Tee Times Golf Magazine, October 2018

ISSUE 209 | Oct 2018 | Tel: 01329 834360 | Email: peter.teetimes@gmail.com | www.teetimesgolfmagazine.com

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Reflecting on a marvellous Justin Rose, Hampshire’s golfing son, made us so proud “ It’s boyhood dream stuff,Masters: something I amfavourite incredibly proud of”as he played his role in one of the tightest but most gentlemanly showdowns in the history of the event

Hampshire’s Rose is the AND THE WINNER IS. . .

No 1 Golfer in the World GOLF SPORTSMANSHIP NORTH Hants Golf Club in Fleet will have to find some more space in its Justin Rose Room to record the continuing exploits of the county’s favourite golfing son.

INSIDE

RISING GOLF Rory: My Green Jacket wedding wishCELIA – Page 4 STAR We meet the 10th tee MURDERED hell hound Bus Pass Golfer – Page 16

Hampshire

A Jenny’s man has been charged with lifetime murder after promising Spanish accoladeBarquín – PageArozamena 16 golferCelia was found dead on an Iowa golf course.

But while Rose was pipped at Augusta by Sergio Garcia, the inevitable disappointment for his fans was counterbalanced by a display of skill and sportsmanship which was a credit to both men, and to a sport which still prides itself on honesty and fairness.

Wasabove, this won Barquín, 22, pictured golf’s the European Ladies’ Amateur worst Championship in July and was a injustice leading student athlete at Iowa State University. Golfers ever? at the Coldwater Page 24 an Golf Links in Ames–discovered unattended golf bag on the course, and Barquín was found dead by PLUS police a short distancethis away.

2 Course Reviews month!

Yes, the final round between these two Ryder Cup titans was bound to be emotional. Rose was edging his way towards a second Major, and Garcia was trying to secure his first on the very day which would have been the 60th birthday of his hero, Seve Ballesteros.

But the overriding emotion for spectators of the final round was the way these two Europeans fought the fight.

Duel In The Desert Page4 4 • Turn to Page

TEE TIMES 3

Philip’s second spell as Hants PGA skipper – Page 16

Room will be found for mementoes of the 2017 Masters to be placed alongside those of Rose’s U.S. Open triumph in 2013 and his Olympic Golf Gold.

In the final round, they were toe-to-toe rivals but not opponents, supremely competitive yet gentlemanly, acknowledging each other’s Tiger £7 Million skills with aIn knuckle-touch or a nod. Meet

MAY 2017

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

INSIDE

The Queen Of The Aces Page 8

Oops! Prize Cash Sent To Wrong Man Page 8

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BirdDaniel Hills Golf Centre Collin Richards, also 22, - page 14-15 has been charged with her murder.

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Originally from Puente San Miguel in Spain, Barquín was finishing her degree in civil engineering this term.

During her time in the US, she was named Iowa State Female Athlete of the Year.

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TEE TIMES | October 2018 3

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Left-out Matt: £7 million duel in the desert ‘Watch this space’ Woods versus Matt Wallace, the 28-year-old Englishman being described as “the new Ian Poulter”, was disappointed but philosophical about not being picked for this year’s Ryder Cup European team.

Mickelson, and winner takes all

Matt Wallace, the 28-year-old Englishman being described as “the new Ian Poulter”, was disappointed but philosophical about not being picked for this year’s Ryder Cup European team.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will go head to head in an astonishing golf match from which one of them will walk away with $9million (£7m).

Wallace won the BMW International Open to record his third tour victory this year, but learned that Europe’s Ryder captain Thomas Bjorn had not chosen him as one of his wildcards.

Matt Wallace: Ryder Cup blow

“I’ve had a lot of disappointments in my life and my career playing golf, and I’ve always used it as fire to get better. This is probably one of the biggest ones you can have, so I just say watch this space now.”

Bjorn instead decided to opt for Ryder experience as he chose Paul Casey, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson.

“Obviously I’m disappointed,” said Wallace. “That was my goal and my dream and I thought I showed enough to get the pick.But I fully back Team Europe now to go and give the Americans a good go.”

Major double for the ladies The ladies’ professional season ended with a double breakthrough as players claimed their maiden Majors.

Following on Dorset’s Georgia Hall becoming the British Open Champion, American Angela Stanford won her own first top-rank title with a dramatic victory at the Evian Championship.

Bournemouth’s Hall, hoping to register a third successive top-three finish, was tied sixteenth, one stroke better than fellow Brit Charlie Hull.

Victory for 41-year-old Stanford came as fellow American Amy Olson double-bogeyed the last hole.

Olson was a shot clear of clubhouse leader Stanford going down the par-four 18th, but finished with a six..

4 TEE TIMES | October 2018

Game on: fans have speculated about The Match for years.

Above, how it was announced on Twitter.

Left, the protagonists who will shoot it out

Two of the sport’s biggest crowdpullers will play each other over18 holes in Las Vegas. The size of the “purse” and the showbiz nature of the event has all the echoes of a big-fight boxing event.

It may not be a Muhammad Alistyle Rumble in the Jungle, but a golfing Duel in the Desert as the pair club it out in the exhibition match at Shadow Green Golf Course late next month.

Mickelson said: “It’s an opportunity for us to bring golf to the masses in prime time during a period where we don’t have much going on in the world of golf

Despite the good-natured approach, there is no chance of the duo sharing the purse, with Mickelson saying that the event had to be winnertakes-all.

The two Americans have 19 Major championship titles between them and will be taking part in an event with typical U.S. razzmatazz – coinciding with Thanksgiving weekend and screened on payper-view. The players will also be wearing microphones.

“It’s a way to show a side you don’t normally see by having us mic’d up to hear some of the interaction between us.”

“If you don’t do it like that, it undermines it,” Mickelson said. “The whole point is the winner-take-all thing. That’s the exciting part about it.”

Woods confirmed “The Match” on social media, saying: “It’s on”.

Mickelson, who has attracted almost 100,000 followers in less than 24 hours on Twitter, replied to Woods, saying: “I bet you think this is the easiest $9M you will ever make.”

By comparison, the U.S. Open delivers the largest winning pay cheque of the four Majors: about $2.16m (£1.68m), though the winner of the FedExCup - awarded for an accumulation of points on the US PGA Tour - can expect to earn a bonus of $10m (£7.8m).

The possibility of a duel between the former Ryder Cup team-mates has been mooted repeatedly down the years, and Woods’ recent return to form has given it extra spice.

Woods, a 14-time major winner, has won over £88m prize money on the PGA Tour in comparison to Mickelson’s £68m.

OTHER BIG-MONEY PAY DAYS The cash prize available to Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson for the fourhour long 18-hole round is far and away the biggest payday fan individual at any other golf tournament.

It is also larger than the £2.25m figure handed to the winners of the Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Wimbledon singles titles in tennis.

However, the winners of the Uefa Champions League in football, the World Series in baseball, American Football’s Superbowl and the Rugby Union World Cup could all expect to earn more if they were victorious.

Real Madrid’s efforts in the Champions League last term for example, equated to in excess of €54m (£48.5m) of

performance-related money and a market pool share of over €35m (£31.4m) in prize money.

Obviously, the distinction is that those competitions are team events. Whereas the Pegasus World Cup Invitational in Florida, the World’s richest horse race, offers a total prize fund of $16m (£12.4m).

The Woods versus Mickelson showdown does not though compare to Floyd Mayweather’s defeat of Conor McGregor in 2017, which ranks as one of the richest bouts in boxing history.

Mayweather, 40, who came out of retirement for the fight is reported to have earned around $300m (£230m) for stopping the Irishman in the 10th round.

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Luxury Hotel Carrossa Partners With Azalea

Carrossa, Mallorca’s newest luxury boutique retreat, has hired leading specialist marcomms agency Azalea to spearhead its drive in the UK. The stunning five-star residence, near the historic town of Artà, in the north-east of the island, has enjoyed a successful few months since it opened its doors in June but is now looking to further strengthen its brand position.

Carrossa, which was once a grand manor house, has been transformed into one of the finest retreats on the sun-kissed island of Mallorca, offering visitors a haven of tranquillity with breath-taking views of the bay of Alcúdia and the fertile hills of Levant.

