National Club Golfer May 2013 Issue

NCG Cover May 13 22/03/2013 10:57 Page 3

INSIDE: SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS n TROLLEYS & BUGGIES n IRONS TEST

CLUB GOLF

MAY 2013 £4.00

30-PAGE SECTION ON THE TOPICS THAT MATTER TO YOU

MASTERS PREVIEW

WHO WILL WIN

THE 2013

MASTERS? We eliminate the field one by one to name the possible winners

PLUS LARRY MIZE n NICK PRICE n ROOKIES Masters preview in association with

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NCG pp 8 Ed Comm 22/03/2013 15:16 Page 8

INSIDE: SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS n TROLLEYS & BUGGIES n IRONS TEST

CLUB GOLF

MAY 2013 £4.00

30-PAGE SECTION ON THE TOPICS THAT MATTER TO YOU

MASTERS PREVIEW

WHO WILL WIN

THE 2013

MASTERS? We eliminate the field one by one to name the possible winners

PLUS LARRY MIZE n NICK PRICE n ROOKIES Masters preview in association with

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Dan Murphy DEPUTY EDITOR Mark Townsend STAFF WRITERS Joe Harrison James Tompkinson Joe Whitley CONTRIBUTORS Chris Bertram Colin Callander Robert Rock PHOTOGRAPHY Getty Images, Thinkstock, Eve Burton CHIEF DESIGNER Andrew Kenworthy DESIGNER & WEBMASTER Daniel Cooper PUBLISHER Tom Irwin SALES EXECUTIVES Neil Braddish Luke Kelly Tom Lenton Jamie Miles DIGITAL MARKETING EXECUTIVE Eve Burton FINANCE & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Will Shucksmith (ACA) ACCOUNTS Emma Abbott CHAIRMAN Peter Burgess PRINT/REPRO Precision Colour Printing, Telford SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: 0113 289 3979 12 issues including P&P: UK £42; Europe £48; World £58 SPORTS PUBLICATIONS LTD Unit 2, Arena Park, Tarn Lane, Scarcroft, West Yorkshire LS17 9BF, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0) 113 289 3979 e-mail: editorial@sportspub.co.uk ISSN 1354 2532

Editor’s Comment W HEN you are the best golfer in the world and the heir apparent to Tiger Woods then you can expect to attract plenty of opinions on everything from choice of putter to your time-management skills.

For me, the most concerning aspect about Rory McIlroy’s conduct in the last 12 months was his failure to arrive at the right time for the Ryder Cup singles, something largely forgotten since, lost as it was in the aftermath of the Miracle of Medinah and the fact that he won his match.

Most of us worry about cutting it fine for a friendly game with three pals; what does it say about McIlroy that he came seriously close to missing a Ryder Cup match?

I am less concerned about his slow start to the 2013 season and the interminable conjecture blaming it solely on his switch to Nike.

Changing every club in your bag (and perhaps most significantly the ball) will, naturally, have some short-term impact but to suggest it will fatally undermine the Northern Irishman’s prospects of adding to his two Majors in 2013 and beyond is at best speculative and at worst ignorant.

Let’s not forget it was less than a year ago that Rory was embroiled in another ‘crisis’ of form. His results at the first three Majors of 2012 were T40, MC and T60. He won the last of the season, the PGA, by eight shots.

His short professional career has been characterised by bursts of brilliance between relatively ordinary periods.

It is far too early to suggest that what we have seen in the early part of this season is anything but an extension of this trend.

When Rory is good he is sublime. What he has not yet shown is the ability to compete, let alone win, when not at his best. His is a (gloriously) natural and free swing but the corollary of such an

uncomplicated method is that when the game occasionally becomes NCG is a month ly magazine distri more difficult, he has buted to the go lf clubs of Grea less to fall back on t Britain.

Written specific than most great ally for you, the serious golfe r, we aim to players. provide an insigh tful He could learn and trustworthy guide to all much from Tiger in aspects of the game this respect.

Make no mistake, Rory is a great player, but it is no coincidence that his 2011 US Open victory and last year’s PGA were both by eight-shot margins. Rory does not yet do winning ugly.

I firmly believe that Rory will do just fine with his new Nike equipment. And I expect him to post his first win in their colours in the very near future – perhaps even at Augusta.

have a theory, unsubstantiated, that many of us saw our handicaps rise last year as a consequence of not being able to play and practise as often as we had liked, coupled with the problems that lush, thick rough and soft courses offering little or no run bring. Presuming that this season starts with some better weather (is it really too much to ask?) I reckon there will be some very good scores over the next month or so up and down the country while what went up last year comes back down.

Do you think I’m on to something?

I

TWO HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ISSUE...

P44: WHO’S GOING TO WIN IT? We can’t guarantee success but we think we can at least trim down the number of likely winners of the Masters into single figures, which should at least point you in the right direction ahead at Augusta National.

P79: OUR VERDICT ON 2013’S IRONS We’ve been busy testing all the game-improvement models for this year and we made some interesting findings – crucially on how far these clubs hit the ball.

With the season upon us, now is a great time to invest.

in association with

in association with

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 are reserved. The views expressed in National Club Golfer do not necessarily represent the views of the company or the editor. 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 National Club Golfer.

MASTERS PREVIEW

Golfer | TESTS. .. IRONS NATIONAL

It is the most desirable piece of cloth in sport – but we believe fewer than 10 players in this year’s field can claim the Green Jacket. Over the page, we name the eight possible champions...

NATIONAL

CLUB

IRONS

Our test team put 20 sets of gameimprovement irons to the test

| PHOTOGRAPHY BY

TAYLORMADE ROCKETBLADE Z (set

SRP: £549 steel

ADAMS SUPER S

of eight irons)

TESTERS’ COMMENT S SC: Nice irons these. I like the way they look.

DM: I like the way they look and I like the feel off the face.

They weren’t the very longest for me in the test but they were not far off.

JW: Very good for a mid-handica pper. Long but not the longest and not uncontrollab long, which is ly very important.

Very playable.

TITLEIST AP1

SRP: £93 per iron steel, £107 per iron graphite

TESTERS’ COMMENT S SC: I always like Titleist irons – I think they look the best to me. I had a set of 710 AP1s and they look similar at address – but different once you look at them when they are in the bag.

I’d buy them.

The more I hit them the more I remembered how much I liked my previous set.

means it is easier to predict The same venue each year Our step-by-step guide the champions at Augusta. year simply cannot win this eliminates the men who

BY MARK TOWNSEND

CLUB

in association with

Golfer | TESTS. ..

JOHN LETTER S TR-47

SRP: £499 steel, £599 graphite (3 & 4 hybrids, 5-P irons)

SRP: £449 steel

TESTERS’ COMMENT S JW: Quite a small head on the wedge. look good when They you’re over the ball. The hybrid doesn’t blend into the set for me.

SC: The hybrid went very low for me. The irons are better.

I wasn’t blown away.

DM: The hybrids are so good that you might be in danger of a big gap to the 5 iron. The irons look good, if on the small side for some.

YONEX VXF

SRP: £399 steel,

£559 graphite

(4-SW)

TESTERS’ COMMENT S JW: Initially I expected more, what with all the technology Yonex are famed for. But I thought they’d be more expensive!

When I saw the price – which I couldn’t tell by looking – they became a great option.

DM: It’s a big clubhead to look down on but a surprisingly cultured feel and flight off it.

SC: These feel nice. I was surprised cheap they are. by how The face is quite big.

(3 & 4 hybrids,

PROGEN CHROMO

SRP: £399 steel, £449 graphite (3 & 4 hybrids, 5-SW irons) TESTERS’ COMMENT S JW: I couldn’t knock the performance this price there is lots of competition but at they didn’t quite and do enough to stand out.

DM: I liked the way these sat and I think they are well finished.

SC: I got on very well with the hybrid. don’t like the I spongy grips.

They don’t look as good as the MD Golfs or the Benrosses.

20 RATED SETS

BY OUR TEST TEA M VARIED OF ABILITIE S

GETTY

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.com 44 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer

www.nationalc lubgolfer.com

8 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

5-P irons)

TESTERS’ COMMENT S SC: This came off the face fantastically. they went miles.

And They feel like my current

Nike irons – which I love. I got on well with the hybrid as well.

DM: I wasn’t too keen on the short irons – a touch lumpy – but the rest of the set was good. Plenty of help to get the ball in the air.

JW: The irons are closed but that’s not a bad thing. I was impressed by the performance .

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NCG pp 12-13 MOTM 22/03/2013 10:59 Page 12

ON THE TEE Your essential guide to the world of golf – including competitions, quick tips, interviews and new gear

MOMENT OF THE MONTH

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T was all too easy to think ‘it’s almost like he hasn’t been away’ – such was the familiarity with which Tiger Woods waltzed off with the WGC CA Championship.

But to ignore what Woods has dealt with on and off the course to get to this point – where he resembles the man who dominated the game for over a decade – is doing an injustice to the difficulties he has faced.

Yet whether Tiger is ‘really back’ will only properly be answered on the fairways of Augusta, Muirfield et al. We are simply pleased he is a contender again.

Golf has lots of exciting players, but noone has the same aura as Woods. Indeed, golf may well need Tiger more than Tiger needs golf. Thankfully, he seems to enjoy the competition enough to dedicate himself to trying to regain something like his old game. n Who can win the Masters? See p46.

12 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 12-13 MOTM 22/03/2013 11:00 Page 13

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 13

NCG pp 14-15 Change Your Game 22/03/2013 11:00 Page 14

ON THE TEE

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| GEAR |

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THIS WILL CHANGE YOUR GAME

ADAMS SUPER S & LS HYBRIDS The latest models from the industry leaders are stylish and effective S AND LS At address you can see that the Super S (on the left) has a shallower face and a slightly flatter look. The Super LS (on the right), which is designed for better players primarily, has a more more compact and powerful look and will give a more penetrating flight.

NEW FROM KIT THE

HYBR ID EXP ERTS

Key facts and figures Super S - SRP: £119 Shaft: Matrix Kujoh 75 Lofts: 15, 17, 19, 22, 25 & 28˚ Super LS - SRP: £199 Lofts: 15, 17, 19, 22, 25 & 28˚ Shaft: Mutsubishi Kuro Kage 80 www.adamsgolf.com

In the groove The Cut-Thru VST in the sole creates an ultra-hot hybrid

Hot dog The Super S is powered by a Matrix Kujoh 75 shaft

14 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 14-15 Change Your Game 22/03/2013 11:00 Page 15

BEST IN

CLASS

Dan Murphy explains why Adams hybrids enjoy such a stellar reputation

White world A matt-white crown with a contrasting PVD face increases the apparent clubhead size and makes alignment easier

In the slot The refined Crown Slot creates a higher launch angle without increasing spin

WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS Adams’ senior director of R&D, Justin Honea, on the hybrids What sort of players should the Super S and LS best suit?

JH: I’d expect a slower swing speed player who struggles hitting long irons and is searching for higher launch and moderate spin to benefit more from the Super S. I’d expect a faster swing speed player searching for high launch with low spin to benefit more from the Super LS.

THE SOLE OF THE SUPER LS

Do sweepers get better results from fairways and diggers from hybrids?

JH: Generally speaking yes. Adams hybrids are designed using patented upside down technology which allows more mass to be positioned below the centre of gravity of the head creating a very easy-to-hit club from any lie and any swing type.

You have to hit an Adams hybrid to get the full experience and too many golfers in the UK are yet to do so. Reading this will not replicate the feeling of testing an Adams yourself but I hope it will inspire you with the curiosity to seek out your nearest stockist.

Consistently the most popular hybrids on the PGA Tour, Adams have never gained the same traction on this side of the Atlantic, where the company have lacked the awareness of other more highprofile brands. It’s high time that changed No other company in golf set such store by their hybrids, and while the rest of the Adams range is similarly stylish, the only place to start is with the Super S and LS. The Super S has a steel head and a flat shape that is nearer in some ways to a fairway wood than a hybrid.

It looks great behind the ball and the first thing you’re going to notice is the slot in the crown.

This helps increase the launch angle but not the spin rate. There is also a groove in the sole – this is all about ball speed.

Effectively, the face compresses at impact and then rebounds, creating faster ball speeds.

The result is a hybrid that can get the ball up from almost any lie and a flight that keeps on going forward.

Although primarily aimed at the amateur player, there are plenty of Super Ss being put in play every week on tour.

With the Super LS, you get a deeper face and a multi-material construction with a titanium crown and face.

This is a ridiculously powerful hybrid that sits dead square and also offers decent forgiveness.

Powered by Mitsubishi’s Kuro Kage shaft, it is a hybrid that any single-figure player should be sure to test before making an investment in this category.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 15

NCG pp 16-17 WRBP Royal North Devon 22/03/2013 11:01 Page 16

ON THE TEE

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WE’D RATHER BE PLAYING...

ROYAL NORTH DEVON Historic links where sheep still graze on the fairways

Pride of Devon RND boasts rippling links fairways

16 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

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| GRASS ROOTS

NCG pp 16-17 WRBP Royal North Devon 22/03/2013 11:01 Page 17

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T is described as the ‘St Andrews of the South’ with good reason. Royal North Devon is both an historic links course and also a museum for the game’s history.

In 1860, not only was the Open Championship born, it was also the year Old Tom Morris travelled to Devon from Prestwick to design a proper course at Westward Ho! Six years before that marks the first origins of a course here and it remains the country’s oldest still being played over the same piece of land.

Herbert Fowler made significant tweaks in 1910 and what he left over a century ago is pretty much what you can find today.

After you have enjoyed the course, a study of the museum exhibits is an education in itself.

WANT TO PLAY IT?

A round be tween Sun day and Thursday is £55 while on Friday and Saturda y it is £60. royalnor thdevongol fclub.co.uk

01237 473 817

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 17

NCG pp 18-19 Captured On Film 22/03/2013 11:02 Page 18

ON THE TEE

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CAPTURED ON FILM

SEPTEMBER 29, 1991 Fired-up USA reclaim the Ryder Cup in the ‘War on the Shore’

18 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

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NCG pp 18-19 Captured On Film 22/03/2013 11:02 Page 19

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HE RYDER CUP rarely does anything other than entertain with high drama and raw passion, but 1991 witnessed scenes rarely seen before or since. This is the story of the feisty clash at Kiawah Island.

THE BACKGROUND Three successive European victories after a long era of US dominance combined with the beginning of the first Gulf War created a potent mixture of patriotism and desperation among American fans, players and officials. It was against this atmosphere of fury, anxiety and partisanship that Bernard Gallacher captained Europe for the first time following Tony Jacklin’s reign. Gallacher selected Jose María Olazabal, Mark James and Nick Faldo as his wild cards; Dave Stockton went for Ray Floyd and Chip Beck.

THE ACTION Europe lost the opening foursomes 3-1; Faldo and Woosnam’s loss to Payne Stewart and Mark Calcavecchia was a particularly sore one. Seve Ballesteros and Olazabal held firm though, beating Paul Azinger and Beck in a fraught affair. Europe fought back in the fourballs with the Spaniards again winning and the all-English pairing of James and rookie Steven Richardson thrashing Corey Pavin and Calcavecchia 5&4. America dominated Saturday’s foursomes 3-1 in a series notable for Faldo and David Gilford’s infamous 7&6 loss. Europe then gave themselves a chance on Sunday with 3.5 points in the fourballs; only the Spanish pair failed to win, having had a perfect record to that point. Victories for Faldo, David Feherty, Ballesteros and Paul Broadhurst and halves for Colin Montgomerie (after being dormie four) and Gilford (due to Steve Pate’s injury) meant if Bernhard Langer beat Hale Irwin, Europe would retain. He would have done so, but for that putt...

THE QUOTE "I couldn't breathe, I couldn't swallow. The sphincter factor was high" – Hale Irwin, who lost a oneup lead with two to play against Langer, but hung on for a half.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 19

NCG pp 22-23 Betting Guide, Comps 22/03/2013 14:04 Page 22

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10 RULES FOR CASHING IN ON THE MASTERS A small field, some of whom aren’t competitive... it should be easy to win on the Masters. Expert Ian Richards offers some help

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DON’T back any player who is a debutant at Augusta – it is a well-documented fact Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 remains the only player to win on his first visit.

It comes as no great surprise as it is a course which a player needs to know before performing well on. With so many nuances it is unlike any other course.

DON’T back defending champion Bubba Watson unless you think he is a player of the very highest calibre.

The only players to win back to back so far are: Jack Nicklaus 6566, Faldo 89-90 and Woods 0102. So if you don’t think he belongs in such illustrious company, give him a swerve.

2

DON’T back players who have passed their 40th birthday – the last 14 winners have all been in their 20s and 30s. The last winner in his 40s was Mark O’Meara back in 1998 and he was only 41 and was at the peak of his career, also going on to win the Open Championship later that year.

DON’T bet on the Par 3 contest on the Wednesday.

The field is unknown, as not all Masters contenders play and there are various past champions and honorary invitees who take part. Most importantly, you will often find players allow their fiveyear-old sons/daughters/nephews etc to putt out hence rendering their scores null and void.

3

DON’T back the winner of the Par 3 contest – not a single player has won on the Wednesday and gone on to win the full title on the Sunday. Padraig Harrington has to tell himself not to play well in the Par 3 contest which he has won three times recently – he then might give himself another chance at a Major.

5 6

DO make sure your player made the cut at last year’s Masters as all the winners bar one in the last 20 years made the weekend at Augusta the year before. The only player to have missed the cut and then won was Tiger Woods in 1996, when he was still an amateur, so I guess that is one exception we can accept as an anomaly.

22 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

7

DO wait until the actual week of the tournament to have a bet as bookmakers will offer greater value and enhanced place terms (ie top 6 or even 7) to attract new clients. I only bet ante post on the Masters several months before and have actually only had one bet so far – that was Brandt Snedeker when he hit form in January and was 66/1. There is no value in the 20/1 price quoted now and I know SkyBet have laid him as low as 14/1!

8

DO check the weather – not just the forecast compared with tee times as to who might get the most favourable conditions such as wind strength, but also look at what the weather has been like running up to the tournament. If, for example, it has been really wet and Augusta National is playing even longer than normal then you can rule out the shorter hitters.

9

DO bet in running – all bookmakers will be doing this through all four days, but try and wait until your player is through the 12th hole. The

reasons are fairly straightforward as the all-time hardest holes are the 10th followed by the 12th and then the 11th. After those challenges things ease down a little as the 13th is the second easiest and the 15th the easiest.

10

DO look closely at Hole in One betting – in the last 10 years there have been seven holes in one in total but only in four different years. Last year, odds were around 10/11 ‘Yes’ and 10/11 ‘No’ so there will probably be value on a ‘No’ bet. In 2004 Chris DiMarco had an ace on the 6th but all the others have been on the 16th and usually when the pin is in its Sunday position – so you’ll likely have to sweat things out!

SPORTS BETTING INDEX Ian Richards has been betting on golf since 1992 and in 1999 gave up full time work to set up www.sportsbettingindex.com and bet professionally on golf.

He uses trends and hidden information on courses and golfers to gain a crucial edge.

NCG pp 22-23 Betting Guide, Comps 22/03/2013 14:05 Page 23

PLAY WITH A LEGEND IN THE ISPS HANDA PGA SENIORS AT DE VERE MOTTRAM HALL Play in the Pro-Am, go to the players’ BBQ, stay overnight at Mottram Hall and then go to the event

T

HE European Senior Tour will be calling in at Cheshire venue Mottram Hall in June – and you could play alongside a legend in the eve-of-tournament Pro-Am for the ISPA Handa PGA Seniors Championship. The De Vere resort has recently benefitted from a £6m renovation, which has just been completed.

Legends from the world of golf are expected to compete in what is widely regarded as one of the premier tournaments on the European Senior Tour schedule.

Rookie of the year Paul Wesselingh (pictured right) is the defending champion and will headline an event that in recent years has welcomed former Ryder Cup captains Ian Woosnam, Sam Torrance, and Mark James, as well as former Masters and Open Championship winner, Sandy Lyle, and Ryder Cup players, Barry Lane and Costantino Rocca.

THE PRIZE n A place in the Pro-Am event on the eve of the championship on Wednesday, June 5 2013 n An invitation to the players’ BBQ dinner and prize-giving after the round n Overnight accommodation (B&B) at the recently renovated Mottram Hall hotel for two people n Tickets to the first round of the event on the Thursday

It is FREE to enter both these competitions – go to WWW.NATIONALCLUBGOLFER.COM

WIN A SIGNED LEE WESTWOOD POLO SHIRT COURTESY OF DUNLOP We have teamed up with Dunlop to offer one reader a fantastic prize from the European Ryder Cup player

T

HE prestigious golf brand have kindly sent us a signed polo shirt, as worn

by Lee Westwood at The Masters 2012. It comes framed and ready to hang up.

South African Thomas Aiken currently uses Dunlop products on tour and European Ryder Cup players David Howell, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood endorse Dunlop clothing only.

Westwood’s polo shirt features the latest Desert Dry fabric technology for breathability and moisture management, essential for golf in the summer months.

The new 2013 Dunlop golf range is now on sale and features some of the leading technologies and components available.

For more information on the full range of golf gear visit www.DunlopSport.com

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 23

NCG pp 24 Lytham Trophy 22/03/2013 11:05 Page 24

ON THE TEE

INTERVIEW |

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HOULD anyone in this year’s field come anywhere near to matching James Heath’s outstanding effort in 2004 then they will surely walk away with the 2013 edition of the Lytham Trophy.

Nine years ago, the then 21-year-old beat Richard McEvoy’s previous best by seven shots and Tom Lehman’s Open Championship 72-hole record over the Lancashire links by five strokes.

The then Walker Cup captain Garth McGimpsey described Heath’s golf as ‘the best amateur golf I’ve ever seen’.

Heath finished on an 18-under aggregate of 266, eight better than Ross Fisher and 11 clear of Gary Wolstenholme.

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LYTHAM TROPHY PREVIEW

“RORY RANG ME ASKING

HOW TO PLAY THE COURSE...

I TOLD HIM TO KEEP IT LEFT” With the Lytham Trophy fast approaching, Mark Townsend reflects on a remarkable week in 2004 with James Heath

Where did the Lytham Trophy rank for you on the amateur tournaments?

Being played on an Open course made it very special. The course and clubhouse are awesome and, for me, as a stand-alone tournament it was the best.

What experience did you have of the course prior to 2004?

I missed 2003 as I was at college but played in ‘02 and I was too inexperienced to play the course.

I wasn’t the same sort of player I was in 2004 and it completely beat me up.

Lytham is a tough course so I couldn’t really play it back then but I came back from the States and something seemed to click that week.

What advice would you give for tackling Lytham?

Rory McIlroy rang me in 2006 asking how to play the course and I just remember telling him to keep it left – I don’t know if that still stands these days with the new bunkering.

Then make loads of pars the first four and last four and try and make some birdies in the middle.

Back then you had par 5s at 6 and 7 and then you had short irons into 8, 9 and 10. After that it seemed like there was just this succession of long par 4s.

For some reason I had no limitations and was really settled and shot a few good scores.

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What do you remember of the final day when you shot 66, 65?

I was three behind Ross Fisher going into the last two rounds so we had a little day to ourselves. He played great and hit so many putts that just didn’t go in. When you are on the other side of that you feed off it. It was a bit of a matchplay format. I remember being ahead after the third round and not going into lunch. I wanted to just carry on practising my putting, I was working on something and I didn’t want anything to disrupt that.

It turned out to be quite a year with another victory at the English Amateur?

24 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

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rapport. We just got on great. He caddied for me for about three years and is my favourite caddy in the world.

However, with me not playing as well as I would have liked he now runs the family business.

Who were the players to look out for at the time?

Gary Wolstenholme was the favourite for the week and he was pretty much the favourite for most tournaments.

You knew he was going to perform and it was just a case of if anyone could out-perform him. If you beat him you would finish in the top three.

Ross was always good, he didn’t try to be focused but he just had it. Nothing fazed him, he kept it simple and nobody was as long as him.

Sam Osborne was the best player I had ever played with; he hasn’t quite fulfilled that potential but who knows when that can happen.

Do you regret not hanging on for the 2005 Walker Cup? I was really tempted to hang on for the Walker Cup. I played in the Eisenhower Trophy and I just really wanted another challenge. I hadn’t planned to turn pro but I just did it.

I don’t have any regrets but it would have been lovely to play in the Walker Cup. Peter McEvoy wrote something in his book about how he was disappointed that I had turned pro.

I was young and quite impressionable so I didn’t take that very well and I consciously thought about it and wondered if I had made the right decision.

I won that at Hollinwell later in the year and I had Oli Wilson caddy for me in the first round and then my brother came up for the weekend.

When you are 20 or 21 you don’t What does this year hold in realise how good you have got it – store for you? playing these amazing courses all This year I will be playing on the over the country – and I Challenge Tour. managed to beat Gary I have just had three The Lytham Wolstenholme in months off which has Trophy is the the semi-final and been great. first major then David Towards the end amateur tournament Horsey in the of the year and is held of last year I had on May 3-5. Former final. turned into a golfer winners include Peter I had my that I really didn’t McEvoy, Stephen brother, Mike, want to be and I Gallacher, Paul caddy for me at now feel recharged Broadhurst and Lytham and we and can’t wait to Gary Evans had a great compete again.

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26/02/2013 12:25

NCG pp 26-27 OTT TGD Lloyd 22/03/2013 14:07 Page 26

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G THE NC ON T C I VERD ILROY RORY MC OFF WALKING

GREAT DEBATE: IS IT EVER ACCEPTABLE TO WALK IN? Can you tear up your card if things have gone badly? Two NCG writers lock horns

YES

What does it matter, asks Mark Townsend?

IT might only be two letters after your name but it may as well say ‘social leper’ the way some raise their eyebrows, frown and then generally tut at the mere mention of a NR. As far as I can make out the majority of us turn up at a weekend hoping (quietly praying) to do quite nicely. Maybe even play to, or close to, our respective handicaps, with barely a thought to winning. One or two of us even go to the range the night before to encourage this happening.

So when it all goes wrong and the dreams have been crushed by the 4th tee, you persevere, hoping that you’ll somehow discover ‘the secret’ before too long.

But then you hit one, and then another, out of bounds right at the

13th and then lose your third provisional in the left-hand trees as your brain struggles to come to terms with the numbers that are being thrown at it.

At which point there is the option of walking back and playing seven off the tee, with two groups now watching this all play out in front of them, or simply give yourself a break and call it a day.

You don’t walk in as you’re marking a card, you just play on and miss out on the opportunity of signing for a Nett 97.

Nobody is more disappointed than you, this is your weekend and your favourite hobby and you’ve played like a clown.

The last thing you then need is somebody else looking down their nose at you.

26 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NO

says Dan Murphy, you should always finish what you begin

The only excuses for a No Return that work for me are illness, injury or the fact that you have run out of balls.

Apart from that, I just don’t see why you would. After all, filing a no-return ensures you are going up 0.1 anyway so what difference does it make?

Better, surely, to plough on and finish the job off that you started.

You never know, if nothing else, it might actually help you next time you play a medal.

Let’s get one thing clear – no matter what score you eventually tap into the computer when you reach the sanctuary of the clubhouse it is way more creditable than the letters N and R coming after your name.

The old Neville Reid should, in

my opinion, be punished by at least double the obligatory 0.1 handicap increment. It’s cowardly.

Personal pride should dictate that, having entered a competition, you have the basic manners and sportsmanship to complete the task.

I also think it’s disrespectful to your playing partners. There’s nothing worse than playing in a twoball in the medal when your partner tears up his card, suddenly lightens up and starts chatting away about his plans for dinner, proposed changes to the LBW law and whether visiting parties should be allowed to start before 10am on a Tuesday. While you are grinding away, fighting the good fight and hoping to squeeze into the buffer zone.

NCG pp 26-27 OTT TGD Lloyd 22/03/2013 14:07 Page 27

TIGER'S TOURNEYS How 40 of his 76 wins have come at just seven venues

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IX tournaments into the new European Tour season and a second cut made.

Part of me thinks it is nice to make the cut and get four rounds under my belt while most of me thinks it was a chance missed to have a decent finish and make a nice cheque.

The Tshwane Open in Centurion was my fifth event in South Africa. After three rounds I was going along nicely at six

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under but then made some costly errors off the tee, which has been plaguing me a bit in recent months, and the bad shots were so destructive that I made three double bogeys in a 78.

My driving has always tended to be my strength but it has been very hot and cold of late so that is something I have been working hard on in Houston, where I practise in between tournaments.

One of the obvious difficulties in your rookie year is learning all the courses but the course planners are so good these days that you know exactly what lies ahead of you. Obviously it is good to play the courses and get a feel

for them and how they play in certain winds but we are very lucky in how much help we get.

My caddy has also been around the block a few times with the likes of Philip Golding, James Kingston and David Frost so that is also a big plus.

Every week still feels quite new and that will probably happen for the rest of the year but I am quite close to the Qatar Masters winner Chris Wood who, like me, is from Bristol as well.

Chris also has the same coach and fitness trainer and is in the same International Sports Management stable so it is fair to say we have quite a lot in common.

It has been great to be able to pick someone's brains who has been in my position and play practice rounds and go out to dinner with.

Andy Sullivan, like me, came through Q School in November and he has had a great start to the year while another player to look out for is Kristoffer Broberg, who won three times on the Challenge Tour, and he holes putts for fun.

Hopefully a few tournaments in Europe will bring a few more made cuts and a few more fairways hit.

• Chris Lloyd is from Bristol and is a rookie on the European Tour having come through Qualifying School

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 27

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NCG pp 30-31 OTT Quick Tip, TTS 22/03/2013 11:08 Page 30

ON THE TEE

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Analysis by Gary Alliss, pro at Ladbrook Park. The ‘King of the Swing’ has twice captained the PGA Cup side. w: ladbrookparkgolf.co.uk

| QUICK TIP |

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HOW TO KEEP THE

SWING SIMPLE LIKE RICHARD STERNE How the in-form South African keeps his beautifully orthodox swing

This is perfection – a mix of sound fundamentals and a simple action. Athletes in most power sports seem to get bigger but golf still has a place for smaller people; a compact swing is easier to keep on plane and at 5”9 Sterne fits the bill.

His set-up is straightforward: an orthodox grip, parallel body alignment to the target, and a solid platform. Add to that a great posture, a perfect blend from the hips allowing his arms to hang naturally – what can possibly go wrong? His swing is simply two turns and a swish; he turns his body away creating resistance, while getting most of his weight onto his right side. His wrists set the club on plane and create leverage.

On the way back, his lower body leads, allowing the arms and club to settle into the hitting area.

Now the legs go quiet so he can release the angles in his wrists – as he is here, weight on the left foot, hips well cleared, arms fully extended, with the upper body retaining the initial spine angle.

30 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 30-31 OTT Quick Tip, TTS 22/03/2013 11:08 Page 31

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TATISTICALLY PEAKING

Follow NCG: @NCGmagazine

TOP TWEETS Apologies to all at the Honda. A tough day made impossible by severe tooth pain. Was desperate to defend but couldn't play on. Gutted @McIlroyRory Sharpie pen explosion went thru my pants, underwear, and now I have a new birth mark on my booty. Right onto the car seat. Jeez.... @JasonDufner The good thing about flying from the East coast to Kuala Lumpur??

You don't have to change your watch @LukeDonald Wow just on our way back from shopping, you know your kids are growing up when they want dresses and high heel shoes. HELP..... @IanJamesPoulter You know it's not your day when you check your junk mail and you havn't even won the Nigerian lottery this weekend. @markfozgolf (Mark Foster) Apart from yourself, who's your pick for The Masters this year?" >>Rors or Jason @Graeme_McDowell Thx stricks for the great putting lesson, and congrats on 2nd @TigerWoods

153 TWO MINUTES WITH...

BRANDT SNEDEKER I don't put too much emphasis on the world rankings. If you play well and you win, all of it takes care of itself. I feel like guys that watch the ranking all the time get too caught up in it. At the end of the day, you're remembered for winning events.

You're not remembered for being the number three golfer in the world.

The one thing I don't think you give Tiger enough credit for is every time I see him tee it up, he hits it out of the centre of the bat, hits it solidly all the time. That is a very underrated quality. Not very many guys do that.

When guys have an off week, they tend to mishit it. When Tiger has an off week, it's not like that.

You have a bunch of friends out here. These are guys you've grown up playing with your whole life. You see guys struggling. No matter how good it might be going for you, everybody's been there. We're no different than any amateur at home on the range or a buddy seeing him play, you're going to try to help him out every once in a while.

American golf is deep right now. I think you'd be naive to think that Americans are going to sweep all the Majors and keep winning. There are just too many great players throughout the world.

I had about every test on the rib you can possibly have run, and the good news is I'm completely healthy. The bad news is I'm completely healthy.

So I don't know why it keeps happening. I was kind of hoping that something would creep up that would lead me to see why this keeps happening, and nothing came up.

21

Birdies by Thomas Aiken en route to winning the Avantha Masters. The South African also had two eagles and dropped just two shots all week (both on the Friday)

STEELY STREELMAN No of starts it took for Kevin Streelman to break through on the PGA Tour.

His last win came in his club championship five years previously

$58,162 The prize money Camilo Villegas has pocketed from his first six starts of the season.

