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Sheffield vicar’s son finds the Augusta steel for Major win THE Majors season was meant to be just a three-horse race, wasn’t it? All the pundits were relishing anticipated clashes between just three amigos: Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy. Now a 28-year-old vicar’s son from Sheffield has remarkably joined a fascinating new mix, and winning the Masters was just a ‘fantastic start to achieving special things in golf’ for Danny Willett.
It’s just the start for Master Danny
Fate, or what? ‘My wife was born 28 years ago on Monday and my son came early,’ said Willett, who won by three shots after a dramatic final-round capitulation by Jordan Spieth.
INSIDE MONTY SPLITS FROM WIFE No 2
- Page 4
Brits are pouring money into golf
There had been a good chance that Willett would not even have been at Augusta, if his wife Nicole had given birth to Zachariah James Willett on her due date: the final day of the championship. But Zac arrived 12 days early, so dad Danny was able to sign in as the 89th and final entrant for the 2016 Masters. He won it by three strokes.
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- Page 4 Oh, Danny joy! Willett with wife Nicole and Zac, the baby who arrived early enough for dad to go off and win The Masters
‘You talk about fate and everything that comes with it. It's been crazy. It's a great feeling and hopefully one we can have many more times.’ So, what’s next for the the first European winner at Augusta since 1999 and only the
fourth British champion? His manager, Chubby Chandler, said his man could win another Major this year and become number one in the world ‘without any doubt’.
• Turn to Page 4
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, GENTLEMEN • TWO-time Masters winner Tom Watson waved an emotional farewell to Augusta, right, after carding 78 to finish eight over.
• FORMER champion Ian Woosnam, right, said the 2016 Masters was his last because of a nagging back injury. The 58-year-old missed the cut after finishing his second round 19 over par, following his opening score of 82.
The 66-year-old eight-time Major champion, playing in his 43rd Masters, received a standing ovation as he finished his second round at a packed 18th green.
It is 25 years since Woosnam triumphed at Augusta to become the first - and still the only - Welshman to win one of golf's major championships.
Ever the gentleman, he said: ‘To finish playing at Augusta with my friends and family watching - that's the way to go out. The fans were really very generous with their applause. It was a pleasure.’
‘I am in pain all the way round,’ he said, ‘so it's time to say bye-bye really.’
The
GREAT SCOTT: WEST COACH OF THE YEAR - Page 8
Welcome for four ladies to the fore - Page 18
CHARLEY SETS NEW MAJOR MARK - Page 18
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HEY, BIG SPENDERS! UK golfers splash £4b a year on our sport
COLIN Montgomerie and his second wife, Gaynor, are to end their eightyear marriage.
GOLFERS in the United Kingdom spent £4.3 billion on their sport in 2014, accounting for 14% of all consumer spending on sport, and golf paid £990 million in taxes to the government.
Montgomerie, 52, has reportedly moved out of the family home, and friends claim Gaynor, 49, is devastated.
More than half of consumer spending on golf, £2.2 billion, was channelled through the UK’s near 3,000 golf clubs, of which almost two-thirds are in England. Golf equipment and clothing accounted for £939 million of consumer expenditure and golf related tourism, events and accommodation a further £775m. The figures are contained in an independent report published this week by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC).
She previously forgave him after it was claimed he cheated on her with old girlfriend Joanne Baldwin a year after their £1million wedding in 2008. UK golfers accounted for 14 per cent of all consumer spending on sport
particularly in the year when it makes its return to the Olympic Games in Rio.”
The report was funded by The R&A and the organisation’s Chief Executive, Martin Slumbers, said: “Golf is the first sport in the UK to evaluate its contribution to economic development in line with the government’s ‘Sporting Future’ strategy and these findings give us an important economic baseline for the golf industry against which we can measure future growth.
Nick Pink, Chief Executive of England Golf, has welcomed the report and commented: “This demonstrates the economic value of golf for the UK and is very positive news for the game, proving that it is one of sport’s big players.’
There is plenty of room for optimism that golf can maintain and develop its position as one of the most popular sports in the UK,
The report highlights that the golf industry in the UK employs 74,480 people with a third employed directly by golf clubs in England,
THE MASTERS CONTINUED... • From Page 3 Chandler said Willett, a 2007 Walker Cup team-mate of Rory McIlroy, could become ‘one of the greats of his time’.
‘He won't be distracted. He knows exactly what he's trying to do. Winning the Masters is the start of the journey, not the end of the journey,’ said Chandler. ‘He knows exactly how many Majors Rory has won and he will want to get up there and past Rory's tally. If you take Tiger Woods out, what is the next best tally of Majors among current players? Phil Mickeslon with five.’ But Chandler revealed that Willett, once the top-ranked amateur golfer in the world, carefully managed ongoing back problems and used his father, Steve, as a psychologist. Willett conceded he is not yet at the level of McIlroy and Spieth.
‘They've obviously achieved a good bit more than me. I've still got a bit of a way to go to be up there with those boys,’ added Willett,
Monty in split from wife No 2
who moved to ninth in the world rankings after his Augusta win.
‘But it is a fantastic start in the right direction of doing pretty special things in big tournaments. I'm just looking forward to being in that illustrious group of Major winners, making sure I move forward in my game and seeing what else I can achieve.’ Chandler said Willett will turn down hundreds of thousands of pounds in appearance fees rather than erode his dream: ‘Danny could make a lot of money playing in certain events round the world but he will not be compromised by cash.
‘His schedule is not going to change a bit. He’s absolutely focused on that world number one spot.’ The final leaderboard, peppered with St George flags as Lee Westwood, Paul Casey, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose also finished in the top ten, suggests that Willett will be heading an English cavalry charge for honours in this Ryder Cup year. Hang onto your hats.
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Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. After accounting for indirect and induced economic impact effects, the turnover of the UK golf industry is estimated at £10.3 billion for 2014. Professor Simon Shibli, the Head of SIRC and author of the report, said: “The positive physiological and mental health benefits of golf are already well understood. Golf is also remarkably valuable to the economy as our figures for consumer spending, GVA and employment demonstrate.”
She is staying at their Scottish mansion in Dunning, Perthshire, after Monty, who was part of the Sky Sports team at The Masters, moved out. Friends say Gaynor is now preparing divorce papers, just two weeks before the pair were due to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Father-of-three Monty is staying at his father’s home in Scotland, his brother's flat in Newcastle and at various hotels.
Isn’t this kind of stroke banned? TWO Masters stalwarts prompted a lot of chatter about their putting. Fans fell silent in disbelief and sympathy as former world number one Ernie Els carded the worst opening hole in Masters history: nine shots at the par four, including six putts in a mental storm that Els described as ‘like having snakes in my head’. Observers also did a double take as Bernhard Langer used a long putter, which many thought had been banned from January 1. The explanation: the putter is not banned, but anchoring it to the body is forbidden. Langer sets up by anchoring his left hand to his chest, then moves the hand away from the body before he takes the putter back - not considered an anchored stroke
Split: Montgomerie and second wife Gaynor
A source said: ‘Colin decided to call it a day and Gaynor was devastated. She is furious after taking him back and getting around to filing divorce papers. She wants it done now.’ Gaynor’s first husband, tycoon George Knowles, died in 2003 and she inherited £20 million. She and Monty, whose 14-year marriage to Eimear Wilson broke down in 2004, have seven children between them. The former Ryder Cup captain, winner of eight European Tour Order of Merit titles, issued a statement which said: ‘I can confirm that I raised proceedings some time ago seeking divorce from Gaynor.
‘We are separated and in the process of divorcing. There are no third parties involved.’
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HAVE CLUBS WILL TRAVEL - A DUBLIN DOUBLE Royal Dublin Golf Club The invitation from Golf Ireland to visit Dublin for a short golf break was too good to miss, after a miserable wet winter it was also encouraging to see that the weather forecast was good for the days we were to spend in Rees Michael the Emerald Isle. Having said that, in the very many years that golf in Ireland has been an essential part of the calendar, the trips have very rarely been disrupted or even impaired by the weather, despite the concept that it always rains. Dublin is a tremendous centre for a golf break, there is an abundance of wonderful golf courses around the city, and many more within a very short driving time. The choices will always be difficult to make, but to endorse the thought just think of the following delights, Royal Dublin, our first port of call, Portmarnock, Portmarnock Links, Baltray, The Island, Malahide, Balbriggan, Castlenock, Howth, and Lutrellstown Castle, the list is simply endless. The city itself is a delight for visits of any genre, wonderful architecture, history, restaurants of every type and accommodation to satisfy the most discerning clients, and to cap it all there is Guinness. I am a subscriber to the belief that nowhere else in the world does it taste as good as when drunk in Ireland. If you choose a time when there is some sort of celebration in the city, it is a fantastic place to be. So to the birthplace of the game of golf in Ireland, founded in 1885, the Royal Dublin Golf Club is situated on Bull Island. It is the iconic and traditional championship links, originally designed by Harry Shapland Colt following the destruction caused by the military during the First World War. That layout remained until it was recently updated at the request of the members by renowned golf course architect Martin Hawtree, and it
is a must visit for any golfer with an interest in the origins of the game and it’s spread around the world. The new design completely changed the 6th, 7th and 8th holes and lengthened the course by over four hundred yards, which made it 7269 yards from the championship tees. Royal Dublin is ranked 13th of the fifty eight true Irish Links, and there are only 246 true links courses around the world, a worthy status indeed. The location Bull Island is of great historic importance itself, created when Captain William Bligh (of mutiny fame) constructed a sea wall in the early 1800’s, built to protect the harbour. The sand bank it caused created the island which houses not only Royal Dublin but also St Anne’s Club; it is also a bird sanctuary and a special amenity area due to rare plant and wildlife. The Club celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2010, making it the second oldest club in Ireland; it received its Royal designation in 1891, when the club was still in Phoenix Park before moving to Bull Island. During the First World War it was used as an artillery range and devastated, but with the compensation received the course was designed by Harry Colt and a new clubhouse built. In 1943 the clubhouse was entirely
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destroyed by fire, and it was not until ten years later, on 2nd October 1954, that the new clubhouse was opened.