Golfers will find it particularly attractive as the resort enjoys a great relationship with some of the best courses on the island, including Club de Golf Alcanada,

offering a range of exclusive stay-and-play packages, as well as discounted green fees at the likes of nearby Capdepera Golf, Canyamel, Pula, and Son Servera.

With a fast-growing reputation for its excellent cuisine, the resort offers plenty of culinary options with a delicious array of sophisticated international and local dishes in the fine-dining Restaurant Carrossa or an extensive choice of dishes, such as tapas, in the more informal Bistro Badia, both of which deliver panoramic views from the terrace.

Peter Hamacher, director of sales and marketing for owners Hamacher Resorts, said: “We are delighted to be working with Azalea to drive our launch in the UK. It is a very exciting prospect to be working with a team of professionals that has a track record of delivering across the marketing spectrum.

“We are extremely pleased how our guests have reacted to the resort so far and we look forward to sharing our message with the UK market.”

Azalea account director Luke Frary added: “Mallorca has always been a hugely popular destination with visitors from the UK, but Carrossa is most definitely something unique thanks to its private location, remarkable views and high-end accommodation.

“Carrossa offers a complete respite to recharge the batteries in luxurious surroundings with secluded beaches, must-see attractions and great golf nearby.”

The Hamacher family, which owns the resort, has had a long affinity with Mallorca, and, in particular, the rolling hills of the Carrossa estate, and their objective was to produce a five-star resort in keeping with the surroundings, ensuring the building and gardens retained its natural charm.

All 75 rooms or suites followed a careful decoration programme that provides a mix of luxurious modern interiors of the best quality materials

within venerable old walls, offering guests utmost privacy with a choice of awe-inspiring backdrops.

Carrossa is a haven for visitors wishing to escape the crowds of more established Mallorcan destinations, instead focusing on relaxation thanks to its extensive and modern luxury 1,500m2 spa complete with saunas, steam bath, ice fountain, and a wide selection of massage, beauty and treatments, as well as a high-tech gym.

The former manor ground gardens of Carrossa are also home to an inviting heated outdoor panoramic infinity pool and deck that provides the perfect setting for a lazy day under the Mediterranean sun, all with views of the bay of Alcúdia.

Now in its 11th year of trading, Azalea has established itself as one of Europe’s leading specialist agencies, working with some of the continent’s major national and regional tourist boards, flagship golf and lifestyle resorts, and leading brands. www.carrossa.com www.theazaleagroup.com

17 Year Old Wins Scratch Cup By Seven Shots!

Playing in the event for only the second time, 17 year old Caley McGinty from Knowle Golf Club in Gloucester led the field from the start at the Scratch Cup at Liphook on Saturday September 8th.

The young Gloucestershire County Player had a morning round of 69 and followed this up with 71 in the afternoon to win by a clear seven shots – a margin not achieved since Charlotte Thompson in

2011. In her wake Caley left, in second place, Gemma Allman from Moor Park on 147 (76,71), Sharna Detrieux from Wrotham Heath on 149 (75,74), together with Sarah Gee from West Wilts (75,74). The current English Amateur Champion, Georgina Blackman from Chelmsford, was in fifth place also on 149 (73,76).

In sixth place from Farnham Golf Club was Lottie Woad on 152 (76,76).

6 TEE TIMES | October 2018

Liphook had withstood the long hot summer well with plenty of grass on the fairways. The heather (rejuvenated after recent rain) was blamed for some of the unusually high scores and much of the slow play. There were only four rounds of par (72) or better all day! The greens were very receptive at 9.5 stimp in the morning, becoming firmer and faster during the day.

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David’s show has travelled throughout 58 countries worldwide and he has performed at many European Tour events, including The Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and six times at The Race to Dubai.

His on-course commentary has become as popular as the show itself. The video captures the ‘magic moments’ on the course, punctuated with David’s quick wit and humour and is shown in the clubhouse at the end of the day, bringing lots of laughter amongst the players and guests.

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Oops! The wrong Tommy is paid a £120k Open prize Tommy Fleetwood won £120,000 for his tied 12th-place finish at The Open Championship at Carnoustie.

Officials were left red-faced when the prize money was sent to the wrong Tommy Fleetwood. The European Tour has apologised after a “clerical error” led to a 58-year-old golf professional in Florida called Thomas Fleetwood receiving the payment into his bank account, instead of to the Southportborn world number 11.

The American Fleetwood, who is also a caddie, told Reuters news agency he had been trying to get in touch with the 27-year-old Englishman.

“It was an honest mistake,” he said. “I tried to get on their senior tour, so they have my bank information.”

The English Tommy Fleetwood said: “It looks pretty genuine. They (the European Tour) are looking into it and I’m sure they’ll feel pretty bad about it.

It’s a funny story. “It’s just something I don’t really look at but I’ll get on top of that.”

The European Tour said: “This was a clerical error which we are resolving and we apologise for the inconvenience caused to both parties.”

Next Open is early sell-out The enduring magic of The Open Championship was proved once again when tickets for next year’s even went on sale. All tickets for all four days of next year’s event at Royal Portrush have sold out… 11 months before it takes place This includes all youths and free children’s tickets for the event which will be staged from 14-17 July.

The Open is returning to Northern Ireland for the first time since the 1951 championship was played at the Portrush venue. Tickets still remain for the practice days prior to the event.

The sell-out attendance at next year’s event is expected to result in 190,000 spectators coming through the gates, and the Championship is predicted to generate about £80m for the Northern Ireland economy. Because of the big crowds expected at Portrush, organisers opted to have the 148th championship as an all-ticket event for the first time in the Major’s history.

8 TEE TIMES | October 2018

IT’S GOLF BY THE NUMBERS One, two, three aces in one round for Ali It is supposed to be a once in a lifetime thrill for any golfer: the hole in one. To sink two in a round is pushing the boundaries of probability. To score three is positively greedy. . .

But that’s what happened to a 51-year-old amateur as she defended her club championship title.

Ali Gibb achieved the remarkable feat at Croham Hurst Golf Club in South Croydon, Surrey - and it was not the first time she had scored a hole-in-one either.

“Today was just a weird day. It was just very, very strange,” she said.

“On my card I had a nine, two eights, sixes, fives, fours, threes, twos and three ones. “Our pro Adam came up

Queen of aces: Ali Gibb has now notched six holes in one

to me and said: ‘I’ve had one holein-one in 42 years, you’ve just had three in five hours.’”

Two of her aces came on the same hole - the fifth - with the third coming on her second visit to the 11th in the 36-hole competition.

“I have had a hole-in-one before - three actually. One was here on

the seventh, one at Surrey National Golf Club, and one at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate in South Africa,” added Gibb.“It’s just absolutely extraordinary. I think I will wake up tomorrow asking if I’ve just been dreaming about it and if it is club championship day today instead!”

Club secretary Jean Cooke said: “It was fantastic, a great occasion. It’s the biggest golf day of our year, and as news travelled around the course, the buzz was spreading.

“At the award ceremony in the evening, the club bought her three bottles of champagne, and there was a really good celebration.

“Scoring one hole-in-one in a whole lifetime is unusual but three in one day is extremely rare if not unique.”

Two hundred up, and Paul wins at last Paul Waring was clearly listening if his granny passed on the old maxim: If at first you don’t succeed, try try again.

For the 33-year-old Englishman has won his first European Tour title at his 200th attempt at victory. It came as he finished champion at the Nordea Masters in Gothenburg.

Even then, it was nip and tuck.

Waring held a two-shot lead with four holes to play before playing partner Thomas Aiken birdied the last to force extra holes.

However, South Africa’s Aiken drove into the water on the first hole of the sudden-death play-off, with Waring’s

par good enough to secure victory.

“I wasn’t sure this day would come in total honesty,” he told Sky Sports.

“I’m obviously ecstatic. I’ve tried so hard for many years to get to this point and it’s nice to finally get across the line and be holding the trophy.”

Waring and Aiken both shot twounder 68s to finish on 14 under par, a shot ahead of Germany’s Max Kieffer, who carded a five-under 65 in the final round.