The 30-year-old has missed four cuts

TOP10 WORLD RANKINGS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Rory McIlroy Tiger Woods Luke Donald Brandt Snedeker Justin Rose Louis Oosthuizen Adam Scott Steve Stricker Matt Kuchar Phil Mickelson

17

AV. PTS 11.50 10.35 7.16 6.47 6.44 6.14 5.93 5.83 5.46 5.44

06 SOUTH AFRICAN WINNERS ON THE EUROPEAN TOUR FROM THE FIRST 12 EVENTS OF THE YEAR

WOODS ON TOP OF WORLD Tiger Woods now has a staggering 17 WGC victories since 1999. The next best is Geoff Ogilvy with three while five players have two wins apiece

April 11-14 Masters Tournament April 18-21 Spanish Open, Parador de El Saler

APR

COMING UP... www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 31

NCG pp 32 Challenge Tour 22/03/2013 11:08 Page 32

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STAR OF THE FUTURE?

BYEONG-HUN AN

The youngest winner of the US Amateur turned pro in 2011 and is now playing on the Challenge Tour

MY BACKGROUND I started following my dad, who really liked golf. We'd go to the range when I was young and I just started hitting balls there. Then I went to an elementary school which had a golf team and I just started playing for fun. It wasn't until I was 15 when I took things to a higher level and moved to Florida to start playing competitively.

Both my parents were medallists in table tennis at the 1988 Olympics and my father always said he wouldn't let me play because it was too hard! I think he recognises golf is better for me – you can play golf for 30 or 40 years but most table tennis players have to stop in their late 20s.

continue to improve. Generally I like to play positively and attack the pins, but it does depend on where you are playing. I think my short game is pretty good and that helps me get up and down from tricky positions. I wish I could putt a little bit better, particularly on greens which are difficult to read.

I'm trying to play as much golf as I can. My swing feels good and I'm putting OK so there's nothing specific that I'm working on apart from hitting as many balls as I can on the range.

I am looking forward to every single tournament, I want to play well at St Omer and in Kazakhstan because they are the big majors – if I play well in those then I'll be good to go.

MY GAME It's getting better, I'm certainly better than last year and playing with much more confidence – especially after finishing eighth in India. It's always good to start the season well and hopefully I'll

MY CAREER (SO FAR) Playing at the Masters was so exciting and, although I didn't play well, just being there and experiencing the course and the crowd was incredible. Winning the

32 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

US Amateur at such a young age was completely unexpected too. I didn't realise how big that tournament was until I won it!

MY INSPIRATIONS Definitely Tiger. I came through in the Tiger generation and he was playing well when I was young.

Watching him win and create those unbelievable moments on the course was amazing.

I love watching Tiger and

Rory McIlroy when they're playing well. I always look out for the Korean guys too. More often than not I root for the guy in second place and hope for an exciting finish! I also look up to KJ Choi and YE Yang – they are legends and inspired a lot of Korean golfers to move on to the next stage.

MY LIFE ON TOUR It's fun! I particularly like the travelling and being in a different country every week. Hopefully this year I can play a little better than last year as well, but the relaxed nature really appeals to me. The courses are also superb.

It's really tough. There are so many good players on the tour and it will be tough to get into the top 10 this year.

I’m only 21 and in five years I want to be playing on the PGA Tour and hopefully holding some trophies. I feel like I'm getting there but it's about staying patient and taking things one step at a time.

I PLAY BENROSS. Tim Clark / Handicap 6 Club Champion / Burhill Golf Club

YOU’RE OUR TOUR PRO

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NCG pp 34 Columnist RR 22/03/2013 11:09 Page 34

ROBERT ROCK How Mac O’Grady, Sam Snead and Ben Hogan have influenced my technique HE golf swing is something that has fascinated me for years and I have a huge collection of books on the subject.

How best to sum up what I want from my swing is not easy to put into a few words but it would be to have a simple-looking action that doesn't have too many wasted movements in it.

You don’t want the club to be forced out too wide in the takeaway and the main parts of the body – so your knees, hips and your shoulders – should be all stacked up nicely on top of each other throughout the swing without any tilting.

This makes the body turn a lot simpler.

I like to have no excess leg or foot action, a flat left wrist throughout the majority of the backswing and downswing, a decent amount of lag in the downswing and not excessively in to out or out to in to promote a ball flight that is adjustable. All of which might sound easy but it has taken years and years to get it to where it is now and, while you have your off days, it is pretty much where I want it to be.

It is based on some key players. The closest model to it is Mac O'Grady while I have tried to take parts from players like Ben Hogan or Sam Snead. There is no other way than to go through the books to learn from them. What I love about Hogan was how in control he was with the club. It was a quick swing but every step was purposeful and he knew what he was doing with it. As for Snead it was a longer and more natural swing and maybe more stylish.

I went out to see Mac about seven years ago and there were certain things in my swing that meant I couldn't hit certain shots. I found some real answers after that visit and the most convincing part was that he practised both right and left handed – and could also play off scratch with the latter.

Tiger Woods has changed his swing a few times over the years which is quite something given that he has been World No 1 most of that time. This latest one is noticeably different and I prefer it than the last couple of versions.

Who knows if that means he will win more Majors as the competition is a lot fiercer now but his stats should certainly improve.

As for swing thoughts I would have one for set-up, one for the takeaway to the top of the backswing, one for starting down and one for through impact. That might sound like a lot

Wee Ice Man Hogan in action in his one Open appearance which he went on to win

T

34 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

‘What I love about Hogan’s swing was how in control he was with the club’ but it hasn't changed too much in recent times and it is something I practise every day.

I don't have a coach on tour but video my swing every Monday which helps me to keep everything in check and see if certain things have altered over the course of a week. It's helpful to see yourself on the TV coverage hit a couple of shots as opposed to how it felt but generally I stick to the video.

There is the temptation to seek out help from coaches but, given my background of being a teaching pro, I have always wanted to do it myself and stick to my principles.

I would say these days there is an argument that the more controlled swings aren't definitely needed on tour. There is a lot of

The Tour is n English ow More de underway. tails ca found a n be t w:englis htour.co .uk

merit in being really good when you're good and then it doesn't matter too much when you are off. Some players might not be that consistent but they produce the right type of shot, like a high iron shot or drives that stay in the air forever, when it's required and they are swinging well and their rhythm is on.

I haven't played with Sergio yet but players say he is the best to watch while I enjoy Alex Noren's swing which is very powerful and his short game is incredible.I have found Louis Ooosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Richard Sterne very impressive to play with – their speed and rhythm are fantastic when they are on top form.

And like many things in life, the simplest things are often the best.

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I PLAY BENROSS. Chris McLaren / Handicap 12 Artisan Member / St George’s Hill Golf Club

YOU’RE OUR TOUR PRO

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20/03/2013 16:42

NCG pp 36 Letters 22/03/2013 11:10 Page 36

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LETTERS

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: Letters Unit 2, Arena Park, Tarn Lane Scarcroft, West Yorkshire LS17 9BF or email: letters@sportspub.co.uk

LETTER OF THE MONTH: Distance gain claims just a myth?

Dear Sir, HERE we are at the beginning of the season and yet more club manufacturers are claiming extra distance on their new clubs for 2013.

If everything they all claimed was true I should be hitting an 8 iron 190 yards by now!

It is about time they stopped the marketing hype, as any increase in distance has evolved because of improvements in the ball and the delofting of clubs.

All the clubmakers year on year claim extra distance so let’s look at their claims. Up to 10 yards a year every year because they have moved the weight somewhere else, they have made the face thinner, used lighter materials etc, etc.

I appreciate technology is constantly improving, particularly in the last decade, but one thing that has not is the swing speed of the average amateur, and that determines ball speed.

I challenge any golfer to be able to hit any iron 50 yards further in five years using the same loft, after all that is what all the clubmakers would have us believe.

| GRASS ROOTS

If you want any further convincing, look at the following on YouTube – The Myths of Golf Club Technology exposed by the Discovery Channel in St Andrews. You will be surprised.

Peter Martinaitis, Staffs Editor: Some interesting points here, Peter. I think the truth lies somewhere in between – modern equipment clearly hits the ball further and makes it easier to get the ball in the air. There are many reasons for this and one is certainly the ball itself.

WRITE IN... AND WIN A NEW STAND BAG The writer of the star letter each month wins a special Ping stand bag featuring NCG’s logo.

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STILL WORKING ON MY GOLF GAME IN KANDAHAR

SEX HELPS YOUR GOLF...

Dear Sir, HAVING sex twice a week can improve a golfer’s swing, doctors have revealed.

Medics say handicaps are reduced by the release of serotonins into the bloodstream. Researcher Dr Gaurav Gupta said: ‘Playing successful golf requires a player to be more relaxed than when playing other sports like basketball or cricket. The relaxation and satisfied feeling after a good healthy sex life should improve playing skills’.

The new claims challenge the centuries-old belief that sportsmen should abstain from sex to stay pumped up for a game. Experts also say regular sex combined with a long walk at golf will benefit the health of golfers over 50!

Vic S Wright, via email

36 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Dear Sir, I THOUGHT I would take this opportunity on my recent return from Kandahar Afghanistan to write in for the very first time. A four-and-a-half month tour with RAF II(AC) SQN has been a challenging yet very rewarding tour made a little easier with friends and loved ones sending us National Club Golfer to keep the spirits up and in touch with what is going on in the world of golf back home.

Golf fever had entered our Squadron with the arrival of the Ryder Cup on British Forces Broadcasting Service. The television was surrounded by hardcore golf enthusiasts at

every opportunity we had between operational commitments. Fortunately my single day off for the month fell on the final Sunday of the tournament, I couldn’t believe my luck, I watched the whole day’s play hoping and praying Europe could turn the tournament around.

Strangely our makeshift practice area in the desert was suddenly busier than I had ever seen it for the following weeks before our return home.

Keep up the good work.

Cpl Mike Jeffrey, RAF Marham

I PLAY BENROSS. Ian Yates / Handicap 18 Guildford Golf Club

YOU’RE OUR TOUR PRO

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20/03/2013 16:42

NCG pp 38-39 Fantasy Golf 2013 22/03/2013 14:08 Page 38

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20/03/2013 09:44

NCG pp 43 Lead to Masters 22/03/2013 11:49 Page 43

The 2013

MASTERS We begin the countdown to the action at Augusta with an up-to-the-minute preview...

n We narrow down the field to eight possible winners n Is the Masters Tournament the best of the Majors? n Larry Mize on why he still can’t believe that chip n Taming Augusta, by course record holder Nick Price n How three rookies are shaping up for their debuts

Masters preview in association with

NCG pp 44-47 Masters Who Will Win 22/03/2013 11:45 Page 44

MASTERS PREVIEW

44 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 44-47 Masters Who Will Win 22/03/2013 11:45 Page 45

in association with

It is the most desirable piece of cloth in sport – but we believe fewer than 10 players in this year’s field can claim the Green Jacket. Over the page, we name the eight possible champions...

The same venue each year means it is easier to predict the champions at Augusta. Our step-by-step guide eliminates the men who simply cannot win this year

BY MARK TOWNSEND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GETTY

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 45

NCG pp 44-47 Masters Who Will Win 22/03/2013 11:46 Page 46

MASTERS PREVIEW START NOT ON YOUR FIRST TIME HERE WE all know that other than Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 no rookie has won the Masters. It takes time to learn the nuances of the course and discover where not to go. Making the cut on your debut should be considered a respectable effort.

Contending on Sunday is highly unlikely.

RULES OUT: George Coetzee, Nicolas Colsaerts, Jamie Donaldson, Alan Dunbar, Steven Fox, Branden Grace, Guan Tianlang, Russell Henley, John Huh, David Lynn, Thorbjørn Olesen, John Peterson, Scott Piercy, Ted Potter Jr, TJ Vogel, Michael Weaver, Thaworn Wiratchant WHICH LEAVES: 71

CAN THEY REALLY WIN A JACKET? ON the basis of the evidence before, yes, but our heads are telling us that they don't have that certain je ne sais quoi to get over the line. Maybe these four are good each-way punts but we don't see them slipping into the Green Jacket come Sunday night.

RULES OUT: Sergio Garcia, Zach Johnson, Kevin Na, Bo Van Pelt

END

HERE

WHICH LEAVES THESE MEN – EIGHT

AMATEURS AND INVITES DON'T WIN THIS is Ryo Ishikawa's fifth visit and he’s three missed cuts so far. There is more to his invitation other than the bundles of potential he obviously has.

LUKE DONALD Three top 10s in last eight years and possibly the best allround short game of anyone in the field.

Price: 25-1 RATING: hhhh

RORY McILROY Modest form and more pressure than ever but we said similar going into 2011 US Open. Where he won by eight.

Price: 10-1 RATING: hhh

MATT KUCHAR Third last year and has already tucked away the Match Play crown. Still only 34 so expect more progress.

Price: 40-1 RATING: hhh

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN Second last year and a Major winner when he thrashed the field at St Andrews by seven.

Owner of a rock-solid swing.

Price: 28-1 RATING: hhhh

RULES OUT: Ryo Ishikawa and Nathan Smith WHICH LEAVES: 69

THE HEART SAYS YES... THE HEAD SUGGESTS SOMETHING DIFFERENT WE say farewell to 15 Major champions here but only Clarke and Cink of recent years. Expect at least a couple of these to brighten up our viewing on the first two days but try not to get too carried away as it won't last. Sadly.

RULES OUT: Stewart Cink, Darren Clarke, Fred Couples, Ben Crenshaw, Ben Curtis, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Larry Mize , Mark O'Meara, Jose Maria Olazabal, Vijay Singh, Craig Stadler, Tom Watson, Mike Weir, Ian Woosnam

NEVER WON IN THE STATES IT might seem a little harsh to bid ‘arrivederci’ to the likes of a WGC winner in Francesco Molinari and a ‘see ye efter’ to former Open champion Paul Lawrie but we need to concentrate on those who have won on American soil in among the hoopla and hollering.

RULES OUT: Thomas Bjørn, Gonzalo FernandezCastano, Hiroyuki Fujita, Peter Hanson, Paul Lawrie *, Matteo Manassero, Francesco Molinari * WHICH LEAVES: 47

WHICH LEAVES: 54

46 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 44-47 Masters Who Will Win 22/03/2013 11:46 Page 47

in association with

IS THEIR PUTTING UP TO IT? WITH all manner of putting stats to look at we have gone for the Strokes Gained category from last year's PGA Tour. If they weren't in the top 100 then they don't make the grade. McDowell and Rose are the big shocks here, Westwood less so as three big European hopefuls say farewell.

RULES OUT: Trevor Immelman, Hunter Mahan, Graeme McDowell, Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Nick Watney, Bubba Watson, Lee Westwood

MADE THE CUT LAST YEAR ALL bar one of the last 20 winners (Woods in ‘97) made the cut the previous year so arrived on the property with some recent fond memories. Worth noting that Day was runner-up on his debut in 2011 but then had to withdraw last year with an injured ankle.

RULES OUT: Tim Clark, Jason Day, John Merrick (DNP), Ryan Moore (DNP) WHICH LEAVES: 20

WHICH LEAVES: 12

WHO COULD WIN THE 2013 MASTERS

FORGET THE 40 AND OVERS TIGER WOODS Doral win was huge and been in top six here in six of the last seven years. Before that won four times in nine outings.

Price: 15-2 RATING: hhhh

CHARL SCHWARTZEL Showed incredible form before Christmas and the only player to birdie the last four holes to win at Augusta.

Price: 22-1 RATING: hhhh

THE last winner in his 40s was Mark O'Meara in 1998, otherwise everyone has been in their 20s and 30s. Westwood scrapes through, he turns 40 in late April, but multiple Major winners Mickelson, Els and Harrington don't. For the record, Mickelson is the third favourite with the bookies.

RULES OUT: Angel Cabrera, KJ Choi, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Padraig Harrington, Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker, David Toms, YE Yang WHICH LEAVES: 24

BRANDT SNEDEKER Injury has slowed his outstanding progress this year.

Third in 2008 despite a closing 77 and up there last two years.

Price: 20-1 RATING: hhh

IAN POULTER First Major since Medinah in an event he has two top 10s in the last three years. Will the Postman deliver?

Price: 45-1 RATING: hhh

NOT HAD AN AUGUSTA TOP 15 NEVER HAD A MAJOR TOP 10 YOU might think more would fall at this particular hurdle but only three take a tumble. Most surprising is Bill Haas, whose best finish in 13 Majors is a tie for 12th at the 2011 PGA. RULES OUT: Brian Gay, Bill Haas, Marc Leishman WHICH LEAVES: 44

ANOTHER considerable cull and some big guns disappear from the reckoning.

For the likes of Bradley and Dufner this might be foolish given their few visits, for Kaymer (four missed cuts in five outings) it is likely a case of the course not suiting the eye. Johnson D a surprise exit given the strengths of his game.

RULES OUT: Keegan Bradley, Jason Dufner, Rickie Fowler, Robert Garrigus, Lucas Glover, Dustin Johnson, Martin Kaymer, Carl Pettersson, John Senden, Webb Simpson, Michael Thompson WHICH LEAVES: 33

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 47

NCG pp 48-49 Masters Great Debate 22/03/2013 11:55 Page 48

MASTERS PREVIEW

NCG’S GREATTE DEBA

IS THE MASTERS WHAT’S this – the Open Championship isn’t the best Major? In a word, no.

If I were to be given the chance to play any Major course I would head to Augusta National, if I were to be given the chance to watch any Major, I would head to Augusta National. Given the chance to watch any Major, from the comfort of my settee, I would switch on the Masters.

I like to be visually stimulated and the Masters stirs me from the slumber of winter and excites me that it’s all still to come – at least five months of playing in something like normal conditions and, finally, after eight months of waiting, another chance to watch Westwood, Donald and Co trying to break their Major ducks.

It stirs me into remembering

YES

says Mark Townsend, who laps up the romance and familiarity

the great nights of watching Sandy and Woosie slipping into their Green Jackets and Harry Carpenter and Alex Hay on the verandah.

It reminds me of when I was young.

The Masters makes me feel comfortable, I’m familiar with all the holes and I enjoy all the silliness that goes with it – the honorary starters, the soft music to accompany the scores, the dreadful handing over of the Green Jacket after a nauseating few words with the ‘low amateur’.

The elitism, racism and sexism ties from yesteryear truly stink

48 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

but, if we are talking about the best golf for the spectators, be it on or off the course, then give me the Masters any day.

Due to the television schedules there is never enough, the first 20 minutes’ coverage on the Thursday night is the most eagerly anticipated of the year as we get to see Augusta again and how she is playing and whether or not the rhododendrons are out in bloom.

I love the fact that it throws up a brilliant winner and, as often, an exhilarating finish. And if the scores are tied it’s sudden death and more drama.

Where else would you get a

back nine where every hole can make or break your round and, because we are so familiar with it, we enjoy it all the more.

Two years ago we had Charl Schwartzel making birdie at the last four holes, last year we had Bubba slinging one round the trees at the 74th hole of the week.

For a couple of years the lustre slipped a little as poor weather, combined with a more challenging course, meant too stiff a test and a relatively disappointing week.

But, in the last few years, normal service has been resumed with the par 5s back in range and eagles and birdies (and a few watery graves) back on the card.

Rarely does sport seem anywhere near as exciting as when you were a youngster but at the Masters, for me, it genuinely does.

NCG pp 48-49 Masters Great Debate 22/03/2013 11:55 Page 49

in association with

HAVE YOUR SAY: Tell us your views by writing to the address on p4 or by emailing letters@sportspub.co.uk

THE BEST MAJOR? NO Major is anticipated like the Masters, it is true. It is the first of the year (eight months having passed since the previous August’s PGA) and it also marks the end of the British winter.

I am not going to argue that the Masters is anything other than a highlight of the sporting calendar. And I can assure you that I will be glued to my TV this year just like every other. It’s just that, as the years have passed, it has slipped to third place in my own personal ranking of the four Majors.

‘Most anticipated’ does not equate to best.

Primarily, this is because of a sense of staleness and sameness from one year to the next.

The course does not change – beyond its annual cosmetic surgery

NO

says Dan Murphy, who files it in third position in Major terms

– and nor, largely, does the field, which remains, by a considerable distance, the weakest of the four Majors.

Learning about the venue for a given year’s US Open or Open is an education as you re-acquaint yourself with a classic championship course.

At Augusta we are left to obsess over the arrival of a couple of pine trees or a new tee.

It is why I dislike St Andrews being the host Open venue every five years. I fear it could go the same way as Augusta and start to lose its magic. Once a decade is about right for a great course to

host a Major. Every 12 months is just too often.

Familiarity breeds contempt and I am afraid I have come to be bored by certain holes at Augusta through sheer over-exposure.

This is summed up by the famous par-3 16th. Experience has taught us that there are basically only two pin positions – back left, where any ball that hits the green gravitates towards the pin; and the ludicrous Saturday position of front right on a tiny shelf next to a bunker, which involves the entire field lagging up their birdie putts from 30 feet before tapping in for par.

The couse as a whole is a little too much on the edge for my liking, to the extent that it can approach silliness – take the 14th with its bowl pin position that invites a holed 5 iron.

The problem, however, is not really Augusta – I’m sure I’d feel the same way about any course hosting a Major every year.

At no other Major are there so few variables, so small wonder that we see the same characters on the leaderboard every year.

Course knowledge is key, with those who play here every year at a massive advantage.

By contrast, my favourite two Majors, the Open and US Open (I am unashamedly biased towards the one Major that takes place in Britain) feel new and exciting every year. www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 49

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07/03/2013 14:09

NCG pp 51-55 Masters Rookies 22/03/2013 11:58 Page 51

MASTERS PREVIEW

in association with

THE ROOK IES Townsend Three men poised to make their Masters debuts talk exclusively to Mark sta National about their dreams – and nightmares – ahead of their first trip to Augu

NCG pp 51-55 Masters Rookies 22/03/2013 11:58 Page 52

MASTERS PREVIEW Prized eyes Dunbar in the final of the Amateur

HREE golfers have won on their first visit to Augusta National; Fuzzy Zoeller was the last in 1979, Horton Smith and Gene Sarazaen were the others in the first two Masters tournaments.

Yet the prospect of a first trip down Magnolia Lane, the first sight of Amen Corner and the first announcing of your name on the 1st tee - 'Fore please, (player's name) now driving' is enough to send a shiver down any player's spine.

This year David Lynn, George Coetzee and Alan Dunbar will be among 17 rookies all hoping to make the cut and then, just maybe, get involved in things over the weekend.

Their paths to Georgia are very different. Lynn qualified courtesy of his second place at last year's PGA Championship in just his second Major outing having turned pro in 1995. Northern Ireland's Dunbar has been waiting since last June for this, having made it courtesy of his victory in the Amateur Championship at

T

Royal Troon, while George Coetzee only guaranteed his spot in the last round of the year in his native South Africa via the world rankings. But all, like Tiger and Rory, will start the week on level par and having butterflies and dreams in equal measure.

How much did it play on your mind to get in the field?

AD: Not too much, I obviously thought about it the night before but not during the final or during the week.

Barter told me after the final round at Kiawah Island. I had no idea before that.

How did you celebrate?

GC: I was playing in the Dunhill and I knew I needed to break 70 on the last day to stay in the top 50, I was 49th at the time, and I shot a 65 and gave a little fist pump as I knew that was enough.

I then drove 1,000 miles to my holiday home on the Cape and spent some time with the family and friends.

“I’ll play some PlayStation before I get there so I’ll be a bit more in the know before I arrive” – George Coetzee GC: It was obviously on my mind but I had a back-up plan to start with. It has always been a dream to get into the event but the plan was to go to Vegas and play the World Series of Poker if I didn't get in.

Now I'm going there the week after to see what it's all about.

DL: I only knew when Sky's Tim

52 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

AD: I didn't get a chance as I was playing in the Irish Open the week after at my home club, Royal Portrush, so I didn't really have a drink. All the boys on the ferry back had a pretty good drink but I wasn't able to join in. The way I played the week after, I might as well have done.

DL: I missed my flight home so ended up flying to New York with Padraig Harrington and spent the day there with my girlfriend.

She then organised a party at my house and that turned into a threeday bonanza.

David, you are now also playing on the PGA Tour, what have you learnt from that?

DL: I've been loving it so far. I have played in Europe for so long, which I have always loved, but it is nice to do something different.

I've learnt you need a good short game in the States! A lot of the lads are mustard around the greens and the scoring is good and they look after you really well. Playing Phoenix was an amazing week, I've never seen crowds like it. I didn't realise how much you take for granted how you know all the courses in Europe and I'm now having to learn them.

Yet you will start the Masters as the second most in-form Major player in the field!?

DL: Somebody made me aware

NCG pp 51-55 Masters Rookies 22/03/2013 11:58 Page 53

in association with

Kiawah cruise Lynn was superb in his first US Major

that Jack Nicklaus finished in the top three in 40 per cent of the Majors he played in so that is a record that I have currently taken off him at 50 per cent.

What will your preparations consist of?

AD: I am playing the Georgia Cup the week before – US Amateur winner v British Amateur winner – that will be good practice as the greens are supposed to be pretty quick there. I will hopefully have a practice round with a few of the ISM stable; I knew Darren Clarke pretty well before he moved back to Portrush so I'll hopefully have a practice round with him.

GC: I guess I'll try and pick the brains all of the South Africans who have done well over the years like Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel and will try and have a chat with Gary Player at some point. I'll try and play there and see it early on without the crowds.

You pick up what the commentators say and what it looks like on the TV but I'm sure Charl and Louis will be able to add

to that. I'm sure we will make a four ball up on the week along with Branden Grace; me and Branden will take on the old ones!

DL: I shared a car with one of my old mates who is now caddying for Henrik Stenson and he took me through every hole. I have seen it so many times on TV that you have quite a good idea but I'm sure it will be different and you need to play a course to get accustomed to it properly.

Will you go week(s) before to get rid of the wow factor?

AD: I might go up the week before to have a look around as I am only two hours away. I will stay in the Crow's Nest for one night and then probably stay with my mates who are over, as it will be good to get away from the course.

GC: I'm planning on going the week of the Houston Open and fly up and play it a couple of times.

DL: I don't think I'll get a chance as I'm playing solidly so it will be a case of getting there on the Sunday night and having a game on the Monday.

Did you think a year ago while watching on television that playing in the Masters was a real possibility?

AD: I have always dreamed of playing the Masters but never thought of playing in it this early.

It is all still a bit surreal to think I'll be going there to play in it.

GC: I thought it was a possibility but the world ranking system is so difficult to guess what you need to do and I was lucky enough to finish second at the South African Open to get into the top 50 and then hung on at the Dunhill.

How much experience does your caddy have of the course?

AD: He has been a few times with Ian Woosnam so he knows the course pretty well.

GC: No, he'll come with me the week of the Houston Open to check it out.

DL: He's going in blind as well.

What is a good finish?

GC: A win (laughs). No, I'm only joking. Making the cut on my debut would be good.

DL: Obviously I'd like to win but to finish high enough (top 16) and get an invite back would be fantastic. Who knows? The PGA taught me that if it's my week then it's my week and if my short game is on I can do well.

So did you have a good feeling about the PGA? DL: You never get ahead of yourself and just hope that you can take your form into the tournament.

It is over four rounds so, come the weekend at Kiawah Island, I thought I could do pretty well and I managed a couple of 68s.

It was my first ever event in America – I find the American crowds really good and they like to chat to you, which I like.

Many a time I have felt really good and I call it a bit of a Charles Dickens scenario, Great Expectations, and it often doesn't work like that.

Sometimes you don't feel particularly at ease with your game and you concentrate that bit harder and grind it out. ➤

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 53

NCG pp 51-55 Masters Rookies 22/03/2013 11:58 Page 54

MASTERS PREVIEW

PGA debut Lynn clips his ball out at Kiawah

How do you think you will deal with the obvious nerves?

DL: It is strange how nerves get me. I played with Tiger recently and was surprised my how few nerves I had whereas other weeks I have turned up and been a bit twitchy. I never know when they are coming but, if you are, then you are in a good place and it means something. I will be nervous on the 1st but it will be an excited nerves as I am in a place where I have dreamed of playing.

AD: You get nerves every week. I played in the Walker Cup matches against the best amateurs from America and that was as nervous as you can get. You can only get so nervous. I'll just try and stick to my routine.

GC: I don't really know much about the first few holes other than Louis had an albatross at the 2nd.

I'm sure I will be quite nervous but I'll play some PlayStation before I get there so I'll be a bit more in the know before I arrive!

What holes are you most looking forward to playing?

AD: The 11th to 16th. You feel like you know Amen Corner so well from the television but it will be incredible to see it, and play it, in person.

DL: Amen Corner through to the 16th are the obvious ones. They never used to show anything of the front nine so you're not as familiar with those holes.

GC: I have never had a hole-inone so I have always said I will save my first one for 16 at Augusta!

How will it suit your game?

GC: Not at all! It is a bit of a drawer's course and, if you are left-handed, it can really suit you but I'm just going to make my own way round and not change my game, but will just try and hit it a bit straighter to get it around.

AD: I'm not short and hit it pretty high so hopefully I’ll be OK. The greens will be the hard part but I'm a good chipper and putter

54 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

though we don't play on the speed of greens like they do on the PGA Tour. The greens in Georgia will be fast so that should get me ready.

DL: I am a left-to-right man and they always say you need to hook it around Augusta but I was playing with Mark Brooks, the former PGA champion, and he was saying that is not true any more because of the changes they have made. He said at the 10th it is maybe true but you can still get round the corner with a fade. I'm not one of the longest and it is a bit of a bomber's track but who knows.

What has been your favourite Masters watching at home on television?

GC: My least favourite was when Phil Mickelson beat Ernie Els in 2004. I have always been on a plane to somewhere like Malaysia on the Sunday night so I missed Charl's win and Louis making the play-off. Hopefully this year will be my favourite.

DL: My first one would have been the Sandy Lyle win in 1988 and that really stuck in my mind of how amazing the course was.

Who will you have caddying for you in the Par 3?

GC: I have got three baby sisters so it will be one of them.

AD: It will be one of my mates; they will have to fight for it!

Have your mates asked you to bring back a load of merchandise?

AD: Three of my mates are coming over so I can hang out with them at night. You get eight tickets each.

DL: The first person I invited was my first-ever sponsor so he is coming with his son, and I have a lot of family so we are all staying in a big house.

GC: I am taking a load of mates over so they can look after the shopping as I'm there for work and work only and not the sightseeing. â—†

NCG pp 51-55 Masters Rookies 22/03/2013 11:58 Page 55

in association with

NOTABLE

DEBUTS How three legends of Augusta fared first up...

NICKLAUS, 1959

This was Nicklaus’ third Major despite still studying at Ohio State University.

After rounds of 74-76 he missed the cut, something he would do just one more time up to 1994, and he went on to capture the US Amateur later this year. Art Wall went on to win his only Major after making birdie at five of the last six holes.

MICKELSON, 1991

This was Mickelson’s second Major and he would finish as low amateur, something he would do in his first three.

The 20-year-old opened with a 69 to sit just two off the lead and eventually finished in a tie for 46th.

Ian Woosnam slipped into the Green Jacket on Sunday night after pipping Olazabal by one.

WOODS, 1995

Another low amateur prize, this time for the current US Amateur champion.

Woods had three level-par rounds of 72 en route to tying for 41st, the following year he had his only missed cut, two years later he would win by 12.

Ben Crenshaw landed his second Masters, a week after the death of his mentor Harvey Penick.

Top talent Coetzee is a player to watch out for

NCG pp 56 Columnist CC 22/03/2013 12:01 Page 56

MASTERS PREVIEW

in association with

COLIN CALLANDER There are very good reasons why the favourites usually win at Augusta National EE Trevino never used to need much encouragement when it came to taking a swipe at Augusta National. ‘Super Mex’ was always a vociferous critic of the club’s exclusivity and the manner in which it used to discriminate against minorities and, while his grievances were genuine, I often wondered whether another reason why he disliked it so much was that deep down he knew his game did not suit the course.

Average hitters like Trevino tend to hit into a lot of up-slopes off the tee at Augusta National whereas longer hitters will clear the slopes and often get an additional 40 to 50 yards of roll. That is why I had an outside punt on a certain Sandy Lyle back in 1988 and why last year I decided to invest £5 each way on Bubba Watson at 33-1.

It is not always a big hitter that wins at Augusta – Jose Maria Olazabal and Zach Johnson prove that – but I reckon that in lengthening the course to protect it against the advances of modern technology the authorities at Augusta have made it more one-dimensional than Bobby Jones or Dr Alister MacKenzie ever envisaged it should be.

Augusta is now a bombers’ paradise and it is not just the long holes that illustrate that fact.

The par-4 7th is only 450 yards but it used to be about 100 yards shorter and has a minuscule green that was built to accept a wedge or 9iron. Nowadays the likes of Watson, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and the other big hitters can still land towering 8 or 7irons on it but other lesser mortals have a devilish job trying to stop even a well-hit 5-iron from running through into the bunkers that guard the back of the green.

Watson’s ability to propel the ball huge distances was one of the reasons why I backed him 12 months ago and another was his superhuman ability to shape his shots.

Some holes at Augusta favour fades while others require draws and ultimately it was Watson’s skill at manoeuvring the ball round trees which was what separated him from Louis Oosthuizen in last year’s play-off. Mickelson’s recent successes at Augusta are down to a similar skill set and also to his remarkable prowess with a putter – which is another prerequisite to performing well at Augusta.

The vast majority of former Masters

Master Bubba Last year’s champion hits to the 12th in the final round

L

56 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

‘Average hitters tend to hit into a lot of Augusta’s upslopes’ champions have also had inventive short games, which is equally necessary. At Augusta there is virtually none of the heavy rough found around the green at a typical US Open venue but the contours are such that there are some places from which only those with a skilled short game have any chance of getting up and down.

Behind the green at the 9th is one such place and another is the rear of the 15th.

Long is often wrong at Augusta, as regular visitors will confirm.

