Tee Times Golf Magazine, April 2019

ISSUE 215 | Apr 2019 | Tel: 01329 834360 | Email: peter.teetimes@gmail.com | www.teetimesgolfmagazine.com

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TEE TIMES 3

Roaring That’s U.S. golfers ANDhowTHE WINNER IS. . . McIlroy!

INSIDE

Reflecting on a marvellous Masters: Justin Rose, Hampshire’s favourite golfing son, made us so proud as he played his role in one of the tightest but most gentlemanly showdowns in the history of the event

Petulance and Potty Humour

greet the rule changes

The Olympic champion said: “I think it is getting a little out of hand and you’re seeing some guys taking an inordinate amount of time to hit shots and that’s not fair.

“That needs to be aggressively stamped out.”

Golf’s two governing bodies, the R&A and United States Golf Association (USGA) introduced the changes at the start of this year following a longrunning worldwide consultation.

But world number four Thomas described the amendments as “terrible” and claimed the USGA was not communicating with players.

Koepka, current holder of the US Open and US PGA Championship titles, believes rules should be made by professional tours and not officials at the USGA and R&A. But PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan stressed the ongoing conversation around rule changes is a “collaborative process”.

He told the hissy-fit professionals: “Use your voice constructively” Mr Monahan said there had already been “positive outcomes” and said Well played, mate: At the end and it was “important to Masters acknowledge the course, Rose and Garcia were we are not aton the finish line yet. sporting gentlemen During this process, we put forward a lengthy list of recommendations to improve the rules in many ways, including the removal of numerous penalties, and virtually all our suggestions were incorporated.”

GOLF SPORTSMANSHIP The “toilet drop”: How Rickie Fowler chose to comment

At that moment, the behaviours and norms of the royal and ancient sport NORTH Hants Golf Club in Fleet will have oftogolf to have taken back findseemed some more space in itsa Justin seat.

Rose Room to record the continuing exploits of theworld county’s favourite Rickie Fowler, number seven, golfing son. squatted on a golf course and dropped a ball as if from his bottom.

Room will be found for mementoes of the This drop” was his 2017so-called Masters to“toilet be placed alongside those of Rose’s U.S.way Openoftriumph in 2013 and his 21st century protesting about Olympic GolfinGold. something the rules with which he did not agree.

But while Rose was pipped at Augusta by The world’s have now Sergio Garcia,top thegolfers inevitable disappointment been “use your voice by a for histold fanstowas counterbalanced display of skill andassportsmanship constructively” players and which was a credit to bodies both men, and to a sport which governing continued to clash still prides itself on honesty and fairness. over the new rules.

American Brooks Justin Yes, the final round Koepka, between these two Ryder

Thomas and Fowler have been particularly critical of changes introduced with the aim of speeding up play.

They include dropping the ball from knee height and banning caddies from lining putts.

Fowler was penalised for dropping from shoulder height after shanking out of bounds in Mexico, then performing a “toilet drop” in the next event in Palm Beach.

There has been support for the changes from several big-name players, including Hampshire’s world number two, Justin Rose (see below).

Cup titans was bound to be emotional. Rose was edging his way towards a second Major, and Garcia was trying to secure his first on the very day which would have been the Notbirthday all of of the 60th hisgame’s hero, Seveleading Ballesteros.

… but Europeans offer support

cup, says they had “extensive players have trashed the new input” in the process.

But the overriding emotion for spectators of rules.

Hampshire superstar Justin the final round was the way these two Denmark’s who led Rose says slow play needs Europeans foughtBjorn, the fight.

Europe to victory in last to be “aggressively stamped Inyear’s the finalRyder round, they were toe-to-toethe rivals out”, while fellow Englishman Cup, believes but not opponents, supremely competitive governing bodies did listen to Matt Fitzpatrick added it was yet gentlemanly, acknowledging each other’s views players.or a nod. “ridiculous” the governing skills with from a knuckle-touch bodies were “getting so much Ireland’s Harrington, who will abuse”. skipper Europe in the next • Turn to Page 4

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We meet the 10th tee hell four Majors in the With hound bag and a very happy bank Bus Pass manager, you16would think Golfer – Page

Rory McIlroy already has a pretty Philip’simpressive second spellCV. as Hants PGA skipper

But the 29-year-old Northern – Page 16 Irishman said after his superb victory at the Players Hampshire at Sawgrass: Championship Jenny’s “My best golf is yet to come.”

lifetime

A accolade storming back nine16gave him a – Page one-stroke victory over Jim Furyk, along with a $2,250,000 payday.