“It wasn’t easy. I felt really in control though,” said Waring. “I’ve had a couple of operations along the way. It feels like it’s all worth it. “I’m sure everyone back home will be

Paul Waring: “I never thought this day would come”

absolutely thrilled for me. “I’ve got a great team around me so this is all for them as well.”

Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen finished fourth in Sweden to move ahead of England’s Ian Poulter in the race to qualify automatically for Europe’s Ryder Cup team.

59 is the magic number for Brandt Brandt Snedeker shot the 10th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history with an 11-under-par 59 in the opening round of the Wyndham Championship.

The American, 37, converted a 20ft birdie putt on the final hole for the PGA Tour’s first 59 in 2018.

The putt sealed his 10th birdie of the day on a card also featuring one bogey and an eagle, secured when his 176-yard approach on the

par-four sixth went in. The score is a new course record at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro.

The world number 88 played his closing nine holes in eight under par. His eagle on the sixth forced organisers to cut a new hole on the

green after his ball damaged the cup when it pitched straight in.

Snedeker, an eight-time PGA Tour winner, had not won since the 2016 Farmers Insurance Open.

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Mauritius Revisited Mark Marais MD of Golf Specialist Chaka Travel makes a return trip to Mauritius to review the recent changes to golf on the Island:

Mauritius has seen many changes to its golf offering since my last visit only three years ago, so a return trip was well overdue. As recent empty nesters, it was great to be accompanied by better half Marcella on this ‘work trip’. After a comfortable, stress-free journey from Dublin via Dubai with Emirates we arrived into a sunny, warm Mauritius morning. We were driven along the south coast by our charming concierge Clifford from Emotions passing a noisy, colourful Tamil religious festival, the bright bold colours of the silks and exotic flowers immediately transporting us a long way from the hustle, bustle and stresses of the office.

Keen to get on with business, within an hour of arrival at the African themed Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resort I was out on the Heritage golf course. It was great to be back out on one of my favourite courses, I remember seeing the course when under construction and had the pleasure of watching it blossom into maturity when attending its official opening, over the years it’s just got better and better. I enjoyed playing with the South African golf director Jonathan Menteath and his friend Nico from another favourite resort of mine, Legends Golf and Safari resort in SA. That made 3 of us Southern Africans playing together but unfortunately only two good golfers! I used every excuse in the book about our 8 month winter in Europe to try and justify my wayward golf. No excuses with the weather here, at 28 C it was absolutely perfect with a lovely soft breeze and clear blue skies. I was pleased to hear that they are soon starting the 2nd course and I look forward to playing it in the future!

After the obligatory post game Phoenix beer sundowners, we enjoyed dinner at Infinity Blue restaurant alongside the beach. Sitting outside with your feet in the sand at this relaxed restaurant was a perfect end to our

first day back in Mauritius!

Another day in paradise: beach, massage, food, beer and a tough lunchtime meeting with my old friend Michael Geerdharry at the stunning Heritage Le Telfair Resort. Michael has been involved in golf on the island since day 1 and I’ve known him for over 20 years! It was great chatting about how golf has developed on the island and I’m pleased to say more courses are in the pipeline including the second Heritage golf course!

We headed up to Avalon Golf Club where we were met by the Estate Manager Ryan Dodds, whom I remember from Heritage GC just down the hill! We really enjoyed this superb Peter Matkovitch course, he’s a great designer and a fellow Zimbabwean.

The course has spectacular views of the ocean from virtually every hole, surrounding tea plantations and nearby mountains with wide forgiving fairways as it winds through rivers, ravines and indigenous forests.

After a fairly busy start to our trip we treated ourselves to a down day relaxing around the pool at the topclass Anahita Golf and Spa Resort, set in beautiful gardens with a superb golf course.

With another sunny morning I was up early and the first out on the Anahita Golf Course, as always the course was in fantastic condition. With construction of several new villas alongside the course there was some background noise and the normally picturesque 4th hole had fencing most of the way down the fairway, fortunately the stunningly located green with wonderful views of the turquoise ocean was unaffected. The course is very forgiving off the tee box which suits me, to score well you need a good short game as designer Ernie Els made sure scoring wasn’t easy with well protected, tricky greens.

After lunch we moved around the

10 TEE TIMES | October 2018

bay to Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok, Mauritius where we would be spending a couple of days. Having been taken over by Shangri La, I was interested to see the changes, knowing the standard would be high. Overall the biggest difference we found was that the resort had a more relaxed and informal feel having previously been very elegant and chic. I particularly enjoyed the late afternoon sundowner session they now have daily on the beach which brought people together with music in the background creating a lively and fun atmosphere. Throughout our stay we were looked after like royalty by the affable marketing director Peter Donlevy, we joined him for dinner in the Japanese restaurant where both the company and the food were of the highest order!

Marcella and I spent a magical day playing on the iconic Ile Aux Cerfs course. Everything was perfect, from the boat ride out to the island, to playing the immaculately maintained course and enjoying lunch in the lovely clubhouse, it is truly an experience to remember. The course was in tip top condition and with just a gentle cooling breeze conditions were once again ideal. I have played it many times and enjoy it a lot more now that it is easier to play - when it was first opened it was ridiculously tough! Hats off to the Director of Golf Marc Amelot and his team who do an amazing job in keeping the course at a consistently high standard!

We spent an idyllic day at Shangri La’s Le Touessrok’s private island Ilot Mangenie - truly paradise!!! Just a short boat ride from the resort and you find yourself in heaven, nothing more than a few sun loungers dotted along the stunning beaches plus an excellent beach restaurant providing world class food - how do the Mauritians do it!

We moved back around the bay to the Four Seasons Mauritius where

we were lucky enough to be given a beachfront villa with a private pool.

These outstanding villas are the absolute epitome of luxury as one would expect from Four Seasons.

Next onto the superb Constance Prince Maurice Resort, in my opinion the finest resort on an island famous for its world class hotels! Le Prince Maurice shares two superb golf courses, the Legend and the Links, with its sister hotel the Constance Belle Mare Plage. Le Prince Maurice is an extremely elegant resort, renowned for its exceptional service, luxurious décor, amazing cuisine and a wonderfully extensive wine list. After a cocktail at the floating bar we had an excellent meal at the Asian Restaurant, where the superb food is prepared by the chefs in full view of the diners.

Another day, another great golf course! This time we played the Links course. Opened in 2002, The Links is Constance Hotels second championship golf course, it’s a fair course that rewards good play but can be equally tricky, particularly on the back nine. There are reasonably generous fairways leading to tricky greens which puts an emphasis on solid iron play as well as making really think about your choice of approach shot. There’s considerably less water than on the Legend course but there are still 6 water hazards as well as volcanic rock features that must be avoided. Following the golf we relaxed on the beach before winding down even further with a relaxing massage at the superb spa. We had a wonderful evening with pre-dinner drinks at the floating bar before our ‘La Paulée’ dinner dedicated to sumptuous wine and food pairings!

After this we moved to the new C Palmar Resort, I was really looking forward to seeing our great friends from Constance Resorts latest offering. This is a smaller boutique style resort and on arrival we were given a typically warm Mauritian greeting. As we walked through the hotel we took in the stunning view of the beach and sea which dipped beyond the horizon. The bright natural

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Celebrate with an additional 10% off your booking QUOTE 25yrs www.donnington-grove.com tel: 01635 581 000 light as well as the airy feel to the resort really compliment the colourful setting. Our room looked onto this wonderful vista of the crystal-clear sea and sparkling white sandy beach.

While the main restaurant buffet didn’t have an overwhelming selection there was plenty to keep us happy and we were well looked after by the attentive and friendly staff.

We woke to strong winds and a cloudy sky so made sure we had waterproofs packed before heading to the north of the island to try out the new Mont Choisy golf course with our old friends Jo and Rory Kirk. Fortunately the rain stayed away and I really enjoyed playing a truly testing round in high winds, living in Ireland has made me accept it as part of the challenge!

