Tee Times Golf Magazine, June 2019

ISSUE 217 | June 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

Visitors and welcome All -enquiries: 01252 337272 | www.armygolfclub.com Bird Hills Golf Societies Centre - THE SUMMER SIZZLER -OFFER ONLY £31.00pp - see page 15 for more details MAY 2017 TEE TIMES 3

Mac’s second but Mum’s a winner!

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

SPECIAL K AND THE WINNER IS. . .

Koepka leaves Woods, McIlroy and Co floundering

GOLF SPORTSMANSHIP

There were two winners at the British Masters this year: a Swede and Robert MacIntyre’s mum.

Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult, whowill have NORTH Hants Golf Club in Fleet had missed his last four cuts to find some more space in its on Justin the European and Rose Room toTour record thewaited continuing exploits county’searned favourite 20 years offorthe a victory, a golfing son. winner’s cheque ofor £500,000.

Just and of the Roomone willstroke be foundbehind for mementoes sharing second place were 2017 Masters to be placed alongside those England’s Matt Wallace of Rose’s U.S. Open triumphand in 2013 and his Olympic Golf Gold.

22-year-old Scot MacIntyre.

AsButhewhile nursed his biggest ever Rose was pipped at Augusta by prize pot of £259,000, Sergio Garcia, the inevitableMacIntyre disappointment revealed hewas hadcounterbalanced promised hisby a for his fans display of sportsmanship which was mother a skill newand kitchen if he won a credit to bothmoney. men, and to a sport which some decent still prides itself on honesty and fairness.

“She’s getting her kitchen now,” heYes, told Scotland.

“She’s theBBC final round between these got two Ryder it,Cup it’stitans a done was deal.” bound to be emotional. Rose was edgingplayed his way his towards second Major, MacIntyre finala round and Garcia was trying to secure his first on with Southport host Tommy the very day which would have been the Fleetwood, who finished tied 10th 60th birthday of his hero, Seve Ballesteros. after a final-round 73 But young the overriding emotion for spectators The man from Oban saud: of the final round was the “I’ve never played in way frontthese of two Europeans fought the fight. crowds like this. I was a wee bit wary at theround, start,they I was In the final werenervy. toe-to-toe rivals But couldn’t picksupremely a bettercompetitive way to but Inot opponents, finish than playing with Tommy.” yet gentlemanly, acknowledging each other’s

While the fans were dreaming of a continuing comeback by Tiger Woods in the second Major of the season, another American superstar was stealing everybody’s thunder.

Brooks Koepka held off world number one Dustin Johnson to retain his US PGA Championship title and win a fourth Major on a dramatic day at Bethpage.

The 2017 and 2018 US Open champion was out of the blocks with a record seven-shot lead for the final day. Four bogeys nearly put paid to it, but he clung on.

Meanwhile, Woods could not recreate his Masters magic and even failed to make the cut.

Rory McIlroy was joint eighth on one over, and it will have been particularly galling that Koepka was in the process of matching his own Major haul of four.

England’s Matt Wallace tied for third, earning his best finish at a major.

Has Tiger’s bubble burst? Is there more magic to come? Can Rory finally get his hands on a fifth Major trophy after a five-year gap?

Next stop: Pebble Beach for the U.S. Open this month. Let the games begin.

MORE McILROY MI££IONS Rory McIlroy has been named as the United Kingdom’s wealthiest sports star under the age of 30.

According to the Sunday Times Rich List, the four-time Major winner saw his fortune increase

by £28m to £138m in the last year.

He turned 30 just weeks ago.

Well played, Masters mate: At the end and Real Madrid forward on the and course, Wales Rose and Garcia were sporting gentlemen Gareth Bale was second with £94m.

skills with a knuckle-touch or a nod.

It’s all shipshape again for Tiger Woods – see Page 4

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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 | June 2019 3

Carly defends her Saudi deal Carly Booth will remain an ambassador of Scottish Golf despite being criticised about her sponsorship deal with the Saudi Arabia Golf Federation.

European Tour pro Booth tweeted about her partnership with a country widely criticised over its human rights position. She later deleted the post.

In March, the 26-year-old became an ambassador for Scottish Golf to help grow the girls’ and women’s game. In a statement, the organisation said her “influential social media presence” is “in line with our strategy”. Booth’s tweet said she was “honoured” to represent Saudi Golf, even though the country “culturally are in a different place”.

It came on the same day the Saudi government, condemned for their human rights record, executed 37 people, according to Amnesty International. Scottish Golf said: “In order to grow the game, we need to make it more accessible and attainable for girls and young women. “Carly’s commitment to her sport and her influential social media presence, where she promotes a positive lifestyle and healthy living to tens of thousands of girls, is helpful in changing perceptions around girls’ and women’s golf, in line with our strategy.”

She was also an official ambassador for the inaugural European Golf Team Championships at Gleneagles last August and hopes to qualify for the Solheim Cup, also to be held at Gleneagles, in September.

Barry is Britain’s new blind golf star Britain’s latest golf star is looking forward to playing his part this month for the Rest of the World against North America in the biennial Vision Cup - blind golf’s version of the Ryder Cup.

Scotland’s Barry McCluskey has established himself among the best blind players in the world, recently winning the U.S. Open.

It is just a year since his first venture into blind golf when he was practising at Royal Musselburgh with his guide, Gerry Green.

His first effort off the tee was wildly adrift and found a sensitive part of Gerry’s anatomy.

Partnership But the pair quickly discovered that their partnership would work, and it was this which served them so well in the U.S. Open.

“I can see the ball at my feet, but as soon as I strike the ball I have no perception of where it goes,” Barry told BBC Scotland.

“I can’t judge distances, slopes on greens or anything like that, so my guide is crucial for that. Gerry is a big part of this because if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be able to do it.”

Barry said that when the Open pressure was on, Gerry was key to their success: “I thought I’d blown it - with five holes to go my head totally went. Thank God for the guy

Barry McCluskey: “I have no perception of where the ball flies”

Barry was diagnosed with the degenerative disease keratoconus at the age of 18 after his eczema caused him to scratch his eyes and damage the corneas.

His condition worsened and he was registered blind in January last year. He struggles with bright lights and cannot see faces unless they are directly in front of him.

“I’m preparing myself for the worst - total sight loss. I just to try to get on with it and stay upbeat.”

There are three categories for blind golfers depending on how limited their vision. Barry took the B3 title after scores of 79 and 82 put him comfortably clear of the field of 29 competitors. at my side, Gerry, who managed to pull me back in. I finished very strongly.

“Blind golf has been an absolute revelation. It’s given me a purpose in life again.”

After his milestone success, McCluskey and his guide planned to

It’s all shipshape again for Tiger Woods Officially, it is termed a “yacht”, although its owner calls it his “dinghy”. This is Tiger Woods’ personal boat, moored at New York as the rejuvenated star arrived in town for the USPGA. The $20million craft is named Privacy and can sleep 10 guests in five state rooms. It also features a gym, a lift, a large jacuzzi, a bar, a scuba station and has room to carry three kayaks and two Vespa scooters.

Woods’ “dinghy” is called Privacy and the medal is all about Freedom

It tied up in the same week that Woods was presented with America’s highest civilian honour by President Trump.

win, win”. The President said: “These qualities embody the American spirit of pushing boundaries and defying limits.”

The Presidential Medal of Freedom citation praised Woods’ “relentless will to win,

Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King and Michael Jordan are among other athletes to win the award.

4 TEE TIMES | June 2019

compete in the British Open and British Masters as well as six or seven events in Scotland.

As they tee up on Dublin’s famous Portmarnock links this month for the Rest of the World, it is a fairly safe bet that no part of Gerry’s anatomy is in danger any more.

