ISSUE 17
WINTER 2019
SURREY GOLF T H E
M A G A Z I N E
F O R
S U R R E Y
C O U N T Y
G O L F E R S
COUNTY NEWS News and events from around Surrey
PRO TALK
The short game with Matt Antell
SPOTLIGHT Purley Downs Golf Club celebrates 125 years
GOLF BREAKS Jet off to Cannes, home of the Royal Mougins Golf Club or discover Tecina Golf in the magical island of La Gomera Golf
PLUS...
EXPLORE THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
PUTTENHAM’S WOMEN IN GOLF
LOTTIE WOAD – ONE TO WATCH
Welcome...
PUBLISHED BY Abstract Media Services Ltd Tel: 01883 370308
We hope you had a good Christmas and New Year and didn’t over indulge too much during the holiday season. Most of us expect to put on a couple of pounds during this time and what better way to burn off those calories than getting out the clubs to work off that festive feast – playing golf can burn approximately 800 to 900 calories during a round! As well as catching up on news from across the county we visit Puttenham Golf Club and chat to three ‘women in golf ’ who share their reasons for playing and in the juniors section we see how the Surrey Golf Rookietour continues to develop and evolve. Lauren Blease gives us a look into her third and final residential week at The Belfry. Matt Antell helps you lower your score in just 15 minutes, Paul Williams offers putting advice and it’s third time lucky for David Boote at Q School. We pack our bags and escape to the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands for a ‘must visit’ golf break. Jet off to warmer climates and head to Cannes in the French Riviera, home of the exceptional Royal Mougins Golf Club, one of the best courses in France. Next, discover the magical island of La Gomera, one of seven that make up the Canary Islands, where you can stay at the beautiful Hotel Jardín Tecina and play a round of golf at Tecina Golf, one of the top 10 golf courses in Spain.
Editorial: Jo Habgood E: jo.habgood@abstractmediaservices.com Advertising: Justin King E: justin.king@abstractmediaservices.com Design: Mandy Boosey E: mandyboosey@yahoo.com SURREY COUNTY GOLF CONTACTS Tel: 01483 755 788 Fax: 01483 751 771 www.surreygolf.org Office Manager and all Knockout results: Jane Duhart Junior U18 Manager: Alan Page Junior U16 Manager: Gary Barthram RookieTour Manager: Bob Lacey Head County Coach: John Noble COUNTY OFFICERS County Secretary: Steve McNeill County Secretary Assistant: Caroline Hardy-Evans Treasurer: Stewart Simpson President: Jack Buchanan
Jo Habgood Editor
Chairman: Roger Vincent EG voting member: John Davies
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TEAM CAPTAINS/MANAGERS County Captain: David Corben Seniors Manager: Billy Mitchell SURREY LADIES COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION Tel: 01483 751622 President: Rosemary Wallis
We want to hear from you! Send us your news big or small, individual or clubs.
Ladies Secretary: Amanda Harris Ladies Captain: Sally Parrish
Email editor@surreygolfmag.com NEXT ISSUE – April 1st 2019
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
ABSTRACT MEDIA SERVICES LIMITED
Surrey Golf 3
CONTENTS
CONTENTS NEWS
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6 Dream result for Travelbag Invitational winners Foxhills retains national fitness award
10 8 Surrey A Team – the 2018 season review 10 Farleigh finds its range with practice investment
JUNIOR NEWS 12 Surrey Golf Rookietour continues to develop and evolve 18 Lottie Woad – one to watch
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SURREY LADIES 20 Puttenham’s women in golf share their reasons for taking up the game of golf
PRO TALK
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24 Lower your scores in just 15 minutes with Matt Antell 32 Third time lucky for David Boote at Q School
Spotlight
SPOTLIGHT 26 Purley Downs celebrates 125 years in 2019 with a Festival of Golf Week
55 Stay warm on the course with the SHS heated jacket
TRIED & TESTED
GET INTO GOLF
28 Putting with Paul Williams using technology, aids and sound tuition
34 Lauren Blease gives us a look into her third and final residential week at The Belfry
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
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GOLF BREAKS 36 The Scottish Highlands – a ‘must visit’ golf break with breathtaking scenery
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40 Yelverton, the Southwest’s hidden gem 42 The Vale Resort – Wales’ best golf hotel for the second year running 44 Royal Mougins Golf Club, Cannes – one of the best golf courses in France 50 Journey to Prague and Vienna with a choice of over 100 top quality golf courses
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52 The magic of La Gomera, one of seven islands that make up the Canary Islands and play at Tecina Golf one of the top 10 golf courses in Spain.
PRODUCTS 54 Prak-tis the ‘must have’ easy to use left or right handed alignment and set up guides 58 Mojoband – increase your peak pelvis acceleration and club head speed
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SURREY NEWS
Golfers from Surrey and Yorkshire swept up the prizes on a dream trip to Florida for the Travelbag Invitational, run in partnership with England Golf.
DREAM RESULT FOR TRAVELBAG INVITATIONAL WINNERS
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eter Smart, John Hennessy, Jacqui Smiter-Green and Rob Pountney from Pyrford Golf Club, near Woking, Surrey, won the team prize by eight points. With their best three scores counting on each hole, they amassed 214 points after 36 holes in glorious conditions at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort in Orlando. Pountney also won the men’s individual prize with 75 points, while Karen Andrews of Waterton Golf Club, near Wakefield, Yorkshire, was the women’s winner on 65 points. The winners came through an initial entry of over 400 players and took their places in Florida after winning through a regional qualifying round and the national final of the Travelbag Team Championship at England Golf Week. Paul Hopkinson, Marketing Director
at Travelbag commented: “We’re so pleased that the golfers have enjoyed the Travelbag Team Championships this year. “To cap it off, the Travelbag Invitational in Florida has provided us with a perfect end to this year’s activity with England Golf. We were very confident that our
partners at Rosen Shingle Creek could deliver an experience of a lifetime to our golfers and their guests, and from what I hear, they have done just that.” “Travelbag and England Golf would like to thank all competitors to this year’s Travelbag Team Championship for making it a memorable competition.”
FOUR-MIDABLE FOXHILLS RETAINS NATIONAL FITNESS AWARD Foxhills proved to be an unbeatable contender once again as it gained the respect of two imposing Gladiators at the National Fitness Awards 2018.
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he Surrey club claimed the award of Best Hotel and Spa Facility – for an incredible fourth year running – under the watchful eye of guest hosts Jenny Pacey and Wayne Gordon, formerly the feared duo of Enigma and Doom on the popular TV show. While there was no dreaded travellator to climb to collect their award, the Foxhills team have clearly scaled the heights again in 2018 to enhance the
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club’s reputation as an exceptional and diverse leisure experience. Boasting two 18-hole championship golf courses, a nine-hole par-three course, 11 tennis courts and a wealth of dining and accommodation options, it was the extensive gym and spa facilities which were again honoured at the ceremony in Leicester, in recognition of excellence throughout the fitness industry in the UK. Foxhills features a 20m indoor swimming pool, hydropool, jacuzzi, steam room, thermal area, relaxation room, two Finnish saunas and a spa garden featuring one of England’s first
natural swimming pools with chemicalfree water purified by plants and minerals. And for those keen to balance their tranquil relaxation with something more energetic, the state-of-the-art gym and fitness equipment will cater for those needs. Non-members can experience the top-class facilities for themselves at Foxhills, by taking advantage of a three-month trial membership opportunity. To find out more telephone 01932 704555 or visit foxhills.co.uk
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
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SURREY NEWS
I
t has been another great year for the Surrey A team. In January, two new captains joined the group. The ever available A team squad players of Mark Scott and Ben Palmer joined the three stalwarts of Andy Inglis, Keith Collins and Phil Brittain to manage the 2018 season. The winter weather took its toll on the early fixtures at Coombe Wood and West Surrey so the season eventually started in March with a tight tussle with The Addington. The county won 7-5 and Captain Scott had held onto his shield on its first outing. Captain Palmer’s first match in charge resulted in a resounding win over Farnham in early April and the following weekend saw a win over Mitcham with Phil at the helm. The newly reinstated Betchworth match resulted in a defeat in May – the county office were (as ever) disappointed with the loss of a shield, but a well contested match is quite rightly back on the calendar. Roll on next year. Captain Keith assembled a battled harden team for North Downs in May and secured a handsome victory over tricky opponents at a far from straightforward venue. Tyrrells Wood fielded a typically strong team in July, but Phil had secured the services of the County Champion, Jacob Aaholm and six other
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SURREY A TEAM THE 2018 SEASON REVIEW
gritty match players. A comfortable victory was the very pleasing result. The only match in September was a tight affair at Purley Downs, but another victory for Surrey, under the careful management of Mark. Mark also took charge of the two fixtures in October. The first saw Surrey return for the annual match and excellent lunch at Reigate Heath. As ever, a truly wonderful day of competitive golf and a hard fought half. The following weekend they were absolutely delighted to be welcomed back to Roehampton. The match was a real tussle which was just edged by Roehampton – Captain Andy was playing against Surrey for the winning team! They boys came up against scratch league runners-up in the shape of Banstead Downs on remembrance Sunday. A tight match resulted, but unfortunately another loss. After a few false starts Andy
captained the match against Royal Mid Surrey in November. This resulted in a comfortable victory and even more comfortable carvery lunch. The season was brought to a close with the traditional Christmas match at Burhill. Another great day. Ben led a team of 10 to a 4-1 victory. Surrey were treated exceptionally well at every venue with protected tee times, great food and exceptional company. They had some really competitive games and welcomed back two fixtures that had not been played for a few years. The A Team are looking to build the fixture list further and expand the squad of players. In total, 45 players represented the county A team in 2018 – far more than previous years. They played 12 matches and won nine of them. Thank you to everyone who makes themselves available to play. See you in 2019!
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
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SURREY NEWS
FARLEIGH FINDS ITS RANGE WITH PRACTICE INVESTMENT
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olfers at Farleigh Golf Club can now hone their skills throughout the off-season thanks to a significant investment in the practice facilities. The 280-yard driving range, among the most inviting in Surrey with its setting in a natural valley, has seen major improvements in recent months which will see it stand up to the autumn and winter conditions like never before. Before the upgrade, practice sessions or lessons in the wetter weather were often hampered by sodden turf and muddy footwear. But it’s a different story
now with a new hard standing area, teeing mats, bay dividers and targets to aim at, which has made a big difference in quality of practice. Farleigh general manager, Adam Walsh, said: “It’s a year-round facility now. Winter practice has been an issue in the past and the practice facilities needed investment. “It was tired and in need of some love but now it looks fresh, tidy and inviting. “There is a lot more customer satisfaction and we have seen a definite upturn in people using it. As with anything, the more you practice, the better you get so our golfers at Farleigh no longer have any excuses!” Short-game areas include two greens built to USGA standards for putting and chipping, while the practice bunker can only enhance golfers’ chances of making more sand saves. There are other factors which have contributed to the makeover of the 27-hole venue, which was designed by Ryder Cup legend John Jacobs,
including a new, welcoming front entrance and further investment in greenkeeping machinery, which will further raise the standards on the course. For more information, visit www.farleighfox.co.uk
RICK VALENTINE GOLF SCHOOLS St Andrews, Scotland | Summer 2019 Camps Residential golf camps for players between the ages of 10-17 focusing on fun, friendship & learning. Players receive expert coaching, play amazing courses & spend the evenings exploring the wonders of St Andrews. Camps run from 23rd June - 6th July or 28th July - 10th August. Prices range from £2,995 for our Ultimate Camp and £3,995 for our High Performance Camp.
