Tee Times Golf Magazine, July 2019

ISSUE 218 | July 2019 | Tel: 01329 834360 | Email: peter.teetimes@gmail.com | www.teetimesgolfmagazine.com

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TT MAY 2017 Issue 192_Layout 1 22/04/2017 15:18 Page 3

Bird Hills Golf Centre - THE SUMMER SIZZLER OFFER - ONLY £31.00pp - see page 15 for more details Reflecting on a marvellous Masters: Justin Rose, Hampshire’s favourite golfing son, made us so proud as hasbuta most verygentlemanly rocky ride at Pebble Beach he played his role in oneJustin of the tightest showdowns in the history of the event

MAY 2017

TEE TIMES 3

INSIDE Hall: Rory: My Green JacketGeorgia “So cool to have after wedding wish – Page 4letters my name”

WITHERS AND THEROSE WINNER IS. . .

GOLF SPORTSMANSHIP Now it’s the Hall And it should have been NORTH Hants Golf Club in Fleet will have to find some more even space inlower, its Justin Rose Room to record the continuing says Rory

exploits of the county’s favourite golfing son. above, examined the Rory McIlroy,

RBC Canadian Open trophy closely Room will be found for mementoes of the and then apologised for not carding 2017 Masters to be placed alongside those aofbetter than 61.

Rose’sfinal U.S. round Open triumph in 2013 and his Olympic Golf Gold.

After reading the illustrious rollcall of names on the 110-year old But while Rose was pipped at Augusta by championship silverware Sergio Garcia, the inevitable (Tiger disappointment Woods, Leewas Trevino, Tommy Armour, for his fans counterbalanced by a Walter Arnold Palmer) which was displayHagen, of skill and sportsmanship a credit quipped: to both men, sport which McIlroy “I and hadtoa achance prides on sorry honesty fairness. tostill shoot 59itself - I’m forand being disappointed.”

Yes, the final round between these two Ryder ACup birdie at was the bound 18th hole have titans to be would emotional.

Rose was edging way towards a second given him ahis round of 59 but he Major, and Garcia was finding trying toasecure his first on bogeyed after greenside the very day which would have been bunker and sealed a seven-shot the 60th birthday of his hero, Seve Ballesteros. victory.

Butthe the overriding spectators “By time I gotemotion to the for 14th tee I of the finalthinking round was the way these two wasn’t about winning the Europeans fought fight. about tournament.

I wasthethinking shooting 59,” he said.

In the final round, they were toe-to-toe rivals The Irishman trailed by five but Northern not opponents, supremely competitive yet gentlemanly, other’s shots going intoacknowledging the final twoeach rounds skills withon a knuckle-touch or a nod.by but a 64 Saturday, followed his apologetic 61 on Sunday saw him finish on 224 under par.

• Turn to Page

It’s a funny old game. Justin Rose, Hampshire’s golfing pride and joy, carded a birdie at the first hole on the final day to take a share of the lead in the U.S. Open.

Chasing his second Major after six years, he found himself scrambling to keep up before a devastating five bogeys pushed him back into a tie for third.

Pebble Beach became both a rock and a hard place. He has also had to part company with his long-time caddie (see Page 4).

After seeing Rose fall away, American Gary Woodland held off the challenge of world number one Brooks Koepka to claim his own first Major at the 119th US

Open at Pebble Beach. Rose finished tied for third.

But Rose, 38, now world number four, insisted: “It doesn’t hurt.

“You reflect and think ‘How can I get better?’ There’s no point in letting it hurt too much.

“It hurts if you lose at the death and you make a mistake. Like the way it happened for me today, “I’m more proud of the fact I even gave myself a chance.”

And the event was a damp squib for the hordes of fans who were waiting for fresh impetus in Tiger Woods’ revival following his Masters triumph and 15th Major at Augusta.

Turn to page 4

Well played, Masters mate: At the end and on the course, Rose and Garcia were sporting gentlemen

Congratulation and commiseration: Good pals Woodland and Rose in the final round

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We meet the 10th tee hell hound Bus Pass Golfer – Page 16

second spell ofPhilip’s fame, MBE as Hants PGA skipper

Bournemouth’s Georgia – Page 16 Hall says she felt it was “unreal” to be honoured by Hampshire the Queen.

Jenny’s The 23-year-old British lifetime Open Champion accolade – Pagewas 16 named an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours Waslist. this golf’sshe She said that after worstletters, received the official the hardest taskinjustice was not to ever? and be able to tell friends – Page 24 family until after the formal public announcement.

PLUS Hall won the Women’s 2 Course Reviews this month!

British Open last August Bird Hills Golf Centre and went on to collect her - page 14-15 second consecutive Ladies European Tour order of Romsey merit title.Golf Club - page 19-22 “It’s so cool to have initials after my name,” she added.

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ROMSEY GOLF CLUB - Book an afternoon Golf Society for £25pp - Read our 4 page Course Review on pages 19-22 TEE TIMES | July 2019 3

Rose and caddie Fooch forced apart

Partners and pals: Rose with caddie Fooch

Justin Rose has had to part with long-time caddie Mark Fulcher, who needs further time to recover from heart surgery.

Fulcher, Rose’s bagman since 2008, had an operation in January to replace a heart valve.

He was alongside the Hampshire star when Rose won his maiden Major, the 2013 U.S. Open, and then for their Olympic goldwinning performance at the 2016 Games in Rio. Rose said on Twitter: “After an amazing 11 years with Fooch, our successful run together has finished for now.

MAKE A MAJOR MONEYMOVE ON EQUAL PAY One of Britain’s most senior lady stars has called for a level pay packet for winning the biggest tournaments in men’s and women’s golf.

Making the men’s and women’s Open Championship and U.S. Open tournaments pay the same prize money for men and women could help boost equality in golf, says Catriona Matthew.

“I wish him all the best as he works on getting 100% fit and healthy. I also have no doubt that we will stride up a 72nd hole late on a Sunday afternoon together in the future.” The bond between player and caddie was summed up by Fooch: “I would walk through fire for Justin.”

Rose has turned to Gareth Lord, who performed his bag duties earlier this year when Fucher had his operation.

Continued from page 3…

“It doesn’t hurt.

You reflect and think: How can I get better?”

- Justin Rose Woods began the day 11 shots off the pace and quickly slipped further down the leaderboard with four bogeys in his first six holes.

The 43-year-old found a recovery with six birdies and carded two under par at the scene of his record 15-shot victory in 2000.

Solheim skipper Catriona Matthew: “If they could make the U.S. Open and the British Open equal money for men and women, it would probably make other tournaments look at it.”

The sport has been criticised in recent years for paying male Major winners more than their female counterparts, as was once the case in tennis.

Francesco Molinari, the 2018 men’s Open winner, was paid over £1m more than the women’s winner, Bournemouth’s Georgia Hall.

Molinari won £1.49million while Hall picked up £386,000. For his U.S.Open victory, Brooks Koepka

trousered £1.7million; the women’s counterpart, Ariya Jutanugarun, took home £710,000.

But 2009 British Open winner Matthew, 49, who will captain the European team for this year’s Solheim Cup, told Mantej Mann of BBC Sport: “it’s slowly getting there.

