Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Matt Hooper is the editor, co-founder and publisher of St Andrews Golf Magazine. He began writing about golf in September 2012 and has a wealth of knowledge and experience across the golf industry. He is the chief features writer and lead journalist of St Andrews Golf Magazine. He has also written for Pro Golf Now and as an independent contractor for All Square Golf.
Cristina Panama is a Journalism student studying in San Antonio, Texas and is the LPGA Correspondent and features writer for St Andrews Golf Magazine. Cristina is from Guadalajara in Mexico.
John Boyne is a St Andrews Links caddie and is a regular contributor to St Andrews Golf Magazine. His knowledge of the Old Course is a great insight.
Editor’s Letter 12 months ago we billed 2015 as a Grand Year, with both Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson aiming to complete the career Grand Slam and St Andrews hosting The Open. We always thought this would be quite a year for golf and St Andrews, little did we know just how good it would be. Jordan Spieth took the world by storm, winning both The Masters and US Open, and coming agonizingly close to a third successive major victory, here in St Andrews at the 144th Open Championship. The Open, plagued by the weather, was dramatic as ever, with Zach Johnson defeating Marc Leishman and Louis Oosthuizen in a four-hole playoff to conclude a week which didn’t seem to want to end, on the Monday. That Monday was magical, the weather was again, dreich but the crowds, encouraged by the £10 ticket price, came out in their droves, with 35,370 golf fans coming through the gates to see the 144th Open Champion crowned. Yes, the winner wasn’t everyone’s favourite, but once again the Old Course proved its mettle as a championship course and one which delivers an exciting and compelling tournament. Then in October, a traditionally cold time of year, we were blessed with Open Championship-like weather, and another stunning edition of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, won by the Dane Thorbjorn Olesen. This year has also been a year to celebrate in local golf, with the University of St Andrews first team recently celebrating their first Scottish Premier Division victory since 1999, adding to a long list of successes in regional and national championships for our boys and girls, as St Andrews finally proved it has talent for the future. In our 2nd Annual St Andrews Golf Magazine Awards we recognize the achievements of our local golfers and we unveil the winners of our online voting for the World Golfer of the Year, both for the men and for the women, as well as the best golf event of 2015. We may well not have been given the historic success of a career grand slam for McIlroy or Mickelson, but in every sense of the word, 2015 has been a Grand Year indeed. It promises to be a Historic 2016.
The presents under the tree from St Andrews Golf Magazine
The University of St Andrews are Champions!
News from the R&A, New Golf Club, St Andrews Golf Club, St Regulus Golf Club, St Rule Club and St Andrews Links
Christmas in St Andrews
Forgan’s and Mitchells
Our Open Year
St Andrews Golf Magazine Awards
Let the revolution commence: The new era of the European Tour is under way
Year-end rankings
Centenary of the PGA of America 80th Masters 116th US Open 145th Open Golf Returns to the Olympic Games 100th Open de France 100th Scottish PGA Championship 120th anniversary of the St Rule Club 400 years of Golf at Royal Dornoch 30 years of the Official World Golf Rankings 41st Ryder Cup
Š Matt Hooper
Champions!! St Andrews stun Stirling to lift Scottish Premier Division for the first time since 1999 By Rob McPherson, Golf Manager at BUCS Images courtesy of Scottish Student Golf
A chill morning on the Jubilee course at St Andrews with blue skies and sharp gusts heralded a fixture which, for years, has exemplified all that is good with Scottish Student Golf. Multiple Scottish, British and European champions Stirling University - who have won the Scottish Premier League every year since 1999 - turned up to be hosted by their perennial nearest challengers and strongest rivals, St Andrews University. From the off, the cool blue air crackled with electric rivalry and, despite the many, many layers of clothes being worn by the competitors, the golf on show easily matched the potential of the day. In the first two matches, St Andrews established early leads and were never headed: Gonzalo Leon (St Andrews; Ecuador) easily overcame the challenge of Jen Saxton (Stirling; Muckhart) to triumph 7&6; whilst David Mclellan (St Andrews; Largs) was ultimately too good for freshman rookie Laird Shepherd (Stirling; Crowborough Beacon) as his local knowledge on the Jubilee took the match 3&2. The next pairings had a closer tussle and, ultimately, the points were shared: Magyar superstar Marcell Horvath (St Andrews;
Hungary) kept up the momentum with a classy 1 hole victory against Colin Edgar (Stirling; Cochrane Castle); however, Lewys Anderson (St Andrews; Deeside) went down by the same result to Sean Walter (Stirling; West Linton). However, any prospect of a Stirling fightback was swiftly dismissed. Player-ofthe-day, Miranda Brain (St Andrews; Gog Magog) was on fire in the next set of pairings with a putter that holed yards and yards of putts against runaway Fairmont Tournament Champion Chris MacLean (Stirling; Balmore). Seven birdies in the first ten holes saw Brain four up through eight and never stretched in triumphing 5&4. One of the closest matches of the fixture was game five, where Swiss magician and Stirling Team Captain Mathias Eggenberger (Stirling; Switzerland) had to fight like a tiger to ultimately overcome a spirited challenge by first-year Scott MacGregor (St Andrews; Wakefield). The penultimate duo of matches saw high quality golf from all four players with Stirling's other Swiss master, Marco Iten (Stirling; Switzerland) surprisingly turned over 3&2 by St Andrews antipodean maestro, Lukas Michel (St Andrews;
Australia); while Scottish and British Champion Gemma Batty (Stirling; Powfoot) was unable to shake of the tenacious battling qualities of Cameron Franssen (St Andrews; Inverness) in a match that ultimately came down to the final green and a halved match. The top pairing of the fixture was the crux of the battle: Stirling's premier talent, Craig Howie (Stirling; Peebles) was on confident form (after a shakey first hole) and steadily pulled ahead of St Andrews Team Captain and British University squad member Tom Beasley (St Andrews; Hunstanton) to accomplish a straighforward 6&5 victory. However, it all proved in vain, as St Andrews former Scottish Boys international, George Burns (St Andrews; Williamwood) dominated Andrew Davidson (Stirling; Charleton) from the start and was able to establish a 4up lead midway through the back nine. Despite strong play and a couple of special pressure putts from Davidson, by the 17th it was all over as a solid iron shot to twelve feet from Burns, coupled with Davidson failing to get up and down from a greenside bunker, meant a concession and a St Andrews Premier Division victory for the first time since 1999.
Speaking after the match, University of Stirling coach, Dean Robertson, congratulated the players of the University of St Andrews on their keen play and wellearned victory. Noting that the Scottish League provided a competitive arena for all players to develop, he assured both team's players that he looked forward to renewing the healthy rivalry at Moray Golf Club in the Scottish Championships in March. St Andrews University Coach, David Watt, acknowledged the fantastic performance of his men and women and stated "Well, it had to happen sometime! We have so many talented scholars at St Andrews". Dr Rob Macpherson, Scottish Student Golf Manager - and himself a League Champion from 1992 - congratulated all ten players on each side and commended St Andrews in capturing the League title from Stirling for the first time in the millennium. He noted it was great to see spectators and coaches on-course supporting the cream of Scottish Student golfers and wished the new League Champions an enjoyable and long evening of celebration.
Final Table Scottish Premier Division Played
St Andrews Strathclyde Stirling UHI Edinburgh Napier
5 4 4 5 5 5
Won
Halved
Lost
Points
4 3 3 2 1 0
1 0 0 1 0 0
0 1 1 3 4 5
13 9 9 7 3 0
+26 +10 +7 0 -12 -31
Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews
Š Matt Hooper
THE ROYAL AND ANCIENT GOLF CLUB ANNOUNCES TWO NEW HONORARY MEMBERS
Two of North America’s most successful women amateur golfers have become Honorary Members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Canadian Marlene Stewart Streit, the only player to win the British, Canadian, U.S. and Australian women’s amateur titles, and America’s Judy Bell, a former Curtis Cup captain and player and United States Golf Association president, accepted invitations to become Honorary Members. They follow Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Dame Laura Davies, Renée Powell, Belle Robertson MBE, Lally Segard, Annika Sorenstam and Louise Suggs, who sadly passed away in August, in becoming Honorary Members. A further eight women have also become Members of the Club. Stewart Streit said, “I am absolutely delighted to be invited to join such a historic and prestigious institution in golf. I would never have dreamt of this all those years ago when I started out playing golf but I have enjoyed every moment of it. I am extremely proud and grateful to receive this honour and it means a great deal not just to me but to Canadian golf as a whole.”
Bell said, “I’m honoured to follow in the footsteps of so many great players and people who have been so influential in the game. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club enjoys such a special place at the heart of golf and I am thrilled to be part of it. Golf has been very good to me over the years and this is a wonderful distinction to receive. ” Gavin Caldwell, Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, said, “It is a privilege to welcome two women who have enjoyed such long and distinguished careers in golf to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Both Marlene and Judy have made substantial contributions to golf through their outstanding achievements as players and their tireless work in supporting the development of the sport. They are both wonderful examples to follow and tremendous ambassadors for golf.” Stewart Streit’s remarkable career saw her win 11 Canadian Ladies Open Amateurs, nine Canadian Ladies Close Amateurs, four Canadian Ladies' Seniors and three U.S. Senior Women's Championships. After winning the Ladies’ British Amateur Championship at Royal Porthcawl in 1953, she went on to win the U.S. Women's Amateur in 1956 and the Australian Women's Amateur in 1963. In 1951 and 1956, Stewart Streit, who was born in Cereal, Alberta, was named Canada's top athlete of the year. She went on to establish the Marlene Streit Awards Fund to support promising young golfers. In 2004, she
became Canada’s first member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and is also a Member of the Order of Canada, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. Bell, who was born in Wichita, Kansas, took up golf at the age of ten and in 1952 reached the semi-final of the U.S. Junior Girls’ Championship in California where she was defeated by Mickey Wright. Bell went on to play in two American Curtis Cup teams in 1960 and 1962 and captained the team in 1986 and 1988. She set the then lowest score, a 67, in the U.S. Women’s Open in 1964, and, in a successful amateur career, won the Broadmoor Invitational title three times, the Florida East Coast Championships three times, the Palm Beach Invitational, the 1958 South Atlantic Championship, and the 1963 Trans-Mississippi title. In 1996, Bell became the first woman to be named president of the USGA. She joined the USGA’s junior championship committee in 1961 and went on to act as a Rules official at the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open. Bell served on the USGA’s women’s committee for 16 years and became the first female member of the USGA executive committee. She was nominated to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.