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For more information please visit: SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE www.rvgs.golf or email info@valenitnecoachingsolutions.com
FESTIVAL OF GOLF WEEK Sunday 21 July – Saturday 27 July 2019
Visit our website to download an entry form
• MIXED OPEN • MENS OPEN • SENIORS OPEN • LADIES OPEN • THE FESTIVAL PRO-AM • MENS FOUR BALL BETTER BALL MIXED 4BBB OPEN SUNDAY 21ST JULY 4BBB Stableford. 90% handicap allowance Handicap limit: men 28/ladies 36 Played off men’s and ladies cards Entrance fee: Members £25.00. Non-members £40.00 Any pair including a Purley Downs member will be included in the member prizes. MEN'S OPEN – DOWNS TROPHY – MONDAY 22ND JULY Gentleman’s individual medal competition of full handicap played in 3s Handicap limit 24, played off white tees Downs Trophy awarded for best Scratch/ Downs Handicap Salver awarded for the best net score (handicaps 18 and below) Entrance fee: Members £25.00. Non-members £40.00
PRO-AM – FRIDAY 26TH JULY Please see online application form for details.
SENIORS OPEN – TUESDAY 23RD JULY Gentleman’s Individual 18-hole Stableford and team bowmaker competition, best two Stableford scores to count on each hole. Played of yellow tees. Limited to competitors aged 55 years and over on 23rd July 2019. Handicap limit 28 Entrance fee: Members £25.00. Non-members £40.00 Any team including a Purley Downs member will be included in the member prizes.
MEN’S 4BBB OPEN SATURDAY 27TH JULY 4BBB Stableford, 90% handicap limit 28 To be played off white tees. Entrance Fee: Members £25.00. Non-members £40.00 Any pair including a Purley Downs member will be included in the member prizes.
c Entrance fee includes: coffee, lunch and prizes c Entries close: 30th June 2019 (or earlier if fully subsrcribed)
LADIES OPEN – WEDNESDAY 24TH JULY 3-ball Team Event Ladies 3-ball Stableford. Bowmaker – best 2 Stableford scores on each hole to count Handicap limits 36, played from red tees. Entrance fee: Members £25.00. Non-members £40.00 Any team including a Purley Downs member will be included in the member prizes.
For further information or to download an entry form please visit www.purleydowns.co.uk Email info@purleydowns.co.uk or call 0208 657 8347
JUNIOR NEWS
SURREY GOLF ROOKIETOUR The Surrey Golf Rookietour was created to broaden the competitive experience of the under 14 age group of boys and girls within Surrey. by Bob Lacey
RookieTour Committee: Bob Lacey (Chair) Peter Barratt Dan McSweeney Paul Olrog Kerry Olrog Brian Woodham Peter Millham
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rom its conception in 2007 the tour continues to develop and evolve and 2018 was no exception. The 2018 tour saw an average entry of 92 players per event. The Young Improvers Group (YIGS) for those U13 boys and girls who are just starting out, saw average event entries of 48 players. YIGS are boys and girls who either don’t have a handicap or have a ‘club’ handicap of 37 to 54. YIGS competitions are played over 9 hole par three courses. Regards handicaps the players are given a YIGS RookieTour
playing handicap that is managed by the tour and only valid in a RookieTour YIGS event. On the main RookieTour the Birdie Trophy, the innovation of Junior committee member Peter Barratt who kindly donated the trophy, is awarded to the player who scores the highest number of gross birdies in RookieTour events throughout the season. The 2018 winner was Kris Kim with 17 gross birdies continued on page 14
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
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JUNIOR NEWS
THE TOUR AIMS TO: • Act as a player pathway to the mainstream junior opens • Provide a competitive element appropriate to age • Give competitive experience outside of home clubs • Build team spirit and friendship within peer group • Give an entry route to competition for boys and girls with or without handicaps • Allow identification of talent for Surrey coaching and Surrey junior teams In 2018 the Sinclair Salver, introduced in memory of long time RookieTour supporter Mike Sinclair, is awarded by the RookieTour Committee to the player who they believe has best demonstrated good etiquette and upheld the traditions of golf throughout the year. The 2018 winner was Alexandra Phelps, who demonstrated these qualities in abundance during the course of the season. Without doubt the Surrey Golf RookieTour is now regarded as a major series of events on the calendar of every Surrey U14 golfer.
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In the U14 boys and U14 girls sections the events are generally 18 hole qualifiers, something that has proved to be very popular with all the competitors. The number of regular season RookieTour events was twelve for 2018, plus the ‘Race to the Stars’ finale for the leading players in each Order of Merit, making a total of thirteen events throughout the year. For the YIGS there were four events to take part in. The Race to the Stars, the finale of the 2018 RookieTour, took place at Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club. Fifty-four
• Provide fun through structured competition on both 9 hole par 3 courses and full 18 hole competitions
junior golfers gathered to take part in this invitation only event. The Royal Mid-Surrey clubhouse and course were fantastic, with the sun shining and the stiff breeze weakening as the day progressed to make for a great day of golf. In part the Tour is a victim of its own continued on page 16
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
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JUNIOR NEWS
THE SURREY GOLF ROOKIETOUR 2018 ORDER OF MERIT CHAMPIONS • U14 Boys Medal Scratch OoM Champion: Aidan Millham (Windlesham) • U14 Boys Medal Handicap OoM Champion: Kris Kim (Cuddington) • U14 Girls Scratch OoM Champion: Gabreille Shacklady (Falconwood)
success, with most of the events being sold out very quickly, meaning that some youngsters didn’t get to play in all the events that they wanted to, which was disappointing but unavoidable. In total 229 players from 48 Surrey golf clubs registered for the 2018 tour. with the average entry of 92 players the entry level seen in 2017 was maintained and compares favourably with previous years. The highest entry was at Cranleigh with 117 players. A FANTASTIC SUCCESS Overall there is no doubt that the 2018 RookieTour has yet again been a fantastic success for Surrey golf and all the juniors involved. And with the continued support of the Surrey
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golf clubs who host the events it will continue to be so for many years to come, without their help in hosting these events the RookieTour simply wouldn’t be able to take place. Venues for 2018 included West Byfleet, Merrist Wood, Puttenham, Addington Court, Shirley Park, Reigate Hill, Bramley, Hoebridge, Cuddington, Reigate Heath, Windlesham, Farnham, Cranleigh, Sutton Green and Royal Mid-Surrey. As it is every year the quality of the competition in 2018 was exceptionally high. The number of times countback had to be used to separate the players was absolutely incredible. As with the individual events, the race for the various Order of Merit titles
• U14 Girls Handicap OoM Champion: Mili Greener (Walton Heath) • U12 Boys Stableford Scratch OoM Champion: Stirling Halai-Carter (Shirley Park) • U12 Boys Stableford Handicap OoM Champion: Sean Barnfather (Foxhills)
was intense with many players still in with a chance to claim a title right up to the last event, the ‘Race to the Stars’, which was held at Royal Mid-Surrey.
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
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JUNIOR NEWS
ONE TO WATCH...
LOTTIE WOAD How often do you play/practice? Is finding time to play whilst managing school work etc difficult? I practice every day after school and at the weekend, I try to be organised with my school work, so I can maximise my practice time, and to do this I get up early before school to do some putting practice.
When did you start playing golf and who was your inspiration? My Dad introduced me to golf through his love of the game, and I first started playing when I was about two with plastic clubs around the house. I joined FGC aged eight, when John Oliver (the then Junior Organiser) and my Dad set up FGC Junior Academy. Do you have a favourite player and who would be in your dream fourball? My favourite player is Justin Rose as he is a great role model on and off the course. In my dream fourball I would have Justin Rose, Georgia Hall and Tommy Fleetwood as they are all amazing golfers and I think it would be a fun match. I hope that Georgia and me would win! 2018 has been a great year for you, what have been your highlights? My main highlights of 2018 were finishing 6th in the U14 English Open Amateur Championship and coming second in both the U14 North of England Open Championship and the U16 National Schools’ Championship. I’m also very proud to have completed the county treble (strokeplay, matchplay and schools titles) in 2018. Surrey is a very strong county for girls’ golf, and I finished ahead of lots of very good players in each of these events. 18
Are there specific areas of your game that you work on and how do you monitor your results to try and identify any concerns you have? I monitor my results using stats, I use Golf Data Lab (GDL) – I can analyse my results so I know what I need to improve on most. What are your goals for 2019 and beyond? I want to play well in the major national events and hopefully get selected for the England national team. I’d like to play for England internationally and eventually turn professional, after going to university in America. What advice would you give to young players just starting on their journey in golf? I think you need to practice hard to get the results, but most of all enjoy it, so it is something you look forward to doing every day. Finally, what are your other interests when you are not playing golf? I love playing other sports such as football. This is the first year though, since I was six, where I haven’t played for a club, as I’ve now stopped to focus on golf. However, I still play for the school teams in football and cricket. I also like going to the cinema.
PLAYER PROFILE
Age: 14 Handicap 1.5 Club: Farnham Golf Club 2017 • Winner of the Abraham Trophy and the title of England’s Most Improved Girl Golfer 2017 • Farnham GC Junior Champion (first girl winner) • Selected for England Girls U16 Regional Squad (South) • Surrey Girls Squad 2018 • Surrey Girls U15 County Champion • Winner Surrey Girls (U18) Scratch Knock-Out Championship • Surrey Schools (Scratch) Champion • Runner-Up (by one shot) Surrey Girls U18 County Championship • Runner Up (by one shot) in the English Schools U16 National Championship • England Golf South Region U14 Champion • North of England U16 Open Championship (2nd U14; 9th U16) • 6th in the English Girls U14 Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship • British Girls U16 Open Championship (6th U14) • 6th in the Liphook Scratch – a women’s elite amateur national event • Dorothy Johnson Trophy Winner – Most Improved Girl Golfer in the South Region • U14 Winner in the Telegraph Vitality Junior Golf Championship • Selected for England Girls U18 Regional Squad (South) • Surrey Girls Performance Squad & Winner of their OoM • Farnham GC Junior Champion • U14 Sports Personality of the Year at the Farnham Sports Council Awards
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
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SURREY LADIES
WOMEN IN GOLF PUTTENHAM GOLF CLUB Not so long ago the game of golf was perceived to be a sport dominated by men, with ‘male only’ golf clubs displaying signs saying “no women allowed”. However, times are certainly changing...