Was this

golf’s worst injustice ever?

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PLUS 2 Course Reviews this month!

Bird Hills Golf Centre - page 14-15 Ervine the cricketer: Romsey GolfA long-time Club star for Hampshire - page 19-22

Claiming his first PGA title in a year, he became the first UK golfer since Sandy Lyle in 1987 to win what has been called “the fifth Major”.

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TEE TIMES | April 2019 3

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Roaring Passion? My great strength McIlroy! and my biggest weakness From Page 3

“I want to again say I’m sorry. What happened is not an example I want to set, and it’s not who I truly am.”

Sergio Garcia says his behaviour before being disqualified from the Saudi International was “not who I truly am”.

The 2017 Masters Champion was kicked out of the tournament for serious misconduct after damaging greens during his third round.

“I want to again say I’m sorry to my fans and fellow competitors,” said the 39-year-old Spaniard. What happened is not an example I want to set, and it’s not who I truly am.”

Garcia added in a post on social media. “I am an emotional player and, while I believe that’s one of my biggest strengths, it’s also one of my biggest flaws.

“I’m focused on working hard to channel that emotion the correct way and to be the best me, learn from it and move forward. Thanks for all the support.”

Leading up to his disqualification, Garcia appeared to be angry about the way a bunker had been raked, and then seemed unable to calm down. Putting a whole new slant on the golfing term “hacker”, he walked the course holding a club and scuffing or gouging no fewer than five greens.

He became the first player on the European Tour to be disqualified under Rule 1.2a , which reads: ”Players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by acting with integrity, showing consideration to others and taking good care of the course”.

A million for me but how much for the caddie?

Matt Kuchar has apologised and said he would pay a temporary caddie in full after the star’s apparent Scrooge-like decision over pay.

World number 22 Kuchar collected a winner’s cheque for $1.3m (£1.01m) at the Mayakoba Golf Classic.

The American defended his decision to pay $5,000 (£3,900) to local caddie David Ortiz, who stepped in for regular caddie John Wood.

Caddies can usually expect to receive up to 10% depending on their arrangement with the player.

Ortiz is reported to have asked for $50,000 (about £39,000), rather than 10% of the first prize.

Kuchar was reported heckled in the first round of a later tournament after word got round about the disagreement and the player’s statement that he would “not lose any sleep” over the growing criticism.

4 TEE TIMES | April 2019

He said: “I made comments that were out of touch and insensitive, making a bad situation worse.

“That is not who I am and not what I want to represent.

In this situation, I have not lived up to those values or to the expectations I’ve set for myself.

Kuchar’s regular caddie John Wood said: “I don’t understand the need to tear down a guy who has spent his career trying to uphold the game and himself to some pretty high standards.

“Nobody’s perfect. All we can do when a mistake is made is reconsider, apologise and make amends.”

McIlroy said: “I’ve started the second phase of my career. I’ve learned a lot in the last 10-11 years and feel I can make the next 10-11 years even better.

“It’s a massive win on a course on which I’ve had mixed results. I had to show a lot of character out there.

“I’m just really proud of myself the way I played the last few holes.

“I kept telling myself on the way to the 17th tee, just make three more good swings, that’s all you need to do and this thing is yours.

“To step up and make those three good swings, it’s very satisfying knowing that it’s in there when it needs to be.”

The next big test will be this month’s Masters. “If I go to Augusta with a similar game and attitude then I think I’ve got a great chance.”

McIlroy, who started the day one shot behind third-round leader John Rahm, finished 16 under par after a closing two-under 70.

He has now finished in the top six in all six of his 2019 events.

His first victory as a professional came at the Dubai Desert Classic in February 2009 and he went on to win his four Majors within a spell of just over three years between June 2011 and August 2014. McIlroy will be aiming for his first Major in nearly five years at Augusta. Victory would make him only the sixth player to complete the modern era career Grand Slam of Masters, Open Championship, US Open and US PGA Championship titles. He has 24 wins overall as a professional.

Victory on St Patrick’s Day in Florida saw him join a select band of Europeans - Martin Kaymer (2014), Henrik Stenson (2009), Sergio Garcia (2008) and Sandy Lyle (1987) - to win at Sawgrass.

