Playgolf - 09.2010 by Fairway Media Ltd

Playgolf Magazine Issue 9 September/October Published bi-monthly by Fairway Media Ltd

Managing Director Euan Stubbs Telephone: 07772086951 Email: euan@playgolfmidlands.co.uk Editor Phil Nicholas Telephone: 07929613199 Email: phil@playgolfmidlands.co.uk

Welcome to Playgolf Midlands! Welcome to the all new Playgolf Midlands Magazine the new name for Staffordshire and West Midlands Golfer. Playgolf Midlands sets out to act as a communication portal between clubs and manufacturers and of course you the golfing public, both regionally and nationally. Playgolf Midlands is a bi-monthly publication and will cover everything that you the discerning golfer will need from course reviews, equipment to

travel you name it we aim to cover it and for those of you who can`t wait every 2 months why not visit our website at www.playgolfmidlands.co.uk Playgolf Midlands is aimed at golfers from all age groups and all levels, from professionals, club players, beginners and societies. We also want to hear your golfing experiences from course experiences to holes in one just email us and you could be reading your news stories in one of our issues.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER â&#x20AC;˘ 2010

NEWS

SHRIGLEY HALL DUO WIN MONTY’S CHARITY CHALLENGE Martin Firth and Andrew Taylor win against large field at The Belfry

Martin Firth and Andrew Taylor from Macclesfield were the victors of the Monty’s Charity Challenge event held at The Belfry on 21 July and will now be at the 2010 Ryder Cup with Colin Montgomerie and the rest of the European team. A total of 130 players competed in the Challenge, which saw all proceeds going to the charity of Colin Montgomerie’s late mother, The Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation. Firth and Taylor, who play at Shrigley Hall Golf Club in Cheshire, shot an impressive 46 points in the Pairs Stableford, staged on the famous Brabazon course. The tournament operated on the ¾ handicap Stableford ruling for pairs, as club captains and officials from across the UK took on a course that has seen £3 million of investment since it staged its fourth Ryder Cup in 2002. Firth, an eight-handicapper and Taylor, a 15-handicapper, took advantage of The Brabazon’s 10.5 Stimpmeter greens and pristine fairways to finish one point ahead of Byron and Gregg Stephenson from Cumbria.

SEVE’S NEW CHARITY GOLF EVENT GOES NATIONWIDE IN 2011 National Golf Club Challenge to double in size next year

of my life is very special. I am proud to be involved in the National Golf Club Challenge and I hope golf clubs throughout the UK will take part to raise funds for The Seve Ballesteros Foundation, in partnership with Cancer Research UK. By signing up to the challenge, clubs all over the UK can enjoy the sport while raising money for brain cancer research.” 2010’s National Golf Club Challenge brought hundreds of golf clubs and thousands of golfers together on the same weekend in July as part of a nationwide fundraiser, with each participating golf club hosting their own charity golf day in aid of Help for Heroes.

After a successful launch year in 2010, The National Golf Club Challenge will double in size in 2011 with a new event in support of the Seve Ballesteros Foundation, working in partnership with Cancer Research UK. The organisation’s Help For Heroes 2011 event will take place on the

weekend of 4th-5th June 2011, with a new nationwide Seve Ballesteros Foundation event on the 23rd-24th July weekend. Speaking of his support for the new nationwide event, Seve Ballesteros comments: “I have always admired and loved British people. Their support during the toughest match

In 2011 the two National Golf Club Challenge competitions are designed to coincide with participating golf club’s monthly Stableford event, with each club turning the day into their own charity golf day. Competing clubs submit aggregate scores from their 10 best players on the day. This then determines the top scoring golf clubs against standard scratch, who will be invited to compete in a climactic National Final for each event. “The inaugural National Golf Club Challenge event has been an outstanding success, exceeding

“The Belfry was a fitting venue for Monty’s Charity Challenge,” said Firth. “It’s obviously a bonus to win on a historic course that features the best greens around, but the most important thing was The Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation, which the whole day catered for brilliantly.” Gary Silcock, the Director of Golf at The Belfry said: “The day was a fitting tribute to a great charity. The charity has a special place in my heart as I lost my mother, Elizabeth, to cancer almost two years ago. “We set the course up to Ryder Cup standards and all of the club captains and officials that turned out were very complimentary. To shoot 46 points in a ¾ handicap Stableford competition around The Brabazon course is a major feat and we congratulate both Martin and Andrew on their victory,” he added. The presentation for Monty’s Charity Challenge took place on Sunday, 15 August when the two winners received their tickets for The Ryder Cup Practice Day. To learn more about The Belfry visit www.TheBelfry.com.

everyone’s expectations.” commented Event Director Stacey Jeffries, “The great British golfing community have supported the event in their thousands. With this in mind, we are looking forward to doubling our efforts in 2011 in order to stage two challenge events – in support of two very worthy charities”. Seve Ballesteros, whom many consider to be the greatest golfer ever to play the European Tour, set up the Seve Ballesteros Foundation in 2009 and works in partnership with Cancer Research UK to raise money for the charity’s world class research into cancers of the brain. The five-time Major winner continues to be an inspiration in his personal life as much as he was during his professional career. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008 after collapsing at Madrid Airport. Having undergone four operations, intensive chemotherapy and a sixweek course of radiotherapy, Seve is now fighting back with the same grit and determination we have seen from him on the golf course. For more information on The National Golf Club Challenge, including how to enter your golf club for either or both of the 2011 events, go to www.ngcc.co or www.nationalgolfclubchallenge.org.uk. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

SWEN

WORLD PUTTMASTER RECORD

SMASHED! Hundreds watched in amazement on Friday at the British Par 3 Championships at the fabulous Nailcote Hall Par3 course in Coventry, as teenage sensation AARON RAI beat all-comers to smash the long standing ‘Lee Westwood World Puttmaster Record’ with an astonishing 207 consecutive 3m (10’) putts! Used in daily practice by European No1 and World No3 superstar, Lee Westwood, and carrying his trusted name, the Lee Westwood Puttmaster is a simple putt training mat, that offers perfect putt alignment, whilst flushing out any inherent putting stroke errors and giving the player instant swing/stroke feedback. You can use it indoors or outdoors, in fact you don’t even need a ball to practice with it Puttmaster use their mat as a set-up aid and encourage existing players and non-golfers to attempt to sink as many consecutive 3m (10’) putts as they can. Until Friday, the consecutive putt world record stood at 136 putts! Aaron’s Record Challenge began at 4pm and saw him standing tall at 5.30 with his blockbusting putting tally. A host of Celebrity stars and Pro’s willed him on and Champagne corks popped as he sailed past the existing 136 benchmark and into the Record books with his 207. Local lad Aaran, aged 15 and off a Handicap of 1, raved about Lee’s Puttmaster as he was hugged by his watching father. Said Aaron, “I couldn’t believe how simply Lee’s Puttmaster lined me up and kept me in a groove. At first I thought it was like every other putt trainer that totally relies upon the ‘aid’ and without it you go back to your old stroke, PLAYGOLF

but the Puttmaster is really special. It just gives you massive confidence! I felt like I could have shot 250 putts at least, I watched Sir Bobby Charlton and ‘Strictly Dancing’s’ Len Goodman practice their Record attempts and couldn’t wait to have my turn”. “Awesome, really really awesome!....207 will take some beating!” Terry Hateley-Lowe, the LW WPChallenge Tour Director was the first to congratulate young Aaron on his amazing achievement and was gushing in his praise for the new World Record holder: ”Aaron remained calm and balanced throughout his Challenge attempt and although he had a few nervy moments, he remained solid and cool. A little earlier in the day we thought we had a new World Record when local pro Mark Sparrow nailed 127 consecutive putts, but up steps this quiet guy and smashes the World Record to bits! On behalf of Lee Westwood’s Puttmaster and our associates PING Golf who supply all the putters and Titleist who provided the Record breaking PRO V1 match ball, we would like to congratulate Aaron but also invite anyone who thinks they can beat Aaron’s 207, to watch out for the Lee Westwood World Putting Challenge as we tour the UK, step up, have a go and who knows you may just be the next World PuttMaster!”

FORMER BAGGIES STARS RETURN TO WALSALL GOLF CLUB A host of former West Bromwich Albion players descended on Walsall Golf Club to raise money for charity. Players from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s played a round at the Broadway Club as part of their ongoing efforts to generate cash to provide financial, personal and moral support to ex-Baggies footballers when required. Cash is also often donated to local causes – last year the £1000 raised was split between Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, Cancer Research and liver transplant research at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Among those who attended are Brendan Batson MBE, Ray Wilson, Bobby Hope and Gary Robson, all of whom played in last year’s event. Organiser Geoff Snape said: “We had 22 teams of four taking part, many of whom represent local businesses and Baggies supporters. Each team featured a former player, giving everyone a rare opportunity to meet one of their heroes. Walsall Golf Club supports

us well and we like the format of greens to tees, because it speeds up play, as well as the ambience of the clubhouse and excellent restaurant facilities.” A number of golf societies play regularly at Walsall Golf Club, including Walsall Police Golf Society, Bromford Iron and Steel, and The Rubber Industry Golf Society. Club Secretary Peter Thompson said: “Golf is a wonderful way for old and current friends to come together, catch up and raise money for worthy causes. We are popular with a number of golf societies around the West Midlands, because they are often experienced golfers who look for a challenging course and quality facilities.” Further information on Walsall Golf Club, along with contact details should you want to take your golf society to Broadway, are available on the club’s website: www.walsallgolfclub.co.uk.

So if you are wondering what is so special about this trainer simply ask you golf Professional for a demo or pop into your local American Golf superstore and ask for your Puttmaster, get on the practice green today and you could be tomorrow’s world beater.

Our foray into the full Midlands area gives us the opportunity from now on to introduce even more young stars of the future than ever before. This popular feature of ours is now reprised on the website www.thebestgolf.co.uk where we will be also updating the progress of the juniors who’ve previously appeared in The Future’s Bright.

The Future’s Bright

ALEX PETERS

ailing from Nottinghamshire, Alex (16) has already had a glittering junior career, full of personal and team honours. She was encouraged to take up the game early by her supportive parents, first picking up a club at 7. Coached from the age of 10 by Steve Cooper (Gainsborough Golf Club) Alex first represented her county at 11, and just a year later was picked for England girls. Her progress has been rapid since, featuring in the England team for the past three years in home internationals and the European Girls Team Championship. Her first big win as a single golfer came in 2006 in the English Girl’s U13 championship. Two victories followed in the National Fairhaven U18’s in 2008 and 2009, and then a real career highlight so far as Alex triumphed in the final of the Daily Telegraph Junior Championships in Abu Dhabi. Pictured below accompanied by male winner Chris Lloyd, Alex shot three rounds of 71,71 and 69 for a 5 under par total and a massive 5 shot victory over the rest of the field.