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nly recently, Royal St Georges Golf Club, one of the final bastions of ‘men only’ British golf clubs, voted with an overwhelming 90% in favour to allow female golfers, finally putting an end to a 128 year male only policy. Puttenham Golf Club, situated amongst the Surrey Hills, celebrates its 125th Anniversary in 2019, and with history dating back to 1894 Puttenham could easily be mistaken for one of these male dominated establishments. Thankfully, nothing could be further from the truth as Puttenham Golf Club has long been a place that has welcomed female golfers with open arms and has established a strong and thriving ladies section. Three female members of Puttenham Golf Club who are all regular players share their reasons with Surrey Golf readers for taking up the game of golf and their experiences from enjoying this popular sport.
SARAH SMITH • Age 39 • Handicap 12 • Started golf at 26 Did you have lessons when you first started? I had lessons for about a year before I decided to join a club. Do you think regular coaching is a good thing? Yes I would thoroughly recommend it. I have a lesson about once a month now for a tune up and to make sure I don’t get into any bad habits. I have reduced my handicap from 33 to 12 over the past 11 years. I now mainly concentrate on the short game with my coach rather than being overly technical with my golf swing. What made you decide to join a golf club? My partner at the time was a member, as were most of my friends so it seemed to make sense. I really enjoy the competitive
side of the game so it was great to be able to play in club competitions against my friends and peers. What has been your personal highlight playing golf? I love the competitive side of the game and really enjoy playing in our club championship each year. The camaraderie of all the members at the club over the whole weekend that the tournament is played on is fabulous and makes it a great event. I finished as runner-up this year in a mixed competition that is held annually at Puttenham Golf Club called the Atkins Salvers. It was the first mixed pairs event that I had played with my husband. Do you feel the game of golf has helped your general fitness and wellbeing? I am sure the 3.5 mile walk around the course a few times each week stands me in good stead. Golf can really help maintain your flexibility as you get older.
Sarah Smith
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UP TO 18 MONTHS GOLF FOR THE PRICE OF 12 Join us at Shirley Park Golf Club, one of the finest courses in the area, renowned for fantastic greens, a friendly welcome, and a great social calendar.
Pay the 2019/20 subscriptions (held at 2018/19 prices) and enjoy free golf until 31st May 2019. Your subscription can be paid in one ‘up front’ amount, or split over two instalments. Full details can be provided on request.
Call 0208 654 1143 or email steve.murphy@shirleyparkgolfclub.co.uk
SURREY LADIES
What has been your personal highlight playing golf? There is a pair’s knockout matchplay competition for members at Puttenham Golf Club called The Wilson Cup. It allows entries from all male pairs, all female pairs or from mixed pairs. In 2010 playing with Hannah Sneath we won the Wilson Cup becoming the first all female team to win in over a decade. Do you feel the game of golf has helped your general fitness and wellbeing? Without doubt golf is a fantastic sport to help your fitness and wellbeing. The amount of walking in golf helps improve your stamina, just swinging the club helps to maintain my flexibility and mobility and of course it’s also a quite low impact compared to something like running. KAREN SHANKS • Age 61 • Handicap 20 Sharon Olive SHARON OLIVE • Age 46 • Handicap 16 • Started golf at 30 Did you have lessons when you first started? I had a couple of lessons to start with to show me the fundamentals. Do you think regular coaching is a good thing? 100% a good thing! Much better to seek out trained PGA professional coaches who really know what they are looking at and what they are talking about, rather than to listen to the views of people around you. I normally have between 3-6 lessons over the course of a year to keep my game on track. What made you decide to join a golf club? I first joined a club in 2005 in Cambridgeshire to seek out a new social scene and make friends. I moved to Surrey in 2008 and joined Puttenham, I am still here 10 years on and am delighted not just with the golf but the fantastic friends that I have made. 22
• Started golf mid 40’s Did you have lessons when you first started? I had one group lesson with my sister-inlaw and a friend when I first started, but that’s the only lesson I have ever had.
Do you feel the game of golf has helped your general fitness and wellbeing? Definitely, walking the course helps keep me fit and the physical action of playing helps maintain my flexibility and movement. Female participation in golf has certainly become a growing sector of the sport and looking at the experiences of playing the game by these three active members at Puttenham Golf Club there are definitely some common denominators that has helped sustain their interest and engagement . The game of golf has allowed them to spend time with family and friends in a social and outdoor environment, given them the ability to improve their skills and relieve stress. Also the game has provided an arena for friendly competition no matter of skill level as well as helping maintain fitness and wellbeing of mind and body. With this extensive list of lifestyle benefits, hopefully more women who don’t currently play will consider golf as their new sport.
Do you think regular coaching is a good thing? I would definitely recommend having lessons to begin with. What made you decide to join a golf club? For about three years my husband and I played every weekend with two other couples paying green fees at our local course. In 2005 my brother (a member at Puttenham) suggested we join as it would work out far better value for money. One of the best decisions we ever made as we have made so many great friends over the years and we just love being members of a golf club. What has been your personal highlight playing golf? I won the Burn Handicap Bowl (the ladies handicap Club Championship competition) in 2007. It was a fabulous feeling to win this one.
Karen Shanks
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GOLF EXPEDITION
CRUISING CANADA | SCOTLAND | IRELAND
SCOTLAND & IRELAND GOLF EXPEDITION | JUNE 05 - 12, 2019 | RCGS RESOLUTE CANADA’S EAST COAST - FIDDLES & STICKS | JULY 03 - 10, 2019 | RCGS RESOLUTE
A NEW WAY TO PLAY
One Ocean Expeditions remains at the forefront of programme and itinerary innovation. Our new expedition golf cruises offer a totally unique take on the traditional golfing holiday and encourage new friends to experience the One Ocean difference in some of our favourite destinations. Canada’s East Coast is home to some of the best golf courses in North America and golfers from across the globe are drawn here by the superb challenges and magnificent coastal setting. This unique expedition golf cruise introduces a truly ‘new way to play’, transferring golfers to the exquisite courses via Zodiac, whilst still implementing all of our usual programming. For summer 2019, RCGS Resolute, One Ocean Expeditions’ newest vessel, will be venturing to Scotland and Ireland - home of the modern game of golf. Guests on this voyage will be immersed in the fascinating Celtic culture and history, with the opportunity to play some of the top golf courses in the world. Both 2019 expedition golf cruises will include a whole host of active discovery activities, available to both golfers and non-golfers alike.
BUILD YOUR DREAM NOW
020 3126 4039
one o c e anexp ed i ti o ns.com
THERE IS ONLY
O N E O CEAN
PRO TALK
Lower your scores in just 15 minutes! Advanced PGA Professional Matt Antell takes us through a series of simple practices to lower your scores on the course. PART 2: THE SHORT GAME
T
he Short Game can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the game to practice, with a world of different shots waiting to be hit, however for some – especially on our soft winter fairways in the UK – it can prove a nightmare! Many players are stuck in the destructive cycle of ineffective technique leading to poorly struck shots, which in turn leads to excessive anxiety – further hindering the ability to hit good shots!
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Whether it is one of the European Tour professionals that train at our Surrey Golf Lab facility or a weekend club golfer, the majority of the issues that we see can be traced back to a source at set up. The way in which a player organises their set up is often itself a consequence of his or her concept (or lack of!) of how the club is designed to work. So, to break this cycle we must first understand the tool for the task - the wedge. THE TOOL FOR THE JOB The wedge is uniquely designed for the small touch shots we are faced with around the greens. Typically of bladed design (which helps to produce a low launching, high spinning flight) the
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wedge features a wider sole and more ‘bounce’ than longer iron clubs. This sole designs allows the wedge to interact with the ground like a speed boat surfing across water, where the back edge of the sole engages with the ground through its contact to bruise the turf rather than digging in with the with the sharp leading edge (picture 1). To preserve the bounce angle on the sole, one should spin the blade slightly ‘open’ so that the visual relationship between the shaft angle (which itself has minimal forward lean) and the grooves on the clubface are maintained. This will stop the loft on the face from closing and ensure the bounce angle on the sole is not reduced (picture 2).
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PRO TALK
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PRACTICE TASK 1 Say goodbye to the destructive chunks and skulls! Either scratch a line (with a tee peg) or place a marker an inch behind the ball (picture 3). Organise your club and body in such a fashion that you can bruise the ground (without the leading edge digging in) and still make good contact with the ball (picture 4). Note: In the pictures I have: c ‘Opened’ the leading edge fractionally to ensure I keep the loft square to target and retain the bounce angle. c Positioned the ball in a central position so that the club doesn’t have excessive lean forwards. c Adopted a balanced and relatively level position without excessive lean to or from the target. PRACTICE TASK 2 Start thinking ‘IN’! It is one thing to big focussed on executing a acceptable chip on to the green near the hole. It is a completely different experience to stalk the green in an attempt to hole the chip. Try and challenge yourself to hole 3 chips shots in your practice session, playing from a variety of
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Matt Antell is an Advanced PGA Professional whose roles include: U18 Boys Regional Coach for England Golf; U14 County Coach for Surrey Golf and Elite Academy Coach for Whitgift School. Regarded as one of the regions leading development coaches, Matt is passionate about providing outstanding experiences and expertise to his players, who typically include aspiring juniors and serious golfers seeking the best guidance to reach their potential. Matt is based at Reigate Hill Golf Club’s fantastic Golf Academy facility, which features two large greens for putting and short game; a 100 yard pitching range with target greens; a full length grass driving range; premium golf balls for practice; 3D motion capture and TrackMan club and ball tracking.
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For more information follow Matt on @MattAntellGolf
positions. Just like with putting, when ‘reading’ the shot work from the hole backwards; define your desired hole out pace. Your entry angle in to the hole. Where the ball will land and how it will react on the ground; this will induce a more external focus on the flight of the ball and the feel of how the club will need to contact the ball and ground to produce the picture in your minds eye (pictures 5, 6 & 7). Cycle broken!
@MattAntellGolf or email Matt – mattantell@me.com
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SPOTLIGHT
Spotlight
PURLEY DOWNS GOLF CLUB
CELEBRATES 125 YEARS Purley Downs Golf Club celebrates its 125 anniversary in 2019 and to mark the occasion is launching a Festival of Golf Week when golfers are invited to come and take part in a variety of competitions and sample what the club has to offer.
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he week runs from Sunday, July 21 to Saturday, July 27, with a Mixed 4BBB Open on the Sunday, the Men’s Downs Trophy Open on the Monday, Seniors’ Open on Tuesday, Ladies’ Open on Wednesday, a Pro-Am on the Friday and a Men’s 4BBB Open Saturday. The week gives the club the chance to showcase the investment it has made over several years to produce a course which many regard as one of the best in Surrey. Club Manager, Cameron McKillop, says: “Being a members’ club means the profit we make is continuously being ploughed back into enhancing the
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course and the facilities for members’ to enjoy the best golfing experience.” The club might be 125 years old but it has managed to move with the times to ensure it remains highly competitive in what it offers golfers of all ages and ability. Total membership for both golf and social categories is almost 600 with more than 500 playing members with thriving men’s, ladies’, seniors’ and under 35s sections. Those who take their golf very seriously have the chance to play in regular board, trophy, club competitions as well as inter-club matches and the chance to represent Purley Downs at county level.