Padraig cuts his deck of wildcards

Europe captain Padraig Harrington will choose three wildcards instead of four when his team defend the Ryder Cup in the U.S. next year.

Nine players will qualify automatically with points earned in tournaments from the BMW PGA Championship in September until the same event in 202 0.

“In my experience, a player is more comfortable when he has qualified automatically,” said Harrington.

Europe thrashed the United States 17½ 10½ to regain the Ryder Cup last year.

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TEE TIMES | June 2019 5

Maguire has future victories up her Slieve Ireland star Leona Maguire is being tipped for a summer of success after clinching the first win of her burgeoning professional career – by the team that launched her on the road to golfing stardom.

Maguire, 24, shot a seven-under-par 65 to climb to the top of the leaderboard in the final round of the Symetra Tour’s Windsor Classic last Sunday before birdieing the first hole of sudden death to beat Pajaree Anannarukarn in a play-off.

The former world amateur number one and her twin sister, Lisa, joined Slieve Russell Hotel, Golf & Country Club in Cavan when they were just 10 years old, and the club’s head PGA professional Gordon Smyth and his coaching team have taken great pride in watching the pair start to fulfil their immense talent.

Maguire, who also represented her country at the 2016 Olympics, only turned professional last summer and her victory at the Windsor Classic came in just her 21st regular start as a pro.

the top of the game. To win a tournament in her first full season as a professional is an incredible achievement and puts her in great shape for the future.”

The Maguires became official ambassadors for Slieve Russell last October and Leona added: “Slieve Russell has given us tremendous support throughout our careers to date, and so to start repaying the faith they’ve shown in us in my first year on tour makes me very proud.

“It’s a huge honour for us to represent the club which is one of the best in Ireland, and I’m absolutely delighted to get my first professional win. What a feeling and I’m looking forward to coming home and seeing my friends and family.

“I’ve been so close for the past few weeks and started off really well in the final round. I suppose being so close last week gave me a little bit of extra motivation and the victory tastes a little sweeter.”

Smyth said: “It’s been a real privilege to see the girls’ careers develop at such close quarters. They are both very talented golfers and I’m sure this victory is just the beginning for them.

Set just 90 minutes from Dublin and two hours from Belfast, Slieve Russell’s acclaimed 18-hole championship course has hosted two European Tour events and was home to the Irish PGA Championship in 1996.

“Leona has an enormous amount of natural ability and is very focused in her desire to reach

Designed by Paddy Merrigan, the natural landscape of West Cavan provides a stunning

backdrop to what many describe as one of the finest parkland courses in Ireland. It is accompanied by a nine-hole par-three academy course and an adventure golf facility to inspire the next generation of young players.

In addition, Slieve Russell also stages an annual PGA pro-am, with the popular event featuring a collective prize fund of 1.2million euro since it was first held in 1997 –the highest paid PGA pro-am tournament in Ireland.

Complementing the golf course is a 222-bedroom, four-star hotel; an award-winning Ciuin Spa; and an outstanding golf academy where resident head PGA professional Gordon Smyth and his team are available with expert tuition, state-of-the-art video analysis and training programmes to help golfers of all abilities achieve their goals. www.slieverussell.ie

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Argentario opens stylish new Club House in time for 2019 season Tuscany, Italy, March 2019: The Argentario Golf Resort & Spa (www.argentarioresort.com), one of the most highlyregarded golf destinations in Tuscany, Italy, has opened a stylish new Club House in time for the 2019 golf season.

The new structure is home to the Pro Shop, Golf Secretary’s office and the Club House Restaurant & Bar, which boasts an extensive wooden terrace offering stunning views over the golf course and surrounding hills, the Orbetello Lagoon, often awash with flamingos, and the Gulf of Talamone in the distance.

The cutting-edge design of the Club House reflects the dramatic architecture of the nearby resort hotel that is characterized by its magnificent, light-filled atrium reception, its sleek, modern communal spaces and the superchic furnishings in its rooms, suites and apartments. The impressive entrance to the Club House, for example, has been created by the installation of a striking decked walkway and gazebo created using natural materials.

Inside the Club House furnishings chosen by Milan-based interior designer, Andrea Fogli, have produced a stylish, yet cosy interior. The traditional decor of historic Anglo-Saxon golf clubs – such as the soft leather chairs and deer antler candelabra – combine with modern, contemporary features that make for a comfortable and practical environment in which to relax.

The addition of the Club House will enhance the overall experience of playing the par 71, 6,218 metre golf course that meanders its way through the Tuscan terrain, corkoak woods and ancient olive groves.

For after a round of golf, restorative drinks and healthy dishes that are simple, yet creative, will now be served in the Restaurant which is overseen by Emiliano Lombardelli, who was born in the Monte Argentario area.

himself to other projects and activities such as the publication of two books entitled ‘Con Gusto’ and ‘Cibo’. From Spring 2019, he returns back ‘home’ as Executive Chef at the Dama Dama and Buvette Restaurants at Argentario.

Emiliano demonstrated his passion for cooking at an early age and after attending hotel school, he began working in the world of fine dining in 1988 gaining invaluable experience alongside chef and gastronomist, Alvaro Claudi, on the island of Elba and then alongside the chef, Giuseppe Sestito, at the Mirabelle Restaurant in nearby Rome.

The kitchen at the Club House Restaurant operates lunch from 12:30 to 15:00 and dinner from 19:30 to 22:00, while the bar offers sandwiches, salads and desserts all day, from 8:00 to 20:00.

For more information on the Argentario Resort: T:+39 0564 810292 E: booking@argentarioresort.it

In 2008 Emiliano returned to Monte Argentario as Executive Chef in the Dama Dama Restaurant when the Resort was first opened. In 2016 he began a period of consultancy, devoting

TEE TIMES | June 2019 7

Playing Golf in Bulgaria Friends have spoken glowingly of playing golf in Bulgaria and I was a little more than intrigued to find out more having never played there before. As with skiing, it is surprising how quickly Bulgaria is now becoming recognised as a sought after golf destination, and perfect for keen golfers looking for new and untried golf challenges.

It was early April when I flew from Heathrow on a British Airways flight direct to Sofia and then on to Pirin Golf and Spa resort in the ski region of one of Bulgaria’s popular ski resorts, Banski.

The idea did occur to me of writing about skiing in the mornings and playing a round of golf in afternoon but that was not to be. By the time we arrived, the ski resort has already closed a couple of weeks earlier for the winter season.

Not to be deterred me to fit in a quick visit to Bansko, some 20 kilometres from Pirin where we spent a delightful hour inspecting the ski village and slopes including the downhill run where FIS World Cup race took place in February this year.

As their golf reputation grows, daily flights British Airways flight to Sofia has clearly helped put Bulgaria on the international golf map as a new up and coming golf destination despite a three and half hour flight from Heathrow. However, time passed quickly and we were soon piling luggage and golf clubs into an awaiting mini bus for our two hour drive to the resort. The journey took us through several rugged regions as well as several famous wine growing districts where rows and rows of stark, leafless vines could be seen clinging to nearby hillsides.

But back to golf, Pirin Golf and Spa resort is a picturesque well planned modern resort and lies in the valley of the Razlog-Bansko mountain

8 TEE TIMES | June 2019

range, and surrounded by three of the regions highest mountains, the aptly named Rila, Pirin and Rodopies mountains.

the future), and these are added to 13 holes from the Ian Woosnam course which ostensibly makes up for two courses.