Š Matt Hooper
Latest news and results from
The New Golf Club of St Andrews
Nine Hole Stableford 1
Nine Hole Stableford 2
19-11-2015
03-12-2015
New course
Strathtyrum course
Course Par: 35
Course Par: 35
Dr Craig Thomson 23 points
Peter Bourner 20 points
Mr Neil Ronaldson 22
Rob Whiteman 20
Mr Brian Morris 20
Scott Reith 18
Mr Raymond Corr 18
Michael De Vries 17
Dr R E Grundy 18
Barry Millar 17
Mr Michael Laws 18
Gordon Crawford 17
Mr Bruce Clark 17
John Mitchell 17
Latest news and results from the
St Andrews Golf Club
Š Matt Hooper
St Andrews Day Tri-Am Golf Competition Saturday 21st November 2015
Player 1
(adjustment +1 for Jub Br)
Club
Player 2
Club
Player 3
Club
Score
+
Adj
Gross
Janice Pirie (16)
St Regs
Rev Dr J U Cameron (17)
R&A
Steve Fox (12)
St A
54
+
1
=
55
Winners
Isobel Eccleston (18)
St Regs
Peter Bourner (18)
New
Tom Halpin (21)
New
60
+
1
=
61
Linda Horn (19)
St Regs
John Torrie (13)
New
David Terroni (11)
St A
61
+
1
=
62
Runners-up Third Place (bih)
Moira Wilbraham (15)
St Regs
Jim Galbraith (8)
New
Les McConnachie (24)
New
61
+
1
=
62
Meroe Wilson (17)
St Regs
Bill Donaldson (7)
St A
John Adamson (25)
St A
61
+
1
=
62
Joan Moir (16)
St Regs
Harry Carroll (16)
St A
Gabriel Varga (20)
New
62
+
1
=
63
Fiona McEwan (11)
St Regs
Tom Gallacher (9)
St A
Brian Shields (22)
St A
63
+
0
=
63
The St Andrews Golf Club's new Captain, Craig Blair, had a disappointing start to his first year in Office when his team managed to lose to a very strong Vice-Captain, Dave Edgar's team, last Saturday by 2 1/2 matches to 4 1/2 .
Captain's Team versus Vice-Captain's Team
14/11/2015
(Captain's Team names first)
C R Blair & J F Kennedy M C Cordner & K J Mullins N Mathewson & A Finlay D S Munro J Melville Jnr. & J C Smith B R Young & P Ellison JI Mason & R Verner
Captain's Team
halved with lost to beat beat lost to lost to lost to
2 1/2
G A Grant & J Devlin D T Edgar & T P Edgar D A Dow & I B Collin M J Keith J G Cunningham & F L Stephen N H M Beattie & B D N Li E G Cameron
Vice-Captain's Team
4 1/2
Stableford Competition (CSS 75) Eden Course 1st A.Paterson 33 pts after count back 2nd C. McDougall 33 pts 3rd C. Cordner 32 pts.
The latest news from
St Andrews Links
Š Matt Hooper
St Andrews Links to take control of commercial tee time operations in 2018 St Andrews Links Trust announced on December 9 that it shall assume responsibility for the distribution of all commercial Old Course tee times for the season commencing April 2018. The St Andrews Links Trustees have decided to take control of the distribution of all commercial tee time operations and informed long-standing partners, Old Course Experience (OCE), that its existing contractual arrangement will conclude at the end of 2017. Euan Loudon, Chief Executive, St Andrews Links, said: “Following a lengthy period of consideration the Trust has decided that it is the appropriate time to take control over the presentation and sale of all Old Course commercial times as well
as developing and managing a closer working relationship with multiple tour operators.
remarkably proud of what we have achieved with St Andrews Links over the past 20 years.
“This change in emphasis will bring to a close the existing contractual arrangement which we have enjoyed with our partner, OCE, for more than 20 years. We would like to thank the entire team in St Andrews, London and New York for all their hard work, support and assistance during this time.
“Our number one priority has been, and will continue to be, to deliver the best possible experience to the thousands of guests who have visited the Home of Golf with our team.
“This relationship has been highly successful and they have helped to enhance the visiting golfer’s experience at the Home of Golf with their commitment to customer service as well as their passion, not just for our golf courses and facilities, but the town as a whole. “Our partnership has been beneficial to the Links and has played a significant role in transforming our landscape over the years; using some of our highly sought after Old Course tee times for commercial use has helped to improve the condition of our courses; assisted with the development of a number of new facilities; and enhanced the reputation and renown of St Andrews to a global audience.” Sheelagh Walker, Head of Golf Operations, OCE, said: “We are
“We fully respect and appreciate the ambition and objectives of St Andrews Links Trust in making this change. As we look towards our own future, we look forward to offering a continued quality service to golfers and we hope to enjoy a successful working relationship with the Trust for many years to come. “We will now concentrate our efforts on planning for post-2017 arrangements and making sure that in the short term we deliver the same quality service to every visitor booking a guaranteed Old Course tee time in 2016 and 2017.” Mr Loudon added: “Having enjoyed a close working relationship with the OCE team over such a long period of time we are pleased to hear that they will continue to operate beyond 2017, when we formally take control of all commercial Old Course tee times.
“Alongside day-to-day golfing operations for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, the Trust will now undertake a significant programme of business development to ensure we deliver a robust system of commercial tee time distribution, on a nonexclusive basis, to a broader range of tour operators for 2018. This work will focus only on commercial tee times and will not impact on the ballot, advanced reservations or local preferential times on any of our courses.� A period of market evaluation will now be undertaken by the Trust, which will encourage participation from golf tour operators and the wider golf tourism industry. This will take place in the first half of 2016 and further details about this process will be announced in early 2016.
Press release courtesy St Andrews Links, 2015.
Fans Invited to Vote for Scottish Golf’s Player of the Year
Image © Kenny Smith
Scotland’s leading Tour professionals and top performing amateurs are to battle it out for the coveted Player of the Year Award honour, with golf fans invited to vote for their favourite. One of the highlights of the Scottish Golf Awards, which will take place on Friday 11 March at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, the Aberdeen Asset Management sponsored Player of the Year recognises achievements at the top end of the professional and amateur game over 2015, for both male and female golfers. Past winners include Catriona Matthew, Paul Lawrie, two-time Scottish Amateur champion David Law and last year’s victor, Stephen Gallacher, with a host of candidates lining up to join the prestigious roll of honour Voting was launched today by former Player of the Year Matthew, who will become the first female recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in March, with Allied Surveyors Scotland announced as sponsors of Matthew’s accolade. The company were title sponsors of the Scottish Amateur Championship between 2005 and 2010 and Managing Director Ian Thomson is delighted to be supporting the event. “We had a great association with amateur golf in Scotland for a number of years through the Scottish Golf Union and welcome the opportunity to be involved once more through
sponsorship of the Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Thomson. “Catriona Matthew has been a fantastic ambassador for Scottish Golf throughout her career and Allied Surveyors Scotland are delighted to be joining fellow fans at the Awards to celebrate her receiving this welldeserved honour.” There is no shortage of nominees this time around, including Russell Knox, who secured one of the biggest titles outside of the Major Championships when he claimed his maiden Tour victory at the WGC-HSBC Champions and now sits at No. 30 in the world rankings. Marc Warren has enjoyed another fine season on the global stage, while Richie Ramsay secured his third European Tour win in Morocco early in the season. Pamela Pretswell was a model of consistency on the Ladies European Tour, finishing the season in 14th place on the money list and the leading Scot. Colin Montgomerie continued to dominate on the senior circuit, defending the US Senior PGA and winning the European Senior Tour Order of Merit for the second year in a row, while Andrew McArrthur and Jamie McLeary battled hard to regain their European Tour cards after finishing in the top 15 on the Challenge Tour rankings. There was notable success in the amateur ranks as three Scots – Ewen Ferguson, Grant
Forrest and Jack McDonald – played their part in GB&I’s record Walker Cup victory over the USA at Royal Lytham & St Annes, having also helped Scotland to glory in the European Amateur Team Championship. Nairn’s Sandy Scott burst onto the scene with three wins en route to winning the Boys Order of Merit, while Shannon McWilliam was one of the youngest-ever winners of the Ladies Order of Merit and represented GB&I in the Junior Vagliano Trophy. Online voting is now open at www.scottishgolf.org, with all participating fans going into a prize draw to win two pairs of tickets to the Scottish Golf Awards. Voting closes on Friday 12 February 2016. To vote in the Aberdeen Asset Management Player of the Year poll, visit http://www.scottishgolf.org/who-weare/golfawards/vote-for-the-player-of-the-year/ Tickets are now on sale for the 2016 Scottish Golf Awards, with a table of 10 costing £950 (inc VAT) or £95 per person, available via the website or by calling 01334 466477.