“You are seeing much more (women’s) golf on television but there is still a huge gulf between the top men and ladies.”

The engraver of the trophy for this new U.S. Women’s Open champion, right, must have done a double take. The name he was asked to cut into the cup was Lee6.

It was no error. Lee is a very common surname in Asia, and South Korea’s new champion Jeong-eun Lee6 explained that she had added the number 6 to her name because she was the sixth player called Jeong-eun Lee on the Korean LGPA. It was a first Major win for the 22-year-old, who picked up $1million prize money.

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy endured a turbulent final day that included double bogeys at the second and 16th, but finished with a birdie to climb inside the top 10 at five under.

Englishmen Matt Wallace, Danny Willett and Matt Fitzpatrick all ended a further stroke back.

Ryder fears of Brookline-style U.S. rowdiness

- see Page 10

Yawn! Slow pro play is making golf unwatchable

‘How sad that two players you want to root for make you reach for the off button instead.’

Highly respected golf correspondent Derek Lawrenson has lambasted players who are ruining golf as a spectator sport. He wrote:

4 TEE TIMES | July 2019

Young Americans Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Cantlay are two of the most fascinating players in golf. One, with his uniquely scientific approach, and the other for the manner in which he has overcome adversity.

Paired together in the final group for the Memorial Tournament in Ohio, we saw something else they have in common. They’re both so slow as to be all but unwatchable.

How sad that two players you want to root for make you reach for the off button instead. Indeed, when they announced that tee-times had been brought forward because of the threat of thunderstorms, it was tempting to wonder whether the real reason was to make sure Bryson and Patrick had time to finish.

Meanwhile, the finish at the US Women’s Open ought to have been riveting as Ariya Jutanugarn blew

a seven-shot lead over the closing stages.

I turned on just as Jutanugarn plonked herself on the ground on the 16th tee and prepared for a long wait because play in front was so slow. I switched off again.

Slow play will kill golf as a top-level attraction.

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TEE TIMES | July 2019 5

The Real (and ONLY) Way to Get Extra Distance Imagine how much you could lower your scores by getting the kind of distance you know you’re capable of. Adding distance to your drives changes the way you attack a golf course. And those extra yards give you a competitive edge. That’s why most of the top players in the world are so focused on finding the right equipment to increase distance.

It’s no secret that most of us want to hit it longer. Golf club manufacturers know this and try to produce drivers that push the distance envelope.

The problem? Most drivers sold at retail outlets are built to specs that simply don’t work for most players’ swings. What can you do to find the right driver? The answer lies in knowing what the most important club fitting parameters are and using them to match the right equipment to your swing speed. There are four club fitting keys I can think of that you need to focus on for maximum distance and consistency: loft, shaft flex, club length, and ball spin.

1. Loft Selecting the right loft may be the most important fitting parameter when you’re looking to increase distance. The biggest mistake golfers make is buying a driver with too little loft. The average loft on tour used to be 7° and the average club golfer loft was 10°. Today the average on tour has risen to 10° but the handicap golfer is still using the same loft. The slower you swing the more loft you need for distance.

Slower swing speeds don’t generate the spin rate needed to maximize distance.

Higher lofts give you more hang time and more distance with the same effort.

2. Shaft Flex It’s a fact: about 8 out of 10 players select a flex that’s too stiff for their swing. How does this affect distance? All shafts have to bend in order to get the ball airborne.

Players with lower swing speeds need more flex to launch the ball on the right trajectory. Try to find the most flexible shaft you can handle with accuracy.

More flexible shafts offer a couple of advantages: You increase distance with less effort because of the shaft’s extra kick. You’ll get better feel with less harshness. Better feel means more confidence, and that translates into better ball striking.

6 TEE TIMES | July 2019

3. Club length A lot of us don’t pay much attention to club length. You probably think all clubs are built to standard lengths. The fact is, there are no standards when it comes to club length. Club length can change from brand to brand, or even from model to model within brand. Most drivers sold today are built to a length of 45.5” to 46”. Some drivers are even made to a length of 46.5”. That’s because longer lengths can produce longer drives. You’ll hit occasional bombs at these lengths but your consistency suffers. How come? Your percentage of on-center hits decreases pretty quickly once you go longer than 45”. The longer the length, the more potential for distance, but the longer the length, the harder it is to hit the sweet spot. Miss the sweet spot by just a small amount and you can easily lose 17 yards on a drive. My guess is, if you go with a driver length of 44” your average drive will be longer, and more of those drives will stay in the fairway. That’s the reason most tour pros stay below driver lengths of 45”.

If you’re struggling with your driver think about having it shortened to about 44”. I think you’ll be surprised at the results.

4. Ball spin What are the hottest selling golf balls?

Just about any ball advertised as a “distance” ball. They’re all pretty similar; they don’t spin much, feel hard at impact, and are usually pretty inexpensive.

Distance balls do work, but ironically, not all that well for most average players. The reason? Distance balls spin less. Slower swing speeds don’t generate the spin needed to make these balls effective.

Players with fast swing speeds can take advantage of a distance ball’s lower spin rate. Slower swing speeds do better with more spin. Look for two piece balls that are softer and spin more; you’ll find they work a lot better in several ways: They stay airborne longer, maximizing carry.

They spin more and that helps you hold greens better. They feel softer when hitting chips and short pitch shots.

Just the Facts • A ssuming a consistent swing, the two factors that affect club head speed the most, are length of shaft, and your swing.

• L engthening the shaft makes it much more difficult to hit the ball squarely.

• A larger head on a driver is always more forgiving in terms of accuracy, and will give a higher trajectory than a smaller head with the same loft.

• The use of titanium, which is lighter and harder than steel, has allowed club heads to become larger because the same strength can be maintained with thinner walls. The overall weight of a titanium head is the same as a steel head, it’s just bigger and more forgiving.

The increased distance that comes from titanium drivers is due to the longer and lighter shafts which increase club head speed, which in turn, increases distance. The main advantage of the titanium is the increased forgiveness on off-center hits which result from the use of longer shafts.

• A more flexible shaft will increase distance, but may sacrifice some accuracy if to flexible for your swing speed and tempo.

• A stiffer flex will help with accuracy but will sacrifice some distance if too stiff for your swing speed and tempo.

• Most average golfers play with too stiff a flex reducing their potential distance.

• A low centre of gravity will help provide a higher trajectory, which will increase distance for golfers with lower swing speed For more information or to receive the benefits listed above, contact David numbers below, to arrange an appointment, or just drop in and receive a friendly welcome.

Should you have any questions on this or any equipment matter please feel free to call me on 01256 322007 or 07859 920055 Alternatively, email me directly at dave@madetomeasuregolf.co.uk or visit my web site at www.madetomeasuregolf.co.uk

Lundberg wins The World Snooker Jessie May Championship Mikael Lundberg has won The World Snooker Jessie May Championship in difficult conditions on the final day at Donnington Grove.

“ Hopefully I can get some kind of ranking back and then the end of the year play tour school and hopefully get my European Tour card back.”

Trailing Ben Hall by one shot, Lundberg went two-under in his final round to win by one shot over Alfie Plant of Sundridge Park Golf Club and James Adams from Druids Heath Golf Club.