I recall the first time I played Augusta my local caddy told me the best way to play the par-3 16th was to aim at the back-right bunker but make damned sure you did not have enough club to reach it and I was reminded of that advice 12 months later when I saw both Tom Watson and Craig Stadler drop some balls into it during practice.

Neither of those two Americans was exactly last in the queue when touch was handed out

but it quickly became apparent the only way either could get out of the sand and keep his ball on the green was to land it in the eightinch fringe that separated the two.

Those are the sort of margins that separate success from failure at Augusta, which is why Fuzzy Zoeller remains the last rookie to win and why the champion is almost always one of the favourites. This year I will probably put a fiver or two on a couple of outsiders – as I write you can get 28-1 on Dustin Johnson and 33-1 on the defending champion – but I suspect the smart money will all be on the man who needs two more Masters titles to equal Jack Nicklaus’ record of six and just four more to match his haul of 18 Majors. Tiger Woods goes into the Masters on a roll after claiming his 76th win in 283 starts on the PGA Tour at the WGC-CA Championship at Doral. The Masters favourite is currently averaging just over one win in every four starts he makes on his home tour and, as he has not won at Augusta since 2005, it is clear his next victory is long overdue.

• Colin Callander is a former editor of Golf Monthly and this year celebrates his 30th anniversary working as a golf writer

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07/03/2013 14:09

NCG pp 58-59 Masters Mize & Price 22/03/2013 12:03 Page 58

MASTERS PREVIEW

58 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 58-59 Masters Mize & Price 22/03/2013 12:03 Page 59

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

“There are drool marks on the fence around Augusta where I used to look over and

DREAM OF

PLAYING IN THE

MASTERS” Larry Mize reflects on that pitch with Chris Bertram – and explains why his dramatic 1987 victory was even more special for a boy who grew up in Augusta

T is a shot to rival Tiger’s chip, Sarazen’s 4 wood or Bubba’s wedge. Lawrence Hogan Mize’s pitch-in on the 11th green of the 1987 Masters left Greg Norman stunned and allowed this humble Augusta native to claim a Green Jacket.

It was his fourth time as a Masters competitor, but he had looked across the property for many years as a youngster growing up nearby. He began his 1987 tournament as one of eight players to go under par on a wind-swept first day and followed it with two 72s to trail co-leaders Ben Crenshaw and Roger Maltbie by two after 54 holes.

I

Mize was tied for the lead going to the par-5 15th and after a fine drive fired a 6 iron 190 yards into the pond next to the 16th tee.

Mize took bogey, to move one behind Crenshaw.

He made par at the next two holes before striping a drive down the last and knocking his approach to five feet. He trickled his putt home and, after Seve Ballesteros joined him on a three-under 285 total, Norman narrowly missed with a 20ft birdie putt to win. So it was a play-off. Ballesteros threeputted the 10th green and when the Australian found the 11th green and his opponent missed it right, he looked set for his first Green Jacket... ➤

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 59

Train Like A Tour Pro 22/03/2013 15:37 Page 1

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CLUB

TRAIN LIKE A

TOUR

PRO Is your game missing a magic ingredient?

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NCG pp 61-62 Masters Mize & Price 22/03/2013 17:02 Page 61

MASTERS PREVIEW

THINK I appreciate winning the Masters even more with every day.

As you get older, you look back with ever-growing fondness about the things you have achieved over the course of your career.

Clearly, that was my greatest moment. Even now over 25 years later, it’s hard to believe it happened in fact.

I

As a local boy, it was even more special to me. Growing up in the shadow of Augusta National and the Masters Tournament, going there as a kid it was a dream just to play in the tournament and then to win was just unbelievable.

It is clearly special to win the Masters for any player but it was probably just that bit more special for me, being local and having been there to watch as a kid.

Tickets back in the ‘60s and ‘70s weren’t as hard to come by as they are today so my dad was able to get some and we went along. It was just an amazing place for a young boy to go to. There are

in association with

drool marks on the fence round Augusta where I used to look over and dream of playing.

Then at the age of 13 (in 1973) I worked on the scoreboard on the 3rd hole. And to think, that week I thought it couldn’t get any better than that! Then we moved away to Columbus and I had to start watching the tournament on television instead.

Jack was my favourite player and when I went to the Masters as a young boy I loved going to the range and watching him hit ball after ball.

I enjoyed watching them all in truth – it was a real education and it opened my eyes about how good you needed to be to compete at that level.

In 1973 when Tommy Aaron won by catching Peter Oosterhuis and holding off JC Snead, I was sitting there with headphones on in the rain trying to make out the scores coming in to me.

It was tough work and I was nervous in case I got something wrong, but it was real fun. I was like a kid in a candy store.

Spectating at Augusta was great, working there was even better – and then I got the opportunity to play in the tournament.

I made my debut in 1984 and finished 11th. I was pretty pleased with that. As we all know, rookies don’t usually go very well at Augusta National.

I made the cut the following year but was never in contention

very important – that 16th place got me an invitation for the following year’s Masters.

So, I knew I could play the course and I started to feel comfortable at that level; I made the cut in all four Majors that year.

I started nicely in 1987 with a 70 and followed with two 72s. I was two off the lead after 54

“The closing 65 in 1986, the day’s joint lowest score, was important – it got me an invitation for the next year’s Masters” and then finished 16th in 1986 when Jack won. It was special just to be on the course that final day.

I was still smarting from not going on to win the Players Championship from a good position and nearly missed the cut after rounds of 75 and 74. I improved slightly in the third round with 72, then posted my first round under 70 at Augusta with a closing 65, the day’s joint lowest score, alongside Jack. It was

holes. I played well on Sunday to get into the play-off, but I knew I was an outsider going into it. I was up against two legends of the game.

However, I went in confident from the standpoint of playing 72 holes and they hadn’t beaten me. I had also just birdied the last to get to the extra holes.

So I was focused on my game and I was just telling myself to keep playing. You can’t go out ➤

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 61

NCG pp 61-62 Masters Mize & Price 22/03/2013 17:02 Page 62

MASTERS PREVIEW

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there thinking ‘oh my gosh I am playing two great players’.

When Seve bogeyed the 10th it was surprised – and I was just thinking ‘my odds are getting better!’. Greg is a great and I still had my hands full but I knew I only had one to beat. And it worked out well on 11 for me…

“As everyone saw, my caddie and I got very, very excited” It was a difficult chip, for sure, but I knew I just had to put it on the green and give myself a makeable putt to put a bit of pressure on Greg, who had a long birdie putt across the green.

So I just wanted to make a good aggressive shot… and thankfully the hole got in the way of it. If it hadn’t hit the hole, I thought it might end up eight feet away. Norman thought it would be four feet away. I would have had a very makeable putt for par, that’s for sure.

It was certainly the best shot I’ve ever hit – how could you beat that?! I was elated and, as everyone saw, my caddy and I got very excited.

One of the lasting bonuses of that shot is that I get to go back every April and attend the Champions Dinner. It is a really, really fun night and I look forward to that every year. It’s full of great champions and I always enjoy it. I enjoy going back and playing the course every April too – it is always a privilege.

The course had to change to take into account the way people hit the ball these days. OK, one or two might be a bit severe, but it is still playable. It is still playable even for me – I just have to play well enough.

It was something they needed to do but maybe on the likes of 7 and 18 they could have not lengthened it quite as much.

There is still a premium on your short game but I’ve always thought your irons are the key; look at the guys who have won there - Bernhard, Jack, Seve – they are usually good iron players. If you can’t control your irons you won’t put your ball in the right parts of the green and if you don’t do that you will have great trouble two putting.

It used to be a fairly easy driving course as Major venues go but it is so much harder these days. The fairways used to be soft and quite open but it is a harder driving course now.

The 13th has always been one of my favourite holes. It is a great par 5, a brilliant driving hole and with all the dogwoods and azaleas it is a real pretty one too. It is just a beautiful hole. ◆

62 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

HOW I LEARNED TO LOVE AUGUSTA Course-record holder Nick Price on why it took him time to cherish the feted venue Augusta was never my favourite. It was almost like the fairways when we played were wide open, there was no rough and the only defence the golf course had was the greens. I never really putted great on fast greens.

I would drive the ball as well as anyone when I was playing well and I never really got any benefit.

There was no real advantage for being a great driver of the ball at Augusta. I think you could see that from guys that won, guys like Crenshaw and Sandy and Seve, guys who won there consistently, they were guys who were never really great drivers of the golf ball but they were great finishers.

They were great iron players and good chippers and putters. That wasn’t my game. I always felt my strength was from tee to green. It’s such a hard golf course for me.

I think what they’ve done now to the golf course – not necessarily the length but they’ve softened the greens a little bit and they’re not quite as fast as they used to be, in the 90s they were a nightmare, I mean they were ridiculously fast.

I think they’ve put more flat spots in the greens for better pin positions, if they’d had the course set up the way it is now with a little bit of rough I think I really would have

played better there over the years. It frustrated me and Trevino was the same way, not that I want to put myself in his league.

He never liked it there because he hit the ball too low. Certainly, that’s the other thing, if you’re a real purist, why it ever became a Major championship you don’t know because it’s at the same course every year. All the others rotate.

So even if you get to a US Open venue that you don’t like next year there’s going to be one that you do.

Because every golf course is going to suit certain players more than others. And it’s just unfair that if you’ve got a game like Mickelson then you’re champing at the bit to get to Augusta each year, Nicklaus was the same. And so is Tiger.

So my course record 63 was a real surprise… and came from frustration! I just putted as well as I ever have and the greens that year were a little slower and a little bit softer but I just putted unbelievably well that day. I didn’t hit the ball any better than I had done on previous occasions but I just holed every putt I looked at.

And it could have been better because I ran it over the top of the lip on 17 and then horseshoed out on the last.

IN TR ODU C I N G T HE N EW

BAFFLER HYBRID IRON SET 2 hybrids and 6 advanced, hybridshaped irons that will help you hit the ball higher, farther and more accurately.

CHECK OUT JOHN O’HURLEY IN MANKIND’S GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS, A COBRA GOLF SHORT VIDEO.

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24/01/2013 16:07

NCG pp 65 Equipment Lead 22/03/2013 15:21 Page 65

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EQUIPMENT Comprehensive and objective gear tests | The latest releases | Competitions | Fashion | Accessories

BENROSS RAISE

Roulette A modern take on a classic shape – one for the purists

Shooter A high-MOI putter for consistency

STAKES WITH CASINO PUTTERS

STYLE, clean lines and modern alignment aids are all trademarks of Benross’s new range of Casino putters.

There are eight traditional head shapes and five wide-body MOI models.

Made from soft 304 stainless steel, the traditional head shapes feature precisionmilled faces and V-shaped grooves to help grab the ball and impart top-spin at impact. This translates into smooth, truerunning putts.

The wide-body, high-MOI Heads offer greater stability to minimise the effects of off-centre strikes.

SRPs: £69.99 traditional models, £79.99 wide-body models

Baccarat This centre-shafted model will help you with your alignment

Rummy A timeless shape but performance is 21st century

66

in association with

Tyne Offers all of the performance and comfort benefits of the Karlson with a more traditional look SRP: £109.99

NEW GEAR

iGOLFRULES APP Officially recommended by Apple, this app benefits from the expertise of best-selling author and referee Yves C. Ton-That. Updated to include the golf rules valid until the end of 2015, it provides the answer to virtually every question about the rules straight away. Razor-sharp, interactive image sequences are used to explain the correct procedure step-by-step. The app is so simple to operate that you can find the answer to your question with a maximum of three clicks.

SRP: £6.99 www.iGolfrules.com

Karlson Features a one-year waterproof guarantee, sleek sneaker design and moulded Croslite footbed.

SRP: £119.99

NCG’S TOP

FIRST

CROCS LOOK COME TO GOLF

06 DRIVERS

We put them to the test last month 1. PING G25 SRP: £299

TEACHING APP

SWINGSMART

SURPRIZE SHOP VACUUM FLASK What a clever idea – a sensible sized flask (8” x 3”) with a carabiner to attach it your bag for easy access. As it holds 350ml, it’s perfect for something warm to sustain you in winter – even soup or pasta – or cold drinks in summer. The opening is big enough for ice cubes, and it also has a stopper for easy pouring. An excellent product!

SRP: £9.99 surprizeshop.co.uk

PING MOON-LITE The latest edition features a new, ingenious double strap system designed to make this lightweight 2.5lb bag even easier to carry. It still features the distinctive standing primary strap but has been augmented by a second strap which helps to spread the load. It has an apparel pocket, internal valuables pocket, smaller ball pocket and drinks pouch. Available in four colour schemes.

SRP: £70

2. TAYLORMADE

Drayden This water-resistant shoe has full-grain leather and a Crosmesh upper to look like textile mesh.

SRP: £79.99

RocketBallz Stage 2

SRP: £249

Preston Premium leather and classic styling for style, performance and comfort. Very, very light.

SRP: £79.99

THESE SHOES HAVE SOME BITE The “Crocs Golf with Hank Haney” collection arrives in the UK In the words of Hank Haney, best known as the former coach of Tiger Woods: “The first lesson in golf is to be comfortable.”

Comfort is something that Crocs know how to do – witness their instantly recognisable clogstyle shoe.

Now, with the help of Haney, Crocs have added golfing insight to their own expertise in comfortable footwear to produce a range of golf shoes that are stylish, comfortable and perform to the highest level.

Available in the UK for the first time, they combine the extreme comfort of Crocs street shoes with the stability and traction of a modern golf shoe. It is a winning blend.

Crocs have developed a unique, patented one-piece manufacturing

66 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

SPIKELESS SHOES HERE TO STAY

Dan Murphy on a trend set to become the norm It’s hard to believe that it’s only a couple of years since Ecco effectively invented this category thanks to Fred Couples nearly winning the Masters while wearing a pair of their spikeless shoes. Now the likes of FootJoy, Nike, Adidas and Puma, to name just a few, all offer spikeless ranges as well.

Those who haven’t yet tried playing in a pair of spikeless will probably be surprised – it makes no difference in all but the most extreme conditions to balance and stability. Being able to walk straight on and off the course is highly convenient and for many of us there’s no turning back.

technology, which produces the sole and insole as one piece.

This technology helps dramatically to reduce weight, increases comfort and improves traction and stability.

All of the above designs come in multiple colour options and with a choice of coloured laces so you can customise your Crocs to suit.

With cool designs and a cool look, this is a collection that unites lifestyle, comfort, stability and traction.

The unique design makes this shoe the undisputed winner in its class when it comes to lightness and comfort and makes a walk over 18 holes feel like you’ve just covered nine. www.crocs.com 0844 2098 886

3. NIKE VR_S Covert SRP: £249.99

4 CALLAWAY X Hot SRP: £249

5. TITLEIST 913 D2 SRP: £344

We are becoming increasingly accustomed to using launch monitors when being custom fitted but many pros believe the greatest benefit from this kind of technology is for teaching. While it may not be practical to carry a TrackMan round in your boot, SwingSmart is a device than can offer basic data courtesy of a tiny gadget that clips on to the club shaft. Via Bluetooth, it can talk to your smartphone, providing you with instant feedback at the range.

The app is free to download. It shows four crucial data elements – tempo, swing speed, face angle and swing path – and works with every club, including your putter.

Devices like this have to be both easy to use and accurate and the SwingSmart excels on both counts. Particularly useful is the “3D Swing-View”, which allows you to check positions and angles at any point of the swing. You can even store data so you can check your progress at a later date.

In my opinion, the SwingSmart is best used alongside lessons with your pro so you can check that you are making progress.

SRP: £199 www.swingsmart.com

Crocs shoes enter the golfing scene

6. BENROSS Hot SRP: £149

020 8390 8980

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 67

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EQUIPMENT INSIGHT

ALL YOU EVER NEEDED

TO KNOW ABOUT

GRIPS

Now is the perfect time to give your clubs a new lease of life, explains Dan Murphy GEAR FEATURE

MOST GET THEYOUR FROM CLUBS

I

N a strange kind of way, I would rather have fresh grips on my old clubs than a new set to kick off the season. It’s satisfying to take pride in your possessions and showing your golf clubs some love and re-gripping them makes them feel like new again – for a fraction of the cost.

Psychologically, this is the time of year to make the change. It means that last year has gone and a new season has arrived. That inexplicable ongoing distrust in your 6-iron can be forgotten now it has a new grip – all your clubs are your friends once more.

And above all, it really does make a difference.

Grips don’t get old overnight – so you don’t notice the gradual loss of tackiness. It’s only when you put new ones on that you realise just how shiny they’ve become and the edge in performance that you are sacrificing.

Diplomat The minimalist design gives a really clean look

71

Get a grip – refresh your set for the season

Golfer | TESTS... IRONS NATIONAL

79

CLUB

in association with

PING G25

ABOUT

SRP: £80 per club steel, £100 graphite

THE TEST

We wanted to identify the sets of irons that we could recommend with the most confidence to midhandicap club golfers.

The winning sets needed to be forgiving enough for the average player yet still have strong visual appeal.

We invited the major manufacturers to send in their top game-improvement irons. We hit them all extensively and used a TrackMan launch monitor, so we could look at trends including distance, carry, spin rate and launch angle.

er Golf GOLD NATIONAL

Golfer SILVE NATIONAL

CALLAWAY X HOT SRP: £599 steel, £729 graphite (4-P?)

TESTERS’ COMMENTS DM: These are frighteningly long, they just go forever. So powerful. They look like Callaway irons used to – they remind me of the old X-12s, which I used to love. It feels like Callaway have decided to concentrate on what they are good at – in this case forgiving and power-packed irons.

SC: They look a bit clunky to me and I got on better with the X Hot Pros. Quite expensive too. I’d say they were aimed at the 15 to 20 handicapper.

JW: The lofts are strong, but even so they are very, very long. If you’re a mid-handicapper and struggling for yards then you need to try a set of these. Incredibly powerful.

THE TESTERS

James Whitaker PGA pro Current irons: Nike VR_S Covert (4-P, 21˚ Nike VR_S Covert hybrid)

86 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

CLUB

MEDAR L

Steve Cavanagh Handicap: 9 Current irons: Nike VR_S Forged (5-S, 24˚ Callaway X-Hot Pro hybrid)

We conducted the test at Moor Allerton Golf Club in Leeds.

Thanks to James and his team for the use of their outstanding facilities

CLUB

MEDAL

Key factors we took into consideration included: :: Ease of use :: Looks :: Playability :: Shelf appeal :: Price :: Sound and feel :: Flow through the set :: Consistency of performance :: Ball flight

Dan Murphy Handicap: 4 Current irons: Ping i20 (4-P, 20˚ Ping i20 hybrid)

TESTERS’ COMMENTS DM: I think these are different class aesthetically to the G20 irons. Even the wedge is pleasingly compact and consistent. They will appeal to a very wide market – more so than their predecessors. They remind me of Eye2s in that respect – clearly game-improvement irons but also appealing to the better player. Crucially, you feel you can control the flight. Other irons were longer but the dispersion on these seemed tighter.

SC: I like the look of these – lovely looking irons.

They remind me of the G5s for looks, which I loved.

JW: It’s a huge improvement on the G20s in all areas for me. I wouldn’t say these were the longest but they were the most consistent. I think Ping are going to sell a lot of these – you can’t go wrong with a set of G25s.

CLEVELAND 588 ALTITUDE/MT/TT SRP: £449 steel, £499 graphite (5-P)

Golfer BRONZE NATIONAL

CLUB

MEDAL

TESTERS’ COMMENTS DM: I really like the concept of being able to interchange throughout the set. The MTs and TTs were impressive – if pretty similar for me – in terms of flight and forgiveness but the Altitudes really offer something else. The bulk on the short irons is very well concealed.

SC: The Altitudes look too lumpy for me but they were also very, very long! Great for anyone whose priority is distance. I got on best with the MTs – a game-improvement iron but you can’t see it at address.

JW: The TTs look old fashioned but with a thick top line. These are long clubs. The Altitudes are a brilliant option for the average player – as long as he can get past the looks because they are big, chunky heads.

THE #1 SHAFT

IN GOLF 30 YEARS OF TOUR SUCCESS

Irons test – which are the most forgiving?

NCG pp 66-67 Equipment Crocs 22/03/2013 13:37 Page 66

Tyne Offers all of the performance and comfort benefits of the Karlson with a more traditional look SRP: £109.99

NEW GEAR

iGOLFRULES APP Officially recommended by Apple, this app benefits from the expertise of best-selling author and referee Yves C. Ton-That. Updated to include the golf rules valid until the end of 2015, it provides the answer to virtually every question about the rules straight away. Razor-sharp, interactive image sequences are used to explain the correct procedure step-by-step. The app is so simple to operate that you can find the answer to your question with a maximum of three clicks.

SRP: £6.99 www.iGolfrules.com

PING MOON-LITE The latest edition features a new, ingenious double strap system designed to make this lightweight 2.5lb bag even easier to carry. It still features the distinctive standing primary strap but has been augmented by a second strap which helps to spread the load. It has an apparel pocket, internal valuables pocket, smaller ball pocket and drinks pouch. Available in four colour schemes.

SRP: £70

FIRST

CROCS LOOK CO TO GOLFME

Drayden This water-resistant shoe has full-grain leather and a Crosmesh upper to look like textile mesh.

SRP: £79.99

SURPRIZE SHOP VACUUM FLASK What a clever idea – a sensible sized flask (8” x 3”) with a carabiner to attach it your bag for easy access. As it holds 350ml, it’s perfect for something warm to sustain you in winter – even soup or pasta – or cold drinks in summer. The opening is big enough for ice cubes, and it also has a stopper for easy pouring. An excellent product!

SRP: £9.99 surprizeshop.co.uk

Karlson Features a one-year waterproof guarantee, sleek sneaker design and moulded Croslite footbed.

SRP: £119.99

Preston Premium leather and classic styling for style, performance and comfort. Very, very light.

SRP: £79.99

THESE SHOES HAVE SOME BITE The “Crocs Golf with Hank Haney” collection arrives in the UK In the words of Hank Haney, best known as the former coach of Tiger Woods: “The first lesson in golf is to be comfortable.”

Comfort is something that Crocs know how to do – witness their instantly recognisable clogstyle shoe.

Now, with the help of Haney, Crocs have added golfing insight to their own expertise in comfortable footwear to produce a range of golf shoes that are stylish, comfortable and perform to the highest level.

Available in the UK for the first time, they combine the extreme comfort of Crocs street shoes with the stability and traction of a modern golf shoe. It is a winning blend.

Crocs have developed a unique, patented one-piece manufacturing

66 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

SPIKELESS SHOES HERE TO STAY Dan Murphy on a trend set to become the norm It’s hard to believe that it’s only a couple of years since Ecco effectively invented this category thanks to Fred Couples nearly winning the Masters while wearing a pair of their spikeless shoes. Now the likes of FootJoy, Nike, Adidas and Puma, to name just a few, all offer spikeless ranges as well.

Those who haven’t yet tried playing in a pair of spikeless will probably be surprised – it makes no difference in all but the most extreme conditions to balance and stability. Being able to walk straight on and off the course is highly convenient and for many of us there’s no turning back.

technology, which produces the sole and insole as one piece.

This technology helps dramatically to reduce weight, increases comfort and improves traction and stability.

All of the above designs come in multiple colour options and with a choice of coloured laces so you can customise your Crocs to suit.

With cool designs and a cool look, this is a collection that unites lifestyle, comfort, stability and traction.

The unique design makes this shoe the undisputed winner in its class when it comes to lightness and comfort and makes a walk over 18 holes feel like you’ve just covered nine. www.crocs.com 0844 2098 886

NCG pp 66-67 Equipment Crocs 22/03/2013 13:38 Page 67

in association with

NCG’S TOP

06 DRIVERS

We put them to the test last month 1. PING G25 SRP: £299

TEACHING APP

SWINGSMART 2. TAYLORMADE RocketBallz Stage 2

SRP: £249

3. NIKE VR_S Covert SRP: £249.99

4 CALLAWAY X Hot SRP: £249

5. TITLEIST 913 D2 SRP: £344

We are becoming increasingly accustomed to using launch monitors when being custom fitted but many pros believe the greatest benefit from this kind of technology is for teaching. While it may not be practical to carry a TrackMan round in your boot, SwingSmart is a device than can offer basic data courtesy of a tiny gadget that clips on to the club shaft. Via Bluetooth, it can talk to your smartphone, providing you with instant feedback at the range.

The app is free to download. It shows four crucial data elements – tempo, swing speed, face angle and swing path – and works with every club, including your putter.

Devices like this have to be both easy to use and accurate and the SwingSmart excels on both counts. Particularly useful is the “3D Swing-View”, which allows you to check positions and angles at any point of the swing. You can even store data so you can check your progress at a later date.

In my opinion, the SwingSmart is best used alongside lessons with your pro so you can check that you are making progress.

SRP: £199 www.swingsmart.com

6. BENROSS Hot SRP: £149

020 8390 8980

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 67

NCG pp 68 Equipment Raa Putters 22/03/2013 13:41 Page 68

in association with

NEW TECHNOLOGY

GET A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF YOUR COURSE

Would your club benefit from topclass video and photography taken from the skies? Universal Sky Pictures are an established company who specialise in providing aerial pictures and films of houses, buildings and even tourism sites.

Now they have moved into golf and can provide fully edited and website-ready promotional videos.

At a fraction of the cost of chartering a full-size commercial helicopter, yet producing similar quality results, their amazing Microdrones can fly down your fairways and capture material for use in a video or professionalquality stills.

WHY RAA PUTTERS ARE DIFFERENT Custom-fitted lofts for perfect roll Raa putters are designed with nothing in mind but the ultimate in performance and feel. The founder and inspiration of the brand is Roy Ainscough. An engineer by trade and golfing nut, he noticed that the majority of golfers struggle to set up properly for their putts.

His putters contain several

unique features: the sole is contoured so that it sits perfectly in position every time; the grooves on the face are specially designed to start the ball with immediate forward roll for more consistent results; and Raa offer a custom-fitting service in their Macclesfield putting studio to find your optimal ball launch.

Once they determine what degree of launch best suits your stroke they CNC-mill the loft on to a custom-built putter.

They offer all customers exactly the same fitting and custom-build process as they would a tournament professional.

SRP: £169 www.raaputters.com

LATEST SHOES USP can also provide a comprehensive set of groundbased photography to show what your club offers to potential new members and visitors. This premier service costs under £1,000 and includes an initial site visit and survey, a day of photography and filming and full editing with text, music background or voice-over, uploaded to a video-hosting site ready to link from your website.

They can even provide a full website if required.

The pictures here are of Moor Allerton, in Leeds, and were taken from 400 feet above ground. USP are Civil Aviation Authority-licensed for commercial operations and underwritten by Lloyds of London. www.aerial-photograph.co.uk

KIKKOR BRING SKATE

STYLE TO GOLF New styles come to the UK – and all priced under £100 The Kikkor range takes its influence from classic North American athletic and skate shoes but also features technical attributes such as grip, stability, waterproofing and durability.

New models for 2013 include the Slyder Premium (£79), a deckshoe style with a leather upper and embedded spikes; the brogue-look Player (£89), with a full-grain, waterproof leather upper and

68 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

embedded spikes; and the Tenny (£80), which comes with Kikkor’s Diacon Embedded Spike System for ample traction.

The shoes are the brainchild of Canadian golf pro James Lepp, who recently finished runner-up in Big Break Greenbrier. His goal was to create a range combining unique styling, outstanding comfort and top performance. www.kikkor.co.uk

REVIEWED

WILSON STAFF DX2 BALLS At 40 compression the new Dx2s are the softest of any ball in the market and the claim from Wilson Staff is that this improves their performance around the greens.

The common perception is that non-premium balls feel harder but as the Dx2 proves, this is simply not the case.

Depending on your swing speed and characteristics, you may find the Dx2 a little less stable off the driver but unless you are generating tour-level swing speeds then you are unlikely to notice a difference.

SRP: £17.99 per dozen (also available in yellow)

WHICH

HYBRID

ARE YOU? Every ECCO HYBRID is engineered for traction, stability and comfort. In all conditions. For all types of players.

Performance is a given. Style is up to you. ecco.com/golf

BIOM hybrid

STREET HYBRID

TOUR HYBRID

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NCG pp 71-72 Grips 22/03/2013 13:44 Page 71

in association with

EQUIPMENT INSIGHT

ALL YOU EVER NEEDED

TO KNOW ABOUT

GRIPS

Now is the perfect time to give your clubs a new lease of life, explains Dan Murphy GEAR E R FEATU ST

MO GET THEYOUR FROM BS CLU

I

N a strange kind of way, I would rather have fresh grips on my old clubs than a new set to kick off the season. It’s satisfying to take pride in your possessions and showing your golf clubs some love and re-gripping them makes them feel like new again – for a fraction of the cost.

Psychologically, this is the time of year to make the change. It means that last year has gone and a new season has arrived. That inexplicable ongoing distrust in your 6-iron can be forgotten now it has a new grip – all your clubs are your friends once more.

And above all, it really does make a difference.

Grips don’t get old overnight – so you don’t notice the gradual loss of tackiness. It’s only when you put new ones on that you realise just how shiny they’ve become and the edge in performance that you are sacrificing.

NCG pp 71-72 Grips 22/03/2013 13:44 Page 72

in association with

How much has colour changed the game in grips?

Colour is in. It’s come up from the shaft, then the head and eventually into the grip. Fifty per cent of our after-market sales are colours but there are still a lot of people who prefer black. Colour is here to stay and is going to expand.

secure. That’s what’s going to help you swing freer. Tension is the big killer and when grips are sick or worn or not properly sized then the player will start to squeeze.

Then you can’t turn and generate the swing speed.

What grips should we use in the UK? I’ve been over to Scotland and Ireland and played in some very inclement weather. Cord grips are very popular. People play when it’s inclement – I’ve come off a course soaked to the bone and people are still waiting on the 1st tee.

So you’d better have equipment that’s conducive to that weather.

I would choose a cord grip if I was playing in the UK a lot.

Are black grips more durable?

The process is different and we’ve perfected that process so we can make an orange grip as durable as a black one.

The best analogy I can give you is that when you buy tyres on your car they’re black – and they’re black for a reason. Because the materials in the black compound give it durability and resistance.

Plus it’s a tougher material to work with through our manufacturing process.

To make the grip in a colour you have to pull out key components to add in the colour pigments. So when coloured grips first came out they got hard fast.

With what we’ve done with our new REL line and I line of grips, we can now make the colours and they will be as durable and as tacky as the other black grips.

How did you manage to do that?

We’re working more with synthetic materials and using materials that were not endemic to the golf grip category. They work very well. Traditional materials didn’t work.

What are the key factors in choosing a grip?

There are three variables: first, the dimensions of the grip – to make sure it’s sized properly for the golfer who’s using it because our hands are all different sizes.

The second is the material. And then the third is you marry that material with the surface pattern.

We don’t re-grip often enough, do we?

It’s your only connection to the golf club so you should pay attention to it.

I don’t think enough consumers really understand the importance

Is the legendary Crossline still your No 1 grip?

It’s still our No 1 seller after 15 years and that’s good and bad! The Crossline technology is 15 years old so we need to show that there is something new and better.

GRIPPING

TALES Lamkin CEO Bob Lamkin tells Dan Murphy why thickness is so important, how often we should re-grip... and why black can be more durable than coloured of re-gripping their clubs and in the right size. It will help them play more consistently.

The grip has been kind of an afterthought in the consumer’s

72 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

mind. It’s a key component.

What about grip pressure?

You want to hold the grip with the lightest pressure but still know it’s

What’s the lifespan of a grip before performance is compromised?

Here’s a rule of thumb: People say that if you’re playing once a week, re-grip once a year. If you’re doing that then you’re probably practising once a week as well and that’s like another round.

So I’d say once a year.

I like people to do them all at once because otherwise you’re getting variant feels. Even if your long irons are less worn than say your wedges.

I’ve seen people with grips that are peeling off the shafts and I’m asking them – ‘you’re not regripping this?!’ It should just be part of your maintenance.

Does grip thickness influence shot shape?

You can actually change some of your shot shapes with your grips.

Hitting it right? Put a smaller grip on and it will help you square the club up.

If you’re hitting it left then maybe a slightly slower hand action would help so in that instance get a bigger grip.

DEMAND PRECISION

Lee Westwood

Introducing the Tour™ Z6 with Vivid Display Technology, by Bushnell® “This new product is a testament to Bushnell and demonstrates yet again why they dominate the game. Their new technology, features and aesthetics make the Tour Z6 a pleasure to use whilst delivering yardage faster and more accurately than ever before. No other distance technology comes close.”

Lee Westwood

THE N°1 LASER RANGEFINDER IN PROFESSIONAL GOLF * www.bushnellgolf.co.uk

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*Research data provided by Darrell Survey Co., 2012. All Bushnell GPS and laser rangefinder models, except the Bushnell Pro 1M Slope Edition and the Tour V2 Slope Edition, are legal to use when local USGA & R&A rule 14-3/0.5 is in effect. © 2013 B.O.P. ®, ™ denote trademarks of Bushnell Outdoor Products. PinSeeker is a registered trademark of Worldwide Golf Enterprises, Inc.

NCG pp 74 Grips 22/03/2013 13:45 Page 74

in association with

12 GRIP OPTIONS FOR YOU

GOLF PRIDE Niion

GOLF PRIDE MultiCompound

Blend fluorescent colours with new textures and unique patterns for unmatched feel and moisture-channelling performance. Blue/ Yellow, Orange/White, Lime/White, White/Neon Green and Yellow/Blue)

High-performance rubber provides comfort and responsiveness to the lower hand, while cord provides moisture management and improved traction to the upper hand. Brilliant grips.