Christmas in
St Andrews Š Matt Hooper
Š Matt Hooper
Š Matt Hooper
Š Matt Hooper
What’s on in
St Andrews
3 December-2 JANUARY Written and directed by Gordon Barr The kingdom of Fantasia is all a-flutter. The handsome star, “Prince” Colquhoun, has announced a search to find his new dance partner and local dance teacher, Madam Zsa Zsa Diabolique, is determined to see one of her daughters win the coveted title. But who’s that in the corner practising her dance moves – could Cinderella be the one that Prince is really looking for? Will her devoted friend, Buttons, ever tell her how he really feels? Will her Fairy Godmother get her to the ball in time? Pantomime is back at the Byre with a spectacular new spin on the most beloved fairy tale of all time. Glitz, glamour and a host of colourful characters combine to make an unforgettable show filled with magic and romance. Please note: Concession and family tickets will be checked on arrival
19-23 December Santa will be in residence at his St Andrews Grotto based at Starbucks on Market Street each day through to the Wednesday 23rd December. All proceeds from visits to Santa will go to the Hamish Foundation. The Foundation was set up in May 2014 after the successful unveiling of the Statue of the town’s famous cat. Hamish the cat was such a well-known and popular resident who loved strolling around the streets of St Andrews making friends wherever he went. The aim of the Foundation is to use the Hamish name for the good of the town that he loved so much and all monies raised will benefit community projects in the town. The charity was founded by 3 local business women, Debbie MacCallum (Fife Cottages), Linda-anne Beaulier (Castlemount B & B) and Maggie Picken (St Andrews Coach Houses) who have a passion for St Andrews and want to see it benefit from the various fund raising initiatives that they have planned.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Acoustic Christmas Carols at Forgan’s from 8pm.
Many pubs, hotels and restaurants offer Christmas dinner, check online
Hogmanay St Andrews 13th Annual Hogmanay Ceilidh, jig to Will McFarlane’s Ceilidh Band, bar, free tea/coffee and a pie at the interval; St Andrews Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. 8pm until 12.30am. Tickets cost £25 from Reigning Cats and Dogs on South Street.
Hogmanay Ceilidh at Forgan’s from 10.30pm, limited tickets call or email to book
Old Course Hotel Fireworks display at Midnight to ring in the New Year.
Fairmont St Andrews Fireworks display at Midnight to ring in the New Year.
Where to eat out in
St Andrews Forgan’s and Mitchell’s By Matt Hooper
The Old Golf Club Factory, 110 Market Street, St Andrews. An address which sums up how much golf has played a part in the history of this unique town. The site of the restaurant which bears the name of the golf club maker, Forgan, was a former Cleek factory. Cleeks, or a 1-iron, were a signature product of the Forgan and Sons Company, and during the renovation of the site one such example was found.
St Andrews Golf Magazine published a feature some months ago on the Golf Club Makers of St Andrews, and that article shows just how many houses and buildings that golf used to occupy across the town. The main base for Forgan was at the Woollen Mill on The Links, St Andrews – overlooking the 18th green and first tee of the Old Course. Forgan began his career with Hugh Philp. Philp trained as a carpenter and began repairing clubs in 1812. He was located outside of the ‘city’ walls prior to 1819 when he was appointed official club maker to the Society of Golfers (later to become the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.). Philp hired his nephew, Robert Forgan, in the 1840’s and on his death in 1856 the trainee became the master. Forgan is credited as being the first to fix the horn in the sole of the club with wood pegs driven in at an angle. In 1881 his son Thomas Berwick Forgan joined him and the company became Robert Forgan and Son – the company would go on to be the biggest club making business in the town during the 1890’s.
Forgan was also a pioneer in the development of Gutty Balls. He was the first to take nicks out of the Gutty and a large percentage of hammered Gutty Balls came from the Forgan factory. The old factory on The Links now houses the R&A (Forgan House) and the Old Course Shop, owned by St Andrews Links. Now you would, perhaps wrongly, think that a restaurant opening on the site of a Cleek factory and bearing the name of one of St Andrews’ most iconic golf club makers, would be a golf themed restaurant. This is not the case, but Forgan’s, sitting at the heart of the town, certainly does attract the golfers, with some 40% of the diners in the golf season visiting St Andrews for the golf. Despite the lack of a golf theme, you can really imagine this place being a Cleek factory, and imagine its once industrious past. It now has an industrious present and future, in the production of fine food and drink, and Forgan’s is a hub of activity, whatever the time of year. On Thursday’s throughout the year Forgan’s host live music from emerging
local talent, and each Friday there is a Ceilidh for you to join in and experience Scottish Country Dancing. You might think the idea of playing golf in the winter in St Andrews is quite undesirable, but with the courses in great condition, and fairway mats in use, less golfers and lower green fees, this can be a superb time of year to visit the home of golf. And Forgan’s can warm you up after your round, with a sumptuous festive menu. Forgan’s has so much versatility and can change its layout, unlike almost any other venue in St Andrews. With private bothies that can accommodate large groups, and smaller groups when required. This makes it the perfect destination for a group of golfers to dine out. On your arrival you will be welcomed in a polite and timely manner and shown to your table. If you visit at this time of year they offer a festive menu in addition to their wide-ranging regular menu. This is what St Andrews Golf Magazine plumped for.
We started with the Honey Roasted Parsnip and Celeriac Soup and Perthshire Game Terrine with Walnut & Apple Chutney and Arran Oaties to start. The soup was served in quite a large bowl, which, with a piece of bread could actually be eaten as a main. The Terrine was just right as a starter and set us up for the main, of Roasted Turkey and Stuffing with all the trimmings and ‘proper’ Turkey Gravy. The Turkey was served in a bowl, which was something neither of us were expecting, whilst it was pleasant it did become quite stodgy because it was sitting in the copious amounts of gravy. For dessert we both had the Milk Chocolate and Mandarin Cheesecake with Fresh Berry Coulis, this was a light and satisfying dessert, but it was served within literally seconds of the main being cleared. We certainly both needed time to draw breath but unfortunately the efficient staff we a bit too quick for us. Our Forgan’s experience was an all-too brief one, we were done within an hour. But this is a place I would say you need to visit on several occasions to get the real essence of it.
The Festive Dinner Menu is an excellent value of £22.95 for three courses and is served from 5pm daily. The Festive Lunch Menu is even better value at £19.95 for three courses and is served until 5pm daily. And if you are a golfer visiting St Andrews for Christmas, you can actually sample their offerings on Christmas Day. Their Christmas Day Menu is £54.95 per person and bookings are being taken between 12pm and 1.30pm and 3pm and 4.30pm. Once you have walked off the delicious food from Christmas at Forgan’s you will be ready for Hogmanay. Forgan’s celebrates in the only way it knows how – a Hogmanay Ceilidh. This is by ticket only and a dinner and ceilidh ticket costs £59.95 with tickets for the ceilidh only priced at £7 per person. Whatever time of year this is a must visit for golfers, take in the atmosphere, have some fun, eat good food and have a drink with friends.
A Delightful Deli which honours a local Giant Mitchell’s Deli, which occupies the space in front of Forgan’s, is also in the building which once housed the Forgan’s cleek factory, both are owned by the G1 Group. This also has an illustrious history and tradition at the heart of St Andrews’ everyday life. The restaurant is named in honour of the former Butcher store, Murray Mitchell’s, which opened in the 1930’s. Murray Mitchell Senior ran the family business and farm before handing over the reins to his son in the 1980’s. Murray Mitchell Jr. was an enormously talented golfer. He won the Eden Tournament in 1975 and 1976, the Club Championship of the New Golf Club in 1969. 1972, 1985 and 1988, and won the Club Championship of the St Andrews Golf Club on five occasions. Murray Mitchell had class and so does the restaurant which bears his name.
We arrived early ahead of our reservation but Mitchell’s made it possible for us to eat earlier, and this welcome was as warm and professional as their service throughout the whole night. Our waiter Barnabus made us feel as though we were the only table he was serving, even though the restaurant was full. We started with the Roast Tomato and Red Lentil Soup and Goat Cheese and Red Onion Puff Pastry Tart, sadly like Forgan’s the Soup was served in a large bowl and my companion could not finish her starter, but my Puff Pastry Tart just hit the spot. Unlike Forgan’s we were given much more time between courses and this made our main even more satisfying. I had the Roasted Turkey with all the trimmings and my companion had the Char Grilled Scotch Rump Steak. The Turkey was served in a similar fashion to Forgan’s but had less gravy and was very filling and much more enjoyable to eat. By the time it came to dessert we were both full to burst! So Barnabus was happy to give us 10 or 15 minutes before having our dessert of Christmas Pudding and Milk Chocolate and Mandarin Cheesecake. The Christmas Pudding was small but
ample. Eating in Mitchell’s is most definitely something I would recommend to all visiting golfers whatever the time of year. The Christmas Menu at Mitchell’s is even better value than Forgan’s at £19.95 per person for three courses and we were given Tea and Coffee. Like Forgan’s, Mitchell’s is open on Christmas Day and their menu is even better value at £45.95 per person for three courses. On Hogmanay a dinner will cost you £45.95 each. This is followed by Scott Ashworth performing from 10.30pm until the bells. Mitchell’s is very definitely a good choice of restaurant for the visiting golfer.
Industry news making it a new must-visit digital destination for those with a passion for the sport. James has more than 10 years’ experience as a member of the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), and has worked at some of the UK’s most prestigious courses.