She now represents Notts Ladies, has a handicap of +2 , is a member at Beeston Fields, Shifnal, Sunningdale and The Berkshire and holds no less than 8 course records. She has a solid all round game yet feels holing a few more putts would be useful in her challenges for major titles this year. In the future Alex is hoping to attend an American University before turning pro which of course is the ultimate objective. When you consider the combined talents of the Peters family it’s not hard to see where Alex gets her golfing prowess and motivation from. Her parents Nick and Ann have handicaps of 4 and 5 respectively and 18 year old brother Edward plays off +0.5 and is on his way to Purdue University in America. If there’s a more successful family four ball out there in The Midlands we would love to hear from them.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

THE FUTURES BRIGHT

BRADLEY MOORE

hen the recent Club Championship were held at Derbyshire’s Kedleston Park the winner achieved the feat a little ahead of his time. From the Championship tees Bradley Moore shot 74 and 70 for a comfortable victory over a strong line up of the club’s finest. What made it all the more impressive is the fact that Bradley is just 12 years old, becoming the youngest winner in the championship’s long history. From the age of 5, knocking a ball around with an old sand wedge Bradley became keen on the game in addition to the other sports he’s proficient in, including football and tennis. He joined Breadsall Priory as a junior member where he still is today as well as Kedleston. Highlights of his early career include a win at just 7 in 2005 at the Y.M.G Regional Qualifier at Morley Hayes, earning him a spot at Celtic Manor for

the final. He was Derbyshire U14 champion last year, also winning the Under 15 schools championship in the county. Bradley has played for Derbyshire boys for the last 4 years and has been selected for the EGU regional squad. He is currently coached by the county’s Ian Walley and Craig Pollard, and at national level by England Boys coaches John Cook and Steve Cooper. Bradley’s handicap is 3.5 and he’s hoping to lower that to below 3 by the end of the year. He has a strong short game and calm attitude out there, just a bit more distance from the tee would be useful, and that will naturally improve with age. However, beating the adults from the Championship tees over 36 holes seems to indicate that can hardly be described as a weakness, we look forward to following the progress of the Kedleston Park Champion in the years to come.

CAMERON LONG

relatively late starter to the game, 14 year old Cameron Long’s progress has been rapid since taking up golf seriously at 11. Having a father as a head professional at the local club is always useful of course, in just three years Cameron’s handicap has plummeted to just 3.5 and he’s picked up a number of honours on the way. His home club is Drayton Park near Tamworth and he’s also a member at Bromsgrove where he’s coached by Dad, Graeme Long. Cameron is punching above his weight in golfing age terms, winning the Staffordshire U16 Matchplay Championship

THE GOLFER MAGAZINE

and recently finishing fourth in the England Schools U16’s with a one under par total after 36 holes. He is also the Bromsgrove junior champion, shooting a gross 70 and represents Staffordshire Boys. Cameron is a consistent young golfer, possessing plenty of power and accuracy from the tee plus a deft touch around the greens. If there’s an area to sharpen up on it would be on those dance floors. Holing more putts is the key to lowering the handicap even further which is his main objective for the rest of this season in addition to a few more honours in county competitions.

Aston Wood West Midlands

Whittington Heath Staffordshire

On the outskirts of one of Britain’s smallest cities stands one of The Midlands’ oldest golf courses. Established way back in 1886 on land with horse racing and military history, Lichfield’s Whittington Heath is a Harry S. Colt inspired Staffordshire classic. The course wends its way through heather and gorse with attractive woodland as a backdrop. All this places a very high premium on your accuracy, the fast running fairways are the only place to be if it’s a

Golfer Magazine Pick:

low score you’re chasing. Penalties are likely to be severe for slipping off the straight and narrow, especially true on an increasingly demanding closing stretch. The short holes are all gems and the probable highlights, beware a very tough final one at the 15th, a little longer and its exposed tee catches the odd breeze or two. Always in fine condition all year long and the slick putting surfaces are some of the best around.

4th, 158 yards Par 3

This begins a run of four superb holes on the front nine. An accurate tee shot required to avoid a host of troublesome spots set around a supremely challenging and fun putting surface, full of undulations. A gorgeous looking Par 3, although soon rivalled by an equally impressive short 7th.

Did you know? When new head Professional Mike Raj took over the role at the start of this year he became only the club’s 5th since 1905.

Designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark in 1994, Aston Wood is based in Sutton Coldfield with a notable array of traditional and well known championship challenges right on its doorstep. So the challenge for a newer club in the area to prosper was a tough one, yet this club is a little different from the norm, and judging by the packed car park when we visited it’s not doing too badly. The course is very much inland links in appearance, its wide open nature ensures that the elements are the toughest hazard to face out there, the club has worked tirelessly over the years to increase both beauty and challenge in equal measures. New water hazards have been added, trees are maturing and an all round lay out of consistent quality has emerged to provide a good test for all abilities. The water surrounded Par Threes at 7 and 14 are very attractive highlights, around the turn there’s length and danger aplenty for anything but straight hitting, and the closing stretch is now a formidable and impressive finish, one to respect if a carefully constructed scorecard isn’t to be marred at the death.

PlayGolf Pick: 17th hole 354 yards Par 4 (Yellows). One of the more dramatic changes at Aston Wood is here with an extra lake and splash bunker added to the right hand side of this hole, joining the other lake already situated on the left. This leaves only a narrow collar of dry land running up to the green, which on a calm day might not be too tricky. Throw a bit of a headwind into the mix though and you could be hitting 5 or 6 iron in, which makes it a totally different proposition. Aston Wood’s growth over the years can be equally attributed to the off course charms on offer here. An extremely friendly clubhouse has a pub like atmosphere, very family friendly and service with a smile. The hectic social side includes diverse attractions from stand up comedy nights to professional boxing, all taking place in the clubs resident marquee. Much goes on at Aston Wood, and its all done very professionally and always with a smile, a brummie breath of fresh air.

Whittington Heath’s very distinctive clubhouse formed part of the grandstand for the Lichfield races in bygone days . Now it’s a busy facility, popular with visitors and societies, plus an important social venue for a plentiful membership. A regular host to many regional amateur championships, Whittington Heath continues to prove itself one of the West Midlands’ finest challenges.

www.whittingtonheathgc.co.uk T: 01543 432317

JUNE • 2010

Fulford Heath WORCESTERSHIRE

A James Braid designed layout in a beautifully rural region of southern Birmingham, easily reached via the M42 and once there, discover an oasis of calm.

The layout is a mature and delightful looking parkland examination, undulating in parts but never lung bursting, the attractive River Cole ebbs and flows through its heart and there’s a stillness to the atmosphere, with only the occasional shout of “fore” breaking the countryside quiet. Recent improvements and lengthening have levelled the test of Fulford Heath out somewhat. The first six or seven were always renowned for their birdie potential before tougher tests take hold around the turn. You’ll have to work a little harder for early success these days, but its still useful to put some red numbers on the card, holes like the long hilly 9th and 10th soon come along where preservation is more the order of the day. The back nine

contains two delightful Par 3’s, the 11th, looking down from a raised tee to a hazard surrounded green with the river trickling along at the rear. Then there’s 16th, notorious as a card wrecker, across the pond to a raised green where you can ill afford to underclub. Often a little breezy too, this tee shot guarantees a sigh of relief from golfers of even the highest standard if they find the rolling putting surface. PlayGolf Pick: 12th hole 323 yards Par 4 (Yellows). A sharp dog leg Par 4, the Cole meanders through its midst, giving you a decision to make from the tee, taking it on will leave just a short wedge to the uphill green, holding back will be safer, but will demand a much tougher approach, a very nice looking hole. Fulford Heath is very busy club, potential members of any age and gender can look forward to a lot of competitive golf and a very busy clubhouse social event schedule. Societies too are well catered for with a good range of packages. Close enough to the city centre and the motorway networks for easy access, yet pleasantly far away enough to make you feel you’re in a different world, James Braid’s countryside delight which looks lovely in autumn bloom, is a venue well worth discovering.

Walsall Golf Club West Midlands

You wouldn’t think the highly urbanised Birmingham suburb of Walsall would have the room or surroundings for much of a golf course. Not only does it have one in its heart, it has a Dr Alister Mackenzie designed one with over 100 years of history and tradition, a club that plays host to many a regional Championship event, all set in a stunningly beautiful setting that comes as a very pleasant surprise. Location/Directions: Junction 9 of the M6, found on the A4148 Walsall ring road on Broadway West. Can also be reached easily from the North via the A34. Walsall isn’t a particularly long lay out, especially at the beginning with some short Par 4’s to ease you in. The apparent generosity though can be balanced out by the fact that the early holes skirt the edges of the course, meaning there’s an out of bounds threat on nearly every hole. Accuracy rather than power is the vital element for success then, the driver will get much more use during an inward half where the holes get longer and fairways a little wider. The original Mackenzie design is still in place, however in the 1950’s the club undertook an extensive programme of tree planting, the results are there today in size, scope and glorious Autumnal bloom, each fairway lined by mature Oaks, silver birches, conifers and the occasional weeping willow. It all looks great but all together they leave little room for wayward hitting, low punch shots are common place here. Then there’s the sand traps that the designer is renowned for being so fond of, large in size especially around the greens, not too tricky to escape from but the area they tend to cover makes them hard to avoid. A fine example on a lovely driveable Par 4 6th hole, just 273 yards but reaching the green from the tee without finding sand

is true eye of the needle stuff. The putting surfaces are real highlights, some two tiered and gently contoured, great consistency with even the flatter surfaces containing some subtle borrows for a genuine challenge. There are no temporary greens here, the superb conditioning and a new irrigation system give Walsall quality year round playability. PlayGolf Pick: 18th hole 521 yards Par 5 (Yellows): Get ready for a long finishing stretch of three holes at Walsall, the climax being here at a long sweeping downhill Par 5 with a real show stopper of a long approach to a well protected green that just has to be attempted for a late chance of glory. 19th hole: The clubhouse retains a traditional look and feel and offers a range of catering to members and visitors alike, anything from bar snacks to set menus and A la carte evenings. A popular society and corporate venue, groups of any size can be accommodated by the club with bespoke menus and expert organisation, prizes, video etc via Head Professional Richard Lambert. Distance needs to be no barrier either, the club has a partnership with two hotels on its doorstep offering impressive value for 36 hole play and stay packages. A limited amount of new membership deals are currently on offer with the joining fee at half price. Summary: Once again in the North of the second city there’s a golf course that takes you away from the hustle and bustle and provides four hours of quality, peace and quiet in a beautifully manicured environment that doesn’t really seem possible from the outside. Dr Mackenzie’s exquisite design has stood the test of time, modern equipment and extra length won’t help much here, Walsall is too subtle for that, put simply its just a must play golf course.