Irish people have a special place in their hearts for sporting heroes, a very apt statement on the club website, especially since they have one of their very own in Christy O’Connor Snr. He was a leading light of the European professional tour throughout the 1950’ and well into the 1970s a great career which saw many titles and Ryder Cup appearances. A legend in his own lifetime, he still visits the club regularly and he recently celebrated his 90th birthday there. The club conferred Honorary Life Membership in 1988 on the man affectionately christened “Himself”. Due recognition for his considerable contribution, not only to the Royal Dublin club, but to the game of golf and to Irish golf in particular. Royal Dublin is not just a golf course, it is an institution, and to play the golf course is more than a game, it is an experience that will be remembered, and the signature hole for the course, the dogleg 18th hole finishing under the eye of the clubhouse, will be a part of that memory. A great way to start the visit to the Dublin area, and one to savour till the next time.
Christy in his heyday
The hospitality at the club is second to none, there is immediate warmth in the welcome and everywhere you go it is evident. The Officials and the Management team are patently keen to promote the club and the welcome that is always waiting for visiting golfers, particularly from the United Kingdom, an invitation that should be impossible to refuse. After a most enjoyable day on the links it was time to return to the city centre, our overnight stay was at the O’Callaghan Alexander Hotel, very well sited in the city centre, and very comfortable indeed. A short walk to Marcel’s Restaurant for very fine dining and the day was complete, no need for any rocking, sleep the easiest commodity left for the perfect day. For more information on golf in Ireland visit the following websites: www.Ireland.com/golf www.theroyaldublingolfclub.com www.alexanderhotel.ie www.marcels.ie
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View from behind the 13th green in May
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George takes route 66 for victory in medal series EUROPEAN Senior Tour winner George Ryall (Players Club) recorded a onestroke success in the Gloucester and Somerset PGA winter series medal over the tight and tricky Shirehampton Park layout. His one-under-par 66 pipped the previous week’s winners Ross Langdon (Brickhampton Court) and Giuseppe Licata (Chipping Sodbury). A bright but still chilly spring morning greeted the players on the course situated high above the River Avon with spectacular views over the city of Bristol and beyond. The competition was still fierce though with various Order of Merit battles going on as the season reaches its climax. Ryall, although not feeling 100 per cent, accelerated over the closing holes after a slow start. He was two-over-par until a run of four birdies in five holes from the 13th took him past the winning post for his first solo victory of the season. Such is the difficulty of the course a threeover-par 70 was good enough for a share of fourth position achieved by Graeme Biggs (Burnham Golf Range), Nick Ellis (Naunton Downs) and Daryl Kelley (Filton).
Sweep It was Biggs’ best result of the season while Ellis justified his late decision to play by collecting a tidy haul of OOM points. Kelley produced his best result since returning from injury. Langdon and Licata shot one-under-par 69 to share the PGA medal at Bristol and Clifton. Licata led early after making four birdies and three bogeys. He picked up his strokes at the sixth, 10th, 15th and 18th for his fourth win of the winter. Langdon matched his rival’s birdie haul so they shared the birdie sweep as well. His shots were gained at the second, ninth, 15th and 16th as he won for the fifth time of the winter.
GREAT SCOTT, WEST COACH OF THE YEAR
He was involved in the development of Dorset stars Hayley Davis and Georgia Hall as well as other Ferndown youngsters and coached England girls until he stepped down last year. He is now head professional at Ferndown Golf Club in succession to David Miles who is teaching at Ferndown Forest. The 34-year-old Cornishman who qualified for the 2003 Open Championship at Royal St George’s, joined the club as an assistant to the late Neil Pike in 2005. But his interest and expertise as a tutor took him on to the national stage.
‘I hope to play a bit more as well and will try and enter pro-ams this year, take the members away and spend more time at the club on society days. Captain Barry Sandry (Broome Manor) presents the awards to Scott Godfrey
He was involved with the national coaching set-up for seven years, four with the girls’ team. But he felt that it was time to settle down in Bournemouth to spend more time with a young family without the constant travelling. He said: ‘A massive part of what I do is as a coach but I am now becoming
‘The members are happy with the way things are going and I will have more time to build up my coaching base.’ Amateur international Godfrey, winner of the England amateur title at Saunton in 2001, was also earmarked as a potential Olympic Games coach. He was among 22 from 16 sports selected for the 2015-16 Coach Aspire Programme.
Now let’s all raise our game LET’S Raise Our Game, the England Golf training and education programme for clubs, has launched with a hugely successful series of Business Growth Forums.
More than 1,500 delegates from 600 golf clubs – almost a third of all those in England - signed up to attend the 24 forums, which were held across the country.
These will cover topics highlighted by clubs during the forums, including marketing, customer service, revenue generation, recruitment and retention of members.
Now, all clubs have the opportunity to attend demand-led practical workshops, which are being organised over the next few months.
These workshops will be open to all clubs, not only those which attended the forums, but places will be limited. More information
End of golf’s Grand Slam The PGA of America is ending its Grand Slam of Golf, the annual tournament featuring the year's Major champions. The organisation said the 36-hole event, which started in 1979, no longer ‘fits with today's golf landscape’. A PGA statement said: ‘The timing is right to discontinue the event. When the PGA Grand Slam of Golf was
launched in 1979, the golf world was much different than it is today. The PGA Tour's wrap-around schedule, the European Tour's Race to Dubai, plus other important international events, make the fall schedule very busy and hectic for the top players in the world. ‘It had also become challenging to attract fans, television viewership and media interest.’
is available on the Training and Education page of the England Golf website or by visiting the Golf Education Calendar. The Business Growth Forums were free and aimed at key decision makers in clubs, both staff and volunteers. They helped clubs take a fresh look at their opportunities, identify their goals for growth, including identifying ways to recruit and retain more members, and to find out about the support available from England Golf. Laura Rushby, England Golf’s Head of Training and Education, said: ‘We realised very quickly that these forums would be of great practical use to clubs everywhere and we rolled them out across the country. The response has been fantastic.’ The Business Growth Forums were led by Jane Carter, a golf industry expert who has worked with more than 400 golf clubs in the last five years to develop successful business and marketing strategies.
ALEX IS HAMPSHIRE JUNIOR CHAMPION BRAMSHAW’S Alex Talbot won the Hampshire Junior Championship at Test Valley Golf Club with a two-under-par 69 that was the only sub-par round of the day.
Paul Ryder (Henbury) and George Ryall (Players Club) were joint third on level par. Ryder actually carded six birdies but declined to enter the sweep. Solid Ryall made two birdies and dropped two shots. Ed Goodwin (Cirencester), Andrew March (Brean) and Kevin Pitts (Mendip) were fifth.
more involved with the club, attending committee meetings and building a relationship with the members.
SCOTT Godfrey (Ferndown) was honoured as West Coach of the Year at the awards ceremony at the West Region PGA annual meeting at Cumberwell Park.
He will now represent Hampshire Golf in the Champion of Champions Tournament at Woodhall Spa early in September.
Just champion: Alex Talbot with John Moore, President of Hampshire Golf
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Second place went to Conor Richards (71), the 2015 Champion from Shanklin & Sandown GC, and Meon Valley's George Roberts won the nett title.
The event was reduced to 18 holes after heavy rain flooded the Test Valley course. Top ten, with gross scores: Alex Talbot, Bramshaw, 69; Conor Richards, Shanklin and Sandown, 71; George Roberts, Meon Valley, 71; Jamie Markwick, Corhampton, 72; George Saunders, Meon Valley, 73; Josef Hacker, La Moye (Jersey), 74; Travis Yung-Hok, Hayling, 75; Fraser Wilkinson, La Moye (Jersey), 75; Christian Lindgreen, (Oak Park), 75; Luke Lewis (Brokenhurst Manor), 75.