Experienced golf professional brings vintage golf apparel to the UK with new digital platform PGA member James Lee has launched an e-commerce world for golfing amateurs, enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Innovative luxury e-commerce platform The Vintage Golfer (thevintagegolfer.com) has launched in the UK, giving golf professionals, enthusiasts and amateurs access to exclusive vintage-inspired brands. The Vintage Golfer offers quality, traditional and vintage-inspired clothing and accessories, including sleek Holderness & Bourne holdalls and shoe bags, Seamus headcovers, Jones golf bags and other fine accessories. Founded by golf professional James Lee, The Vintage Golfer is the first of its kind in the UK,
It is this exclusive experience, coupled with his passion for golf fashion, vintage styling and heritage brands that has led him to launch The Vintage Golfer. James explains: “Working in the golf industry I realised that there was a gap in the market for fashionable, classic, subtly-branded yet functional golf apparel. “The Vintage Golfer brings to customers an exclusive selection of golf apparel and accessories that blend classic style with modern performance and versatility, using only the finest materials available.” Other facets of the innovative platform include a Gift Voucher offer to help the friends and family of golfing enthusiasts find the perfect gift, and a Monthly Product update highlighting a specific item that has captured the attention of The Vintage Golfer and its team. There’s also the opportunity to get to know James and the wider world of The Vintage Golfer through a dedicated blog. Anyone interested in finding out more about The Vintage Golfer is requested to contact James directly on sales@thevintagegolfer.com
2015
A Grand Year
The Year in Review and St Andrews Golf Magazine Awards By Matt Hooper, John Boyne and Cristina Panama
ŠUSGA/JD Cuban
Our Open Year By Matt Hooper and John Boyne ŠROLEX SA
We had joy, we had fun, The Open had five days and we had all four seasons in one. The 144th Open Championship was an event which we had been anticipating for so long that I am sure there wasn’t a single local, golfer or business owner which minded the championship stretching into an eighth day. The Open week, which began on Sunday 12 July on a day bathed in Sunshine, ran until Monday 20, a day which saw rain, wind, sun and sleet. The heavens opened on Friday morning, delaying the completion of the second round until Saturday. But as bad luck would have it, gusts and prolonged strong wind forced play to be suspended for the majority of the day, meaning The Open would have to be concluded on the Monday. On that Saturday when play was suspended, our local businesses benefited greatly, especially our bars and restaurants.
One bar owner said that they had sold as much Tennent’s Lager in one day as they would in a normal week! Eventually Zach Johnson prevailed over Marc Leishman and Louis Oosthuizen to claim the Claret Jug, and the sun came out to conclude an epic week. From the minute the grandstands and infrastructure began to be built on April 1 we were all getting rather like a child at Christmas. The Open only comes to our town once every five years, and it appears we may have to wait another six until the next one. So we had to make the most of it. The St Andrews BID steering group did their best to ensure the town benefited from hosting The Open, and the Localmotion Land Train was an enormous success. The train transported hundreds of visitors and locals around the town during the week of the championship.
The University of St Andrews hosted the World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Wednesday 15 July, followed by the Open for All event throughout the championship. St Andrews Golf Magazine and BID St Andrews were going to collaborate on a survey to examine the benefits to and thoughts of local businesses on The Open, but unfortunately this has been delayed due to the election of the BID board. We hope to bring the results to you in 2016, as part of our ongoing countdown to the next Open in St Andrews. For one group of local businessmen, The Open wasn’t all that successful, as St Andrews Links Caddie John Boyne explains, in a Caddie’s Open Year.
A Caddie’s Open Year I have been caddying on the St Andrews Old Course since 2002 and this was my third St Andrews Old Course Open, the previous being 2005 and 2010 when Tiger Woods and Louis Oosthuizen won here respectively. This year was exciting for our golfers as we watched, golfed and caddied during the constructing of grandstands and infrastructure of the 2015 Open, heightening the already brilliant atmosphere surrounding the Old Course From a purely selfish point of view the Old Course was closed for 4 weeks and obviously that had an impact on our caddie rounds and earnings. It is an inconvenience but a small price to pay as the positive spin-off from hosting the Championship will continue for many years to follow.
Registering with the St Andrews Caddie Master for my season on 4th April, 2015, I would have 11 weeks until the Old Course closed down on the 20th June to our visiting and local golfers. We resumed caddie duties after a 4 week stop for The Open at St Andrews Links courses on the 21st July, and I was intent on being available for as many rounds as possible. The question most asked by the golfers I caddied for in the lead up to The Open was whether I had a bag? The question after the championship was whether I had caddied for a golfer during The Open? Unfortunately not. The amount of local caddies being utilised for the championship has been decreasing quite alarmingly over the last 3 Old Course Opens:
13 in 2005, 8 in 2010 and I believe only 4 in the competition this year. Of the 4 caddies used this year 3 made the cut and they were with amateur golfers: the American Jordan Niebrugge won the Silver Medal for best amateur and tied for 6th overall, Ashley Chesters the young Englishman tied for 12th and current British Amateur Champion Frenchman Romain Langasque finished in a tie for 65th. I think this says quite a lot for the quality of the local St Andrews caddies. I did have a lot of fun this year, it is always special caddying on the Old Course. The majority of golfers were in super humour as they stood on the first tee, attempting to take it all in with their golfing partners, with plenty of
photographs, laughter, some bravado, and good humoured banter. Then looking down the first fairway, it hits them. Suddenly, they are teeing the wee white ball and becoming part of the history in the amphitheatre created for the tournament. They are going to be golfing this wonderful ancient links as their golfing idols, past and present, have and will. It is amazing. I stand quiet, it is the golfer’s day. This 2015 Old Course year brings some interesting golfers to St Andrews and amongst them was the American golfer and author Tom Coyne, A Course Called Ireland, who I met on his most recent quest to golf around the links courses of Scotland and his attempt to qualify for the 2015 Open. Due to a family gathering on the west coast of Scotland it meant that I met Tom Coyne on the 3rd green of the Old Tom Morris designed Kinghorn Golf Course, 30 miles south of St Andrews. I do hope he enjoyed the informality of a fellow golfer, with his ‘pencil bag’ arriving to golf with him. We had a blast. I caddied for Tom on the Old Course the following day, an adventurous round ensued over the links. A good guy, I met a kindred spirit, a golfer and devotee of links golf. A joy to golf and caddie with. The Open duly arrives in mid-July and before the Old Course is shut down for the official Sunday practice day I have a last opportunity to take a walk across the links on Saturday,
take in the atmosphere and snap a few photographs. I did not expect to bump into Tom Watson and Brandt Snedeker on the 14th green. Who does? It was a joy to watch them play relaxed golf. Watching Mr. Watson play the famous 17th Road hole was wonderful: drive safe on left side first cut rough, punch a mid-iron to front right 10 yards short of green, then putt to 3 feet below cup, make Par. A delight to watch up close this 5 time Open Champion. I have seen many alternative routes to make Par on the 17th Road hole, this most infamous of golf holes for example on my first caddie day, April 6th, The Golfer drives centre fairway, wonderful. We have 155 yards to the front edge, we have options, what can go wrong! Is The Golfer good enough to go for the green? Yes. The Golfer sclaffs it right, into rough, though not a bad lie. The Golfer then proceeds to thin a wedge over the slither that is the 17th green and onto the road behind. As his caddie I am in damage limitation mode. I advise a wee knock with a rescue/hybrid club with enough pace to climb the bank and onto the green, but please not to strong the Road hole bunker is waiting. The Golfer holes it for Par. A wonderful beginning to the 2015 Old Course year. The Golfer has a story to tell, as do I, and there will be many to follow, some may even stand out.
The first week of the close down myself and fellow caddie David decided to do a sponsored walk from Fort William to Inverness along what is known as the Great Glen Walk. The money we raised was added to our St Andrews Caddies Charity Fund for a total put forward to purchase a powered wheelchair with the assistance of the local charity The Keepers of The Green ((Registered Charity SCO33783). This chair and 7 more were presented during the Open week to local recipients that are most in need.
During the week of the Open I watch the golf in real life as the R&A have kindly donated week long tickets to the St Andrews caddies and then at 5:00pm I make my way to the Dunvegan Hotel to help the owners, Jack and Sheena, control the crowds spilling into their small bar from the Old Course 120 yards down the street. A wonderful atmosphere abounds and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves enormously.
In some ways it was a relief to see the Open circus finally end and allow the caddies to get back onto the Old Course where we quickly got back into our stride looking after and guiding our golfers round the St Andrews Links. There are always some good fun scenarios played out over the golf season from my fellow caddies and this year was no exception. I leave you with a couple of crackers: We are on the Par 5 5th green, which is close to 100 yards from the front to back, with one of the young caddies whose golfer has an enormous 55 yard putt: The young caddie looks at the putt from behind the flag, then proceeds to walk to the golf ball and his golfer and have a look at the putt from behind the ball. This is all done with a serious game face. I watch as he paces back to the flag, takes position while attending the pin and shots out to his golfer “Just a straight putt Sir”. Brilliant! Standing on the Par 3 11th tee the caddie turns to his golfer with the following response to the simple question what do we have here? “…143 yards pin, downhill, uphill, downwind...a tough call sir”.
The 2nd Annual
AWARDS Recognizing Golf’s Best in St Andrews St Andrews Golfer of the Year (Male)
St Andrews Golfer of the Year (Female)
Special Achievement by a St Andrews golfer
St Andrews Young Golfer of the Year
St Andrews Golf Magazine Hall of Fame Award
The 2nd Annual
AWARDS This year in the 2nd Annual St Andrews Golf Magazine, for the first time, we are recognizing golf’s best in St Andrews. With the help of the local golf clubs we are giving recognition to local amateur golfers, golf industry members and enthusiasts from the home of golf. We would like to thank St Regulus Golf Club and the New Golf Club for your assistance in delivering our first local Awards, complementing the online vote for the best professionals in the world. Over the next few pages you will get to know some of the greatest golfers and most important personalities in the golf industry in St Andrews, and those individuals whose contribution to the game has been long overlooked. Ladies and Gentlemen, the 2015 St Andrews Golf Magazine Awards go to……..