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DAVIS WINS GOLF DIRECTOR AWARD PGA AWARDS Rodney Davis, manager of the PlayGolf Centre at Bournemouth and one of the region’s most notable former players, has been named West Region PGA’s golf director of the year certificate, writes Peter Godsiff.

He also received his certificate of golf management theory as did Sam Barton (Haverfordwest) and Dan Balsdon (Bovey Castle).

Emma Brown from The Kendleshire, who has been raising money for charities for many years, has been named the development professional of the year by the West Region PGA. Emma, her club’s teaching professional, originally from Upavon Golf Club in Wiltshire, was also runner-up in the national Toby Sunderland charity award last year. She is now a ASQ level 3 coach.

The presentations were made at the region’s annual meeting at Woodbury Park Golf Club in Devon.

Last year she formed a group of disadvantaged

children from four schools in the South Gloucestershire area to form the Kendleshire Kids Foundation. She also has plans to set up her own charitable foundation.

Simon Shanks from Bowood became the PGA West coach of the year for the third time after success in 2013 and again in 2017.

Once again his claim was boosted by the EuropeanTour. In addition to helping his Bowood protégé Jordan Smith continue his impressive rise up the European Tour rankings he also benefited from a coaching trip to Qatar 12 months ago.

There he linked up with Eddie Pepperell from Abingdon who won that week and went on to enjoy a phenomenal 2018. He followed by winning the British Masters, was sixth at The Open on his way to finishing the 14th on the European Tour race to Dubai winning more than £2 million.

Morlais Castle professional Sion Bebb was the captain’s player of the year after winning the order of merit and enjoying yet another successful season. He came close to winning a

European senior’s tour card as well.

West women’s champion Jessica Bradley, who moved from Tiverton to Saunton later in the season, won the Nigel Blenkarne Award as the best trainee. She also became the first year TGI player of the year.

Cumberland Park’s Alex Jacobs, last year‘s winner, maintained his in progress by taking the second year award while Kieron Fowler from Lyme Regis won the third year honours.

Nigel Wixon, the Enmore Pak professional, was voted the PGA Professional of the year.

He has immersed himself in club duties for 47 years. He was a club captain in 2009 and plays regularly in the seniors teams.

“It was a complete surprise and it’s a great honour for me and the club,” he said.

Kevin Pitts, the former Woodspring and Mendip club professional, is the charity fund raiser of the year. He raised £12,000 from a special golf day at Farrington Park as a thank-you gift to Bristol Royal Infirmary staff who have been nursing him through his battle with cancer.

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Richard has just returned from 4 years working in the golf sector in the Middle East, where he was based in Dubai; “The magic surrounding the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club, the stunning coral reefs of Oman or the piercing blue ocean on Saadiyat Island are just a few of the regions gems that are waiting to be discovered.”

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TEE TIMES | April 2019 9

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HOW BREXIT HITS THE OPEN The long shadow of Brexit uncertainty has fallen over golf’s oldest and most important annual event.

The Open is being played at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland – a location at the centre of political negotiations over the so-called Irish backstop.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers has revealed he has had “significant concerns” caused by the uncertainty about the Irish border after Brexit.

Mr Slumbers said the organisers “will make it happen” but admitted he will be happy when the tournament is over.

The Northern Ireland course will stage The Open for the first time since 1951 from 18-21 July.

Mr Slumbers told the BBC: “We as a management team have spent a lot of time looking at contingencies and what we need to do.”

Tickets for the championship days at the County Antrim venue have already sold out.

The decision to take the event to Portrush was announced in October 2015 - eight months before the referendum on the UK leaving the European Union.

As negotiations continued, there was growing uncertainty over

The R&A’s Martin Slumbers at Royal Liverpool, where The Open will be staged in 2022

We will make it happen, but we’ll be glad when it’s over – R&A boss the backstop clause on keeping an open border on the island of Ireland, and golf’s governing body has been juggling with permutations.

“We are concerned that we start building in April,” said Mr Slumbers. “What will be the situation? Will there be any border or not? We need some certainty. we need to know what rules we need to comply with.

“We have developed multiple contingency plans. We’ve advanced some, deferred others, but like every business we’re trying to work contingency plans into an uncertain environment.