Walsall Golf Club The Broadway, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 3EY 01922 613512 • www.walsallgolfclub.co.uk

Fulford Heath Golf Club Tanners Green Lane, Wythall, Birmingham, Worcestershire, B47 6BH T: 01564 824758 E: secretary@fulfordheathgolfclub.co.uk W: www.fulfordheathgolfclub.co.uk

JUNE • 2010

Rossa Introduces Corza Ghost Unique New Putter Specially Designed with Input from Putting Master Dave Stockton TaylorMade Golf, maker of Rossa® putters, has unveiled Corza Ghost, a mallet specially designed to be exceptionally easy to aim, and exceptionally easy to use to roll the ball down your intended line. It was designed with significant input from the hottest putting instructor in the world, Rossa Tour Staff professional Dave Stockton. “We started with the intention of designing a putter that’s easier to aim than any other,” said Bill Price, Rossa senior director. “That led us to experiment with a white finish. We consulted Dr. Steven A. Hitzeman, a professor at the Indiana School of Optometry and he felt we were onto something.”

The Contrast of White Against Dark Makes Aiming Easier “Corza Ghost’s white putterhead stands out so clearly against its background — the putting surface – because of the high contrast between white and green,” said Dr. Hitzeman, who is also a past president of the Indiana Optometric Association and a past chairman of the American Optometric Association’s Sports Vision Section. “That high contrast maximizes stimulation to the retina and highlights the head’s shape and features. The contrast would be lower if the putter were black or gray because these colors are closer in luminance to the color of the putting green than white. White creates the biggest difference in luminance, hence maximizing contrast and promoting focus. Many golfers use the leading edge of the putter as part of their alignment strategy (by positioning the edge perpendicular to the imagined target line). So, this high contrast for the leading edge gives the golfer the best chance of squaring up the putterface at address. Also, the lines on the top of the putter are painted black to achieve maximum contrast against the white surface of the putter. All of these high-contrast alignment elements give the golfer the best possible chance of accurately aiming the putter.” To make it even easier to aim the Corza Ghost, Rossa engineers put three black alignment lines on the crown and a circular hole in the back of the putterhead, giving you different options to focus on to lock in your aim. “You can focus on the topline to aim Ghost,” said Bret Wahl, senior director of iron, wedge and putter development, “or you can focus on the alignment lines to visually connect the circular hole and your ball to lock in your aim. The point is that you’ve got options, each one highly effective.”

Because Corza Ghost’s putterhead is white, its three alignment options are easier to focus on and use, according to Dr. Hitzeman. “The Corza Ghost putter’s three alignment elements all have high contrast against their backgrounds. This high contrast maximizes stimulation to the retina, which helps the golfer to focus and use these aiming features effectively.” SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

EQUIPMENTS Eliminating “Hot Spots” “Hot Spots” are reflections of direct sunlight from the top of the putter into the golfer’s eye, and distract the player’s attention from the task at hand, which is to focus on the putterhead, the alignment system, and aiming the putter squarely down the target-line. “When I started playing on tour in the 1960s, I used a silver mallet,” said Stockton. “Nicks and marks would form on the crown from normal use. They lit up when sunlight hit them at address, which I found extremely distracting, so much that I would have the crown sandblasted frequently to erase the hot spots. Because when you look down at the putter you don’t want anything disturbing your focus, which should be on the putterhead and the features of it that you use to align the putterface squarely down the target-line.”

TaylorMade Introduces

Burner® SuperFast TP

Large, Solid-Feeling, High-MOI Mallet The First and Only FiveLayer Tour Ball Earned Gold in Golf Digest’s June 2010 “Hot List” and Helped Nearly Double the Company’s Marketshare Since February 2009

Two More Ghost Models in the Pipeline Corza Ghost is scheduled to appear at retail starting in June, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $159. Two more Ghost models – a blade and a mid-mallet – also with white finish and black alignment lines, are scheduled to become available in July.

aylorMade Golf’s Penta TP golf ball, already widely embraced by consumers and on professional Tours worldwide, has earned a Gold rating in Golf Digest magazine’s annual golf ball “Hot List.” Penta TP was the category leader in the Performance and Feel categories and was the only ball in its class (Tour) to receive three fivestar ratings (Performance, Feel and Innovation). Nearly every member of TaylorMade’s Tour Staff is playing Penta TP, and three have won with it this year: Martin Kaymer at the Abu Dhabi Championship, Dustin Johnson at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and Y.E. Yang at the Volvo China Open. Consumer demand for Penta TP escalated quickly after the ball was introduced, in the Sunbelt states only, early this year. By the end of February, after availability had expanded to all 50 states, TaylorMade’s golf ball marketshare had nearly doubled in on- and off-course sales compared to last year.* In March, Penta TP was the third-highest selling urethane ball in the U.S. marketplace** behind only Pro V1 and Pro V1x, and TaylorMade’s golf ball manufacturing facility in Duncan, S.C. is working 24/7 to keep up with the demand.

AGSI®+ to Promote Better Roll Corza Ghost also has the advantage of Rossa’s renowned and tour-proven AGSI®+ (Anti-skid Groove System Insert) Technology. AGSI+ features 14 polymer-filled grooves in the face that “hold” the ball briefly at impact to promote forwardspin for a smoother roll and more accurate results. The AGSI+ insert, in concert with the putterhead’s extremely high MOI, also delivers superior consistency in forward roll on off-center hits, something not shown in tests of other popular putters.

“The players who have put Burner SuperFast TP in play have done so mostly because they’re getting more ball speed and distance with it,” said Keith Sbarbaro, TaylorMade’s vice president of tour operations. “The aerodynamics of the head promote more clubhead speed, and the big face and high MOI allow them to go after the ball more. Vaughn Taylor has never been considered a long hitter. A player came to our tour trailer and asked for a Burner SuperFast TP because he couldn’t believe how far Vaughn was hitting it past him in a practice round.” The Burner SuperFast TP features a fast, aerodynamic head shape, expansive clubface and slightly open clubface alignment. The inner side of the clubface incorporates TaylorMade’s renowned Inverted Cone Technology, which promotes faster ball speed on off-center hits. The Burner SuperFast TP driver also incorporates TaylorMade’s proven Dual-Crown technology, which both lowers and pulls back the center of gravity to promote a higher launch angle and less spin. Introduced in the TaylorMade Tour Burner driver two years ago, and also used in the Burner 09, Dual Crown technology is tremendously valuable. The Burner SuperFast TP driver is finished entirely in black, including the sole and clubface, and features a tour-inspired crown graphic and the famous TP logo on the toe.

The Corza Ghost’s white finish helps keep hot spots from standing out, allowing you to focus your attention on seeing the whole form of the putterhead and the alignment system, so you can aim without distraction.

Being a mallet, Corza Ghost’s high-MOI head is extremely stable on off-center hits and feels extremely solid at impact. Its three alignment lines on the crown function not only to help aim the face accurately, but also to frame the ball in the middle of the face, which promotes solid, center-face contact on every stroke.

aylorMade Golf is launching a TP version of its popular Burner SuperFast driver. Available to tour pros since March, the Burner SuperFast TP has been put in play by Retief Goosen, Y.E. Yang, Rory Sabbatini, Mike Weir, Pat Perez, Jason Day, Fred Funk, Justin Rose and Vaughn Taylor. Yang used it in April to win the Volvo China Open on the European Tour.

TaylorMade Penta TP a Dramatic Success with Tour Pros and Consumers

“The immediate validation from consumers and our Tour Staff professionals confirmed findings that Penta TP’s five-layer construction promotes excellent distance and control to all types of players,” said Bill Price, senior director of golf ball and putters. “We believe Penta TP is the most complete ball in golf, and the fact that it was honored with a Gold rating in this year’s Golf Ball Hot List, and was rated so highly in all categories, really validates that point.” Penta TP’s performance is rooted in its five-layer construction — cover, outer mantle, middle mantle, inner mantle and core – which is engineered to optimize performance in five key shot categories that skilled players need – driver, long-irons, middle-irons, short-irons and partial wedges.

INNOVATIVE “FEEL CELL” TECHNOLOGY USED ACROSS STUNNING NEW T9+ RANGE

esigned to disperse the impact of all strikes, the new T9+ woods feature John Letters’ unique weighted ‘Feel Cell’ technology to provide optimum feedback and great feel, even on off-centre hits, in John Letters’ most technologically advanced range of woods to date. The 460 cc T9+ driver body is manufactured from 6-4 titanium with a beta titanium face to provide a higher elasticity and strength to optimise distance with control.

With the head weight at an industry leading low, the John Letters design team have utilised discretional weighting technology in the driver to optimise performance. The weight has been placed at the heel and toe of the club to increase the MOI and coupled with the beta titanium face creates unparalleled face strength whilst reducing dispersion. Meanwhile, the fairway and rescue woods feature the same design and performance benefits as the T9+ driver including the in-

novative weighted ‘Feel Cell’ technology at the rear of the head, but are manufactured from maraging steel to maximise distance, even from the most difficult lie. Featuring mid-size Winn DSI gips as standard across the range, the T9+ woods are available with a number of shaft options, including Aldila’s Tour Gold as standard, Grafalloy ProLaunch red and Blue plus the new Project X graphite shaft, all in a variety of flexes.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

EQUIPMENTS NEW WINDSTOPPER® FROM GALVIN GREEN The Bates wind-proof half-zip jacket is one of two new garments from the Galvin Green WINDSTOPPER® Soft Shell lightweight range, designed for maximum warmth, high breathability and comfort in cold and windy conditions.

The WINDSTOPPER® is also the perfect layer to combine with any of the Galvin Green multi-layer garments. The fabrics are extremely easy to wash and consistently retain their shape, size and that ‘new’ feel, despite wash after wash.

The fabric consists of a patented micro-porous membrane that makes the garment completely wind proof, yet breathable at the same time. The laminated membrane gives protection from any wind chill, while keeping the body at an optimum performance temperature. The high neck styling provides the perfect fit for maximum comfort and freedom of movement for golfers.

The Bates comes in a choice of four bright-colour combinations compromising of chilli red/black/ white, gunmetal/white/black, black/ white and black/brilliant blue/white, and is available in sizes S-XXL at a RRP of £159. To learn more about the Galvin Green multi-layer garments, visit www.galvingreen.com.

TOUR INSPIRED WATERPROOF COLLECTION FOR AW10 Stuburt, the World’s fastest growing golf shoe and Apparel Company, has launched a new collection of technical waterproofs and rainwear for Autumn/Winter 2010. Designed with feedback from Stuburt’s numerous tour players including Gareth Maybin and Darren Clarke, the new Helium Tour models are designed around freedom of movement with contemporary styling. The collection builds on the successful range of Helium rainwear from AW09 and features Stuburt’s typical athletic cuts and drop-tail hems across the entire range of jackets to ensure a perfect ‘fit’, with less fabric around the body for a natural unrestricted swing. Aside from Stuburt’s unique DriBack waterproof membrane system and mesh lining, used throughout the new range to provide superior protection from the elements, the Helium Tour suits offer breathability for added comfort for the golfer. The AW10 collection features new designs and colours each combining the highly lightweight and breathable Comtex fabric with

THE GOLFER MAGAZINE

stretch Neoprene body panels for a unique garment construction designed for complete comfort on, and off, the course. The new Helium Tour range features a full zip jacket, a half zip jacket and also includes new Ladies waterproofs. In addition, Stuburt has introduced the Pro-Am waterproof suit at an entry level price point. The full and half zip Helium Tour jackets feature Neoprene adjustable cuff designs and fleece lined hand pockets. Whilst the full zip jacket features zip of sleeves and the half zip an inside zip score card pocket. The Pro-Am suit meanwhile is available in two different colourways (black/black, black/blue) and offers Stuburt’s advanced styling but at the competitive retail price point of just £79.99 for the complete suit. With ambassadors such as 2010 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell, European Tour rising star Gareth Maybin, Darren Clarke plus a host of Challenge Tour players, Stuburt is fast becoming the go-to brand amongst competitive golfers.