An earlier start on two tees was the decision to deal with the forecast rainfall and it proved to be the correct call.

Conditions proved to be difficult with heavy downpours throughout but the courses coped well with the greens only marginally slowing down across the board.

The Lumine Golf Club golfer hit rounds of 68, 71, and 70 to win his first title on the PGA EuroPro Tour since winning the It was a solid last round for both Adams and Plant who Lumine Lakes Open on the Nordic Golf League in 2017. shot two and one under respectively to tie for second.

Lundberg on victory: “Overall it was really nice. Today it was unbelievably tough at times. I am really happy that I could pull it off. Some of the guys out there they’re really good players. I’m glad they could let the old man win.” “ The first day I put really well. On the second day not so good. I missed the 5/6 footer on the third hole so I was a little bit worried. But then I started putting really quite nicely so I’m just really happy today.”

Overnight leader, Ben Hall (TSR Recruitment) was four over at one point but birdied the following three holes to go one over where he remained to finish fourth.

Dongwon Kim (Team R&E), Michael Saunders (Dartford Golf Club), and Dan Brown (Romanby Golf Club/G4L) all tied for fifth on four under on a day where only five players went under par in their final rounds.

Donnington Grove Country Club offers a winning combination of excellent championship golf course to test golfers of all abilities, a superb clubhouse, tasty food and friendly hospitality. We are located only 4.8 miles from the M4 junction 13 & just off the A34 close to Newbury town centre.

Our facilities in 18 hole championship, par 72 – measuring 7108 yards from the whites, driving range, 2 practice greens, buggies available from £30 each, fully stocked ProShop with registered PGA professionals and stunning views of Newbury and Donnington castle.

To book, please contact – Tom Fleming / Golf Manager 01635 581000 ext.220 or email golf@donnington-grove.com Packages can also be tailored to suit requirements, please contact our Golf Manager to discuss.

TEE TIMES | July 2019 7

Chaka Travel Announce Its Biggest Ever Range of Escorted Tours & Tournaments Chaka Travel have just announced a stellar line up of worldwide escorted tours and tournaments due to take place in 2020. The announcement comes following the recent success of their 20th Mauritius Mixed Pairs tournament and as their 2019 tours have almost reached capacity, with only limited spaces remaining on their Brazil & Mauritius tours.

Chaka Travel are global leaders in luxury golf travel who have been offering golf holidays to South Africa, Mauritius, Mexico, the Middle East and beyond for over 20 years. Their escorted golf tours are all led by PGA Pro Jacques Gous who leads small groups made up of friends, couples & solo golfers to some of his favourite golfing destinations including his native South Africa.

On each tour clients can expect to enjoy playing some of the best golf courses in the world. The overall aim is to provide relaxed, fun filled tours allowing like-minded people to get to know each other enjoying golf, group meals and excursions.

The tours are ideal for solo golfers, couples as well as friends grouping together, non-golfers are also welcome. Jacques is on-hand throughout to provide golf tuition, expert knowledge and of course a good laugh; Join me for on one of our golfing adventures and whilst we are away I’ll do my best to improve your game and at worst we’ll have a lot of fun trying to do this!

In addition to the old favourites South Africa, Mauritius, Bulgaria, Italy and Brazil new destinations for 2020 include Oman, Mexico and Greece and there are more to come…

The new tour to Oman has been introduced by Chaka’s Middle East Manager, former PGA pro, Richard Mason. Richard spent four years living in Dubai and he believes Oman is the finest destination in the region with its wonderful mix of culture, history, mountains, desert and beaches as well as superb golf courses and world class resorts.

If 2019 is anything to go by, these 2020 trips are likely to fill up fast! You can find out more or register your interest here: www.chakatravel.com/escorted-golf-toursand-tournaments/

Golfs contribution to charities Historically, golf clubs have always been extremely generous to charities.

Year after year clubs throughout the country raise significant amounts of money for their chosen charities. The scale of contributions was identified back in 2013 when Golf Club Management conducted a survey, estimating the average club in the UK raises just over £7k annually for charities. With 2,500 clubs in the UK, this equates to the UK golfers contributing £18M every year to good causes – that’s quite a sum!

Golfers should be proud of using their love of the game to give back to worthy causes, particularly as many beneficiaries are the smaller, local charities who have limited resources and are totally reliant on voluntary donations.

One such charity is The Joe Glover Trust which was formed over 12 years ago by friends and family of 8 year old Joe Glover who died in 2006 from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Those close to Joe came to recognise the shock, devastation and uncertainty that families face following a child’s diagnosis of cancer and how stressful it can be for parents to see their child suffering months or years of gruelling treatment.

Parents want to spend every waking hour with their sick child but often have to care for siblings, hold down a job, or run a business which can devastate a family and its finances. Unfortunately mortgages, rents, council tax and general household expenditure don’t go away.

8 TEE TIMES | July 2019

This is where the Joe Glover Charity can help through their financial Grants Scheme and Days Out Programme. Covering the Wessex region (anywhere from Weymouth to Brighton, up to Haywards Heath and as far south as the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands), the Trust prides itself on making quick decisions regarding applications, helping to make life a little more bearable with support such as: • a contribution towards a mortgage or rent if parents are unable to work • travel costs, for the constant hospital visits • counselling sessions for the family • extra tuition for a child so they can catch up • money towards a day out to give the family some light relief Cams Hall Golf Club is fund raising for the Trust by holding a Charity Golf Day on Saturday 14th September. They welcome entries for their fun day, including single golfers, or pairs of golfers, who will be matched up to make a team.

If you would like to be part of a great day of golf and support this worthy Children’s Charity then give Ian Moore a call on 07989386807 or email him on captain@camshallgc.org.uk Maybe you’re unable to join in the golf day but would still love to support the Trust, then any donations would be very welcome by logging into the charity donation website http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/IanMoore33 and letting Ian know you’ve donated. © Claire Kane

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PGA Catalunya Resort celebrates 20-year anniversary with the European Tour Destinations Senior Classic The third edition of the European Tour Destinations Senior Classic will take place from July 12-14 at the home of Spain’s number one course, PGA Catalunya Resort, in recognition of the venue’s Stadium Course celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The resort, situated in Girona, Spain, has hosted three editions of the Open de España and was the setting for European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage for nine consecutive years until 2016, showcasing its quality at the highest level.

David Plana, CEO of PGA Catalunya Resort, added: “We look forward to hosting the third edition of the European Tour Destinations Senior Classic and welcoming so many legends of the game for a wonderful festival of golf.

“The tournament is sandwiched between the Swiss Seniors Open and the WINSTONgolf Senior Open, making it a busy period for our players but one they will relish in the fight for Order of Merit points.”

The European Tour Destinations Senior Classic has been on the Staysure Tour International Schedule since 2017, with past winners including Santiago Luna, who won at Finland’s Linna Golf Club in 2017, and Sweden’s Magnus P Atlevi, who triumphed at Lighthouse Golf and Spa Resort, Bulgaria, the following year.

“The tournament will be part of a series of special events planned in 2019 to celebrate PGA Catalunya Resort’s 20th anniversary and the exciting journey we are embarking on for the future.”