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HAVE CLUBS WILL TRAVEL - A DUBLIN DOUBLE THE K CLUB After savouring the delights of the Royal Dublin Golf Club, the vibrant city and the excellent food, it was time to take the thirty minute drive to one of the most famous venues in Irish golf, The K Club. Although it is comparatively new to the golf scene, it has Michael Rees rapidly established itself as one the most revered venues in Ireland, due in no small measure to the 36th Ryder Cup, and September 2006. The year that the match moved outside the mainland of England and Scotland for the very first time, and the 12th venue to host a home fixture, for the team Captained by pocket dynamo Welshman Ian Woosnam. There is a great deal more to say about the venue, but it is difficult to ignore the impact of that incredible match, for there is evidence of the match everywhere you go in the clubhouse. The photographs of the individuals, shots of the matches in progress and the celebrations. Europe won the match comfortably by 18.5 to 9.5 equalling the record margin, but the impact that the Irish contingent made was very significant, with Assistant Captain Des Smyth and prominent players Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and the most poignant of all Darren Clarke, who stood arms aloft, tears streaming down his face after his win over Zach Johnson which signalled the victory. Anyone present at that match would recognise and know that the Arnold Palmer designed course was purpose built for such occasions, and a great venue for the scenes that are now part of Ryder Cup history. The venue will once more be welcoming the fans to witness golf at the highest level, for the 2016 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will take place from the 19th to the 22nd May 2016. The Palmer Ryder Cup Course will welcome the fans there in record numbers as befits events in Ireland, in 2015 over 100,000 fans attended the Irish Open, and that number may well be exceeded this year. It will be the first time that the Irish Open has come to The K Club, which will be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the opening of the resort. The K Club is renowned for its quality and luxury; it combines old world charm, with modern comforts and standards of service in luxurious surroundings. Superb accommodation, fine dining and the award winning Spa, to say nothing of the two excellent golf courses, create the perfect environment for a long or short stay. Four time major winner (at the time of writing with the Masters imminent) and 2015 Race to Dubai winner in 2015, Rory McIlroy will continue as tournament host on behalf of his charitable foundation, and will be joined by a superb field of international stars, all contending for the title of Irish Open Champion. The estate has an absorbing history of its own, for Straffan House was built by Hugh Barton, whose family had settled in Bordeaux and become legendary winemakers. He bought two chateaux in 1821 and 1826, and his new house was built modelled on those two designs. It nestled in 550 acres of prime land, with the River Liffey running through. The House remained in the Barton Family until
1949 and it then passed through the hands of five owners before being acquired by the Johnson Smurfit in 1988. It was finally purchased outright by Dr Michael Smurfit in 2012. The original house was sympathetically restored to its former glory, and converted to the hotel which features numerous original paintings and antiques. The Yeats Room at the K Club is a museum, with a collection of paintings and ephemera relating to Irelands best known artist Jack B Yeats. There is also the painting of the Byerley Turk, one of the three great Arab stallions which form the Pillars of the Stub Book by John Wooton. In contrast the Grand Canal Venice, a modern version of the classic scene by Roy Petley adorns the walls. As the website so aptly states,
Immense yourself in 18th Century Grandeur with 21st Century Luxury. If you want to partake of other activities during your stay at The K Club, there is a wide selection available to you. Apart from golf, there is walking and cycling, fly fishing, clay and target shooting, horse riding, and you can even try your hand at falconry. For the less energetic moments you can indulge in wine tasting. For those with a taste for the Sport of Kings, select dates when there are local race meetings, there are four tracks nearby, Leopardstone, Fairyhouse, Punchestown and the Curragh (where the Irish Derby is held). Racing and Ireland go hand in glove and a visit to one of the courses is great value for money. There are two golf courses on the resort, The Palmer Couse and the Smurfit Course, every golfer will have seen and admired the Palmer Course on television during the three days of the Ryder Cup, but there is also a quality option on the Smurfit Course. However the majority of golfers will wish to test their skills on the Ryder Cup Course, and probably more than once to become aware of the challenges to be faced. There are numerous lakes, water courses; especially the infamous 16th hole, doglegs and the subtleties of the green will not be fathomed out the first time round. The venue is a must to have on your play list, and for those who have been before, a definite promise to return. For more information visit the following websites: www.Ireland.com/golf www.kclub.ie
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Lee-on-the-Solent Golf Club FOUNDED 1905
SPRING & SUMMER FOURBALL SPECIAL Lee-on-the Solent Golf Club are pleased to announce that from 1st April we shall be offering two daily fourball' s at ÂŁ100 per fourball. One of these will be in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Please call the office on 02392 551170 to check times and availability.
www.leegolf.co.uk
*
0% FINANCE Sparshatts of Havant Hulbert Road Bedhampton Havant Hampshire PO9 3TF
Sparshatts of Hedge End 10 / 16 Botley Road Hedge End Southampton Hampshire SO30 2HE
Sparshatts of Southampton 333 Millbrook Road West Southampton Hampshire SO15 0HW
Tel: 02392 492666
Tel: 01489 785633
Tel: 023 8077 1112
www.spa rshattsg roup.co.uk * Offer available at Sparshatts of Havant, Hedge End and Southampton and the purchase of a used car must be from Sparshatts. Finance available Subject to Status.
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WHATS HOT OR NOT SPRING GOLF MATCH AT in the World of Ladies Golf
Your Monthly Blog by
HAYLING GOLF CLUB
Claire Kane
Are you a Tortoise or a Hare on the course? Hayling A Team v ‘Ricco Select’
We’ve all watched in admiration when someone hits a good ball off the tee. The quicker the swing and the louder the crack, the more likely it’s followed by the cries of a “good shot”. Yet as we golfers know, there’s more to golf than a good drive.
shells whilst they ponder club selection and playing tactics so can cause backlogs on the course.
Every game of golf we play is different, so it’s always interesting to see how individuals handle the ups and downs of what is basically a simple game of putting a ball down 18 holes! Frequently, the success or failure of a game comes down to basic personality styles such as:
The Hare is usually very keen to hit a decent ball off the tee, although chances are they haven’t picked up a club before walking onto the tee because they’ve been chatting with friends and rummaging through their golf bag for a decent ball and a glove that doesn’t have a hole in. Not bothered with details, Hares probably wouldn’t know an ‘immoveable object’from a ‘loose impediment’ so, unknowingly break the golf rules frequently.
The Tortoise - We’ve all watched in admiration when a golfer steps up to the tee and with a short backswing, neatly places the ball on the fairway. Their shots may not be text book, elegant or long but they are consistent and precise, often with an accurate chip close to the pin which is then finished with a single putt.
Their game is a combination of bouts of brilliance, followed by moments of misery so it can be a bit like watching a waltz – one step forward, two sideways and then one back! When the Hare comes under pressure they can become agitated, turning into mad hatters , which does little for their swing.