Friendly staff at the five star Pirin Golf Hotel and Spa where we stayed mostly spoke English and on arrival we were immediately made to feel welcome and handed a glass of refreshing champagne alias Proseco, a gesture that went down well with our group before disappearing off to our rooms to unpack. My spacious double room was huge with a large king size bed that would have been easily slept four let alone two, and en-suite trendily designed bathroom with a huge Jacuzzi and separate walk-in shower. Large French windows led on to a beautiful flower adorned wooden terrace where on clear sunny days, views of the stunning Razlog snow-capped mountain range could be seen.

Despite recent heavy rainfalls buggies were allowed on the course, a blessing in disguise as in places there are quite long distances between greens and fairways.

On our first day we were driven to the course in the hotel’s mini bus and dropped off directly outside the large palatial clubhouse even though it takes less than ten minutes to walk. Once inside we were greeted by the resort’s staff and immediately offered coffee over a brief chat about the course before being shown our buggies and the whereabouts of first hole in time before our pre-arranged 10.30 tee times. The well stocked Pro shop is where golfers who like me prefer to hire clubs (rather than lug them to and from airports) can be hired. The selection of mostly TaylorMade’s latest range is impressive. I certainly found my bag did my game justice as all clubs were in excellent condition.

The 18 hole par 72 course designed by Ian Woosnam is oddly named Course A, the second course although called the Pirin Pine is known as Course B and only features five new fully constructed holes (although more are planned in

The course is mostly flat but a joy to play. Some holes definitely need careful planning and the use of all irons, other are particularly challenging but in all this is a course that suits all standards of golfer. The first par 4 hole, a particularly challenging hole if not played before consists of a stone bordered stream that cuts through the fairway from one side to the other. Best is to layup before the stream and aim for the green on the next shot. The two par three holes are long and also challenging and ladies need a good drive to reach the green.

Whether playing the front nine or back nine, the views of surrounding snow capped mountains are stunning, and all part of the attraction of playing this highly recommended Pirin golf course.

There are plenty of opportunities for golfers to perfect their game at the Pirin Golf and Country Club which includes a large practice range, a well designed golf academy that offers a variety of courses for all standards of golfer. There are even courses for children and absolute beginners wishing to learn to play golf from scratch. All courses are run by a team of top golf professionals and include top of the range technical equipment and video analysis.

I enjoyed the whole experience playing golf in Bulgaria for first time and hope to return again soon.

April Tod

Visitors and Societies welcome - All enquiries: 01252 337272 | www.armygolfclub.com

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Please contact the General Manager, Steve Sanger on 01258 452253 Option 4 for more details or visit www.ashleywoodgolfclub.com TEE TIMES | June 2019

9

Alternative Golf?

I just hope our man of the cloth keeps his shirt on It’s not what you expect to see in a golf clubhouse. A pile of footballs, and, next to it, a pile of rugby balls. What on earth’s going on?

I found this curious sight at a local course, and it is part of golf’s attempts to lure in more young members.

In footie golf, and rugby golf, which are both separated from real golf, they kick the ball round and down a hole which is, appropriately, the size of a football.

And yes, I know what you’re thinking. We could run up a pretty good score if they’d let us play golf with holes that size,

particularly if we could do the final putt with our feet.

The idea is that by linking golf with more popular sports this will grab the interest of young people.

In a moment of whimsy, I thought: Can we be sure they won’t bring anything of their sports over to golf?

Can you imagine trying to take a putt when your opponent collapses doubled up on the ground screaming that he’s been fouled?

Or if, just as you’re teeing off, an 18-stone Vunipola dances a haka, sticks his tongue out, ad then smashes you to the ground.

What might we pick up from their sporting behaviour?

One of our members is a senior clergyman and if, on sinking his final putt, he is going to race round the green tearing off his shirt and skidding to a halt on his knees, frankly I would find that rather disturbing.

I’ve got enough problems with my swing without that.

I can see what the golf authorities are trying to do – linking golf to more popular games and making it easier for young people who, these days, sadly, have the concentration and perseverance of a house fly.

The only problem is... where will it end?

Skating golf – whizzing round on roller-skates, 18 holes in 90 minutes? Boxing golf, where the players go for a knockout on the final green?

Marble golf where the ball never leaves the ground (I’ve been playing that for some time and I’m pretty good at it by now). Or Gaelic golf, where the ball hurtles past at 30ft and you have to catch it with a sand iron.

Personally I’ve been experimenting with second-shot golf. It’s great. If you don’t like the first shot, put another ball down and go again. All the way round.

I was in Petersfield to visit an old chum of mine, Col. I introduced him to the sport years ago when he was comfortably the worst player I’d ever seen. Since then, his game has deteriorated.

There’s talk of him playing off the ladies’ tees, although I would’ve thought the pre-school toddlers’ tees would be more appropriate.

Anyway, he told me that Petersfield, a club that’s on the up-and-up, has the answer, and it’s beautifully simple.

They’ve cleaned up their 18-hole course so it’s now a delight as well as a challenge.

They’ve adjusted the fees so you don’t need to put the wife on the streets to afford it.

And they’ve put in a new and delicious menu.

Better golf. Better value. Better food.

It could catch on.

If Sumo Golf doesn’t work, of course.

WORLD HANDICAPS NEAR THE TEE-OFF Golf’s new World Handicap System remains on track to start operating next year, the R&A has announced.

The system is designed to bring the game of golf under a single set of rules for handicapping. The aim is to provide a more consistent measure of players’ ability between different regions of the world, Education has begun with events being held in Singapore, South Africa, Great Britain and Ireland, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Continental Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and the USA. A secure resource portal, accessible via whs.com, has also been launched to provide national associations with a library of materials that they can use to help support their own education efforts.

10 TEE TIMES | June 2019

Coinciding with this release, the R&A and the USGA are launching a social media video campaign to remind golfers of the eight key features of the new Rules of Handicapping and to reveal more details.

These features include: • Minimum number of scores to establish a Handicap Index and maximum Handicap Index of 54.0 • Basis of calculation of Handicap Index • Acceptability of scores for handicap purposes • Course Rating and Slope Rating • Calculation of a Playing Handicap • Maximum hole score for handicap purposes • Adjustments for abnormal playing conditions

• Frequency of updating a Handicap Index Significant progress has been made in preparation for the rollout of the new system, which includes building a library of education materials, finalising the new Rules of Handicapping, release of the technical specifications and the continuation of testing.

Many national associations around the world are busy ensuring that their golf courses are rated in accordance with the Course Rating System and working to update local software platforms so that they are ready to apply the new Rules of Handicapping.

While many countries will be ready to transition to the WHS early in 2020, given both the magnitude of

Global system aims to make regions of the world consistent

the change for some jurisdictions and varying seasonality throughout the world, it is anticipated that some will need more time.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said,“There are many ways in which it is important for golf to modernise and become more appealing for people thinking of taking up the sport and handicapping is clearly one of them.”

Army Army Golf Golf Club, Club, your your friendly friendly local local club club Army Golf Club, your friendly local club

Visitors and Societies welcome - All enquiries: 01252 337272 | www.armygolfclub.com

Army Golf Club offers a warm and Army Golf Club offers warm and friendly welcome to alla visitors and friendly welcome to name all visitors and members alike. The represents members alike.

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Army Golf Club. Your friendly local club.

We look forward to welcoming you to Army Golf Club. Your friendly local club.

Membership: Membership: Very Active Men’s, Ladies, Seniors, Mixed

Very Men’s, Ladies, Seniors, Mixed JuniorActive and Intermediate sections.

Membership: Junior and Intermediate sections.

-Very A friendly that offersSeniors, a welcome to all.

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- Junior Golf programme with local schools.

-Army Ladies Golf Academy for–beginners Club 18 holes, and 6550the yards, experienced golfer.