The unique Alliance format of the European Tour Destinations Senior Classic means that amateurs are able to take part in both the ProAm event leading up to the weekend, as well as in the first two rounds of the tournament itself.

Iain McInally, Head of European Tour Destinations, said: “This tournament has gone from strength-tostrength in the two years since its launch.

“I must thank the Staysure Tour for making it possible to hold this tournament and showcase some of our outstanding venues. Linna Golf Club and Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort were both wonderful hosts, and we are excited to make use of the incredible facilities at PGA Catalunya Resort this year.”

Head of the Staysure Tour David MacLaren is pleased to recognise one of the finest venues in continental Europe: “After two wonderful editions of the European Tour Destinations Senior Classic, we are delighted to be visiting PGA Catalunya Resort in 2019.

“The Stadium Course is one of the best courses in the world, in my opinion and that of many others. It is a real test of golf, but also one to be enjoyed. To be holding a Staysure Tour event there is fantastic for all involved.

TEE TIMES | July 2019 9

Westwood: CONCERNS OVER ‘UGLY’ RYDER CUP Golf is just Good luck with too tough this lot, Europe!

The sheer difficulty of golf is one of the main barriers to attracting more people into the sport, says former world number one Lee Westwood.

The 24-time European Tour winner suggested on Radio 5 Live that holes could be made bigger and rough could be cut down to help new players enjoy golf more.

“I think there’s a few different problems,” said the Ryder Cup stalwart. “I think golf takes too long, the speed of play when people watch the professionals play is very slow and I don’t think that helps the perception of golf.

“I think it’more could be done to make it a bit cheaper to play. I think more girls and women could be encouraged to play, I don’t think they’re encouraged enough.

“They’re trying to deal with these but it has been a problem that has been around a while and it’s going to be difficult to change peoples’ perceptions of the game.

“One of the main things with golf is it’s too hard.

“We should be trying to make it easier, I think different formats where maybe where the hole’s bigger, not as much rough on golf courses so people are not out there losing golf balls and looking for their golf balls all the time.”

Crowd behaviour during the USPGA has given rise to concerns about golf louts when the Ryder Cup contest goes to New York.

The season’s second Major was played at Bethpage, which has wryly been called “the poor man’s country club”.

Home fan support during Ryder Cups is famously fierce, but mainly gentlemanly. The unruly spectators who watched Brooks Koepka secure his fourth Major in

Concerns about how Bethpage fans will treat European Ryder Cup players

eight starts even prompted Koepka himself to wryly comment afterwards: “Good luck to Europe with the fans.”

The international event is not scheduled for New York until 2024 but, suggested one commentator, it may take the next five years to teach the Bethpage faithful about golfing good golfing manners: “A Ryder Cup there could quickly turn ugly.”

European fans and plyers do

not need to be reminded about how sportsmanship can simply disappear in a Ryder Cup, such as in 1999 in what was described as “The Battle of Brookline” (see below).

The commentator added: “The authorities need to keep this firmly in mind because what should be golf’s greatest spectacle has the potential to become a particularly nasty event.”

BROOKLINE A stain on golf sportsmanship The 33rd Ryder Cup developed into what has been called The Battle of Brookline. And the main casualty was golf’s reputation for good sportsmanship.

The 1999 contest was held at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston.

The Americans beat Europe 14½ to 13½ as Justin Leonard halved his match with José María Olazábal and Leonard holed a 45-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole. Olazabal then missed his 22foot birdie putt, leaving Leonard one up with just one hole to play,

assuring him of a half point and guaranteeing an American victory.

The behaviour of both U.S. spectators and the U.S. team was criticized by both American and European media. U.S. spectators raucously heckled and abused European players. Allegations were also made regarding cheating on the part of course marshals.

Notoriously, the U.S. team raucously invaded the 17th green after Leonard had holed his putt but before Olazábal had attempted his. The incident was viewed by many as appalling sportsmanship.

The Los Angeles Times said: “The entire US team violated every principle of proper golf decorum and decent manners.

Could you be much more unsporting? Probably not.”

Infamous: the US team invading the 17th green

Pioneering Mixed Event Is ‘A Perfect Match’ Next month’s Northern Ireland Open will be transformed into a new event called the World Invitational, with men’s and women’s tournaments running alongside each other with equal prize money.

The men’s tournament stays part of the second-tier European Challenge Tour, while invitations will be offered to the world’s best in the women’s event.

“Our core values are innovation and inclusivity,” said European Tour

10 TEE TIMES | July 2019

chief executive Keith Pelley. “This new tournament fits perfectly.”

Speaking at the event launch in London, Mr Pelley added: “We are so pleased to have another innovative format on the Challenge Tour’s schedule following the success of the Jordan Mixed Open earlier this year.

“It’s fantastic to see these pioneering events becoming more common on the global golfing calendar and we hope they continue to grow with the support

of sponsors and broadcasters.”

The 72-hole events, which take place from 15-18 August, will see the 300 competitors playing one day at Massereene Golf Club in addition to their other rounds at Galgorm Spa & Golf resort, which has been the NI Open’s venue since the event began in 2010.

The format for the tournament follows the men’s and women’s model successfully adopted by the Vic Open in Australia.

As is the case with the Australian event, ISPS Handa will be the main sponsor of the new tournament.

The equal prize money will see both fields battling for total funds of $250,000 (£192,000) while men and women will play at both venues on all four days.

Tournament organisers will extend invitations to leading women’s professionals from both the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour, plus other players from Asia and Australia.

Alcanada Revamp Captured On Camera

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Club de Golf Alcanada’s winter revamp can now be seen in all its glory with the launch of a new video.

An extensive €700,000 renovation took place over the winter to replace all 18 greens, upgrade the irrigation, renew all sand in the bunkers and various other improvements at the popular club in Mallorca.

The course reopened on March 1 and the new greens have since earned rave reviews, which has taken an already-impressive course to a whole new level.

The full three-minute video explains the ambitions of the project, while it also contains footage of the works as they took place, the pivotal figures involved in the process – and, of course, the customary stunning views across the Bay of Alcudia with some spectacular drone photography.

Alcanada’s director of golf, Kristoff Both, said: “We can all look back on the work that was undertaken at Alcanada with a great deal of pride and now it’s fantastic to be able to show that transformation to everyone.”

Watch on YouTube: ‘Welcome to the new Club de Golf Alcanada’ www.golf-alcanada.com

TEE TIMES | July 2019 11

Meon Valley golf Meon Valley Hotel, Golf and Country Club is Hampshire’s only European PGA Tour destination.

Join us here in Southampton for first-class golf and a striking countryside location. Our hotel showcases two championship golf courses, which is ideal for those seeking a world-class golf experience. Featuring a total of 27 holes of challenging play, our courses are located amongst a stunning oak forest; enjoy tree-lined bunkers, beautiful fairways and more. Between rounds, why not indulge in our luxurious spa or enjoy some delicious food in our restaurant.

You can perfect your swing in our golf academy. Our PGA professionals take time with each student to ensure that they receive the most from their sessions.

Championship Meon Course Our premier golf course has twice hosted the Phillips PFA golf classic. This course has 18 holes and passes through an oak forest, tree-lined fairways, large bunkers and natural water hazards with our par 3 signature hole located at hole 12 with beautiful views over a bed of water.