GoKart vs

If you thought electric trolleys were boring, it could be time to take another look. The GoKart is a completely new take on the powered cart. Made here in the UK, it looks very different from the usual tubular metal contraptions. – it’s made of glass reinforced plastic polymer (think Dyson) making it lightweight and strong. Launched in Spring 2007, the GoKart has quickly become a bit of a style icon on the course. But apart from looking rather good its performance has without doubt boosted its popularity. It’s strong (with a top speed you or I would have to jog to keep up with, powered by a butch 230W motor), it’s dead easy to use and folds up

to a quite astoundingly neat nugget to tuck into the corner of your car boot. All in all, it’s been rather cunningly constructed. As well as the trolley, there is a range of accessories available including a golf bag, seat, umbrella holder, transit bag, umbrella and drinks holder. You can order direct form GoKart – the trolley isn’t available through pro shops or retails outlets – www. gokart.co.uk or phone 01227 712288. The price for a complete set of trolley, 18 hole battery and charger is just £224 plus p&p. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

EQUIPMENTS

Motorcaddy Features • Full colour digital control panel displays distance, time, speed setting, speed & battery meter • USB charging port powers GPS devices on the course • Security pin-code protects your S3 from thieves • Adjustable Distance Control sends your S3 on anywhere between 5 and 60 yards • Three distance measurement displays – ‘drive’, ‘round’ & ‘total’ • Competition Mode disables distance display to conform with Rules of Golf • Exclusive S-Series folding system - locks when folded • Whisper quiet 200w motor • Lightweight aluminium frame (only 7.6kg) • Fully adjustable upper and lower bag supports • Low proﬁle wheels with ‘sporty’ tread • Ergonomic S-Series grips • Available in Black, Titanium or Alpine White

The S3 Digital is no ordinary golf cart. To start it, simply twist the controller to your favoured speed setting then tap it. To stop simply tap again – no fiddly stuff! While you are travelling, the cart displays your current speed and counts every single yard (or metre). There are three distance readouts to choose from, two of which you can reset at any time. For example, after you’ve hit your ‘Sunday Best’ drive, your S3 can measure it for you with incredible accuracy. When you’ve reached your ball you can use the S3 to pace out exactly how far you’ve ripped it past the

150 yard marker, taking the guesswork out of your approach shots. You could use the other readout to show the distance of your entire round and there’s also a lifetime reading which can’t be reset, showing exactly how many miles (or km) your S3 has on the clock – just like a car. The S3 Digital also features Adjustable Distance Control which allows you to send the cart on any distance between 5 and 60 yards in 5-yard increments, plus other useful information like battery level, speed setting and time.

A busy summer on the PGA Midlands Tour has seen some memorable rounds played in increasingly dodgy weather conditions, featuring dramatic finishes with one man dominating the season’s main events.

JUNE

Already the winner of The Glazerite Trophy in May, Walmley Golf Club’s Mathew Morris pitched up at The South Staffordshire Club in beautiful early summer sunshine for the PTS Invitational, The Midlands’ biggest Order of Merit tournament. A close competition is always guaranteed at the PTS, this year was no exception, on the final day there were many still in contention. Morris’s early birdie blitz saw him catapult to the top of the leaderboard but on the back nine he had to dig in as James Whatley, Matthew Cort and 1st round leader Matt Smith took up a hot chase. Walking up the 18th Cort had clawed

AUGUST

JULY

Mid-season, and Morris continued his consistently impressive major form with a joint 3rd placed finish at the PDF Midland Masters at Derbyshire’s Kedleston Park. In another tight finish it was Lincoln Golf Centre’s Paul Streeter who took the title but only after a disastrous double bogey at the last hole by Scott Emery of Woodhall Spa. Streeter’s 68 and 70 proved enough for a one shot victory with Emery having to settle for the runners up spot. Host Pro Paul Wesselingh impressed on home soil sharing third with Morris and Sleaford’s Thomas Rastall.

Mathew Morris (ENG)

Walmley GC

203

Matthew Cort (ENG)

Kibworth Golf Club

204

Mark Smith (ENG)

Maywood GC

205

Mark Butler (ENG)

Rowley Regis GC

205

James Whatley (BRT)

East Midlands Golf Academy

205

Craig Shave (BRT)

Whetstone GC

207

Cameron Clark (SCO)

Moor Hall Golf Club

207

back the lead, himself and Morris tied at 10 under par. In a typically tense PTS finale Cort failed to maintain his momentum and bogeyed the last to hand Morris the narrowest of victories and his second successive major title of the season.

Paul Streeter

Lincoln Golf Centre

138

Scott Emery

Woodhall Spa

139

Paul Wesselingh

Kedleston Park

140

Mathew Morris

Walmley

140

Thomas Rastall

Sleaford

140

July’s other highlights: Peter Baker takes a break from the European Tour to rip up his local track with an 8 under par 63 at the South Staffordshire Pro-Am. Wesselingh, Morris

morning round of 62. However, the birdies dried up during the afternoon and Cort took advantage, firing a fair few of his own. Cort took a two shot lead into the final hole but agonisingly recorded a triple bogey 7, gifting the title to Lilly by just one shot. Mark Smith of Maywood GC shared second with a dazzling second round 63, just one shot further adrift was the ever present Morris, tightening his grip on the Order of Merit title with just two events to go.

and Streeter continue their Major Championship form with victories at Ladbrook Park, The Second City Pro-Am, and Burton-on-Trent respectively

Simon Lilly

Wellingborough

134

Matthew Cort

Kibworth

135

Mark Smith

Maywood

135

Mathew Morris

Walmley

136

Other August highlights: An Ex-Midlands Number One returns to scoop The Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship, ( a full report on the next page), European Leicestershire’s Birstall Golf Club hosted the Midland Open, the 4th order of merit event of the season, and a topsy turvy affair it turned out to be with a dramatic twist at the death. All too familiar sadly for Kibworth’s Matthew Cort in 2010 as once again he was the victim of some final hole heartbreak. It looked all along that former Midland Number One Simon Lilly, now playing on The Challenge Tour would walk away with the title after a marvellous

June’s other highlights: Two Pro-Am wins for ex Euro Tour stalwart and Nailcote Hall Pro Mark Mouland at Stourbridge and the Abbey Hotel, plus Paul Wesselingh is victorious at Walmley.

Tour star Steve Webster wins the Kings Norton 27 hole ProAm and Streeter wins again at Burghill Valley.

2010 ORDER OF MERIT TABLE AFTER MIDLAND OPEN Pos

Name

Represent

Points

Played

Mathew Morris (ENG)

Walmley GC

943.33

Cameron Clark (SCO)

Moor Hall Golf Club

726.00

Paul Streeter (ENG)

Lincoln Golf Centre

647.50

Paul Wesselingh (ENG)

Kedleston Park Golf Club

634.58

Craig Shave (BRT)

Whetstone GC

623.75

Mark Smith (ENG)

Maywood GC

593.00

Next issue we’ll round up the whole season, talk to the Order of Merit Champion following the final event at Cold Ashby and relive the Midlands Tour highlights in 2010.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

Over the past three years, an investment of over £3 million has been ploughed into The Brabazon course at The Belfry, the spiritual home of The Ryder Cup. Gary Silcock, Director of Golf at The Belfry, explains the enhancements made to the iconic course and looks at the implications for future large-scale events at the resort

THE NEW-LOOK BRABAZON WITH

What have been the main changes to The Brabazon? The major changes have been to make the less iconic holes more interesting and challenging. The 6th hole is our best improvement in this respect. In the past two European Tour events it rated as Stroke Index two. Kenny Mackay, Director of Courses & Grounds, has also made a massive change in the conditioning of The Brabazon, and the daily tournamentstandard set-up is something we are very proud of. The Belfry is also very proud of the changes Kenny and his team have made to the PGA National with the addition of faster running greens, severe run-off slopes and extra gorse to present the real links challenge. Our members are also very happy with The Derby course. All in all, we have the courses conditioned to their price point. To give potential visitors an idea of the changes on The Brabazon, holes 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16 , 17 and 18 have all been enhanced. The first third of the 18th green now has the same slope as the two top tiers, which allows for the inclusion of pin positions closer to the water. It presents another challenge on the hole - with a shorter approach shot, but with the famous water lurking close by!! Another interesting change has been on the 10th hole where a fairway bunker on the left was added to help lead the golfer’s eye round to the green. Different tee positions were also added to entice the golfer to ‘play the dream’ and go for the green.

How will the changes help to attract and host future tournaments? The biggest change is the day-today conditioning. We could host any golf tournament tomorrow and are prepared for it at all times. The Tour have all the blue prints ready for parking, the necessary requirements for a tented village and every other miniscule detail needed to run a major tournament. The only change we would need to implement is to the rough, which we would leave to grow to present the ‘Tour challenge’.

What are your favourite enhancements to the course? We changed the 11th hole over two years ago and Kenny’s team went back this year to make further improvements. They refined the bunker and the approach, which now look very good. However, maybe the 7th hole – which is now all over water – would be my favourite enhancement. It’s slightly uphill and the green has been extended to the water, ensuring the approach is cut for the ball to roll in. We have also moved the bunkers forward to the tee to give the option of going long, which would result in a tricky downhill chip.

What are the key holes that will change tournaments in the future? Without doubt, holes 6, 7, 8 and 9 are the really challenging ones that present all sorts of problems to any golfer. The 10th green is now also

GARY SILCOCK, DIRECTOR OF GOLF AT THE BELFRY

slightly bigger, which will entice players to take a risk and go for the green. The 10th will conjur up all sorts of excitement.

How will the course changes affect the mentality of the golfer? The amateur golfer can experience a ‘Tour’ experience any day of the week. The course is fair, with wide fairways; however the changes ensure length is very important off the tee and the golfer will obviously need to be driving the ball well to cope with the hole extensions. The greens are fast – up to 10.5 on the Stimpmeter – with gentle slopes, which will reward a true putting stroke.

ing customer service in all areas – this also includes the pace of play on the course and services while on the course such as the provision of drinks, buggies and halfway house facilities. We cater for everything before, during and after the round so that The Belfry experience is an extremely positive one for the visitor. A current bench marking company ‘CLUB59’, who are PGA partners, revealed that we are currently the number one golf facility in the UK for service. We are very proud of this rating and work very hard to keep on improving this service.