Army Golf Club –membership 18 holes, 6550 yards, Par 71 and a thriving within all Par 71 and a thriving membership within all categories.

Army Golf Club – 18 holes, 6550 yards, categories.

Par 71 and a thriving membership within all categories.

All enquiries to: 01252 337272, email: mansec@armygolfclub.com All enquiries to: 01252 337272, email: mansec@armygolfclub.com www.armygolfclub.com www.armygolfclub.com All enquiries to: 01252 337272, email: mansec@armygolfclub.com TEE TIMES | www.armygolfclub.com

June 2019 11

Outright victory for Billy Ray of Wellow Golf Club After 138 totals, a birdie 3 on the 4th extra hole secured outright victory for Billy Ray of Wellow Golf Club, Romsey.

The Scratch golfer from Wellow Golf Club has kickstarted his season with a nailbiter of a win in his first major event of the year by securing the historic Chanctonbury Ring which is held each year at the Prestigious West Sussex Golf club.

Only 1 shot back after shooting a first round of 71, Billy then followed up with a 1 under par 67

to earn himself a 3 man sudden death playoff over holes 1, 4,5 and 18 against Ollie Smith of Royal Ashdown and Jack Bartlett of Woburn Golf Club.

Ollie could only chip out sideway which meant Billy had the advantage and although from the bunker continued to hit a well struck 7iron to 20feet from the pin to pile on the pressure.

Holes 1 and 4 were halved in pars before Jack 3 putted to crash out and take 3rd place.

Ollie added pressure too when his 3rd shot finished only 4 ft away from the pin for his par.

Now with only Billy and Ollie left it was to the 18th hole. Ollie drove first and had put his drive behind a tree, then Billy had found the fairway bunker, 165 yards away from the green.

Then Billy took his chance and went on to roll in the birdie putt for the win.

Next up for Billy is the Dehli Cup, a Hampshire Order Of Merit event at Hockley Golf Club in 2 weeks time.

Noemi Jimenez To Lead Women’s Golf Day Celebrations At Finca Cortesin Female golfers of all ages will have the opportunity to learn from one of Europe’s top emerging stars next month when Spanish ace Noemi Jiménez hosts an exclusive golf clinic at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa to help the luxury resort celebrate this year’s global Women’s Golf Day. Jiménez, Finca Cortesin’s touring professional and currently 38th in the 2019 Ladies European Tour Order of Merit standings, will be on hand to lead a fun-packed morning on and off the course on Tuesday, June 4 as the deluxe resort in Andalucia joins hundreds of golf venues around the world marking the international event.

As part of the day, players of all abilities can enjoy nine holes on Finca Cortesin’s 18-hole championship course – rated as one of the top layouts in Spain – followed by a golf clinic hosted

by Jimenez at the resort’s state-of-the-art Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy.

And, after spending the morning fine-tuning their swings, everyone taking part will then have the

12 TEE TIMES | June 2019

chance to relax in style with a lunchtime cocktail at the golf clubhouse.

Held for the first time in 2016, Women’s Golf Day has grown to become an established part of the international golfing calendar.

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.

Over the past three years, events have been held at more than 900 venues in 52 countries – delivering a golf experience to 50,000-plus women and girls – and having entered into a new partnership with the ANNIKA Foundation, the charitable foundation of women’s golf legend Annika Sorenstam, this year’s event will reach further than ever before.

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.

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

For more information on Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa and to take part in this year’s Women’s Golf Day at the resort, email nicklausacademy@golfcortesin.es or visit www.fincacortesin.com

Designed by American Cabell Robinson, the par-72 layout has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments including the Volvo World Match

For further details about Women’s Golf Day on Tuesday June 4, 2019, go to www.womensgolfday.com

TT MAY 2017 Issue 192_Layout 1 22/04/2017 15:22 Page 19

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MAY 2017

TEE TIMES 19

ROMSEY GOLF CLUB - THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS In 1890 there were only 387 golf clubs throughout the world, and seven of those were in the county of Hampshire, but within the next ten years the game expanded dramatically and that number had swollen to 2330, and one of the new additions to the register was Romsey Golf Club. The first Romsey course was located at Hamptworth to the South East of the town.

It first appeared as a club in the record books in The Golf Year Book in 1900. It was a nine hole course that had simply been created on a stretch of farmland, and was supported by a few members of the business gentry from the town. It was the era of expansion for golf clubs, and golf was the fashionable recreation for the well -heeled.

From farmland it was born and to farmland it returned, for when the founder, Captain Maurice Suckling RN died in 1924, his heirs decided it would be more profitable returning the land to farming.

When the club lost its home, two members of the Guard family searched for an alternative site, and obtained a lease on the land where the present course is located.

The owner was Colonel W W Ashley, and later Lord Mount Temple, better known as Lord Palmerston. Golf had been played on this estate land as early as 1863, and when the new lease was agreed, the Stoneham

Professional , George Kirkby and the Stoneham, Secretary Colonel Waddle were commissioned to design the new nine hole course. An old army hut was acquired for the clubhouse, and thus from that humble beginning the club continued in existence, the facts of which were duly confirmed by the R&A and the records amended to show the correct date on formation.

The Broadlands Estate which owned the land, had been home to Lord Palmerston, and in later years became the family home of Lord Mountbatten of Burma who was an active President of the golf club for many years, until his tragic death at the hands of the IRA in 1979.

Much of the early history had been untapped, and it was not until the mid 1990’s when research was being done into the club history that the facts came to light, and continuity was proved about the relocation to Nursling.

Contact with early members, research into the Romsey Advertiser records and much hard work was required to obtain the acceptance by the R&A that there was a continuance from the original club. Unfortunately that club history was never published, though the work proved invaluable.

Club minutes of 1934 gave first evidence of extensive work on the course, with the entry giving approval given to the Captain, Mr Nichols to procure soil from Millbrook and arrange cartage.

The first motorised greens equipment was a modified Fordson Van, which is shown in the picture being driven by greenkeeper Dick Dunsford. Then came World War 11, and everything changed, it was a simple case of survival until the conflict was over.

For several years the club seemingly ambled along, but then the arrival of Reg Horne as Club Professional was the change that put the club on the golfing map.

Reg was a very accomplished and successful golfer, winning the PGA Championship, and he narrowly missed winning the Open Championship in 1947, when he was pipped by Irishman Fred Daly by one shot, he finished tied for second place with Frank Stranahan of the USA. He won several top events during his career on the British Tour as it was then, and was chosen for the Ryder Cup team, the team which went to Portland Oregon in 1947, the first time it was played after the war.

He eventually left Romsey to settle at Hendon Golf Club, where he stayed until he retired.

After the war, in common with many other golf clubs, Romsey struggled to re-establish the membership, the war years had had a terrible impact and although the conflict was over, the Fifties followed; it was by a time of austerity, and the club was reduced to forty or fifty players, and there was no plan other than survival for several years.

The loyalty of that hardcore of members meant that the club survived a critical period in its history, and with the improved prosperity was ready to advance again. Many of the clubs which had been formed in that early period were nine hole layouts, and all the trends were for full eighteen hole courses, and in keeping with other clubs in Hampshire the idea of extending the layout was muted, though the potential costs were the stumbling block.

The first fifty years had been eventful, the club had relocated to a much better environment on the rolling landscape of the Broadlands Estate, survived and recovered, it had a renowned and world famous figure as the President of the club in Lord Mountbatten of Burma, and the woes off wartime had finally been banished, the start of the second half of the century boded well.