Valley Course Offering wider fairways than the Meon Course, our Valley Course is slightly less challenging but has its own charm. The course is built around the ruins of an ancient Roman village and the 9-hole course can be played as one 18-hole course at 5,758 yards.

Great for Groups Our countryside location is an ideal venue for corporate golf events, golf societies, charity golf days and even team building sessions. We have special packages and flexible memberships to make your days outing simple and easy.

Green fees available from £35.00 Golf packages available from £40.00 for groups of ten or more golfers 12 TEE TIMES | July 2019

Meon Valley Leisure Club

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Our Leisure Club offers a wide variety of facilities for guests to enjoy. It’s the perfect place to burn those calories in the gym, relax in the whirlpool or if you want to pamper yourself, we have beauty treatments available in our Retreat Spa to help you completely de-stress.

Want to join a local gym? Don’t want the hassle of contracts and being tied down? Then become a member at Meon Valley Hotel and Country Club. We offer fantastic value memberships that are Contract Free and you can cancel at any time, we just need 30 days’ notice.

All we need to do is set up a direct debit and you control the rest! We also offer the below membership benefits:

Our Gym & Spa Facilities Include: • Indoor heated pool • Whirlpool • Sauna • Steam room • Treadmills (x10) • X-trainers (x7) • Upright bikes (x4) • Recline bikes (x3) • Rowers (x3) • Studio - Consisting of 32 classes Membership Category

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Contact Us If you would like further information on any of our golf products then please contact the team on Membershipsales764@theelitevenueselection.co.uk or alternatively call 01329 836834 to discuss in detail.

TEE TIMES | July 2019 13

Finca Cortesin Reveals Long-Term Benefits Of New Eco-Friendly Greens

Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa is at the forefront of European golf’s drive to become more ecosustainable after revealing that it is using up to 30 per cent less water since becoming the first course in Spain to feature a new, environmentally-friendly, variety of Bermuda grass on all its greens.

As part of the comprehensive upgrade on Finca Cortesin’s 18-hole championship course in July 2017 – which also featured the reconstruction of all bunkers using the renowned ‘Better Billy Bunker’ system – each putting surface was replaced with a new type of variety of Ultra Dwarf Bermuda grass.

As well as needing less irrigation, the greens require fewer pesticides and staff hours to maintain optimum condition all-year-round, with the new, improved, uniform putting surfaces earning widespread praise from both players and the golf industry alike – including Finca Cortesin winning the 2018 IAGTO Sustainability Award for Resource Efficiency.

Ignacio Soto, head greenkeeper at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa and who supervised the greens conversion programme, said: “The change to this new type of Bermuda grass has surpassed all our expectations and we have received some great feedback from our members and guests who like firm and uniform greens.

“The greens are already in better condition than they have been in previous years and we expect them to get even better in 2019.”

Finca Cortesin began the programme to

14 TEE TIMES | July 2019

upgrade its greens in June 2016 at a nursery 600 kilometres away, with Soto and his team taking painstaking care and attention to seed the grass by hand.

water in a much more efficient way, while Bermuda grass actively grows for nine months of the year which has helped improve the yearround playability of the course.”

Having spent 12 months nurturing the new turf under supervised growing conditions, it was transported to the course where the resort’s greenkeeping staff began the meticulous process of relaying all 18 greens and the practice putting green.

Opened in March 2006 and set across a vast 532-acre estate, Finca Cortesin – a member of the prestigious European Tour Properties Network – is regarded as one of Europe’s most exclusive modern golf and lifestyle destination resorts.

But, with the grass having been grown at the nursery, disruption for golfers was kept to a minimum with the course reopening barely a month after work began.

Designed by American Cabell Robinson, the par-72 layout has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments including the Volvo World Match Play Championship in 2009, 2011 and 2012.

Complementing the world-class golf course are outstanding practice facilities including a stateof-the-art Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy.

Soto added: “We have experienced numerous advantages since upgrading our greens. The turf was obviously very young but, as we grew it ourselves, it was also, importantly, very clean of weeds which has had several knock-on effects.

“Irrigation has been reduced as much as 30% on the greens’ surface. Apart from water consumption, hand watering in summer time has been reduced to a minimum so, as a result, we are able to save on a lot of labour.

“In general, we are using fewer pesticides. Each green needs very little fertilisation since it uses the nutrients from our regenerated irrigation

Located in the rolling hills of southern Spain, between Marbella and Sotogrande, with the Mediterranean to one side and the tranquil Casares Mountains to the other, Finca Cortesin’s other world-class facilities include an elegant 67-suite hotel, Hotel Cortesin; a 6,000sqm Beach Club; an award-winning spa featuring Spain’s only snow cave; and the choice of four restaurants. www.fincacortesin.com

Oulton Hall’s Eddie, 7, Is Eagle Ace A seven-year-old junior golfer at Oulton Hall is celebrating after scoring his first hole-in-one… at a different course.

Eddie Claughton, a pupil at Swillington Primary School, is one of around 150 juniors taught weekly at Oulton Hall by coach Thomas Devine. And the tuition clearly paid dividends when he visited Leeds Golf Centre to play the 12-hole Oaks Course, holing out with his tee-shot on the 123-yard third.

Eddie, who has been playing golf at Oulton Hall for three years, won a set of custom-fitted golf clubs last year as a result of his performances in various events across Yorkshire. And, this year, he’s started playing with his father Peter, a three-handicapper, and has completed his first two 18-hole rounds.

Dad Peter explained: “On the Oaks he hit driver and it bounced and rolled on up into the hole. He was delighted. He doesn’t have an official handicap yet, but plays off 12 in the Tiger Cubs at Wike. He’s a big fan of European Tour pro Eddie Pepperell and just really enjoys playing golf.

“We play together occasionally now, which is great, really good father-and-son time.”

Devine, who is the director of Oulton Hall’s FUEL golf (FUture ELite) programme, added: “It really is quite an achievement to get a hole in one at seven-years-old.

Congratulations to him. He’s got a bubbly character and always plays with a smile on his face. For me, that’s so important at a young age if we want to keep children in the game for life.”

Oulton Hall, near Leeds, features 27 holes designed by leading golf course architect Dave Thomas and outstanding practice facilities, boasting the north of England’s leading golf performance centre.

Along with Oulton Hall’s renowned golf academy, the top venue offers a range of other facilities aimed at fine-tuning your swing, while the Claret Jug course restaurant is the ideal place to re-energise after a long day on the course. Its unique 18th-century former family mansion is the perfect choice for a hotel, with landscaped gardens, sweeping spiral staircases and a state-of-the-art spa. www.oultonhallhotel.co.uk

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TEE TIMES | July 2019 15

Ace Malcolm Homes In On La Manga Club Holiday Golfer Malcolm McMichael raised the roof during a recent visit to the Home of Golf when he hit his first-ever hole-in-one – and won a fantastic golf holiday to Spain’s world-famous La Manga Club in the process. hear that we have our first winner of the year and for the hole-in-one to have been achieved whilst playing on The Duke’s Golf Course in St. Andrews – the Home of Golf.