Tortoise types are usually familiar with the golf rules and use them effectively to their advantage. Slowly but surely the tortoise type edges forward, carefully planning their route into the cup, rarely making a mistake, however, when under pressure, they tend to retreat even more into their
Thankfully, good golf isn’t just about style as lady luck and nerves also play a part too, something Jordon Spieth knows only too well following his recent Masters meltdown. © Claire Kane Follow my tales on twitter @golfsnippets
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Hayling Golf Club hosted a pre- season fixture to kick- start the golfing season between the Hayling A Team and a side selected by former Ryder Cup player and European Tour star Steve Richardson, aptly christened the Ricco Select Side. Steve selected a highly competent side of Hampshire professionals; they were assembled by Steven to test and provide strong opposition for the elite golfers of the home club, all with handicaps of scratch or better, over the Haying Links; and all the players faced a very stiff challenge on what proved to be a very cold Spring Sunday morning. The Links were in great shape for the occasion considering the long cold, wet winter; thanks to the excellent work done by the green staff, which had really brought the course back to life again. The format decided for the day was four-ball better ball series of games all played off scratch; four matches in all. The scoring was remarkably good, with many birdies recorded throughout the morning play. There were two fantastic eagles, coming in matches 1 and match 2 on the short 270 yard par 4 10th hole; unusually named Pan-Ko-Chai, Malaysian for Hell! Firstly Ben Wall in the opening match struck a very sweet three wood to four feet and then holed out for his eagle two, a rare bird indeed. Then Toby Burden playing in match two duplicated the feat, hitting a high soft draw with a three wood to three feet from the pin and duly achieved his eagle two, the second of the match. Toby was in great form again at the following hole; the testing par 3 which was into the prevailing wind, recording another two on the scorecard, and that was not the end of his achievements, for Toby was to shine again on the eighteenth green holing out for a birdie three to win his match with his partner Mark Thistleton. The temperature remained low throughout the morning play; and to fortify the players hot vegetable soup was a more than welcome refreshment at the half- way stage. Low numbers were plentiful in all four
matches, better-ball scores of six and seven under par, playing off the championship tees, were remarkable considering the very cold and difficult conditions. The overall match score finished in favour of the visiting professionals, winning the inaugural challenge 2½. to 1 ½. Hayling member Derek Pettit, Past Chairman of the Hampshire PGA Patrons and Honorary Skipper of Ricco’s team for the day was delighted to respond to the words of Bob Jones; Manager of the Hayling A team, who spoke on behalf of the home side. Bob, the very genial Welshman took his teams narrow defeat in great spirit ! The Players were then treated to a first class three-course lunch. A fine conclusion to an excellent team competition, matchplay at it’s best, thanks to Peter Llewellyn, the Proprietor of Tee Times Magazine who sponsored the event; hopefully Peter will continue his support for the fixture, which could become a regular event on the calendar in the future. On the same day, the Hampshire County Senior Team was also doing battle with a select senior side drawn from the members of Hayling Golf Club. Many great past and present champions were present in the two teams who turned out to test their skills in the afternoon. The cold weather continued to prevail, (all the players were togged - out with multiple layers of clothing) and the match ended in a very friendly draw. A great day’s golf was enjoyed by all the players, amateurs and professionals in both matches, played over the Hayling course which was in excellent condition, and a first class opening to the season. Derek Pettit
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Alresford Golf Club
‘enjoyable golf and a great deal more’
en events Entries welcome for our popular Op – 3rd July en Op Seniors Open – 10th June & Mixed ils)
JOIN IN MAY for ONLY £876 (7 Day Membership) NOTHING more to pay until 01/01/2017 (terms and conditions apply)
(see web site for deta
SUNDAY EARLY BIRD OFFER Limited tee times available between 8.30-10.00am 4 Ball ONLY £120 Book and pay in advance 01962 733998
• Highly regarded and well presented free draining course • Friendly clubhouse • No booking system for tee times necessary • Superb practice facilities • Regular competitions and ‘roll up’s’ • Reciprocal golf at 6 other private members clubs Cheriton Road, Tichborne Down, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 0PN Tel : 01962 733746 Email:secretary@alresfordgolf.co.uk
www.alresfordgolf.co.uk
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Summer Spectacular OFFER A FREE BUGGY and 10% OFF We will give every group who books an August golf break the use of a buggy, Completely FREE OF CHARGE, And not only that but some of our accommodation providers will also give you a 10% discount OFF their normal Heart of Wales Golf Break rate. Heart of Wales Golf Breaks Offers You the Opportunity to Play 3 of the Finest Golf Course in Wales With Over 10 Years’ Experience In Providing Golf Breaks At Competitive Prices. To book your Heart of Wales golf break please call Catherine on 01597
828598
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THE SOUTHAMPTON OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY 25TH JUNE 2016 WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO SOUTHAMPTON GOLF CLUB By way of course management of the event
MY TIME GOLF By way of course price reduction
BOWLERS RESTAURANT By way of event organiser
AND OUR MAIN SPONSOR Michael Avellino on behalf of ROOFING CLADDING AND BUILDING LTD By way of full prizes sponsorship
ONLY £45 per person OFFICIAL FULL HANDICAP (MAX 15) Coffee/Tea and bacon roll before play • Soup with roll lunch time • BBQ after golf TROPHYS and PRIZES for “BEST GROSS 2nd and 3rd”, “BEST NET 2nd and 3rd”, “BEST GROSS” (am & pm), “BEST NET” (am & pm) PLEASE SEND ALL ENTRIES TO: For the Attention of Bill Webb, BOWLERS RESTAURANT LTD, The Pavilion, Golf Course Road,, Southampton, SO16 7LE. Telephone: (023) 8076 7996 (Entries to be received no later than Sunday 12th June 2016)
E N T RY F O R M Please enter me for the
THE SOUTHAMPTON OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP at the Southampton City Golf Course on Saturday 25th June 2016
Players will be balloted out and the decision of the Open Committee will be final in all matters Name:...………..………………………………………… Club:…………………………………………………. Tel No: …………………………………………. Address:…………………………………………………………………....…………………………....…………………………....…………………………....…..… …………………....………………..…………………………....………………..………………....…………………………....…………………………....………… ………………....…………………………...………………....…………………………....…………………………....………… Postcode:……………….……...… Email:…………...………….….………….………………………… Handicap: …………….......…. Age:.…………… Date of Birth:.……..……..……………… I enclose my £45pp entry fee, Cheque made payable to: BOWLERS RESTAURANT X
Golf Course road, Southampton, SO16 7LE. Tel: 02380 767996
Print Name:………………………….……………….…….......... Signed:..……………….………………………………… Date:………...……….………………
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O
ne of the consistent facts relating to the advancement of golf, not only in the United Kingdom but throughout the world, is the contribution made by regiments of the British Army, and in particular the Scottish Regiments. Until the mid-nineteenth century the British Army had no identifiable base or home, then in in 1852 there was concern about the threat of French aggression, and Lord Hardinge made a survey on horseback and selected the village of Aldershot Heath as the potential home of the British Army.
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THE MILITARY INFLUENCE
And so it came to pass, the sleepy village was transformed in a very short period of time into a major military town. The arrival of the army was boon to everyone, despite some rowdiness. By the 1880’s golf was still in its infancy, but in October 1883 the Royal Aldershot Officers Club announced the formation of a golf club, thanks to a proposal put forward by Lieutenant Colonel Sartorious VC. DAQMG. Strangely there is no evidence that he was ever a golfer, though famed for his VC, remarkably his elder brother also won the supreme award for gallantry. And so within three weeks the motion had been passed, and the club was duly formed. That year the two Hampshire Clubs of Aldershot Command and Hayling Golf Club followed Bramshaw Golf Club, which had been formed in 1880, into the register of golf clubs in the United Kingdom. The first Honorary Secretary Captain F W Bennett RE, was a noted sportsman of the day, a fine cricketer, who had played with W G Grace, and he obviously took to golf with enthusiasm, serving in the role for a total of fourteen years. It was he who laid out the first golf course at Rushmoor Bottom, the first of the eight courses occupied by the club. There is an interesting description of the course which read “within twenty yards of each hole the ground is carefully turfed and rolled, but the intervening ground is left in it’s natural state” evidence that unlike many other courses at that time, greens were already being developed. In the 1890’s several clubs started to play a different form of competition golf against the course, the bogey
The original pattern made by the Royal Mint from which the club medal was made.
for each hole. When this began at Aldershot, being of such military genre, one Captain Vidal suggested that this invisible competitor should have a rank, and he was duly christened Colonel Bogey, and so the term entered the annals of the history of the game. After twelve years at Rushmoor Bottom the land was again required for military use, and the club relocated to a new course at Smallshot Hill which was to be home for only eight years before moving to Cove Common. When the renowned Black Watch Regiment came to Aldershot in 1891, they brought with them one of the most charismatic golfers of the era, and the club was to welcome a new member, Frederick Guthrie Tait, a renowned St Andrews golfer and member of the R&A. Freddie Tait proceeded to win the first Hampshire Championship and then went on to be winner of the Amateur Championship in 1896 and 1898, he finished third in The Open Championship on two occasions and was leading amateur three times. After losing in the final of The Amateur in 1899 he set sail for South Africa and the Boer War. He was tragically killed in action fighting against the Boers in February 1900 at Koodoosberg Drift and buried by the Riet River close to the battlefield; and the world of golf mourned. After a number of name changes the club eventually became the Aldershot Command
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Far left Freddie Tait, next James Braid, Lady Olive SmithDorrien First Lady Captain and above Euston Henry Sartorius VC.
Golf Club, a title it maintained until 1974. James Merrilees from North Berwick became the first club professional in 1905, and he was to partner multiple Open Champion James Braid in an exhibition match held at the club in 1909. Merrilees was succeeded by another eminent golfer Douglas Rolland from Elie, and then Jesse Poulter served as professional after being invalided out of the army, until 1964, a long and distinguished career. The club underwent many moves and changes around Cove Common, Laffan’s Plain and Danger Hill, and the current club lies to the south of Danger Hill and incorporates some of the land used by former courses. The entry in Hampshire Golf dated 1977states the location to be Laffans Road, and states that prior to World War 11 membership was restricted to Officers and retired Officers of Aldershot Command, but that nowadays it is open to all ranks and civilians. A significant alteration to the structure of the and running of the club. Today many years later, non-military players dominate the membership list.
The club had been devastated by the impact of the First World War, and struggled to survive, but survive it did and continued to develop through the inter war years, when many very competent golfers were in Aldershot and enhanced the membership. The Second World War was equally as disastrous for the club, but in keeping with many others, it succeeded in overcoming those terrible years. National Service brought some famed golfers to Aldershot in the 1950’s, Brian Huggett (later to be a Ryder Cup Player) was already a successful Professional Golfer when he came, and he played regularly with famed Scottish amateur Sandy Sadler, who was later to became the Walker Cup Captain. In 1969 the number of civilian members exceeded military for the very first time, certainly the start of a new era in the history of this famous club, a history littered with famous golfers, eminent military leaders, and one Freddie Tait a National hero.