“We’ll make it happen though. In hindsight, would I be wanting to do Portrush in the year that we would be potentially leaving the European Union without a deal?

No. The future of the border is the

number one concern. We have over 2,000 containers, some from as far afield as the Middle East, to get across the Irish Sea and we start building.

“We have engagement with ministers and Parliament but the concern is all around certainty.

If you know the rules you’re playing by then you can play, you optimise what you’ve got.

“The problem is we don’t know whether to reschedule to bring all our containers in through Dublin (Republic of Ireland), whether to move them through Belfast (Northern Ireland), whether to ship them out of the UK now. It doesn’t threaten the staging, we will make it happen. It’s just more complex than we anticipated.

For the insiders it’s a bit harder but for everyone outside it won’t impact at all, they won’t notice.”

Oz format ‘a blueprint for the pro game’ The format of this year’s Vic Open in Australia is being praised as the future of golf.

BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter, a highly respected pundit, described the tournament as “easily the most constructive blueprint for professional golf’s future”. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, he wrote.

Irishman Paul Dunne, the 2017 winner of the British Masters, described it as “a groundbreaking event”.

The state sponsored European Tour event was played over two courses at Barwon Heads near Geelong in Victoria had 156 male competitors and 156 female golfers sharing alternate tee times for the first two days.

As former US Open winner Geoff Ogilvy commented, “it makes sense. They are ticking every box and the field is getting better every year because of that.”

There were no ropes holding back spectators, who are encouraged to walk behind groups and enjoy the perspective of watching down the line of shots rather than from the side.

Andrew “Beef” Johnstone tweeted: “Love having the no ropes and the crowd out on the course with me, golf in Ozzie rules!”

Former European Tour player turned course designer, commentator and writer, Michael Clayton, believes the feel-good factor will become contagious.

Battling Billy in England’s awesome foursome Hampshire’s Billy McKenzie was part of the England team which came from 10 shots back to win the team trophy at the African Amateur Stroke Play Championship at Leopard Creek.

The quartet of David Langley, Joe Long, Rowlands Castle’s McKenzie and Tom Plumb pipped the defending champions and the home favourites, GolfRSA Juniors.

England finished on six-under for the three rounds of the team competition, one shot clear of their South African rivals.

Highlights of their play included fiveunder 67s on day two from Plumb and McKenzie, followed by 68 from Langley on the final day and Long’s 67, which pulled them over the line.

10 TEE TIMES | April 2019

Meanwhile, the Juniors struggled on the homeward stretch with missed opportunities and a rush of bogeys.

Long said: “We knew we had a huge gap to close on the GolfRSA Juniors, but with three scores to count, anything could happen. Leopard Creek had taken a fair amount of scalps over the first two days, so we went into the final round with patience and a positive approach”.

The English boys were on a monthlong tour of South Africa, and Long said: “We were absolutely delighted with the win.”

From the left: victorious quartet David Langley, Joe Long, Billy McKenzie and Tom Plumb. Image courtesy of GolfRSA

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The Vale Resort

best golf hotel in Wales for second year running 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.

The 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’.

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.

12 TEE TIMES | April 2019

“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.”

About the Vale Resort • The independent 4-star Vale Resort includes a 143-bedroom hotel, 13-suite conference facility, restaurants & champagne bar, award-winning golf courses, leisure and sports facilities, and a five-bubble spa.

• In 1994, the family-owned retail company Leekes took ownership of the local golf club at Hensol. They proceeded to develop the club into the worldclass Vale Resort set in over 650 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside.

• The Vale Resort, 3 miles off junction 34 of the M4, is six miles outside Cardiff City Centre and only 2 hours from London.

• In 2017, the Vale Resort in south Wales invested more than £400,000 in state-of-theart golf course and greens equipment. It purchased 16 new high-tech John Deere cutters and mowers to enhance the condition of both the Wales National Golf Course and the Lake Golf Course for its 550plus members and thousands of visitors.

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WATERLOOVILLE GOLF CLUB Up to 3 months FREE Join today and receive up to three months free and a reduced joining fee There has never been a better time to join Waterlooville GC. Following recent approval by the members, the club is due to undertake some significant improvement projects on the course.