The course is another excellent Peter Matkovitch design, it’s built on a former sugar plantation with few mature trees and offers wonderful views of the mountains. The 15th hole is an absolute gem, it’s a short par-3 across a wetland to an island green, it’s located near an old chimney, a landmark that harks back to the past.

We had the pleasure of lunch and a few drinks in the stylish modern clubhouse, where we reminisced about the island and all the changes it has undergone over the last 20 years

– fortunately the majority of these are very positive both for tourism as well as the locals.

Our final stop was just a few minutes up the road to what is generally rated the best golf resort on the island – Constance Belle Mare Plage. Having first visited the resort in 1995 I have really enjoyed seeing the resort develop from a ‘charming’ old beach resort with one golf course to the wonderful stylish current version with two excellent courses and a third in the pipeline! Belle Mare Plage, like the island itself, really feels like a second home to me, we have had thousands of happy clients enjoy the resort and many of these return year after year and like me feel totally at home.

In the afternoon I caught up with my old friends Sarran and Dinesh who have been looking after the golfers at the Belle Mare Plages two courses for many years. It is always a highlight of my visits to Mauritius playing golf with these fun loving, charming guys, whom many of our returning clients would know. And would agree with me that the two of them, and the rest of the staff, really enhance the golfing experience with their charm and professionalism. Our delightful dinner in the Blue Penny restaurant at Belle Mare Plage was preceded by a tour of the very impressive wine cellar and a sumptuous wine tasting experience.

All good things must come to an end, and our final day had arrived, however as we were departing on an evening flight we had enough time for just 9 holes on the Legend Course.

The changes made to the course over the last two decades have been considerable, it now plays a little easier due to wider landing areas but the abundance of water as well as dense forest and volcanic rock means you can expect to lose a ball or two. Overall the course was in excellent condition with well-maintained tee boxes, bunkers and pure well-paced greens.

In the evening we tried out the Yu Lounge at the airport. It is in a

separate building to the main terminal and is ideal for the ultimate in stress free travel. On arrival at the lounge your luggage is taken away while you enjoy bubbly and excellent food; your passports are taken and returned with your boarding passes. When it’s time to fly out you are taken to the main terminal in a Porsche Cayenne! At the terminal you are whisked through a private security route and onto the departure gate. This is one indulgence I recommend particularly for those who like to be pampered!

Warm welcomes, superb golf and idyllic weather – what more could you want!

May is the perfect time of year to visit with great hotel rates and idyllic golf and beach weather! The courses were all in fantastic condition particularly considering winter officially started when we were out there. I am so fortunate to have been to Mauritius so many, many times that the island feels like a second home to me. Like our thousands of happy clients who have also enjoyed the superb golf courses, idyllic weather and world class resorts in Mauritius, I am already looking forward to my next return to paradise!

Mark Marais

COTTRELL PARK

GOLF RESORT

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SkyCaddie SX500 scores first professional win Golf’s hottest new distance measuring device, the SkyCaddie SX500, scored its first professional win last week in the PGA Pro-Captain Challenge 2018 qualifier held at Royal Mid Surrey Golf Club, and the event’s leading finishers were quick to praise the new technology.

Deal’s amateur partner ‘Mr Captain’ Lawrie Nicoll said: “I hadn’t used a GPS before, so I wasn’t sure if it would be for me. But from hole one, it was so easy. The SX500 talks the language of golf, and answers the questions you were about to ask. It is visually very clear, and works intuitively – unlike a lot of other computer technology.”

A limited number of SkyCaddie SX500s were handed out to competitors at the start of play, and it was an early opportunity for UK pros and amateurs to try the new device under the pressure of tournament conditions.

The 15-handicapper is a regular laser user, but had this to say about the SX500’s PinPoint feature. “We had the day’s pins pre-loaded onto the SkyCaddie, which enabled me to hit with confidence in my yardage. But rather than just focusing on the pin, which you tend to do with a laser, the SX500 also gave us lots of peripheral info about the hole ahead, and we used it on every hole to pick our way around the golf course.

“Having the day’s pin positions on a GPS device is massive. Because of that I didn’t pull out my laser once, and my partner and I nearly won the event relying solely on the SkyCaddie” said third-placed PGA professional Gavin Grenville-Wood from Oak Park Golf Club. “The SX500 was awesome, really quick and easy to use, and the information it gives you is brilliant. It was my first time using a dedicated golf GPS handset, but I would now ditch my laser in a heartbeat.”

He continued: “There’s so much you can’t see with the naked eye on a golf course, and that’s where the SX500 comes into its own. We hadn’t played Royal Mid Surrey before, but I trusted the yardages as I know how carefully SkyCaddie map golf courses, and we quickly got comfortable moving the cursor around to create our own landing positions.”

“On my approach shots Matt occasionally asked me to play safe and not to go for the pin, if it was a tight one, and at those times we simply toggled the SkyCaddie’s cursor to get a yardage to a different landing point on the green. I am sure that the SX500 was a factor in our victory.”

SkyCaddie, the headline sponsors of this year’s Pro-Captain Challenge, was represented at the event by James Holmes, General Manager UK & Europe. “The SX500 passed this test with flying colours” he said.

“Everyone who used it came back to us with a ringing endorsement, and we heard the same things time and again – it is very easy to use, the information the SX500 gives you is a clear shot-saver, and the addition of pre-loaded pin positions adds a new dimension to golf GPS devices.”

The SkyCaddie SX500 will be widely available in the UK from late September. Place your pre-order with your PGA professional now.

See www.skycaddie.co.uk for all SX500 information.

The event was won by the team from Hendon Golf Club: the club’s PGA professional Matt Deal and Club Captain Lawrie Nicoll also used the SX500 throughout their round, to guide them through a golf course which neither had played before.

“The SX500 definitely helped us to understand where to place the ball, and avoid the hazards” said Deal, who with Nicoll has now qualified for this year’s SkyCaddie PGA Pro-Captain Challenge in association with Golfplan Final, to be held at Arabella Golf Mallorca on the 6th – 7th November this year.

Former Middlesex County Coach Deal was impressed with the SkyCaddie SX500’s ability to give him yardages to the day’s pin positions, using its PinPoint feature. “It was the first time I had used a GPS where the day’s pin positions had been pre-loaded, which was useful” he said. “The new SX500 is a nice unit, intuitive to use, very good touch screen, and if you use a smart phone you’ll find it easy.

Lasers are no use for blind shots, and nor is it easy to laser a cluster of faraway bunkers, so the SX500 gave us a real extra benefit on the day.”

12 TEE TIMES | October 2018

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GOLFER ANNOUNCES ON INSTAGRAM: SO, I’M GAY

At 15, he was the youngest player ever to qualify for the U.S. Open

Japanese-American golfer Tadd Fujikawa has come out as gay in a thoroughly modern way: a post on his Instagram account.

England team win the Home Internationals Southern counties were well represented in the England team which won the 2018 Men’s Home Internationals.

The team triumphed at Conwy Golf Club, Wales, overcoming serial winners Ireland 8.5-6.5 in the title decider. The result was particularly sweet after last year when Ireland beat England by half a game point.

The England team, captained by Gareth Jenkins and coached by Graham Walker, was: Jake Burnage, 23, (Saunton, Devon), Bailey Gill, 21, (Lindrick, Yorkshire), David Hague, 22, (Malton & Norton, Yorkshire),Ben Jones, 19, (Northamptonshire County),David Langley, 24, (Castle Royle, BB&O),Joe Long, 21, (Lansdown, Gloucestershire),Tom Plumb, 19, (Yeovil, represents Somerset),Nick Poppleton, 24, (Wath, Yorkshire),Tom Sloman, 22, (Taunton & Pickeridge, Somerset),Mitch Waite, 23, (Filton, Gloucestershire) and Andrew Wilson, 24, (Darlington, Durham) Team captain Gareth Jenkins commented: “This is fantastic. We’ve been so close over the last few years that to finally have the chance and to win is great. The team had an amazing fighting spirit and played some outstanding golf this week.” The team’s top scorer was Yorkshire’s David Hague, who had a perfect score of six wins from six games. Dorset’s Tom Plumb was unbeaten in his six games, with four wins and two halves.