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THE MARCH OF TIME The history of golf in Aldershot is rich and fascinating, especially to anyone interested in military history and sport, hopefully the opening page dedicated to that time will endorse that. Whilst the club is justly proud of that heritage, the days of differentiation are long gone, for now this is an archetypal quality member’s golf club which welcomes all golfers of all categories, and in fact those with military connections are less than five percent of the members. The town has changed radically in recent years, with the reduction of army units based there, followed by extensive development for commerce, the Farnborough airfield and a substantial increase in housing, and through it all the golf club has continued to evolve. A structured twenty year plan for the course is in progress, ensuring that the quality of the links is improving consistently, and the current ranking of tenth in the county of Hampshire will surely be improved upon. The implementation of the woodland management has revealed specimen trees planted long ago, excellent enhancements to
Above, one of several holes on The Army Golf Club which feature a bridge with a plaque alongside, displaying the badge of the sponsoring regiment like these, left.
the terrain, which although described as heathland, has fairways lined with pine and larch tree which give some holes a superb sentinel appearance. When the rhododendrons are in bloom areas of the course become a blaze of colour, and if you are alert and lucky you may well spot small groups of deer grazing in the clearings. The present course was established in the early 1970’s, after many moves the club had finally found a permanent home, and following the purchase of the course from the Ministry of Defence the club became the owner of 165 acres of prime golfing terrain. The course was originally nine holes, as a consequence of wartime restrictions, but in 1967 it was extended to eighteen holes, and then radically redesigned in the years from 1970 to 1974, and the clubhouse built where it stands today. It is testament to the quality of this first class layout that it has been host to many Services Championships, Professional and County events, including the County Championship in a county renowned for the quality and variety of the courses. At 6550 yards, Army is one of the longest courses in the area, and the fairly level terrain makes it a comfortable course to walk and play. It has a par of 71, with just two par fives and three par threes only one of which is less than 200 yards, coupled with the long par fours the course becomes a true test of ball striking and course management. It is a test of the quality of the course if you remember it well; there are so many unique facets of the Army course that are impossible to forget, and a ready reminder of your round, something particularly relevant to the visitor. The most notable and therefore memorable will be the Cemetery for Old Horses, which is beside the 7th Hole; here
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For your sat nav: Army Golf Club, Laffan's Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2HF Telephone: 01252 337272 Email: mansec@armygolfclub.com Course Hotline: 01252 342276 Society Bookings: 01252 337272 Pro-Shop Telephone: 01252 336722
some of the most famous chargers have been interred in a secluded spot under the trees, with headstones telling their stories. With numerous water courses throughout the golf course there are by necessity a number of bridges, many of these are sponsored by different regiments of the British Army, and their definitive badges are located on those bridges, sometimes on both sides, a fitting reminder since some of the original regimental names have been dropped from use and are a significant part of military history. Look out for the badges on the 2nd, 9th, 11th14th, and 15th (four to look for on this hole) which is the signature hole of the golf course. The 15th was radically redesigned in 2002, and was made a fine enhancement, the snaking ditch across the fairway in front of the green makes placement of the drive critical, and then a top class approach to make the green. A hole to remember. There is another more poignant natural memorial on the 11th hole, a rowan tree planted in memory of Captain Parsons and his daughter Jessie, who both served as club secretary. The hole has been aptly named Rowan ever since. The finishing stretch of four holes will test the best of golfers, the 15th just described, 16th a dog leg left , then the monster short 17th, defended by bunkers left and right with a narrow entrance for the run up. Then the finale, a great finishing hole of 409 yards, with out of bounds running along the right side of the fairway, four pars on this quartet will leave any player smiling. A fine course that is improving every year, thanks to the investment and planning undertaken by the club management and due to the diligence and application of Course Manager Phil Wentworth and his team of greenkeepers. A course to be enjoyed and a challenge to be savoured.
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There could not be a more appropriate headline for a golf club enthusiastically inviting golfers to come and join one of the premier golf clubs, not only in the County of Hampshire but in the South of England. For many years there was an illusion that because of the name of the club, there was a requirement to have a military connection to join or play the course. That restriction was abandoned many years ago, and the club is promoting a positive message to convey that fact, the website assures everyone that a warm and friendly reception is waiting.
MAY 2016
EVERYONE WELCOME
The golf club has long been recognised for the quality of the course, and later in the year, from 3rd to the 5th August, the EuroPro Tour will be coming to Army Golf Club for the first time, in a regular tour event with a prize fund of almost £50,000, which will be featured on Sky Television. Both Caversham Heath and Army have been selected to host events in August, with two more events in the Southern Region to follow. The HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour is a developmental professional tour created in 2002 as a result of the merger of EuroPro Tour and PGA MasterCard Tour. Based in the United Kingdom the purpose is to provide young professionals with a platform to launch a tournament career, and from 2015 the events have carried Official World Ranking Points. The top five players in the Order of Merit gain promotion to The Challenge Tour for the following season. The Order of Merit Winner in 2015 was Jordan Smith from the Bowood G&CC and runner up was Darren Wright from Goodwood. With an annual prize fund in excess of £800,000 for a series of three day events and a four day grand finale, it is the ideal vehicle for the experience required for advancement to the top level of golf. With the course records set with scores of 64, for both Amateurs (Sam Robertshaw) and Professionals (Phil Bryden) there is a strong possibility that with a very strong field in the EuroPro event that the record may be broken.
Hampshire and Surrey, with eight clubs within a thirty minute travel circle, played on Wednesday evenings in the summer. Eight teams and eight top quality venues. The Centenary Trophy was instigated by the club for the first ten Centenary Clubs in the County, is played for annually and is hosted by the Hayling and Army Clubs alternately.
The club is actively involved in the competitions in the county and surrounding area, competing in the Border Scratch League, which covers a the border region of
At the present time the new calendar has just started and there are a few vacancies for new members in all categories, and it is important to reiterate and stress that there is
Course Manager Phil Wentworth
Resident PGA Professional Graham Cowley
The Club Professional Graham Cowley has been at the club for over twenty years, following a tradition of long serving professionals at the Army club, and has witnessed many of the changes in that time. He has recently been joined by a new assistant, James Ormerod, ensuring first class service from his well-stocked shop to both members and visitors. Societies are welcome at the club on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and enquiries for reservations should be made to either Vivienne or Club Manager Richard Lloyd, either of whom will be pleased to assist to make the visit enjoyable.
no requirement for any military connection, there is a warm welcome waiting for any potential golf members wishing to join. There is a joining fee of £500 and the annual subscription is £1300, excellent value for a top quality traditional course and club. Army Golf Club has a fascinating history, a first class golf course, recognised by players from far and wide, and due to host the EuroPro Tour in the summer. If you have not had the pleasure of playing the course, add it to your must play list, you will not be disappointed. If you wish to see some of the up and coming young stars of the tournament scene put the August dates in your diary and go and see how the game is played at the professional level. Whatever your motivation or reason, you will undoubtedly enjoy your visit to Aldershot and the Army Golf Club. Michael Rees
There is a very good and well supported social scene at the club, with events to celebrate Valentine’s Day, visits to Ascot and the Summer Ball, on the playing side there are numerous friendly matches for all sections of the club and for the more sedentary minded there are also evening Bridge sessions.
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Highlights of ladies’ golf as England’s Hull sets a new personal mark in a Major
CHARLEY EYES EVEN HIGHER TARGETS
Annika will skipper Euro Solheim team ANNIKA Sorenstam, one of the most successful golfers in history, has been announced as the European captain for the Solheim Cup in Des Moines, Iowa, in August next year. Charley Hull: ‘I feel like I know I can play well under pressure, making birdies when I'm down. I have done that today and I am proud of myself’
ENGLAND’S Charley Hull achieved her best Major result with joint second at the ANA Inspiration as New Zealand's Lydia Ko became the youngest player to win two LPGA major championships. Hull, 20, was two shots off the lead going into Sunday's final round, but 18-year-old Ko finished one stroke ahead on 12 under par to add the title to last year's Evian Championship. Hull, whose previous best major result was a tie for seventh at the 2014 ANA Inspiration, shared second place with South Korean Gee Chun.
‘I can't wait for the next tournament,’ said Hull. ‘I am happy because I played some great shots on the back nine. I feel like I know I can play well under pressure, making birdies when I'm down. I have done that today and I am proud of myself.
‘But Lydia hit a great shot into the last and she should be proud of herself.’ Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn was fourth on 10 under, while overnight leader Lexi Thompson of the United States was a shot further back in fifth. Scotland's Catriona Matthew was six under after three days but her challenge was derailed by a costly eight at the parthree second hole, with the 46-year-old finishing on three under in a tie for 32nd place.
It was the first time that Lianna and Annabel Bailey had played in same England team – and they joked that they could soon be joined by more sisters.
‘We’ve got more on the way,’ laughed Annabel, 17. She and Lianna, 19, have two younger sisters: Jessica, 15, who plays off two, and 12-year-old Ellie, whose handicap is around 20. Then there is their brother, 11year-old George, who has a junior handicap. They are all taught by their father, Ian, a PGA professional. ‘We’re a really close family,’ added Annabel, a scratch golfer from Kirby Muxloe Golf Club in Leicestershire. Lianna, who plays off plus-two, said sisterly support outweighs rivalry: ‘There’s a bit of both, but it’s more supportive. We both want each other to do well, but there’s the sisterly competition as well.’ The match, a warm-up for the French Under21 women’s championship, was won by France 4-2.