Those who want more fun competitions can choose between numerous weekday and weekend roll-ups (or swindles as the members calls them). In fact one member, Keith Williams, who recently joined Purley Downs said the club’s Monday, Wednesday and Friday swindle is the best he has played in in 40 years of playing golf. 125 years ago the club was launched by a group of golfers wanting to escape the city and enjoy the rolling downland countryside. The same still holds true today. The course might just be a few miles from Croydon and 15 from London but it is still somewhere where
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SPOTLIGHT
you can enjoy peace and quiet far from the madding crowd and watch as deer scamper past. Originally designed by renowned golf champion and course architect J H Taylor, the course design, although having been revised in various places has stood the test of time. The walks from one green to the next tee have been kept to a minimum so it is possible to play 18 holes as a two ball in less than three hours. And from the top of some of the holes – the 17th and the 5th – players have a magnificent view of the Croydon and London City skyline. On a clear day you can pick out various notable
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landmarks including the London Eye, the Walkie Talkie building and Canary Wharf. In fact you can see right across London to the Chilterns in the distance. Being built on chalk downland means the course drains well and offers excellent year-round playing conditions. “We are popular with societies and some regard us as the best club to play in the winter. They know that, having a day off work, inclement weather won’t ruin their day and they will be able to enjoy a great game and first class playing experience,” says Cameron.
Members too know the club offers great year-round value for money. The course offers a fresh challenge every time you play it. In fact there are several members who have been playing it very many years and in some cases decades as say they have never been bored. One of its unique features is that Purley Downs members can roll up without booking tee times and can play from a 2 ball starting tee or from a 3 and 4 ball staring tee, outside of Sunday mornings and competitions. This allows 2 balls to get around the course in great time.. Like many other clubs, Purley Downs offers a range of membership packages including two for one deals for couples in their first year, discounted rates for under 35s and flexi membership packages as well as five, six and seven day membership. For more information about the open competitions, membership, and green fees: Email: info@purleydowns.co.uk Visit: www.purleydowns.co.uk Call: 020 8657 8347
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TRIED & TESTED
PUTTING STRIPPED BACK
Forget the myths... Let’s deal with the FACTS by Paul Williams
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aving worked with golfers at every level of the game, it has become more and more evident that out of date concepts and poor fundaments are the root cause of poor performance on the greens. Straight back – straight through, arc, eyes over the ball and pendulum are concepts that have caused more problems than solutions and it’s about time we all saw the light! As with the long game it is essential to
learn the facts about strike. Understanding the correlation between face aim and face angle at impact, hitting up or down on the ball and strike location are crucial elements to relate back to your concepts and set up position. Using measuring equipment such as SAM Puttlab and Quintic Ball Roll we can quickly identify these parameters (plus many more) and cross reference with video from face on and down the line. TRIED & TES TED
THE PROBLEM In the example pictured left the player had a tendency to aim to the right and excessively rotate the face to a very open position at the top of the back stroke. In the forward stroke they compensate by pulling their path to the left and over rotating the face resulting in a closed position at impact and a strike out of the toe. This action is going to make it difficult to consistently start the ball on their intended line.. They are also hitting down on the ball. This causes the ball to rotate backwards and bounce across the green, resulting in the ball losing speed at an inconsistent rate making it very difficult to judge speed.
THE SOLUTION This player was trying to get their ‘eyes over the ball’ which resulted in an eye position where they could not aim correctly and a ball position too central in the stance causing the downward strike. A poor grip position and a putter head very heavily ‘toe weighted’ caused the over rotation of the face in the back stroke. Within 30 minutes we repositioned the grip, moved the ball slightly left of centre and custom fit a new face balanced putter. On a follow-up session we re-measured and the results are clear to see.
What we thought... After facing facts that my putting stats and mindset were not going to improve on their own I knew it was time for some help. I decided to book a session with Paul Williams the putting guru and was ready to put some effort into improving. Three sessions with Paul using
all his technology, putting aids and sound tuition (alongside an online platform to look back on previous sessions and track progress), we were able to change my set up and stroke and I had a much better understanding of what I was doing. I now practice daily using the putting aids Paul provided. Everything now feels drastically different and I know I’m technically on the right track.
If you are struggling with your performance on the greens the solution is here – book your 60 minute appraisal and work with the facts that are relevant to you. E: paul@my-golf-academy.co.uk T: 07515128228 W: www.paulwilliamsputting.com
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SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
The PERFECT destination for
• Custom build your own package • Societies welcome 7-days-a-week • Buggies available to hire I wanted to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity so decided on a golf day. The hardest part of this was where to hold it. Not many clubs could hold this type of booking on a Saturday. Because of all the staff at Bletchingley it was a great day, raised loads of money and everyone had a fabulous time. It’s a great course for one but when most courses are shut because of a spot of bad weather, Bletchingley GC will more than likely be open, and still in great condition.
MEMBERS away days
For more information please contact Steven Cookson, General Manager: t: 01883 744848, e: generalmanager@ bletchingleygolf.co.uk
www.bletchingleygolf.co.uk
Ash Tofte
C O N O R J WA L S H G O L F SHAPING THE FUTURE
S P E C I A L I S T I N G O L F C O U R S E R E N O VAT I O N A N D N E W B U I L D
E: cjw@conorjwalshgolf.com | www.conorjwalshgolf.com
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E 9 M O G 1 H I N 20 W H Y O N C AR SH U U L A AN H J 12
PRO TALK
This year has been a learning curve for me in many ways but as is the case in every young aspiring pro’s year it comes the time when the European Tour’s qualifying school comes around... David Boote
Q SCHOOL
third time lucky! I
t’s an interesting one, Q school, perhaps more fun to watch from the outside and view the pressures that golfers are under rather than actually play. There are countless stories of players coming up through the ranks and also of guys coming down having lost status too. Over 900 players normally enter through Stage 1, all seeking one of the 25 full tour cards available at the end. In my case I arrived at Frilford Heath for Stage 1 in late September with no guaranteed playing status
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anywhere for 2019, but managed four solid rounds to qualify in T2nd place on six under par. I had qualified through Frilford twice before, as an amateur in 2016 and last year in my first year as a pro. I knew the red course would be a good test and well suited to my game. 27 players made it through on -1 or better. The first hurdle jumped. Before Stage 2 I decided to freshen things up a bit and try to qualify for next year’s Pro-Golf tour. This is one of many different satellite tours across Europe that feed onto the Challenge
Tour much like the Europro and Alps Tours. The Qualifier was in Paderborn near Dortmund and I had another good finish with a three round score of 1 over par in tough conditions which was enough for a T4th position. It was confidence boosting to have secured a definite place to play next year, especially with the early season events they have in Egypt and Morocco. This result definitely gave me some good momentum going into Madrid, and even though I had missed at Stage 2 in the past two years by a single shot,
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PRO TALK
both after play offs in the final round, I went there feeling confident about my game. In theory ‘El Encin’ should not have suited me that much as it played quite long at over 7,600 yards, but I played well and finished T14th on -12. I was particularly pleased to finish strongly with a 68 in round 4 in the toughest conditions of the week. In all, 24 players from the venue made it through to Final Stage. This was now exciting new territory for me! After a quick car change and a 500km drive from Madrid through the
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Spanish mountains towards Barcelona, I was soon practising the two courses at Lumine in preparation for the upcoming six round test. I had heard a lot about Final Stage from my friends who are elder professionals and the aim was to keep my head down and view the week as a marathon, not a sprint. Fortunately I had an experienced caddy in Jason Cox and together we put some good strategy in place for the courses before we got going. Again I felt good about my game going into the first round and the first objective was to make the four day cut where the top 70 players and ties progress to the final two days. I was 11 under par through this portion and in 29th position, just a shot outside the top 25 and a good place to be. I wasn’t really thinking about the T25 but now that I had made the cut, it was a good opportunity to push on and see where it would take me. The 5th round went really well and I shot a very solid 67 (-4) on the Lakes to get into a tie for 24th with one round to go. Four successive birdies on the last four holes was a good way to finish the day after having a couple of unlucky breaks in the middle of my round. The final round at Q School is known to be one of the most dramatic days in golf. As a player it felt tense but exciting too, with the cool opportunities at stake. With a different forecast of rain, wind and grey skies it was set to be a good test and as a professional athlete it was cool to have something on the line. This is what we practise for. I started well with a birdie on the first and felt I could have made it through but ultimately fell just two shots short of the number required with a 72. It left me in T35th spot. I had played solid and not much different to the previous days but it just didn’t quite happen for me. Such is golf though, and as is the case every week in this game there are only a handful of guys going away feeling like winners. Handling the ups and downs is something which you have to be good at and I’ll move forward now with this experience into the future.
Looking back I can see it was a successful event and I was very happy to come away with full Challenge Tour status for 2019, together with Category 22 status on the main tour which hopefully will get me 8-10 starts there as well. This is a big step forward from where I was without any status just two months earlier and means I can now fully plan a schedule which is not reliant on sponsor’s invitations next season. During all the stages of Q School it was brilliant to receive so many messages of support, especially all the close friends who were updating the scores on their phones all week! I cannot thank them enough for their encouragement – Q School can be a lonely place but it’s good to know everyone at home is rooting for you. The initial reward will be a trip out to the Gold Coast to play in the Australian PGA Championships at Royal Pines, Queensland at the end of November along with a chance to catch up with a number of people who helped me out there when I played as an amateur a few years ago. It has been a good finish to the year and I am now looking forward to some solid work in the off season in preparation for a fun 2019!