14 TEE TIMES | October 2018

Hawaii-born Fujikawa, 27, made the announcement on World Suicide Prevention Day. “So, I’m gay. Many of you may already have known. I don’t expect everyone to understand or accept me,” he said. “My hope is this post will inspire each and every one of you to be more empathetic and loving towards one another.” He added: “I’ve been back and forth for a while about opening up about my sexuality.

“I thought that I didn’t need to come out because it doesn’t matter if anyone knows. But I remember how

much others’ stories have helped me in my darkest times to have hope.”

In 2006, Fujikawa - now the world number 2,042 - became the youngest player to qualify for the US Open, aged 15. At the following year’s Sony Open in Hawaii, he became the youngest player in 50 years to make the cut at a PGA Tour event, eventually finishing tied for 20th.In 2017 he won the Hawaii State Open and two months later, on World Mental Health Day, he posted on Instagram: “Not many people know this but I’ve gone through ‘it.’

“Anxiety and depression are too

The picture of himself which Fujikawa posted on Instagram to announce he had come out

real. What I have gone through may not seem as ‘bad’ or detrimental as some other people. But regardless we all have our issues and problems, just in different ways.”

NEW YEAR, NEW RULES Stand by for the biggest shake-up of golf laws in 69 years

Among the changes: Free and penalty drops can be made from knee rather than shoulder height; the flag no longer needs to be removed from the hole for putts on the green; and caddies no longer allowed to line up players before they hit shots

It was a sight to behold, and one which we thought we might never see again. Yet we have – twice in quick succession.

Tiger Woods, red-shirted on the final day of a Major, roared on by adoring fans, powering his drives and sliding in the birdie putts.

The old Tiger, prowling, purring and ready to roar. Only, this time he was not on his way to securi8ng a 15th Major and poised to reach or pass Jack Nicklaus’ re4cord of 18.

This time, he was trying to win his first Major in the 10 years since his world imploded with domestic crisis followed by form-shattering back troubles.

After The Open Championship this year, where a Sunday afternoon charge so nearly put him within reach of the Claret Jug again, he said he felt ready to win again.

Along came the USPGA, the last Major of the season, and his

second place proved it.

The army of Woods fans were cock-a-hoop – and American Ryder Cup officials were paying attention too. Woods had already been chosen as part of the U.S. backroom team, but now there was talk of the 42-year-old being drafted in as a player.

Woods grinned: “That’s cool”.

The conclusion of the US PGA Championship brought an end to automatic qualification for the United States Ryder Cup team.

Brooks Keopka, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Webb Simpson could start digging out their French phrase books for the working visit to Paris later this month.

But that still left skipper Jim Furyk with wildcard picks, and the pundits are ticking the names of Woods and Phil Mickelson.

The European team will take a little longer to assemble. Francesco Molinari, Hampshire’s Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood have already booked their slots.

The race for automatic places in the European team may not feature s Ryder stalwarts such as Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia, so wildcards from captain Thomas Bjorn would be needed.

And what about “old” warriors such as Casey and Poulter?

The automatic qualifiers for the 12-man team will be decided by the European Tour events this week.

To a certain extent, Furyk has a tougher choice than Bjorn. Can he really leave out the greatest golfer of his age who is clearly returning towards the top?

The U.S. captain dare not turn to the fans and put it to the vote.

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SEVE’S PONT ROYAL IS NOW A PASS MASTER

Visitors to Provence are now able to enjoy a lot more golf for their euro after Golf International Pont Royal signed up to the Provence Golf Pass, which offers savings of up to 30 per cent of tee-times in the region.

There are 24 partner golf courses affiliated to the pass in addition to the Severiano Ballesteros-designed championship course at Pont Royal, which welcomes the Challenge Tour’s inaugural Hopps Open de Provence this month (September 20-23).

Among those where holders may benefit from reduced green fees are

Terre Blanche, Golf de Dolce Frégate Provence, Golf de Servanes, Golf du Luberon, Golf de Roquebrune, Golf du Château de Taulane, and many more top-quality courses.

Seasonal passes – autumn/winter and spring/summer – are available in either two- or four-green fee formats, at courses of the golfer’s choosing, offering as much as 30 per cent discount on normal green-fee prices, with a two-round pass starting at just €66.

Few, if any, can match Pont Royal for its accommodation and leisure

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options, however, making it the perfect base for any Provence Golf Pass holder. Its traditional Provençalstyle domaine includes restaurants, bars, and shops, surrounding a village market square; water parks; a picturesque lake; and France’s only Seve Ballesteros-designed golf course.

Its accommodation options are manifold, too, with the four-star, 102-room Moulin de Vernègues, part of the Châteaux & Hôtels Collection, the three-star L’Hôtel du Golf, or self-catering apartments, villas and houses within the pedestrianised Pierre & Vacances village.

And all of this lies within a region offering scenery which has inspired and entranced many of the world’s greatest painters down the years.

What’s more, each pass purchase comes with a privilege card entitling the holder to a number of advantages and deals at partner hotels, restaurants, and leisure facilities.

Pont Royal’s director of golf, Jerome Lauredi, said: “The Provence Golf

Pass is an ideal way for visitors to the region to enjoy a round on France’s only Seve Ballesteros-designed course, take advantage of the accommodation options here on the domaine, and add in an extra round – or three – at other top-quality courses in Provence.

“This is very much an up-and-coming region in terms of French golf and the Provence Golf Pass is an excellent way of seeing it.”

Many holes at Pont Royal are blessed with a plateau setting, offering stunning views to the Luberon and Alpilles mountain ranges. Technical shaping of shots is required to reach the true, slick greens, and visitors enjoy an interesting, wide variety of holes that form a smooth and seamless experience. It contains some tough holes – none more so than the 11th, where players face a 215-yard test across a steep rocky valley to a raised green. www.golf-pontroyal.com www.provencegolf.com

TEE TIMES | October 2018 15

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

WHATS HOT OR NOT Your Monthly Blog by

Claire Kane

Miscommunications Golf through the Ages on the course

I’ve come to the conclusion that many problems in life are caused by poor communications and that also includes golf.

© Claire Kane

16 TEE TIMES | October 2018

Golf Academy

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

Day 1 of main tournament saw Romsey V Cuddington in a 6 person Matchplay format on the Morgado course. It was a tough Manor match The with some fantastic golf. Romsey House triumphed with a 4-2 win.

&

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442 yards, Par 4 Day 3, Romsey v Pyle & Kenfig was to be Romsey's finest performance with a 5-1 victory! They make the final against the other group winners Beadlow Manor from England.

into the team at the last minute. There was not a lot Romsey's Josh Hannam could do and the match went to Beadlow Manor to “I’ve never played such fantastic courses.” Stephen W - Trip Advisor So it was to be an all England affair with halve the match 3-3.

Par 72 6528 neither team expected to make itKigbeare past the Autumn to Spring Pines Par 72the6400 group stage.Specials Unfortunately tournaments rules state Beeches Par 68 5738 that if a Match is halved then the winner will 04/10/18 - 24/04/19 Oakwood Par 68 5502 The final was heldGolf on the Morgado course be decided on the number of holes won.

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differences between someone starting important to have a good day out with mates Another confusion experienced out playingon-course golf and an communication experienced on a pleasantI’ve but also forgiving course. was when my opponent skilfully placed her ball fairly near to the golfer in their twilight golfing years.

Beginners can sometimes struggle pin. It was my turn to putt and I said “take it away”, meaning herwith to For instance, newbies are keen to play as long carries and dog-legs due to remove the flag pole.

However, to my embarrassment she’d assumed much golf as possible so they’ll play in any inexperience and misjudgement. Sadly, I’d givenWhereas, her the older puttgolfers and picked up her Well, how handle conditions. are someball. elderly golfers alsodofailyou to cope with reluctant to venture onto the course thought if the long carries as theywhat lose their muscle that one?

My initial fleeting was to explain I’d meant weather’s looking a bit dodgy and are more power and distance. but I knew the awkward situation had occurred due to my ambiguous than happy to while away time in the communications.