The 89-time tournament winner and 10-time major champion earned 24 points from her eight appearances as a player and holds several Solheim Cup records for Europe, including the joint most matches won on 22 with Dame Laura Davies and most points scored in foursomes competition with 11 ½.
‘It was always my dream to play on the LPGA,’ said world number one Ko, who started the final round one shot behind Thompson. For these amazing things to be happening is unbelievable, but it also motivates me to work harder.’
Sisters play Four for England ladies THERE was a family feeling when an England Under-21 women’s team teed up against France at St Cloud, with two sisters in the side.
The eight-time Solheim Cup player, who also served as a vice captain in the last three contests, takes the reigns for the 15th Solheim Cup with the aim of leading Europe to a sixth victory in the biennial team matchplay competition.
to the fore!
‘Absolute honour’: ‘Solheim stalwart Annika Sorenstam
She played on two winning sides, at Loch Lomond in 2000 and at Barsebäck in 2003 and was instrumental in two further victories as a vice captain at Killeen Castle in 2011 and in Colorado in 2013 under Alison Nicholas and Liselotte Neumann respectively. Shrugging off tradition: Incoming Royal Norwich club captain Angela Loveday (front) with (from left) Janet Clare, Jasmine Campbell and Cherry Bishop
ONE of England’s oldest golf clubs is shrugging off 123 years of tradition next week with women are appointed to all its key positions. Royal Norwich Golf Club in Norfolk gave a champagne welcome to new club captain Angela Loveday and club president Cherry Bishop, who will be supported by junior captain Jasmine Campbell and ladies’ captain Janet Clare. Royal Norwich is actively involved in attracting more women and girls into golf and supports England Golf initiatives to grow the game. Lauren Spray, the England Golf Women and Girls’ Participation Manager, commented: ‘This is very good news which helps to break down barriers and dispel perceptions about the game. Golf is a friendly, welcoming sport and a game for all. Congratulations to Royal Norwich and its officials.’
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General Manager Phil Grice said: ‘We have appointed the best people for these roles, regardless of sex, and it is a shame in some respect that this is considered groundbreaking. We hope that other clubs, whilst respecting their heritage, also look forward with an open mind in terms of equality and developing our sport.’ Angela Loveday, a member of Royal Norwich for almost 14 years, referring to the fact that two other clubs in Norfolk have appointed women as club vice-captains, said: ‘It’s the beginning of a wave. The golf environment is changing so rapidly and these roles are becoming genderless, open to anyone on their merit.
Young people of both genders come together socially and in sport much more comfortably than they did in previous years. I applaud this and would like to develop this across our golf club.’
‘It’s an absolute honour,’ she said. ‘The Solheim Cup was a very important component of my playing career and I’ve enjoyed working as a vice captain the past three Cups to prepare for this opportunity.’
At the double. . . WORLD number one Lydia Ko survived a rare double hit on the 10th to shoot a five-under closing round of 67 and win the Kia Classic in California. The 18-year-old New Zealander was putting from off the green when the ball shot up and hit the shaft of the club, incurring a onestroke penalty. But she made pars at the next five and finished with three straight birdies to beat Korean Inbee Park by four strokes. England's Jodi Ewart Shadoff shot a closing 75 to fade to a tie for 27th.
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GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY See how bunker edges can actually improve with age
PARKLAND BUNKERS What a busy time we’ve had at EcoBunker Ltd since the exciting shows at Harrogate and San Diego earlier in the year. We had well over 300 visitors to our stands over the two shows and we haven’t had a day’s rest since! Visitors included Carl Mistretta of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. Carl and I enjoyed a long and interesting discussion which has led to a link- up between ASGCA and EcoBunker Ltd. We are now very proud sponsors, and I hope that our links will grow stronger over the coming years. We also met a large number of golf course superintendents , greenkeepers and industry experts, and the cost of bunker maintenance was central to most of our discussions. Most of our discussions focussed on bunker edges and the many causes for failure and difficulty of maintenance. Visitors to our stand were universally impressed by the natural appearance and resilience of the bunker model. However two questions were frequently raised. Firstly: What do the bunker faces look like after a few years? Secondly: This would look great on links courses but I’m not sure how this concept would work on parkland courses?
Envirosports Ltd. I think the images go some way to answering these questions: how the faces are softened and naturalised by mosses and lichens and the slow accumulation of sand…and how the design can be adapted to suit a classic parkland style setting. All of these bunkers have our edge design constructed around the entire perimeter. There has been no maintenance of these faces, and the structural integrity is uncompromised, and will remain that way for 20 years+. To summarise the benefits: the EcoBunker edge design will provide a permanent safe resilient edge, will significantly reduce sand contamination from bunker sides (an underestimated problem), will prevent damage caused by careless golfers and burrowing animals and eliminate the time consuming greenkeeping practice of bunker edging. As Tom Doak commented on our recent project at Pennard: ‘One of the benefits is that, from an architect’s perspective, I can ‘’lock-in’’ my design with EcoBunker’.
Burrowing
Structural Failure
Sand Contamination
GGC 5th Hole
GGC 6th Hole
GGC 10th Hole
GGC 18th Hole
GGC 12th Hole
GGC 18th Hole
The benefits for the superintendent are clear: less time on bunker maintenance means more time where it really makes a difference: on the greens, tees and fairways.
Perhaps the answers are found at Glamorganshire GC (1890). GGC is probably most famous for one of their members, Dr Frank Stableford, who devised his wellknown points scoring method whilst at the club in the early 1900s.
We continue to construct bunkers at a growing number of parkland courses, and our edge designs have evolved and become more intricate where the site dictates. However, our parkland movement really started in earnest at Glamorganshire.
More recently, in 2011, GGC became the first parkland course to invest in my design as a solution to crumbling and eroding bunker edges. These recent photographs show bunkers built by our team, Llewellyn, Steve and Richard, 4 to 5 years ago, then under the banner of our previous company,
They have made valuable contributions to golf; First ‘Stableford’ and now, dare I say it, ‘Stable-edges’ which are growing old very gracefully. For more information visit our website on www.ecobunker.co.uk
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GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY See how bunker edges can actually improve with age
Glamorganshire Golf Club (1890) commissioned our team of Llewellyn Mathews and Steve Summerton (then employed by our previous company, envirosports ltd) to build these and many other bunkers, in 2011. Nearly 5 years later, after no maintenance the bunker edges are blending in perfectly to the challenging parkland layout. Structural integrity and natural aesthetics will last for more than 20 years, making Ecobunker the most economic and sustainable bunker edge product in the market. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US
richard.allen@ecobunker.co.uk www.ecobunker.co.uk Golf Academy
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MALLORCA DINES OUT ON GOURMET GOLF With 19 top-quality golf courses all within an hour of each other, there is already plenty to whet any golfer’s appetite on Mallorca. Of the nineteen golf clubs on the island, at least five Michael Rees or six are listed in the top clubs in Europe, and the leading course, Alcanada, has been ranked at number one in some countries. Alcanada, which was designed by renowned American architect Robert Trent Jones Jnr is named after an island which has its own lighthouse and is located just off the coast, with fabulous panoramic views of the sea, and surrounded by pine and olive forestry: it fully deserves its ranking. Son Gual, with its classical water defended 18th hole had been described by none other than Ian Woosnam as “ a bit like Augusta” and he should know. Golf Son Vida, a Hawtree design, and the oldest on the island is also located near to the capital city of Palma, and the Real Golf de Bendinat course is just along the coast toward Santa Ponsa, a great trio all in reasonably close proximity. Val D’Or, originally opened as a nine hole course in 1986, but extended to 18 holes in 1993, is out on the East Coast, but well worth the enjoyable drive to get there. Unfortunately the Son Mutaner course is closed until September 2016 for extensive maintenance: in the interim there are still plenty of wonderful courses on the island and then it will make a welcome return to the list. A perfect location for a golfing holiday, and add gourmet dining to complete the picture. When the golf course makes way for the main course, your mind switches from that missed tap-in to mixed tapas and you want to swap pars for paella, the largest of the Balearic Islands can also offer the finest dining experience. Mallorca now boasts seven chefs whose fabulous cuisine has been deemed worthy of a Michelin star – the hallmark of fine dining quality and restaurants around the world. And one of the