@davidboote123
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GET INTO GOLF
THIRD AND FINAL RESIDENTIAL WEEK After two years studying for my PGA qualification, I am now in my third and final year. With it comes relief but also anxiety and worry about my final exams and what the future will hold... by Lauren Blease
I
am currently part way through my final residential week and I can’t believe how quickly it has come around since my first residential. The week has again been spent at The Belfry and we will have a variety of classes and topics to cover. These will include; coaching, equipment technology, business management, personal development and sports science. So far, I have had the personal development and coaching sessions. During the coaching sessions, we were
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able to use information learnt over our time in a practical environment, rather than just reading material online. Throughout the year we are given online material to read through and can often it can be hard to digest especially for a practical activity like coaching. I found going through this material on the range extremely useful. I was able to use my knowledge and apply it to when I am actually coaching. The personal development part of the week opened my eyes to new
possibilities and career paths that can be taken once I have gained my qualification. After spending just over two years doing my PGA qualification, I now have more clarity on what I want to do long term and where I see my career progressing. All of the support that the PGA offer after I have qualified was great to hear about and I look forward to hopefully utilising some of these resources to further my career. The sessions that I have not done this week are: equipment technology, business management and sports
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GET INTO GOLF
science. I am most looking forward to sports science and slightly nervous about equipment technology. For the equipment technology part of the course it involves an exam where we have to extract a graphite shaft from its head. I am pretty nervous about this as I don’t do many club repairs but I have had the opportunity to practise with one of the PGA tutors on a refresher course, so am hoping that I am able to pass! I am just glad that I don’t have to build a club from scratch as this is what we did in our 2nd year
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residential and I wouldn’t want to have to do that again. Sports science is always an interesting class as there is always new research and information to learn in this subject area. It fascinates me how we can alter our body slightly which will help us to swing the golf club better. This part of golf and coaching is often overlooked but can play such a vital role in any players game. I’m looking forward to my last year and hopefully I will pass all my exams in May and then start to progress my career from there. I can thoroughly recommend the PGA qualification to anyone thinking of a career in golf. Wish me luck and hopefully I will meet you on my golfing journey. Lauren is a Assistant PGA Professional at Foxhills Club and Resort and is available for lessons. You can contact her via email or follow her on social media: Email: lblease@foxhills.co.uk @laurenblease89 @laurenblease
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GOLF BREAKS
The Scottish Highlands a breathtaking escape...
Host to such golfing greats as Royal Dornoch, Nairn and Spey Valley and with wonderful hidden gems such as Brora, Tain, Nairn Dunbar and Boat of Garten, the position of the Highlands of Scotland as a ‘must visit’ golf break destination has been greatly reinforced by the addition of the exciting Castle Stuart championship links situated just outside Inverness.
W
hether you are looking for a Highland golf break that takes in some of the many challenging links situated on the beautiful and rugged North East Highland coastline or includes one or two of the courses set in spectacular Highland scenery just a little further inland, this region of Scotland has something to satisfy the requirements of golfers of all ages and abilities. CASTLE STUART This stunning championship course opened in 2009 but already has a remarkable history, hosting some of the world’s leading golfers in the European Tour’s Scottish Open on four occasions. The spectacular setting overlooking the Moray Firth presents a memorable seascape punctuated with local landmarks such as the Kessock Bridge,
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Chanonry Lighthouse, Fort George and Ben Wyvis. Designed by Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, it is regarded as a model for modern golf architecture, being fun, engaging and playable for everyday players of all abilities, but also a challenge for the very best. At Castle Stuart, nature bequeathed an opportunity for a links golf course to enjoy a rich landscape texture of whins, gorse and broom, heather and marram, a landscape mosaic of rugged beauty. It is a true links experience with rumpled fairways, offering changes in lie and stance; natural bunkers and infinity edge greens that allow the scenery and key landmarks to be put on display. The onsite accommodation provides the ideal base for your stay and play package at Castle Stuart. An airport pick-up is included for those arriving into Inverness airport as we are only
Castle Stuart
a five minute drive away. While there make use of the driving range, pitching area and putting green before enjoying 18 holes of links golf along the shores of the Moray Firth. The clubhouse is open for lunches and dinners and Inverness with its numerous restaurants and bars is only a short taxi ride away. From £285.00 for a one night, one round package based on eight golfers sharing a four bedroom lodge, including breakfast (excluding flights). ROYAL DORNOCH Royal Dornoch is spellbinding and many golfers from all over the world make the pilgrimage to this natural links at some point in their lives. It is often quoted as one of the must-play courses. It’s the timeless setting that makes Royal Dornoch such a pleasing place to play golf. It’s wild, isolated and, at
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GOLF BREAKS
OFF THE COURSE... EXPLORE A CITY IN THE MOUNTAINS The gateway to your Scottish adventure, Inverness is known as the capital of the Highlands and is a great place to base yourself. GO NESSIE SPOTTING
Brora
Loch Ness is the ultimate destination for legend hunters. This mysterious, often mistcloaked loch is where that elusive monster supposedly lurks. Try and spot her from a boat tour out on the loch, a hike or bike along the water’s edge, or visit the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre to find out more. A MOUNTAIN-LOVER’S PARADISE The Cairngorms National Park is the place to go for forest trails, mountain ascents, wildlife spotting and even a spot of skiing. RIDE THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS
Castle Stuart
the same time, beautiful. The pure white sandy beach divides the links from the Dornoch Firth and it all feels very humbling. Formed in 1877, Royal Dornoch means exceptional standards and they always aim to exceed the expectations of visitors. It is not just the championship course that presents golfers with the challenges of links-land. The second 18 hole course the Struie is enjoyable and entertaining for the whole family at a modest green fee, and it can also test the lower handicap player. BRORA GOLF CLUB The perfect balance between challenge and fun and in a breath-taking setting. An original James Braid designed course, established in 1891, Brora golf club enters its 127th year and there are many reasons why the golf club has been so successful.
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Brora
The golf course design is recognised as being one of James Braid’s finest pieces of work. The green staff work tirelessly to preserve the original design whilst presenting a course that is regularly acclaimed for its quality. With the exception of the short sixth, the outward nine holes follow the contour of Kintradwell Bay in the foreground, with a backdrop of the Sutherland foothills from Ben Bhraggie to the west, away to the Ord of Caithness in the north-east. The inward nine holes follow the fence line of the bordering croft land, with out of bounds to concentrate the mind. Of the two short holes, the delightful 13th winds back towards the sea, whilst the 18th contains all the concerns of protecting a score against a bunkered green a two hundred yard carry away and under the scrutiny of the clubhouse windows.
It was the striking structure and stunning location of Glenfinnan Viaduct that leant itself to the Harry Potter films; the Hogwarts Express is seen chugging across it. In real life you can see much of the same – on the Jacobite train run by West Coast Railways from Fort William to Mallaig. HOP OVER TO THE ISLE OF SKYE The Isle of Skye is officially in the Inner Hebrides, but it’s easy to tack on a visit to your Highlands tour. Hop over by ferry from Mallaig or cross over the Skye Bridge. You’ll find yourself on a magical isle with such spectacular landscapes it’s often used as a film location – the most recent was King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and The BFG.
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GOLF BREAKS
WHERE TO STAY... DORNOCH TOWN & COUNTRY LETTINGS
Dornoch Town & Country Lettings have earned an excellent reputation for the homes in their portfolio, along with the standard of service. Dornoch is a charming Town with lots of activities from golfing, walking, fishing, playing on the beach, Pony Trekking and many more, all within easy reach, making Dornoch an ideal base for touring the Highlands of Scotland. www.dornochtownandcountrylettings.co.uk THE ROYAL HOTEL & RESTAURANT IN ELGIN
The Royal Hotel is situated in Elgin town centre in Moray, less than 200 metres yards from the train station. Guests can benefit from modern accommodation, free Wi-Fi as well as the free hotel parking in the ample car park. The Royal Hotel features individual and unique accommodation. Each room includes a flat-screen TV and an en-suite bathroom www.theroyalhotelelgin.co.uk
The recently upgraded clubhouse provides a spectacular view of the golf course and surrounding links land and trained staff are on hand to make your visit to Brora golf club smooth and enjoyable. Refreshments are available from the bar; food is available from the restaurant and the Pro shop will take care of all your golfing needs. Gleneagles may be more glamorous, Carnoustie more prestigious. It is Brora which is the most northerly golf memorial to James Braid in his native Scotland.
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Kingussie
KINGUSSIE GOLF CLUB The 18 hole course provides something for every golfer, whether starting out or seasoned pro! There is a mix of generous fairways, natural challenges and rolling undulations. The course offers a good walk on upland terrain, a buggy is available to hire if required. The course is surrounded by breath-taking scenery including the gentle sounds of wildlife and the River Gynack. Quite simply it is stunning, it provides the privilege of a challenging game of golf in the most energising Highland surroundings. FORTROSE GOLF CLUB Boasting an idyllic setting on the Chanonry Peninsula, Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Links is a championship golf course with breathtaking views over the Moray Firth on what is one of the most unique settings where you are likely to play golf. Cited as one of the best places in Europe for dolphin spotting, the Moray Firth provides a majestic backdrop for this historic course that dates back to 1793, making it the 15th Oldest Recorded Club in the World.
Royal Dornoch
Teeming with Scottish history, golfers of varied abilities will love the chance to play all 18 holes with four different tees to choose from. This 6,085 yard course is known for its fast but deceptive greens as players navigate their way past strategically placed bunkers and tight fairways. These attributes are a clear indication of the work of five-time Open Champion James Braid who redesigned the course in 1932. The signature fourth hole, taking its name from the Chanonry Lighthouse (first lit in 1846), will prove challenging from the more difficult teeing ground whilst players must be wary of the severely sloping green. This is followed by a 133 yard par-three hole with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Fortrose
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bookings@castlestuartgolf.com +44 (0)1463 796111 www.castlestuartgolf.com
BRORA GOLF CLUB 5 DAY OPEN
29th July – 2nd August 2019 only £100 The North’s friendliest competition... c 36 holes medal qualifying Mon – Tue c Matchplay knockout Wed- Fri
c Supplementary competition for non-qualifiers Wed - Fri c Five rounds of golf guaranteed
BRORA GOLF WEEK
26th – 31st May 2019 only £250 Brora, the most northerly golf memorial to James Braid in his native Scotland is our base for the week which provides: c Five days of team and individual competitions c Tuition from our PGA professional c Six nights of entertainment and Highland hospitality At only £250 Brora Golf Club is the ideal venue for your spring golfing break in 2019
Brora Golf Club, Golf Road, Brora, Sutherland KW9 6QS T: +44 (0) 1408 621417 | E: secretary@broragolfclub.co.uk | www.broragolfclub.co.uk
Visit our website for entry forms and further details
GOLF BREAKS
THE SOUTHWEST’S HIDDEN GEM Yelverton, designed by the renowned golf architect Herbert Fowler, is a delightful moorland course with many interesting features.
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ome of these features include old mine workings and a ‘Leat’ – an artificial watercourse dug into the ground, which was built in the 1790’s to provide water to Plymouth from Dartmoor. Fowler added a number of sizeable banks and mounds with a limited number of fairway bunkers, this was typical of his trademark design. The generous fairways are lined with many natural hazards, including heather, gorse, bracken and small thorn bushes, that put a premium on accuracy. The geographic location also adds to its natural features and a relatively easy walking landscape. The course
shares its fairways with the native Dartmoor Ponies, sheep and cattle, and when combined with typical south west weather creates a unique landscape for golf. Donald Steel Golf Architect wrote: “Yelverton strikes the perfect balance in testing the best players without terrorising the less good. The change to accommodate modern equipment is not necessary, it has stood the test of time because its defences are so natural. Never
have I walked such a long-established course without finding so little to comment, this is kin to going to the doctor and being told you are fully fit.” The course has hosted many special events, including the England Golf Men’s Senior Amateur Championship in 2006. (01822) 852824 info@yelvertongolf.co.uk www.yelvertongolf.co.uk
Yelverton is a delightful moorland course, designed by Herbert Fowler, who used the old mine workings as natural hazards to challenge golfers of all standards. It has outstanding views across Dartmoor and over Cornwall and is a very natural course, with Dartmoor ponies and cattle sharing the fairways. The course has been host to many top quality competitions, including the EGU Men’s Senior Amateur Championships in 2006. Yelverton is a friendly club and visitors are very welcome. We are happy to accommodate individuals or societies.