What measures are you doing to ensure The Belfry remains Europe’s foremost golfing facility? We have worked hard at improving the whole experience at The Belfry - from booking your tee time to when you leave the resort. This includes ensuring the visitor’s experience is a firstclass one, whether it be liaising at the golf reception, using the locker rooms, visiting the pro-shop or taking advantage of the PGA National Golf Academy. We are constantly improv-

THE FARMFOODS BRITISH PAR 3

There’s one peaceful corner of rural Warwickshire that comes alive for 4 memorable days in August. A time when all and sundry on our Midlands tour, plus a sprinkling of European stars and legends of the past converge on one of golf’s smallest venues. Not to mention too an impressive array of celebrities, sporting idols of the past and stars of stage and screen who gather to provide a glitzy beginning and end to the event that is the Farmfoods British Par Three Championship at Nailcote Hall. The tournament started life down on the English Riviera back in 1933, on the grounds of The Palace hotel in Torquay this unique 36 hole strokeplay event was born, big names including Vardon and Alliss were among early competitors. The championship disappeared off the schedule for a while until 1998 when Sid Mouland, a two time winner joined forces with Nailcote Hall owner Rick Cressman, reinventing the British Par Three Championship at the tiny but deadly Cromwell

Course set on the manicured lawns of the striking 17th Century Jacobean Country House Hotel. So successful has the transformation been, the tournament is now the Midland’s leading golfing event in addition to its popularity among the celebrity set, and this year PlayGolf Midlands paid a visit to find out why. The schedule is packed full of golf and social activity, a mini tented village gives it major appeal, the VIP tent is an autograph hunters delight, and outside, The Cromwell course, lovingly tended by Rick and Head Pro Mark Mouland, Sid’s son and European Tour veteran of 683 tournaments, stands pristine and beautiful, ready to make a mockery of it’s scorecard friendly profile. Sky Sports cameras are on hand to capture the highlights, the media exposure grows annually, although not as rapidly as the permanently on the go Mr Cressman would like. Tuesday marks the beginning of the festivities with a celebrity Pro-Am 18 hole event, followed by a stunning

Black Tie Gala Ball, hospitality here is genuinely second to none and a major reason for the success of the event. The main man of this week was there himself to host. 40 years ago, Tony Jacklin CBE became the first British golfer to win the US Open. Rick and the team at Nailcote felt it fitting that the anniversary of his achievement should be celebrated at The Par Three Championships this year, and Jacklin, a regular visitor to the tournament was to prove worthy of the honour with the quality of his golf over the four days. Wednesday morning dawns, possibly a few bleary heads among the celebs but the serious business is beginning with an impressive cast of Professionals ready to compete for the British Par Three Championships. Euro tour stars Oliver Fisher and Graeme Storm are among those taking part, as well as Jacklin a good cast of seniors too, including Carl Mason and Tommy Horton, plus many leading lights from the Midlands Tour. Each pro also took part in a pairs team event with an amateur partner, The

Cromwell awaited to break hearts and crown a new king. The course measures a measly 1,027 yards, its longest challenge, a mere 146 yards, but those who have taken it on including ourselves know all about the pitfalls. The greens are so raised in places there really should be steps up to them. Around the depths of the steep banks that surround them are bunkers so severe, they wouldn’t look out of place at St Andrews, water hazards present frequent issues, the wind swirls around a bit and even its shortest test, an 87 yard 4th has nowhere at all to safely park a tee shot other than its tiny upturned saucer of a green. Yet someone had to tame it and the early signs on Day One pointed towards a home victory as Mouland, accompanied by Midlands based teen sensation, 14 year old Charley Hull made the most of his infinite course knowledge by shooting a 5 under par 49, just one shot short of Carl Mason’s course record. Equally impressive was Challenge Tour star Andrew Marshall who’s flawless SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

CHAMPIONSHIP AT NAILCOTE HALL

short game saw him share the lead. Hot on their heels was the smooth swinging Fisher, easing his way around the Cromwell in 50 shots. One further back, amateur legend Gary Wolstenholme and Cornwall based pro Richard O’Hanlon. It was generally deemed that Wednesday’s scores were a little on the low side for the Cromwell’s normally miserly standards. The concluding days damp and drizzly conditions ensured that was not going to continue, the leaders prepared to hang on to what they had, chiselling out the pars, Faldoesque, waiting for a challenge from the chasing pack. We took root by the side of the 9th green, also in view of a treacherous 8th, where time after time players trying to pitch on the top of the tiny target that marks the dance floor spun back into a sandy grave, an ill advised spot to rescue a par. The 9th, a closing hole to rival any in the region with its water surrounded putting surface took many victims too, the drop zone saw a lot of action. So as usual this exciting

event produced another gripping finale as the scores suffered a little, Fisher and Wolstenholme failed to reproduce their first day form and dropped out of contention, leaving the Wednesday joint leaders and O’Hanlon to battle it out for the title. Marshall and Mouland were dogged in their defence of the lead, never more than a shot between them, the bogies when they came were soon compensated for. One group ahead of them though strode O’Hanlon with good friend and recent Top 10 finisher at the Open Championship, Robert Rock striding the tiny fairways alongside him. O’Hanlon’s front nine was dazzling, three birdies took him to the top of the leaderboard and he hung on to his position with nine doughty pars on the way home, requiring late birdies from the other two to force a play off. Both duly obliged at our hole, that treacherous 8th/17th was conquered, yet Marshall still needed another at the final hole, and just failed to deliver. Only the home favourite, one shot better off could stop O’Hanlon and needing just a par for the play off saw his tee shot find

the dance floor. The partisan home crowd were destined for heartache though as Mouland left the approach putt short, then agonisingly watched his 8 footer slip past the hole. The spoils therefore and the unique wheelbarrow full of 5,000 pound coins went back to the West Country, not far away from where it all started nearly 80 years ago. O’Hanlon, who at least can claim a local background, he’s a former Midlands Number One and ex-pro at St Thomas’ Priory was understandably proud of his achievement. A little more regional joy was provided by Wellingborough pro Simon Lilly and partner as they took the top Pro-Am prize with a very impressive 14 under par total. Yet, once the dust had settled on another successful Par 3 championship there was still another day to go. The final day saw Nailcote Hall packed to the rafters with more celebs, Sir Bobby Charlton, Big Ron Atkinson and Tarby were among

many participating in a concluding 18 hole event that despite more wet weather was a great success. The last day summed up the week, no matter what the elements threw at it, smiles and laughter were always in evidence at Nailcote Hall. Every golfer we spoke to, whether he or she professional, amateur or celebrity spoke of the fun they enjoyed out there on the formidable Cromwell, even if this little thousand yarder had defeated them hands down, no resentment was in the air, they all pledged a return visit in 2011. The last word should have gone to Rick, as ever though he was busy, out patrolling the Cromwell with head pro Mark Mouland after the final balls had been struck Friday evening. Deep in conversation, we wondered what about. I’m sure there were consoling words in amongst the chat, more than likely though these two schemers were discussing which hole or holes played the easiest that week, and how to make them a little tougher. We wouldn’t bet against it. Roll on August 2011.

THE GTOUR

GTour Order of Merit 2010

The Gtour Amateur Golf Series and Order of Merit Tour takes place throughout UK at courses around the country. Open to all golfers whether you are a club golfer or not and whether you play off scratch or 28 (36 for ladies) you are welcome to take part in a great days golf and make many new friends with like minded golfers. There seems to be an increasing number of golfers taking part in these kinds of events so PlayGolf Midlands went along to one of their recent events at De Vere Wychwood Park to find out what all the fuss is about. The GTour `s marketing material read “Have you ever dreamt of following in the footsteps of your heroes on the PGA or European tours? Fear not because fame & fortune has not yet passed you by!” Run by golfers for golfers “Gtour” is the UK’s amateur golf tour for wannabe Tigers and Sorrenstams. Brought to you by Golfscoretracker and Gforce Events, Gtour is the only UK amateur tour to be played predominantly on the weekends. Gtour will be played out between February and November. So we sent 2 guys down to Wychwood Park to see how they rated this tour like experience. Bill

Eagles H`cap 24 and Myself H`cap 15, both of us enjoyed the game and probably were secretly looking forward to trying to win our first GTour event. On Our arrival we were greeted by the Gtour team given our scorecards and some freebies and already this felt different to a usual golf competition. For the interest of this article we were split up and it was our job to find out what our GTour regular playing partners felt about the tour. With the TV cameras dotted around the course and a tough test of golf on offer at Wychwood Park, early on this felt like a tour setup. My Team consisted of guys from Barnsley to Norwich and they clearly loved the Gtour experience, stating it gives them a chance to meet new golfers play great golf courses and most of all try and win that all important order of merit. From my experience at Wychwood Park I can honestly say that The GTour is a great experience and for golfers who like competitive golf and lots of banter then this is the tour for you. Im delighted to say that Playgolf Midlands will now be covering the GTour in the magazine and online and if you are interested in getting involved in one of their events the visit www.gtour.co.uk you wont be disappointed. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

CHESHIRE SPOTLIGHT

DE VERE WYCHWOOD PARK A European Tour standard layout combined with ultra modern facilities, Wychwood Park, designed in 2002 sits in an easily accessible spot of Cheshire greenbelt land near Nantwich. A course full of twists and turns that starts and finishes with a Par 5, refuses flatly to give you a dull moment or produce any weaknesses. It also won’t make life too easy, regular breezes, frequent water hazards and penal spots of dense rough unite for a true test of your handicap. Easy to see why this course has already hosted two Europro Tour events, its difficulty rating more than matched by a series of eye catching challenges. The short holes are all spectacular affairs climaxing with a potential card wrecker of a 17th. There’s an Amen corner type stretch of holes tucked away in the far corner of the layout between 13 and 16 where water tends to threaten every shot, yet these Par 4’s are short enough to present good birdie chances if you play them right. The quality of the USGA Standard greens is a constantly fine feature too , always undulating and surrounded by links like humps and hollows plus some naturally tricky sand traps.

Playgolf Magazine Pick – 7th, 519 yards Par 5 – Quite a test in store here, aim towards the large oak that stands imposingly on the far left of the fairway, any further right and the undulations will bound your ball to the opposite side and out of bounds. Your approach will need spot on accuracy to a raised green with trouble all around, including a pair of devilish little pot bunkers.

To the right of this hole and around this part of the course are spots of thick rough and vegetation that are designated areas of conservation for the many species of wildlife and plants that Wychwood Park helps to preserve. Off course there’s an open range, a short game area with a practice bunker and a large putting green. The clubhouse is large and contemporary with plenty of function and society space. The adjoining hotel has 108 en-suite rooms with all modern facilities. Golfing offers are always available to visit this special Cheshire location and take on the challenge of a memorable championship lay out.