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MAY 2017

ROMSEY GOLF CLUB - THE ELIZABETHAN ERA In 1953 King George VI died and Queen Elizabeth came to the throne, it was an era of radical change, the sporting public became more aware of the game of golf, it had started with the emergence of Arnold Palmer, who revived the fortunes of the Open Championship by coming over to play. When television started to cover events, and the challenges of the Big Three, Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and the diminutive Gary Player captured the public imagination and the game expanded as never before.

With the coming of the sixties and seventies, the nation was beginning to really prosper, the nation had never had it so good, the politicians told everyone, and a positive and rapidly expanding interest in golf was evident.

The sudden interest in the game meant that there was a shortage of opportunities to play, and many member’s clubs suddenly found that they had waiting lists, a far cry from ten years before. One man in particular became the driving force in extending the existing facilities at Romsey, his name was Charlie Wills. As a result of his influence it was decided to extend the course to eighteen holes. The relative costs were huge for the club, so inevitably it had to be tackled as prudently as possible, the sum estimated was £36,000, so corners had to be cut, and as a consequence improvements had to be made over the years that have elapsed from that time, but the fundamental change had been made and an eighteen hole layout was the result.

Some members felt that the course would be diminished by the changes, as several good nine hole courses had been made into lesser quality eighteen hole courses, but the new layout was eventually opened in 1974, to much acclaim. The opening ceremony was performed by the Mayor of Romsey and the club President Lord Louis Mountbatten of Burma. The new course instantly attracted

more members, and the need for a larger clubhouse was the outcome. The old tin shed known by golfers throughout Hampshire was inadequate, so an extension was built. It was here above all that foresight was shown by the Committee, because they built the new bar and changing rooms with excellent foundations that would be able to support a second storey when the extended clubhouse was to be built many years in the future.

Although Romsey Golf Club had achieved a major change by adding an extra nine holes to complete the full eighteen, it was far from the rosy picture first anticipated. The new holes were suspect to stones lifting through the turf, and so the enterprising members used the problem as a cause for a social get together, when very successful stone picking evenings were organised. The course continued to settle and develop, and become recognised as a very good test of golf, to add to the first class reputation as a very friendly and homely members club.

Reg Horne

14 TEE TIMES | June 2019

The heart of any association of sportsmen is the spirit generated by the characters who are members. The club was blessed with many during this time, times of sing song around the

Golf Academy

piano with RAF war hero and artist Spike Harrison, events organised by club steward John Saunders, and when George Biles retired, the club was fortunate to recruit one of the best club secretaries in the country. Phil Hargreaves, who had been a professional soldier for many years, proved to be just what was required for a growing club.

In the early 1990’s there was an unexpected bonus for all private golf clubs, when a European ruling meant that private sports clubs could reclaim a substantial amount of the Vat that had been paid over the preceding years. It also resulted in heated debates at many clubs over how the money gleaned should be dissipated.

Some gave it back to the members, but at Romsey, after an Extraordinary General Meeting there was a positive support to use the money for the advancement of the club. At the time the existing lease with the Broadlands Estate was nearing the time for renewal. When the members voted that the substantial Vat refund could be used to extend the clubhouse and build upstairs offices and new changing rooms, the resulting capital enhancement helped convince the Trustees to agree another lease.

With a new lease and support from the sale of a limited number of lease life memberships, plans were drawn to build the new clubhouse.

After the News Year’s Eve party in the clubhouse in 1993 the bulldozers came in, and the next morning work started on the demolition of the old veranda, and the project began in earnest.

Everything ran according to plan, and the new clubhouse duly opened in July of 1994. Fully constructed and furnished without borrowing one penny. The new clubhouse provided the perfect environment for the evolution of the club and to progress into the twenty first century.

The dawn of the year 2000 was celebrated universally, and with no more gusto than at the New Year’s Party at Romsey. For this was the start of the celebrations for the club’s Centenary Year.

That honour was shared with several other clubs in the United Kingdom, and the highlight of the year was the Celebration Week, during which all the members participated, a great way to recognise one hundred years of history.

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Heath Teschner and James Fairlie

THE 21st CENTURY Romsey Golf Club is situated just three miles from the centre of Romsey on the A3057 at Nursling, less than a mile from the M27 motorway. Nestling at the south eastern edge of Broadlands Estate, on a beautiful mature wooded parkland blessed with undulating contours, the course meanders through the trees, with its own version of Amen Corner on the front nine, the 5th, 6th and 7th, three holes that will provide a challenge for any golfer. The signature hole 6th, is a spectacular par four, with a tough par three before and after. For although the course is less than 6000 yards, the narrow wooded fairways, doglegs and strategically placed bunkers make it an examination of accuracy rather than length, rewarding good course management as well as good shot making.

The Club, which celebrated it’s Centenary in the year 2000, moved to the present site in 1924, it was originally a nine hole course, laid out by George Kirby, the professional from Stoneham. It was extended to an eighteen hole layout in 1974, and it is now a very tight par 69, which demands accuracy and patience to score well. It is a credit to the members of the day that their design has stood the test so well. Rightly described a

woodland gem, the colours of the trees change as the months pass, from the fresh green of spring to the autumn, which is a delight with the golds and warm browns of the leaves as they change from summer finery.

Romsey has long had the reputation of being a very friendly club, from the time you drive into the car park, expect a welcome both from the members and the staff in the clubhouse and the most importantly the professional’s shop.

It is said that first impressions are important and stay in the memory, and Heath Teschner who is the Head Professional and his assistant James Fairlie are always happy to help to make the visit an enjoyable one. Their shop is fully stocked to provide a comprehensive service to members and visitors alike. They have been recently joined by trainee

professional Elliot Groves, who will be starting his PGA qualifications in September. Elliott who was a junior member of the now defunct Dunwood Manor course in his youth, went to the USA on a golf scholarship and attended Western Texas College and then Oklahoma City University, where he represented the university in winning the NAIA National Championship in 2012, before returning home. He turned professional in 2013;.and with the encouragement of Heath and James he will be representing the club on the Hampshire PGA circuit as well as the Southern Region PGA Tour. He made a great start to his Hampshire career by winning the Hampshire Trainee Championship.

The club is always mindful of the fact that the golf course is the jewel in the crown of any club, and Romsey have a first class team lead by Head Greenkeeper Steve Gibbs. The programme of course maintenance and improvements is in capable hands, and during the recent year the

MAY 2017

TEE TIMES 21

Elliott Groves

ongoing installation of eco bunkers, which were invented by Richard Allen, has been in full cry.

Aesthetically good to look at, with neat riveting they are excellent in performance. On holes 5, 6 7 and 8 the bunkers have all been converted to the eco system, which ensures they are in the best possible condition year round. Part of the ongoing target designed to provide a course which is in prime condition throughout the year.

Particular attention will be concentrated on the provision of first class greens, and the club is currently in the throes of planning a major reinvestment in greens equipment, all part of the structured approach to deliver the very best results for members and visitors alike.

A good course promotes good golf, and the club has enjoyed considerable success over the last few years, in more recent times both the ladies and the juniors have had cause to celebrate. In 2016 the ladies again won the Stoneham Cup, but the junior’s team took the honours and came to national recognition when they qualified for the Home Nations Final held in Portugal. The six man team narrowly lost the final on countback after finishing level at three games all with Beadlow Manor, a great performance in which they won their first three rounds and were never defeated.

Leading members of the team, Owen Grimes and George Nicholson-Jack who both happen to be left handers, will both be crossing the Atlantic on golf scholarships with American universities this autumn.

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MAY 2017

ROMSEY GOLF CLUB - HERE AND NOW Any potential member considering joining a golf club will have to examine the benefits of such membership, and the facilities available at the club are comprehensive. A simple look into the website of the club will yield the answers. They are numerous and all embracing.