St Andrews Golfer of the Year (Male)
Mark Dickson
Nominated by the editor
St Andrews Golfer of the Year (Female)
Chloe Goadby
Nominated by St Regulus Golf Club
St Andrews Young Golfer of the Year
Keith Bowman
Nominated by the editor
St Andrews Golf Magazine Hall of Fame
John Clark
Nominated by the editor
Special Achievement by a St Andrews Golfer
University of St Andrews Golf Team Nominated by the editor
ST ANDREWS GOLFER OF THE YEAR (MALE) MARK DICKSON
Nominated by the editor
Try, try and try again and you will succeed. Last May Mark Dickson reached the semifinals of the New Golf Club’s Club Championship, losing out to Neil Moore, after winning both the Joe Lindsay Plate and Stan Reith Trophy in Qualifying. Mark has his name on many of the trophies in the club, but the big one had always eluded him. Until a Magical May week under the shadow of the emerging grandstands for The Open. the 31-year-old from Leeds qualified with steady rounds of 72 (New) and 73 (Eden) and took on University of Georgia scholar Alasdair McDougall in the round of 16. The match was a tightly contested affair, with never more than 1 hole between the two Dickson led by 1 hole with 1 to play. McDougall hit a wedge from 90 yards to within 4 feet to set up a birdie, but Dickson responded with a pitch and run 8-iron which finished inside of his opponent, closing out the match.
he was pitted against Arnold Palmer Trophy winner, Jim Woods. Woods made a great start, leading by 2 holes through the first 5, before a 3-putt at the 8th stalled his progress. Dickson drove the ninth hole to set up a birdie which brought the game back to all-square through nine holes. Dickson’s effortless power was on show again at the twelfth, driving to six feet on the par four to take the lead as they headed for home. After Woods found the Coffin bunkers on the 13th a par was good enough to extend his lead to two holes, and a masterful three-wood set up a win at the 14th. Dickson was on a roll and at the fifteenth he sealed his progress to the final with a wonderful 9-iron to an inch. A second successive 4&3 victory saw him set up a match with Connor Gask for the title. Gask was coming into the final off an impressive win over Local Clubs’ Gold Medal champion, Hamish Ireland. So a closely fought final was expected.
That was to be the closest contest of the week as the sweet swinging plus-two handicapper brushed aside Ed Shannly, Jim Woods and Connor Gask to claim the biggest title in the New Golf Club calendar.
However, even better golf was to follow from Dickson when it mattered most, getting off to a quick start, birdieing the third hole and making birdie on the par five 5th to take a 2-up lead and he never looked back.
After defeating Shannly in the quarter-finals by the score of 4&3 Dickson advanced to his second successive semi-finals. In the final four
His putting was noticeably stronger this year than last and that was proved by a 20-footer at
the 8th to stun Gask, who had played his tee shot to 2 feet at the par three. On the par four twelfth he deployed a different strategy, with a 1-iron off the tee and a wedge to 8 feet, resulting in a birdie to take a 3-up lead with 6 holes to play. After pars apiece at the 13th the door closed even more on Gask, after a wonderful three-wood to the back edge of 14 from Dickson set up a birdie to take a 4up lead. Gask showed courage in the face of adversity on the fifteenth, hitting a wedge to a foot but Dickson’s deft putting touch with his Wilson 88 o2 Blade putter was there again to hole a twelve-foot putt for the biggest victory of his amateur career. Mark’s triumph is made all the more remarkable by the fact he worked in his job as a doctor at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee each morning of the championship. I suppose when you are treating seriously ill patients for a living then there really isn’t much pressure in competing for a golf tournament. He received the trophy from Club captain Alex Walker in the presence of over 60 members in the clubhouse. His victory after so many close calls makes him deserving of the St Andrews Golf Magazine St Andrews Golfer of the Year award.
ST ANDREWS GOLFER OF THE YEAR (FEMALE) CHLOE GOADBY
Chloe image ©Lauren Goadby
Nominated by St Regulus Golf Club
The idea of the St Andrews Golf Magazine Awards is to recognize and help promote our emerging talent, and the winner of the 2015 St Andrews Golfer of the Year (Female) certainly fits the bill after the best year of her young career to date. Chloe Goadby moved to St Andrews at the age of 9 and has lived in Sydney, Australia since 2011, returning to compete in the Scottish summer. She began playing golf when she moved to St Andrews and quickly showed promise. She was a member of the St Andrews Children’s Golf Club (also known as St Andrews Holiday Golf) and the St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association (SALJGA), prior to joining St Regulus Golf Club. “Holiday golf was great fun, as lots of kids from school played little competitions on the Balgove in the holidays and putting on the Himalayas. SALJGA has to be one of the best things that I have been part of as a golfer - it is run so well, and I received group coaching with other girls and boys of similar levels, and we got to play a lot of competitions in the holidays,” Chloe says.
“Having fun was an emphasis, and it was still competitive, which was great. SALJGA is open to young golfers at any level, so from when I was a beginner to when I was a single figure handicap, I was still able to benefit from their work.” Her young promise was recognized by Scottish Golf, and she was selected for the Scottish Golf Academy at the age of 12, just three years after taking up the game. “I believe this was a huge part of my development as a golfer, because it allowed me to take my golf to the next level and gain a lot of knowledge from the coaching staff involved. This was also when I started working with my current coach, Kevin Hale, in St Andrews. I was in the Academy for almost 2 years before moving to Sydney, Australia with my family.”
©Mark Runnacles/Getty
The move to Australia has seen Chloe’s game develop further and in 2014 she played in the Bing Lee Fujitsu Women’s NSW Open, and she made the cut at the age of 16. “This was my first professional event and as I was only 16 years old, my goal for the week was to gain experience and enjoy playing amongst the professionals. When I made the cut, I exceeded all my expectations and not only was it was a great achievement, but it left me determined to get better so I could compete in more professional events,” Chloe says.
For Chloe 2015 has been her most successful to date, and gives her a huge boost towards achieving her long term goals of playing on the LPGA Tour and representing Europe in the Solheim Cup. “I had my best season so far in 2015. It began in Australia in March when I played in the NSW Open (a professional event) in Sydney. I then moved back to Scotland to prepare for the start of the season and the first event I played, The SLGA Carnoustie Challenge, I won by one shot, in terrible conditions. I played a full Girls and Ladies schedule, and played the most events I have ever played in one season. Some of my notable results included 5th place in The Fairhaven Trophy, T10th in the St Rule Trophy, Top U21 in the Scottish Ladies Amateur Championship and 3rd in the strokeplay in addition to winning the team event with Elaine Moffat for St Regulus, Runner Up in Scottish Girls Championships where I took the final to the 20th hole, winner of the Mackie Bowl, finishing 28th in the Ladies British Amateur Strokeplay, playing in the Dunhill Links Championships, and winning my first University event since starting studying at Stirling, where I scored a second round 66 at Ladybank to win by 5 shots.
I was also selected in the Scotland teams for and played in the European Girls Team Championships, Girls Home Internationals, and Ladies Home Internationals, in which we won in our match against England for the first time since 2010! As a bonus, I won the Scottish Girls Order of Merit and was Runner Up in the Ladies Order of Merit. I couldn’t have asked for a better season and it makes me excited and even more motivated for the new season”, said the 18-year-old. The list of achievements make stunning reading and Chloe has already set her goals for 2016, including making the Scotland Ladies Europeans Team and Home Internationals team, and aiming to get some more top 10’s in international amateur events. “I can’t wait for the 2016 season to start, it is going to be an exciting year”, beams Chloe. Arguably the highlight of 2015 for Chloe though was an event which she didn’t win, this October’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. “The Dunhill was honestly the most enjoyable week of my life. I grew up in St Andrews watching the Dunhill, desperate to get autographs from professionals and celebrities, and suddenly I had the opportunity to play in the event myself.
From the practice days, to tournament days, to the range; just being around so many great players was so beneficial for my game. When you are practicing putting to the same hole as Martin Kaymer or on the range next to Luke Donald, as an amateur, it did make me feel a little out of place, but I was up for the challenge and embraced the fact that I was amongst such talent. Luke Donald has always been one of my favourite golfers, so when he was warming up next to me on the range at Kingsbarns, it felt a bit surreal! I was paired with Frenchman Thomas Levet, the former Ryder Cup player and six-time European Tour winner. I had a lot of fun paired with him and what amazed me was his willingness to help me. I learnt a lot from him and it was interesting to hear him talk about his game and share his knowledge. I can’t thank Scottish Golf, the Alfred Dunhill Links and Johann Rupert enough for the opportunity and amazing experience I had that week. Every part of the experience was incredible.” When she first came to St Andrews Chloe didn’t play golf, and without the incredible support of the unique golf system in St Andrews, it is doubtful if she would have achieved such rapid success. From the St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association, to the
St Andrews Children’s Golf Club and the amazing support of her club, St Regulus Ladies Golf Club, Chloe has had the support which so valuable to reach the top. “St Regulus have been very supportive of me since I began playing golf. I joined St Regulus when I decided I wanted to get a handicap and at the time, they didn’t have many junior girls, but since then it is incredible how their junior section has grown. They ran some Junior Medals and coaching, and when I got to the stage where I was capable of playing courses like the old course, they allowed me to play in Ladies Medals, which is something that was crucial to my development when I was younger. Getting the chance to play courses like the Old Course at a young age is invaluable. As I have lived in Australia for 4 years, coming back to St Regulus and seeing the growth in the girls section of the club is great, and I have been able to help out with some of the girls which is good fun.” As she enters 2016 Chloe plays off a handicap of +1.4 and 2015 could certainly be a great launching pad for a superb career in the game. Ladies and Gentlemen, the 2015 St Andrews Golfer of the Year (Female) is Chloe Goadby.