A spacious Hawtree design, independent and privately owned, rapidly developing into one of the finer new courses in Cheshire Location: At Wychwood village, Weston, near Crewe and just 3 miles from junction 16 of the M6, Gorsty Hill sits on the other side of the road opposite its neighbour DeVere Wychwood Park.

Gorsty Hill Golf Club C HE S H I R E Wychwood Village, Weston, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 5SQ Tel: 01270 829166 • info@gorstyhillgolf.co.uk

Facilities: The club has a brand new clubhouse with a comfortable lounge and outside terrace overlooking the course. Visitors and societies benefit from a range of packages to suit all tastes. Members too can take advantage of reduced green fees across the road and a Membership alliance deal with two of our other clubs, Buxton & High Peak and Oakmere Park (Notts), giving them golf free of charge at those venues.

Course: Starting with a long Par 5, usually played into the prevailing breeze and climaxing with a similar challenge, the layout takes golfers on a journey through landscaped, undulating countryside with regular inland links elements included in the mix. Three cuts of rough are omnipresent to threaten offline shots, while you may get away with the first two, the long wispy grasses that signify the third guarantee some scorecard grief. The best example of this, a stunning long downhill 4th hole where the contrast in fortunes between straight and wayward hitting could hardly be greater. Gorsty Hill will offer decent opportunities for good scoring notably at four shortish Par 4’s around the turn, some which will prove irresistible for the longer hitters. The back nine starts generously, then a succession of diverse examinations ensue, designed to test all parts of your game, as well as providing some memorable highlights. The quality of the quick USGA standard greens and their landscaped surrounds is a permanently outstanding feature here, a great test of your short game guaranteed especially in the chipping department should you stray even slightly off course on approach shots. This lovely and entertaining course is well maintained and always well presented. Sand based and with a modern drainage system, only the most extreme of wintery conditions can prevent play occurring at Gorsty Hill. PlayGolf Picks: 13th 176 yards Par 3 (Yellows), 14th 318 yards Par 4 Couldn’t choose between these two consecutive challenges, both are worthy of a mention. 13 sees you on a raised tee looking across a valley to a narrow putting surface surrounded by banking and difficult bunkers, the wind very likely to play a part here at this exposed and exciting short hole. The 14th is a short dog leg hole where it is possible for the more accomplished to cut the corner and go for the green. Safest bet though would be a 3 wood staying as close as possible to the large oak tree and not too far past it for a short approach to a typically fast running and contoured Gorsty Hill putting surface. Summary: A new establishment working hard and succeeding in creating a popular and enjoyable golfing venue, not a bad achievement when considering the quality of others in the surrounding area. Fine design and upkeep plus those little extras to keep members and visitors happy all play their part in a Cheshire gem worth discovering this autumn. SEPTEMBER • 2010

ALSAGER GOLF CLUB – CHESHIRE Amidst the rolling hills and countryside delight of the Cheshire/Staffs border sits Alsager Golf Club, aestablished in 1992, yet looking and playing like a much older golf course. Location/Directions: Easily accessed from Junction 16 of the M6, just outside Alsager town on Audley Road. One of those typical parkland affairs that starts off quite modestly and builds momentum with every passing hole, ultimately reaching a peak with some spectacular closing challenges on the back nine, ones you will be well advised to save a little energy for. To begin with though, keep it nice and straight from the tees, play the early par 3’s well and there should be some birdie chances out there on fairly level terrain. Holes 5,6 and 7 the locals enjoy describing as their own ‘Amen Corner’, all are long Par 4’s with a noticeable increase in hazardous spots, the 6th especially is one place you’ll take great delight in walking off with a par. Around the turn is a very attractive looking stretch as the courses undulations begin to take effect.

Once reaching the raised green of the stroke index One 12th however, this is where Alsager really does become a special golf course. The 13th is a long and very tough Par 3 across a valley to a distant, almost hidden from view green with penal spots all around it. The trouble you may encounter in finding that putting surface will be forgotten once you’re there as it marks the highest point of the course and boasts outstanding panoramic views of no less than 6 counties on a clear day. Jodrell Bank, The Cheshire plain and further in the distance the North Wales hills can all be spotted from this inspiring setting. Back to the golf and there’s a memorable and exhilarating finish in store here as the lay out embarks on a series of ups and downs with dramatic changes of elevation making demands on your shot making skills as well as those aforesaid energy levels. The downhill 14th and 16th holes are sandwiched by a steeply climbing 15th with a very testing mid iron approach to a green high up on the hillside. Alsager culminates with a friendlier Par 5 penultimate hole, providing you can avoid the trees

dotted about, then a delightful 18th, once again up bank, but not quite a severe as what’s gone before. PlayGolf Pick: 14th 357 yards Par 4 (Yellows). There’s nothing more inspiring in golf than sending a well struck driver into orbit to an inviting fairway situated a couple of hundred feet below you. This hole does exactly that, open the shoulders, avoid the trees on the left and it should be a short iron left to a green that slopes away from front to back. Very nice. Facilities: Reasonably priced on and off course, Alsager has a large clubhouse containing lounge, restaurant and a banqueting hall accommodating 140 guests. Society packages are good value for money and full of choice. Summary: A course that belies its young years with a mature look and fine conditioning throughout. Not easy by any means, your course management skills will be well tested especially during the superb closing stretch of holes of adventure that provide a fitting end to an excellent Cheshire challenge.

Alsager Golf & Country Club Audley Road, Alsager, Cheshire, ST7 2UR www.alsagergolfclub.com 01270 875700 THE GOLFER MAGAZINE

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North Shore

Lincoln Golf Club

Situated outside the capital at Torksey, Lincoln Golf Club, established in 1891 and present at its current location since 1903 is a peaceful parkland track designed by J.H.Taylor with rich history and Championship pedigree. The early indications are that this mature lay out, treelined with lush carpet like fairways can be relished and devoured by birdie hungry golfers. The first seven holes offer width and generosity, a couple of short Par 4’s included in the mix to open your shoulders and go for the greens without too much to worry about. However Championship courses aren’t intended to be gentle walks in the park and here is no exception. The early scoring opportunities must be taken advantage of, as from the Stroke Index One eighth onwards, Lincoln toughens up considerably. After the turn there’s a twist in the tale as the course changes into inland links for an exciting four hole loop from the 11th, humps and bumps and heather replace the pristine parkland for a time, the fairways tighten in width a touch and the ever slick putting surfaces here may require a little more creativity to find. To close, Lincoln reverts

back to type, a good birdie chance at the long 15th is followed by an attractive trio, where precision rather than power is required if you are to finish this beautiful course with a flourish. PlayGolf Pick: 17th 169 yards Par 3 (Yellows): A gorgeous looking short hole that plays uphill to a very well defended green. The pond in front of the tee shouldn’t really come into play, but with out of bounds on the left, a couple of nasty greenside traps and a likely crosswind to contend with there’s more than enough to demand your very best tee shot here. Lincoln has good warm up facilities including a three hole pitch and putt course. The traditional clubhouse offers a warm welcome to visitors and societies with a large, roomy restaurant serving anything from bar snacks to a la carte menus in a most creative way. A truly excellent countryside lay out, always in fine condition with superb greens. A gentle beginning expertly grows into an exacting test of your golf game through many memorable and varied holes, you’ll enjoy the challenge that is Lincoln Golf Club.

Hotel & Golf Course To the very far edge of the region we travelled for a seaside trip to Skegness, and The North Shore Hotel and Golf Club. Celebrating its centenary in 2010, golfers can look forward to a playing challenge with a difference plus fine play and stay amenities. Designed and built by the legendary James Braid on unique and varied terrain, expertly constructed into what stands before golfers today, a mixture of raw links and lush parkland to suit all tastes and excite the adventurous, boredom should not exist here. The parkland side features rolling fairways, tough greenside sand traps and copses of attractive trees, a little shelter from the prevailing easterly breezes coming in from the sea. A short Par 4 ninth running alongside the road with a punchbowl long green situated underneath the hotel bar proves a highlight. The two diverse forms of the game intermingle very impressively, you’re never too far away from a teasing links test. Naturally much depends on the elements for those , judge them well and enjoy watching your ball speed merrily along glasslike fairways, set up nicely too for typical seaside bump and run approaches. The Par 3’s at 11 and 14 are superb tests, in cross winds to near blind targets with trouble all around.

PlayGolf Pick: 5th hole 424 yards Par 4 Stroke index One runs attractively alongside the beach to the right that looks nice but is no place for an errant golf ball. The left has bushes and typical links grasses to contend with, straight ahead down the fast bumpy fairway is the only way to go, and you could be rewarded with more distance than you could have realistically have hoped for, with just a short approach left to a welcoming putting surface where the only trouble is at the rear.

The North Shore hotel sits closest to the sea amongst all others in the town. It has 36 bedrooms, all en-suite with modern facilties. The James Braid bar and North Shore restaurant are delightful 19th hole locations with a vast range of menus created by a busy kitchen. Larger groups are also very well catered for, the hotel’s St Andrews suite accommodates 100+ in a variety of layouts. That’s what North Shore is all about, variety, and fun too, the ideal get away from it all golfing location, not too demanding on your pocket, and a two into one playing challenge to relish all year round.

JUNE • 2010

ROAD TO THE RYDER CUP

The golf course ranked as the UK’s finest inland track by Golf World Magazine resides right here in The Midlands. Pleasantly unassuming and residing in a comparatively remote location, it tends to stay off the radar of many a travelling golfer, yet if you want to give your senses a treat and your golf game its sternest test of 2010 point the sat-nav eastwards for an Autumn visit to The Hotchkin course at Woodhall Spa. Location/Directions: Deep in the heart of rural Lincolnshire, situated on the B1191 Horncastle road that runs through the town, 6 miles from Horncastle and 20 from Lincoln. Being a spa town Woodhall has the added advantage of containing a good number of hotels and B&B’s, a few offering play and stay deals in conjunction with the club. The course is named after Stafford Vere Hotchkin, the land owner who played a massive part in the development of the lay out in its early years,

continuing the work started by three of English golf designs most famous names, Vardon, Taylor and Colt. Between them they crafted a special golfing journey, a formidable challenge in its entirety, taken on in the most wonderful of natural surroundings. Set amongst banks of gorse and broom, with a stunning backdrop of oaks, firs and towering silver birches and all upon a carpet of springy soft fairways sprinkled with regular patches of purple heather. The Hotchkin is built on sandy soil which guarantees quality all year round play,with a different look and colour for each passing season . The opening holes, fairly exposed in nature compared to what is to follow are likely to catch the stiffest of the breezes that might be about. The flagstick on the third green with the iconic Hotchkin tower behind it fluttered significantly in a swirling gust during our visit, not an easy job working out just what will happen once your ball hits orbit here. Judge the wind incorrectly and the large, cavernous and epic bunkers that this course is world famous for will come into play. Chances are your sand wedge will be working overtime at The Hotchkin, yet the traps will inspire your very best efforts, and the silky soft nature of the sand will offer a chance to escape, even if you regularly can’t see beyond the top of the sheer faces. The latter holes take you through mature woodland with canopies of tall trees lessening the effects of the wind. The fairways are narrower though and there’s still the ever present threat of those bunkers plus some good tee shot carries required over the penal patches of heather. A superb closing series

of Par 4’s, some long, some a little shorter provide a fitting end to a layout that effortlessly retains its high quality right till the very end. PlayGolf Pick: 12th hole, 162 yards Par 3 (Yellows): Tough to pick a favourite but this short one has a stunning heathland/woodland profile and features six greenside traps, including the toughest of them all, set 12 feet below the level of the long narrow putting surface that really must be found from the tee, or else. 19th hole: Now the home of the English Golf Union and the National Golf Centre, there’s some rather special practice facilities on offer plus another layout, The Bracken, opened in 1998 and designed by Donald Steel which is more parkland in appearance and features American style bunkering, water hazards and large undulating greens. Off course there’s a pleasant contrast between the contemporary style of the club shop and changing rooms with the more traditional feel of the clubhouse and restaurant. Summary: Three main reasons why we find Woodhall Spa so special. Its beautiful heathland setting that the club work tirelessly to preserve is one. The fact that The Hotchkin course is about as consistently good as it gets and genuinely contains no weak holes is another. Yet perhaps the most important one is that despite its real capability to put large numbers on your scorecard at any given moment, you’re not likely to resent that much, you’ll just want to come back and try again.