In addition to the extensive work on the course, there has been a major refurbishment of the bar area in the clubhouse, the new layout give a bright and spacious dimension to the serving area, and makes the whole operation more efficient, and user friendly.

There are reciprocal facilities available at a number of clubs around the southern region and these give an added dimension to club membership. The foresight of two club Captains in the mid 1990’s started a trial with a few other clubs to have a reciprocal playing agreement. After the very successful initiation period, all enthusiastically endorsed the idea, and now there is a broad choice of clubs in the family. The motto is join one club and play at many, for there are now over twenty clubs in the reciprocal arrangement. So the variety of clubs within comfortable travelling time is excellent, stretching from Crowborough Beacon in the East, to Bridport & Dorset and Lyme Regis to the West and Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds to the North, a wonderful choice of golf courses just for the cost of a tiny booking fee.

Apart from a very good course, members enjoy a full social programme of social events throughout the year, each one is a sell out so tickets go quickly, staring early in the year with the Black Tie Supper, then Burns Night and Valentine’s Day, through the summer with a whole gambit of theme evenings ranging from gourmet to traditional fayre. The winter quiz league is exceedingly competitive and very well supported, and the year is always very well concluded with Christmas Parties and the New Year celebrations. The regular Sunday carvery is a focal point for members, family and friends as well as visitors, but reservations are advisable, (essential for non-members) and in such a pleasant atmosphere, the lunch may stretch into the late afternoon. Chef Paul Bascombe is on hand to ensure that everything is served with taste and quality.

Societies are welcomed on prescribed days of the week, and are well catered for. General

16 TEE TIMES | June 2019

Manager Marc Cole and his team will be pleased to hear from interested organisers, as will the catering and bar staff, the hosts in the clubhouse. The club offers packages to accommodate a variety of arrangements that can be tailored to meet the needs of large or small groups, whether summer or winter. The many regular and repeat bookings are a true indicator of the quality of the golf and the ancillary services they receive at Romsey.

A recent addition to the benefits available is the accommodation in the clubhouse of sports physiotherapist James Kirkpatrick. He has sessions available by appointment three days each week, for the treatment of members and guest. A service that has already proved to be convenient and a very popular addition.

At the commencement of every financial year there are inevitably some vacancies for members following renewals, and a few exist at the present time. Unlike many other clubs in

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Hampshire and the rest of the country, there is a small joining fee, which the club feels provides club loyalty and a sense of involvement.

Romsey offers the complete package, and the simplest way to sample the atmosphere is to go along and play there, for potential members it is the ideal introduction to a club environment that is just that little bit different.

So what does Romsey Golf Club offer to the discerning golfer?

• A fine course all year round • A comfortable clubhouse, with good food and TV entertainment.

• First class professional shop.

• Competitions throughout the year, both individual and club representation • Reciprocal arrangements with Twenty four golf clubs • Convenient location • A very good Social calendar

• Responsive management team • Financial stability • Sports physiotherapy on site • Function rooms for hosting celebrations and parties.

This list is not exhaustive, but should be sufficient to tempt any golfer looking to join a progressive and rewarding club, whatever their gender or age group. General Manager Marc Cole will be happy to respond to any enquiry whether for membership, society golf or to celebrate that special occasion. In the words of Sir Henry Cotton, it is a good place to come and test your game.

For more information about any aspects of the Romsey Golf Club, visit the club website: www.romseygolfclub.com Or telephone the club on 02380 734637 Michael Rees

BLACKMOOR GOLF CLUB

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TEE TIMES | June 2019 17

Golf on the volcanic island of Lanzarote Despite its largely volcanic and somewhat unique landscape full of lava fields resembling in many way the surface of the moon there is something wildly intoxicating about the island of Lanzarote the most easterly of all the Canarian islands. Volcanic eruptions began in the early 1700’s and it is from these harsh and humble beginnings islanders have worked hard to carve out a living and created what is now a viable and thriving economic community.

Clearly it was the forward thinking of the island’s most influential figurehead, internationally recognised artist and architect Cesar Manrique who in the early 60’s make his mark by instigating a number of essential regulations to protect the island’s volcanic and geological environment to help promote its inherent tourist trade. Among his many proposals was the restriction on constructing only two story buildings that all had to be painted white although it didn’t apply hotels.

He was at the height of his popularity when in 1992 he was tragically killed in a car crash at the age of 73 outside his house now a museum that houses many of his works. Sadly he never lived to see the fruits of creative thinking. Lanzarote now has a viable commercial economy and thriving tourist trade.

18 TEE TIMES | June 2019

A popular holiday destination for British tourists, British Airways now flies daily from Heathrow to direct to Arrecife. These are clear signs of a burgeoning economy and a thriving tourist destination that also boasts two superb golf courses attracting keen golfers.

Flights to Arrecife take just over three hours and there’s nothing like being greeted by clear blue skies and warm sunshine after England’s dull and cold winter. Our beachside five star Grand Teguise Playa Hotel is where we stayed and constructed to resemble a curling wave, all rooms have balconies with stunning views overlooking the Atlantic’s clear blue waters.

After checking in we were all presented with plastic bracelet that was securely fastened to our wrists. I later discovered this entitled me to free drinks, meals and activities during my short stay.

Our first morning was spent playing golf at the Lanzarote Golf resort about a half hour drive from the hotel and immediately on arrival we were introduced to the resort’s golf manager, Nacho who escorted us to our awaiting buggies with golf bags already been strapped on.

Considering Lanzarote is a mostly volcanic island credit is due to the course’s designer Ron Kirby who has created a course to incorporate many of the island’s original and typical landscapes of natural hills and attractive undulations. Admittedly quite a challenging course to play but there are some interesting par five with long fairways, mostly boarded by volcanic rocks. This means accurate drives on grassy fairways are important to avoid hitting rocks where balls ricochet in any direction. Essentially this is a delightful course to play and would suit all standards of golfer.

From golf to a seven course gourmet lunch in the ultra modern but newly opened Lava Beach Hotel’s restaurant was on the cards and highly recommended judging from the many exotic and delicious dishes emerged from the kitchen.

Following our long lingering lunch we still found

time to fit in a fleeting visit to one of the island’s most famous winery La Geria to taste some of their delicious wines before dining in the International Art Museum which was founded by Cesar Manrique.

Our next day game of golf was played at the Costa Teguise Golf Club. This 18 hole par 72 course is a joy to play, and a mostly flat course although there are some tricky dog legs to deal with as well as a couple of challenging par 3’s and long par fives but fortunately ladies tees are generous which suited my game. Paths surrounding the course pass by several rows of tall swaying pine trees, and from some holes stunning views of the Atlantic are all part of the extraordinary scenery.

If Lanzarote’s volcanic past is of interest then a visit to Timafanfaya National Park is something not to be missed and the best place to explore the exotic Fire Mountain (Montanas de Fuego) responsible for the many volcanic eruptions in the early 1700’s. The landscape is unique to say the least, and full of lava fields, cones and salt marshes.

By all accounts this is an enchanting to island to visit, and a perfect golf destination, and why I simply fell in love with this exotic, intoxicating island.

April Tod

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TEE TIMES | June 2019 19

Injury forces Michelle out A persistent write injury has forced American Michelle Wie to take an indefinite break from golf.

The 29-year-old, pictured below, was unable to defend her PGA Singapore title and also withdrew from, the following event, the Los Angeles Open.

The former U.S. Open champion says her decision to rest follows advice from her doctor and has been made in a bid to be ‘pain free’.

“Health is my top priority right now,” Wie wrote on Instagram.

“Had an encouraging visit with my doctor, however we both think it’s in my best interest to take some time away to allow my body to heal properly and get stronger.