©Lauren Goadby
ST ANDREWS YOUNG GOLFER OF THE YEAR KEITH BOWMAN
Nominated by the editor
2015 has been a memorable year for Keith Bowman, the 16-year-old has impressed on the local and regional stage, and this October received an invite to play in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Bowman is the Junior Captain of the New Golf Club of St Andrews, as well as being a member of the St Andrews Golf Club and SALJGA – the St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association. This summer Bowman won the St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association championship by an astounding 10 shots, just a glimpse into the extraordinary talent the youngster possesses. Keith finished 5th on the Fife Golfing Association’s Boys Order of Merit after winning the Fife Boys Strokeplay Championship at Charleton Golf Club in August. At the age of 11 Keith was qualified to play for Team GB in the 2011 US Kid’s Golf World Championship at Pinehurst (Under 12 division), by winning a qualifying tournament over the Strathtyrum Course at St Andrews Links. Now Keith is a full-time Student at the renowned Elmwood College, which is based in nearby Cupar.
At the Dunhill I caught up with him to chat about the experience of playing in our annual European Tour event. What were your feelings when you received the invite to play in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship? “I was thrilled (to receive the invite), and really excited and nervous but I am over that now. I am really proud to represent the clubs, and to have all my friends and family in the crowd supporting me” said Bowman. You must have played many rounds on the Old Course, so that must help coming into the tournament, what experience do you have of the other courses this week? “I hadn’t played Kingsbarns and Carnoustie before the practice rounds this week, they are a new experience to me, two great courses though.” What has it been like to play with these great players and what are your ambitions for the future? “Paul is a really great guy to play with, and is really my role model for what I want to achieve in the long-term.”
What part of your game have you been happiest with this week? “My driving, off the tee has been really good.” What is next for you after the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship? “Work on my game throughout the winter and get ready for next season.” His caddie for the week was Ewan Scott, himself a talented amateur, and who played in the 2012 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. St Andrews has waited for many, many years to have an exceptionally talented golfer that could make an impact. Whilst at the tender age of 16 it is impossible to predict whether Bowman will go on to have a successful amateur and professional career, there is no doubt that this year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship will be an invaluable experience.
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT BY A ST ANDREWS GOLFER UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS GOLF TEAM
Nominated by the editor
The Award which recognizes a special achievement by a St Andrews golfer actually goes to a very special group of people in 2015. The coaches and players of the University of St Andrews Golf Team deserve the accolade this year, for bringing the championship of the BUCS Scottish Premier Division back to St Andrews, for the first time since 1999. Being a golfer for the University of St Andrews Golf Team brings pressure unlike any other institution in UK, and maybe, worldwide university golf. It is like playing for Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona or Real Madrid. You are expected to win.
You get the best coaching opportunities anywhere, with the help of the professionals of St Andrews Links, the best value for money golf of any student in the world and the opportunity to call the Old Course your home course. Just like Manchester United, the University of St Andrews had gone a significant period of time without being able to call themselves Champions.
Year after year Stirling would dominate them, much like Liverpool in the 70’s and 80’s did to Manchester United. Then in 1993 United ended that barren run of 27 years without a league title. And this November the University of St Andrews ended their own drought. Winning the Scottish Premier Division, leaving their old foes trailing in their wake. Out of five matches they won four, winning the league by a clear four points and a match difference of +26. Their championship success is very much worthy of recognition and is THE Special Achievement by St Andrews Golfers in 2015.
HALL OF FAME JOHN CLARK
Nominated by the editor
Sadly this May the St Andrews and Scottish golf community lost one of its greatest servants. John Clark passed away peacefully at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, the President of the Scottish Golf Union from 2000-2002 was respected both across Scotland and internationally. John was also a volunteer for the Canadian Junior Golf Association, and they wrote this heartfelt obituary to him on news of his passing: “John’s volunteer career with the CJGA started 2004 when CJGA Team Canada travelled to Scotland to compete against an American team in the annual World Junior Golf Cup in St. Andrews, Scotland. John always a keen follower of the rules of golf supported the event as a referee. The next year saw some turmoil as the American squad pulled out from the event on short notice. John quickly rallied a team from the Fife Golf Union to join the Canadian team in a Ryder cup match.
John was a member of the New Golf Club of St Andrews from 1975 to 2015, forty years at one of St Andrews’ great golfing fraternities.
In 2006, another American organization, the International Junior Golf Tour, joined the Scotland and Canadian squads to form the first Euro Junior Golf Cup. The organizations honoured John by naming the annual trophy the John Clark Trophy. The trophy resides at John’s home club the New Golf Club in St. Andrews Scotland.
John and his friends John Knox and Jim would regularly, on Tuesday and Friday, sit in the window of the main bar of the club, with his favourite tipple of Glayva or an occasional Grouse and Lemonade.
John will be greatly missed by his friends at the CJGA.”
The roars of laughter, and sometimes colourful language, would create a real atmosphere of days gone by in the New Golf Club. The first inductee into the St Andrews Golf Magazine Hall of Fame, is John Clark.
The 2nd Annual
AWARDS World Golfer of the Year (Male)
World Golfer of the Year (Female)
Recognizing Golf’s Best
Event of the Year
WORLD GOLFER OF THE YEAR (MALE) JORDAN SPIETH
Spieth image ©ROLEX SA
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Spieth’s Golden Year has everyone in awe as the new Big Three arrive
In 1964 when Mark McCormack launched the Big Three of Palmer, Player and Nicklaus, they were aged 34, 28 and 24 respectively and they had won 7, 3 and 3 majors respectively. They were the biggest and most popular figures in the game, and in many ways made the game we know today. Since the demise of Tiger Woods golf has been yearning for a new star or group of stars to fill his shoes. In 2012 and 2014 that man was Rory McIlroy, and he came into 2015 as the undisputed world number one. Last November in Sydney a young Jordan Spieth, tipped as a future star, produced a stunning final round to claim the Emirates Australian Open title. The win in Australia confirmed to Spieth that he did indeed have the ability to win and contend in all conditions, and against the very best in the game. Then at Innisbrook in Florida he won again, defeating Patrick Reed in a playoff for the Transitions Championship. He was building momentum.
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Heading to Augusta all the hype was about McIlroy completing the career grand slam, but Spieth went quietly about his business and aimed to go one place better than his runner-up finish 12 months previously.
At Augusta he produced a dominant display, the likes of which we have rarely seen from players other than Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. He won by four and set a whole raft of records to notch his first major triumph. Suddenly, Rory had a genuine rival. Then on a windswept, rugged and out of condition course at Chambers Bay he won a second successive major, showing completely different qualities. He proved he was up for a fight, grinding out the victory, reliant on his trusty putter to see of a nervy Dustin Johnson on a thrilling Father’s Day in Washington. At the John Deere Classic he posted his fourth win of the season and headed to St Andrews as the overwhelming favourite, in the absence of the injured McIlroy. He came up one shot short of the playoff and a chance to win a third straight major, and his playing partner that day also fell just shy. Jason Day, a perennial contender in the majors, bounced back with victory in Canada and then defeated Spieth in the PGA Championship. Spieth’s major finishes read 1st, 1st, 4th and 2nd for 2015, a record only bettered by Nicklaus and Woods. Day then won two FedEx Cup playoff events to take the world number one spot from Spieth. ©ROLEX SA
But Spieth put the icing on the cake by winning the Tour Championship at East Lake, to clinch the FedEx Cup, crowning the season of his life. One which he may struggle to replicate. Then last month Rory won his fourth title of 2015, blowing away the field at the DP World Tour Championship, to earn a third Race to Dubai title. Each time one of them has succeeded and challenged the other, the other has responded. At the end of 2015 the world’s top three are some 3 points clear of fourth place, and are separated by just 0.7 points in the Official World Golf Ranking. 2016 is set to be a thriller.
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But without a doubt 2015 belonged to Jordan Spieth, a two-time major champion and world number one. The PGA Tour and PGA Player of the Year, and now, following in the footsteps of Rory McIlroy, your 2015 St Andrews Golf Magazine World Golfer of the Year.
WORLD GOLFER OF THE YEAR (FEMALE) LYDIA KO
Ko image ©ROLEX SA
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When thought she couldn't have a better season after her superb 2014 rookie season Lydia Ko kept her outstanding game on point to exceed the expectations. Ko won her first career major at the Evian Championship where she recorded an impeccable final-round of 63 to claim the trophy. New Zealand's teenphenom added two more records to her career after become the youngest LPGA player to record her 10th Tour victory and the youngest to reach the No.1 spot in the rankings.
She was awarded player of the year and for a second consecutive year won the season-long Race to the CME Globe that hands out a $1 million bonus. Cristina Panama
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The Runner-up
Inbee Park The Korean won two (Women's PGA Championship & Women's British Open) of the five majors of the season and achieved her Career Grand Slam. She won five times on tour and finished within the top 10 on 10 additional occasions. She was in the battle to win the Race to the CME Globe to the very end of the season and finished just 300 points behind Lydia Ko. Park won her second Vare Trophy this season and clinch the sufficient points to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame after her 10th year on tour. If she wins the Evian Championship she will accomplish the Super Career Grand Slam.
Other notable stars from 2015
Inbee Park
Sei Young Kim
With very little to lose and alot to win Kim earned her way to the LPGA Tour after finishing tied for sixth at the LPGA Q-School Final Stage. Sei Young won three times on tour this season and assured the top 10 on eight additional occasions. Kim's most memorable win during the 2015 season was in Hawaii at the LOTTE Championship where she forced a playoff in the last hole. She then went onto defeat her countrywomen, Inbee Park, after holing out for eagle from the fairway. Kim was named the 2015 Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year and now the No. 7 ranked player in the world.