As a member you will be able to enjoy the 18-hole Championship golf course, fantastic social atmosphere, discounted food and beverage and reciprocal golf at 15 other golf clubs. With regular roll-ups, competitions and social events you will make many life-long friends which is why it really is a Club for Life To join Waterlooville Golf Club, call 023 9266 3388 or email secretary@waterloovillegolfclub.co.uk

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Nelly keeps the family flag flying

It’s raining money on Euro Tour The biggest prize in golf awaits the winner of the European Tour’s seasonending event in Dubai in November.

The winner will net $3m (£2.3m), an increase of $1.67m on the amount won by Englishman Danny Willett last year.

Bigger purse even than Danny Willett’s last year Part of the Korda clan: Nelly, left, and Jessica

Nelly Korda kept up her family’s notable run of sporting success in Australia with victory in the Women’s Australian Open in Adelaide.

America’s Korda, daughter of former tennis player Petr Korda who won the 1998 Australian Open men’s singles title, finished on 17 under par, two clear of South Korea’s Ko Jin-young.

Her sister Jessica also won the golf Australian Open in 2012 while her brother Sebastian won the tennis junior singles title last year.

The 20-year-old took a three-shot lead into the final round at The Grange and shot a five-underpar 67 to win. England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff finished in a tie for eighth on nine under.

Meanwhile, defending champion Michelle Wie was “absolutely gut-wrenched” after having to pull out of the Women’s World Championship in Singapore.

She failed to complete the first round because of a recurring wrist problem.

Wie, who had surgery on the injury in October, said an MRI scan this time showed “nerve entrapment”.

“I made the decision on 15 to withdraw because at that point, I was unable to lift the club,” said the 29-year-old.

“After getting surgery, I had it in my mind that I was going to be completely pain free when I came back to Asia to defend my title.

Tiger: Rory’s my buddy

Skipper Stricker

Fourteen-time Major winner Tiger Woods has praised Rory McIlroy as “a great kid”.

Steve Stricker will captain the United States as they try to reclaim the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in 2020.

Woods, 43, said of the Irishman: “He’s a great kid, with unbelievable parents, and we have got close over the years.” (the “kid” is 29 and has won four Majors).

“I’ve always enjoyed playing with Rory - I’ve always enjoyed watching him play, how he has developed, and the amount of tournaments he has won, yet he’s still learning and developing.

“There’s a lot of wins ahead of him but I’ve enjoyed being a part of watching him mature on the Tour and getting to know him a lot closer.”

16 TEE TIMES | April 2019

The 51-year-old was on the winning side as a player in 2008, but also played in the 2010 and 2012 losses to Europe.

He was selected as a vice-captain last year

by Jim Furyk, as the US lost 17½-10½ at Le Golf National in France, their seventh defeat since 1999.

Padraig Harrinton has already been chosen as Europe’s skipper.

The aim is to encourage more big name players to complete the Race to Dubai, the BBC reported.

Last year world number one Justin Rose skipped the tournament at Jumeirah Golf Estates because he had no chance of overhauling Francesco Molinari for the overall Race to Dubai title.

World No 1 Justin Rose skipped the Race last year

Only two players, Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood, still had the opportunity of winning the seasonlong money list by the time players arrived in the Middle East for the closing event.

The overall prize fund remains at $8m (£6.2m) but the field will be cut from 60 to the top 50 on the money list. The distribution of the prize money will be top loaded to provide the sport’s largest winner’s cheque for an individual tournament.

It is one of a series of changes announced by the European Tour for the climax of 2019 season.

There are also significant increases for finishing first at the Turkish Airlines Open and South Africa’s Nedbank Challenge.

The champion in Turkey will take home $2m and the following week at Sun City the winner will collect $2.5m.

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “Race to Dubai points and bonus pool dividend are designed to increase the excitement around the end of the season, as well as encourage greater top player participation in our final three events.”

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TT APRIL 2017 Issue 191_Layout 1 20/03/2017 18:40 Page 12

12 TEE TIMES

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ROMSEY JUNIORS ARE RUNNERS UP in the World of Ladies Golf IN HOME NATIONS FINAL, PORTUGAL!

WHATS HOT OR NOT Your Monthly Blog by

Claire Kane

Golf through The penalty when Sat go wrong theNavs Ages How many of us have naively followed our Sat Navs and ended up rumbling down a narrow lane or worse still, hit a dead end?

