis

…truly a golfer’s paradise £99 MID SUMMER OFFER

Opening soon our 25 bedroom golf lodge…

Great play and stay packages available More details from our site www.craigielawlodge.com

You and 3 guests enjoy a round at Malton and Norton GC with coffee and bacon roll on arrival followed by 18 holes of golf. Limited times available, to make a reservation please call 01653 693882 / 697912 and quote MPT68. Offer valid until 30th June 2013

www.maltonandnortongolfclub.co.uk

Dunbar Golf Club

East Links, Dunbar, East Lothian EH42 1LL

THE GATEWAY TO CLASSIC SCOTTISH LINKS GOLF Enjoy a round of golf on this 150 year old championship golf course.

Societies and visitors are welcome all year round on this traditional links course.

Tel: 01875 870 800 Email: info@craigielawgolfclub.com www.craigielawgolfclub.com

70 Lady Golfer

(+44) 01368 862317 secretary@dunbargolfclub.com

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LG pp 70-73 Club Golf Ads 17/05/2013 14:12 Page 71

Near Wareham 5 Star British Tourist Board Venue

The Cotswold Edge GOLF CLUB

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Green Fees: £18 per round weekdays and £23 per round weekends Handicap certificates not required

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LG pp 70-73 Club Golf Ads 17/05/2013 14:12 Page 72

COURSE DIRECTORY

Summer Golf

GETAWAY from just

£99pp SUMMER GOLF GETAWAY Package includes one night in an executive room, full english breakfast, three course evening meal and 36 holes of golf. Buggies available at half price if booked with reservation. From just £99 based on two people sharing. £10 bar voucher per person included in package

Formby Hall is quite simply one of the finest resorts on England’s Golf Coast. Our par 72 Old Course may be a golfer’s dream challenge and our fantastic golf break offers are anything but. Book now to take advantage of these great savings

BOWOOD PARK HOTEL

2 Day Golf Break to include: 1 Nights Bed & Breakfast • 1, Three Course Evening meal • 2 Rounds of Golf October: £105pp June – September: £115pp

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4 Day Golf Break to include: 3 Nights Bed & Breakfast • 3, Three Course Evening Meals • 4 Rounds of Golf October: £218pp June – September inclusive: £240pp Available midweek or weekends • All package tariffs above are based on 2 people sharing a twin/double room.

• Single room upgrades incur a supplement of 50% of the per person package price.

Additional golf break benefits in 2013: Organiser FREE OF CHARGE for groups of 16 and above

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Advanced booking is advisable.

BOOKING HOTLINE

01840 213017 Bowood Park Hotel & Golf Club, Lanteglos, Camelford, Cornwall PL32 9RF For further information please visit us at www.bowood-park.co.uk or contact us at golf@bowood-park.co.uk or 01840 213017

72 Lady Golfer

Follow us on

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LG pp 70-73 Club Golf Ads 17/05/2013 14:12 Page 73

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Lady Golfer 73

LG pp 74 Columnist CK 16/05/2013 17:37 Page 74

COMMENT

Claire Kane The strange places that (my!) golf balls end up

T

HESE days my golf clubs live permanently in the boot of my car.

The logic is that I’ll be using them again in a couple of days so it’s just not worth the hassle of lugging them in and out of the garage every time I want to play.

I’m not sure my insurance company would approve of my storage arrangements but at least all my kit is altogether in the one place.

As a result, I no longer have to worry about forgetting to pack anything vital like wetweather gear when the Met Office fails to spot the rain coming in.

The downside of this tactic can be the ‘out of sight and out of mind’ theory – and there have been a few occasions when I have stood on the tee and noticed my dirt-encrusted clubs could benefit from hot soapy water and a scrubbing brush to stand any chance of successfully spinning a ball back on the green (yes, I can hear you say “you should be so lucky!”).

In the past I would also dump various golf gear on the

Ball search Now, where’s that Pro V1...?

74 Lady Golfer

Road rage These were the scenes which I faced!

back seat of my car and from time to time one would escape from a pocket or a bag.

This resulted in the odd golf ball rattling around the floor of the car whenever I turned a corner.

These days I’m far more meticulous in confining my golfing kit to the boot, especially since the time I had to do an emergency stop when a car suddenly pulled out in front of me.

Thankfully we avoided a collision and after the initial shock I did the usual indignant and self-righteous action of beeping the completely oblivious driver several times to highlight the error of his ways.

It wasn’t until I tried to drive on that I realised something was wrong as the car wasn’t responding. Puzzled, I kept

trying to press down on the accelerator pedal but nothing happened – in fact it was completely immovable. My immediate thought was that something had broken because I’d stopped so violently – hey, what do I know about cars?!

It wasn’t until I got out of the car and looked down at the pedals I noticed a stray golf ball had shunted forward when I hit the brakes and it was well and truly stuck under the accelerator pedal.

By this time, the offending driver and car had disappeared and there was a queue of vehicles behind me, tooting their horns impatiently waiting to pass the

inconsiderate driver parked on the narrow road (me)!

Red faced and feeling very embarrassed, I finally levered the jammed golf ball from behind the pedal, thankful at least it hadn’t rolled under my brake as that could have made a very ‘interesting’ insurance claim.

In hindsight, finding a golf ball wedged behind the throttle shouldn’t have been a surprise, because as I know from firsthand experience the very strange places golf balls can end up in.

‘I LOOKED DOWN AND NOTICED A STRAY GOLF BALL UNDER THE ACCELERATOR’

Claire Kane Claire is a freelance journalist, a keen golfer and someone who doesn’t take herself, or her golf, too seriously. Follow her tales on twitter @golfsnippets

www.ladygolferonline.co.uk

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