Therefore unfair ask hernaïve to replace her clubhouse until the clouds pass by. it seemed New golferstoare pretty when it comes to coursereasons, management theyvery gradually ball and play a 4 to 5 foot putt! For obvious I’mbutnow When beginners enter competitionssituations! learn where to place the ball, nevertheless, careful what initially I say in match-play they realise they need more lessons to they tend to remain bullish and optimistic improve their scores.

The difference with caneven they areasin adeep trouble.

Sometimes a miscommunication be when as simple misheard older golfers is they’ve already developed However, senior golfers know precisely remark. For example, I once thought my playing partner asked me “par the techniques but it’s just a question of where to place the ball, even if they can’t 5?” to which I answered “yes” because the hole was a par 5.

After whether their hips, knees or shoulders will always reach it, or see it! They’re she’d from a fit of the giggles and asked me what I was cope withrecovered the challenge. experienced and realistic enough to know if they’ve just played a lousy shot it’s talking about, she explained she’d actually asked me “how far?”

Initially, as a beginner, it can be difficult probably unrecoverable and the chance of trying to remember how many shots you’ve scoring pretty remote.

My funniest miscommunication on the golfiscourse has to be when I taken – let’s face it, multi-tasking is tricky played in Spain.

I’d hit a lovely long ball off the tee which immediately when you’re so focused on striking and Beginners soon understand a good part of headedtheinto path of it’s a green-keeper whose ofhead appeared tracking ball.the Interestingly, not the pleasure golf issuddenly about friendship but from a deep bunker.

Realising hit him, instantly went uncommon for elderly golfers to also my ball it’scould the senior golfer Iwho appreciates theto ‘mislay’ shot due to short term I didn’t ‘goodhave feel’ factor the constant cracksin shout the foreoddbut suddenly realised a clueof what fore was memory loss. with a bunch of fellow golfers, regardless Spanish – what’s more none of my group knew either. So, we all stood of how dire they play. there shouting and yelling all sorts of alerts, noises and attempting When you’re fresh into golf, you’re keen to sign up for any games, even if you don’t It just shows of your age, various pathetic whistling sounds. Luckily, the you ballthat fallregardless well short and have a clue what you’re entering, or who the benefits of golf are huge for everyone. later back in the clubhouse, we learnt to our amusement, the word you’re playing with. Whereas the wiser, older ‘fore’chooses is quite international.

I wonder if Fore Right’ is also the same in golfer carefully to avoid slogging over long courses, soggy meadows © Claire Kane Spanish – wellthrough it’s usually what I hear on the course! or having to climb cardiac hills with a Follow my tales on twitter@golfsnippets

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

N

I’ve personally experienced a few instances when communications have gone completely awry on the course. One of them was in the middle of a very tense match, where my opponent and I were ‘nip and tuck’ until my ball dived into a green-side bunker. Instead of neatly popping the ball onto the green, I struck the ball badly and it ended up soaring into the air, well over the green and into the bunker on the other side. In the heat of the moment, my thoughts came spilling out of my mouth and I exclaimed “Oh, it’s over”, meaning the ball had gone over the green into the next bunker. Unfortunately, my opponent thought I’d declared the hole as over, therefore making it her hole, so she picked upinteresting her ball and walkedthe off.

It’s to compare miserable partner. They consider it far more

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COTTRELL PARK MIXED OPEN DAY

On Sunday 2nd September Cottrell Park hosted a Mixed Open competition on the Mackintosh course where over 100 players took part in a Greensome pairs competition.

Congratulations to the winners David and Karen Campbell-Ace from Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club with a superb score of 46 points, narrowly beating Vernon and Sally Crowley of Pennard Golf Club on count back.

Third place went to Cottrell Park’s very own Shelley Oliver, (The Resorts Accommodation and Events Manager) and Ken Sievewright (KCS Transport Corporate Member) with 43 points!

Nearest the Pin Prize Winners: 4th Hole - Keith Wharton 8th Hole - Karen Campbell-Ace 12th Hole - Keith Wharton 15th Hole - Sally Crowley (All receiving a Golf Bundle of a Cap, Glove and Sleeve of Balls)

All prizes, if not collected on the day, will be sent out to the winners.

The day was a huge success and the weather was on our side. We received a number of compliments regarding the condition of the course, and this has been shown in

the fantastic scores. We would like to thank all of the volunteers for their help and support on the day.

Pictured here are some of the Resorts Lady Members; Angela Padfield, Cheryl Hopkins, Marian Hale and Lady Captain, Lorraine

Pointon-Bell who all helped keep the players on top form with a delightful selection of tasty refreshments in the half way house.

The Club would like to congratulate the winners and thank all players for taking part.

Limited 7 & 5 Day Membership Offers •

Join our 7 Day Membership NOW for Just £475 – Unlimited Golf 7 days per week

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Join our 5 Day Membership NOW for Just £375– Unlimited Golf Monday – Friday

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Membership will run until 31st March 2019

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No Joining Fee to Pay whilst offer lasts For more information contact Romsey Golf Club on 02380 734637 ext. 3 or Email: secretary@romseyglfclub.co.uk Romsey Golf Club, Romsey Rd, Nursling, Southampton, Hants, SO16 0XW

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TEE TIMES | October 2018 17

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Caversham Heath now has a new name on each of the three Club Championship trophies.

Kye Machin (2hcp) is the new Men’s Club Champion, Sophie Banham (18hp) is the Ladies Club Champion and Philip Beresford ( 9hcp) is the Seniors Club Champion.

Machin was a convincing winner in the Men’s Championship played over two days at the weekend (Saturday and Sunday, September 8 and 9).

He shot rounds of 75 and 81 for a combined 156 – three shots clear of nearest rival David Jubb (7hcp) with 78/81= 159. Third was Michael Beaumont (7hcp) with 81/83=164 – a big improvement on his ninth place last year.

Machin’s 75 was the best score on the Saturday, followed by Matt Jones (1hcp) with 78 and James Millard with 79. However, both Jones and Millard faltered on the Sunday with rounds of 87.

Tom Dexter (8hcp) shot the best round on the second day with 79.

However, added to a disastrous 94 on day 1 (which included a 10, 8 and

7 - 13 shots over par on those holes alone) this only got him 13th place.

Michael Deignan (5hcp) followed up his first round 85 with an 80 – the second best score on day two – to take him up to fourth position.

Nett Champion was Jubb with 71/74=145 with Andy Lambourne (20hcp) 72/76 pipping Simon Walker (11hcp) 70/78 to second spot on countback, both with nett 148.

Sophie Banham was also a convincing winner in the Ladies Club Championship, winning by 12 shots.

She had rounds of 92 and 90 for a combined 182. Caroline Dover (23hcp), went one place better than last year, finishing as runner-up with 94/100=194. Third was last year’s runner-up Lynne Rumbold (19hcp) with 102/97=199. The ladies also finished in the same order in the Nett Championship.

Philip Beresford (9hcp) took the Seniors Club Championship on countback from Santiago Fernandez-

It’s time to call SportClox When you next check your tee time against the clubhouse clock, there is a good chance that Steve Marshall’s SportClox company is behind its spot-on accuracy.

Garcia (12hcp), both with 82. Third was Nigel Smith (9hcp) with 86.

Beresford had a birdie and three pars in his last four holes while FernandezGarcia bogeyed three of his last four.

It was heartbreak for FernandezGarcia who was runner-up last year and third in both 2016 and 2014. All he received for his efforts this year was a one shot cut in handicap!

Nett winner was Patrick O’Hare (23hcp) with nett 68, ahead of Paul Liepa (28hcp) with nett 69 and Fernandez Garcia nett 70.

The only two of the competition was recorded by Daniel Dover on the 8th hole.

The Caversham Ladies pairing of Jane Weller and Kathy North took the honours with 26 points in the inaugural Berkshire County Ladies Veterans Golf Association (BCLVGA) 9-hole better ball competition held at Billingbear Park (Old Course) on Monday, September 3.

Club Captain Steve Woolaway presents the Men’s Club Championship trophy to winner Kye Machin.

Club Captain Steve Woolaway presents the Ladies Club Championship trophy to winner Sophie Banham.