“Hopefully I can get back to being pain free real soon. Thank you everyone for staying patient with me. I appreciate y’all.”

Wie, who turned professional shortly before her 16th birthday in 2005, was forced to withdraw midround from the Women’s British Open last August because of pain in her right hand.

The injury has hindered Wie’s playing time this season - she pulled out of the Women’s World Championship in March and missed the cut in the following two events.

Pan’s triumph Chinese Taipei’s CT Pan won his first PGA Tour title with a oneshot victory at the RBC Heritage in South Carolina.

The 27-year-old world number 113, two adrift overnight, had only one bogey in a four under 67 for a 12-under total.

Irishman Shane Lowry, who led after both the first two rounds, finished in a tie for third, two back, after a 70.

World number one Dustin Johnson was one ahead into the last day but ended eight off the pace after an errant 77, with Ian Poulter seven under after a 73.

20 TEE TIMES | June 2019

Baker turns up the heat Ian Poulter: His wardrobe always attracted attention

‘Postman’ Poulter is still delivering He never really went away, but there is a strong feeling among the pundits that Ian Poulter has been making something of a comeback.

While the golfing world was mesmerised and joyful at the headline comeback – Tiger Woods winning a Major again – the 43-year-old Englishmen was among the pack who looked like they could have spoiled the party.

Whenever Ian Poulter is paired with Woods, as he was at Augusta, people are apt to drag up a Poulter quote from yesteryear.

In 2008, the young Poulter,with a cokiness that seemed absurdly misplaced, said: “I know I haven’t played to my full potential and when that happens, it will be just me and Tiger.”

It was an unforgettably bombastic quote from a player who was attracting more attention to himself with a brash wardrobe of dazzling clothing than with his golf.

“ I know I haven’t played to my full potential and when that happens, it will be just me and Tiger.”

– the young Ian Poulter As Iain Carter, the BBC golf correspondent points out: “It was not exactly prophetic. Only in the unique team environment of the Ryder Cup has Poulter properly separated himself from the rest,

acquiring hero status as Europe’s self-styled ‘postman’ - the player who always delivers.

“But perhaps this is the time to salute the individual qualities of this durable Englishman - because, while that proclaimed dual for dominance with Woods never came close to materialising, Poulter can rightly take huge pride in the enduring and influential nature of his career.”

Poulter was the leading Briton at the Masters, tied 12th, and other decent recent finishes have seem him lifted to 26th on the world rankings.

“He has not been as high in the standings for five years and he is doing this at a time when the top of the game - with the exception of Woods - is being dominated by younger and more powerful players.

“Of those above Poulter in the rankings, only the remarkable 48-year-old Phil Mickelson and Masters champion Woods, by eleven days, are older.

“Remember those five closing birdies with Rory McIlroy that prompted the ‘miracle of Medinah in 2012? Europe came from 10-4 down to win that Ryder Cup - and it was Poulter who provided the pulse for that most exhilarating fightback.

“When his career is remembered it is likely to be for feats such as that rather than for major wins, which are probably beyond him these days.

“That said, you write him off at your peril.”

Peter Baker left his best form to last as he came from behind to win the Asbri PGA Cornish Festival for the third time in seven years, writes Peter Godsiff.

The Ryder Cup player from South Staffs, who is planning to compete for a full season on this summer’s European Seniors Staysure Tour, produced a best of the week seven under par 65 in the penultimate match at Trevose.

This brought a one-shot success over Somerset duo Laurie Canter (Cumberwell Park) and Ashley Mansell (Clevedon) who also found top form at Trevose.

Bath’s Laurie Canter is ruing his fourth near miss in the festival yet would not have won outright had Baker faltered. Fellow Somerset player Ashley Mansell from Clevedon, the West Region PGA champion at Burnham and Berrow two years ago, leapfrogged the field to join him at the top after a brilliant final round at Trevose.

Like Baker he returned seven under par. His day included eagles at the fourth and ninth holes as he picked up nine shots in 15 holes after dropping two shots in the opening three holes.

Canter, from Cumberwell Park, finished with 69 and carded five-under 208 for the 54 holes to wrest the lead off Craig Shave (Cosby).

Although he dropped a shot at the first he rallied with five birdies in the next nine holes.

Mansell, who has played very little this winter, said: “It was a brutal week and the first two days were really tough but I really managed to hold it altogether today. I didn’t know what the others were doing – I simply kept plugging away” As usual St Enodoc provided the stiffest challenge with a demanding par of 69 and fastrunning fairways, slick greens and danger at almost every hole.

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

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FEAR FACTOR - 1st Tee Terrors!

If I say this to you all “You’re up. On the 1st tee. Now. Go!” Your reaction could well be… AHHH! So why do we hate this patch of beautifully mown grass so much… Is it the fear of that early blow up hole? Maybe we fear embarrassment and making a gentle arse of ourselves in front of our peers. Usually like anything, we aren’t prepared enough and certainly not confident enough in our consistency.

So let’s change all that and prepare to succeed rather than prepare to fail.

Here are a few ground rules for success we all know, but they’re worth a mention: • Have your bag ready the night before. Water, snacks (high protein, good fats etc, things that will give you energy, not a sugar rush) • Arrive with plenty of time.

• Hit a few balls if you can or simply chip to get your eye in.

• then WARM UP

WARM UP WELL: If you’ve just rocked onto the first tee in a flurry of tee pegs, half eaten breakfast and coffee stains on your shirt you have every reason to fear that 1st shot. You are NOT ready or even vaguely warmed up. Unless you count the heaving of your golf bag onto the trolley and hike up the hill to the 1st tee. Being prepared gives us an immediate air of confidence. We are in control of the situation.

Firstly it’s a round of golf. You won’t be stood up in front of a panel of golfers and interrogated if you don’t do so well, a rise in your handicap is worse case scenario.

Gather up a bit of perspective and imagine you were never going out there ever again. This is your last chance to play golf. WOW. Now that changes things. You’d certainly treat the round very differently then.

What you are playing for changes our mind set. Treat it as a casual round focussed on enjoying every shot.

REV UP: Rather than fly at the ball as if it was a hot potato…briefly warm up before you take the plunge. You wouldn’t give a speech before first rehearsing it would you? Yet so many people just grab the driver and go for it, wondering why they didn’t get going for a few holes… simply swinging 2 irons out of the bag, holding them as best you can and swinging back and through a few times will make a difference. Now you’ve warmed the golfing muscles up go for one all over stretch. Taking one of the irons, grab the head of the club, anchor the butt of the grip to the ground and gently walk your tail bone away from your hands creating a right angle. Sink your head into the triangular gap between your arms and breathe. Having stretched, make a few decent practice swings making contact with the turf. This rapid rev up won’t take long but you’ll be so pleased you did it. You won’t have to wait till the 5th hole before your swing feels your own again.

That 1st tee is a place dreaded by many golfers. The fear of failure, a topped 1st tee shot sets the tone of a round. That terror of what everyone else is thinking and how they will judge you if it goes pear shaped. Every golfer will be going though exactly the same battle you are mentally. Forget them. Focus on the shot in hand.

So going back to that preparation, give your Driving a Dreamy Makeover. Make it a part of your game you can really shout about. More importantly make it a part of your game you ENJOY. Think how different that will make you feel on the tee?

Suddenly you’ll be prepared. Here are the tips: Set-up: Find a gently upslope on the tee block. Settle yourself onto this slope addressing a leaf. Sink into the hill and let your shoulders get perpendicular to the upslope. You can close your eyes and really soak up this feeling. You are behind the imaginary ball. Ready to collect it off the tee.