GOLF PRIDE MultiCompound White-out Adds a new white material to the upper hand area while maintaining all the performance characteristics that made the MultiCompound golf’s hottest grip.

LAMKIN Crossline Ace 3Gen This grip takes traction to a whole new level giving an unrivalled contact that is ideal for Europe’s wetter conditions. The Crossline Ace 3Gen is available in three sizes: Standard, Midsize and Oversize.

LAMKIN Perma-Wrap Ace 3Gen The unique unbuffed surface and simulatedwrap texture delivers unparalleled surface tack.

Tackiness and softer feel provide excellent gripping stability to promote a tension-free swing.

LAMKIN i6 3Gen Has an aggressive hexagonal pattern on the underside for extra grip in wetter conditions and a softer keyhole design on the top for added comfort.

PUTTE GRIPSR

LAMKIN REL 3GEN With the addition of seven more colours and extra size options, there are now more colour and size combinations than any other grip on the market, according to Lamkin.

LAMKIN Performance Plus 3Gen This wedge grip is longer than standard to aid choking down. A reduced taper deters excessive hand action. Two marker buttons promote consistent hand placement.

74 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

UST Tour PC 360

UST Soft Touch Wrap

LAMKIN EBL 3Gen

GOLF PRIDE Tour Tradition

Redesigned using a new blend of the finest natural and synthetic rubber compounds for a soft feel and enhanced durability. An embossed texture provides exceptional traction in wet or dry conditions.

A relaxed feeling while limiting vibration through the use of advanced technology and polyurethane materials.

The wrap design provides a better fit for additional stability in dry or wet conditions.

With a pistol shape, this putter has no surface pattern resulting in a super soft feel and ultimate tackiness.

Features a smaller, paddle-front design preferred by tour professionals. The rubber construction provides increased feel and responsiveness for more true putts.

Lamkin 20/03/2013 16:36 Page 1

NCG pp 76-77 Powakaddy 22/03/2013 13:47 Page 76

What have been PK’s most significant innovations in the last 30 years?

The original products were mainly steel. Now they are aluminium extrudings. So you’ve gone from a heavy trolley to a stylish one – a fashion product as it were. They used to be take-apart trolleys, now they’re fully folding.

Electronic and digital controls have improved the functionality.

And they’re very user-friendly.

30 YEARS OF POWAKADDY

How rare was an electric trolley in the mid-1980s?

We grew to 1,500 trolleys in Europe in the 1990s. Out of six million golfers in Europe that’s not very high! Now it’s something like one in five.

Has the profile changed in recent years of your average trolley user?

It used be a distress purchase for the older golfer and now it’s seen as a game-improvement product for young and old alike.

We re-branded the carts in the late 1990s and that had a dramatic impact in terms of looks and perception. A trolley lasts six to seven years now so the more cycles of buying the better. Customers tend to be hooked once they try a trolley.

What does the consumer demand now from their trolley?

They want reliability – they want it to get round. That’s the critical thing. They like to feel good about owning a trolley so there’s the issue of self-image.

Golfers are also looking for value.

Are trolleys becoming more reliable with every passing year?

The more technology there is, the more there is to go wrong. But yes, they are much more reliable now than they used to.

How do you go about getting your PowaKaddy repaired?

We have 240 service agents around the country. Find the nearest one, which should be within 10 miles or so, he’ll diagnose and he will most often replace. It’s generally batteries, they are the least reliable parts, and only tend to last for a year and a half.

76 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Founded in 1983, we spoke to John deGraft-Johnson, PowaKaddy’s chairman, about the legendary trolley brand

HT INSIG RY OF

TO THE HIS ERED POW YS TROLLE

NCG pp 76-77 Powakaddy 22/03/2013 13:47 Page 77

in association with

PK’S NEW

OWNERS

Former owner John deGraftJohnson and previous owner of the Hill Billy brand David Catford took control at PowaKaddy in August 2012.

The new senior management team’s plan is to continue to assemble products in Kent and maintain the principles that propelled the brand to its leadership position.

PK THROUGH THE YEARS 1983 Joe Catford invents first-ever golf trolley for his own use. A local businessman is so impressed with the product and immediately invests in the company. PowaKaddy Classic officially launched at the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale

1988 PowaKaddy launch the Rio – a twowheeled power assisted golf trolley. Joe Catford and John Martin sell PowaKaddy to the Sunleigh group

1993 A unique new battery connection system called the Interconnect System replaces the traditional crocodile clip method

1996 “Our reputation was built on quality, functionality and performance and we aim to take these core values to the next level while maintaining the British heritage,” said deGraft-Johnson (right), who has a long association with the brand.

“I joined PowaKaddy in 1991 as MD. It was then bought as a PLC from the original owners. We were a £4m-turnover business and selling to the trade.

“We grew the business gradually to £6m by 1999 and I and some partners bought PK and HillBilly together. We doubled the turnover within four years then sold it to a venture capital company. I left in 2004, took partial retirement then started up EziCaddy.

That refreshed our memory about what to do.

“In August I bought the company back with David (pictured left, the CEO) and a couple of partners.”

PowaKaddy launch Pulsar - the first two-wheeled powered trolley that could fold down like a normal pull cart

1999 The famous Freeway is introduced – over 20,000 units are sold in 1999

2001 PowaKaddy launch RoboKaddy, one of the world’s first remote controlled golf carts and only one with reverse function

2006 PowaKaddy launch P5. Freeway continues to dominate the market. The company moves to new purpose-built premises in Sittingbourne, Kent

2009 Freeway II is launched with new lightweight lithium battery option

2012 PowaKaddy back under the helm of JohndeGraft Johnson and David Catford

2013 New Freeway Family range launched

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 77

HIT 7 WHERE YOU USED TO HIT 6.

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B R I N G . I T. O N . ©2013 Callaway Golf Company. Callaway, the Chevron Device, OptiFit, X Hot, Hyperbolic Face and Speed Frame and VFT are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Callaway Golf Company.

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21/03/2013 16:08

NCG pp 79 Lead to Irons 22/03/2013 13:48 Page 79

in association with

Golfer | TESTS...

NATIONAL

CLUB

IRONS Our test team put 20 sets of gameimprovement irons to the test

20 SET RATED BY S TEST TEAMOUR OF VARIED ABILITIES

YONEX.CO.UK

EXTREME

FORGIVENESS New for 2013 the VXF range of Irons and Hybrids from Yonex are designed to provide effortless distance and control throughout the set. The irons feature a double undercut cavity for maximum power whilst the hybrids are designed to replace harder to hit long irons.

To ďŹ nd your local stockist or demo day visit www.yonex.co.uk/golf

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20/03/2013 08:39

NCG pp 81-82 Irons 22/03/2013 16:16 Page 81

Golfer | TESTS... IRONS NATIONAL

CLUB

TAYLORMADE ROCKETBLADEZ SRP: £549 steel (set of eight irons)

in association with

ADAMS SUPER S SRP: £499 steel, £599 graphite (3 & 4 hybrids, 5-P irons)

JOHN LETTERS TR-47 SRP: £449 steel (3 & 4 hybrids, 5-P irons)

TESTERS’ COMMENTS SC: Nice irons these. I like the way they look.

DM: I like the way they look and I like the feel off the face. They weren’t the very longest for me in the test but they were not far off.

JW: Very good for a mid-handicapper. Long but not the longest and not uncontrollably long, which is very important. Very playable.

TESTERS’ COMMENTS JW: Quite a small head on the wedge. They look good when you’re over the ball. The hybrid doesn’t blend into the set for me.

SC: The hybrid went very low for me. The irons are better. I wasn’t blown away.

DM: The hybrids are so good that you might be in danger of a big gap to the 5 iron. The irons look good, if on the small side for some.

TESTERS’ COMMENTS SC: This came off the face fantastically. And they went miles. They feel like my current Nike irons – which I love. I got on well with the hybrid as well.

DM: I wasn’t too keen on the short irons – a touch lumpy – but the rest of the set was good. Plenty of help to get the ball in the air.

JW: The irons are closed but that’s not a bad thing. I was impressed by the performance.

TITLEIST AP1

YONEX VXF

PROGEN CHROMO

SRP: £93 per iron steel, £107 per iron graphite

TESTERS’ COMMENTS SC: I always like Titleist irons – I think they look the best to me. I had a set of 710 AP1s and they look similar at address – but different once you look at them when they are in the bag. I’d buy them. The more I hit them the more I remembered how much I liked my previous set.

SRP: £399 steel, £559 graphite (4-SW)

TESTERS’ COMMENTS JW: Initially I expected more, what with all the technology Yonex are famed for. But I thought they’d be more expensive! When I saw the price – which I couldn’t tell by looking – they became a great option.

DM: It’s a big clubhead to look down on but a surprisingly cultured feel and flight off it.

SC: These feel nice. I was surprised by how cheap they are. The face is quite big.

SRP: £399 steel, £449 graphite (3 & 4 hybrids, 5-SW irons)

TESTERS’ COMMENTS JW: I couldn’t knock the performance but at this price there is lots of competition and they didn’t quite do enough to stand out.

DM: I liked the way these sat and I think they are well finished – the green is strong.

SC: I got on very well with the hybrid. The irons didn’t look quite as appealing to me as one or two others in the same price point.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 81

NCG pp 81-82 Irons 22/03/2013 16:17 Page 82

Golfer | TESTS... IRONS NATIONAL

CLUB

MIZUNO JPX 825 PRO

in association with

TAYLORMADE ROCKETBALLZ MAX

LYNX BLACK CAT

SRP: £90 per iron steel; £120 graphite

SRP: £1,299 graphite (eight irons)

SRP: £329 steel, £359 graphite (5-SW)

TESTERS’ COMMENTS JW: A classic iron at address – it looks great on the top. Lots of feel. Not the longest.

SC: Nice-feeling iron. They are lovely. I struck these very solidly. An attractive set.

DM: While undoubtedly among the bestlooking on test I didn’t necessarily feel they offered as much forgiveness or distance as some others in the same price category.

TESTERS’ COMMENTS SC: I’ve got a real problem with the price! I don’t think they feel any better than the RocketBladez.

DM: I didn’t get on especially with these.

They are like a concept car to me but I can’t honestly say the performance justified the price tag.

JW: I don’t like the grips and they’re too big.

It’s a big bulky head. Feels tinny off the face.

TESTERS’ COMMENTS SC: Not a bad-looking iron. Quite like the finish. It flew low.

JW: You can really feel the head. I’m not sure about the shaft. It doesn’t spin very much so goes quite low.

DM: I like the way these look. Personally I had no problem flighting them and I also felt like I could control them.

MD GOLF SUPERSTRONG ST3

COBRA AMP CELL

DUNLOP NZ9 SRP: SRP: £279.99 steel (4-P)

SRP: £249.99 steel (4-P)

SRP: £549 steel (4-P)

TESTERS’ COMMENTS DM: You can’t argue with the components.

I’d say they were ideally suited to a player off between six and 12.

SC: They look like a set you’d have seen 10 years ago, with the chrome. Nice. The only thing I’d say is they don’t look very forgiving.

JW: I don’t think this is really a gameimprovement iron. But I am impressed with what Dunlop are doing this year, it’s decent.

TESTERS’ COMMENTS SC: These are nice – I get on well with MD’s stuff. Better than others in the price bracket.

Not sure how long the finish would last but they look good when they’re new.

DM: I like the heads and I like the sound and feel. They are not among the most forgiving.

JW: You can control these better than most on test but they were not that forgiving – probably best suited to a 12 handicap.

TESTERS’ COMMENTS JW: OK without blowing me away. Nice easy club to hit. Ideal for a 10-handicapper I would say.

DM: You get nice clean strikes with these.

Not the most forgiving but a very nice iron for anyone up to a mid handicapper.

SC: These are good irons. They look nice at address and the strike is very clean.

82 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

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NCG pp 84 Irons 22/03/2013 13:53 Page 84

Golfer | TESTS... IRONS NATIONAL

CLUB

in association with

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AND VALUE

EASIEST TO USE

BENROSS RIP/SPEED/MAX

WILSON STAFF D-100

SRP: £329.99 steel, £379.99 graphite (5SW)

SRP: £349 steel, £499 graphite (5-SW)

TESTERS’ COMMENTS SC: It’s a lovely-looking hybrid. I’d buy the hybrid in its own right. The irons are not as nice. The top line is very thick.

DM: The irons have a very thick top line and that means they are not things of beauty by any means. But they were very effective and the ball speeds were consistently high. As easy to use as anything we tested and with the lightness of the heads and shafts you really feel like you can get some real zip.

JW: I can see someone enjoying these – they are easy to hit and have plenty of offset so that’s a good combination. They look good on the shelf too.

TESTERS’ COMMENTS DM: All three models went really well and they couldn’t have been closer to our top three. I got on very well with them – especially the Rips. They were very, very long and consistent for me, which is a pretty appealing combination. You must put these on your short list, especially given the price.

SC: These are good. Surprisingly good. The only thing I don’t like is the graphic in white on the face.

JW: Nice forgiving clubs. Easy to hit. I like them a lot and I think anyone who tries them is in for a pleasant surprise.

Golf RECOM er MENDS NATIONAL

lMfEeNDrS o G M O C E R NATIONAL

CLUB

CLUB

BEST FOR UNDER 12 HANDICAPPERS

CALLAWAY X HOT PRO

NIKE VR_S COVERT

TITLEIST AP2

SRP: £699 steel (4-P)

SRP: £449.99 steel, £519.99 graphite (4-P)

SRP: £114 per iron steel, £130 graphite

TESTERS’ COMMENTS JW: Very nice but you’d need to be a good 10-handicapper to get the best out of them.

DM: I like the heads and they are proper clubs. I would think they are out of reach of anyone who isn’t in single figures.

SC: These are lovely-looking irons, probably the best I’ve seen on test. I’d buy a set.

TESTERS’ COMMENTS SC: These look nicer at address than you’d expect. I like the finish – smoked I’d describe.

JW: You think they’re going to be pretty bulky. Then you put them behind the ball and it’s a different story. Surprisingly sleek.

DM: Like the Covert driver, it’s actually a very conventional address look. Very long.

TESTERS’ COMMENTS JW: This iron is more forgiving than it looks. When I fit customers into Titleist irons this is the one they end up with more often than not. You need to be fitted so you can compare performance with the AP1s, but I would say these have the edge. Very smooth off the face and great to look at.

84 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

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NCG pp 86-87 Irons 22/03/2013 13:59 Page 86

Golfer | TESTS... IRONS NATIONAL

CLUB

ABOUT THE TEST

We wanted to identify the sets of irons that we could recommend with the most confidence to midhandicap club golfers.

The winning sets needed to be forgiving enough for the average player yet still have strong visual appeal.

We invited the major manufacturers to send in their top game-improvement irons. We hit them all extensively and used a TrackMan launch monitor, so we could look at trends including distance, carry, spin rate and launch angle.

r GGoOlfLe D NATIONAL

MEDAL

Key factors we took into consideration included: :: Ease of use :: Looks :: Playability :: Shelf appeal :: Price :: Sound and feel :: Flow through the set :: Consistency of performance :: Ball flight

Golfer SILVE R NATIONA L

Steve Cavanagh Handicap: 9 Current irons: Nike VR_S Forged (5-S, 24˚ Callaway X-Hot Pro hybrid) James Whitaker PGA pro Current irons: Nike VR_S Covert (4-P, 21˚ Nike VR_S Covert hybrid)

We conducted the test at Moor Allerton Golf Club in Leeds.

Thanks to James and his team for the use of their outstanding facilities

86 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

CLUB

MEDA L

THE TESTERS

Dan Murphy Handicap: 4 Current irons: Ping i20 (4-P, 20˚ Ping i20 hybrid)

CLUB

lfer GBo RONZE NATIONAL

CLUB

MEDAL

NCG pp 86-87 Irons 22/03/2013 14:00 Page 87

in association with

PING G25 SRP: £80 per club steel, £100 graphite

TESTERS’ COMMENTS DM: I think these are different class aesthetically to the G20 irons. Even the wedge is pleasingly compact and consistent. They will appeal to a very wide market – more so than their predecessors. They remind me of Eye2s in that respect – clearly game-improvement irons but also appealing to the better player. Crucially, you feel you can control the flight. Other irons were longer but the dispersion on these seemed tighter.

SC: I like the look of these – lovely looking irons.

They remind me of the G5s for looks, which I loved.

JW: It’s a huge improvement on the G20s in all areas for me. I wouldn’t say these were the longest but they were the most consistent. I think Ping are going to sell a lot of these – you can’t go wrong with a set of G25s.

CALLAWAY X HOT SRP: £599 steel, £729 graphite (4-P?)

TESTERS’ COMMENTS DM: These are frighteningly long, they just go forever. So powerful. They look like Callaway irons used to – they remind me of the old X-12s, which I used to love. It feels like Callaway have decided to concentrate on what they are good at – in this case forgiving and power-packed irons.

SC: They look a bit clunky to me and I got on better with the X Hot Pros. Quite expensive too. I’d say they were aimed at the 15 to 20 handicapper.

JW: The lofts are strong, but even so they are very, very long. If you’re a mid-handicapper and struggling for yards then you need to try a set of these. Incredibly powerful.

CLEVELAND 588 ALTITUDE/MT/TT SRP: £449 steel, £499 graphite (5-P)

TESTERS’ COMMENTS DM: I really like the concept of being able to interchange throughout the set. The MTs and TTs were impressive – if pretty similar for me – in terms of flight and forgiveness but the Altitudes really offer something else. The bulk on the short irons is very well concealed.

SC: The Altitudes look too lumpy for me but they were also very, very long! Great for anyone whose priority is distance. I got on best with the MTs – a game-improvement iron but you can’t see it at address.

JW: The TTs look old fashioned but with a thick top line. These are long clubs. The Altitudes are a brilliant option for the average player – as long as he can get past the looks because they are big, chunky heads.

THE #1 SHAFT

IN GOLF 30 YEARS OF TOUR SUCCESS

Raa Putters 22/03/2013 15:40 Page 1

NCG pp 89 Irons WWL 22/03/2013 14:12 Page 89

Golfer | TESTS... IRONS NATIONAL

CLUB

in association with

WHAT WE LEARNED Conclusions from a day of hitting and testing irons

@ Moor Allerton Golf Club, Leeds

For the best in

CUSTOM FITTING

THESE IRONS ARE INCREDIBLY LONG...

We can’t believe how high and far some (most) of these irons go.

They look like they will never come down. That’s exciting. And if you haven’t changed your irons for a few years then you’re going to notice a big difference. Irons have never been easier to launch and keep in the air. ...AND ONE REASON IS STRONG LOFTS Some 7 irons in our test had 30˚ of loft. In old money, that’s nearer a 5 iron than a 6. Some had longer shafts as well. So that’s two good reasons they are going further.

The issue here, say the

manufacturers, is that there’s so much weight under the ball on the modern iron clubhead that the lofts have to be strengthened to create the optimum flight.

TRY GOING LIGHT Light shafts can be a big help – you will almost certainly be able to keep the ball in the air for longer.

Be careful using a traditional heavy shaft like Dynamic Gold unless you are a strong player. To give you an idea of the difference, a Dynamic Gold weighs 125g. With a Nippon you can come down to 85g, which is a third lighter.

WILL YOU BENEFIT FROM A 5 IRON? These days, when you hit a 5 iron, it actually has the loft of a 3 or a 4 iron. That makes it hard to flight.

There was clear evidence in our testing that unless you are a fastswinging, high-launching player, it makes sense for your longest iron to be a 6. You won’t hit your 5 iron any further and even if you do it will be through run rather than carry.

ARE YOUR GAPS EVEN? You need to do two things having selected a new set of irons: ensure you know how far your longest

iron goes so you can then find a hybrid to ensure a reasonable gap; look at your wedges – it’s very easy to come away with a 43˚ wedge and if your current gap wedge is, say, 52˚ then that’s far too big a differential.

DISTANCE ISN’T ALL Which one of us can honestly say they’re not excited to hit their irons a club further? But as nice as it is to pull out a shorter club, or get up with a 7 while our mates are having to lean on a 6, don’t lose sight of what irons are primarily for – precision. So remember when trying out a potential new set of irons that dispersion and consistency are key.

We use Trackman for the ultimate in accuracy Authorised fitting centre for

www.jwgolf.co.uk

0113 266 5209 QUOTE ‘NCG’ for a free fitting www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 89

OUT OF THE ORDINARY

Introducing the award winning Motocaddy S-Series trolley range.

Eye-catching looks, market-leading features and unrivalled performance - Different is good.

www.motocaddy.com

NCG pp 91-94 Trolleys & Buggies 22/03/2013 14:48 Page 91

MENT P I U Q E AL SPECI F

GOL MAKINGER...

EASI

TROLLEYS AND

BUGGIES

Save your energy for hitting shots – there’re never been a broader choice of ways to lighten your load

MOTOCADDY M1 PRO Following on from the award-winning SSeries, Motocaddy’s new M1 Pro has a lot to live up to. As a result, it has been packed with new features, but retains what has made the brand so popular.

The M1 Pro is the company’s most compact design to date, folding down to a size not much bigger than airline hand luggage allowance. In addition to this, it weighs just 10.5kg meaning that transporting the trolley has never been easier. An integrated accessory station and nine different speed settings are also available.

The trolley is powered by a whisper-quiet 230w motor, with the option of an 18-hole leadacid battery or a powerful, super-lightweight lithium alternative, available in 18 or 36hole options.

Motocaddy have made the M1 Pro available in a choice of stylish black or alpine matt finishes.

SRP: ￡549.99 with lithium battery; £399.99 with lead-acid battery www.motocaddy.com 0208 549 5500

NCG pp 91-94 Trolleys & Buggies 22/03/2013 14:48 Page 92

GOKART AUTOMATIC CONTROL Compact, light design with 18-hole battery and charger Comes with two-year warranty SRP: £299 www.gokart.co.uk 01227 712288

POWERBUG PROTOUR Five distance settings allow for automatic parking Adjustable front-wheel tracking system SRP: £300 (acid battery); £500 (lithium battery) www.powerbug.co.uk 0118 940 6609

92 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 91-94 Trolleys & Buggies 22/03/2013 14:49 Page 93

POWAKADDY FREEWAY SPORT Renowned as the world’s best-selling trolley of the past decade, the Freeway has been the recipient of a number of design and technology upgrades. Nowhere is this better demonstrated than the Freeway Sport, the design that spearheads the range and offers golfers myriad new features.

It has an innovative, but simple-to-use ergonomic soft-grip handle. This features an ambidextrous nine-speed control roller combined with an integrated LCD display screen and a separate button giving direct access to the Digital Distance Function. All of this combines to create the group’s most modern and sporty buggy to date.

“Our reputation has been built on delivering quality, functionality, innovative technologies and performance across the board,” said John deGraft-Johnson, PK’s chairman.

“We now aim to take these core values to the next level with the Freeway family.”

SRP: £479.99 with standard battery & black or white frame; £509.99 (extended range battery & black or white frame); £679.99 (lithium battery & black, white or graphite frame; £729.99 (Lithium EBS & graphite frame) www.PowaKaddy.com 01795 473 555

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 93

NCG pp 91-94 Trolleys & Buggies 22/03/2013 14:49 Page 94

X’S NEW BIG MA OLLEY R BLADE T T NOW U O O S L ’S IS A MONTH T X SEE NE FOR NCG TAILS U F LL DE

BIG MAX WHEELER New fourth wheel provides added stability on the course Weighs just 8.3kg and folds down to a remarkable 63x41cm SRP: £229 www.bigmaxgolf.com 08442 098886

PRO-FORCE

MOTORA M2 CONTROL WIN TROLLE A MOTORA Y - EN FREE NO TER FOR W AT NATION ALC

Lightweight 10.5kg frame and wide wheelbase makes travelling over slopes easy Comes with lightweight 1kg Li-ion battery SRP: £789 www.motoragolf.co.uk 01392 499096

LUBGOL FER.CO M

ELECTROKART VOYAGER High-quality design for longer life and weather protection Microprocessor technology combines safety with ease of operation SRP: £1,995 (standard); £2,250 (lithium) www.electrokart.com 01233 666 000

94 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Lightweight and durable – total weight 18kg Top speed of 8mph with a 40kg load capacity SRP: £169.99 www.premierlakeballs.com

i-MOTION i-M4 One-person seated carrying capacity 36V 122 Watt motor with 50km distance per charge SRP: £2,388 www.electro-golf-buggies.co.uk 01215 038109

smaller spaces need bigger thinking Be inspired by the newest and first fully automatically collapsible Ultra-Slim trolley from BIG MAX. Contact your local dealer today to test drive the new BLADE from BIG MAX.

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NCG pp 96 Trolleys & Buggies 22/03/2013 14:50 Page 96

PURE LUXU RY CH

ECK THE CHOUT JUCAD.IC ..

JUCAD DRIVE SL TRAVEL EX3 Three-wheel model weighs only 5.5kg Packs away quickly and tidily SRP: £3,676.30 www.jucad.de/home-en

GRASSHOPPER JUNIOR SE Hand-built in Nottinghamshire factory Can be used on a variety of flat and hilly terrains SRP: £2,295 www.grass-hopper.co.uk 01623 404730

POWERHOUSE FREEDOM T2 Fitted with an 18-hole lithium battery as standard Has pneumatic tyres for incredible grip SRP: £339 www.powerhousegolf.co.uk 0161 654 6981

PATTERSON PRODUCTS Assembles in under two minutes Relaxing sprung seat helps you to conserve energy SRP: from £1,725 www.patterson.co.uk 01932 579 067

STEWART GOLF X7 LITHIUM REMOTE 50m range with safety cut out Comes with a 24-month warranty SRP: £999 www.stewartgolf.co.uk 0333 800 18 18

YOU NEED TO ACCESSORISE Now you’ve got a new trolley you will need a battery to power it – here are two options to consider

PUREDRIVE LITTLE MIRACLE Available in 18-hole or 36-hole models 75% lighter than a standard lead-acid golf battery SRP: £197 18-hole; £247 36-hole puredrivebatteries.co.uk 01242 621548

96 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

LITEPOWER LITHIUM 75% lighter and a third of the size of a lead-acid equivalent. Battery management system optimises performance and life SRP: £199.99 litepower.co.uk 01795 473315

Puredrive 20/03/2013 16:38 Page 1

NCG pp 98 Cleveland Fitting 22/03/2013 14:27 Page 98

EQUIPMENT INSIGHT

in association with

9mph more clubhead speed

1,100 rpm less spin 13mph more ball speed

28 more yards

THIS IS HOW

CUSTOM FITTING

IMPROVED ONE READER’S GAME The results were truly startling when we took three competition winners to have their new Cleveland irons fitted at Rockliffe Hall...

Turn over for the full story

Powerbug 20/03/2013 16:39 Page 1

NCG pp100 Cleveland Fitting 22/03/2013 14:28 Page 100

in association with

ARLIER this year we ran a competition for three readers each to win a set from Cleveland's new 588 range. It comprises the 588 Altitude, a hybrid-iron set, the 588 MT – a refined game-improver iron – and the tour-calibre 588 TT. The idea is that you can choose – or better still be customfitted into – a set that best suits your game. You can interchange between the three to create a set with the perfect combination of distance, feel and forgiveness.

But we didn't just ship their

E

new equipment off to their homes, we invited them to Rockliffe Hall on Teesside to undergo a complete fitting process (plus have a round of this impressive modern championship course!).

Our trio were all of different standards; the common denominator was how much they benefited from being fitted out properly – by Cleveland’s Joe Miller, pictured far right below – for their new set of Clevelands.

If you ever doubted the value of custom fitting, be prepared to have your beliefs vigorously challenged...

PAT GERAGHTY | Club: Alwoodley n Age: 55 n Handicap: 5 About his game: Previously off 3, and is a good second-shot player and consistent driver. Was fitted for

CURRENT CLUBS Irons: Ping i15 Blend: 4-P Shafts: J2 steel (reg flex) Hybrid: Ping i15 (Stiff graphite) Wedges: Ping Tour Gorge, 53 & 58˚

a new set last year but did not get on with his new clubs and so went back to his previous Ping irons!

6 IRON BEFORE & AFTER Before Carry: 160 yards Spin: 6,125rpm Launch: 15˚ Total distance: 168yds Club speed: 76.4mph Ball speed: 110.6mph Efficiency: 1.45

After 170 yards 4,362rpm 16.9˚ 187yds 78.9mph 114.2mph 1.45

FITTED FOR

FITTER JOE’S ANALYSIS

Irons: MT4-iron, TT 5-PW Shafts: Nippon 95g, 1/4 of an inch longer, Tour Velvet grips (+2 layers) Wedges: 588 RTC CB in 50˚, 588 RTC in 56˚ bent to 55˚- standard bounce, 588 RTX Low Bounce 60˚

We moved the gapping to 5˚ between PW, GW and LW. A stronger loft then cranking them to a higher loft means the effective bounce is reduced – helping Pat conquer his fear of thin shots.

PAT’S VERDICT ON THE FITTING Feels he has been listened to now, based on his previous experience, and that the fitting was done

PAUL MORRIS

| Club: Malkins Bank n Age: 65 n Handicap: 22

more on his input as well as the data. Very happy with reduction in bounce. Now accepts is now up to him!

MARK HIBBERD | Club: Bramshaw n Age: 47 n Handicap: 11

About his game: Paul played until his mid 30s, then gave up for 30 years.

Has been playing now for two years.

Looking for a higher flight and more power. Never considered graphite as wasn't available when playing before.

About his game: Playing for 20 years, he struggles with a cut. Long irons are a strength, chipping is a

weakness. Never been fitted before, clubs are straight off the shelf. Only carried two woods and wedges.

CURRENT CLUBS

6 IRON BEFORE & AFTER

CURRENT CLUBS

6 IRON BEFORE & AFTER

Irons: Dunlop Tour – from 2010 Set: 4-SW Shafts: True Temper (reg flex) Hybrid: Dunlop Tour 20˚ Wedges: Dunlop Tour 60 & 64˚

Before After Carry: 117 yards 143 yards Spin: 4,800rpm 3,700rpm Launch: 20.5˚ 18˚ Total distance: 132yds 160yds Club speed: 61.1mph 69mph Ball speed: 86.8mph 99.9mph Efficiency: 1.42 1.45

FITTED FOR

FITTER JOE’S ANALYSIS

Irons: 5-6 in the Altitude head and 7-iron to PW in the MT Shafts: Miyazaki C.KUA,Tour Velvet grips Wedges: 48˚ & 54˚ in CB head.

60˚ & 64˚ in RTX head

From 110 yards Paul now has five hitting clubs. We have moved the lie by 3˚ which will help with the shot that drifts right. I wouldn't move more than that, results can become variable. Paul understands his game.

PAUL’S VERDICT ON THE FITTING I’m keen to carry four wedges to give a range of shots with a full swing. I like the lighter feel of the graphite

shaft and satin look in the wedges. It was a brilliant experience; lots of information with great results!

100 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Irons: TaylorMade Firesoles Blend: 3-SW Shafts: Rifles (reg flex) Hybrid: G10 15˚ Wedges: Cleveland CG16 52 & 56˚

FITTED FOR Shafts: Rifle 6.0, Multi Compounds Wedges: RTX XB 48˚ & 52˚, RTX 58˚ & 60˚ low bounce in 60 – all

Very good clubhead speed, thus the stability of the Rifle shaft is helping him control the trajectory on the shorter irons. Better spacing on his wedges – and he will really zip it back with those wedges!

MARK’S VERDICT ON THE FITTING It was an eye-opener how much adjustment is possible with lie and shaft. I’ve had little understanding of that.

After 169 yards 4,098rpm 18.1˚ 184yds 77.7mph 112.5mph 1.45

FITTER JOE’S ANALYSIS

Irons: MT4-iron

wedges are too upright

Before Carry: 160 yards Spin: 4,271rpm Launch: 14.8˚ Total distance: 175yds Club speed: 76.7mph Ball: 111.1mph Efficiency: 1.45

Love the new irons’ feel – particularly the wedges. Bad shots with the more forgiving clubs give more carry.

NCG pp101 Display Ads 22/03/2013 12:50 Page 101

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inc. UK postage

TO ORDER YOUR BALL BUDDY TEL 07706410257 OR 07706410258 OR EMAIL US ON: ENQUIRIES@MYBALLBUDDY.COM

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 101

NCG pp102-103 Fitting Centres 22/03/2013 14:30 Page 102

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

EQUIPMENT INSIGHT

FITTING CENTRES To get the most from your gear, you need a proper fitting. Here are 12 top options

NCG pp102-103 Fitting Centres 22/03/2013 14:30 Page 103

in association with

Location: Scotland

Location: Llanelli

We are central Scotland’s finest golf fitting solution, using Flightscope X2 Radar within our performance lab to assess which clubs are most suited to you.

After fitting, we build your clubs in the same way as they do on tour. Manufacturers have no standard measurement of loft, lie, length, flex etc, so for example one company’s stiff shaft is another company’s regular! Using our sophisticated machines we match your clubs to exactly your specifications and don’t just leave it to chance.

Here at Moray Golf Club in Lossiemouth, we offer a wide range of trial clubs and iron fitting solutions with leading brands including TaylorMade, Titleist, Ping and Wilson.

We also have the GC2 Launch monitor as used by the world’s top equipment manufacturers to help get the right equipment to suit your needs!

We are currently offering customers a FREE Adjustable Wood Fitting and FREE After Sales Lesson to ensure that your woods are set up correctly.