SEPTEMBER • 2010

Nefyn and District Golf Club Machynys Peninsula GC

ROAD TO THE RYDER CUP

The Final

Frontier Over the past 12 months we have been fortunate enough to visit the best golf courses and destinations that the Principality has to offer. Starting in North Wales and working our way around the coast and through

Celtic Manor

Resort

Mid Wales and eventually finishing in South Wales (this issue). The truth is that despite winning various golf awards, Wales, as a golfing destination, is still relatively unknown to the vast golfing masses from around the world. With the 38th Ryder Cup matches hosted by Wales in 2010 this has begun to change. Why not join the increasing numbers of golfing visitors and take advantage of accessible

Porthmadog Golf Club

courses, comfortable accommodation and golf breaks at affordable prices. Surrounded 3 parts by water and with spectacular countryside in its heartlands, Wales boasts some of the finest links and in-land golf courses in the British Isles and indeed Europe. With Scotland known as the home of golf and Ireland famous for golf and the “craic”, Wales offers golfers a warm welcome – “croeso” – and great fun on and off the courses – “hwyl”. We have our own brand of

Bull Bay Golf Club

great golf! The Wales Golf Holiday Company is the largest in-bound golf tour operator in Wales with a long and distinguished history for providing memorable golf breaks. Tee it up here in Wales and be sure of a great golfing experience in any one of our 4 golfing regions: South, North, Mid or West. Remember your break is organised by golfers for golfers. See you on the fairways… THE GOLFER MAGAZINE

ROAD TO THE RYDER CUP

ROLLS OF MONMOUTH

There couldn’t be finer surroundings for an inland layout than at The Rolls of Monmouth. In a secluded location among the byways of countryside Monmouthshire and gazed upon almost in it’s entirety by the spectacular 18th century Hendre House, once home to the Rolls Royce family for over 100 years. The course itself is only just over 25 years old, it looks much older, a glorious expanse of undulating parkland with thick wooded areas and occasional ancient oaks, golfers will also face the threat of occasional trips to watery graves. With views of the Welsh Hills from its highest points and 18 holes in tip top condition from tee to green this is a truly pleasurable playing experience. Memorable holes present themselves on a regular basis, a hilly and majestic long 7th, you’d yearn to play it again and again if only the climb to the green wasn’t so steep. Two exciting challenges await too at the 9th and 18th, both downhill and all in front of you from the tees, both with significant water peril and both too have putting surfaces overlooked by the imposing historic house.

Playgolf Midlands pick: 13th 169 yards Par 3 (Yellows) A great quartet of short holes here, the pick of which is just about this scenic gem of a challenge, thick woodland all the way down the left hand side, with a pond at the front of the green, leading to the lake at the back right. With bunkers too, it’s a tough task to reach the putting surface without peril, yet whatever the outcome it’s the stunning look and design of this hole that you’ll remember most.

CLYNE GOLF CLUB WEST GLAMORGAN

A natural heathland gem that stands at the entrance to the beautiful Gower Peninsula, a hilltop location containing all the features that go with it offers a challenging test to all handicap levels.

growth in close proximity. Despite its lofty position the course is never too difficult to walk, and never are you too far away from a stunning view of this area of outstanding natural beauty.

Clyne was designed by H.S Colt in the 1920’s, the original lay out remains today, many natural hazards reside on the undulating ground as well as many little pot bunkers often hidden from view around humps and bumps. Gorse and bracken surround the rolling fairways which are reasonably wide but as you’d expect, a battle with the elements is always on the cards here, the swirling breezes at its highest points can easily blow you offline. The key for success here is how you handle approach shots, the putting surfaces are very special, even paced throughout and the soft springy turf gives welcome receptiveness. Finding them on a regular basis will lead to low scores, however, slip off the straight and narrow just a touch and the penalties can be severe thanks to regular steep run off areas and fluffy spots of heathland

PlayGolf Pick: 16th hole 458 yards Par 4 (Yellows). Stroke index One here is pretty much straight ahead but it’s a gruelling trek if it’s into the prevailing wind and plays more like a Par 5. However this furthest point of the course boasts wonderful panoramic views and from the small sloping green overlooks Mumbles Bay, take a par, a photo and feel very satisfied. Clyne has inviting 19th hole facilities, its large first floor clubroom looks out over the 9th and 18th greens below. A separate bar houses a snooker table, the food is lovely and there are very impressive outdoor and indoor practise areas. Autumn and winter playability is not an issue here, Clyne is always in good condition and a true pleasure to visit and take on this most natural and enjoyable of hill top tests on The Road to the Ryder Cup.

The 19th hole facilities include an attractive restaurant and bar area with an outdoor courtyard. Naturally, Hendre House is popular conference and wedding venue. Within the grounds there are also three self catering cottages for a play and stay option. Generally speaking, The Rolls of Monmouth is a fairly understated club, its all about the golf here which is never going to disappoint. The Road to the Ryder Cup has its Rolls Royce of hidden gems waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

JUNE • 2010

Jack Nicklaus’s only venture so far into Welsh golf club design. Overseen by son Gary, Machynys Peninsula opened for play in 2005, it cost £3.5 million for the layout and much more for the clubhouse and facilities but its rapid rise to fame and outstanding instant reputation already mark it down as money well spent. Within weeks of its opening the course was already hosting the Wales Ladies Championship of Europe, an event it still stages.

Picture Perfect

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

The Course

Thanks to its links type setting which can leave the layout vulnerable to the elements, plus clever design featuring five tee locations, the course plays as comfortably or as tough as you wish it. Handicappers of all standards are catered for, a hallmark of all Nicklaus Courses, yet here the variety is even more outstanding than usual. From the championship tees, it’s so tough there’s a standard scratch score of 75, three over par, yet the club and academy tees offer something a little more easy going.

Location/Directions Machynys benefits from a superb location, gazing over Carmarthen Bay with the Gower Peninsula as a beautiful backdrop further beyond. Exit at Junction 47 of the M4, take the A484 to Llanelli, the club is signposted to the left, just as you reach the town. Machynys Peninsula is 155 miles from the centre of our region.

Most, like ourselves will go off the yellows and an exciting round awaits with water a factor on no less than 15 holes. The shaping of the course included the creation of 25 acres of new lakes, salt and fresh water, and it’s these that prove to be the highlight, as well as the make or break element for your scorecard. Keeping a dry ball throughout 18 holes here is no mean feat. The lakes are placed either directly in front of the tees demanding some long carries, or in other areas, their tributaries can be a little hidden from view requiring you to be spot on with club selection. The front nine, which is more parkland in style, is highlighted by the obvious water hazard in front of the Par 3, 2nd, and a more subtle test at the short Par 4, 4th hole where it’s a little more hidden from view, both good examples of the different ways the water plays it’s part in testing your skills here. The first half concludes with a stunning ninth, its green contoured around another lake on the right. The route takes you straight past the clubhouse where the club encourages a halfway house stop-off, especially on a hot summer’s day. The back nine is more links like in appearance especially as you head towards the bay for a magical closing loop of three holes to rank alongside the very finest in Welsh golf. Before reaching them though, traverse more water and avoid thick clusters of clingy rough. Bunker placing too gets a little more thought provoking the longer the round goes on. No matter how the fickle elements affect your round or how you cope with this impressive new challenge there is a constant outstanding feature that more than any other has confirmed Machynys Peninsula as a true championship standard course ever since it was designed. The putting surfaces are some of the best we’ve ever come across true, silky smooth and receptive, any poor putting here can really only be attributed to the player holding the club in his/ her hand.

Take Care With:

Judging the wind, if there’s any about, it does tend to swirl about inconsistently, making good course management of paramount importance.

Look forward to:

A feast for nature lovers, the wetlands of Machynys are a haven for many species of wildfowl. Ducks, geese, swans et al form attractive feathered galleries especially at the long Par 3, 11th.

Signature Hole – 16th, 411 Yards, Par 4 (Yellow Tees)

A classic links hole, water to carry from the tee with craftily placed traps and wispy long grasses increasing the danger. With a likely prevailing breeze blowing towards you from the bay it’s a tough task to reach the uphill green in two, yet when you arrive there, the views across the estuary are awesome.

The Golfer Magazine Pick – 18th, 481 Yards, Par 5

Completing a tremendous closing trio is a fine challenging Par 5 with one last demand on your nerves by way of a big carry across the lake from the tee. The landing zone though is generous and should you keep your ball dry there’s a receptive green awaiting for a good approach and a chance to finish with a flourish.

19th Hole

Very contemporary and luxurious facilities to relish after the Machynys test. Monks Bar and Brasserie has both restaurant and lounge sections with imaginative, modern menus. There’s also a health club and spa, a gym for the energetic, and treatment rooms, saunas and Jacuzzi’s for those who aren’t. Best of all though is the long balcony that stretches around two sides of the large building, breath-taking views so majestic even a bad round will soon be forgotten.

Practise Makes Perfect

If it’s worth hanging around a couple of hours après-round to enjoy the clubhouse amenities, it’s also recommended to arrive an hour or so early too. No excuse here to turn up at the first tee a little cold. Instead, take advantage of a 400-yard range close to the first tee. A large chipping green, greenside bunkers and a practice putting green complete an all-round warm up wonder. The academy itself is the newest addition to Machynys, only completed last year it boasts 21 floodlit bays in a separate range to the practise one, custom fitting and the UK’s biggest indoor putting green.

Around and About

One of the most popular visitor destinations in Britain passes along the border of Machynys Peninsula. The 10-mile long Millennium Coastal Park runs adjacent to the towns of Llanelli and Burry Port, its traffic free cycle/footpath attracts over one million visitors a year.