healthy Mediterranean cuisine, while Andreu Genestra – originally from Inca, Mallorca – has built himself an impressive reputation at his self-named restaurant at Capdepera. island’s top chefs, Fernando P Arellano, now even boasts two Michelin stars for his Zaranda restaurant based at the five-star hotel Castell Son Claret. Just as Mallorca’s standing as a golf destination is on an upward trajectory, so too is their gastronomy. With the fantastic weather and beautiful beaches, all the ingredients are there for a memorable holiday. Among the magnificent seven is Macarena de Castro at Restaurante Jardín in Alcúdia, who offers her own creative twist on local recipes, while Rafael Sánchez of Es Fum at the St. Regis Mardavall has held the star since 2013. An authentic Mallorcan version of outstanding cuisine is produced by island native Tomeu Caldentey – the first Mallorcan to gain the coveted recognition in 2004 – at Bou restaurant in the five-star Protur Sa Coma Playa Hotel & Spa in Sa Coma. Marc Fosh, of Simply Fosh in Palma, became the first British chef in Spain to be recognised with a Michelin star with his
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Meanwhile, in Deià, Josef Sauerschell first gained a Michelin star in 1991, lost it in 1999, but then regained it in 2002 and has held it ever since at his establishment, Es Racó d’es Teix. The golf courses certainly play their part in adding to the island’s reputation for quality food and many of them also boast their own excellent restaurants to enjoy after a round. There is still a rich quality and diversity on offer without a Michelin star. But if you venture further afield, there is huge choice and a chance to try a bit of everything on Mallorca with the number of quality restaurants and the style of food on offer. As you would expect, many offer quality tapas with different combinations of meat, seafood and vegetables to sample various flavours. Although paella is not a native Mallorcan dish, it is widely available with paella ciega (blind man's paella) without bones, especially popular. The local version of the dish often
uses saffron rice or – fideua – which uses noodles rather than rice. Spicy sausages and cured hams are delicious while the plentiful supply of quality seafood is celebrated in several festivals throughout the year. Vegetarians are also well catered for with a rich selection of local ingredients available. Of course, a quality meal can always be enhanced with the right wine to accompany the dish and the quality of Mallorcan wine has also made huge progress since the 1990s – boosted by some significant investment from determined local winemakers. These exciting wines are now highly-regarded and forging their own growing reputation. But just as those lush fairways and stunning views await you on Mallorca’s golf courses, golfers who love their food will be delighted to know there is just as much to enjoy when the round is over. For more information visit the website: www.mallorcagolfisland.com Press release by the Azalea Group with Golf Notes by Michael Rees
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WHAT HAVE ALL THESE FOUR PLAYERS GOT IN COMMON? They all play with a customfitted set of Yonex golf clubs that they choose to play – unlike other manufacturers that spend millions to get professionals playing their equipment Yonex rely on their clubs performance. We have over thirty years experience in custom fitting Yonex equipment. All fitting sessions are one hour long and cost £25. Sessions are conducted from our dedicated fitting bay where you will hit quality golf balls outside, allowing you to link the SkyTrak launch monitor data to your actual ball flight. ALL MODELS OF YONEX ARE STOCKED TO CATER FOR ALL ABILITIES AND AGE-GROUPS. Not only do we guarantee to match the lowest UK price on your specifications but we also accept partexchanges for your old equipment, subject to terms and conditions. In addition, we are offering one lucky person a full refund on their purchase at the end of the season. (terms and conditions apply) WE BELIEVE WE OFFER THE ULTIMATE YONEX CUSTOM FITTING EXPERIENCE. If you are in the market for a new Yonex driver, fairway wood, hybrid or a set of irons please contact Andrea on 01256 351 332. Basingstoke Golf Club, Kempshott Park, Kempshott, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG23 7LL.
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HACKERS TAKE ON BBC 2’S EGGHEADS
A team of Hayling Island 'quizzers' have taken on, and beaten BBC television's Eggheads in the BBC quiz which was broadcast on April the 15th. The Eggheads team is dubbed' possibly Britain's greatest quiz team' however this reputation meant nothing to the 'Hayling Hackers'. The 'Hackers' team was made up of Ben Stevenson, Bill John, Terry Hailey, Paul Wiltshire, Phil and Jill Merron who are all members of Hayling Golf Club, hence the team's nickname. The club holds regular quizzes during the winter months, and last autumn, Ben's wife suggested, that Hayling golf club quizzers would be a good match for TV's Eggheads. So an application to the programme was made by the team. There followed pre audition telephone interviews with each the potential contestants. Having succeeded with this the team were called to London for an elimination audition in late November 2015. The Hackers, cleared this hurdle and were chosen to record the show in
VALE RESORT’S JUNIOR GOLFERS CELEBRATE OVERSEAS SUCCESS IN SPANISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
January at BBC Scotland studios in Glasgow in January. The quiz itself was exciting, as one by one the Hayling Hackers succumbed to the superior knowledge of the experts. It did not look good for the final general knowledge round for the lonely Hackers team member Phil Merron to take on the five Egghead brains - but this wasn't to be the case. Phil managed to answer his questions faultlessly, and it was the experts who faltered at the last of their multiple choice questions. The 'Hayling Hackers' had won and as question master Jeremy Vine stated, ‘can rightly claim that they have beaten Britain's best quiz team’. He also said that ‘the win was exceptional and historic, as it was only the fifteenth time in over 1,500 shows that a single player had defeated the complete team of Eggheads’. The golf club celebrated their team's success when the TV show was screened on Friday 15th April.
The Vale Resort’s junior golf team is celebrating a victorious win at the Junior Golf Home Nations Inter-Club Championships in Antequera, Spain. The team, captained by Jack Wiggins, 16 from Tonyrefail, and supported by Oliver Brown, 17 from Cowrbridge, Morgan Grace, 16 from Glynneath, Ronan Oliver, 15 from Pontyclun, Ben Davies, 15 from Cardiff, Grace Connelly, 14 from Miskin, Callaghan Smith, 13 from Pontyclun and Jordan Oliver, 13 from Pontyclun, played against some of the best junior golfers from across the UK in the four-day competition in southern Spain to scoop the win for the Welsh team. The Vale Resort’s junior golfers qualified for the tournament after proving themselves at both regional and national level, by winning both the Glamorgan County East League and the Welsh Junior Inter-Club Championships last year. During the Spanish championship, the team built a clear points score lead in the first two days of play, which saw them qualify for the semi-finals and beat the Irish Kilkenny team to secure a place in the final. Overall victory was secured when the Vale Resort junior golf team beat the Scottish champions, Murrayfield, by four matches to two.
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Clive Coombs, the Vale Resort’s golf manager, said: “We are extremely proud of the junior’s success in this national tournament, which is testimony to their hard work and commitment. It has certainly been a busy year for the team, and this win really tops all of their achievements.
“The Vale Resort is dedicated to encouraging and nurturing the talent of young golfers, and this win proves that the resort is a place where skill and passion for the sport can be fully supported. This team should be delighted with their achievements at regional, national and international level, putting Welsh golf and the talent we have here firmly on the map.” Captain of the Vale Resort’s junior golf team, Jack Wiggins, said: “After a what can only be described as a standout year for the team, the performance in Spain was a brilliant way to show that we can not only compete on a national level against other teams in Wales, but alongside the top golfers from across the UK. It’s a real privilege to captain such a talented group of players, who wowed the crowds with their golfing ability at the championships and showed that they can play a great game under pressure.” For more information on the Junior Golf Programme, please visit www.vale-hotel.com/golf
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DUMMER MEMBERS RAISING FUNDS FOR THE SAMARITANS 17-HOLE THRILLER DECIDES WINTER SCRATCH CHAMPION Hampshire Ladies Golf
Despite the unfavourable weather forecast a good number of spectators came to Royal Winchester to enjoy what promised to be an exciting final between the holder, Kerry Smith, and last year’s runner up, Georgie Mundy. After the first two holes were halved in pars, we knew we were in for an exciting match. After reaching the turn at 2up, Kerry had a fine run of two pars and a birdie to move to 4up with 5 to play. If we thought that the end was near we were proved wrong as Georgie staged a comeback to 1 down with 2 to play. All was eventually decided on the 17th where both players had par putts. Kerry putted first and holed a good putt but unfortunately
Georgie just missed, and Kerry won the match 2&1 to retain the title. Thanks go to both Kerry and Georgie for giving us such a fine exhibition of golf which was enjoyed by all the spectators despite the very cold and windy conditions, and also to Royal Winchester for the use of their course and their hospitality.
Dummer Golf Club outgoing Ladies and Men’s Captains – namely Sue Shaw and John Luff – were happy to hand over the proceeds of their efforts over the past year to their joint charity – the Samaritans based in Basingstoke.
Members were thanked for their support and generosity to the charity, which is available round the clock every day of the year for those who are struggling to cope with what life has thrown at them. Some 6000 people die by suicide every year in the UK – nearly 80% of those are men and most at risk are middle aged men. Sobering thought. www.dummergolfclub.com
HAMPSHIRE ROSE WINNER
At a packed Dummer Club House, Samaritans Chair of Trustees, Jenny McCartney and local Director, Pat Vincent were very delighted to receive a cheque for £6700.
Kerry Smith’s successful start to the season continued by winning the Hampshire Rose for the third time. Kerry played superbly in difficult conditions, recording scores of 73 & 71 to win by 4 shots from 4 other players on a score of 148.