Machynys Academy is based in Llanelli and run by head professional and renowned golf coach Mark Govier. Machynys is a fitting centre which offers all the major brands at excellent prices whilst also offering TrackMan, the finest fitting radar technology.

It hosts a 21 bay floodlit range with UKs largest indoor putting green.

The staff are PGA professionals and expert custom fitters who offer the highest level of expertise to help you select the right clubs.

01506 844356 • www.graemebellgolf.com

01343 813330 • www.johnmurraypgapro.co.uk

01554 744888 • www.machynys.com

PHILLIPS GOLF DISCOUNT

JAMES WHITAKER GOLF

MATTHEW GILLINGHAM

Location: Newcastle

Location: West Yorkshire

Location: Cheshire

Philips Golf Discount are the largest independent retailer in the North East, specialising in Custom Fit irons and woods. Regional fitting centre for Mizuno and Wilson, and no.1 fitting centre for Taylormade, Ping, Titleist, Cobra, Callaway, Cleveland, Nike etc.

Using Flightscope technology with over 30 years PGA experience for the ultimate custom fit. You’ve tried the rest now try the best. Call 01912 680008 or email pgdnel@yahoo.co.uko book an appointment.

Free fitting with every purchase.

J Whitaker Golf deal with all major suppliers including Nike, TaylorMade, Titleist, Ping, Callaway, Mizuno and Bridgestone, and provides an unbiased fitting without brand loyalties. We have access to specialised shafts to suit every swing, strength and ability. Customers benefit from access to indoor and outdoor facilities. Your shots with all test clubs will be analysed with the top of the range TrackMan radar system, so you can have confidence that you will receive the ultimate fitting experience.

Opened in December 2012, the Player Performance Centre at The Wilmslow is the premier location in the North of England to be custom fitted for the top four brands in golf.

The qualified fitting experts utilise TrackMan to give the most accurate feedback available for your swing/game guaranteeing you walk away with the correct specification on your new clubs. We are conveniently located close to, and easy to find from, the M6 and M56. We are open seven days a week.

0191 268 0008 • www.philipsgolf.co.uk

jwgolf.co.uk • james@jwgolf.co.uk 01132665209

01565 873620 • www.thewilmslowgolfclub.co.uk

WWW.RICHARD BALLARDGOLF.COM

GOLF SUPPORT

CUSTOM LAB

Location: Gloucestershire

Location: Nottinghamshire

Location: Bedfordshire

Golf lessons, custom-fitting service, a pro shop and practice facilities located on Mile End Road in Coleford, Forest of Dean (GL16 7QD).

Custom fitting available seven days a week on the Flightscope x2 radar launch monitor.

Richard Ballard golf specialises in bespoke fitting of the world renowned VEGA forged irons and wedges along with Ping G25, the TaylorMade R1 and the fantastic RocketBladez woods and irons.

Lessons also available seven days a week.

Offering a high street superstore in Mansfield and specialised custom fitting online, our six PGA professionals and two dedicated fitters boast over 20 years’ combined experience and offer unbiased fitting of all major brands. Fitting costs 25 in store with 10 reduction from purchase. Our Flightscope GC2 system is backed up by GASP Video Analysis for the most accurate data on the market. We ensure UK lowest prices and offer loyalty points against all purchases. Why go anywhere else?

The Custom Lab fitting service is distinguished from others by the knowledge, training and experience of our fitting staff. Our customers receive a first-class fitting service followed by recommending the latest technology in golf equipment tailored to suit your game, at unbeatable prices. All custom fitting is carried out on our driving range using the ‘FlightScope’ Launch Monitor. FREE Titleist Pro V1 golf balls (sleeve of three, value £10.99) upon placing any custom fit orders in April/May 2013.

07779712323 • Richard@richardballardgolf.com

0844 324 6766 • Golfsupport.co.uk

01525 860800 • gavin.hay@golfx.co.uk

DARTFORD GOLF CLUB

GOLF PRINCIPLES LTD

GLENN RICHARDS

Location: Kent

Location: Basingstoke

Location: Devon

We have 30 years of custom-fitting experience and offer free fitting when clubs are purchased.

Our PGA technology tutor John Gregory will be on hand to help. www.thegolfgripstore.co.uk is also based at Dartford and boasts the largest selection of golf grips in the South. Each grip sold is fitted to the individual’s needs to ensure that the player gets the perfect grip.

Once you have decided on what grip is best, it will be fitted by a PGA professional.

We work at our independent fitting studio in Basingstoke. Like a fingerprint, we believe that all of our customers are different and need to be thoroughly assessed in order for us to fit them for their clubs. We do this using our state-of-the-art TrackMan technology. The main areas that we will measure you for include; ball speed and smash factor, launch and spin, flex and dispersion and length and lie. We are specialists in club and shaft technology.

If you are looking for a truly great experience at one of Devon’s premier fitting centres, then visit PGA professional Glenn Richards at Tavistock Golf Club.

We offer a professional service from an experienced custom-fit specialist, and are an authorised custom fitting centre for Ping, Titleist, Mizuno, TaylorMade and Wilson. Demo days are hosted throughout the season and both indoor and outdoor facilities are available. A state-of-the-art launch monitor is used for fitting, making for a truly professional experience.

01322 226409 • www.thegolfgripstore.co.uk

01252686246 • www.golfprinciplesltd.co.uk

01822 612316 • www.glennrichards.co.uk

SOUTH

Location: Scotland

MIDLANDS

MACHYNYS GOLF ACADEMY

NORTH

MORAY GOLF CLUB

SCOTLAND/WALES

LINLITHLOW GOLF CLUB

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 103

Stride.indd 1

14/2/13 23:26:19

NCG pp105-107 Fashion 22/03/2013 16:19 Page 105

FASHION

LIGHT

KNITWEAR

Perfect for changeable spring days

GLENBRAE Merino SRP: £89.99

NCG pp105-107 Fashion 22/03/2013 16:20 Page 106

CALLAWAY Viggo SRP: £79.99

ABACUS

FOOTJOY

Saunton SRP: £99.99

Men’s Essential Chill-out SRP: £60

STROMBERG Riviera SRP: £40

DUNLOP Knit Golf Vest SRP: £12.99

NIKE 1/2 zip broken stripe SRP: £70

GOLFINO Bubble Extrafine merino SRP: £99.95

IJP DESIGN Parquet: Electric Blue SRP: £74.95

PING COLLECTION Benito tank SRP: £54.99

106 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp105-107 Fashion 22/03/2013 16:21 Page 107

SUNICE

ABACUS

CUTTER AND BUCK

Clermont water resistant Merino SRP: £59.99

Milano SRP: £79.99

Cotton V-Neck SRP: £39.95

TOMMY HILFIGER Greenwich SRP: £85

LYLE & SCOTT Sweater SRP: £80

GOLFINO

CALVIN KLEIN Technical Pullover SRP: £49.95

IJP DESIGN

Gassed Pima cotton v-neck SRP: £139

Diamond in the Rough: Poppy SRP: £64.95

DUNLOP Argyle Sweater SRP: £16.99

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 107

NCG pp108-109 Equipment Directory 21/03/2013 15:43 Page 108

EQUIPMENT DIRECTORY T: 01233 666000 F: 01233 666300 E: sales@electrokart.com W: www.electrokart.com

THE WEIGHT

IS OVER

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Weight 8kg, taking 40kg from your buggy for improved performance & distance • 2 year warranty on pack • Constant power flow which means no voltage drop over • 18 holes of golf • Upto 10 times longer life • Faster charging.

Also available Lithium Packs for golf trolleys from £199.00

ARS 1 YE EE FR NCE RA INSU Shown with optional arm rests The TRIO Golf Cart and the Eventer help you enjoy a full 18 holes of golf a day. Sit back and relax in the sprung seat, as you drive between holes, conserving your energy for when you really need it - playing your shot.

Forward and reverse gears give manoeuvrability. TRIO is stable, virtually maintenance free, and assembled in under two minutes. So, if you need that extra help, and are interested in extending the enjoyment of your golfing life, phone us today!

UPGRADE KIT

GET AROUND FOR YEARS TO COME! MAJOR SUPPLIERS TO THE HANDIGOLF FOUNDATION A CHARITABLE TRUST FOR THE HANDICAPPED GOLFER

Write or phone today for colour brochure

PATTERSON PRODUCTS Bring Style to the Course

Unit 6, Fordwater Trading Estate, Ford Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8HG.

Tel: 01932 579067/Fax: 01932 570084 www.patterson.co.uk

Made in England

108 APRIL 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp108-109 Equipment Directory 21/03/2013 15:43 Page 109

'The Dean Davis Golf Show' is an experience not to be missed!

The show is an impressive demonstration of what you can do with a little white ball and anything that vaguely looks like a golf club.

Dean performs some of his most astonishing acts of golfing genius ever to be seen using clubs made from Hoses, Piping, Hammers, Fishing Rods to everyday household items.

Visiting a number of countries around the world, Dean's show has proved a great success and guests have been left in amazement as he performs some of the most astonishing tricks.

For further information please visit the website.

Mobile: 07717 577 834 Website: www.golftrickshotshow.com Email: info@golftrickshotshow.com

Universal Sky Pictures Ltd Microdrone Aerial & Specialist Photography Attract vital new business with TEE-TO-GREEN ‘ Drone’ helicopter photography! Qualified & award winning photographers produce a video for your website that will showcase your principle fairways with ‘ fly through’ videography and more Full day’ s Photography of your site with both ground and aerial photographs and video. Under £1000 complete. To see samples Visit universalskypictures.co.uk (Golf Club Photography page)

Nationwide service.

Call John Hollidge 07890 448 805 for more info

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | APRIL 2013 109

“Golf Wear Designed

by Golfers�

Stromberg-Golf

StrombergGolf

www.stromberggolf.com

NCG pp111 Instruction Lead 22/03/2013 15:26 Page 111

Instruction section in association with

The UK’s Largest Golf Retail Group

YOUR GAME Hit it further and straighter | Hole more putts | Sharpen your short game | Golf psychology | Fitness tips

ADD MORE FEEL TO YOUR PUTTING Neil Darnell explains how a blindfold can lead to greater touch on the greens How many of you are actually in tune with the feel of your stroke and, with it, the resulting ability to control distance?

All too often we rely on the visual feedback we receive as a golfer.

Whenever we buy a new putter our focus shifts from visual to internal and we are fully focused on the feel and weight of the new putter.

It is then no surprise that the performance improves for a short time.

To help refine your feel, try putting with your eyes closed. Try and sense the overall rhythm and flow of the stroke.

Is there an over acceleration? Is there a sense of ‘hit’ in the stroke anywhere? Your stroke should feel fluid and smooth throughout.

THE NEXT STEP Once you have done this, then try to hit some putts to a target.

• Go through your normal routine and then close your eyes as you execute the putt.

• Before you look at the target, try and guess if the putt is short or long of the target – I bet you get the majority right!

• Take a lot of confidence from this. If you know without looking what is short or long, by definition you must know what right is!

So, now you can TRUST your stroke and hole some putts.

Neil Darnell is the head pro at Mannings Heath which is home to two championship courses in Sussex. He is one of over 1,000 Foremost pros from all over the UK. Visit www.manningsheath.com

THE UK’S LARGEST GOLF RETAIL GROUP WWW.FOREMOSTGOLF.COM

HIS shot is one that in the golfing fraternity is regarded as the hardest to get correct.

The difficulty lies in knowing how to tackle it – whether to play it as splash shot or a fairway bunker shot.

A major fault I see from club golfers is that they either just flop it out in front of them or thin it aggressively over the green with little or no control.

I have two ways to play this shot. Both should be of use to you on the course but I recommend having a look to see which appeals more to you.

T

FIND YOUR NEAREST FOREMOST PROFESSIONAL AT WWW.FOREMOSTGOLF.COM

HIGH TEE, OR FOOD FOR THOUGHT? How to hit your fairways as well off the deck as you do from the tee

There are two ways to play the feared long bunker shot. Choose which one you fancy...

OPTION 1 This shot is suited for the majority of long bunker situations as the ball flight will tend to be mid to high and stop on the green. It is definitely better if you are close to the lip and need a higher launch.

The shot and contact here is the same as a greenside bunker shot, where the main emphasis is on striking the sand before the ball so the ball flies high and lands soft. However because the nature of the shot is to create distance, changes at set-up will be crucial for this. n SQUARE CLUBFACE n SQUARER STANCE n LONGER SWING WITH ACCELERATION n CHANGE TO LESS LOFT 112 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

I

Why you need a different swing path for your driver to hit it straighter and further off the tee

The main reason comes largely from the player’s use of tee height.

Typically they tee the ball in a similar way to the driver, with at least half the ball above the top edge of the clubface. This gives them the same freedom and confidence to swish away like they do with their driver.

The problem is that they are encouraging too much of an

ascending blow with a club that is, firstly, designed to be hit down with, and secondly, required to hit down with when the ball is on the fairway. Watch Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods when they use their fairway woods from either a tee peg or the grass; they typically take a little divot, which shows the clubhead is still working down as it moves through the ball!

Guy Wills is head professional at Fulford in York. He is one of over 1,000 Foremost pros from all over the UK to give tuition. For more www.willsgolf.co.uk

OPTION 2 This is played with the set-up very similar to that of playing a pitch shot. The changes take place more in the set-up than during the swing, as the key to success here is striking the ball first and not the sand. This will, however, create a lower launch and it is therefore important you check the lip of the bunker before you decide on this shot. n GRIP ½ INCH DOWN SHAFT n NARROW AND OPEN STANCE n BALL BACK IN STANCE n 60% OF WEIGHT ON LEFT

let's start with that position at address. These yellow lines show how the position of the ball, my hands and my nose.

THE SET-UP I like to see half of the ball above the crown of the driver at address. Tee it up accordingly.

It allows me to hit the ball with the face’s sweetspot and also encourages the fluid, sweeping action we want to achieve.

THE IMPACT POSITION Look how my head is behind the ball as the clubhead is about to make impact. From here I can

turn my body through the ball, pulling my belt buckle to the target and sending the ball powerfully through the air.

THE FOLLOW-THROUGH Swinging through in balance is an under-rated part of a solid swing. The ball may have long

gone but it is not irrelevant; finishing in balance is a sure sign of a good rhythm. So let's try to do that every time.

T is important to realise that you need a different type of swing for your driver – and to more or less a similar degree your fairway woods – than you do your irons. Next month I’ll explain how to hit your irons more sweetly but for now we will concentrate on the driver.

Personally, I like to see my pupils focus more on accuracy than distance but, happily, these tips will assist you in improving both aspects of your driving.

What's more, they are very simple – so you can integrate them in your game very quickly.

I

OFFER READER fitting

FREE woodlesson + FREE golf = Better Visit stgolf.com foremo

Both these shots are to be practised as uncertainty is the largest problem for golfers. So get out there and try them. www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 113

THE BASICS To sweep the ball off the tee powerfully we must have our body behind it at impact – so

4

X

Shot on location at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club

THE HARDEST SHOT IN GOLF?

UPWARDS AND ONWARDS

OFTEN see players crack their fairway woods so well from a tee peg that they nearly out perform their driver... but come nowhere near replicating that kind of quality strike with the same club from the fairway – the very place the club was designed to be used!

If this scenario sounds like you, these tips will help.

The lack of a descending attack by amateurs leads to shots from the fairway being poorly struck as they end up using the wrong part of the clubface to hit the ball.

This often results in topped and/or weak shots with no height, trajectory or energy.

To help improve your wood shots from the fairway, the first

Shot on location at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club

114 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

priority is to get used to a lower tee height that will focus you into attacking down and forward with the face of the club more.

This will make the transition to playing from the fairway so much easier and you will immediately experience more solid contact, a better, more consistent trajectory and more fairway distance.

Stuart is the professional at Eastwood GC near Glasgow. He is one of over 1,000 Foremost pros from all over the UK to give tuition. www.stuartwilsonpro.co.uk

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 115

Andrew Gilchrist is Director of Golf at Guacalito de la Isla, a new David McLay Kidd-designed course in Nicaragua. For more details visit guacalitodelaisla.com

118 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 119

ALSO INSIDE n QUICK EXIT P112 Master the long sand shot n WOOD WORK P114 Rip them off the fairways n DRIVE TIME P118 Why you need to develop a driver-specific swing

NCG pp112-113 Wills Foremost 22/03/2013 12:26 Page 112

THE HARDEST SHOT IN GOLF? There are two ways to play the feared long bunker shot. Choose which one you fancy...

OPTION 1 This shot is suited for the majority of long bunker situations as the ball flight will tend to be mid to high and stop on the green. It is definitely better if you are close to the lip and need a higher launch.

The shot and contact here is the same as a greenside bunker shot, where the main emphasis is on striking the sand before the ball so the ball flies high and lands soft. However because the nature of the shot is to create distance, changes at set-up will be crucial for this. n SQUARE CLUBFACE n SQUARER STANCE n LONGER SWING WITH ACCELERATION n CHANGE TO LESS LOFT

112 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp112-113 Wills Foremost 22/03/2013 12:26 Page 113

THE UK’S LARGEST GOLF RETAIL GROUP WWW.FOREMOSTGOLF.COM

HIS shot is one that in the golfing fraternity is regarded as the hardest to get correct.

The difficulty lies in knowing how to tackle it – whether to play it as splash shot or a fairway bunker shot.

A major fault I see from club golfers is that they either just flop it out in front of them or thin it aggressively over the green with little or no control.

I have two ways to play this shot. Both should be of use to you on the course but I recommend having a look to see which appeals more to you.

T

Shot on location at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club

Guy Wills is head professional at Fulford in York. He is one of over 1,000 Foremost pros from all over the UK to give tuition. For more www.willsgolf.co.uk

OPTION 2 This is played with the set-up very similar to that of playing a pitch shot. The changes take place more in the set-up than during the swing, as the key to success here is striking the ball first and not the sand. This will, however, create a lower launch and it is therefore important you check the lip of the bunker before you decide on this shot. n GRIP ½ INCH DOWN SHAFT n NARROW AND OPEN STANCE n BALL BACK IN STANCE n 60% OF WEIGHT ON LEFT Both these shots are to be practised as uncertainty is the largest problem for golfers. So get out there and try them.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 113

NCG pp114-115 Wilson Instruction 22/03/2013 14:31 Page 114

HIGH TEE, OR FOOD FOR THOUGHT? How to hit your fairways as well off the deck as you do from the tee

OFFER READERood fitting

FREE w lesson + FREE r golf = Bette Visit om stgolf.c foremo

114 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp114-115 Wilson Instruction 22/03/2013 14:32 Page 115

FIND YOUR NEAREST FOREMOST PROFESSIONAL AT WWW.FOREMOSTGOLF.COM OFTEN see players crack their fairway woods so well from a tee peg that they nearly out perform their driver... but come nowhere near replicating that kind of quality strike with the same club from the fairway – the very place the club was designed to be used!

If this scenario sounds like you, these tips will help.

I

The main reason comes largely from the player’s use of tee height.

Typically they tee the ball in a similar way to the driver, with at least half the ball above the top edge of the clubface. This gives them the same freedom and confidence to swish away like they do with their driver.

The problem is that they are encouraging too much of an

ascending blow with a club that is, firstly, designed to be hit down with, and secondly, required to hit down with when the ball is on the fairway. Watch Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods when they use their fairway woods from either a tee peg or the grass; they typically take a little divot, which shows the clubhead is still working down as it moves through the ball!

4

X

The lack of a descending attack by amateurs leads to shots from the fairway being poorly struck as they end up using the wrong part of the clubface to hit the ball.

This often results in topped and/or weak shots with no height, trajectory or energy.

To help improve your wood shots from the fairway, the first

Shot on location at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club

priority is to get used to a lower tee height that will focus you into attacking down and forward with the face of the club more.

This will make the transition to playing from the fairway so much easier and you will immediately experience more solid contact, a better, more consistent trajectory and more fairway distance.

Stuart is the professional at Eastwood GC near Glasgow. He is one of over 1,000 Foremost pros from all over the UK to give tuition. www.stuartwilsonpro.co.uk

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 115

walk 18, feel like you played 9 Crocs hybrid golf shoes combine legendary Crocs comfort with the stability and traction of a modern golf shoe.

The patented one-piece technology not only dramatically reduces the weight of the shoe, but also increases player comfort and improves traction and stability.

All this makes Crocs the first truly hybrid golf shoe.

And it delivers on performance, comfort and style.

www.golftech.eu - www.crocs.com/golf office@golftech.at -

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NCG pp117 Nicol Instruction 22/03/2013 14:32 Page 117

LEFT HAND DOWN

Simple drill stabilises your left shoulder to create a neutral swing path and solid irons shots

HIS left-hand only drill is a great multipurpose drill to help create left shoulder stability, neutral path and clubface and left-arm extension.

Starting in the delivery position; give gravity a helping hand by un-cocking your left wrist as you push the clubhead down through where the ball would be to a point where your left hand is hip high through impact.

T

By pushing the clubhead down through impact (not pulling it), you stabilise your left shoulder through the hit. This in turn helps create a neutral path and clubface, maximises the radius of your swing and promotes the downward motion required for consistently solid strikes with irons.

Gary Nicol has worked with over 30 tour professionals and is a co-founder of TPEGS along with Andrew Coltart. TPEGS started life as Tour Pro Experience Golf Schools in 2011 providing golf schools to golfers of all standards, from beginners to winners. www.tpegs.com

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 117

NCG pp118-119 Guacalito Instruction 22/03/2013 14:33 Page 118

UPWARDS AND ONWARDS Why you need a different swing path for your driver to hit it straighter and further off the tee

T is important to realise that you need a different type of swing for your driver – and to more or less a similar degree your fairway woods – than you do your irons. Next month I’ll explain how to hit your irons more sweetly but for now we will concentrate on the driver.

Personally, I like to see my pupils focus more on accuracy than distance but, happily, these tips will assist you in improving both aspects of your driving.

What's more, they are very simple – so you can integrate them in your game very quickly.

I

Andrew Gilchrist is Director of Golf at Guacalito de la Isla, a new David McLay Kidd-designed course in Nicaragua. For more details visit guacalitodelaisla.com

118 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp118-119 Guacalito Instruction 22/03/2013 14:34 Page 119

THE BASICS To sweep the ball off the tee powerfully we must have our body behind it at impact – so

let's start with that position at address. These yellow lines show how the position of the ball, my hands and my nose.

THE SET-UP I like to see half of the ball above the crown of the driver at address. Tee it up accordingly.

It allows me to hit the ball with the face’s sweetspot and also encourages the fluid, sweeping action we want to achieve.

THE IMPACT POSITION Look how my head is behind the ball as the clubhead is about to make impact. From here I can

turn my body through the ball, pulling my belt buckle to the target and sending the ball powerfully through the air.

THE FOLLOW-THROUGH Swinging through in balance is an under-rated part of a solid swing. The ball may have long

gone but it is not irrelevant; finishing in balance is a sure sign of a good rhythm. So let's try to do that every time.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 119

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NCG pp121 PlaneSwing Instruction 22/03/2013 14:37 Page 121

PLANE AND SIMPLE PGA pro Tony Westwood, who owns the Westwood Golf Academy in Chichester, explains how he uses the PlaneSwing trainer – and how it could help your game

IS WHAT ING? W S E wing PLAN sthetic s

l kinae powerfu ing is a PlaneSw that promises a swing l a r e e id in r a you plane tr er wing on by form atable s veloped e d pro, and repe n lf e o e g r has b a forme , rk plane. It la C te s el ny r CEO To multi-adjustable Explana a r, s e e d s li pri d PowerS d an and com weighte an hoop, a neGuide r la P ecker, a use s lu PlaneCh P t. nt ma alignme d video. guide an

For more about PlaneSwing visit www.planeswing.com For more on Tony Westwood visit www.westwoodgolf.co.uk

CURING THE SLICE

STOP COMING OVER THE TOP

LOSE YOUR SHANK

PlaneSwing is the perfect tool to help slicers.

The first thing I look for is tension. If there is tension in their wrists then allowing the clubface to move through the ball with forearm rotation and a strong release will be very challenging. Once I am happy they have relaxed their wrists I will set up again at the optimal angle and, once in PlaneSwing, I will help them to move the PowerSlider (a weighted club that stretches and trains the golfing muscles) back and through, encouraging the forearms to rotate and wrists to hinge. This means that with the hands in the 9 o’clock position and hinged, the PowerSlider will be at 11 o’clock.

Allow the PowerSlider to move down the hoop with gravity only and re-hinge into the followthrough, encouraging aggressive, and initially excessive, forearm rotation. When the hands get to the 3 o’clock position the PowerSlider will be at 1 o’clock. Repeating this process will ingrain the motion and it will be easily replicated when youplay the shot.

If a player is coming over the top, PlaneSwing is perfect to help them understand how to keep the club moving up and down a similar plane.

First, I get them to take a neutral grip and enter PlaneSwing. I check how they are turning their body on the backswing. PlaneSwing ‘frames’ their swing, providing unrivalled feedback and allows a quick check of body movement. Once I am happy they are turning I set the PlaneSwing at the optimal angle again and ask the player to step back onto the mat in what would look like an ‘open stance’ position.

This places the PlaneSwing hoop behind them and encourages the player to move the PowerSlider on an inside path and then retain the same angle on the downswing. Imagine driving the butt end of the PowerSlider towards the impact position on the downswing.

Using this drill regularly and then when hitting the ball you focus on the club approaching the inside of the ball, then your ‘over the top’ days will disappear.

The most feared ‘bad’ shot in golf can be cured with some time on the PlaneSwing.

Set-up in PlaneSwing in a normal square position with the plane set at the optimal angle for you – assuming you are gripping the PowerSlider at the bottom of the grip – thereby simulating a shorter club.

Make a backswing with your body turning and hands arriving at the 9 o’clock position and fully hinged to 90˚.

Now allow the PowerSlider to begin to move down towards the 6 o’clock position, with the hands moving faster than the body can turn – letting the wrists unhinge freely.

As the PowerSlider moves past the 6 o’clock position and through to the 4 o’clock position you should feel as though your shoulders are following the PowerSlider through and not leading the swing.

Repeat this motion and then step out to replicate this motion with your club. If you have the opportunity to hit balls, do. www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 121

NCG pp122 Columnist KM 22/03/2013 14:38 Page 122

GOLF PSYCHOLOGY

KARL MORRIS Try practising on the course if you can’t bring your range game to competitions OFTEN ask the players I work with how much practice they do on the course. The look I generally get is one of: “Why on earth would I do that? Practice is what I do on the range. Surely I go to the course to play golf.”

Yet this single issue is maybe one of the main reasons why most golfers know the person who goes to the range and they know the person who goes out to play on the course – and they are not the same.

We are a unique sport in the sense that most of our practice is done in an environment which has little or no bearing on the actual game. I’d imagine a snooker player does most of his practice on a snooker table, a tennis player on a court and footballer on a pitch, yet as golfers we spend hour after hour on a range that is about as far removed from the context of the course as it is possible to be.

Remember those two words as you go forward with your game this year – context and environment.

Both factors have a huge impact on you psychologically. Do you behave the same way in the environment called a football terrace as you would in the environment called the office?

Hopefully not!

We are shaped enormously by the environment and the context we find ourselves in. Our brain ‘codes’ these environments and creates templates of how to respond in these specific locations. The context called ‘wedding reception’ brings out a certain type of behaviour that is structured to respond to the situation the brain is presented with just as the context called ‘stag party’ brings out an altogether different set of behaviours.

Much of the testing and analysis we do with our golf, such as putting labs and fitting centres, take place in an environment very different than the one we play in. This doesn’t mean we can’t gain valuable information with these scientific aids but we must understand they cannot tell the whole story of how that particular person will respond in the environment of a course and the context of a competition. The more you are exposed to a particular environment and a particular context the more your brain will find a way of dealing with the situation and making the best of it. Yet if we continually avoid the situation and hide in

I

122 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Nona tests GMac is now playing more members

‘Graeme is playing more games to get his brain tuned into ‘match mode’’ the sanctuary of the range then your brain will constantly feel ill at ease on the course. Maybe this year you decide you are going to do things a little differently and give your brain a chance to adapt to the course environment by actually spending more time there.

You can play some wonderful practice games on the course that will have a big impact on your game and you will start to find there is less trepidation in playing come tournament time.

Even the very best players fall into this trap.

Graeme McDowell admitted to me recently that he had become a little bit too fond of walking out of his villa at Lake Nona and just bashing golf balls on the range which is right next to his house. This year marked a new commitment for him to play more roll-up

games with the members to get his brain tuned into ‘match mode’. Here are some suggestions for games to play that will not only develop your game but are fun to do as well. * Three Club Challenge – take just three clubs out with you and your putter and see how you get on. You will be surprised at how creative you can become. * Worst Ball – only when the course is quiet but play two balls on each hole and select the worst ball all the way into the hole. This is tough but well worth the effort. * Iron Off The Tee – play nine holes only hitting an iron off the tee, again you will be surprised as to how low you will score.

Just a few examples of the many games I get the players I work with to play. The main aspect is to commit to playing more so that your brain gets used to the context of golf in the environment of the course. n Experience an extraordinary three days at the Mind Factor Certification course - for coaches and players with Karl Morris will be held in Manchester in November.

Details at www.themindfactor.com

“

The Desert links design at The Els Club Dubai makes it a very special golf course and everyone at Ernie Els Design is understandably proud of what we’ve achieved.

I think it’s a strong test for players of all standards and in my view there’s no better venue for the finals of The Matchplay Championship.

“

Ernie Els

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The events are Matchplay format with competitors drawn against others from their region for the initial knockout stages. Players are notified and given a date by which they must play their rounds and then inform the organiser of the result. ‘Courtesy of the Course’ is often granted for the qualifying rounds.

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The Grand Final itinerary is simply wonderful. It includes: • International return flights to Dubai • A practice four-ball round of golf • 3-day competition at The Els Club, Dubai • 7 nights’ accommodation, breakfast and evening dinner at the magnificent 5-star JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai • Prize giving Gala Dinner.

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Wirral Golf Classic 20/03/2013 16:50 Page 1

NCG pp125 Fitness Wilson 22/03/2013 14:38 Page 125

FITNESS FOR GOLF TOUR SECRETS

MY FIVE-DAY FITNESS PLAN,

by Ryder Cup player Oliver Wilson

No matter what you do you should aim to have a strong, balanced body. The aim would be to have good rotational control for the golf side of it and, if you have a consistent body like that, theoretically you should have a consistent swing.

Only when you have achieved a stronger balanced body should you introduce more golf specific exercises like the rotational and strengthening of your obliques, glutes and your hips.

I have been guilty of doing so much on balance, exercise balls and all this small mobility stuff but it is not really making massive gains. For me you have to build up to the hardcore training with correct technique to target the weaknesses.

I have completely changed my training in the last six months and have seen much bigger gains than in the past four years. Now I have built my training up where I am doing squats and heavy lifts and am strong enough to swing the club how I want to.

I train five days a week now and have built that up so I can train at a tournament and not be fatigued.

I have three strength training days where I am doing front and back squats, lunges and heavier weights where I am exhausting and building the muscle and then two days of power-bag training for rotational purposes.

I had three weeks off over Christmas where I just wanted to get away from golf and, when I picked up the club again, it felt like I hadn’t had any time off which was a first and all due to the continuous power-bag training.

That’s when you realise it is working. You need to keep track of all your training so you can tally if

TURN

FOR A 1 OVER S WARM-T TEE ROUTIN UP E...

any of it has had a negative effect on your game.

I have always had some issues with my neck so I saw a specialist last year and have got a strap which I attach to my head and a machine so I do a cable workout. I no longer have any issues and my posture is neutral now with my ears above my shoulders.

I have improved my thoracic rotation nearly 10˚ each way in the last six months which I had been trying to do for two years. That allows me to swing and rotate so much more naturally.

I used to have this really annoying problem where I would be horrendous at the start of any warm up. My misalignment problem was a muscle weakness and I would swing it terribly, now I am more balanced straightaway.

You have different phases of workouts over the course of the year and you’ll work on certain

things for 2-3 months at a time. At tournaments I will have a strength workout on the Monday, practice round on Tuesday followed by a short workout on mobility and core. Wednesday is another practice followed by a combination of leg exercises and core and

WHAT IS FITKIT PRO? FKPro is a two strap, suspended bodyweight system to aid weight loss, core stability, flexibility, power, balance, stamina and strength. Used in personal suspension training and fitness throughout the UK. FKPro can be used virtually anywhere, is light and easily portable. Visit fkpro.co.uk

stretching and then it is dictated by tee times but I will try and get in another solid workout. You really don’t want to go backwards so it is a fine balance of keeping everything going.

I now travel with a FitKit Pro so I can do a workout in my hotel room and attach some straps to the door and still do stuff to get the body fired up.

I always stick to specific rest times between exercises which makes it a cardio workout as well. I think you will be better off doing a guided weights programme rather than cardio to get in shape as, if you have weaknesses, it can cause injuries if you are not a fit and active person already. Cardio doesn't mean you will get knee problems, it just means if you are not fit then jumping on the treadmill can cause more harm, as can doing a weights programme with incorrect technique.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 125

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01/04/2009 14:17

NCG pp127 Fitness 22/03/2013 15:59 Page 127

LET’S GET THINGS STARTED

FOCUS ON THE SIDE MUSCLES

TWISTING YOUR TRUNK

Grab an iron from your bag take a wide grip on the shaft, with it held out parallel in front of you. Then simply raise it over your head, nice and slowly – but continuosly. Keep your back straight with a little bend in your knees.

Now with the same grip, we add a little lateral bend. So, starting with the club above your head, lower your left hand (keeping both arms extended) until you feel the stretch in the hip and left of your trunk. Repeat from the other side.