ONE OF DEVON’S F INEST MOORLAND GOLF COURSES • 18 holes • Par 71 • Excellent practice facilities • Indoor coaching and professional instruction • Well-stocked pro shop • Clubhouse with excellent facilities • Snooker room • A warm welcome and friendly atmosphere
Yelverton Golf Club, Golf Links Road, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6BN | T: 01822 852824 | E: info@yelverton.co.uk | www.yelvertongolf.co.uk
DOONBEG THE NEW DR. HAWTREE DESIGN
EXPERIENCE AN OLD FRIEND, REIMAGINED
SHANNON AIRPORT - TRUMP DOONBEG 50 MINUTE DRIVE
T R U M P I N T E R N AT I O N A L G O L F L I N K S & H O T E L D O O N B E G DOONBEG, CO. CLARE, IRELAND
PHONE +353 65 905 5600 | EMAIL Doonbeg.Reservations@trumphotels.com w w w. Tr u m p H o t e l s . c o m / I r e l a n d
#1 in Scotland
ROYAL DORNOCH GOLF CLUB
#5 in the world
DORNOCH TOWN & COUNTRY LETTINGS Have an excellent reputation for the quality of self catering accommodation in their portfolio and for the high standard of service we provide for our guests, many of whom return year after year. RDGC is easily accessed from all of our houses in the heart of the town, making walking to the course or strolling to a restaurant in the evening a pleasure. Let us help you plan your visit to Dornoch: We are able to assist you with airport transfers, taxi sight seeing trips, organise a breakfast cook (or something a little fancier if you wish to eat at home one night) and many other factions that make your trip happy and hassle free. It’s our job to make your stay here a memorable and happy experience.
Please contact Maggie at Dornoch Town & Country Lettings, High Street, Dornoch, Scotland IV25 3SH
+44 (0)1862 810851 | www.dornochtownandcountrylettings.co.uk
GOLF BREAKS
THE VALE RESORT The Vale Resort has been named Wales’ best golf hotel for the second year in a row by an international awards body that recognises excellence in tourism.
T
he four-star hotel and leisure venue, in Hensol in the Vale of Glamorgan, was named Wales’ Best Golf Hotel 2018 at the 5th annual World Golf Awards, held at La Manga Club, Spain. It retained its title despite strong competition from the Celtic Manor Resort and Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel & Spa and the. Votes are cast by professionals working within the golf industry and by members of the public. The ceremony was organised by the World Travel Awards, which describes itself as “the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence”. The Vale Resort has also retained its title as Wales’ Best Resort Spa 2018 at the 4th annual World Spa Awards, also organised by the World Travel Awards and held at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, in the southern Dhaalu Atoll. The organisation holds various awards ceremonies to reward the best travel and leisure organisations in the world, which have been described by the Wall Street Journal as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’.
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The World Travel Awards also recognised the Vale Resort as Wales’ Leading Golf Resort in 2004 and 2007. Stephanie Metson, marketing manager at the Vale Resort, said: “We are delighted to have retained our title as Wales’ Best Golf Hotel. The World Travel Awards are world-renowned and a benchmark of quality and excellence in the travel and tourism industry. “When we won last year, we were determined to ensure we maintained the high standards that led us to the title. It’s a credit to the entire team’s hard work that we find ourselves celebrating success again.” The Vale Resort’s two championship golf courses have been host to a number of PGA and European golf championships over the years, with its state-of-the-art courses and greens equipment. As part of its ongoing commitment to golfing excellence, it recently invested £250,000 in upgrading its golf buggy equipment purchasing 50 new high-tech Club Car UK GPS buggies to give its members
and thousands of visitors, an even better golfing experience in 2018. The resort’s courses offer a mixture of mature wooded areas, wide and narrow fairways and vast areas of water features. The Wales National, at 7,433 yards off the championship tees, is one of the longest courses outside America, with hole 6 being voted one of the top 10 par 4’s in the UK. The Lake course, slightly shorter at 6,436 yards, is just as challenging, and aptly named with water coming into play on 12 of its holes. Stephanie Metson said: “Sport, and golf in particular, is part of our DNA at the Vale Resort. We pride ourselves on delivering a memorable golf experience for players of all levels. Retaining our title as Wales’ best golf hotel for two years only makes us more determined to maintain our high standards in 2019.” The Vale Resort Hensol Park, Hensol Vale of Glamorgan CF72 8JY 01443 667 800 www.vale-hotel.com
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SOCIETY DAYS
1 IN 12 PLAY FREE
Voted
WALES’ BEST GOLF HOTEL 2017 & 2018 at the World Golf Awards
2019 GOLF 143 luxury 4* bedrooms | 2 championship courses | Award winning dining options 19 treatment room spa | Extensive leisure facilities | FREE WIFI | FREE parking
GOLF DAYS AND BREAKS There are few places in the UK that offer golfers the range of facilities and as many inspiring golf holes as the Vale Resort.
B&B + 18 from
D,B&B + 36
£69pp
*
from
£99pp
*
2019 Society Days from
£35pp
*
Plus 1 in 12 play FREE
2 Nights, 3 Rounds from
£179pp
*
Spa & Golf B&B from
£239per couple
*
Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY *Terms & conditions apply. Subject to availability.
SG.12.18
01443 667800 | www.valeresort.com
Royal Mougins Golf Club Ideally located just a few minutes from Cannes, this 75-hectare piece of land has, in just a few years, become one of best golf courses in France. Royal Mougins sets the standard for European golf resorts, thanks to the quality of its course, the pristine nature of its setting, and its top-of-range services.
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f the French Riviera is the soul of Royal Mougins Golf Resort, then golf is its heart. To play this 18-hole course, ensconced in pristine nature, is a pleasure reserved for only a privileged few. THE GOLF Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional class, a reputation due not only to the quality of its technically challenging course, but also to the unspoilt nature
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of the surroundings and the complete range of high-end amenities provided. The course is generally reserved to club members and their guests, but admission is also granted to all hotel guests or visitors who book a greenfee (up to five green fees may be played per year). Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004m through a lush, wooded vale. The majority of the course stretches
across the secluded ‘Vallon de l’Oeuf ’, surrounded by peaceful countryside with olive trees and ancient stonewall terracing, preserving the traditional Provençal character of the land. Very skilful use has been made of the natural landscape, hills, wooded plains, rivers, mini waterfalls and eight lakes to create varied holes that are often quite tricky. The course has been designed to cater for all levels of golfers. The greens are large and undulating and built to the highest USGA
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GOLF BREAKS
France’s Best Golf Resort by the World Golf Awards in 2016 and 2017
specification. They have been sown with Creeping Bentgrass which leads to superior putting surfaces all year round. With different teeing areas people can choose what length they want to play the course from, depending on their skill level. The course has undergone significant improvements over the last three years. Extensive works have been carried out on the bunkers to reduce the size and shape to accommodate todays play, maintenance and weather. A new
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bunker liner has been added to ensure the best possible drainage with new white sand. The new bunkers have been a great addition to an already award winning course. The mounding has been softened making the course more playable for the average player yet still challenging to the better handicapper. Over the past 23 years, the course has matured beautifully with the trees surrounding the course providing a real Provencal feel to property. During the past winter a tree management
plan was carried out to open up some holes and give options to the players especially off the tee. THE CLUBHOUSE The clubhouse, decorated by Kelly Hoppen and Michela Fabbri, houses the hotel reception, bar and restaurant (La Terrasse du 18), as well as splendid changing rooms, the proshop and the golf course reception. continued on page 46
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GOLF BREAKS
PROSHOP Located on the ground floor of the clubhouse, the Proshop offers a wide variety of golfing merchandise, including clothes, shoes, accessories and equipment. The Proshop stocks the best brands with the collections in season, some of them on an exclusive basis, including Ralph Lauren, Burlington, Villebrequin, Valetta, Masters, Chervo, My Golf, Titleist, Footjoy, Vokey and Scotty Cameron. The Driving range has had a facelift with new artificial teeing areas. New target greens are being added with perfect distance readings making it more precise for the golfer to understand distances to the greens. The men and women’s changing
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rooms are elegant and intimate areas with personal lockers and safes, kitted out with every possible amenity, such as walk-in showers in the turquoisecoloured water rooms. THE HOTEL At the heart of this golfers’ paradise is a four-star hotel offering visitors a haven of peace and privacy. The hotel of 29 suites is furnished to a style that blends with nature while emphasising space and natural light. All the suites are furnished to feel like real apartments, with a king size bed, spacious en-suite bathroom, living room with sliding door, and a small, well-equipped kitchen. The sofa turns into a bed, perfect for families
or holidays between friends. A room service menu is available. The large bay windows in the Premium category offer panoramic views of the golf course and the suites in the deluxe category open onto beautiful terraces. Ground floor rooms stretch outside into private patios that lead to the landscaped garden areas designed by the famous landscaper Jean Mus. THE SPA Nestled in the heart of the Royal Mougins Golf Resort, the Spa is both a cocoon and a temple of beauty. In an intimate setting, it offers a range of treatments and scents dedicated continued on page 48
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
GOLF PACKAGES From e240/night in SINGLE occupancy and from e330/night (e165pp) in DOUBLE or TWIN occupancy. Packages are valid until April 19. This package includes: • One night accommodation in suite • American breakfast at the restaurant • 1 green fee per person and per night to play Royal Mougins Golf Club course • Green fee includes a seat in a golf cart with GPS, a bottle of water per person, cleaning of the golf course after the round of golf and unlimited access to the practice area. • 1 Royal Spa Break: 2h access per stay to Royal Spa (Sauna, Hamman, inside and outside relaxation areas, treatments in supplement (upon availability and with prebooking – to be used in one time) • Unlimited access to outside swimming pool, Jacuzzi (from mid May to mid October depending on meteo) and fitness center • Service charge and VAT taxes (should the VAT change, it will be reflected in the prevailing rates)
GOLF LESSON PACKAGES From e490/night (e245pp) in DOUBLE or TWIN occupancy This package includes: • One night accommodation in suite • American breakfast for two persons, at the restaurant • 1 Royal Spa Break: 2h access per stay to Royal Spa (sauna, Hamman, inside and outside relaxation areas, treatments in supplement. (upon availability and with pre-booking – to be used in one time) • 3 hours of intensive golf lessons at Prime Golf Academy for 2 persons • Unlimited access to the practice area • Unlimited access to outside swimming pool, Jacuzzi (from mid May to mid October, depending on meteo) and fitness center • Service charge and VAT taxes (should the VAT change, it will be reflected in the prevailing rates).