Lexi Thompson The American player had one of her most consistent years on tour and managed to win two times this season and finished inside the top 10 in 11 additional occasions. During the final event of the season Thompson was one of
the players who could possibly win the Race to the CME Globe but felt short and finished third in the race. She is the second highest American ranked player in the Rolex Rankings and her magnificent play at the 2015 Solheim Cup also turned out to be one of her year's highlights. Lexi could battle for the No.1 position during the 2016 season and be part of those three top players.
Brooke M. Henderson The Canadian teenager was able to play 14 LPGA events this season to which she qualified through Monday-Q or sponsor exemptions. She won her first career title at the Cambia Portland Classic. Two days after achieving her win Henderson was finally granted full LPGA membership. In addition to her victory this season Brooke also finished inside the top 10 on three occasions. A full membership meant Henderson wouldn’t have to play Monday qualifying tournaments for the rest of the season. Brooke moved 199 spots on the Rolex Rankings over the last year and is now No.18.
The 2015 Majors
Inbee Park ANA Inspiration
American player Brittany Lincicome thought she was completely out of the tournament but after an eagle on the 72nd hole she tied the lead at 9-under par and forced a playoff against Stacy Lewis. It was Lincicome who emerged victorious after the three-hole tiebreaker to take her sixth LPGA title. Lincicome joined Juli Inkster, Dottie Pepper and Karrie Webb as two time champions of the event. Her worst finishes at the ANA Inspiration are CUT (2008, 2012, 2013) and T59 (2014)
KPMG Women's PGA Championship The newly redesigned event promised to be a world-class for both the players and fans. Inbee Park played an outstanding golf to claim her third straight KPMG PGA Women's Championship title with a 19-under par. Fans were able to witness the battle between Inbee and Sei Young Kim on Sunday, being Park
who emerged triumphant after a final-round of 68. With her three-peat Inbee made it into women's golf history and matched the record set by Annika Sorenstam and Patty Berg. Annika won the formerly known LPGA Championship three straight years (20032005), while Berg won the Titleholders Championship in 1937, 1938, and 1939.
U.S. Women's Open In Gee Chun took the prestigious U.S. Women’s Open title in her first appearance after carding a final-round of 4-under par (66), one shot over Amy Yang. In Gee main goal at the U.S. Women's Open was only to learn from the challenging new experience in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. With her victory, In Gee became the sixth South Korean to win the event in the last eight years and is now the fourth player to win the tournament in her first try. The last player to win in her first appearance was Birdie Kim in 2005 at the Cherry Hills Country Club.
RICOH Women's British Open Inbee Park came on to scene and showed us why she is one of the world’s best players. When everything pointed to another surprising major, 27-year-old Park started Sunday’s round three shot-back from the lead but signed a final round of 65-shots to earn the seventh major title of her career. Park holed birdies starting her round but then stumbled back on the leaderboard after successive bogeys at 4 and 5. From that point on her round was full of positives making five birdies and an eagle in the remaining 13 holes to claim the title at 12-under. With her win the South Korean player accomplished her Career Grand Slam.
Evian Championship Lydia Ko made history and became the youngest player to win a major after her victory at the Evian Championship. Ko closed the event with a brilliant final-round of 63 to hoist her first major trophy. New Zealand’s youngster shot eight birdies on Sunday to finish on 16-under par. American Lexi Thompson finished runner-up on 10-under. Lydia broke the previous record set by American Morgan Pressel, who was 18 years,
10 months and nine days old when she won the 2007 Kraft Nabisco Championship.
Should be noted that five of the top 17 players in the Rolex Rankings are LPGA rookies. The average age of the top 10 women is 23.5. This year's rookie class add together six titles for the 2015 season.
The Youngsters shine in 2015
Inbee Park
Truth is it is very much unlikely to see such a successful LPGA rookie class like the one seen this year. Starting with Sei Young Kim, who won three times this season and was honored with the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year. Ha Na Jang, finish 15th on the LPGA money list and with nine top 10 results. Minjee Lee and Alison Lee were also some of the distinguished class alumnus and finished 16th and 23rd on the LPGA Tour official money. There were eight teen-aged winners during the season, led by 17- and 18-year-old Lydia Ko with five wins. Others were Hyo-Joo Kim, 19, Minjee Lee, 18, and Brooke Henderson, 17, who was the youngest winner. Cristie Kerr, 38, was the oldest winner of 2015 and won twice (Kia Classic). In Gee Chun, who won the U.S. Women’s Open at 19, is not an LPGA member but will join the talented teenagers for the 2016 season.
Kerr wins season finale in Naples, Fla.
After 31 events successfully conducted in 12 different countries the 2015 LPGA Tour season came to an end in Naples, Florida. Money bonuses and year awards were at play during the CME Group Tour Championship, promising to be an exciting week especially with Lydia Ko and Inbee Park having a battle of their own to sweep the year's honors. It all came down to surprises at the Tiburón Golf Club Resort. Veteran, Cristie Kerr, was the player of the week after winning her second title of the season. Lydia Ko was named the player of the year and took the $1 million Race to the CME Globe bonus. While
Inbee Park took an award of her own and will be among the players of all-time. Lexi Thompson was one of the players that during Sunday's round were in position to possibly win the tournament and the Race to the CME Globe. Thompson drained four birdies through 11 holes but couldn't make any other birdie putt drop and finished the event in a solo fourth place. It was not until the 17th hole when the tournament was practically decided after Cristie Kerr sanked a 15-foot eagle putt that gave her a one-shot lead when Ha Na Jang holed her birdie putt. Kerr pared the 72th-hole of the tournament to finish at 17-under par just one shot over Jang and Gerina Piller to take home the $500,000 paycheck. With her win Kerr reached $17,285,587 total career earnings and is now third in this category behind No.1 Annika Sorenstam and No. 2 Karrie Webb.
THE GOLF EVENT OF THE YEAR THE MASTERS
This year’s Masters Tournament was billed as the chance for Rory McIlroy to complete the career grand slam, but in reality Rory will have that chance every April until he is too old or not ranked highly enough to compete.
On Friday Spieth increased his lead to five shots, firing a second round of 66 to post 14under-par for two rounds. This set the major championship record of 130 shots and tied the largest 36-hole lead in tournament history.
However, it became quickly apparent that the 2015 Masters was going to be all about one man, or should I say, nearly man or old boy. The 21-year-old Jordan Spieth took control from day one, with a stunning 8-under-par round of 64 to take a three stroke lead over Dustin Johnson, Ernie Els, Charley Hoffman and Justin Rose.
On Saturday yet more records tumbled as Spieth set the low 54-hole mark in Masters History, posting a third round of 70 to record 200 shots for the first three days. His lead was reduced to four shots by the surging Justin Rose, who birdied 5 of his last 6 holes in the third round to move into the final group on Sunday.
Rory was seven shots back after a first round of 71.
One of the early groups on Sunday, starting well off the pace, was a dream pairing of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Woods couldn’t compete with McIlroy, and the world number one posted his lowest round of the week. A 66 took him into the top four.
But this Masters was all about Jordan Spieth. In the end he won by four shots, tied the low Masters total with Tiger Woods at 18-underpar and became the youngest major champion since Woods won the 1997 Masters. He also became the first wire-to-wire winner at Augusta since Raymond Floyd in 1976. This Masters wasn’t dramatic, but it was historic and was the launch pad for an epic golfing year. It is always the most anticipated major in the game and always delivers something special. This time it was the emergence of a genuine rival to McIlroy and the new, great, young American star.
OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKING
1
2
After 322 events On 18 Tours Across 6 continents
5
Henrik Stenson
6
Rickie Fowler
7
Justin Rose
8
Dustin Johnson
9
Jim Furyk
10
Patrick Reed Selected others
3
4
13
Zach Johnson
118
Stephen Gallacher
14
Branden Grace
184
Ernie Els
17
Louis Oosthuizen
202
Stewart Cink
26
Marc Leishman
210
Angel Cabrera
29
Russell Knox
233
Retief Goosen
31
Phil Mickelson
240
Martin Laird
71
Marc Warren
246
Vijay Singh
106
Richie Ramsay
411
Tiger Woods
The Official World Golf Ranking was founded by the R&A and IMG in 1986 as the Sony World Ranking, and in 1996 the International Federation of PGA Tours including the PGA Tour, European Tour, Sunshine Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia, Japan Golf Tour and Asian Tour, renamed the ranking and subsequently a further 12 tours at various levels across the world have offered Official World Golf Ranking points.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Lydia Ko Inbee Park Stacy Lewis Lexi Thompson So Yeon Ryu Shanshan Feng Sei Young Kim Amy Yang In Gee Chun Hyo-Joo Kim
Selected others 66
Catriona Matthew
184 Pamela Pretswell 232 Kylie Walker 444 Carly Booth
1 Jordan Spieth 2 Jason Day 3 Bubba Watson 4 Jimmy Walker 5 Justin Rose 6 Robert Streb 7 Dustin Johnson 8 Patrick Reed 9 Rory McIlroy 10 Danny Lee
1
3
5
Shane Lowry
6
Louis Oosthuizen
7
Byeong-Hun An
8
Andy Sullivan
9
Bernd Wiesberger
10
Thongchai Jaidee
Selected others
2
4
12
Matthew Fitzpatrick
13
Kiradech Aphibarnrat
14
Kristoffer Broberg
16
Patrick Reed
20
Anirban Lahiri
25
Marc Warren
54
Richie Ramsay
60
Stephen Gallacher
1 LYDIA KO 2 INBEE PARK 3 LEXI THOMPSON 4 STACY LEWIS 5 CRISTIE KERR 6 KIM SEI-YOUNG 7 AMY YANG 8 HA NA JANG 9 GERINA PILLER 10 RYU SO-YEON
Let the revolution commence By Matt Hooper Rory wins third Race to Dubai; confirms belief in Pelley plans Reed shows the way for all aspiring young Americans Broberg proves the European Tour youth can still cut it Kaymer and Stenson commit to their home tour Nedbank Golf Challenge joins Final Series as Tour moves towards merger Italy land stunning victory in race to host the 2022 Ryder Cup Italian Open set to join premier events in the game
Rampant Rory marches to a third Race to Dubai triumph in season-ending showpiece Rory McIlroy likes, no loves, Dubai. His first win came there in 2009, then in 2012 he won at Jumeirah Golf Estates for the first time. Earlier this year he won a second Dubai Desert Classic title, and last month he soared higher than an eagle to claim a second DP World Tour Championship, third Race to Dubai and fourth tournament win in the Emirate. This was, perhaps, one of the most important wins of his career. After a summer ruined by injury saw both Jordan Spieth and Jason Day overtake him, he needed a win, and a big one. Since returning from injury his results had been steady, but a win would put an exclamation point on a season of ‘what might have been?’ McIlroy edged out Andy Sullivan in a thrilling duel for the title, the pair finished 6 and 5 shots ahead of the field respectively. The world number three birdieing 7 of 11 holes in the middle of the final round, and making a superb bogey at the 71st hole after finding the water. The win was McIlroy’s fourth of the season and third on the European Tour, and the back-to-back Race to Dubai champion said "There's a lot of things to be done, but he's made a great start and he's saying all the right things. I had breakfast with him for about 40 minutes (on Tuesday) and then Justin (Rose) and Henrik (Stenson) and I met him for about an hour and a half that afternoon as well, just going through a few different things. "He's trying, not really for us guys, but the guys coming through like Matt Fitzpatrick, to provide them a viable alternative instead of going to America because they feel like they have to. "Now they can stay at home and have 10 $7m events to play in with plenty of world ranking points, and then they can go over and play the majors and WGCs and three or four invites on the PGA Tour if they don't feel like they get enough good golf on the European Tour. "I love where he's thinking. I love everything that he's saying. It's just a matter of now trying to implement those changes, which is obviously easier said than done."