Now we’re going to get your tummy, lower back and shoulders warmed up with a trunk rotation. With the same grip and keeping your belt buckle facing front, turn your upper body so you end up looking over your left shoulder.

MOVING INTO THE GOLF ZONE

FEEL YOUR BACK LOOSEN

GETTING TO THE TOP

By now your bigger upper body muscles are getting warmer, so we can afford to raise the difficulty level a touch. Adopt your golf posture while still holding both ends of the shaft as before – and it should be parallel to the floor.

Begin to swing back as you would in your golf motion. Having your hands apart like this will really stretch your important golf muscles. Try to keep the knee of your back leg (so, right for right-handers) flexed at the top for maximum stretch.

Finally, get to the top of swing and pause momentarily before ‘swinging through’ as you normally would. Complete 20 turns back and through. Now, you are ready to hit your first drive of the day - with no stiffness.

THE TWO-MINUTE

EMERGENCY

WARM-UP

Get your muscles ready for golf in 120 seconds...

WE all know we should turn up for our tee time half an hour early, undergo a leisurely stretch on the range, hit 50 balls and finish off with at least five minutes’ putting on the practice green before strolling over to the 1st tee.

In reality, we arrive nine minutes who is partnering with whom. before we are due to play and it’s And I guarantee it gives you a all we can do to get our shoes on better chance of hitting a sweet and grab a drink from the pro first shot of the day. shop on the way to the tee.

John Sheehy is a personal If this latter scenario sounds trainer based at David Lloyd like you, this quick warm-up will gym in Leeds. He is also a be perfect. You can do it on the golf professional. Call 07988 449936 tee in the time it takes you and or visit davidlloyd.co.uk your playing partners to decide

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 127

NCG pp128 David Lloyd Comp 22/03/2013 14:51 Page 128

WIN A SIX MONTH DAVID LLOYD LEISURE MEMBERSHIP

To enter this fantastic competition visit our website WWW.NATIONALCLUBGOLFER.COM and click on COMPETITIONS. It is FREE to enter!

We’ve teamed up with David Lloyd Leisure, Europe’s premier health, sports and leisure group, to offer one lucky reader a six-month membership at a David Lloyd club of their choice*.

With some 12,500 exercise machines and 10,000 exercise classes each week, 700 tennis courts, 180 badminton courts and 140 squash courts, and more than 150 indoor and outdoor swimming pools, David Lloyd Leisure’s 81 clubs in the UK and 10 across Europe cater for every health and fitness need.

Whether you’re a keen sports enthusiast already or a more laidback leisure seeker, David Lloyd Leisure offers a haven of health and fitness activities all in one place – with the excellence of highly-qualified personal trainers, coaches and exercise instructors, and timetabled classes and courses to slot into your busy life.

The spa areas are a great place to relax and unwind and, after you’ve worked up an appetite, a warm welcome and tasty nutritious dishes are on offer in the clubs’ relaxing DLicious cafebar lounges.

For more information, go to www.davidlloyd.co.uk

To enter, go to our website and answer the following question:

HOW MANY DAVID LLOYD LEISURE CLUBS ARE THERE IN THE UK? A: 21 | B: 51 | C: 81

Terms and conditions apply. Facilities, fees, classes and membership contracts vary by club. Certain activities incur additional costs. By completing your details at www.nationalclubgolfer.com, you will be entered into our free prize draw. All participants will be deemed to have accepted, and be bound by, these terms and conditions, and by any other requirements set out in the promotional material as if they were set out in these terms and conditions. Closing date for the free prize draw is April 30, 2013. The prize is a 6-month individual health & fitness membership OR a 3-month couple’s health & fitness membership at a UK David Lloyd club of their choice (excludes Chelsea Harbour and Notting Hill Harbour clubs, Next Generation Swindon, Amida Spa Farnham and David Lloyd Worcester). The free prize draw is open to UK residents aged 18 or over, excluding employees of the promoter and its associated companies in the David Lloyd Leisure group and their immediate families, or anyone else professionally connected with the promotion.

More Ts & Cs which apply to this comp will be found online.

128 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp129 Display Ads 22/03/2013 15:01 Page 129

GRAB AN EXCEPTIONAL BARGAIN GOLF BREAK TO FRANCE

I

T is rare that offers like this one come along - 3 nights in a three star hotel that includes 3 rounds of golf, breakfast every day and the return Eurotunnel car shuttle crossing from only £218 person. All this to a resort that is only 30 minutes drive from the Eurotunnel terminal in Calais and one that hosts the Saint Omer Open, a PGA Tour event. Last June, South African Darren Fichardt triumphed to claim his third European Tour title.

The hugely impressive Hôtel du Golf – Saint Omer overlooks Aa Saint-Omer Golf Club, one of the most challenging courses in France. This is your chance to stay and to test your game on a golf course that has tested some of the very best in Europe.

What is more, the offer is for travel from April to August provided a Sunday night is included giving you an extensive choice of when to visit.

The Hôtel du Golf – Saint Omer is super hotel. The bedrooms and dining areas are

splendid. It comes into its own as golf short break destinations in the Spring and Summer months - a few nights closer to home at a time when southern Europe can be just a little too hot to be comfortable on the golf course. Add to this the fact the golf course is first class and you really have little reason to go elsewhere in the Pas de Calais region.

The package comes courtesy of Driveline Golf, one of the UK’s leading golf specialist tour operators who have featured the resort for many years and know it intimately. For further details and for bookings, call 01462 817955 or email clubhouse@drivelinegolf.com

www.drivelinegolf.com

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 129

GO TO MACH DUNES — GO HOME WITH A TROPHY What’s even better than playing golf at Machrihanish Dunes? Playing golf at Machrihanish Dunes and bringing home a trophy! Check out the fun and exciting competitions planned for 2013 and sign up soon – places are going fast!

April 13 – Ladies’ Champion of Champions event* - SIGN UP NOW! April 20 – Men’s Champion of Champions event* - SIGN UP NOW! June 15 – Golf in Scotland Tournament June 29 – Summer Open July 28 – Shepherd’s Cross Tournament† September 27-28 – Hickory Golf event‡ October 7-10 – International Pairs Competition October 12 – Autumn Open

ave A Do We H Your ith Trophy W It? Name On

To reserve your spot in any event, or make a booking for a golf break, please phone us at +44 (0)1586 810000.

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*Open to all Scottish Club Champions plus one (1) guest †9 holes on Mach Dunes and 9 holes on Machrihanish GC ‡Hickory club rentals available

NCG pp131 Lead to Travel 22/03/2013 14:55 Page 131

PLAY AWAY Exciting destinations | Latest deals & offers | Connoisseur Clive | Travel hints and tips | Competitions DESTINATION OF THE MONTH

Fancy going Dutch?

HIS small country doesn’t just punch above its weight in football; the golf is also extremely impressive. Because although there are fewer than 200 courses in the Netherlands, among them are some of the finest in Europe. Pictured is Hilversumsche, which has been refreshed by Kyle Phillips recently and is an outstanding heathland. Rosendaelsche is of a similar ilk as is Eindhoven, which was laid out in the 1930s by Harry Colt.

It is however in terms of links that The Netherlands is most impressive. Noordwijkse is considered one of the top 20 courses on the continent, while Royal Hague and Kennemer are equally good. Together these Amsterdambased links make for an appealing long golfing weekend.

T

NCG pp132-133 Connoisseur Clive Marrakech 22/03/2013 14:56 Page 132

Connoisseur

Clive

SHORT HAUL | Morocco

MARRAKECH Our man grapples with the hubbub of the Moroccan souks before kicking back with some golfing treats

Do Visit the Atlas Mountains A short drive away they are phenomenal and, with a tour guide, can be tackled at a leisurely pace. Consider at least a one-night stay.

Enjoy a Hammam These massages can be enjoyed as a couple or on your own and are the perfect relaxation from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Eat in the Djemaa ElFna These are rows of street stalls under giant white tents in the Medina. Where the locals eat – and so should you.

Take knitwear At the risk of sounding like mother, temperatures can dip at night.

Don’t Hire a car However good your driving skills don’t put them to the test here. Take a taxi.

Take things too seriously Prices are hiked up in the souks.

You’re a tourist so they will be.

Clive’s Cigarometer Marrakech scores...

132 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp132-133 Connoisseur Clive Marrakech 22/03/2013 14:56 Page 133

EANS, T-shirt, Rolex, carpet?’ As sales pitches go it was straightforward and to the point but, in truth, it was also misjudged. One look at me would have told him that my jeans and Tshirt days are long gone and, with it, the prospect of being able to afford such a watch. What might not have been quite so obvious was that I’ve just had the downstairs done thanks to the good folk of Carpetright in Bristol.

But I’m being flippant, of course. This month we are in Marrakech, Morocco’s third largest city, or, to be more precise, in the Medina of the old fortified city. This is where it all goes on, both at night and during the day, and if you like your food, leather, sandals, jewellery, pottery, spices, dried fruit, carpets (and haggling) in a huge bundle of Aladdin-type caves then this is for you.

A friend of mine ‘wasn’t fussed’ on Marrakech (it was too ‘in your face’) though he isn’t too fussed with many things.

It is a bit ‘in your face’ but it’s also invigorating and stimulating, there are different smells and sights around every corner.

Without being too wistful it makes you feel young. I love it.

J

Hectic But you must take in a souk

We are on the 1st tee at Royal Golf and I have been paired up with two of our French friends and a hotel owner from Casablanca.

The latter has to take a provisional at the 1st; it is too early for the ‘play it again’ gag and I keep quiet.

Bernard and Alain are sporting white neckerchiefs and, for the next four hours, I can’t look at Bernard without thinking of Charles Hawtrey as he flounces elegantly from one hole to the next. Bernard’s appearance is all quite in keeping with our surrounds. There is a colonial feel to Royal Golf and I’m not the first important guest the club have welcomed, following in the footsteps of Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and Ike Eisenhower.

It is also tropical with every hole lined by 100-year-old vegetation – the only background noise that of squawking birds – and over 15,000 eucalyptus, palm, olive and orange trees.

You will, for a small sum, be accompanied by a caddy. ➤

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 133

Menara Travel Morocco 21/03/2013 15:16 Page 1

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MARRAKECH £389 pp on B&B in PALMERAIE VILLAGE Apartments 4**** £649 pp on B&B in PALMERAIE GOLF PALACE HOTEL 5***** Including: 7 nights on bed & buffet breakfast

+ 4 rounds of golf with your preferred prebooked tee times playing on the PALMERAIE GOLF COURSE + Airport transfers (Valid from 03 Jan – 28 March 2013)

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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 Mazagan Golf Course + 1 round at the ROYAL GOLF EL JADIDA + Airport transfers (shared shuttle - scheduled hours only) from & to CASABLANCA AIRPORT

MOROCCO GOLF FESTIVAL ‘4th edition’ 05 – 12 October 2013 MARRAKECH

For bookings & further details please contact

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NCG pp135 Connoisseur Clive Marrakech 22/03/2013 14:57 Page 135

SHORT HAUL | Morocco

This is a good thing. Within two holes Hassan has cottoned on to the fact that I under-club any approach of over 100 yards (anything under I tend to thin) and, on the cue of his affected scowl, I begin to follow his advice and start hitting more greens.

Two holes stand out for different reasons; the 7th is a majestic par 5 where the trees appeared to be at their grandest while the 15th is the club’s signature hole. It is nicknamed Brigitte, after Brigitte Bardot, because of two large mounds that protect the front of the green.

Barbara Windsor’s name pops up, as do some French actresses. None of us have any idea what the other is talking about but, nevertheless, it lasts the length of the hole.

Within 20 minutes we have circumnavigated the city and are back at the Murano Resort in the Palmaraie part of the city.

Everything here is spacious, the

rooms are enormous and every bathroom is decadently decked out with black marble or mosaic tiles.

Outside there are three hectares of landscaped garden to wander around. If you tire of one pool there are four others to try. This is all about relaxing amid the palm groves, and is the perfect escape from an evening’s bartering for a natty silk scarf.

Food (and massages for that matter) can be served in your room and transfers and taxis can be booked with ease.

And it is back in the taxi for a dawn raid on the Amelkis Golf Club before the three-hour flight home. This is just down the road from the Royal but there are none of the vast areas of woodland, rather huge sand waste grounds, water features and rolling fairways.

At the risk of sounding trite it is a bit linksy though the sea is 100 miles away. This has hosted the European Tour and recently added a third nine, the Green.

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But I am here for the Blue and the Red. This is what holiday golf should be, straightforward enough off the tee with little or no rough.

And sitting in the far distance from every hole, and even some of the positions I found myself in, are the snow-topped Atlas Mountains.

The front nine harvests 21 points at which point Mrs Clive joins me in the buggy and, despite trying to relay that we are on for something incredible, my concentration is broken. Two holes later, having just played through a friendly threeball, we wave back to our new friends now 250 yards away as Mrs C has dropped her book on the tee. It’s the only thing she brought. But there are more important things in life than crashing through the 40-point mark (38 if you’re wondering) and the rest of the round is just lovely – warm temperatures, no cars, quick greens, the odd donkey and taking lines off a peak of the Atlas Mountains. Magic. ◆

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 135

Golf Escapes 20/03/2013 16:51 Page 1

TURKISH GOLFING DELIGHTS!

Cornelia Hotels and Resorts in Belek offer two luxury fivestar hotels and 27 holes of golfing bliss. The level of luxury experienced in the hotels is extremely high, and the quality of facilities, accommodations, and service is among the highest in Europe. Golf Escapes are offering a selection of quality golf packages in the hotels.

1 FREE in 8 on all Cornelia packages Prices are per person & include: 7 nights sharing a twin room based on check-in date + All Inclusive + 3 rounds of golf on Cornelia Faldo + Free golf transfers + Private return airport transfers from Antalya Airport (30 minutes) + Airport meet & greet and service of local reps, Free optional Antalya city tour New Years Eve Gala Dinner – add £40.00 per person

t:01342

Cornelia Faldo Golf Club

Cornelia Diamond Resort

Cornelia Deluxe Resort

This wonderfully natural, pine treelined 27-hole golf course is unquestionably one of the finest in Turkey. Each of the nine hole loops includes several spectacularly elevated tees and greens. Nick Faldo constructed this course in a manner that is extremely sensitive to the existing landscape and golfers of every standard will find it enjoyable, inspiring and challenging. There are 3 18-hole combinations, King, Queen and Prince; all of these offer the same high quality with similar length and difficulty. The straight hitters are rewarded here... Faldo expects fairways to be hit, and wayward shots will be punished – beware!

Cornelia Diamond Resort sits at the very top of the luxury tree and offers guests an extremely high level of service as well as superb facilities, opulent surroundings and great golf.

The modern design of the hotel only enhances its appeal; when you see the grounds of the hotel leading down to the beach you can’t help but be impressed, swimming pools wind their way to the sea past a variety of bars and restaurants as well the hotel’s own amphitheatre.

The hotel also boasts one of the largest Spa facilities in Belek and four à la carte restaurants during winter and eight during the summer season.

Cornelia Deluxe Resort is already a well established favourite and widely regarded as one of the best all inclusive golf resorts in Belek. This beautifully designed hotel has direct access to the stunning sandy beach and offers guests a very high standard of accommodation.

Spacious and well appointed rooms are designed and furnished in bright modern colours and have all the amenities you would expect from a hotel of this quality. If your budget will allow we strongly recommend upgrading to one of the Junior Suites - these two tiered rooms are set away from the main building and surround their own swimming pool.

01 April – 30 April 2013 7 nights + 3 rounds

01 May – 31 May 2013 7 nights + 3 rounds

01 September – 31 October 2013 7 nights + 3 rounds

Cornelia Diamond - £715.00

Cornelia Diamond - £759.00

Cornelia Diamond - £819.00

Cornelia Deluxe - £679.00

Cornelia Deluxe - £725.00

Cornelia Deluxe - £779.00

01 November – 30 November 2013 7 nights + 3 rounds

01 December 2013 – 14 February 2014 7 nights + 3 rounds

15 February – 30 April 2014 7 nights + 3 rounds

Cornelia Diamond - £715.00

Cornelia Diamond - £499.00

Cornelia Diamond - £715.00

Cornelia Deluxe - £679.00

Cornelia Deluxe - £469.00

Cornelia Deluxe - £679.00

OR... to book with a local agent, try our sister company

811777 e:info@golf-escapes.com w:www.golf-escapes.com

Please note: Flights not included - please enquire for prices. Different dates, durations, room upgrades and single room supplements available on request. All packages booked with Golf Escapes Ltd are financially protected. Prices shown are based on an exchange rate of £1 = €1.15.

NCG pp137 Five Things Turkey 22/03/2013 14:58 Page 137

SHORT HAUL | Turkey

5 REASONS TO GO TO TURKEY

ON YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY

No wonder it’s the up-and-coming short-haul destination, says recent convert Dan Murphy

1

THE GOLF IS GREAT – AND SO IS THE WEATHER Many of the 16 courses in the Belek golfing hotspot (in fact, there are only 20 courses in the whole of Turkey) are quite literally built on sand – and that’s one reason why they play so well.

Quick-draining and firm, the conditioning is generally excellent so you can anticipate some crisp iron striking and you’ll be putting on some quick and true surfaces.

Better still, for almost all the year you’ll be swinging in your shorts.

2

THE COURSES ARE SO NEAR EACH OTHER You pretty much accept that there is going to be some sort of travel from one course to the next when on a golfing holiday – it’s the price you pay for wanting to play different places. But not here in Turkey. Unless you go to play at Lykia Links, which is still within three quarters of an hour from most hotels, you’ll be in transit for

little more than 15 or 20 minutes, and often much less.

3

THE HOTELS ARE OUTSTANDING Many of them are brand new, most are less than five years old and just about all of them are set up with the travelling golfer in mind. I stayed at Calista recently, which might just be the best in the Belek region. It does not have its own course but fabulous Carya is just across the road so it might as well have.

Here you will assuredly never go hungry or thirsty thanks to an array of bars and restaurants and after a long day’s golf what better way to recuperate than with a traditional Turkish Hammam – a combination of massage, steam bath and shower that must be experienced to be believed.

4

IT’S ALL SO EASY From the moment you land at Antalya Airport you can relax. The hotels will cater for

your every need, taking care of your short transfers to and from the courses. That will leave you free to worry about the important things – like working on your short game or choosing between a glass of well-deserved wine or a refreshing beer once you’ve finished.

5

IT’S GREAT VALUE Most of the hotels deal on an all-inclusive basis so you know exactly what your holiday is going to cost. And considering the quality of the overall experience, you get a lot of bang for your buck.

For example, travel with Turkey specialists Golf Escapes and you can enjoy a seven-night break this month, staying at the luxurious Gloria resort, on an allinclusive basis with four rounds of golf, for just £739. That takes some beating.

For more information visit www.golf-escapes.com or call 01342 811 777.

CLUBS TO HIRE If you want to play in Turkey without the hassle of bringing your own clubs then take advantage of the service of ClubstoHire.com.

The award-winning golf club rental company have just launched a new website following a record year in 2012 when they helped 30,000 golfers across Europe to reduce travel costs and enjoy their golf.

The original site was launched with the help of brand ambassador and investor Paul McGinley, Europe’s Ryder Cup captain.

ClubstoHire.com can provide sets of the very latest clubs – from leading manufacturers like TaylorMade, Callaway, Mizuno, Wilson and MD Golf – for as little as €35 per week. www.clubstohire.com

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 137

Highland Golf Escapes 21/03/2013 15:17 Page 1

HIGHLAND GOLF ESCAPES “Having played Tain and Brora, I cannot wait to visit Nairn Dunbar, Golspie and Boat of Garten, all of which are high on my list of MUST play courses. Now my days of competitive golf are behind me, I really look forward to annual visits to the Highlands and enjoy that which Scotland has to offer on and off the golf course.

Anyone with golf in their veins must visit this special region, but I hope to get there “before ye on the high road” - Sir Bob Charles

BOAT OF GARTEN

5 of Scotland’s best courses have joined together with 3 great hotels to offer a golfing experience that can only make every golfer anticipate the new season with a spring in their step.

BRORA

GOLSPIE

NAIRN DUNBAR

TAIN

James Braids wonderful Brora, Golspie and Boat of Garten courses, along with the delightful Tom Morris designed Tain course and the excellent Nairn Dunbar are in partnership with the Royal Marine Hotel in Brora and the Morangie House and Mansfield Castle Hotels in Tain to offer superb value golfing holidays through their “Highland Golf Escapes”

PRICING April and October £195 | May - September £240 Includes 3 rounds of golf 2 nights B&B and 1 dinner.

Please contact Royal Marine Hotel 01408 621252, Morangie House Hotel 01862 892281 or Mansfield Castle Hotel 01862 892052 to book who will also arrange tee times.

More information can be found on the special web site www.highlandgolfescapes.org

NCG pp139 Jersey 22/03/2013 15:02 Page 139

SHORT HAUL | Jersey SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND

CHANNEL HOP Tourist hotspot Jersey is also home to five excellent courses ERSEY has an outstanding golf heritage. Ted Ray and Harry Vardon, who won the Open on six occasions, were both born on the island and former Ryder Cup player Tommy Horton made it his home.

Horton was head pro at Royal Jersey (pictured) for many years and this is where Vardon learnt the game. Opened in 1878, it is routed over delightful sandy ground, flanked to the east by Royal Grouville Bay. The other main course on the island is La Moye, and this 18-hole clifftop links offers more of a championship test at over 6,600 yards between large sand hills.

Established in 1902, it has been a venue on

J

the European Tour with such notable winners Tony Jacklin, Ian Woosnam, Bernard Gallagher, Sandy Lyle and Sam Torrance.

Situated in Jersey's conservation area in St Ouen's Bay, Les Mielles offers a challenging American-style parkland while Les Ormes is a terrific nine-holer overlooking St Ouen's Bay. Finally, set out in 30 acres of parkland is the beautiful par-3 Wheatlands course.

Being a popular tourists destination, there is no shortage of accommodation and it is easy to get to: flights land from from London, Liverpool and Manchester while Condor Ferries operate a car and passenger service from Poole or Portsmouth to St Helier.

For more information visit jersey.com

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 139

NCG pp140-141 ATOC Centurion 22/03/2013 15:03 Page 140

HERE was a time, not so many years ago, when highcalibre golfing developments were manifold. Even in the peak of the sport's boom in the 1990s, though, the Centurion Club, near St Albans, would have raised eyebrows. And at a time like this when many more courses are closing rather than opening it is really quite uplifting to see a project of these proportions approaching completion.

The area in and around the north of London is surprisingly poorly served when it comes to complexes of the highest calibre.

Beyond The Grove, it is hard to think of anywhere else that offers something comparable to what Centurion promises.

Within a mile of the M1 and just a few minutes north of the M25 is a site of such scale you wonder how it could possibly have remained undeveloped until now.

Designed by Simon Gidman and overseen by managing director Scott Evans, Centurion is clearly capable of hosting professional golf and designed with that in mind. Stretching to 7,200 yards – and there is plenty more room beyond – it begins amid mature woodland before emerging, on the 6th, into an open panorama.

In terms of style, Centurion is hard to pin down – the greens are as a rule smaller than you might expect; there are several changes of elevation; and there are are some striking water hazards, most obviously by the 18th green, but not so many that they start to lose their dramatic effect.

Evans is a PGA pro whose work managing courses and complexes has taken him from Bearwood Lakes to Arizona with Troon Golf – and many points in between. He was determined the course would offer variety and represent both a true challenge to tour pros as well as great fun for everyday play, hence the five sets of tees and the possibility of seven par 5s from the regular tees, many of which can revert to long par 4s for the elite.

“We really want to get the right kind of blend but we have to make is playable for the members,” he said. “It's a subtle course and the overall atmosphere will be low key.

We were determined to build a private golf club of unrivalled quality that would appeal to discerning golfers,” he said.

T

140 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

GB&I | Hertfordshire A TOUCH OF CLASS

CENTURION

Dan Murphy took a tour around the prestigious Hertfordshire venue, which is set to open in July

NCG pp140-141 ATOC Centurion 22/03/2013 15:03 Page 141

SEE FOR YO IT URSELF Whe

re: Heme l Hempst ead Road St Albans, , Herts, HP Green fe 3 8LA es: Memb ers, their guests and corpo ra te d ays only.

Contact: Prospectiv e members call 01442 can 510 520 to arrange a tour. centu rionclub.c o.uk

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 141

NCG pp142-143 CC Hanbury 22/03/2013 15:04 Page 142

GB&I | Classic Courses CLASSIC COURSE: No. 110

HANBURY

MANOR

This former English Open venue to the north of the capital is impeccably presented, says Dan Murphy

GOLF BOOKING VENUES T T IO R AT MAR ere is a dedicated

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142 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp142-143 CC Hanbury 22/03/2013 15:04 Page 143

ANBURY Manor is an unusual combination of traditional English and modern American. Which all makes perfect sense once you understand that the original layout was the work of the sixtime Open champion Harry Vardon, while most of what stands today is the responsibility of Jack Nicklaus’s oldest son.

Vardon’s original nine holes date back to the early years of the 20th century and were laid out at the back of the Jacobean manor house that was once a school and is now a stylish Marriott hotel. Nicklaus II extensively renovated these holes as well as adding a second nine on very different land – open and quite hilly parkland – back in the 1980s.

The result is a course with

H

two distinct characters and one good enough to host regular professional golf, most memorably the English Open that has sadly dropped off the European Tour schedule in recent years.

Winners at Hanbury in the late 1990s included the Ryder Cup trio of Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood and Per-Ulrik Johansson. Clarke’s winning total in 1999 was an astonishing 20 under par. This is mainly a reflection of the outstanding conditioning of the fairways and, particularly, greens. Hanbury is a course presented in exceptional shape at all times of the year.

The perceived wisdom is that the front nine, laid out on the newer piece of land, is the lesser of the two but while it is undoubtedly not as attractive it might just be a better test.

Beginning with an unusual opening hole that is drivable and features a split fairway, so you can approach from left or right, risk and reward is a recurring theme and use of the driver is positively encouraged.

By contrast, on the back nine

Factfile Marriott Hanbury Manor Ware, Herts, SG12 0SD w: marriott.co.uk Tel: 01920 885 000

Green fees April special: £35 (min group size of eight, weekdays only).

For groups under eight, you must be a hotel resident to play at all times

you must thread your way through the mature trees that invariably block you out once you lose position. The pick of the front nine is arguably the 8th, with its downhill approach to a green protected by a lake.

The uphill 9th is followed by a longish walk, but the remainder of the course is easy walking. The stretch from the 11th to the 13th is testing but the closing holes do offer the chance of recovery.

The fact there are some birdie chances is another reason, along with the quality of the putting surfaces, that a visit here is such a treat. Within easy reach of both the M11 and A1 and halfway between Welwyn and Bishop’s Stortford, it is also accessible so there really is no excuse not to call in for a game over the coming months.

Pretty picture The 8th at Hanbury is pristine

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 143

NCG pp144-145 Stoke by Nayland 22/03/2013 15:06 Page 144

GB&I | Suffolk/Essex

PLAY AND STAY AT...

STOKE BY NAYLAND Head east and you’ll find a resort with everything you need for a short golf break, says Dan Murphy TOKE by Nayland has a certain energy.

There are many famous golfing institutions where 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 industry or the world of hotels.

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.

S

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

144 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

building, as is the spa, swimming pool and fitness facilities that include a gym and aerobics suite.

There are several bars to choose from, and a fine-dining 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

NCG pp144-145 Stoke by Nayland 22/03/2013 15:06 Page 145

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 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

READER OFFER Enjoy an overnight stay in the hotel with 3-course dinner in the AA Rosette Lakes Restaurant, breakfast, two rounds and free use of the pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Plus one free drink at the halfway house!

Cost: £130 per person based on two sharing a twin or double room.

Call 01206 265 827 or 262 836 or email sales@stokebynayland.com and quote “NCG offer”.

Terms and conditions apply.

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

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 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 courses is a key to success, as is a 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); £395 for a twobedroom lodge (sleeps up to six).

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 145

NCG pp146 Club Golf Ads 21/03/2013 14:50 Page 146

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NCG pp147 Lead to Club Golf 22/03/2013 15:35 Page 147

CLUB GOLF section in association with

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CLUB GOLF Tackling the issues that matter to you

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THIS MONTH’S TOP STORY Golf club chief issues stark warning The chairman of the Organisation of Golf and Range Operators has warned that as many as 50 clubs could close this spring unless moved are made to offer more innovative packages.

Colin Jenkins, a PGA pro who is also the owner of Staplehurst Golf Centre in Kent, said: “Fifty clubs could go bust as their renewals fail.

Membership will fall off dramatically if more flexible schemes are not made available.”

Jenkins also stated that some clubs will secure the members by adopting a more accessible outlook which appeals to new markets.

“Some would argue that golf needs fewer courses, but in truth golf needs more familyoriented centres, where everyone is welcome.”

Familiar feel The weather has led to less golf

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Course Feature

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125 AND COUNTING James Tompkinson on how Highlands links Fortrose & Rosemarkie is celebrating its 125th anniversary About Fortrose and Rosemarkie will celebrate its 125th anniversary this year. The course is located on the Chanonry Point just outside Inverness, and at first glance it seems impossible that 18 holes have been squeezed into this tiny promontory. Breathtaking scenery, gorgeous short par 4s and a piece of land that was made to play golf characterise this stunning Highlands venue, which is located just 45 minutes from the worldfamous Royal Dornoch.

Great competitions and memorabilia Throughout the year there will be many one-off competitions at the club. Tickets are being sold for a Grand Raffle – a huge competition offering amazing prizes including a car worth £8,000, a five-year membership packag, limited

edition whisky, golf trips across Britain and Europe, an iPad and golf apparel.

Club secretary Mike MacDonald said: "20,000 tickets are expected to be sold for what is the biggest club competition since we last ran a raffle for our 100th anniversary back in 1988".

Prizes will be drawn in August.

The club are also producing limited edition memorabilia including medals for competition winners, clothing, equipment, ties, and a book to provide a complete history of the club and course.

Great events This season, Fortrose will host three national competitions along with numerous other club tournaments and events.

The Scottish Boys & Girls U14s Scottish Amateur Stroke Play Championship, the Scottish Ladies Golf Association Commonwealth

Spoons and the Scottish Golfers Alliance Championship will all be played here this year.

Additionally, the club will present specially designed 125-year medals to the winners of the club competitions, and in July a team comprised of the press covering the Scottish Open will play against club representatives.

The biggest date in the Fortrose calendar this year is Saturday August 17, which will see special club competition to play the original six-hole course when the club first opened for members in 1888.

The evening will mark the club's 125th anniversary dinner, hosted by a top mystery guest and containing an auction where top sporting memorabilia will be up for grabs.

Great golf No course could last for 125 years

without providing outstanding golf and Fortrose certainly does that.

This year the club are offering discounted membership packages and will launch a newly refurbished clubhouse to coincide with their anniversary.

The real treat lies on the course though, and this is perhaps the best reason to visit the club this year. Gorse lines the first three holes before the par-5 4th and the par-3 5th provide two of the harder and more spectacular holes.

Both are stunning.

From here, subtle and superb greens are the real defence. Off the regular tees there are seven par 4s around the 300 yards so there is scope for the odd eagle putt.

Fortrose and Rosemarkie offers no gimmicks or unexpected quirks, just pure, uninhibited golfing fun.

Golfing purists should look no further when planning a trip to Scotland in 2013.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 149

149

Fortrose & Rosemarkie celebrate 125 years

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Greenkeeping

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SEND US YOUR QUESTI ONS...

This is a regular feature – so please email the points you’d like answered to: editorial@ sportspub.c o.uk

GREENKEEPERS’

UESTION TIME Our panel respond to queries about rough and the damage done by crows and worms

How can we tackle the takeover of broad leaf grasses and resultant horrendous rough most clubs have encountered over the last few years, and the resultant losing of balls?

Jon, Colchester Rob: There are now chemicals currently that will help combat these grasses. However, these grasses have been around for many years and I believe they have not taken over the rough at all. The semi-rough should be maintained to a suitable height to allow a golfer to both locate and play a ball. The rough is exactly what it says, “Rough”. The development of new equipment is partly to blame for this problem, with all ages and standards of golfer now being able to hit the ball further.

Unfortunately this may result in shots further off line and deeper into the rough.

manager, even possibly architects.

The problem is when asking good players is how many do you ask, do you ask the one who likes to hit it with a fade, do you ask the golfer who hits a draw, do you ask the good golfer who likes to hit it as far as possible or the one who plays the percentage shot.

When greenkeepers rebuild bunkers and put in new tees, do they get good players to hit shots to ensure they are in the right place?

Barry, Andover

A particular problem that seems to be affecting my course (The Hertfordshire) is the damage being done by crows digging for insects/worms etc around certain areas of the course. At present they seem to be picking on areas around some of the bunkers and tee boxes. With the tee boxes it's mainly the grass adjoining them, but there are a couple of tees where they have started on the actual teeing area.

Fortunately they seem to have left the greens and immediate surrounds alone which is a blessing, because if this were northern France you would think that the damage could have been inflicted by wild boar on their truffle hunts.