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to ‘well-being’. This haven of serenity offers quality infrastructures perfect for relaxing, including a hammam, sauna, spa, relaxation room, an outdoor swimming pool and a jacuzzi. Cinq Mondes massages and treatments are provided in one of the individual cabins or in the Duo cabin for a relaxing moment alone or with your partner. The Spa offers a fitness room accessible to all. The weight room and cardio training facilities offer the best equipment in terms of technology. All the devices are equipped with an individual plasma screen to allow you to watch television, or listen to your music during your cardio training session. THE RESTAURANT La Terrasse du 18 restaurant owes its name to its exclusive location at the heart of the estate, only a few steps from the final green, the 18th hole. On fine days, you can sit out on the panoramic terrace for dinner overlooking the greens. The view over the course enhances the peaceful nature of this location, where you can relax and restore a sense of wellbeing.
Business lunch or romantic dinner, a meal with golfing friends; the atmosphere lends itself to intimacy and relaxation. Take advantage of a superb wine list, where the prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux and Provence have pride of place.
FURTHER INFORMATION Royal Mougins Golf Resort www.royalmougins.fr MUSEUMS AND TOURIST OFFICES Mougins Museum of Classical Art www.mouginsmusee.com Mougins Tourism Office www.mougins-tourisme.com Cannes Tourism Office www.cannes-destination.com RESTAURANTS Restaurant L’amandier de Mougins www.amandier.fr La Mome (Cannes) contact@lamomecannes.com lamomecannes.com
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GOLF BREAKS
Diamond
Albatross
Journey to
PRAGUE & VIENNA By Steve Jackson
If looks are anything to go by, then Prague in the Czech Republic and Vienna in Austria will always be amongst the most popular European capital cities to visit. But anyone who has been to either will testify, this beauty isn’t just confined to inside the city boundaries because the scenery across the two countries is also breathtaking.
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nevitably, and fortunately for anyone who likes to hit a small white ball around a field or two, this includes the golf courses and with both countries boasting more than 100 different venues, there are plenty of quality options. Albatross, which will host the Czech Masters on the European Tour for the sixth consecutive year next summer, certainly comes into that category. Situated just to the east of Prague, this par 72 parkland course is very Greensgate
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popular with the leading players, caddies and spectators. It has the ideal combination of picturesque and testing holes as water comes into play three times on the opening loop, before the chances of losing more balls becomes more likely on the inward half, and especially on the last four holes. The terrain is relatively flat, but still involves some subtle changes in elevation, while the large bunkers need to be avoided to shoot any kind of score. The Ladies European Tour have also held events at Albatross, but on the last four occasions they have visited the Czech Republic, between 2013 and 2016, they set up a base a little further away from the capital at a course now called Greensgate. Formerly known as Plzen, this tight set of 18 holes demands accuracy off
the tee as a player faces a collection of different challenges on an out-and-in layout through the woodlands. The quartet of short holes are probably the feature holes – the fourth is a nice shot over water, the seventh goes over a large ravine, the 11th has an island green with a big lake to the right, while the downhill 13th is the longest of the par three’s. To the south east of Prague is another sublime location to play golf – Panorama Golf Resort. And if any name perfectly describes a venue, then this is it because the clubhouse looks out on the three stunning and different sets of nine holes. The Forest loop is arguably the toughest course both in terms of playability and stamina, the River loop unsurprisingly involves more water hazards, while the Meadows is the most open, but also the longest. Just like their neighbours, Austria also has a reputation for hosting big events, with the splendid Fontana Golf Club emphasising its ambition by bidding to host the 2022 Ryder Cup. The fact this former European Tour
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GOLF BREAKS
venue, which is situated just south of Vienna, missed out hasn’t dampened their enthusiasm as they continue to improve. Aiming to become one of the top 10 courses in Europe, the scale and magnitude of the resort is evident with the superb clubhouse overlooking a huge man-made lake – it’s so big they’ve even got a beach for its members! Inevitably some of the best holes on the 18-hole course involve this feature, with the closing par five involving an intimidating tee shot over the water, and then back towards the putting surface. A player needs to be striking the ball exceptionally well to walk away with a good score on this hole, but that’s the case on most of the holes on this challenging course.
Adamstal
Panorama
Whilst Fontana continue to move with the times, they’re not the only Austrian venue willing to show their initiative, as Diamond Golf Club proved in 2018 when they held the Shot Clock Masters on the European Tour. In the first tournament in professional golf to use a shot clock on every shot as part of a bid to combat slow play, the event was hailed as a massive success. But considering the challenging layout at Diamond involved the pros trying to avoid water on each of the 18 holes, the potential for the decision to backfire against them in dramatic and controversial circumstances was very real. It didn’t, which is great credit to everyone involved. Whilst Diamond is quite flat, there will be some golfers who may prefer
Fontana
the wonderful Austrian scenery associated with the Sound of Music, in which case an hour’s drive to the south west of Vienna to play Adamstal is highly recommended. This Challenge Tour venue is one of the most picturesque layouts in the country with spectacular views of the hillside on several tight and twisting holes. Golf holiday packages to Prague and Vienna are available with all good UK golf tour operators. For more information please visit: www.central-europe-golf.com
USEFUL LINKS www.greensgate.cz www.albatross.cz www.panoramagolf.cz www.countryclub.at www.adamstal.at www.fontana.at www.cgta.cz www.czechtourism.com www.golfandvienna.com www.central-europe-golf.com
Petersfield GOLF CLUB
We extend a very warm welcome to members, societies and visitors alike. Petersfield Golf Club is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty and is easy to reach from most areas. The 6,437 yard gently undulating course is a jewel in the South Downs National Park. It meanders its way through delightful countryside with some outstanding views. With USGA designed greens and free draining fairways, it offers all-year-round play and a true test of golf for all levels of golfer. Our modern and spacious clubhouse affords superb views from every window, with our extensive balcony overlooking the 18th green. These fine facilities with excellent cuisine enable the club to offer exceptional value for society and corporate golf days.
T: +44 1730 895165 • E: admin@petersfieldgolfclub.co.uk • www.petersfieldgolfclub.co.uk Tankerdale Lane, Hants, Petersfield GU33 7QY
GOLF BREAKS
La Gomera THE MAGIC OF
The island of La Gomera is not just an island, it´s a treasure, one of seven that make up the Canary Islands.
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athed by the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the island of La Gomera is an idyllic paradise of subtropical climate between the Africa continent and Spain. Further south in this paradise, hidden among beautiful and magical gardens, crowning the quiet town of Playa Santiago and at the top of a cliff, you will find a true Eden – Hotel Jardín Tecina. Hotel Jardín Tecina is a resort with 434 rooms around a botanical garden of 70,000 square metres. Five pools, beach club with salt pool water and three restaurants (Italian, Peruvian
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and international), Spa Ahemon (+16 years old), mini-golf, tennis courts, main restaurant (buffet), Restaurante Gara (Canarian Enogastronomy) and Tasca Fandango (Spanish and Canary Island roots) fitness room, kids club, daily and evening activities. Wi-fi free. Five minutes from Hotel Jardín Tecina you will find Tecina Golf, one of the top 10 golf courses in Spain. On the top of a cliff, with exceptional views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Teide. Tecina Golf is designed by one of the best golf courses architects nowadays, Donald Steel, which gives the space an ideal, versatile and comfortable way to play, a piece of art made for players enjoyment. Thanks to the hands of experts and modern technology, Steel has managed to create a world class golf course, made to enjoy your game. The course is unique in that it plays, rather like a ski run, all of the way down a dramatically sloping hillside (there is 175m of elevation change from top to bottom), providing the golfer with an almost continuously downhill golfing
experience. This means every hole has sea views, a claim that not many other courses around the world can match.
READER OFFER 18 holes overlooking the sea • Hotel Jardín Tecina**** from 01/03/2019 – 14/04/2019. • 7 nights in a double standard room with half board (room upgrade subject to availability). • 5 green fees of 18 Holes on Tecina Golf. • Return passenger ferry tickets from Los Cristianos in Tenerife to San Sebastian in La Gomera with Fred Olsen Express. • 890e per person (total stay). Minimum 2 persons. Rates valid for bookings made before 31/01/2019 For bookings email: Tecinagolfcc@fredolsen.es www.jardin-tecina.com
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Alresford Golf Club
GOLF SOCIETY DATES 2019 Bookings available in January, February or March Beautiful downland course ideal for your society day with prices from £31.95 including coffee & bacon roll on arrival T: 01962 733746 E: secretary@alresfordgolf.co.uk Visit our website at www.alresfordgolf.co.uk Alresford Golf Club | Cheriton Road | Tichborne Down | Alresford | Hampshire | SO24 0PN
The birthplace of the Ryder Cup
Est.
1896
CAME DOWN GOLF CLUB
HOTEL
HOTEL
• Listed in Golf World and Golf Monthly as one of Britain’s top 100 hidden gems
• Memberships available for all ages and abilities • Societies and visitors always welcome
Please call or email for further information Higher Came, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8NR T: 01305 813494 E: manager@camedowngolfclub.co.uk
www.camedowngolfclub.co.uk
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GOLF CLUB
GOLF CLUB
FITNESS SUITE
FITNESS SUITE
A Course not to be missed when you visit Cornwall
HOT
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GOL
LU F C
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01208 262570 golf@lanhydrockhotel.com www.lanhydrockhotel.com Lanhydrock Hotel and Golf Club | Bodmin | Cornwall | PL30 5AQ
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PRODUCTS
PRAK-TIS... The ‘must have’ easy to use left or right handed alignment and set up guides
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he Prak-tis kit contains extremely visual multi-purpose practice guides in the form of two separate aids. One is created to help you perfect every shot in the bag from your driver through to wedge play, chipping, pitching and bunker shots the second is your putting.Prak-tis lays flat on the ground and has an ingenious and unique vertical and horizontal system that once you have chosen a club it will guide you into the perfect set-up. There is a recommended distance from ball ‘zones’, rule for you to use to help with your preferred distance from the ball. You then simply set-up following the appropriate width of stance and foot angles provided. However, should the preference be to record your precise measurement in numbers there is an option to use the additional ‘Pro Prak-tis’ vertical and horizontal rules which have inch increments to bespoke your own blue print, set-up thus ensuring you always find your exact ‘perfect’ position. Prak-tis putting aid again lays flat and has three main functions, reading the green, the path of your stroke and your consistent set-up. It’s supplied as
a template with a cut-out channel so that you are always putting on the green ensuring you start your putt on your desired path. It has been designed with a 13 degree arc, the preference of the world’s leading putters. Being guided by the arc is as simple as it is compelling to follow. The arc also has lines set square to it so you can check your putter face is square to the arc. It also has reference numbers that allow you to verify that your back stroke and follow through are appropriate in length. There are strategically placed tee holes that can be used for a variety of practice drills that are illustrated on the packaging – similar to the long game, to ensure that you can always find your optimal set-up rules are provided, thus always standing the same distance from the ball, ball position and width of stance. Two ‘dummy’ holes to hone your distance control are also in your pack. One is designed for players who like to ‘dead weight’ their putts and the other whose preference is to run their ball 18 inches or so past.