Summary

If all this wasn’t enough it’s more than worth a mention that this newest of the superb array of South Wales championship challenges won’t burn too much of a hole in your wallet either. Both on and off course it really doesn’t cost as much as you may think it will. One further reason to take a summer 2010 trip down to Carmarthen Bay and the Machynys Peninsula, hopefully the one and only American inspired masterpiece in South Wales in 2010.

Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club Nicklaus Avenue, Machynys, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA15 2DG Tel: 01554 744888 Fax: 01554 744680 info@machynys.com

yards Par 4 : 13th hole 410 climax of this PlayGolf Pick the en awaits at

ttable gre ssive bunA truly unforge nds and two ma le with two po lating land. A du un on ss spectacular ho progre en makes to affect your back of the gre kers awaiting l phitheatre at the t how golfers wil jus ss natural stone am ne wit to tions. or spot putting examina an ideal spectat of me pre su s most perform on thi

Vale of Glamorgan

A play and stay venue par excellence, situated in over 650 acres of stunning Welsh countryside. Two championship courses, a 4 star hotel boasting Wales’ largest spa and a wealth of sporting and leisure pursuits, The Vale of Glamorgan promises a quality golf break. Location/Directions Just a mile from junction 34 of the M4, follow signs to Hensol, the resort is very well signposted, The Vale is just 20 minutes away from Cardiff City centre. The Wales National Opened for play in just 2003 this is one of the UK’s newest championship challenges. Already the host to Challenge Tour and Senior PGA events, The Wales National has quickly built a reputation for quality and the level of its examination for even the lowest handicappers. This layout is also rather long, stretching to a whopping 7,433 yards from the championship tees, and although the variety of tee positions allows players of every ability the chance to enjoy the experience there’s no doubt an on form driver is a useful attribute here. The layout has attractive wooded areas, fairways are narrow in places, wide open in others. Large bunkers and defining water hazards are never too far away, all set in delightful countryside with an abundance of wildlife. The front nine is notable for its even numbers, the second hole

measures no less than 607 yards from the Championship tees and is Wales’ longest, although it does eventually run downhill to a delightful green protected by a pond. The 4th is another long Par 5, this time playing uphill and much longer. Another water hazard comes into play at the short Par 4 6th, a straightforward enough hole playing it the safe way, yet at 260 yards from the yellows, surely worth a go at taking all the risk on for the reward of a potential eagle putt and a bit of glory? The course continues its impressive path until it reaches surely its highlight. From the 13th tee view 4 memorable holes , full of undulations, trees and bushes, cavernous bunkers, spectacular putting surfaces and more water that comes into play on the majority of shots. An inspiring place to play your finest golf, and you may need to as well, accuracy and good club selections are a must, plus as you’ll find out a hot putter won’t go amiss either. The USGA standard greens which are quite superb throughout take on a new level during this stretch, hugely contoured and tremendous fun. The 16th hole which closes this run is considered by GolfWorld magazine to be

one of the Top 10 Par 4’s in the UK. The challenge culminates with a gentler 18th, you may just catch sight of the Welsh rugby team or Cardiff City footballers training on the pitches across the road from the fairway. The Lake Course The Vale of Glamorgan’s second layout, The Lake Course is more than an adequate compliment to its neighbour. Water once again plays a large part and at 6,500 yards in length it’s hardly a typical resort second course. The 12th hole here which has an island green is an unforgettable challenge. The large golf clubhouse has a relaxed feel with home cooked food and an outside patio with seating for over 150 golfers. There’s a good sized golf shop and fine warm up facilities including a range. The Vale Resort has recently become the highest rated 4 star hotel in Wales. 143 bedrooms, an AA Rosette restaurant, two bars, (one chic, one sporty), and a large range of leisure facilities including that spa all make for a superb play and stay location. Families are well catered for too, a large range of activities leave no excuses for boredom for the kids even if Dad is out there grappling with those immense putting challenges. This is one first class location recommended for all to treat themselves to on The Road to the Ryder Cup. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

ROAD TO THE RYDER CUP 36 holes, a wealth of facilities including a 20 bay floodlit range, all set in historic rolling parkland, plenty for golfers to do at Cardiff’s Cottrell Park.

Location/Directions.

In the heart of The Vale of Glamorgan, just 10 minutes from Cardiff City centre and easily accessible from junction 33 of the M4.

The Courses

The Mackintosh. Cottrell Park’s Championship layout provides a good challenge for all abilities of golfer, designed around the original features of the mature undulating landscape. A track that proves to be an ideal test of course management skills, while there is plenty of room from the tees and the rough isn’t too penal, there’s no point just blazing away. Good placement is vital, the make or break element for scoring success here is to find the right spots to attack the pins from, regular raised targets and greens tucked away in tight tree lined corners will examine your approach play. The layout turns many corners, there are dog leg holes in abundance, and you’re never too far away from one of scores of 300 year old majestic Oaks, overhanging branches can cause an extra hazard in places. The USGA standard greens are of a consistently fine standard as are the bunkers, a course that looks good throughout and is not to be underestimated, it doesn’t play quite as easy as it may look.

THE GOLFER MAGAZINE

Cottrell Park Playgolf Midlands Pick: 7th hole 303 yards Par 4 (Yellows) A hole that encapsulates all there is to know about The Mackintosh Course. A tight up and down dog leg, with a tee shot over the bank to a blind valley below, where a wedged approach needs total accuracy to find a tight green garnished by trees. Anyone trying to cut the corner will find a large sand trap in their path, a course planner is useful when playing this little stunner. The Button Gwinnett Course. Designed at the same time, The Button Course takes you to slightly higher ground and boasts tremendous views, sweeping northwards as far as the Brecon Beacons and southwards over the Bristol Channel to the Mendips. Although still of parkland appearance it has an American theme with no less than 13 ponds and lakes, many placed to deter the cheeky route on typical Cottrell Park shaped dog legs. Once again length isn’t the major issue here, more a case of accuracy and keeping the ball dry and in bounds, beware also of a stiff breeze or two affecting the more exposed parts of the higher ground. The 14th hole, a long dog leg with encroaching trees to the right and three ponds in front of the green is perhaps the toughest test the Button course possesses, although there’s one or two short holes too that can potentially cause some carnage for a score card.

Playgolf Midlands Pick: 18th hole 310 yards Par 4 (Yellows) A delightful finishing hole, back to the clubhouse via a gentle dog leg and short approach to the putting surface guarded by bunkers and the newly formed lake with it’s attractive rockery. 19th hole. Take on the 36 hole challenge through Cottrell Park’s landscape and you’ll be more than ready for some refreshment. The club’s modern Merrick’s Bar and Restaurant has a distinctly warm and cosy cottage feel with an extensive menu. There is also a Sports lounge for the more informal gatherings or for a quick drink before a sit down meal. Summary. A terrific venue where standards are kept high through practice facilities, the courses themselves and the social side afterwards. The golf suits everyone, plenty of width to suit the high handicappers, plus enough subtle trickery in not giving the more accomplished player too easy a ride. An excellent all round location as we edge ever closer to Celtic Manor on The Road to the Ryder Cup. Cottrell Park Golf Resort St. Nicholas, CARDIFF, CF5 6SJ Tel: + 44 (0) 1446 781781 E-Mail: sales@golfwithus.com

Tour Banter

It all started back in October 2009 and it ends round about the time you’ll be reading this. Over many miles of rolling valleys, tall peaks and coastal paths the golfmobile has traversed the principality and various review teams have unleashed an eclectic brand of golf on unsuspecting clubs during our epic Road to the Ryder Cup adventure. This light hearted look back relives our highlights and celebrates the blast we had on our Welsh odyssey. Best rounds in Wales: Bill’s personal best 87 in Holyhead and my 75 at North Wales won’t be forgotten in a hurry, neither will Euan’s 81 at a chilly Conwy in November. Best played hole: Considering the conditions (see below), Euan’s birdie at the lake surrounded 6th at The Twenty Ten was rather special. Best shot: Witnessed by a course worker on a tractor, I performed a miracle chip and run 9 iron Tom Watson would have been proud of for a memorable birdie at Aberdovey. The only disappointment was the nonplussed look on his face as the 40 yard shot hit the bottom of the cup. Maybe it happens all the time down there.

time for us to enjoy the fabulous closing stretch, and at least we got to witness first hand just how good the drainage system is there. I hasten to add it was still a very special day for us. Strangest weather: Nefyn on a Saturday morning when the rest of North Wales was covered in snow, driving up the A55 getting closer to the coast with snow capped fields and peaks all around us caused a little consternation, but at the very last minute, on the path to the club it dispersed dramatically leaving nothing but green and blue, that place truly does have its own micro-climate. Best jaw drop: Neil’s face when I holed a 50 foot putt from off the green at North Wales, we were competing for a Ryder Cup point at the time, to call it disgruntled would be an understatement. Most uninvited guest: Bill’s crow at Holyhead who swooped, pecked and flew off with his finest Quadra Link, strangely for him situated in the middle of the fairway.

Best weather: It wasn’t in the North which is no surprise, it got a little heated at Builth Wells but the award has to go to the heatwave at Machynys, never before have 19th hole shandies gone down quicker.

Stupidest golfers: Once again at Holyhead myself and Bill, never renowned for our senses of direction surpassed ourselves further by hitting wedges to the wrong green, and also failing to notice the obvious fault we were making by witnessing a four ball coming towards us on the other side of the same putting surface. They also gesticulated a little.

Worst weather: The day we kicked this thing off at The Twenty Ten course itself was notable early doors for the most torrential rain imaginable. The consolations though were that it did brighten up in

Poser of the feature: Neil showing us his party tricks at Celtic Manor and skimming the ball Barnes Wallis style across one of the Twenty-Ten’s lakes, its on YouTube somewhere.

Best TinCup moment: Myself refusing to accept I couldn’t ping a six iron over the lake and onto the green at the 14th at The Roman Road course, eventually on about the 8th attempt, a dry ball found the dance floor, to ironic applause from sleepy playing partners, and it isn’t on YouTube anywhere. The team: Phil (TinCup) Nicholas: H/Cap 16 Euan (Mr Twenty Ten) Stubbs: 12 Bill (Happy Billmore) Eagles: 24 Neil (Future Ryder Cupper) Wain: +2 Thanks to a few guest reviewers and especially all of the clubs who took part in The Road to the Ryder Cup and their wonderful hospitality towards us, we look forward to traversing Scotland 2013-14 on the way to Gleneagles…………please!

EUROPE 15 USA 13 Our journeys also featured a personal Ryder Cup style battle between myself and Euan (USA) against Neil and Bill (Europe) at each venue on our travels, the result of which we predict will be the result of the real thing itself. After some breathtaking matchplay golf where there was never more than 2 points between the two teams Europe just prevailed, Bills bogey six at the last at Machynys was enough to sink the USA pairing in a tense tussle. So we placed a bet at William Hill’s for a two point home victory at 10-1, all winnings will be donated to Help the Heroes. Good luck Europe! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010