Kevin, Herts

Dave: There is always a plan to these things which usually include the head greenkeeper, pro, the greens chairman, the general

David: Speaking from an experience recently at a local course there are many factors – the one thing they are desperate for is

worms, the chafer grub which is meaty and juicy and fills them up for the winter period. Due to it being a wet year the chafers are closer to the surface and have had a good feast themselves. I am afraid to kill the chafer it has to be done at an early stage in May/June but it is not normally as bad a problem as this year and you have to weigh up the cost and environmental issues of spraying the whole course for a grub which does not normally cause this many issues. Greens, tees and aprons are sprayed regularly for worms. This in turn effects the chafer grub so the hunter never picks on these areas. Some say if it is badgers leave them peanuts as they love these and it may put them off the scent of the grub, as for the crows there is not a lot you can do about them, once the cold weather arrives the damage will cease and the areas effected will come back quite quickly.

used.

J Slater, via email Bear: I use my vertidrain almost constantly to assist with surface drainage and consider it to be an essential task.

I believe in some cases mole ploughs are still used for drainage but in my opinion they are a fading technology. Mole ploughs do offer an improvement to the soil structure but only temporarily and I believe drainage should be done right in the first place so that it lasts for a considerable amount of time.

I would rather drain the soil properly than disrupt the surface with a mole plough for a temporary gain, which is why I prefer to drain my subsoil with a piped drainage system and use the vertidrain to move water down from the surface and away through the drains. I have only used a mole plough to lay irrigation cables and pipes.

The golf club where I play has a clay base and we are frequently troubled by excess water on the course. A number of years ago the staff used mole draining but currently use vertidraining to withdraw the water. I would like to know if golf clubs still use mole drains as I have been advised that they are no longer

ABOUT OUR EXPERTS Rob Davy Club: Walmersley, Lancashire Richard ‘The Bear’ Garrard Club: Merlin, Cornwall David Collins Club: Lickey Hills, West Midlands

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 151

151 Our greenkeeping aces answer back

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Secret Secretary

in association with glenbraegolf.com

D

W

oes golf take too long?

It is becoming a problem as younger players copy their favourite pros. Our members moan if it takes more than threeand-a-half hours.

hat is your most effective way of marketing the club for new members?

I wish I knew. You have to try all avenues although encouraging members to introduce new players is still very successful.

I

s golf, members or green fees, overpriced?

The majority of clubs still offer good value for money. We study the local market and ensure that we are competitive.

H

ow much should a golf club be involved with local schools?

Very much so as the more youngsters that we can introduce into the game the better, I would add that location plays a big part in this with this type of involvement being easier in the cities than in very rural areas.

W

hat do you make of the current VAT system and are proprietary clubs at an unfair disadvantage?

The proprietary clubs are at a disadvantage on this particular issue and I think this will run for a long time yet.

C

an you see a time when most clubs will have a flexible membership? As in, pay small amount to be a member and then buy credits?

I think we will see more clubs going down this route in order to balance the books.

Having said that I still think that the traditional members’ club will make up the majority.

W

hat do your members think of the equality act?

The few that are aware of it are very happy with our situation.

Both sections get on well with each other and continue to play their competitive golf without causing any undue aggravation.

W

hat is the best time of year to ask for subs?

Our year runs from January so we are sending bills out in December, which is not ideal. I personally think that bills in April and due in May is a better idea as the course is in good shape and members are looking forward to playing golf.

W

hat is the worst type of club member?

The one who is happy to tell any other member who will listen where the club is going wrong in its administration, greenkeeping and catering but is unwilling to discuss this with the committee or put themselves forward for membership of the committee.

H

ave you ever encountered cheating at your club and how was it handled?

Not at my present club but I have been involved with a case at a previous club. Fortunately a proper disciplinary procedure was

SECRET

SECRETARY

H

ow badly would a member have to behave to be thrown out the club?

In the present litigious society I would have to say extremely badly and certainly only after consultation with the clubs legal representatives and bodies such as England Golf an NGCAA.

Our sec’s anonymity gives him (or her) the licence to say what they really think

in place and this was followed to the letter. The member involved was suspended and in fact decided to resign.

W

hat do you think of your club's dress code?

We have a very modern thinking dress code which includes the wearing of jeans. Very few actually do wear jeans. Most visitors find it quite refreshing.

W

hat part of your job do members not understand?

The many different facets that make up a club and the legislation and administration that goes with

it – eg health and safety in the workshop, course, office and bar and kitchen. The administration of the subscriptions, the unions and the local authorities together with being available at any time of the day to talk to any one of 800 members.

W

hat is the strangest request you have ever had from a member?

While on the 10th green, playing for the club in the semi-final of the county interclub knockout, a member asked if I could pop back to the office and print him a handicap certificate.

D

oes a joining fee have any place in the current climate?

I think it does as it hopefully helps to create some loyalty. It is something clubs should think very long and hard about before doing away with it. Once it has been discarded it is very difficult to put back into place.

n WOULD you like to be our Secret Secretary for a month?

Total anonymity guaranteed – simply send an email to editorial@sportspub.co.uk and we will send you some questions to answer...

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 153

153 Secret secretary: On errant members

CLUB GOLF

The finest British knitwear

www.glenbraegolf.com

The Pro Files

in association with glenbraegolf.com

Michael Brooks is the head professional at Malton & Northon GC in North Yorkshire and was voted TGI Golf Partner of the Year in 2012

W

THE PRO

hat makes a good club pro? A quality golfer/coach, patience and good communication skills.

W

hat makes a good club member? One who supports the club socially, represents the club in team matches and ALWAYS repairs pitchmarks on every green!

FILES We begin a new regular feature with club professionals from across the UK

W

hat are the best three courses in your county?

In no particular order Ganton, Moortown and Alwoodley.

W

hat annoys you about club golfers? When I play in pro-ams and I'm asked how many shots I get.

W

hat duties do you perform that your members don't realise? I help stuff the envelopes for annual subs and open the clubhouse and locker rooms every morning.

W

hat's the hardest thing about being a club pro?

Switching off is always tough but the hardest thing is managing the quiet periods and keeping myself and staff motivated.

H

ow many hours do you work in a typical week? 48

in the winter and 60+ during summer months.

H

ow were you affected by the terrible weather last year? I had to search for alternative methods to generate footfall and revenue as our course was closed for over 60 days.

So I focused on using my enewsletter to reach out to our members with product and also coaching special offers while the course was closed.

It was amazing how many members thought when the course closed so did the range. I also started a club Facebook page where I post progress reports on course work, competition results and special offers.

It's a great way to keep the member thinking of their club.

154 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

D

o you have any involvement in the course set-up and if not do you think you should? None, and yes, every pro should be involved, particularly in drafting a course closure policy and winter set-up.

W

hat's the strangest request you've ever had from a member? On the 1st tee of a nine-hole playing lesson I was asked by the pupil not to watch her swing as having a lesson made her nervous!

W

hat are the best brands that you work with?

Nike. The overall range is very good and in particular the clothing is extremely good quality. It has an extensive range and with a great price point for the consumer.

Rohnisch is a ladies-only clothing brand that I introduced last year and it has been a huge success, mainly down to the styling being a crossover between golf and lifestyle. The quality is fantastic with great support from behind the scenes.

W

hat part of your job do you most enjoy? Looking after my members on a daily basis.

H

ow does your golf compare now to when you turned pro? I was a Scottish international and Walker Cup player when I turned pro in 1997.

Work commitments now restrict my playing and practice time massively but I still move it pretty good.

D

o you wish you could play more often? I'm sure all golf pros would say yes but it really is a balancing act between coaching, retail and day-to-day responsibility towards the club so playing more is often difficult.

n Would you like to be our pro for a month? Get in touch by sending an email to editorial@sportspub.co.uk

154 New series begins featuring club pros

Manor House 21/03/2013 14:48 Page 1

NCG pp149 Fortrose & Rosemarkie 22/03/2013 15:06 Page 149

CLUB GOLF

The finest British knitwear

www.glenbraegolf.com

Course Feature

in association with glenbraegolf.com

125 AND COUNTING James Tompkinson on how Highlands links Fortrose & Rosemarkie is celebrating its 125th anniversary About Fortrose and Rosemarkie will celebrate its 125th anniversary this year. The course is located on the Chanonry Point just outside Inverness, and at first glance it seems impossible that 18 holes have been squeezed into this tiny promontory. Breathtaking scenery, gorgeous short par 4s and a piece of land that was made to play golf characterise this stunning Highlands venue, which is located just 45 minutes from the worldfamous Royal Dornoch.

Great competitions and memorabilia Throughout the year there will be many one-off competitions at the club. Tickets are being sold for a Grand Raffle – a huge competition offering amazing prizes including a car worth £8,000, a five-year membership packag, limited

edition whisky, golf trips across Britain and Europe, an iPad and golf apparel.

Club secretary Mike MacDonald said: "20,000 tickets are expected to be sold for what is the biggest club competition since we last ran a raffle for our 100th anniversary back in 1988".

Prizes will be drawn in August.

The club are also producing limited edition memorabilia including medals for competition winners, clothing, equipment, ties, and a book to provide a complete history of the club and course.

Great events This season, Fortrose will host three national competitions along with numerous other club tournaments and events.

The Scottish Boys & Girls U14s Scottish Amateur Stroke Play Championship, the Scottish Ladies Golf Association Commonwealth

Spoons and the Scottish Golfers Alliance Championship will all be played here this year.

Additionally, the club will present specially designed 125-year medals to the winners of the club competitions, and in July a team comprised of the press covering the Scottish Open will play against club representatives.

The biggest date in the Fortrose calendar this year is Saturday August 17, which will see special club competition to play the original six-hole course when the club first opened for members in 1888.

The evening will mark the club's 125th anniversary dinner, hosted by a top mystery guest and containing an auction where top sporting memorabilia will be up for grabs.

Great golf No course could last for 125 years

without providing outstanding golf and Fortrose certainly does that.

This year the club are offering discounted membership packages and will launch a newly refurbished clubhouse to coincide with their anniversary.

The real treat lies on the course though, and this is perhaps the best reason to visit the club this year. Gorse lines the first three holes before the par-5 4th and the par-3 5th provide two of the harder and more spectacular holes.

Both are stunning.

From here, subtle and superb greens are the real defence. Off the regular tees there are seven par 4s around the 300 yards so there is scope for the odd eagle putt.

Fortrose and Rosemarkie offers no gimmicks or unexpected quirks, just pure, uninhibited golfing fun.

Golfing purists should look no further when planning a trip to Scotland in 2013.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 149

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NCG pp151 Greenkeeper QT Pt IV 22/03/2013 15:07 Page 151

CLUB GOLF

The finest British knitwear

www.glenbraegolf.com

Greenkeeping

in association with glenbraegolf.com

SEND US YOUR QUESTIO NS...

This is a re gular feature – so please em ail the points you’d like answered to: editoria l@ sportspub .co.uk

GREENKEEPERS’

UESTION TIME Our panel respond to queries about rough and the damage done by crows and worms

How can we tackle the takeover of broad leaf grasses and resultant horrendous rough most clubs have encountered over the last few years, and the resultant losing of balls?

Jon, Colchester Rob: There are now chemicals currently that will help combat these grasses. However, these grasses have been around for many years and I believe they have not taken over the rough at all. The semi-rough should be maintained to a suitable height to allow a golfer to both locate and play a ball. The rough is exactly what it says, “Rough”. The development of new equipment is partly to blame for this problem, with all ages and standards of golfer now being able to hit the ball further.

Unfortunately this may result in shots further off line and deeper into the rough.

manager, even possibly architects.

The problem is when asking good players is how many do you ask, do you ask the one who likes to hit it with a fade, do you ask the golfer who hits a draw, do you ask the good golfer who likes to hit it as far as possible or the one who plays the percentage shot.

When greenkeepers rebuild bunkers and put in new tees, do they get good players to hit shots to ensure they are in the right place?

Barry, Andover

A particular problem that seems to be affecting my course (The Hertfordshire) is the damage being done by crows digging for insects/worms etc around certain areas of the course. At present they seem to be picking on areas around some of the bunkers and tee boxes. With the tee boxes it's mainly the grass adjoining them, but there are a couple of tees where they have started on the actual teeing area.

Fortunately they seem to have left the greens and immediate surrounds alone which is a blessing, because if this were northern France you would think that the damage could have been inflicted by wild boar on their truffle hunts.

Kevin, Herts

Dave: There is always a plan to these things which usually include the head greenkeeper, pro, the greens chairman, the general

David: Speaking from an experience recently at a local course there are many factors – the one thing they are desperate for is

worms, the chafer grub which is meaty and juicy and fills them up for the winter period. Due to it being a wet year the chafers are closer to the surface and have had a good feast themselves. I am afraid to kill the chafer it has to be done at an early stage in May/June but it is not normally as bad a problem as this year and you have to weigh up the cost and environmental issues of spraying the whole course for a grub which does not normally cause this many issues. Greens, tees and aprons are sprayed regularly for worms. This in turn effects the chafer grub so the hunter never picks on these areas. Some say if it is badgers leave them peanuts as they love these and it may put them off the scent of the grub, as for the crows there is not a lot you can do about them, once the cold weather arrives the damage will cease and the areas effected will come back quite quickly.

used.

J Slater, via email Bear: I use my vertidrain almost constantly to assist with surface drainage and consider it to be an essential task.

I believe in some cases mole ploughs are still used for drainage but in my opinion they are a fading technology. Mole ploughs do offer an improvement to the soil structure but only temporarily and I believe drainage should be done right in the first place so that it lasts for a considerable amount of time.

I would rather drain the soil properly than disrupt the surface with a mole plough for a temporary gain, which is why I prefer to drain my subsoil with a piped drainage system and use the vertidrain to move water down from the surface and away through the drains. I have only used a mole plough to lay irrigation cables and pipes.

The golf club where I play has a clay base and we are frequently troubled by excess water on the course. A number of years ago the staff used mole draining but currently use vertidraining to withdraw the water. I would like to know if golf clubs still use mole drains as I have been advised that they are no longer

ABOUT OUR EXPERTS Rob Davy Club: Walmersley, Lancashire Richard ‘The Bear’ Garrard Club: Merlin, Cornwall David Collins Club: Lickey Hills, West Midlands

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 151

NCG pp152 Club Golf Ads 22/03/2013 15:55 Page 152

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MIXED AMAM STABLEFORD Wednesday 18th September 2013 Please download an entry form from our website For more details please contact Emily on

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152 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

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NCG pp153 Secret Secretary 22/03/2013 15:07 Page 153

CLUB GOLF

The finest British knitwear

www.glenbraegolf.com

Secret Secretary

in association with glenbraegolf.com

D

W

oes golf take too long?

It is becoming a problem as younger players copy their favourite pros. Our members moan if it takes more than threeand-a-half hours.

hat is your most effective way of marketing the club for new members?

I wish I knew. You have to try all avenues although encouraging members to introduce new players is still very successful.

I

s golf, members or green fees, overpriced?

The majority of clubs still offer good value for money. We study the local market and ensure that we are competitive.

H

ow much should a golf club be involved with local schools?

Very much so as the more youngsters that we can introduce into the game the better, I would add that location plays a big part in this with this type of involvement being easier in the cities than in very rural areas.

W

hat do you make of the current VAT system and are proprietary clubs at an unfair disadvantage?

The proprietary clubs are at a disadvantage on this particular issue and I think this will run for a long time yet.

C

an you see a time when most clubs will have a flexible membership? As in, pay small amount to be a member and then buy credits?

I think we will see more clubs going down this route in order to balance the books.

Having said that I still think that the traditional members’ club will make up the majority.

W

hat do your members think of the equality act?

The few that are aware of it are very happy with our situation.

Both sections get on well with each other and continue to play their competitive golf without causing any undue aggravation.

W

hat is the best time of year to ask for subs?

Our year runs from January so we are sending bills out in December, which is not ideal. I personally think that bills in April and due in May is a better idea as the course is in good shape and members are looking forward to playing golf.

W

hat is the worst type of club member?

The one who is happy to tell any other member who will listen where the club is going wrong in its administration, greenkeeping and catering but is unwilling to discuss this with the committee or put themselves forward for membership of the committee.

H

ave you ever encountered cheating at your club and how was it handled?

Not at my present club but I have been involved with a case at a previous club. Fortunately a proper disciplinary procedure was

SECRET SECRETA

H

ow badly would a member have to behave to be thrown out the club?

In the present litigious society I would have to say extremely badly and certainly only after consultation with the clubs legal representatives and bodies such as England Golf an NGCAA.

RY

Our sec’s anonymity gi ves him (or her) the licence to say what they really think

in place and this was followed to the letter. The member involved was suspended and in fact decided to resign.

W

hat do you think of your club's dress code?

We have a very modern thinking dress code which includes the wearing of jeans. Very few actually do wear jeans. Most visitors find it quite refreshing.

W

hat part of your job do members not understand?

The many different facets that make up a club and the legislation and administration that goes with

it – eg health and safety in the workshop, course, office and bar and kitchen. The administration of the subscriptions, the unions and the local authorities together with being available at any time of the day to talk to any one of 800 members.

W

hat is the strangest request you have ever had from a member?

While on the 10th green, playing for the club in the semi-final of the county interclub knockout, a member asked if I could pop back to the office and print him a handicap certificate.

D

oes a joining fee have any place in the current climate?

I think it does as it hopefully helps to create some loyalty. It is something clubs should think very long and hard about before doing away with it. Once it has been discarded it is very difficult to put back into place.

n WOULD you like to be our Secret Secretary for a month?

Total anonymity guaranteed – simply send an email to editorial@sportspub.co.uk and we will send you some questions to answer...

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 153

NCG pp154 Pro Files 22/03/2013 15:08 Page 154

CLUB GOLF

The finest British knitwear

www.glenbraegolf.com

The Pro Files

in association with glenbraegolf.com

Michael Brooks is the head professional at Malton & Northon GC in North Yorkshire and was voted TGI Golf Partner of the Year in 2012

W

THE PRO

hat makes a good club pro? A quality golfer/coach, patience and good communication skills.

W

hat makes a good club member? One who supports the club socially, represents the club in team matches and ALWAYS repairs pitchmarks on every green!

FILES We begin a new regular feature with club professionals from across the UK

W

hat are the best three courses in your county?

In no particular order Ganton, Moortown and Alwoodley.

W

hat annoys you about club golfers? When I play in pro-ams and I'm asked how many shots I get.

W

hat duties do you perform that your members don't realise? I help stuff the envelopes for annual subs and open the clubhouse and locker rooms every morning.

W

hat's the hardest thing about being a club pro?

Switching off is always tough but the hardest thing is managing the quiet periods and keeping myself and staff motivated.

H

ow many hours do you work in a typical week? 48

in the winter and 60+ during summer months.

H

ow were you affected by the terrible weather last year? I had to search for alternative methods to generate footfall and revenue as our course was closed for over 60 days.

So I focused on using my enewsletter to reach out to our members with product and also coaching special offers while the course was closed.

It was amazing how many members thought when the course closed so did the range. I also started a club Facebook page where I post progress reports on course work, competition results and special offers.

It's a great way to keep the member thinking of their club.

154 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

D

o you have any involvement in the course set-up and if not do you think you should? None, and yes, every pro should be involved, particularly in drafting a course closure policy and winter set-up.

W

hat's the strangest request you've ever had from a member? On the 1st tee of a nine-hole playing lesson I was asked by the pupil not to watch her swing as having a lesson made her nervous!

W

hat are the best brands that you work with?

Nike. The overall range is very good and in particular the clothing is extremely good quality. It has an extensive range and with a great price point for the consumer.

Rohnisch is a ladies-only clothing brand that I introduced last year and it has been a huge success, mainly down to the styling being a crossover between golf and lifestyle. The quality is fantastic with great support from behind the scenes.

W

hat part of your job do you most enjoy? Looking after my members on a daily basis.

H

ow does your golf compare now to when you turned pro? I was a Scottish international and Walker Cup player when I turned pro in 1997.

Work commitments now restrict my playing and practice time massively but I still move it pretty good.

D

o you wish you could play more often? I'm sure all golf pros would say yes but it really is a balancing act between coaching, retail and day-to-day responsibility towards the club so playing more is often difficult.

n Would you like to be our pro for a month? Get in touch by sending an email to editorial@sportspub.co.uk

NCG pp155 Club Golf Ads 21/03/2013 14:59 Page 155

CLUB GOLF

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Summer 2013 Green Fee Rates Mon - Fri: Round £35.00 • Sat, Sun & B.H: Round £40.00 Late Start Deals - available from just £17.50

FourBall Special £112 includes 18 holes, soup and sandwiches (Mon-Fri only) Both subject to availability and prior booking Please call for details of all our special packages

Tel: 019467 28202 Email: seascalegolfclub@googlemail.com www.seascalegolfclub.co.uk THE BANKS, SEASCALE, CUMBRIA CA20 1QL

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Please log onto www.scarcroftgolfclub.co.uk for more information or contact our Secretary Manager, Kevin Fretwell or our Professional, David Hughes on 0113 289 2311 or email secretary@scarcroftgolfclub.co.uk

SPECS Motor Power DC 12v/250W Total Weight 14kg including battery Battery 12v/30AH (min of 27 holes on a full charge) Charge Time 4-8 Hours Load Capacity 40kg T Bar handle

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 155

NCG pp156 Leeds Golf Centre 22/03/2013 15:57 Page 156

CLUB GOLF

The finest British knitwear

www.glenbraegolf.com

In-depth Focus

MODERN GOLF

in association with glenbraegolf.com

The Leeds Golf Centre is being transformed into a state-of-the art facility

ITH two exciting new updates announced in the space of a fortnight, Leeds Golf Centre is living up to its name as the ‘home of modern golf’. The venue recently revealed that it will become the UK headquarters of the Leadbetter Golf Academy and is also set to reopen its freshly renovated Wike Ridge championship layout.

NCG’s Joe Harrison spoke to operations manager Nigel Sweet to discuss why you should pay this up-and-coming venue a visit.

W

New Leadbetter academy The Centre recently entered into a long-term partnership with the Leadbetter Golf Academy, arguably the most famous name in golf tuition.

The teaching centre will be the first of its kind in the UK. “Obviously it's a very solid coaching base. Thirty years' knowledge has gone into this process; it's a very established teaching method,” said Sweet.

“From our point of view, it's a stable teaching line where

everyone's coaching the same way.

You'll take more away from 50 minutes here than you would from any other lesson.”

All-new course updates The Donald Steel-designed Wike Ridge layout opened in 1993 and was one of the region's best modern courses even before the updates. Now it will be tough to find a better layout.

Sweet explained: “We've replanted 1,500 trees and we've added five lakes to the course.

“We've also had two new greens built to change the layout of the golf course, which we're hoping to open soon. We'd scheduled a big match between Gary McAllister and David Seaman for the opening, but the snow stopped that!”

Short-game facilities The club's second course is a unique 12-hole par-3 layout known as The Oaks. While it is already a great place to sharpen your iron play, the club plans to upgrade the course over the coming years.

“It's a very good short-game facility. Going forward with

156 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Leadbetter we plan to improve the range and short-game facilities over the next 18 months,” said Sweet. “We want it to become a main training centre. At the moment if you want that you have to travel down to the EGU [England Golf Union] facilities in Woodhall Spa. We want to try to bring one to the north.”

State-of-the-art equipment The club offers comprehensive club and putter assessment using highly advanced custom-fitting technology.

“We've got two custom fitting bays and four high-speed cameras which are the most up-to-date in Europe at present,” said Sweet “We've also got the V2 system and we've got an E6 simulator where you can play 70 different courses when the weather's bad.

“Take today: no one can get on the course for the snow, but we've got lots of people here playing Pebble Beach!” www.leedsgolfcentre.com 0113 288 6000

NCG pp157 Club Golf Ads 22/03/2013 15:39 Page 157

CLUB GOLF

T: 01754 763298 E: info@northshorehotel.co.uk

www.northshorehotel.co.uk BEST WESTERN North Shore Hotel & Golf Club, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 1DN

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 157

NCG pp158 Club Golf Ads 22/03/2013 15:05 Page 158

CLUB GOLF

A perfect venue for a golf day Home to the English Amateur 2013

SUMMER PACKAGE from

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Available from 1 Nov to 31 Mar INCLUDES: Coffee and bacon roll on arrival, plus two course meal and unlimited golf on any of our 3 championship courses events@frilfordheath.co.uk

Frilford Heath | Abingdon | Oxon | OX13 5NW | 01865 390 864 www.frilfordheath.co.uk

158 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

FRILFORD HEATH GOLF CLUB

NCG pp159-161 Club Golf WM Area Guide 22/03/2013 15:11 Page 159

CLUB GOLF Area Guide

in association with glenbraegolf.com

WEST MIDLANDS Staffs | Shrops | Herefords | Worcs | West Mids | Warks | Oxon

STUDLEY WOOD

CLEOBURY MORTIMER

GAY HILL

KENILWORTH

Studley Wood is set in 170 acres of Oxfordshire countryside and was designed cleverly by Simon Gidman to give each fairway and green its own character and distinctive feature. The 6,315yard layout has two loops of nine which play in opposite directions. The course also features testing natural hazards courtesy of 13 lakes spread around the 30-acre wood which line and protect the undulating fairways.

Nearest town: Oxford

Established in 1993, Cleobury is a 27-hole facility on the Shropshire-Worcestershire border.

The club offers three 9-hole loops, all of which boast superb drainage and lush fairways that make them playable all year round. The longest of the Ray Baldwin designs is known as Badgers Sett and measures 3,271 yards. The club also offers fourstar self-catering cottages and facilities for corporate events.

Nearest town: Kidderminster

Founded in 1913, Gay Hill is located just south of Birmingham off the M42 and will celebrate its centenary year by hosting the 2013 Midland Amateur Open Championship.

The 6,406-yard parkland design is laid out in a gently sloping valley and boasts tight fairways and slick greens that pose a real test for you.

Watch out for the signature 12th hole, a 120-yard par 3 played from an elevated tee.

Nearest town: Birmingham

Founded in 1889 in the heart of Warwickshire, Kenilworth is renowned for its hospitality and friendly welcome. The club also boasts a fantastic 18-hole parkland course that favours accuracy. The jewel in the crown is probably the par-4 5th.

Known as “Devil’s Elbow”, the Stroke Index one hole features a dogleg fairway and a wellbunkered green. The club holds the Golfmark award for its excellent teaching facilities.

Nearest town: Coventry ➤

Water works Control is crucial at Studley

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CLUB GOLF Area Guide

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News Close call for Burlison A Staffordshire junior fell just short of winning a maiden overseas title.

Oxley Park member Robert Burlison lost a sudden death play-off at the South African World Juniors in George.

Golfers club together for charity The generous members of a Worcestershire golf club have raised ￡900 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The money, raised at Vale Golf Club, will go towards a new Radiotherapy Unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Opportunity Knox at The Belfry World-famous resort The Belfry has appointed a new director of golf.

Industry veteran Ian Knox will take over the role from Gary Silcock.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity – The Belfry is one of the most iconic resorts in golf,” said Knox.

FRILFORD HEATH

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE One of the best courses in the Midlands, South Staffs showcases the work of some of the most decorated course designers. Since it opened in 1892, the likes of James Braid, Harry Vardon and Harry Colt have all had a hand in creating the 6,587-yard layout. The toughest hole is probably the 9th, where an out of bounds stretch and tree-lined fairways focus your attention.

Nearest town: Wolverhampton

FRILFORD HEATH You can count on the fingers of one hand the number of clubs with three outstanding courses to call on and Frilford Heath is one of them. The Red, Green and Blue collectively occupy some 600 acres a few miles outside Oxford. What makes

160 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Frilford Heath really special is the sandy soil its 54 holes occupy. The turf is a delight to hit from and you can expect firm conditions underfoot even when other courses in the area are distinctly soggy.

Nearest town: Oxford

HAGLEY Set in 170 acres of Midlands parkland, Hagley is home to one of the most advanced teaching academies in the region.

The course was originally laid out in 1980 as a nine-hole track, with the second nine added in 1984. Watch out for the 15th hole – known as “The Monster”. The 557-yard par 5 more often than not requires three of your best strokes to find the putting surface.

Nearest town: Stourbridge

DRAYCOTE HOTEL Situated in the heart of Warwickshire’s countryside, Draycote Hotel offers more than just luxurious accommodation.

Their Whitefields course is a testing 6,289-yard, par-71 layout that can be enjoyed as a championship or nine-hole course.

The toughest hole is the Stroke Index One 7th. Known as “White’s Walk”, the 450-yard par 4 features a fairway bunker and two large bunkers around a flat green.

Nearest town: Rugby

WALSALL Originally founded in 1907, the club is conveniently situated a short distance from the Midlands’ motorway network.

The 6,250-yard, par-70 layout

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still features much of Dr MacKenzie’s original course design, including tree-lined fairways and bunkers around every green.

The signature hole is undoubtedly the par-5 18th, where a dogleg fairway and a heavily bunkered green make your approach shot extremely difficult.

Nearest town: Walsall

TRENTHAM Established in 1894, this highquality track is widely regarded as one of the best courses in the Midlands.

The 6,632-yard, par-72 layout features a range of long and short holes that are always well protected. This is demonstrated at the Stroke Index one 5th. A range of bunkers dot the dogleg fairway

while the green is also guarded by two small, hidden sand traps.

Nearest town: Stoke-on-Trent

SWINDON Don’t be fooled by the name – Swindon GC is set eight miles from Wolverhampton in the pretty Staffordshire countryside. This is a varied course for the discerning golfer. It may only measure 6,121 yards but includes four par 3s and demands precision to make up for the yardage.

Watch out for the long par-4 12th, which features a blind downhill second shot to a bunkered green.

Nearest town: Wolverhampton

THE WORCESTERSHIRE Nestled beneath the Malvern Hills is a testing 6,445-yard layout.

What the Worcestershire may lack in length it makes up for with its sloping and speedy greens. Watch out for the 537-yard 17th, which offers real risk and reward. It can be reached in two if you can take on the water-guarded two-tier green but playing for a safe par is often more sensible.

The composer Sir Edward Elgar was a member here back in the late 19th century.

Nearest town: Malvern

SUTTON COLDFIELD Sutton Coldfield is a rare example of a genuine MacKenzie course.

The original layout was designed in 1889 and moved a couple of years later to its present site in Sutton Park. The 6,548-yard course sits on genuine heathland and is noted for its firm,

undulating fairways and thick heather. There is so much run to be had in the summer that it plays like a links course. Most unusually, the 5th, 6th and 7th are three consecutive par 5s.

Nearest town: Sutton/Birmingham

THE SHROPSHIRE Surrounded by the Shropshire countryside this modern centre offers three 9-hole loops of challenging golf. The Blue Course is the most challenging with several water features, lots of trees and some pronounced doglegs.

Look out for the 3rd, which turns at right angles and calls for a fairway wood to the corner to leave a mid-to-long iron downhill to the green.

Nearest town: Telford ◆

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CLUB GOLF

Walsall Golf Club B R O A D WAY | WA L S A L L | W S 1 3 E Y

Trentham Golf Club offers you superb golf facilities.

Designed by Harry Colt, the course is regarded as one of the finest in the Midlands and the North West and is renowned for its high quality greens and fairways and immaculate presentation.

Just some of our facilities include:-

A hidden gem in the heart of the West Midlands.

• An outstanding 18 hole Championship Golf Course • A large Practice Range, with range balls, for both long and short game • Indoor Practice Facilities • Putting Green

Contact Richard Minton General Manager Trentham Golf Club, 14 Barlaston, Old Road, Trentham, Staffordshire ST4 8HB t: 01782 658109 e: generalmanager@trenthamgolf.org

www.trenthamgolf.org Societies welcome throughout 2013 Golf Packages from £22.50pp

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Attract new members Attract societies from nearby clubs Attract visiting parties from further afield

Call 0113 289 3979 or email info@sportspub.co.uk

With over 100 years history we are proud to be the England Champion Club for 2012/13.

Our course was designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie who also designed Augusta, home of the Masters its much easier to get agame at Walsall than Augusta!

Packages are available for Societies and Captain's Away Days see our website for details or call our Office to discuss your requirements for a bespoke day.

Membership opportunities are available.

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A Different Kind of Winter Package Book a winter golf package at Studley Wood Golf Club and your group will qualify for a FREE round of golf to be used before the end of April 2013.

The winter package of £45.00 per person includes:

Breakfast Roll & Coffee, 18 Holes of Golf & The Chef’s Special of the Day Meal To book your tee-time phone us on 01865 351144 or email: matt@studleywoodgolfclub.co.uk Just off Junction 9 of the M40 and 6 miles from the centre of Oxford

The Straight Mile, Horton-cum-Studley, Oxon OX33 1BF

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CROWBOROUGH BEACON

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HEADINGLEY

MacKenzie moments HEADINGLEY Yorkshire Founded in 1892, Headingley is the oldest golf club in Leeds, set on the edge of the pretty suburb of Adel just five miles from the city centre. Working on what was originally a Harry Colt design, MacKenzie developed and improved several holes, most notably the 16th and 17th, commonly regarded as the best on the course.

The former is a short 4 to a green divided into four areas by the contours and the latter a spectacular short hole where the green is surrounded by the designers trademark bunkering.

Rolling terrain and slick greens characterise this fine course.

The devilish 469-yard par-4 16th begins a brilliant run home towards the clubhouse.

LITTLESTONE Kent Littlestone is laid out on the natural undulating linksland between Romney Marsh and the English Channel in the south-east corner of Kent.

The course offers a classic links challenge of tight lies, pot bunkers and slick greens. The coastline enjoys a unique micro-climate which makes it one of the driest places in Britain, and the course is presented in superb condition throughout the year with temporary greens unheard of.

166 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

TEIGNMOUTH Devon The course at Teignmouth is laid out on the high moor of Little Haldon, standing 800 feet above sea level and offering views over the town which shares its name.

The greens are particularly MacKenzie-esque, bearing the trademark tiers that the designer loved to incorporate.