HAMPSHIRE TEENAGER IS ENGLAND GOLF’S YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
JUNIOR CHAMPSIONSHIPS Despite showers in the morning, and gales in the afternoon at Alresford Golf Club, this year’s Junior Championships were played with a lot of camaraderie and some very good golf. It was tight at the top with Flora Keites (Royal Jersey) and Junior Captain, Katy Mackworth – Praed (North Hants) only one shot apart after 36 Holes. Flora’s gross score of 155 was just enough to win the Championship Cup. Net Champion was Charlotte Dack
(Meon Valley) with 142, closely followed by Georgina Carter (North Hants) with 143. Flora also won the Daily Telegraph competition with her score on the first round, and birthday girl Olivia Ripiner (Meon Valley) won the under 14 Telegraph competition. The Douglas Cup, for players with handicaps between 21 and 45, played a Stableford Competition. It was won by Emily Curwood (Rowlands Castle) with 41 points.
A disabled Hampshire teenager who inspires new golfers has been named as England Golf’s Young Volunteer of the Year. Warren Clark, 15, was presented with his award last night at a gala dinner at England Golf’s annual conference which celebrated goflers and golf clus who make the game great and inspire others to play. He said: “I like playing golf because it’s good for my special needs. In the past I used to be shy but now I am not because I like talking to everyone at the golf club and also to whoever I teach. I love volunteering because I can help others to develop the benefits I have achieved through my golf.” Warren, who has disabilities including autism and dyslexia, volunteered with the professional staff at Paultons Golf Centre in Hampshire for over three years and is now volunteering at his new club, Southwick Park. He is also a junior ambassador for the Disabled Golf Association, encouraging children and adults to get into the game and running taster sessions as a SNAG –Start New At Golf – coach.
For the latest news visit our website www.hlcga.com
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Warren’s head teacher, Andy Evans of Great Oaks School in Southampton, commented:
“Because Warren has learning difficulties and struggles with learning himself, it has given him real empathy and understanding of other young people.” Warren is also a member of the England Golf Partnership’s Youth Panel and the Youth Sport Trust panel. His mother, Dawn Osborn, said: “Warren is a very inspirational young man, despite his disabilities, and his dream is to become a qualified golf pro.” Warren was presented with his award by Brendon Pyle, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation. (Image © Leaderboard Photography)
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! OW S ! N IT EAR IN Y TH 16
Senior Men's 2016 Open Championship at Meon Valley Hotel & Country Club on Thursday 28th July 2016 Sponsored by
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Handicap – Full allowance off ‘Tee of the day’ – max. of 24 (25 Handicap and above may enter but will play off 24) • Live entertainment from Adger Brown • Extensive Prize Table • Entry ONLY £36 per player • Inclusive of coffee on arrival, buffet lunch and FREE use of the 9-hole Valley course
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• Entrants must be 55 years of age or over on Thursday 28th July 2016
PLEASE SEND ALL ENTRIES TO: The Golf Secretary, Meon Valley Hotel & Country Club,Sandy Lane, Shedfield, Southampton, Hants, SO32 2HQ Telephone: 01329 836868 (Entries to be received no later than Tuesday June 30th 2016) Entry forms and other forthcoming events can be downloaded from www.golfempire.co.uk
E N T RY F O R M Please enter me for the
TEE TIMES SENIOR MEN’S 2016 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP at the Meon Valley Hotel & Country Club on Thursday 28th July 2016 Name:...………..………………………………………… Club:…………………………………………………. Tel No: …………………………………………. Address:…………………………………………………………………....…………………………....…………………………....…………………………....…..… …………………....………………..…………………………....………………..………………....…………………………....…………………………....………… ………………....…………………………...………………....…………………………....…………………………....………… Postcode:……………….……...… Email:…………...………….….………….………………………… Handicap: …………….......…. Age:.…………… Date of Birth:.……..……..……………… I enclose my £36 entry fee, Cheque made payable to: Marriott Meon Valley Hotel
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MAY 2016
Monthly tuition to get you on top of your game by Advanced PGA Lady Professional, Katie Dawkins
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COWDRAY PARK GOLF CLUB Everywhere you want to be
Jordan’s Fatal Move WIND UP WITH
WIDER ANGLES
Having discussed the importance of width in my last article I wanted to give you something to FEEL that stretch whilst you are out on the course.
feeling awkward. The great thing about this drill is you can do it as your practice swing or in between shots as you wait for greens to clear etc.
You've got the drills to do at home now taking them onto the course can sometimes cause a hiccup or two without the right preparation. It is so important that you build a drill into your pre-shot routine or at least be doing one when you are hanging about on the course.
Another brilliant drill is the one pictured. Take your golfing posture and grip the club as usual. Rest it on the shoulder furthest from the target. Turn your shoulders keeping the club resting.
You need to continuously be telling your muscles to swing it differently to the blue print they have engrained in their system. The only way to change is repetition, repetition. If it feels odd it's probably because it's better. If it feels normal straight away you probably aren't doing much different. Please see a pro to get A drill that works for you. Then do it til you are blue in the face and see results. Don't give up. One of my all time favourite drills is the split grip drill. This gives you a really strong feeling of stretch and width at the top without hitting a ball making you more conscious of when you aren't getting width at the top of your swing during actual shots. Literally split your hands on your golf club - there should be enough room to fit another whole hand between both of yours. Hover the club above the ground whilst in athletic posture and make a turn to the top of your swing. It is almost impossible to collapse your arms. This is just the sock drill from last month with a club in your hand. You should feel the width and you can't overswing without
Once you've achieved a full turn (or as full as you can manage) simply stretch your arms out to make the left arm (in right handers cases) as straight as possible. This is the top of YOUR optimum backswing. Feel it. Repeat. It's a good one. It really gets you rotating further as well as feeling the arms can't over do it. Have a play with these two drills THEN take them on the course. As I mentioned earlier, incorporate one into your pre-shot routine if you can keep it from getting long winded. Or simply do it as you wait about, to tee off, waiting for a green to clear etc. Go get that width and watch your ball fly further. In all cases when it comes to swing changes, seek the advice of your PGA professional. If you can get yourself filmed even better. See it, believe it, then achieve it. For lessons that will transform the way you improve contact me via email katiedawkinsgolf@hotmail.co.uk Come and have a playing lesson on one of the South's most spectacular tracks. Cowdray is a gem and gets you thinking. A playing lesson may unlock your golfing potential as well as scatter some impressive scenery before your eyes. What are you waiting for...
I’m so pleased that Danny Willett won the Masters but, like me, I expect you were very surprised at the collapse of Jordan Spieth.
steepens the shaft like this at the start of the downswing he has to do something later in the swing to shallow things out, otherwise all sorts of bad impacts can occur.
For someone of his class, he hadn’t been playing well tee to green all week. Even though he wasn’t striking the ball to the best of his ability, he was still in a position to win because of his magical short game. Like they say, “there are no pictures on the scorecard”.
When the shaft is steep, a player may instinctively open up the clubface and cause a slice. If he/she doesn’t open the face, it may dig in or produce a low ball going left. Another counteraction is to thrust the hips towards the ball – an action that will raise the handle of the club and open the clubface. This move can result in pushes and hooks. In Jordan’s case, there is a late shallowing of the club in the downswing which causes the club to attack the ball more from the inside than his tournament winning swing did.
However, the great or evil thing about golf is that it seeks out your weakness. Looking back on the week, Jordan had a bad shot that went well to the right; the final dagger in the heart being the push right and duff at the twelfth. I was interested to look at his swing to see why he was hitting that shot. I must say I was quite surprised with what I saw. The early part of his downswing has dramatically changed, for the worse in my opinion, from last year. The move he is making can lead to pushes, push slices or hooks. In the pictures of Jordan’s swing that accompany this article I have marked lines to indicate how the shaft has moved during the swing. The white line indicates the top of the backswing and the yellow indicates the start of the forward swing. The pictures where he is wearing a green shirt are from last year’s Masters and the blue are from this year’s. If you look at the pictures of last year’s swing you will see that the shaft, at the very beginning of the downswing, is a fraction shallower but nearly the same as it was at the end of his backswing. From here he makes a great attack on the ball. Now look at the swing in the blue shirt. The hands have dropped from the top and the shaft has become steeper. When a golfer
Golf Academy
Jordan has historically had a bit of a closed club on the approach to the ball and a hold off through impact, making him not the longest but a very straight hitter. Being used to holding the shot off through impact and being more inside could result in a push. The more inside attack can also bring the heel of the club into play. A ball hit from the heel will go right. Interesting that he duffed his pitch on the twelfth hole. If you swing too much from the inside on a downhill pitch you will tend to duff and thin because the centre of the swing will occur well behind the ball. It’s better to swing a little “out to in” on this kind of shot. All this goes to show that no matter how much talent you have or how positively you think, if your swing is out of balance you will hit poor shots! Martin Butcher
BLACKMOOR GOLF CLUB
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Romsey Golf Club Welcomes you all
Romsey Golf Club is an oasis of beauty on the edge of Southampton. Described by a journalist as ‘A real woodland gem’ the course makes its way through undulating ground with tree lined fairways, raised greens and deep bunkers.
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