In the early days of Sat Navs I drove a car full of golfers to a club I’d never previously visited. No problem, I thought, I’ll just tap in the post code and it’ll take me straight to the door. The journey started well with ‘Sat Nav man’ jabbering away, telling me to turn this way and that way but one of my fellow passengers was not It’s interesting to compare miserable out partner. consider it far more impressed with the newthetechnology, pointing sheThey always relied on a differences between someone starting important to have a good day out with mates good old fashioned map.

In my innocence, I defended my new gadget, out playing golf and an experienced on a pleasant but forgiving course. confident thetwilight talkinggolfing mapyears. would come up trumps. How wrong I was, golfer in their because we ended up by the Green Keepers’ with absolutely no BeginnersShed can sometimes struggle with For are keen to playwas. as Embarrassingly, long carries and dog-legs duetotodouble clueinstance, wherenewbies the main entrance we had much possible so they’ll in any inexperience and misjudgement. Sadly, back golf andasask someone forplay directions. conditions. Whereas, older golfers are some elderly golfers also fail to cope with As a result of thisonto disappointing I went outlose thetheir nextmuscle day and reluctant to venture the course if theexperience, long carries as they weather’s looking a bitUK dodgy andmap are more power and distance. purchased a new road but interestingly within days, the lady than to while away timeinvested in the in a Sat Nav! whohappy swore by her map clubhouse until the clouds pass by.

New golfers are pretty naïve when it comes Thankfully, the accuracy of satellite navigation has since but improved to course management they gradually greatly, so when I heard about a car ending up in the middle my golf When beginners initially enter competitions learn where to place the ball,of nevertheless, they realiseI was they need morehow lessons they tend to remain bullish and optimistic course, curious thisto could happen. improve their scores. The difference with even when they are in deep trouble.

Allegedly, driveralready was developed blindly following directions fromknow her talking older golfers the is they’ve However, senior golfers precisely map, although knows shetowas to, orif they whatcan’t the techniques but goodness it’s just a question of where where placeheading the ball, even whether their hips, knees or shoulders will always reach it, ormain see it!drive They’re destination she’d punched in. Having driven up the to the cope challenge. experienced realistic know if club,with shethethen went completely off track, drivingand along theenough buggytopath they’ve just played a lousy shot it’s that winds around the clubhouse, before zooming off to the golf course Initially, as a beginner, it can be difficult probably unrecoverable and the chance of and onto a greenkeepers track!

It’s unclear fact,remote. completely puzzling) trying to remember how many shots you’ve scoring (in is pretty what–happened but clearly she chugged on and on until reaching taken let’s face it, next multi-tasking is tricky when you’re hazard so focused striking Beginners soon understand a goodinto partthe of the water byonthe 2nd and hole where she plunged the vehicle tracking the ball.

Interestingly, deep pond – clearly overit’sthenotred line! the pleasure of golf is about friendship but uncommon for elderly golfers to also it’s the senior golfer who appreciates the Now I’ve a number of term balls take ‘good a divefeel’ into thisofparticular ‘mislay’ the seen odd shot due to short factor the constantwater cracks hazard loss. and it’s highly likely the odd golf dipped its wheels memory withtrolley a bunchhas of fellow golfers, regardless they play. into the pond but who’d have thought ofa how ton dire of metal would end up When you’re fresh into golf, you’re keen to perched over the watery edge. sign up for any games, even if you don’t It just shows you that regardless of your age, Luckily wasentering, hurt and despite being Christmas have a clueno-one what you’re or who the benefits of golf areDay, hugethankfully for everyone. you’re Whereasaround the wiser,who oldercame to the rescue. I have no idea thereplaying were with. members golfer slogging if thechooses driver carefully ended toupavoid being late for any Christmas festivities but the over long courses, through soggy meadows Claire Kane incident would certainly have made an entertaining tale over©lunch. or having to climb cardiac hills with a Follow my tales on twitter@golfsnippets © Claire Kane

18 TEE TIMES | April 2019

Golf Academy

After 2 practice rounds the wait was over and Romsey found out who they would be facing in their group stages.

They were drawn with England Home nations champions Cuddington, Bothwell Castle from Scotland and Pyle & Kenfig from Wales.

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Argentario Golf Resort Becomes PGA National Italy The PGA, England, March 2019; The luxurious and picturesque Argentario Golf Resort & Spa (www.argentarioresort.com) has joined The PGA’s growing list of exceptional branded resorts as the ‘PGA National Italy’.