Extended tees have allowed the course to adapt to the modern game, but the layout is unchanged from the original design.

CROWBOROUGH BEACON Sussex Offering stunning views over the High Weald towards the South Downs, this heathland course is one of the finest in the south and is a regular host for prestigious county events.

Measuring 6,300 yards, the real test is not in length but in negotiating the heather-edged bunkers and the small, tiered greens.

Crowborough has fast-running fairways and benefits from an outstanding drainage system, making for a venue which is accessible throughout the year.

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Littlestone The short 17th is part of a great finish

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Renowned architect Dr Alister MacKenzie is best known for designing Augusta National, so this is the perfect time to highlight 12 of his best courses on this side of the Atlantic PITREAVIE (DUNFERMLINE) Fife The course at Pitreavie is parkland in nature, but also incorporates a subtle links feel to bring an element of balance to a player’s round.

Measuring just over 6,000 yards, the test here is not predominantly in length but in negotiating the tight fairways and burns along with the deceptively sloping MacKenzie greens.

With only one par 4 over 400 yards, and three par 5s, there are some good scoring opportunities to take advantage of – if you are accurate enough.

SADDLEWORTH

LILLEY BROOK

DUFF HOUSE ROYAL

Lancashire Situated on the north side of Manchester, close to the Pennine Way, the course at Saddleworth occupies the northern and eastern slopes of Wharmton Hill.

Founded in May 1904 as a 9hole course, a new 18-hole layout was devised by MacKensie nine years later in 1913.

The present 5th green is reputed to be one of the original MacKenzie greens.

The highest point stands at over 1,000 feet, yet clever design work ensures that the course it not overly hilly.

Gloucestershire This mature parkland is set in the heart of the Cotswolds, just two miles outside of Cheltenham.

Measuring 6,212 yards, this par-69 layout provides an enticing and deceptively tricky test.

MacKenzie’s original design contained no fairway bunkers and this is still the case today, although the trees will cause enough problems throughout a round here. The undulating nature of the course means that tricky lies are often found on the fairways and devilish slopes are present throughout almost all the greens.

Moray This course is a flat, beautifully manicured parkland – despite being next to the sea – with little rough. The large two-tiered greens are classic Mackenzies, and the many well-positioned bunkers and trees make for a severe but fair challenge.

The course is bounded by the River Deveron, which is a hazard for those who are wayward off the tee at the 7th, 16th and 17th.

The greens and fairways are undulating but not severely, and there are a minimum of blind approach shots.

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ALISTER MACKENZIE COURSES Duff House Royal Golf Club

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MacKenzie Festival Week 6-12 July 2013 A series of open competitions on a superb MacKenzie course with panoramic views of the Devon coastline t: 01626 777 070 | e: info@teignmouthgolfclub.co.uk www.teignmouthgolfclub.co.uk @TeignmouthGolfC

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NORTH EAST Cleveland | Durham | North’land | Tyne & Wear | Yorkshire

Mini course provides summer jobs

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A mini-course in County Durham will bring new seasonal jobs to the region.

The nine-hole Barnard Castle course will open on weekends, Bank Holidays and in line with school holidays and is part of a scheme to boost the area.

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County Champion: Scarcroft, West Yorkshire Hessle member lands Yorkshire Union job A Hessle member has been appointed president of the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs.

John Deeming is a former president and captain of the Hull club.

American Golf growing Golf retailer American Golf will create over 200 news jobs as part of a large expansion.

The retail company has outlets in Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Gateshead.

Alwoodley hosts English The Alwoodley Golf Club in Leeds will host a top amateur event in 2015. England Golf has chosen the venue to stage the men's English Amateur – it last hosted the event in 2003 when Gary Lockerbie took the prestigious title.

About Located just a 10-minute drive from UK top 100 course Moor Allerton, Scarcroft is a pretty parkland course in north Leeds.

The club boasts a 20-acre practice area and its spacious dining and function facilities make it the perfect base for social events.

The Course Designed by renowned course

architect Major Charles Mackenzie, the undulating 6,456-yard layout at Scarcroft offers a rich test.

The par-71 course features large fairways and mature trees, some of which date all the way back to the club’s opening.

Top Hole A par 5 is a great way to finish a round and the 18th here offers the chance of reaching the green in two

for a spectacular finish, but only if accuracy can be allied to power.

It’s a fitting way to decide a close match.

Card Wrecker The 15th, Forest Hill, is a very fine short hole played to a green tucked into the hillside. Most will require their best iron, if not a hybrid, from the medal tee and the real crime here is to miss left.

New North-East academy

New event poised to be held at Woodsome Hall Yorkshire club Woodsome Hall is launching a new tournament this year.

The Woodsome Hall Scratch Foursomes is open to professionals and category one amateurs and will be played over 36 holes on Sunday, 30 June.

First prize is £1,000 for professionals and £500 vouchers for amateurs. Entries close on May 15.

Schoolgirl’s Spanish success

Boost for York juniors

A Cramlington youngster triumphed at a tournament in Spain last month.

Rachel Gourley won the Spanish Girls Under12 Championship by a staggering eight shots.

The eight-year-old came top of the British Junior Tour Order of Merit last year and is

Junior players in York will benefit from new financial backing.

The York Union of Golf Clubs has gained sponsorship from local company Glencor Golf Holidays to fund junior golf in the city.

Tour pro Simon Dyson is a graduate of the union’s coaching scheme.

170 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

expected to compete in the World Junior Championships in California this July.

“Rachel is up there with anybody I have ever seen for her age – she is truly exceptional,” said Andrew Nicholson, Rachel's coach.

Nicholson also coaches tour pro Chris Paisley.

A Northumberland golf club has opened a new academy.

The facility at Percy Wood GC was set up after current professional David O'Brien joined the club.

“David has a professional attitude towards the game and brings a wealth of new ideas and techniques which will ensure that the David O'Brien Golf Academy becomes one of the North East's top teaching facilities,” said complex manager Simon Olver.

The club has also invested in drainage work and in a new enlarged teeing area.

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SUMMER 2013 Selected dates are now available for visitor bookings Please quote National Club Golfer to secure these rates. Visit our website for last minute deals and internet bookings

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NORTH WEST Cheshire | Cumbria | Lancashire | Merseyside

Bootle goes bust

M St Anne's Old Links in Lancashire will host a top amateur event in 2015. England Golf has chosen the venue to stage the Women's Open Amateur Stroke Play.

Cumbria Golf Tour Entries are now open for the 2013 North East and Cumbria Junior Golf Tour.

The event sees up-andcoming golfers aged between seven and 12 compete for a place in a regional final.

Y C HA

St Anne’s Old Links to host amateurs

NT

National Club Golfer would like to apologise for an error in last month’s Braid feature.

The nearest town to Brampton GC is Carlisle, not Penrith as was stated in the April issue. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

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A Merseyside club has gone into liquidation.

Members at Bootle Golf Club near Liverpool arrived at the club to find that the course and clubhouse had been closed off.

County Champion: Seascale, Cumbria About Founded in 1893, Seascale is a west Cumbrian layout that the discerning golfer will love.

The course has been ranked as one of the world’s top 1000 by Rolex and is deemed the second best, behind Silloth, in the county by most of the authoritative lists.

This quality was rewarded last year when the layout hosted the prestigious English Amateur.

The Course Measuring just 6,540 yards, the par72 course is not particularly long by modern standards. However, fast greens and varied terrain create a very tough test of links golf, particularly in windy conditions.

It is crucial to make the most of the downwind holes, while players should watch out for a stream that provides a hazard early on the inward half.

Top Hole The signature hole at Seascale is the 142-yard 10th. Known as “Beck”, it features a small stream and is the best of a collection of testing par 3s.

Card Wrecker Watch out for the par-4 16th hole.

The 473-yard challenge has a Stroke Index of one and boasts more defences than its length.

Cumbrian teen battles elements

Bronte gets call-up Stockport junior Bronte Law has been selected to represent England.

Law was part of the British and Irish team that won the Curtis Cup last year and she will now turn out for England Golf at the French Lady Junior Championship.

The Cheshire youngster, who qualified for last season’s Women’s British Open, finished second in the individual championship last year.

Male captain for Wirral Ladies

Turbine plans scrapped

A ladies’ club in Merseyside has elected its first ever male captain.

Wirral Ladies’ Golf Club has previously insisted on an all-female committee but has changed its policy in the wake of the Equality Act. The captaincy will now be shared by a man and a woman.

Councillors have rejected plans to build a 30-foot wind turbine on a Lancashire golf course.

Sixteen of 21 voted against the proposal after nearby residents felt that a turbine at Douglas Valley GC would be too noisy.

The course is a quaint nine-holer on the outskirts of Bolton.

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“This is a genuine mixed club,” said club manager Peter Greville.

“The men were happy to maintain club traditions, but this was forced on us to some extent to comply with the 2010 Equality Act.” Shared captaincy will become standard practice at the club in future.

A Cumbrian youngster battled a sandstorm and the best college players in America at a tournament in Wyoming.

Nineteen-year-old Seb Crookall-Nixon finished tied 11th in the Desert Classic after carding an impressive one over in the 54-hole event. The Cockermouth player is on a scholarship at San Francisco University and hopes to make the Walker Cup team later this year.

“I was very happy with the way my game is shaping up for the season ahead,” said Crookall-Nixon.

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EAST MIDLANDS Derb | N’ants | Notts | Leics | Lincs | Cambs | N’folk | Suffolk

Norfolk clubs on junior circuit

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The 2013 Norfolk county junior schedule has been released, and includes tournaments at top courses such as Hunstanton and Royal Cromer. For full information about the schedule visit www.norfolkcounty golfunion.co.uk.

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County Champion: North Shore, Skegness Sherwood all set Sherwood Forest will host the England Senior Women’s Amateur Championships from April 23. The tournament is open to all female amateurs aged 50 and over.

Stay-and-play at Ullesthorpe Ullesthorpe Court are now offering summer break packages for 2013 which include free golf throughout the entirety of your stay. For more information or to make a booking visit www.bwullesthorpecourt.co.uk.

About Five-time Open champion James Braid laid out the course here in 1910 and it is still going strong today. The attached hotel sits in an unrivalled position, being the closest to the sea in Skegness and offering some great views across The Wash to the Norfolk coastline.

The Course The course is a fascinating mix of

parkland and linksland. Often when this is the case you might enjoy nine holes of one before a change of flavour but here it constantly moves from one to the other.

Some of the holes benefit from the best of both styles due to a band running through the course.

Top Hole The first links hole comes at the 4th where the contours of the

Card Wrecker The 14th is a really tricky par 3 which can play any club in the bag depending on where the wind is.

Students to make Woodhall Spa trip

Hollinwell to host Brabazon The Nottinghamshire Golf Club at Hollinwell has been chosen to host the Brabazon Trophy in 2015.

Hollinwell has staged the event on four occasions. The first in 1959 saw Doug Sewell beat Michael Bonallack by a shot in an 18-hole playoff. In 1975 Sandy Lyle won the first of his two titles, while Charlie Banks won in 1983. On the last occasion in 1992, Ignacio Garrido took the title.

Algarve success for Gorleston duo Open days at Woodbridge Woodbridge GC will host two open days in April aimed at attracting new members to the club. The days will offer prospective members a chance to play the course and use the practice facilities.

ground take over to provide a long par 4 judged as the most difficult hole. There is a large hump in the middle of the fairway which you can either try and take on or play short of to leave a very long approach into the green.

Gorleston duo David James and James Chadd have secured victories in the HowDidiDo championship final at the Vilamoura resort in Portugal.

The Great Yarmouth pair scored an impressive five wins out of five in the all-age fourball better ball handicap on five courses

174 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

at the venue on the Algarve coast.

“We did think we had a chance of winning it," said James.

“I knew no-one would bury us in any single match but to win five out of five was more than we could have dreamt of.

When we won it we were overjoyed, " he added.

Notts youngsters make a perfect start Nottinghamshire’s U18 squad made the perfect start to their season after defeating Warwickshire at Ruddington Grange.

Jordan Boulton, Carter Newton, Kier Stockdale, Reece Thorby Coy and Daniel O'Loughlin all recorded wins as their side secured a 10.5-7.5 victory.

Students attending the Performance Golf Academy Derby education and player training programme visited Woodhall Spa in order to prepare for the upcoming season.

The Derby College students made the trip to compete in the British Colleges Sport Open Golf Championship.

The tournament saw students from colleges across the UK compete in both team and individual events played over two rounds and Balby College from Doncaster in South Yorkshire ended up the clear winners.

NCG pp175 Club Golf EM Ads 21/03/2013 15:34 Page 175

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WOODBRIDGE GOLF CLUB Tel: 01394 382038 | Pro Shop: 01394 383213 Email: info@woodbridgegolfclub.co.uk | www.woodbridgegolfclub.co.uk www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 175

NCG pp176 Club Golf SW 22/03/2013 16:31 Page 176

CLUB GOLF News & Reviews

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SOUTH WEST Channel Is | Cornwall | Devon | Dorset | Glos | Somerset | Wilts

Region on 2015 rota

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Courses from Devon and Somerset have been chosen to host tournaments on the England Golf 2015 calendar. The Women’s South West Region Medal Final will be held at Weston-Super-Mare, with Saunton hosting the Senior Men’s and Women’s region tournament.

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County Champion: Bude & North Cornwall Dorset discount Dorset Golf and Country Club are offering deals on summer breaks in July and August. Stays are available from just £76.95pppn. Early booking is advised. dorsetgolfresort.com

About Situated close to south-west gems Trevose and Saunton, Bude is a rugged linksland challenge that is well worth a visit – there are some excellent play-and-stay packages available – on any golfing trip to the Cornwall coastline.

The course was established in 1891 on the common land known as Summerleaze Downs and quickly garnered a reputation for quality.

Course Subsequent updates to Tom Dunn’s original design work have extended Bude just past the 6,000-yard mark.

The course boasts natural allweather, undulating fairways and excellent drainage. The greens are lightning fast and feature both harsh and subtle borrows.

Top Hole The 3rd features a sharp dogleg

fairway and an elevated, undulating green that is protected by bunkers.

Card Wrecker The jewel in the crown is the 7th.

You will most likely require a fairway wood or strong iron shot to avoid the mounds and marshy water hazards that flank the fairway, while overshooting the blind plateau green on this 346-yard par 4 could prove costly.

Bowood Park progress Bowood Park secured their passage into the inaugural Presidents Trophy Final after defeating Launceston 5.5-3.5 at Bude.

They will now play Falmouth in the final of the event.

Dorset teenager Georgia Hall has won the England Golf Silver Tee award for the way she combines her education and golf.

The 16 year old is Europe’s number one amateur and a student at the LeAF Elite Athlete Academy where she is taking a BTEC National Diploma in Sport.

“Golf comes first, but I want to keep my education going if I can,” the Remedy Oak member said.

Wiltshire G&CC sold for £3.5m Victory for St Enodoc St Enodoc claimed their second victory in the Frank Wills Salver in a tightly contested 36hole final by beating Tehidy Park by 3.5 to 1.5 points in brutal conditions at Perranporth.

Cornwall golf hits TV

Silver Tee success for Hall

The Wiltshire Hotel, Golf and Country club at Royal Wootton Bassett has been sold for £3.5m, making it one of the industry’s most expensive transactions in recent years.

The Peter Allissdesigned course has been been bought by Wiltshire Leisure & Hospitality (WLHL).

176 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Kay Griffiths of Savills who handled the sale said: “Occupying a prime elevated position to the south of Royal Wootton Bassett, The Wiltshire Hotel, Golf & Country Club is a rare investment opportunity in this sector which was highlighted by the interest we received and the price achieved.”

EWGA Trust victory for Tavistock Ladies Tavistock ladies have won the EWGA Trust – a tournament set up by the leading charity for girls’ golf.

Competitions secretary Shirley Trevena said: “We always support the trust and we are absolutely thrilled to win the Stableford tournament.”

A new, fortnightly television programme covering all aspects of golf in Cornwall has been launched on the Cornwall Channel.

Golf in Cornwall aired for the first time at 10pm on Monday, 18 March on Sky. The 30-minute programme is hosted by Simon Wood of the Cornwall Golf Partnership and will show a mix of material designed to attract new golfers and to appeal to established players.

“This is a really exciting opportunity to raise the profile of golf in Cornwall and get more people playing the game,” said Wood.

NCG pp177 Club Golf SW Ads 22/03/2013 13:44 Page 177

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www.launcestongolfclub.co.uk www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 177

NCG pp178 Club Golf SW County Champions 22/03/2013 11:25 Page 178

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Bowood Park, Cornwall Superb greens make this a classy year-round venue

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About included in the price is 27 holes of The golf courses here are set in golf a day and the hotel guarantee over 600 acres of beautiful there will be golf available countryside, offering stunning regardless of the weather or the views of Dartmoor and across the time of year. rolling Devon countryside towards Exmoor.

Top Hole The complex offers designs The Kigbeare is the newest and which utilise the natural grandest of the courses C HA M features of the here and the 3rd is a Y P T landscape - making stunning hole. the most of mature From the tee it T C A CONT 3053 trees, hedgerows drops 50 feet to the 5 7 3 8 1 t: 0 uk o. .c el ot and ponds. green, and your ball h se manorhou A N 4 0 2 X must carry E : p The Courses Hookmoor Brook.

This unique complex just outside Okehampton Card Wrecker comprises, among other things, The 8th on the Forest course is four full-length 18-hole courses flanked by pines on the right and a and a further 18-hole par-3 course. mixture of oak, sycamore and In other words, that's 90 holes ashes down the left, so the tee shot on the same site, something no is intimidating. other British venue can rival.

Approach shots down the left need What is more, when you book to avoid a pond 80 yards from the to stay here for a few days, green.

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About excellent drainage system means Set in the heart of North Cornwall the course rarely falls foul of even in a designated area of Special the most extreme weather Landscape Value – the Bowood conditions.

Park Hotel and Golf Club once formed part of a 13th-century deer Top Hole park owned by Edward, the Black The signature hole is the 12th, Prince.

Azalea, which has an island green Now home to a luxury and therefore requires two C H Y 31-room hotel and 18excellent shots to make A M NT hole parkland course, the green. The U this is arguably the second has to be CONTACT finest of all Cornish t: 01840 2 well struck to carry 13 017 bowoodpa resorts and is the the water and, if in rk.com p: PL32 9R perfect destination doubt, it is better to F for a golfing holiday lay up and pitch on or family break. rather than risk getting wet.

The Course The par-72 layout measures 6,735 Card Wrecker yards from the back sticks and is The par-5 7th will test both your set up in a way which will brawn and brain. Hit your drive to maximise enjoyment for all favour the middle-left and direct standards of golfer. your second to the right side of the It features superb greens, all fairway to open up the green for built to USGA standards, and its your third.

NCG pp179 County Champions SW Ads 21/03/2013 14:15 Page 179

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www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 179

NCG pp180 Club Golf SE 22/03/2013 11:14 Page 180

CLUB GOLF News & Reviews

in association with glenbraegolf.com

SOUTH EAST Beds | Berks | Bucks | Essex | Hants | Herts | Kent | Middx | Surrey | Sussex

Short-game success

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Rustington Golf Centre recently hosted a skills challenge day over their par-3 course to help juniors improve their short game. They took part in competitions throughout the day, which was described as ‘a great success’ by Sussex County Golf Union’s Ian Jagger.

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County Champion: Welwyn Garden City, Herts GGA’s inaugural event The Disabled Golf Association held their first event of the season at Hurtmore in Surrey.

Players’ among the field were amputees, the visually impaired, stroke survivors, arthritis and MS sufferers.

Weald Wednesdays Weald of Kent are currently offering tee times for just £15 at any time on Wednesdays.

For more information offer visit www.wealdof-kent.co.uk or contact the club directly on 01622 891 671.

Hampshire call-ups Two Hampshire youngsters are in England’s U16 squad.

Arrun Singh-Brar (Brokenhurst Manor) and Jordan Sundborg (Shanklin & Sandown) will train at Cumberwell Park with the squad this month.

About Founded in 1923, this is the home club of six-time Major winner and former Ryder Cup captain Sir Nick Faldo. Conveniently located within 10 miles of the M25, the course is one of the finest in Hertfordshire and the clubhouse enjoys a similarly excellent reputation.

The Course Set in undulating parkland, its

narrow fairways and small greens have seen many scorecards ruined with just a touch of wayward hitting. Good drainage makes it a truly year-round course, providing an ideal venue for winter visitors and societies.

Top Hole The 17th is the signature hole – a 600-yard par 5 which is a true three-shotter for all. The approach

must miss a prominent fairway bunker to leave an approach to a narrow elevated green that falls away to the front and left.

Card Wrecker The par-3 12th is one of the toughest; out-of-bounds lurks down the right-hand side and beyond the green. There are also two wellplaced bunkers to contend with if your tee shot is slightly short.

Spanish defeat for Raymond

Charity day at The Shire The owner of The Shire has commissioned a charity golf day to raise money for the hospital that saved his life. Tony Menai Davis contracted double pneumonia in 2012 and, after being put into an induced coma, was treated at Papworth hospital where he fully recovered. The all-day MidSummer Masters Tournament will take place on June 21 to raise money for a new ECMO machine for the hospital.

Keeble close to Cape Town title

National recognition

Essex youngster Bobby Keeble came within a shot of winning the Western Province U23 Championship in Cape Town.

South Africa’s Nathan Scott held out to win a shootout against the 18year-old England boy cap.

After pulling away from the field over the

Three talented teenagers from the South East will represent England Golf in the Scottish U16 Strokeplay at Strathmore.

Alice Hewson, 15 (Berkhamsted), Sophie Madden, 16 (West Essex), and Emma Allen, 16, (Meon Valley) will all represent their country in the tournament.

180 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

front nine, both players began the 17th at six under for the day. Keeble hit his tee shot through the green and then chipped to a yard but disappointingly threeputted.

Scott managed to make par and maintain his oneshot advantage over the last hole to take the title.

Hampshire’s Neil Raymond narrowly missed out on winning the Spanish Amateur Championship after slipping to defeat in the final at La Manga.

Raymond lost 4&3 to Ireland’s Reeve Whiston. Although the Hampshire man twice held a slender lead, he found himself 2-down after 18 holes and his Irish opponent extended the lead over the second 18 holes.

English players had won the title for the three previous years through Matt Haines in 2010, Laurie Canter in 2011 and Jack Hiluta last year.

NCG pp181 Club Golf SE Ads 21/03/2013 13:52 Page 181

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NCG pp182 Club Golf Scotland 22/03/2013 11:13 Page 182

CLUB GOLF News & Reviews

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SCOTLAND News and course reviews from the Home of Golf

Award for Mach Dunes

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The Village at Machrihanish Dunes has won the Scotland Enterprise Award at the recent Countryside Alliance Awards.

The award is given to an inspiring and globally competitive business which also contributes to the local community and rural heritage.

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County Champion: Kingsbarns, Fife Sponsors deal for Henry Aberdeen Asset Management will support Scott Henry this year. The 26-year-old Glaswegian has progressed from the Challenge Tour to earn a European Tour card.

ClubGolf camps return ClubGolf Camps will return for a second year after over 800 youngsters and 53 clubs took part in the 2012 event. From July 1, 75 camps will take place all over Scotland with over 1,000 children involved.

Scott is top seed St Andrews’ Ewan Scott is the top seed ahead for the Scottish Boys Championship at Monfeith. Scott won a medal for GB at the Youth Olympics and reached the final of the South African Amateur Championship.

About Ranked as one of the world’s top 100 courses, Kingsbarns Golf Links lies just six miles from St Andrews.

The club recently revealed that it is hosting a betterball Stableford event in September. The Kingsbarns Classic includes breakfast, dinner and 18 holes of golf, and the winning pair will be invited back to defend their title next year.

The Course While Kyle Phillips’ 7,126-yard, par-72 design is less than 15 years old, it looks and plays like a classic links. The sea is visible from every hole, while another trademark is the large, undulating greens. With significant changes in elevation, making club selection tricky.

Top Hole The most spectacular short hole on

the course is surely the par-3 15th.

It is played to a green set over water and fronted by the rocky beach.

Card Wrecker While there are many tough holes, the par-5 3rd really stands out. This hole features a heavily contoured green, while several pot bunkers wait on the fairways should you dismiss strategy and resort to blasting.

South African comeback not enough

McGinley’s offical visit Paul McGinley has paid his first official visit to Gleneagles since being elected as European Ryder Cup Captain.

He marked the occasion by unveiling a ceremonial silver putter. The sterling silver club will be on display in the Dormy Clubhouse from now until the conclusion of the 40th Ryder Cup, which will be played on the PGA Centenary Course from September 26 to 28, 2014.

Top Juniors head for East Lothian

New UKGCOA manager

The 2013 US Kids Golf European Championships will be held over five top East Lothian courses in the run-up to this summer’s Open Championship at Murfield.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from May 28 to 30 on Gullane No. 2, Gullane

The manager of Duff House Royal, James Cameron, has been appointed as general manager of the UK Golf Course Owners Association. The UKGCOA was set up in 2010 to introduce comprehensive market data and share best practice to benefit courses.

182 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

No. 3, Craigielaw, Luffness New and Longniddry.

Dan Van Horn, president of US Kids Golf, said: “East Lothian will be a golf Mecca this summer – meaning that in the space of a month or so the best golfers, both now and of the future, will be on the same soil.”

Scotland failed to complete a last-day comeback against South Africa in the annual clash between the nations at Leopard Creek - losing the match 15.5-12.5.

Trailing by four points heading into the final round, the Scots produced a spirited performance, taking control of the majority of games but ultimately slipped to defeat. The annual event forms part of the team’s eight-week winter performance training programme, thanks to Leopard Creek proprietor Johann Rupert and Aberdeen Asset Management.

NCG pp183 Club Golf Scotland Ads 22/03/2013 13:41 Page 183

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NCG pp184 Club Golf Wales 22/03/2013 11:12 Page 184

CLUB GOLF News & Reviews

in association with glenbraegolf.com

WALES All the latest news and course reviews from the Principality

Disabled project

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Welsh Paralympian Stephen Thomas has helped launch a project to promote disabled golf.

The star hopes his involvement will boost awareness of a scheme designed to fund clubs to set up coaching schemes that are accessible for everyone.

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County Champion: Tenby, Pembrokeshire Stars back event A host of celebrities will play in an event at Celtic Manor later this year.

Comedian Rob Brydon and Sir Steve Redgrave will both appear in the Celebrity Cup that runs from May 10 to 12.

Open golf scheme Welsh clubs are participating in a project to offer handicaps to pay-and-play golfers.

The Open Golf Club scheme also provides competition entry for the cost of reduced green fees.

Charity day a success The generous members of classic links Ashburnham have raised more than £2,700 for charity.

The south-west club hosted a charity golf day recently in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

About Established in 1888 some 50 miles west of Swansea, Tenby is the birthplace of Welsh golf. But this south-west links offers more than just history and is often ranked alongisde the likes of Royal Porthcawl, Royal St. David’s and Aberdovey in discussions of the country’s best courses. It is within walking distance of the town centre and offers stay-and-play packages.

The Course The par-72, 6482-yard James Braid design is set in natural, rolling terrain and offers everything you would expect from a classic links layout. Blind shots, cruel pot bunkers and fast greens all feature, while the par 3s call for anything between a wedge and a three wood.

Top Hole Former Ryder Cup star Dai Rees

loved the par-4 3rd here so much that it was named after him. The Stroke Index one hole features a steeply sloping green and it is a gorgeous hole.

Card Wrecker Watch out for the par-4 10th.

Named after the course designer, the hole boasts a scattering of bunkers and a particularly tricky green.

Grant for Glyn Abbey

Davies backs Junior Open Bridgend professional Rhys Davies has urged young golfers to enter the Junior Wales Open.

Successful qualifiers will compete for the title at Celtic Manor, where Davies (right) holds the course record of 62.

“The Principality Junior Wales Open has introduced many young golfers to the big tournament stage,” said Davies. I think it is a fantastic competition for juniors.”

New order of merit for the girls

Bartlett lands GUW job

Welsh girls will be able to compete in a national Order of Merit for the first time this year.

The new league, introduced by the Golf Union of Wales, will crown the best junior girls over the course of the season.

The competition takes into account results both

Newport Links president Celia Bartlett will take over as head of the Golf Union of Wales.

The 61-year-old has been on the GUW council since 2007.

“I am looking forward to representing Welsh golf, it will be a lot of hard work but I am ready for that,” said Bartlett.

184 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

inside and outside of Wales while performance in the rankings will influence the selection of the Principality’s international teams.

The competition has been designed to be similar in nature to the more established Hugh James Boys’ Order of Merit.

A Welsh club has been awarded a grant to fund coaching schemes for disabled juniors.

Glyn Abbey has received £2,500 from the Golf Foundation to teach children from nine local schools.

“We are so excited about the next 12 months,” said club professional Mike Davies.

“We were looking for a grant to help us service the need which is out there and show there are kids around who will really benefit from playing golf.”

Davies also works with Sport Wales and Disability Sport Wales.

NCG pp185 Club Golf Wales Ads 21/03/2013 15:36 Page 185

CLUB GOLF

NEWPORT GOLF CLUB (GWENT)

Newport Golf Club was founded in 1903 and extends over 6500 yards. It is situated in the spectacular setting of Llynwi wood, an ancient oak woodland and has played host to many top amateur events, such as the British Ladies Championships, the Mens Welsh Senior Championships and the British Girls Championships. The club is 1 mile from J 27 of the M4 and is 6 miles West of the Celtic Manor resort.

50% OFF MEMBERSHIP FEES FOR EACH OF THE FIRST TWO YEARS. ONLY £475 PER YEAR FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP (JOINING FEE APPLIES) Tel 01633 892643 | Email secretary@newportgolfclub.org.uk | www.newportgolfclub.org.uk

TENBY GOLF CLUB WINTER OFFERS Society Golf from £23.00 Play and Stay in our Dormy House from £65.00 inc b+b and 2 rounds of golf!

Enjoy a superb winter golf break on a Rolex World Ranked Course.

No trolley bans, no temporary greens. 5 minutes from Tenby town centre

Tel 01834 844447/842978 www.tenbygolf.co.uk www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MAY 2013 185

NCG pp186 Columnist MT 22/03/2013 11:10 Page 186

MARK TOWNSEND More short-game shortcomings – even when I’m at the driving range EAVING a driving range can often leave you feeling very empty. Yes, you’ve been a good little boy and gone to practise, but the truth of it is you have achieved next to nothing.

You have done nothing to move your short game on from shambolic. You have hit too many drivers to try and impress the bloke in the bay next door. And there has been the odd pipe due to trying to hit dozens of 5 irons despite knowing that not once do you ever trust that particular club out on the course.

Occasionally I try and spice things up with some music; better players seem to do this, losing themselves to the sounds of Johnny Hates Jazz on their iPod, while repeatedly hitting 3 irons over 200 yards. But I am unable to settle - either struggling to keep the earphone in its place after an ungainly swing or just on a piece of music to suit my mood.

There was a time when a friend and I got quite a lot out of our post-work workouts. Here we would play the Open Championship courses and tackle them, as the likes of Old Tom Morris intended, from 1 to 18. Only in a field which skirted the M62.

Other than looking a bit odd announcing a hole and its characteristics to one another, these were, relatively speaking, halcyon days.

However, given my sketchy knowledge of Troon’s front nine and my stablemate’s disposition to throw in ‘new’ pot bunkers, the fun had to stop. Pity.

Now, though, I have been stirred from my slumber thanks to 60 60 Golf.

The idea came about three years ago with the realisation that golf can take too long, cost too much and is not overly accessible.

Hence a game where 60 shots, something like a round of golf (save for the chipping out sideways), can be played in one hour. And no dependence on the weather.

The answer had been staring me in the face for months following an exhaustive winter training programme at Leeds Golf Centre where targets, circles and distance posts had decorated the outlook.

Now, having been taken through how 60 60 Golf works, everything became clear in a flash.

Rather like those optical illusions where a rabbit suddenly appears from your Sunday magazine.

L

186 MAY 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Arrow straight

You won’t be rewarded for repeatedly shanking it

In short, you hit to a target and score points depending on where the ball finishes via six skills – driving accuracy, fairway shots, greens in regulation, short game, scrambling and putting.

There is nothing to be gained from length, which will stop the likes of Mr Pot Bunker from adding on a few yards, and the furthest target to a green is 160 yards away.

So, instead of fanning a load of fairway woods anywhere into the distance and being quite pleased with yourself, you concentrate on what might actually help you out on the course.

There are all number of ways to test yourself: drills, challenges or playing a round.

And whatever you do, everything is then totted up to give a total out of 60.

So, whether it is a three-hole warm-up or a full round, you get the same uneasy feeling in your stomach knowing that every shot means something.

All of a sudden you are stood looking down at a yellow range ball and willing it to go close, or at least be good enough for a few points towards your tally.

And, if proof were needed, that this is a decent reflection of what happens on the terrifying wilds of the course, I managed a pathetic 13.3 (out of 60) on the scrambling aspect from an overall effort of 38.4.

Twenty yards and the chance to bolster the total is somewhat set back by a series of mini fats off a fluffy mat.

Plenty of thought has gone into this. There are 3,000 shot tips in the (free) app and the feedback on shot dispersion is spectacular and particularly useful if you are having lessons.

After five goes you are awarded a skill rating which serves as your handicap and that ‘handicap’ is the average of your last five rounds.

There are also online communities, groups to join and competitions to enter. Like the real thing it is all fairly addictive, only cheaper and quicker.

For more visit www.6060golf.com

• Mark Townsend is NCG’s deputy editor. He plays off 7 and has a quite appalling short game

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