“Dean has been promoting this prize with his golf tricks for a couple of years and we are thrilled to hear this fantastic news. We look forward to welcoming Malcolm and his guest to La Manga Club in the near future and hope we have many more winners in the months and years to come.”

Situated in Murcia, south-east Spain, La Manga Club has set the benchmark for sports and leisure destinations across Europe for more than 45 years.

Malcolm, commercial director for Keepmoat Homes in Glasgow, was playing in a charity golf day in aid of Scottish Autism at The Duke’s Course, St. Andrews when he produced his moment of genius at the par-three 16th hole.

A four-night break for two people to La Manga Club – voted ‘Europe’s Best Golf Venue’ at the 2018 World Golf Awards – was up for grabs to anyone hitting a hole-in-one on the 143-yard hole.

Having seen his three playing partners come up short with their tee shots, the 14-handicapper took an extra club with his approach and watched with growing excitement as his ball landed on the green and took a couple of bounces before rolling towards the hole and disappearing.

green (there were a few people about). I made a great swing and off it sailed into the nice blue sky. I recall Dean saying it looked good in the air and I knew it was going to be close when it landed. It bounced twice and then my heart was in my mouth as it tracked to the pin, dropped and then… it was a mixture of bedlam for the rest of the group and shock for me!

“Everyone was jumping about and shouting, I think I was in shock and just stood openmouthed. Dean was quick to remind me about what I had just won, it was a great feeling and I will remember it for the rest of my golfing life.

As Malcolm and his group celebrated wildly, further good news was to follow as he was reminded by golf trickshot artist and La Manga Club ambassador Dean Davis – who was entertaining players at the hole throughout the day with his full repertoire of skills – that his ace had also won him a trip to Spain.

“I think it was when I took the ball out of the hole that I really realised I had actually won the holiday. I called my partner Andrea to tell her the good news and, by the time I had finished my round and got home that evening, she had already spent some time on the internet checking out La Manga Club. We are both very excited about our trip and have already provisionally booked dates for October.

Malcolm said: “When we reached the tee, Dean explained the prize available for a hole in one.

Given my relatively poor play on the 14th and 15th holes, I decided to tee off last. I initially chose an eight-iron but, having watched my partners all hit good shots and come up short, I swapped for a seven-iron instead.

“Overall it was a wonderful day, playing The Duke’s Course raising money and awareness for Scottish Autism thanks to our wonderful hosts from SG Pro Cleaning Ltd. This is my first hole-in-one and, whilst I hope to get another, it will never compare to that wonderful five-minute spell I had!”

“I had no thought of a hole in one as I teed up, I just told myself make a good swing and hit the

16 TEE TIMES | July 2019

Idoia Carrillo, La Manga Club’s public relations manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted to

The official overseas training base of the Lawn Tennis Association, the resort’s facilities include three three 18-hole golf courses, a 28-court tennis centre, a recently-opened European Cricket Performance Centre and a 2,000sqm Wellness Centre. It is host to Spain’s only official Chelsea FC Foundation Soccer School while, in addition, it features the choice of a five-star hotel, four-star serviced apartments and townhouses and more than 15 bars and restaurants.

For more information on La Manga Club and to book, go to www.lamangaclub.com For further information on Dean Davis’s golf tricks and on course entertainment, please visit www.golftrickshotshow.com For further information on the Scottish Autism please visit www.scottishautism.org

Argentario Golf Resort & Spa Launches Collection of Luxury Villas for an Indulgent Tuscan Holiday in Italy’s Maremma Region Tuscany, Italy, May 2019: The Argentario Golf Resort & Spa, set in the Monte Argentario nature reserve, has launched a collection of luxury villas on the property that are available to rent for an indulgent holiday in the unspoiled region of the Maremma in south west Tuscany.

Whilst the new properties offer guests privacy and independence, all villa guests have open access to the nearby design hotel, a majestic giant dragonfly-shaped property just 200 metres away, and all of its state-of-the-art facilities as well as all the activities on offer at the Resort for the entire length of their stay.

The spacious open-plan villas feature achinglystylish surroundings thanks to elegant furnishings and unique design items curated by Milan-based interior designer, Andrea Fogli, whilst expansive private decked terraces, perfect for sundowners and al fresco dining, boast sweeping views over the Resort’s picturesque natural surroundings.

Two Hills Lodge villas feature the ‘Lagoon Bay’ design concept and comprise of five bedrooms, four bathrooms, striking double-height living rooms, home theatres with 3D televisions whilst their huge outdoor spaces enjoy panoramic views over the Argentario Polo Club, golf course and Orbetello Lagoon.

Both the Maremma Cottages, one named ‘Olive Trees’ and the other ‘Horse Track’ to reflect their different interior designs, comprise an open-plan living space, three bedrooms and two bathrooms and a wooden terrace with outdoor hot tub.

The fifth property, known as Locker Cottage, is a haven of privacy and tranquillity. Set amongst ancient olive trees, this three-bedroomed independent villa reflects the style of an old Tuscan country house but with glamorous and eclectic touches such as the huge 200m² terrace and the extra large Turkish bath.

When tired of cooking, guests can enjoy gourmet meals created by local chef Emiliano Lombardelli in the stylish Dama Dama Restaurant, named after the fallow deer that occasionally roam around the resort. The cuisine is based on the flavours and colours of the local land with dishes prepared using produce from small, carefullyselected local farms and, at certain times of the year, some that come directly from the hotel’s vegetable garden and orchard. For a less formal dining experience, the Club House Restaurant, overlooking the 18th green of the golf course, serves healthy, authentic Tuscan dishes.

For those looking to fully relax and unwind, Argentario’s extensive Espace Wellness Centre and MediSPA is the ideal retreat. This 2,700m² area includes a fitness centre with Technogym equipment, bio-sauna with chromotherapy,

Kneipp circuit, heated indoor swimming pool with saline water, six massage cabins and tanning showers plus numerous other services.

Anytime access to the par 71, 6,218 metre golf course that weaves in and out of cork-oak woods, natural Mediterranean vegetation and an ancient olive grove, provides the opportunity for golfers to enjoy some challenging holiday golf with spectacular views over the Resort and its surrounds. Testament to the quality of the course and the Club House, Argentario recently joined The PGA’s growing list of exceptional branded resorts as the ‘PGA National Italy’.

Other facilities available include an outdoor swimming pool, kids pool, two tennis courts, two padel courts, several jogging paths that skirt the golf course and edge of the forest and a mini football pitch. Horse riding and fishing trips can easily be arranged by the hotel as well as outings to the nearby sandy beaches of the famous Silver Coast and its crystal-clear waters.

Whether it’s for a summer vacation by the sea under the Tuscan sun or for a relaxing autumn or winter break when the weather is temperate and sunny, the villas are an ideal destination for families and groups of friends who love the Tuscan way of life and its gastronomy, enjoy indulging in a spa day, take pleasure in nature and are keen on sporting activities.

Close to Argentario, there are hilltop villages, charming seaside ports, vineyards and olive groves to explore whilst the nearby cities of Rome, Pisa and Sienna are all within easy distance – by car or train - for those who prefer art and culture.

The Argentario villas are also available to buy and can be used whenever you like whilst the rest of the time the property can be put in a rental pool to generate income. The in-house Argentario Golf Villas offer expertise and personalised management for those properties under ownership, creating the conditions for maximum return on investment. Prices start from Euros 1.75 million.