The philosophy of the Argentario Resort revolves around the pursuit of wellness and the respect for the environment.

Located next to Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano and an easy drive from Rome Fiumicino International Airport, the Argentario Resort is surrounded by cork-oak woods and centuries-old olive trees in Tuscany’s Maremma region.

The 6,800-yard par 71 golf course has been awarded ‘BioAgriCert’ and is a GEO certified course participating in their “on course” programme to continuously improve their sustainability. Located in a protected natural area, nestled between the Orbetello Lagoon, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the hillside, the natural surroundings offer a beautiful panorama and create a microclimate that allows golf to be played at any time of the year. For outdoor sports lovers, the resort offers a swimming pool, two tennis and two padel courts, a mini football pitch and jogging trails. Other services include two highly regarded restaurants, two bars and a 2,700 m² spa and wellness centre which includes a fitness centre with Technogym equipment, biosauna with chromotherapy, Kneipp circuit and heated indoor saline swimming pool.

20 TEE TIMES | April 2019

The five-star resort includes 73 rooms and five luxury villas, also with incredible views over the golf course, the lagoon and the sea. Each design accommodation features a terrace and is the result of meticulous research on materials and fittings.

Emanuele Canonica, winner of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles in 2015, heads up the Argentario Golf Academy, which features the TrackMan IIIe simulator, a lastgeneration platform for the analysis of the swing and the ball’s trajectory and impact.

Ottavio Coppola, Golf Manager of the Argentario Golf Club, said: “Argentario Golf Resort & Spa is delighted to be representing Italy in the world of golf through its association with The PGA. “We look forward to combining our values with those of The PGA in terms of respect for the environment, employing bio sustainability on the golf course and providing an excellent Golf Academy and practice facilities.” Augusto Orsini, President, Argentario Golf Club, commented: “In addition to the golf club, Argentario offers a 5-star Resort in one of Tuscany’s most unspoiled and beautiful locations, whilst the establishment of a set of new residential villas, available to rent or buy, gives our guests the chance to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle during their stay, surrounded by nature and offering panoramic views over the golf course, Orbetello Lagoon and Tyrrhenian Sea beyond.”

Argentario lines up alongside an illustrious group of other PGA Nationals which includes Ryder Cup venues The Belfry and Gleneagles, as well as PGA National Cyprus at Aphrodite Hills and PGA National Turkey at Antalya Golf Resort.

All PGA Branded Properties benefit from direct brand association in addition to the specific media, marketing and operational assistance from The PGA to help raise awareness, profile and profitability.

PGA Chief Executive, Robert Maxfield, added: “We are delighted to welcome the spectacular Argentario Golf Resort & Spa to our exceptional list of PGA Branded Properties as PGA National Italy!

“This announcement further strengthens The PGA’s reputation on the international stage.

We look forward to working with the team at Argentario and promoting the fantastic resort to PGA Members and golfers around the world along with our other PGA National resorts.”

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Make the new rule changes work in your favour

What makes Jim great!

The rules of golf have had a makeover this year and the R&A are hoping that the changes will bring benefits to the golfers and the game itself, seeing a swifter and fairer game as a result. Here’s hoping and here are a few examples of how some of the changes will help you in your games.

What is a perfect swing? What defines a perfect swing? Does a swing that looks great necessarily mean that it is effective?

Rule 13.1d No worries if you accidentally move your ball on the green (during your backswing, whilst marking the ball or accidentally kicking it) as there is now no penalty as long as you return it to it’s original position.

Rule 7.4 Lost ball? You can now have a really good rummage without worrying about moving your ball making searching faster. But remember you only get 3minutes to look for it instead of the old 5mins.

You are always allowed to substitute a ball or to use the original ball when taking relief under penalty or taking free relief. (14.3) Dropping a ball back into play is now from knee height not shoulder, reducing the risk of poor bounces and having to redrop.

A local rules change (which you won’t see in professional or high level, competitive amateur competitions) regarding Out of bounds sees you being able to drop your ball anywhere between where the original ball was believed to come to rest (or went OB) and just into the edge of the fairway for a 2shot penalty. Banishing the need for 3/5 off the tee! This will help with corporate days and fun competitions speeding the pace of play up and keeping the smiles on golfers faces. This rule will help those who are new to the game or occasional golfers massively.