Seniors Club Champion Philip Beresford receives the winner’s trophy from seniors organiser Stuart Walker.

Kathy North (left) and Jane Weller (right) with BCLGA captain Betty Johnston, after winning the inaugural 9-hole meeting held at Billingbear Park (Old Course).

Pavillion Clocks Manufactured Specifically for the Golf, Contry & Sports club

Next time you watch an international swimming competition on TV, Steve’s Speedo Clock Range is recording the fractions of a second.

And next time you switch channels to enjoy one of TV’s most enduring quiz shows, Steve and his crew of five experts are responsible for accurately counting down the time.

Steve, who has been making clocks of every type for more than 40 years, is owner of SportClox, which offers golf clubs and other sporting organisations a personalised service with individual timepiece designs for pavilions and every kind of sporting arena.

SportClox works on orders from the UK, Europe and all over the world. “We are unique and aim to provide a service that is helpful and of high quality,” he says.

“We have been supplying golf clubs for 20 years, and we manufacture any kind of clock in any material, design or size. We deliver promptly after receiving a club’s logo, details and requirements.”

The company’s huge range can be found on the website www.sportclox.com and enquiries made to sales@sportclox.com And where is that famous TV clock which Steve made? It is probably the second most famous and recognisable timepiece in the country after Big Ben: It measures the time on Countdown. Yes, he made that one too!

18 TEE TIMES | October 2018

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Stoke Park is Officially A Worldclass Golf Venue The five-star Stoke Park Country Club, Spa & Hotel, in Buckinghamshire, is the only English venue to be accepted into a new collection of ‘the world’s premier golf destinations’, which launches later this month.

The collection, called simply worldclass.golf, has been created by Portman Publishing & Communications (PPC), publisher of GMé - one of the golf industry’s oldest trade titles - in order to recognise “a sophisticated, cosmopolitan or cultured experience that goes well beyond what is expected”.

PPC’s managing director, Michael Lenihan, conceived worldclass.golf after growing frustrated at the number of superlatives being attached to what he believed were ‘ordinary’ venues, he explained: “For years, a lot of golf courses were referred to as championship courses - now it’s ‘world class’. The phrase is used an awful lot, but aspiring to be a world-class venue and actually achieving that high standard are two different things entirely.

“I believe there are several fundamental aspects

to being genuinely ‘world class’ and the course is first and foremost. It’s not solely about the design - which can be highly subjective and contentious - but more the presentation and conditioning that should never come into question. And besides four key areas that clubs need to meet in order to be invited to join, the overall visitor experience has to be fundamental to the application.”

Each club accepted into worldclass.golf will have been required to meet strict entry criteria, while demonstrating first-class standards across the operation. Lenihan added: “Things such as the finishing touches that don’t necessarily cost a huge amount of money but make you feel you are somewhere a little bit out of the ordinary. If you are invited to join, you will know that you are one of the very best golf facilities in the world.”

Stoke Park’s director of golf, Stuart Collier, added: “We were thrilled to be considered for inclusion in worldclass.golf. It is clearly a global offering but, in its first year, has been limited to just 16 clubs - so it is an honour to be invited to join and be part of that exclusive group. “It has been designed to recognise truly world-class venues and provide a guarantee of quality to golfers in search of the very best ‘visitor journey’.”

Lenihan and his team claim they have been “extremely selective about who is invited to join”

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and there is no charge made to the club to be a member. The collection has been created, says Lenihan, “to identify the very best properties and venues… pulling together the world’s elite golf courses under a single banner”. In addition to being included within a lavish, global ‘coffee-table’ magazine, Stoke Park will feature on worldclass. golf’s website and social media and receive individually designed logos for marketing purposes.

Voted number one golf resort in England, in the inaugural Golf World ‘Top 100 Resorts in UK & Ireland’ ranking in 2017, the historic Stoke Park - one of just two five - AA Red Star golf clubs in England - boasts 27 Harry Colt-designed holes, a thriving golf club with around 850 members and is European headquarters of the Leadbetter Golf Academy.

Set within 300 acres of mid-19th century Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown-landscaped parkland, in Stoke Poges, Bucks, Stoke Park is only 35 minutes from London and seven miles from Heathrow Airport.

The historic land on which it stands is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 and the celebrated course played host to the PGA Matchplay in 1910 and, even more famously, the golf match between Sean Connery’s James Bond and Auric Goldfinger, in the 1964 film, Goldfinger. www.stokepark.com

TEE TIMES | October 2018 19

Discover… Championship Golf at Donnington Grove, Newbury www.donnington-grove.com tel: 01635 581 000

A Tee Times tribute as Hampshire’s favourite golfing son hits the top

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS!

Rose climbs to World No 1

JOINING A GALAXY

OF GOLF GREATS The official world rankings began in 1986. Twentytwo players have held the spot, the longest spell being of 281 weeks by Tiger Woods from June 2005 to October 2010.

Five times No 1: Seve Ballesteros

2018: Justin Rose, Dustin Johnson Justin Thomas From Silver to Gold: (Left) Rose as winner of the Open Championship Silver Medal, age 17. (Above), flying the flag on his way to Gold in the Rio Olympics.

2017: Dustin Johnson 2016: Jason Day

After Justin Rose’s performance at the BMW Championship elevated him to world number one, he said it was “boyhood dream stuff”.

Major success: Rose with the U.S. Open trophy in 2013

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN Justin Rose has long been associated with North Hants Golf Club at Fleet, where he was a junior member from the age of 10.

Club members have proudly watched as his career blossomed through the amateur ranks and into the professionals, and n 2014, the club created The Justin Rose Room within the clubhouse, celebrating his career and in particular his first Major victory, the 2013 U.S. Open.

At the rate their favourite golfing son is going, they may need to build a bigger room!

2015: Jordan Spieth, Jason Day Rory McIlroy 2014: Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott 2013: Tiger Woods

But never in the 38-year-old Hampshire man’s wildest musings could he have anticipated a career so rich in varied achievements.

2012: Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald

Only the fourth Englishman to top the rankings, after Sir Nick Faldo, Lee Westwood and Luke Donald, Rose can already look back over a career which began with the Silver Medal as leading amateur in The Open Championship at the age of 17.

2010: Lee Westwood

He survived a baptism of fire, missing 22 cuts at the start of his pro career, came close in The Masters and in 2013 won the U.S. Open.

Royal recognition came with an MBE, and nationwide celebration of a gold medal in the Rio Olympics.

And he is still dreaming… of winning The Open.

2011: Luke Donald, Lee Westwood Martin Kaymer 2005: Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh 2004: Vijay Singh 1999: Tiger Woods, David Duval 1998: Ernie Els, Tiger Woods 1997: Greg Norman, Tiger Woods Ernie Els, Tom Lehman 1995: Greg Norman 1994: Nick Price, Greg Norman 1992: Nick Faldo, Fred Couples 1991: Ian Woosnam, Nick Faldo 1990: Greg Norman, Nick Faldo 1989: Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros 1988: Seve Ballesteros Greg Norman 1987: Greg Norman Seve Ballesteros

Behind every great man is… a loving and supportive family. Left, Rose with wife Kate, a former international gymnast who often walks the course to support him. Right, with his parents Ken and Annie

20 TEE TIMES | October 2018

1986: Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer

Discover… Championship Golf at Donnington Grove

Celebrate with an additional 10% off your booking QUOTE 25yrs www.donnington-grove.com tel: 01635 581 000

Tewkesbury Park Hidden in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside is the historic town of Tewkesbury with its famous Abbey and eclectic mixture of vintage and antique shops, galleries, museums and traditional tea rooms.

Nearby are 163 acres of stunning parkland belonging to Tewkesbury Park with views stretching for miles over the golf course and on clear days as far as the distant Chiltern and Malvern Hills.

This is also where the famous historic and decisive Battle of Tewkesbury was fought in 1471, culminating in the loss of several thousands of Lancastrians fleeing the attack by the Yorkists, a crucial battle that was won by King Edward 1v during the famous Wars of the Roses.

The parkland’s centre piece is an imposing 18th century manor house now converted into an 84 bedroom hotel complex adjacent to the intricately designed 18 hole par 72 golf course and six hole Academy course. There is also a well equipped spa, indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and even two tennis courts to keep guests well occupied.