©OMEGA Ltd
Reed shows the way for travel-shy Americans
Patrick Reed finished as runner-up at the BMW Masters, and tied for tenth at the DP World Tour Championship to clinch a 16th place finish on the 2015 Race to Dubai. His antics at the 2014 Ryder Cup did not win him many friends, but his response and actions since have more than made up for it. Playing in the Volvo World Match Play in the following week, and joining the European Tour has seen him become a much more appreciated golfer around the world, and improved his game. Outside of the four majors and four world golf championships Reed only played the OMEGA European Masters, UBS Hong Kong Open, BMW Masters and DP World Tour Championship. Each of these events, however, were boosted by his presence, and surely he will encourage more of his contemporaries to follow suit.
ŠBMW AG
The new membership criteria of just 5 events outside the majors and world golf championships, mean that Reed will have to find an additional event in 2016 to remain a member. But with both Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler playing in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship this January, we could very well see a thrilling Race to Dubai featuring several of America’s top, young players. Who knows, we might even see Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods make the odd appearance too.
Broberg proves Europe’s youth still alive and kicking
The 2015 golf season has been dominated by young Americans, headed by the outstanding achievements of Jordan Spieth, with Rickie Fowler also having a superb year. As we end the 2015 season there are only FIVE Europeans in the world’s top 20, and only McIlroy and Danny Willett are aged under 30. But waiting in the wings are a crop of talented, young and aspirational golfers from all corners of the continent. Belgium’s Thomas Pieters won twice this season, and England’s Matt Fitzpatrick won the British Masters in his rookie year. But the biggest title won by a young European was the BMW Masters, by Sweden’s 29-year-old Kristoffer Broberg. Coming into the penultimate event of the Final Series, Broberg was ranked 147th in the world. After defeating Patrick Reed in a sudden-death playoff he won his first title on the European Tour and won new-found admiration from his American counterpart. He also moved into the world’s top 70 and has set himself up for a big 2016.
©BMW AG
At the recent Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Martin Kaymer confirmed his commitment to the European Tour, and with just this tour to focus on in 2016 it is imperative that one of our biggest stars delivers on the global stage. Kaymer has regularly supported the smaller, more traditional events on the European Tour, winning the Dutch Open in 2010 and playing in the 2015 event as well as the most recent Italian Open. With a limited number of events available to the German on the PGA Tour this season, Kaymer will be able to plan a larger Europeancentric schedule. He will almost certainly begin with Abu Dhabi, Qatar and/or Dubai, then the Maybank Championship Malaysia, followed by a stint in the United States, with two World Golf Championships and the Florida Swing to prepare for The Masters.
His build-up to the US Open at Oakmont will likely mean he will take a few weeks off, prior to the BMW International Open in Germany, then the Alstom Open de France, prior to The Open. Following the PGA Championship and Olympic Games, Kaymer will likely play in 3 of the 4 events preceding the Ryder Cup, which include the OMEGA European Masters, KLM Open, Italian Open and European Open. The Portugal Masters and WGC-HSBC Champions will probably complete his regular season, and as a past champion at Sun City I would expect him to play in all three final series events before hanging up the clubs for 2016. Don’t be surprised though if Kaymer has a big influence upon the growth of the Tour in 2016, as by far the biggest star in golf which plays solely on the European Tour.
Following the first Major of the Year he is likely to play in the Wells Fargo and PLAYERS Championship before returning to Europe for the Irish Open and BMW PGA Championship.
ŠBMW AG
Nedbank Golf Challenge joins Final Series
The 2016 Final Series will look vastly different following a shake-up announced at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai by Keith Pelley. The WGC-HSBC Champions will no longer be part of the series, and will become the final regular season tournament on the Race to Dubai. The BMW Masters has been discontinued after the German car-maker decided it no longer wanted to sponsor an event in China; BMWSouth Africa will now sponsor the 2016 South African Open. The Nedbank Golf Challenge will join the Turkish Airlines Open and the DP World Tour Championship in the Final Series, and will be the penultimate event of the season. With an enlarged field of 72 and increased prize fund from $6.5million to $7million, the event is set to be bigger and better than ever before, and sure to attract an even greater field of stars from across the world.
After losing out on the right to host the 2018 Ryder Cup, the 2022 edition seemed to be a dead certainty to be staged in Germany, but this decision illustrates perfectly that the European Tour under Keith Pelley is going in a vastly different direction. Italy will host the 2022 Ryder Cup after defeating bids from Germany, Spain and Austria. Italy’s bid ticked all the boxes, with the development of a world-class course at the Marco Simone Country Club, situated just 10 miles from the centre of Rome, with spectacular views of the city, and ambitious plans to build its golf tourism industry and develop the game at the grass roots level.
But also the Italian Bid had many radical, but achievable goals, such as engaging with the EU in respect to the Ryder Cup, and staging the Opening Ceremony at an iconic location within the city itself. The bid had the backing of the government and multiple institutions across the country, and is set to elevate golf in Italy to its highest ever level of popularity. 32 years after the world’s eyes were focused on Italy for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, the world will once more be fixated on this amazing country by the 2022 Ryder Cup. Italy’s success is sure to fire up Germany, Spain, Sweden and Austria to produce even greater bids for the 2026 edition. All of which is amazing news for the European Tour as it moves towards a new era.
©ROLEX SA
As part of Italy’s successful bid to host the 2022 Ryder Cup, the Italian Open, one of Europe’s oldest events and a founder event of the European Tour in 1972, will receive greatly enhanced investment. In 2016 the championship prize fund will double to €3million and, in a move which will ensure it becomes one of the premier events in golf, from 2017 through to 2027 the stars of the European Tour will be playing for €7million. This signifies the first event which has massively increased its prize fund in line with Keith Pelley’s vision to provide a competitive and rewarding alternative to the PGA Tour.
Pelley outlined at the DP World Tour Championship that the 2017 European Tour Schedule will look vastly different to 2015, and the Italian Open will be at the heart of that, but first we have a Historic 2016 to look forward to.
Historic
2016
Another chapter in the storied history of the greatest game ever played will be written
#Historic2016
The Centenary of the PGA of America Watch out for our extended feature – The Pioneers – the story of St Andrews’ and Scotland’s golfers helping to bring golf to the USA and establish the PGA of America
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The 80 Masters 30 years since Jack Nicklaus’ final victory and 20 years since the last British win
400 years of Golf at Royal Dornoch We celebrate the milestone year of the Tom Morris masterpiece in the Scottish highlands
The 116th US Open Championship America’s National Championship returns to its spiritual home at Oakmont
©USGA/John Mummert
The 100th French Open
The 145th Open Championship Golf’s oldest championship returns to Royal Troon
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The 100 Scottish PGA Championship Scotland’s oldest championship celebrates its century on the revered Kings Course at Gleneagles – St Andrews Golf Magazine tells the story of 8-time champion, John Panton
Golf Returns to the Olympic Games St Andrews Golf Magazine continues its comprehensive countdown to Golf’s return to the top table of sport, with major interviews, features, news and up to date rankings
ŠIOC Media/Flickr
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120 anniversary of the St Rule Club This unique sporting club has played a monumental role in the development of golf
30 years of the Official World Golf Ranking
We take you Inside St Andrews and visit The Adamson Bar and Ham’s Hame
In the February/March edition of St Andrews Golf Magazine The Road To Rio continues as we meet Sandra Gal and look at Golf in Germany
MAJOR FEATURE
Is This The End? We look at Tiger Woods of the past, the present and the future, his achievements, his legacy and the future of the game without him and ask, can he ever win again? We also recount the two memorable Open Championship victories on the Old Course.
All this and much more, including course reviews of the Kittocks and Torrance courses at the Fairmont St Andrews
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