Now when addressing your ball on the flat surface of the tee recreate the feelings you had at address on the slope. Sink behind the ball, your ball should be positioned opposite the inside of your left heel. The ball should be teed up with half the ball above the top of the club. You are ready, relaxed yet poised to swing.

Let the ball get in the way of a free flowing practice swing ending in a balanced finish position.

For many this set-up position will feel awkward. Too many golfers stand up and over the ball with a driver in hand. The art tend to just lift the club up and power is not something an arm swing alone will produce.

To get a bit more distance out of your tee shots get your body involved. I LOVE a tip Greg Norman used to talk about (I’ve heard Butch Harmon use it many times too).

RPB, Right Pocket Back. Allow your right pocket of your trousers, skort or shorts to move back behind the ball. This will give you tons of loaded power and hopefully distance when you then get through to the finish.

Turn Back and THROUGH. Something so many golfers forget to do - because they’re so conscious of where the white dimply thing is going.

Now your driving is up to scratch that first tee shot won’t even pop up on your radar.

Focus on a spot on the horizon when you aim on your opening tee shot. Looking up will lift your spirits and take your mind beyond any trouble lurking close by to the tee, and you’ll visualise your ball soaring down the middle.

Good luck and I hope you all ENJOY your driving more. I am coaching at Highpost Golf Club if you would like to book a lesson or invest in your game and get a game improvement plan with me in place.

Visit www.katiedawkinsgolf.co.uk 07780 684334

TEE TIMES | June 2019 21

2

1

le a S ia il b ra o m e M g n lfi o G 50ey% raised

of mon donated to charity

4 3

5

1

Billy Casper – Signed

2

Seve Ballesteros – Signed

3

St Andrews – Multiple Signatures

4

Gene Sarazen – Signed

5

Jack Nicklaus

Offers Invited please call 01329 834360 or email peter.teetimes@ gmail.com

22 TEE TIMES | June 2019

Visitors and Societies welcome - All enquiries: 01252 337272 | www.armygolfclub.com

6

7

50%

of money raised donated to charity

9 8

6 King Edward VIII Golf Ball – Signed & Authenticated 7 Miniature Early Golf Clubs 8 Sam Snead/Roberto De Vicenzo/Sandy Lyle/Tony Jacklin - Signed 9 Royal Troon Print – Signed by Artist 10 Bernard Gallacher & Tom Watson – Signed Bernard Gallacher

10 TEE TIMES | June 2019 23

11

12

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Golfing Memorabilia Sale 16 14

15 11 Tom Kite – Signed 12 Payne Stewart – Signed 13 Seve Ballesteros – Signed 14 Phil Mickelson – Signed 15 Rory McIlroy – Signed 16 Nancy Lopez – Signed Scorecard

24 TEE TIMES | June 2019

50ey% raised

of mon donated to charity

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17

18

50%

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19

20

21

Offers Invited please call 01329 834360 or email peter.teetimes@ gmail.com

17 Tiger Woods – Signed & Authenticated 18 Tiger Woods – Signed & Authenticated 19 Tiger Woods 20 Tiger Woods – Signed & Authenticated 21 Bernhard Langer – Signed Scorecard

TEE TIMES | June 2019 25

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

Do you have an

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

Rhythm of Play inner critic?

If you want to understand someone’s personality then look no further than golf, as during the course of 18 holes their character traits (warts and all) are highly likely to surface.

This struck home to me when I played with a woman who was clearly a perfectionist. Right from the first hole she openly berated herself for hitting the ball badly. Even when she was congratulated on hitting out of a tricky place, she immediately retorted that it wasn’t good at all!

Personally, I’d have been delighted where the ball had landed, because believe me, there were far worse places it could have ended up. Hasn’t she heard about the golfing law of averages? The critical chatter to herself didn’t seem to improve her game – mind you, it didn’t do much for mine either!

Good golf’s hard enough to achieve even when we’re calm and relaxed but it can quickly spiral into disaster when there’s tension or anxiety.

You can guarantee muscles will tense and the next thing you know balls start pinging off in all sorts of directions.

We’ve all experienced the occasional jitters on the first tee or the surge of adrenaline standing over an important putt but pressure can also come from internal criticism. It’s not uncommon to hear players make critical comments when they’ve hit a bad shot with remarks such as “rubbish”, “for goodness sake”, “stupid” or even more robust language which certainly can’t be printed here! You seldom hear anyone openly congratulating themselves on their decent strikes.

I’m certainly no phycologist but I’ve noticed that when a game goes awry, players appear to berate themselves in the same way their parents dealt with them as child. I say this, because I recognise that I tend to think (or say) the same disapproving words my mother used when she reproached me in my youth. This includes “Claire, what are you doing?”

Our internal voice can be a hard task master. It conveniently ignores the challenging odds of the game, where week after week we strive to achieve perfection by hitting a 1.68” golf ball with a small metal club, 80 to 90 times over a 5 mile obstacle course in all weathers!

Next time I hear a negative voice chirping away in my head, I’m going to try the advice of David MacKenzie, an American mental golf coach.

He suggests turning your inner critic into a wise ‘internal caddy’. After all, they wouldn’t tell you what a rotten shot you’ve just played, instead they’d say the right things at the right time. Now there’s a thought. © Claire Kane

26 TEE TIMES | June 2019

I’ve just finished watching the P.G.A. Championship. I was glad that it became a battle in the end; certainly made for exciting viewing. It reminded of the time when Greg Norman had a huge lead going into the last round of the Masters.

The tournament looked a done deal. In the final round however, Nick Faldo played great and Greg’s game went a little sour. Nick Faldo ended up wearing the Green Jacket!

An interesting fact that came out with regards to Norman’s game in that final round was that the timing of his swing changed slightly. Normally, Greg Norman’s swing had perfect timing, in that his backswing to downswing had the ideal ratio of 3:1. In other words, the backswing took three times longer than the downswing. The opinion was that the timing change happened because he was being cautious. If he had gone out and played his normal game with his normal attitude he would have no doubt won. But pressure has an effect!

I remember hearing Jack Nicklaus say that he really didn’t feel that he won many of his majors. It was just that he was able to continue playing his game while others weren’t able to play theirs. Nicklaus was very meticulous in his pre shot routine, even going through it when he practiced.

In fact if you watched him on the practice ground and on last holes of majors, you wouldn’t see any variance.

Nick Faldo’s pre shot routine was timed during the final round of his first Open win. Only on two shots did it vary at all and only then by point two of a second.

Watching Brooks Koepka’s marvellous play was an education. He didn’t take any extra time over his putts, even when things started to tighten up and all his swings remained uninhibited throughout the tournament.

Rhythm of play is so important for consistent play. Speeding up, slowing down or becoming agitated will no doubt affect the rhythm of the swing.

Many years ago my old boss at Langley Park in Kent, Walter Hitchcock, told me of the time he watched the great Bobby Jones play at Sunningdale Golf Course. He said that Jones was just a machine. He shot sixty six with thirty three putts. Wally said that the most amazing thing, apart from the incredible accuracy and power of his game, was his pre shot routine. He said that Jones stood behind the ball, walked up to it, placed the club, placed his feet, did a waggle and swung. This was all done in one fluid motion. Wally said that if you missed him walking up to the ball you would miss his swing.

Here’s a little test to see how good you are at keeping time. Get the clock up on your phone or tablet, put it on stopwatch. Now start it going, count the seconds to fifteen to get the rhythm; tap on something if you like. When the stopwatch gets to fifteen shut your eyes, keeping the count going to forty five. As you get to forty five, open your eyes to see if you are at forty five on the stopwatch. If you are way out, do some practice to improve your timing. Now try and develop a routine that always takes the same amount of time. Maybe get a friend to help. Have fun. See you next month.

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

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