Double hitting your chip shot will no longer cost you, neither will hitting yourself with your own ball. Like we do these things intentionally! (11.1) Another fair change. You can now repair any damage made by golfers on the green. Spike marks etc can now be sorted before rolling your putts in. (13.1d2)

I would define a perfect swing as one that is able to repeatedly hit solid shots, even when the pressure is on. I would certainly put Jim Furyk in this category. Anyone seeing his finish in the Players Championship recently will know what I’m talking about.

I’m sure you have seen or played with a golfer who has a quirky looking swing but hits the ball consistently. In contrast, I’m sure you’ve seen or played with someone who has a nice looking swing but struggles to keep the ball on the fairway!

One of the Tour Professionals that commentators rave about is Adam Scott. Watching him in practice or on the course playing in an event, commentators rave about his swing – “the ideal swing”. Indeed his overall action does look great. You’d think with a swing that looks so good he would be ranked right at the top in the “tee to green” category on the PGA Tour. He is actually ranked forty forth. Like all of us, his swing isn’t always the same and sometimes it will be better than others.

No one seems to comment on how well Jim Furyk swings the club. Indeed, compared to Adam Scott, Jim’s swing looks like an octopus falling down a drain pipe. This is where you can’t judge a book by its cover. Jim is ninth in the “tee to green” category on the PGA Tour. So who has the better swing?

The pictures that accompany this article are the before and after impact positions of Adam Scott and Jim Furyk. Look closely at Adam’s swing, notice how the clubface is quite open before impact and quite closed after. In contrast, Jim’s club is much squarer before and after impact. In other words, Adam Scott’s shaft is rotating through impact and Jim’s isn’t. Timing is very important in Adam’s swing and he has to shape the ball to be consistent. Jim just has to aim and fire.

After looking at these pictures, which swing would you prefer?

Hazards are all change, no longer do we have water hazards (this will take some getting used to) these have been redefined as a penalty area. You can now also touch or move loose impediments in the hazard and touch the ground with your hand or your club in a practice swing. Same applies in bunkers you can touch or move loose impediments. But as in all hazards you are still not allowed to test conditions and ground the club.

You can also take relief (with penalty) outside of the bunker if your ball is unplayable within it. (19.3b) You will get free relief anywhere on the course EXCEPT the bunkers if your ball is plugged. Also making winter golf a lot fairer.

Probably my favourite rule change is the fact you can leave the flagstick in whilst putting. This will speed up play hugely and lends a bit of perspective for the distance of your mid to long putts.

For information on all rules changes visit www.randa.org and get your head around them. They can save you shots!

I’m back teaching and will be at Highpost every Tuesday available for lessons. This time of year is the perfect time to get your game in shape for the new season. Contact me on katie@katiedawkinsgolf.co.uk or visit my website www.katiedawkinsgolf.co.uk for video hints and tips on improving yourself as well as your golf.

22 TEE TIMES | April 2019

Mob: 07787 887578 | Email: martin.butcher@aim.com | Web: mbtourcoach.com

… Call 01592 770 003 or visit www.shs-ltd.com

10% off Servicing with this advert or quote ref: L2

Surveying - Servicing - Stoves - Flue Systems - Flue Liners Gas Fires - Electric Fires - Fireplaces - Accessories - Chimney Sweeps

93 Lower Northam Rd, Hedge End, SO30 4FS

92 Botley Rd, North Baddesley, SO52 9DU

01489 782369

023 8074 1493

Trusted for over 30 years!

Supplied - Installed - Maintained www.allfireplaces.co.uk find us on Facebook and instagram @fire_flair_ ‌ Call 01592 770 003 or visit www.shs-ltd.com

SPECIAL JOINING JOINING SPECIAL

FEE OFFER

Stoke Park would be delighted to invite Stoke Park would be delighted to invite you to join their award-winning Club. you to join their award-winning Club.

There is a limited time offer to make There is a limited time offer to make a saving of £2000 from the 7-day golf a saving of £2000 from the 7-day golf * membership joining fee (usually £2,500) membership joining fee (usually £2,500) *

To find out more please contact Sean O’Brien on 01753 717132 or email SOBrien@stokepark.com To find out more please contact Sean O’Brien on 01753 717132 or email SOBrien@stokepark.com Stoke Park, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire SL2 4PG | www.stokepark.com Stoke Park, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire SL2 4PG | www.stokepark.com *T&C’s apply. *T&C’s apply.