This amazing complex is independently owned by the local McIntosh family who recently invested several millions of pounds into major refurbishments and renovations, including upgrading all bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, as well as creating nine individually designed historic suites with names after people and places connected to the Wars of the Roses.

Arriving at Tewksbury Park after a two hour drive from London, I quickly checked into the hotel before dashing off to the pro-shop for my pre-arranged 1 pm tee time and to meet up with my playing partner Annette, a local club member. It was her intimate knowledge course

that proved an enormous asset in helping me negotiate and understand the course’s many hidden hazards and challenges.

Together with numbers, each hole has been given a descriptive name. For example the first hole, a long par five bordered by trees with a sharp left dogleg is aptly called Adler’s Elbow where the flag can only first be seen from around the 150 yard mark. Much to my surprise I carded this hole in six and continued with the same score for the next three holes; the second par 4 and the tricky third par 5 were both holed in six. By this time I was flying and really enjoying the course. Arriving at the par 3 fifth hole, aptly called Salmon’s Leap on account of the water hazard directly in front of the green, and some 128 yards from the Ladies tee, I produced a scintillating shot that landed to the right of the green and finished the hole in four, two shots less than my more experienced playing partner.

Much to my surprise I played well all the par 3’s, parring both the seventh, Bloody Meadow (presumably where the Battle of Tewskesbury was fought), and the tenth, Bishops Cleeve.

Luck was again on my side.

In all I found this course a joy to play, and unexpectedly played below my own handicap despite several awkward and challenging holes to negotiate - particularly the difficult 17th, The Badger’s Den, a long par four where I completely lost the plot and ended up with nine shots but was more due missed several putts.

Whether this could all be put down to playing with someone very familiar with the course is difficult a matter of opinion but undoubtedly this was one of the most pleasant and enjoyable rounds of golf I have played in a long time.

Back at the hotel after my round of golf I was finally shown to my ‘room’ up a couple of small

Discover… Afternoon Tea at Donnington Grove

flights of stairs, and which turned out to be one of the newly refurbished suits, the King Edward IV suite, a wonderful surprise and perfect way to finish my day. Dinner that evening was served in the Conservatory with views overlooking the golf course and afterwards I joined a group of golfers for drinks in the bar.

If you are looking for an idyllic golf break, Tewkesbury Park could be the answer to your prayers even if golf is not your favourite pastime there are plenty of alternative activities to keep non-golfers well occupied such as a game of croquet or tennis, or simply having a romantic dinner al fresco on the terrace on a warm, balmy summer’s evening.

The hotel is also dog friendly and has set aside ten rooms for dog lovers who can’t bear to leave their pets at home. Each room is supplied with special dog pack that includes food and dog bowls.

It is as fun place for dogs to enjoy long walks in nearby woods as it is for golfers playing their favourite sport in beautiful surroundings.

April Tod

TEE TIMES | October 2018 21

Discover… Championship Golf at Donnington Grove, Newbury www.donnington-grove.com tel: 01635 581 000

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Flying fairway woods!

Oh how easy the game would be if we could all nail our fairway woods. This is a shot that can drastically reduce the length of a long hole giving you a chance to score lower and knock shots off your handicap.

Most golfers find this shot one of the most nail biting as they have a huge fear of how wrong it can go. Hence they tense up on it and rush the swing trying to get it over and done with as quickly as possible. Here is a foolproof answer to your prayers and a sure fire way of shortening those long par fives…

How’s It Lying?

If positioned on a bare lie or in a divot the fairway wood is not the route to take… this demands an iron or hybrid shot! To hit a fairway wood successfully it should be sat up with grass beneath it in the semi rough or on the fairway.

Setting Up For Succes

Why did I miss that putt?

There are three ways of missing a putt – • Picking the wrong line • Reading the line but not hitting the putt on the line intended • Hitting the putt on the right line but at the wrong speed

The set up for a fairway wood is nearly the same as that of your driver…we are looking for a swing that brushes the grass and sweeps the ball off the turf. So set up with your stance wide, but not as wide as your driving stance. Weight distribution is even between both feet and the ball is placed a few inches inside the left heel. The chin is held high to encourage a fairly full shoulder turn. The biggest point to remember –that many golfers forget- is to remain RELAXED at set up. Any tension at address for this shot will result in a mishap and lost opportunity. So chill out and ease off the grip tension and let the arms just hang.

So to make a putt, you have to read the line correctly and hit the ball on that line at the correct speed.

Sweep Away Low And Slow

The problem is that when you miss a putt you don’t know whether you’ve pulled it or pushed it. You don’t know if you’ve read the line correctly or not. Often golfers blame the stroke when in fact they didn’t read the line to0 well. A great way to take a couple of variables out of your putting and gain confidence in your stroke is to mark the golf ball. You often see a line on the ball when watching tournaments on T.V.

Have a few practice swings to rehearse the feeling of sweeping the ball off the turf.

(Not up on the ball as in a driver swing but more level with the turf) Take the club head back low and slow, with a wide movement away from the ball. This will swing the club back smoothly and maintain that tempo throughout the shot.

I like to feel the club is doing a lot of the work on my fairway woods; the ball is almost just getting in the way of a smooth practice swing. It is so easy to try to hit the ball hard with distance in mind but more will come of sweeping through the ball and chasing after it as you unwind in to a full finish. Make sure you do finish, as this will create more acceleration through the ball without trying.

Just A Thought • Practice. This shot has loads to do with confidence - so get confident with it by practicing these shots on the range. The more you hit in practice the more likely you are to try it on the course. Practice letting the ball get in the way, have a practice swing then set u to the ball imagining it isn’t there. Use exactly the same swing as in practice and sweep through the ball to a full finish. You will be amazed at the difference; we do tend to let the ball control our muscles so pretend it isn’t there!

• Try different woods, you need to look down on your woods and feel confident not doubtful. If you are playing with tiny metal or even woodenheads then it could be time to go shopping (any excuse!). You will soon find 3,5 or 7 woods that suit you and your game. If fairway woods aren’t for you then rescue clubs are fantastic.

They tend to have higher lofts and low profiles helping get the ball airborne out of tougher lies.

• BE POSITIVE - if you stand up to a fairway shot thinking “I can’t hit these” chances are you won’t. Your muscles won’t help you unless you are confident about the shot. So… SEE IT, BELIEVE IT AND SWING THROUGH IT. I’m currently on maternity leave. BUT… If you need help with your game then email me katie@katiedawkinsgolf.co.uk. I’ll be back teaching as the Winter closes in, I will be all too happy to help you figure out where you lose shots and how you can play your best golf. Make 2019 your best ever golfing year. With my help we can make an action plan and make the most of your game.

22 TEE TIMES | October 2018

The speed and the line are inter-related. I remember having a great putting round once when a local caddie, who knew the greens very well, read my putts for me.

He not only gave me the line but told me what speed to hit the ball on that line. For instance, he would say “firm on the left lip” or “soft three inches outside the lip”.

You’ll often hear Tiger blaming his speed for his putting being a bit off that day.

However, just having a line on the ball isn’t enough to ensure that you will start the ball on the intended line. You need to ensure the putter face is perpendicular to that line on the ball at the point of impact. In some cases golfers don’t set the putter square to that line at address. This will force some sort of compensation in the stroke in order to get a square hit. In the picture you’ll notice that there is also a cross line. This is very useful for ensuring that the putter is exactly perpendicular to the line that goes around the ball.

Now, after reading the putt and deciding on the line, aim the ball on your intended path. Place the putter behind it, ensuring that the face is parallel to the cross line on the ball.

When you strike the ball, concentrate on making the line roll end over end.

If you see the ball roll in this fashion you’ll know that you’ve hit it with a square clubface. If, when the ball rolls, the line wobbles you’ll know that the putter wasn’t square at impact. If you’ve achieved a square hit and the ball doesn’t go in the hole, at least you can be confident that your stroke wasn’t to blame!

Practicing with the marked ball can give you some valuable feedback also.

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

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Creigiau Golf Club

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