There are currently five villas available to rent or buy at Argentario with the Resort planning to limit the number of properties to a maximum of 20 to 22 over the next few years. For anyone wishing to invest in a property to suit their own personal requirements, Argentario offers potential buyers the chance to customize their own villa, from layout to internal furnishings, at the planning stage.

For more information Tel: +39 0564 810292 Email: booking@argentarioresort.it Services included in the villa rental: • Continental breakfast delivered daily to the villa.

• 2 golf carts to move around the Resort’s estate.

• Unlimited golf: green fees included + use of the driving range.

• Daily housekeeping.

• Outdoor pools in summer and year-round indoor pools, gym, fitness courses and all services at “Espace Wellness Center”, padel & tennis courts, small football pitch • 24/7 security and garage with video surveillance.

• Concierge at your disposal for excursions and tips.

• Mini Club in July, August, Easter and Christmas.

• Wi-fi.

Facilities available at your fingertips: • Beach service in one of the most exclusive beach clubs of the area.

• Food and drink at Dama Dama Restaurant, Aper Bar and Club House Restaurant & Bar. • Personalized nutrition, naturopathy and beauty treatments at Espace Wellness Center.

• Services and equipment at Argentario Golf Academy.

• On-site heliport.

• Luxury shopping in the Argentario boutique, wine shop and pro shop.

• Excursions and experiences in Tuscany: yacht and boat rental, sailing courses, cookery lessons, guided visits in wineries and olive oil mills etc.

Argentario is easily accessed from Rome Fiumicino Airport by car in just an hour and a half whilst Rome Ciampino and Pisa are just over two hours away.

TEE TIMES | July 2019 17

Kirk begins a ‘problem break’ American golfer Chris Kirk says he is taking ‘indefinite leave’ from the sport to deal with his alcohol and depression issues.

Left: The way we were, traditionally.

Right: A smart young golfer, but would traditionalists bar him for wearing shorts?

Critics of casual kids ‘stuck in 19th century’ Kirk, pictured above, who has four PGA Tour victories, made the announcement on social media, where he wrote: “I have dealt with alcohol abuse and depression for some time now.

“I thought I could control it, but after multiple relapses, I have come to realise I can’t fix this on my own.”

The last of Kirk’s PGA Tour victories was the Colonial tournament in Forth Worth, Texas in 2015.

Brooke joins record group Brooke Henderson equalled the record for most wins on the LPGA or PGA Tours by a Canadian golfer after she retained her title at the Lotte Championship.

Henderson, 21, carded a two-underpar 70 to finish on 16 under, four shots clear of Ji Eun-hee in Hawaii.

Her eighth LPGA Tour victory matched Sandra Post, while Mike Weir and George Knudson each had eight PGA Tour wins.

“It’s amazing to be mentioned in the same sentence with Sandra, and to tie Mike Weir too,” said Henderson.

Henderson won her first LPGA Tour title at the 2015 Portland Classic as a qualifier, while her lone major title came at the 2016 Women’s PGA Championship.

18 TEE TIMES | July 2019

This is the picture posted on Twitter which led to a junior golf coach labelling club officials as being “stuck in the 19th century” Thomas Devine used the social media site to show some of his young students practising their putting.

But he was criticised for letting children play in tracksuit bottoms and hoodies, attire which some traditionalists said ignored the sport’s dress code.

Devine, who runs a ‘Future Elite’ programme at Oulton Hall in Yorkshire, said: “If they feel comfortable in trainers and a hoodie then that’s the way we should allow them to dress.

“It’s important when these youngsters are six, seven, eight, that any barriers to them feeling interested in or enthused about golf are removed - and that involves the way they dress.

“At that age they just want to play. What’s more, I believe we should remove the barrier of cost by allowing children to wear their everyday clothing.

“We are coaching 21st-century children - we are not stuck in the 19th century and only accepting the offspring of the privileged classes.”

Devine regularly teaches more than 170 juniors, aged between five and 16, and says he has never had any complaints about the relaxed dress code.

“The irony of these people using a 21st-century technology (Twitter) to criticise those of us who are moving with the times and embracing change appears lost on them,” he said.

“We will continue to allow the youngsters to wear what they’re comfortable in, whether it’s trackie bottoms and a T-shirt or tailored golf trousers and a £60 branded polo.”

While the official rules of golf only outlaw clothing which can give players an advantage - for example, kinetic clothing which releases energy - many golf clubs enforce dress codes to maintain the “tradition” of the sport.

Golf authorities have said they are looking to modernise the game to make it more accessible. A new, easier to understand rulebook came into force in January.

And the R&A has outlined new plans to widen the sport’s appeal and promised to invest £200million in doing so over the next decade.

Bronte’s amazing 10-shot clawback England’s Bronte Lawjust fell just short of a monumental comeback as she came from 10 shots behind to force a play-off in the Mediheal Championship.

Law tied for the lead against South Korean Sei Young Kim won in California after a brilliant bogeyfree, seven-under-par 65 saw her move up from 20th.

The 24-year-old from Stockport carded three successive birdies from the 10th before an eagle at the par-five 15th.

Kim finished with a three-over 75 but won the play-off after bogeys from compatriot Jeongeun Lee and Law. Law’s heroics pushed her from seventh into the top five of the European Solheim Cup world rankings list.

“My golf is in a good place right now,” she said. “If someone had told me I was going to be in a play-off at the start of the day, I would have told them that they were crazy.”

Fellow English golfer Charley Hull, who was seeking her second LPA Tour title, finished tied for fourth - two shots off the pace - after shooting a 74.

Tom revisits a glory course Tom Lehman will return to the site of his triumph in The Open in 1996 when he tees it up in The Senior Open Presented

by Rolex at Royal Lytham & St Annes from July 25-28.

Lehman held off the challenge of compatriot Mark McCumber and South Africa’s Ernie Els as he won his third of five US PGA Tour titles.

The 60-year-old is relishing the challenge. He said: “It’s quite a golf course, a complete test. Like most links courses you have to drive it straight, there’s more than 200 bunkers out there. If you can find a way to avoid those you are ahead of the game.”

Plan your 2019 Golf Day with David Edwards

Monthly tuition to get you on top of your game by Advanced PGA Lady Professional, Katie Dawkins

Time for some Homework with a difference!

Practicing your short game is essential if you really want to see your scores tumble but what if your course doesn’t have the facility or you simply live too far away to warrant popping up to have a chip. Fear not, there is plenty you can do at home in your own back garden or on a patch of grass somewhere.

Why not book David Edwards Based at Ampfield Golf Club and Meon Valley to make your Golf Day something Golf and Country VERYClub SPECIAL

Ideal for your Captain's Day, Charity Day or Club Celebration TWICE the entertainment with The No.1 David Edwards Trick Shot Show On Course Video Commentary Guaranteed to get the members back to the Clubhouse!

Let’s face it the only things you can control are the club you choose, how far you carry the ball and therefore where it lands on its first bounce. So actually we don’t need a flagstick at all to hone our short shots.