For green reading there are nine small white discs, BECOME these can be placed A BETTER as an arc to follow & MORE on breaking putts or CONSISTENT used as `gates’ to putt GOLFER through as your ball tracks to the hole. Everything in the Prak-tis pack is suitable for beginners to tour professionals of any gender from the youngest junior to oldest senior citizen. Prak-tis comes with easy to use instructions, tips and drills. However, by viewing www.prak-tis.com you will find numerous ways to maximise the potential of your training aid. New footage is regularly uploaded for faults and fixes and additional drills. The putting kit fits neatly into the large pocket of your golf bag and the longer measurement rules hang inside your bag on a buckle that is provided. Prak-tis is created and designed by renowned European Tour coach Jeremy Bennett, a former European Tour player himself. Jeremy has coached multiple major winners including Sir Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer and Sandy Lyle along with Rory McIlroy for two years in Team Faldo. One of the players Jeremy currently coaches is the 59 shooter, Oliver Fisher. Jeremy has also been National Coach to England and Wales. Prak-tis retails at £39.95 and can be bought on the Prak-tis website www.prak-tis.com
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SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
TRIED & TESTED
SHS HEATED JACKET W
ith the winter months now in full swing, I had already pulled out the thermal layers but with temperatures plummeting to below zero it was time to up my game when it comes to staying warm on the course, so I decided to invest in an SHS heated jacket. My concerns initially were whether or not it would impede my game and get in the way of my swing, but the jacket
is both lightweight and thin which means you cant really feel you are wearing it. It heats both back and front so your whole core feels the benefit and if its raining it will fit nicely underneath your waterproof jacket. The sizes do come up large so I would recommend buying a size smaller than you normally wear. The heat is amazing. It comes with various settings so you can adjust it depending on what temperature require and if you switch it off completely it takes very little time to heat back up. The jacket requires a USB Power Bank 2.1 Amp, 5Volt which I managed to pick up online for ÂŁ15. I would highly recommend this for the winter months. A necessity for the winter that I will now not be without.
TRIED & TES TED
co
ew d d n an ym an gth ing g brstrenndition
Discover The Famous Nine at the award winning
Gwel an Mor Resort in Cornwall
A new and unique 9 hole course, inspired by the most famous holes at legendary golf courses around the world. With all weather greens and sea views, the course is open year round and will be a highlight of your next Cornwall golf tour. *One night’s stay in a lakeside lodge for two people starts from only £105 including one round of golf.
Leaving school this year? Sport (Golf) Level 3 Diploma
Develop practical skills and expert knowledge in a competitive environment, preparing you for a career in the golf industry. You will learn about anatomy and physiology, fitness training and programming, fitness testing, sports coaching, sports performance and more. The College has excellent links with an adjoining 18-hole golf course, and you will benefit from coaching by professional club coaches, PGA professionals and professional players.
Come to our Course Information Events: ▶ Saturday 9 February 2019, 10am-1pm ▶ Thursday 21 March 2019, 5.30-8pm
*Quote F92019 when booking. Offer applies to new bookings only for 2019 – Offer expires 1st June 2019
www.gwelanmor.com 01209 842354
Pre-register or apply online at: www.merristwood.ac.uk For more information call: 01483 88 40 40 Merrist Wood College Holly Lane Worplesdon Surrey GU3 3PE
The Famous Nine at Landal Gwel an Mor Resort, Portreath, TR16 4PE
2472_GAM_Surreygolf_Advert_4.indd 1
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THE ROYAL HOTEL ELGIN
SET IN THE BEAUTIFUL KENT COUNTRYSIDE LESS THAN 20 MINS FROM THE M25
3 COURSES – 18 HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP, 9 HOLE PRINCES & 18 HOLE BOLEYN SUMMER GOLF DAYS FROM £44.00pp
The Royal Hotel & Restaurant is situated in Elgin town centre in Moray, near the train station. Guests can benefit from: c Free Wi-Fi c Hotel parking c Unique accommodation with flat-screen TV and en-suite bathroom c Local distilleries
c A wide range of places of interest to visit c A variety of sporting activities c Championship golf courses with reduced green fees c and much more.
+44 (0)134 354 2320 • royalhotelelgin@btconnect.com www.theroyalhotelelgin.co.uk Station Road, Elgin, Moray IV30 1QW
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SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
BASINGSTOKE GOLF CLUB Enjoy Basingstoke’s most established members golf club • Classic James Braid parkland golf course • We welcome societies and visitors • Special Winter rates for societies. Contact us now quoting this advert.
Welcome to the The Golf Shop at Basingstoke Golf Club
MALONE GOLF CLUB Stunning parkland golf course located just 5 miles from Belfast city centre • Considered by many to be the best ‘old style’ parkland course in Northern Ireland
The Basingstoke Golf Team are leading stockists for Srixon, Cleveland and Ping, offering excellent custom fit and after sales services to all visitors.
• 27 hole facility with green fees to suit all budgets
Green fees are most welcome from Monday to Friday, with our friendly golf team looking forward to welcoming you and ensuring you have a memorable time during your visit to our wonderful course.
For more information contact Carl Crown (PGA Professional) or a member of our golf team on: 01256 351 332
Tel: 01256 465990 (Office) 01256 351332 (Professional) www.basingstokegolfclub.co.uk
• Host venue of the Vagliano Trophies in 2015 and many other championships over the years • Mature 330 acre estate, with a magnificent 180 year old main clubhouse building
In any 19th hole discussion attempting to determine the accolade of a supreme inland course in Ireland, it is perfectly understandable that there will be a case for the claims of Malone Golf Club. Not much argument is really required for, truth to tell, the gently rolling summertime tapestry of mature wood, restful lake and blaze of flowers sets it quite apart. John Redmond, Great Golf Courses of Ireland
MALONE GOLF CLUB 240 Upper Malone Road, Belfast, BT17 9LB T: 02890 612758 E: manager@malonegolfclub.co.uk
www.malonegolfclub.co.uk
Golf Villa COSTA DEL GOLF
FROM €799 c 7 nights + breakfast c 5 green fees with buggy c Holiday car (pick up Malaga Airport) c Private putting green and chipping mats
THE LITHIUM SPECIALISTS c Heated pool with jetstream c Sauna c 80 mbps wifi, smart & Apple TV c German beer (Warsteiner) on tap
For more information or to book, please call our event manager on 0034 697 867225 or email us at marbella.golf.villa@gmail.com www.marbellagolfvilla.com
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
topcaddy@btconnect.com | topcaddy.co.uk | 01236879815
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PRODUCTS
After rigorous testing of the Mojoband, highly respected PGA coach and sports scientist Mark Bull, concluded: “Although small, wearing the Mojoband has shown to statistically increase peak pelvis acceleration, peak thorax acceleration and peak club head speed.”
I
ronically, professional sportsmen and women are known to be some of the most superstitious people on the planet...and golfers are no exception. From rejecting ‘unlucky’ yellow tees, to wearing only certain colours, the quirks and rituals of the world’s most magnificent players are well documented. Increasingly, however – with the development of sophisticated, scientific software – reaching peak performance is steeped more in fact than fantasy, these days. That’s why Mojo Europe asked one of the games leading field experts, Mark Bull, to test its long-established Mojoband for the golfing market. Unlike other sporting wristbands, Mojoband does not contain magnets or negative ions, but works solely using the body’s bio-electrical field. While the product has a decade’s worth of solid testimonials from worldclass equestrians and athletes, its distributor, Mojo Europe, continues to invest in researching the benefits of its flagship product. Before unveiling Mojoband to the golf world, Mojo Europe wanted the product to be put through its paces by an expert. Highly regarded PGA coach and consultant in biomechanics, 3D motion capture and movement science – Mark Bull – seemed the obvious choice. His knowledge and expertise means Mark was perfectly placed to head up an independent, scientific study on the Mojoband, to establish its potential impact on a golfer’s game. And he insisted on knowing nothing about the project before the tests were conducted. Fifty volunteers took part in the double blind test, meaning the bands were attached to the participant by a third party, with neither the researcher nor
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READY TO GET YOUR
MOJO? Individual participants mean peak pelvis acceleration
Individual participants mean peak thorax acceleration
participant knowing if a band had been attached to their back area. Participants were recruited from local golf clubs, by word of mouth and from the clientele of local professional golf coaches. The breakdown consisted of 48 right hand and two left hand participants consisting of 49 males and one female. Bull3D motion capture was used in this study; this transformed the raw sensor data into anatomical segmental data. The participants hit five golf shots wearing both the Mojoband and no band in a random order. Most interestingly, Mojo Europe’s own research has found that bands can take up to four weeks to reach maximum effect, yet this independent research produced positive collective group mean
results in participants who wore the band for under two minutes. In summing up, the independent report suggested results could be improved further with longer-term testing. Bull’s report concludes: “When wearing the Mojoband, participants showed a statistically significant increase in peak pelvis acceleration and club head speed compared to no band. Although the gains were small, they were considered of statistical significance.” Mojobands come in a huge range of designs and colours – and cost £35 per band. For more information, visit: www.mojoeurope.com
SURREY GOLF MAGAZINE
BALANCE IS JUST THE
BEGINNING
After 10 years, Mojo Europe are leading the field and being worn by some of the top athletes in the world – from No.1 in the world equestrians, Olympic gold medal winners to cage fighters and Grand National winning horses. Mojo Europe were performance enhancement specialist winners 2010 and are now entering the world of golf having completed a 50 person double blind study by PGA professional Mark Bull who used the latest 3D technology resulting in a statistical significant difference. In 2019 Mojo Europe will be working more with Mark Bull for further testing.
Slow Gold Ltd | Mojo Europe | 28 New Road | Porthcawl | South Wales | CF36 5DN
www.mojoeurope.com | 01656 746984
The Mojo Elite wristband is waterproof and comes with a six month warranty. RRP ÂŁ35.00
For those looking to drive somewhere different
Play & Stay in France from £105pp Enjoy a great value spring golf break playing on some of the finest crowd-free courses in Brittany or Normandy. Sailing from Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth, you’ll arrive that much closer to the courses, meaning less time at the wheel and more time to enjoy the golf. Our Golf Desk will look after the travel, hotel and tee-time arrangements – all you have to do is pack you clubs in the car and enjoy your break! Travel until 31 March 2019.
Your break includes:
✓ Return sailings with your car including overnight cabin
✓ One night’s hotel stay with breakfast ✓ Two rounds of golf ✓ The freedom to mix and match hotels, courses and ferry routes to suit your plans
Call 0330 159 5418 email golfdesk@brittanyferries.com or visit brittanyferries.com/golf Prices shown are per person based on 4 travelling together in a standard sized car and sharing a cabin and twin rooms. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply - see website for details.