Create that extra bit of fun to make your event memorable

First things first get that strike up to scratch... weight on the front foot, ball fairly central or slightly back in the stance and make sure you bruise the turf. I like to think of a rhythm like “Tick Tock” and making sure the tock is a very committed one. Most of the time people do too much backswing and then decelerate. So it’s important to keep the swing short and compact and accelerate through the ball. This should nip the turf and see the ball popping up in the air with a lovely crisp strike. Have a go with 5 balls and simply lay a garden cane on the ground and practice just getting the balls up and over it. Be satisfied with how cleanly you can hit the ball each time.

Once you’ve mastered this turn your attention to distance control.

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Play a little game of leap frog, take 4 balls and hit the first with a small swing.

Ensuring you accelerate and bruise that turf, then for the next aim to hop your ball over the first one. Do this simply by lengthening your swing. Keep going like this for your 4 balls. Each going a bit further using the same rhythm but a longer swing. You can then set yourself up a chipping ladder and fine tune the drill by aiming to land a ball in each rung starting with the one closest to you and working your way up.

Now you’re becoming very familiar with how you control distance you can begin to aim at all manner of targets. There are no rules, apart from hit away from the house and any greenhouses that may be present! Set up 3 piles of balls at different distances away from an upturned brolly and get cracking! Challenge someone to a competition to make it even more interesting.

Tee Times Telesales Required

You can practice chipping into anything, just get your imagination going and you’ll soon create a golfing obstacle course that Seve would have been proud of.

The more time you dedicate to honing your ability to land your ball on it’s first bounce on a nominated target the better your chances are of getting that ball close out on the greens.

Call: 07870 631040

If you’d like to book a lesson with me or even arrange a Shot Saver Workshop at High Post Golf Club then contact me and get a date booked in… visit my website for inspiration and happy homework everyone!! I am running a Shot Saver Workshop for 2hours on Tuesday 23rd July at 2pm if you are keen to sharpen your short stuff. £25 per person and includes tea and cake. Contact me to book your place.

Visit www.katiedawkinsgolf.co.uk 07780 684334

TEE TIMES | July 2019 19

Kallam Craigs, Chaka Travel South Africa Specialist joined Managing Director Mark Marais on the ultimate in golfing holidays in South Africa in April. They combined their knowledge to draw up an itinerary which allowed them to take in all of the best golf, sights and cuisine that South Africa has to offer.

Kallam had been looking forward to this trip since his last golf and safari tour of South Africa; “ They say that you never visit South Africa only once. The combination of stunning scenery, world-class golf courses and warm African hospitality is one that keeps people coming back time and time again�

Over the three weeks the two stayed & played at 12 of the finest courses in South Africa including the Elements Golf Estate, Simola Country Club and Kallams favourite course on Earth, the Links at Fancourt.

And you can now follow in their footsteps as Kallam has used all of the highlights from their itinerary to create our newest South Africa Golf Holiday.

Contact us now to speak to Kallam or read the full trip review at chakatravel.com

Fancourt Golf Estate

20 TEE TIMES | July 2019

TEE TIMES | July 2019 21

Lighter Moments from the World of Golf Your Monthly Blog by

onthly tuition to get you on top of your game by dvanced PGA Lady Professional, Katie Dawkins

Claire Kane

The Perils of Golf Golf may appear to be a tranquil past time but in reality it may not be quite as safe as we think. We’re all aware of the odd errant ball and the need to warn others on the course by shouting ‘fore’. By the way, did you know that the term ‘fore’ was derived from the term “forecaddie” when golfers used to warn their caddies waiting down the fairway to spot their ball?

I first became aware of the dangers of being hit by a ball after a friend of mine was standing on the first tee preparing to drive off, when a wildly off-line golf ball smacked her right between the eyes. Completely stunned for a few moments, she was transported off to hospital in an ambulance but was lucky enough to sustain relatively minor injuries.

Embarrassingly, she started a new job a couple of days later as a Human Resource Manager. She must have made quite an impression turning up on her first day with two big shiners!

Research by GolfSupport.com indicates golf could be even more dangerous than Rugby and whilst we golfers don’t do anything as daring as flying tackles, we still have to regularly navigate around natural but risky obstacles on the course.

After all, it’s not unusual for golfers to twist ankles after disappearing down rabbit’s holes or strain groins and ligaments having inadvertently slid down grassy mounds. Concealed tree roots can prove lethal if we fail to spot them, not just because we can fall over them but try hitting a tree root instead of your ball and you’ll quickly discover your wrists will go into total vibrational shock.

I once watched in horror as my golf club head detached itself from the shaft, mid drive, flying off at the speed of light. I was even more upset when I realised I no longer had a driver for the rest of the round and a replacement was going to set me back an awful lot of money.

Based at Ampfield Golf Club and Meon Valley Golf and Country Club

Getting up and down If you really want to get the most out of your game and score to your full potential, I would advise not to worry so much about getting another five or ten yards out of your driver! I would look more to making your short game razor sharp.

The crazy thing is that if you are confident around the greens you will probably be more relaxed playing to them. The uplifting feeling you get from making an up and down from a tricky spot in a tight situation will no doubt help you to make a smooth flowing swing off the next tee.

This year’s US Open Champion, Gary Woodland, must have felt over the moon, and relieved, when he hit that pitch close on the seventeenth hole of Pebble Beach. He was then able to finish things off in style.

A great shot can be mentally uplifting but a poor one can have the opposite effect. I remember watching Hunter Mahan, who at the time was one of the highest ranked players in the world, chunk a crucial pitch in the Ryder Cup. I can’t help feeling that hitting a bad shot in such a high pressure situation had a negative effect on his game. He’s a player you hardly ever hear of now.

Was his decline due to that shot - who knows.

As Gary Woodland won the Championship, I thought it only fitting to feature some pictures of that great pitch shot I mentioned earlier.

Gary has been working hard with Pete Cowen on his pitching action. All I can say is that his work really paid off. He played many great shots around the greens during the tournament, on his way to victory.

There is a lot to be learned from looking at those pictures, particularly if you have a tendency to chunk and thin your pitch shots. The pictures show the club at, and just after impact. The club is sliding under the ball at impact and coming up off the ground soon after the ball is struck. Note also that the shaft of the club has gone past the hands soon after impact and the left wrist is cupping, thus ensuring that the club doesn’t close prematurely and the bounce is kept in play. No wonder the consistency of his short game has gone through the roof. Many poor pitchers of the ball make the mistake of trying to keep the hands ahead through impact and hitting down on the ball.

I’ve even stumbled across a number of poisonous snakes on the course.

Even when we keep to the safety of the fairway there can still be danger, such as recently when a group of us had to quickly escape off the course due to a sudden, localised storm. Believe me; knowing you have rubber soled shoes is little consolation when you’re pushing a metal trolley, full of irons across open ground, aware lightening could strike at any moment.

One final thought about the perils of golf is strangely enough about being lucky enough to sink a hole-in-one. The odds for an Amateur may be 12,750 to 1 but land a hole-in-one on a busy club day and you could end up with an eye watering bar bill! © Claire Kane

22 TEE TIMES | July 2019

If you want to learn to pitch it like Gary, give me a call.

M: 07787 887578 | E: martin.butcher@aim.com | W: mbtourcoach.com

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