Tee Times Golf Magazine, June 2017 by Tee Times Golf Magazines

ISSUE 193 | June 2017 | Tel: 01329 834360 | Email: peter.teetimes@gmail.com | www.teetimesgolfmagazine.com

Senior Men’s 2017 Open Championship - Now in its 17th year! - see page 11 18 HOLE GOLF COURSE

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Reflecting on a marvellous Masters: Justin Rose, Hampshire’s favourite golfing son, made made us us so so proud proud as as oneofofthe thetightest tightestbut butmost mostgentlemanly gentlemanlyshowdowns showdownsininthe thehistory historyofofthe theevent event he played his role ininone

SwiftTHE action over golf’s AND WINNER IS. . . ‘armchair referees’ GOLF SPORTSMANSHIP GOLF’S rule-makers have made quick changes to lessen the impact video NORTH Hants Golf Club in Fleetofwill have technology after Lexi Thompson to find some more space in its Justin controversially lost the Major of Rose Room to record thefirst continuing the season. exploits of the county’s favourite golfing son. American Thompson, 22, was given a

under scrutiny, just the leaders. Golf has long since been the game of honour and there’s no way in a million years Lexi has done that on purpose. ‘You could call her clumsy at worst but golfers rule themselves to a certain extent and that’s the way it’s always been.’

four-stroke penalty, a full 24 hours after an Room will be foundleading for mementoes of the of infringement, while the final round 2017 Masters to beinplaced alongside the ANA Inspiration April. Two strokesthose were of Rose’sforU.S. triumph in 2013 his docked the Open error and a further two and strokes Olympic Golf Gold. for submitting an incorrect scorecard.

Anger

A television viewer spotted Thompson But while Rose washad pipped at Augusta by incorrectly replacing a marked ball in the third Sergio Garcia, the inevitable disappointment round, officials. for his and fansemailed was counterbalanced by a Golf stars media immediately display of and skill social and sportsmanship whichrailed was against a credit officials to both responding men, and totoa retroactive sport which ‘armchair allowed to influence still pridesreferees’ itself on being honesty and fairness. a result. Yes, theworld final round thesewho two was Ryder Former numberbetween one Woods, Cup titans was bound to be emotional. Rose himself penalised two shots for an incorrect was edging his 2013 way towards secondonMajor, drop during the Masters,a wrote and Garcia was trying to secure Twitter: ‘Viewers at home should his not first be on the very day which would have been the officials wearing stripes.’ 60th birthday of his hero, Seve Ballesteros. Rickie Fowler said TV viewers affecting golf tournaments ‘is notemotion making for the spectators game look of very But the overriding good at all. There’s no question it should be the final round was the way these two ended. There shouldn’t be any outside contact, Europeans fought the fight. whether it’s email or phone calls, whatsoever. ‘There’s no round, other sport people canrivals In the final they where were toe-to-toe call or email in, or contact officials. These but not opponents, supremely competitive decisions are left up to officials. There not yet gentlemanly, acknowledging eachare other’s people sitting at home having a large effect on skills with a knuckle-touch or a nod. the outcome of a Major.’ Four-time Major winner Laura Davies said: • Turn Page 4 Not everyone’s shots are ‘It’s not to a fair system,

INSIDE

Top-two Poulter comes back from the brink Rory: My Green Jacket wedding wish – Page 4 We meet the 10th tee hell hound Bus Pass Golfer – Page 16 Philip’s second spell

Ian more than 100 as Poulter Hantsclimbed PGA skipper places in the world rankings just – Page 16 days after almost losing his PGA playing rights.

Hampshire

Former PGA champion Rich Beem said: ‘I don’t understand how they can allow people to call in. I just find that absurd. Now you’re telling me that you basically have two million rules officials.

Poulter, 41, fell just short of the total Jenny’s earnings needed to extend his playing lifetimewhen he missed the cut in San privileges Antonio, only to–find out 16 later that there accolade Page had been a miscalculation and he was, after all, being allowed to carry on.

‘ You’re only showing the people out there who are in contention. Every shot Tiger Woods plays, the camera is on him. It’s not the same playing field.’

And carry on he did, ingolf’s no less than the Players Championship at Sawgrass, worst with a magnificent second place to Kim injustice Si-woo.

Was this

ever? This scare over his card came in the – Page 24 a wake of a five-year winless streak, nagging foot injury, missing a spot in his beloved PLUS European Ryder Cup, and the collapse of his golf clothing business.

Reacting to the widespread incredulity and anger, the R&A and USGA stepped in to agree that players ‘should not be held to the degree of precision’ provided by video technology.

2 Course Reviews this month!

The governing bodies want to allow tournament officials more flexibility to apply common sense in certain situations. A joint statement added: The use of video technology can make it possible to identify things that could not be seen with the naked eye.’ The changes: • If a breach could not be seen with the naked eye or players were not aware, it will not be deemed a breached of the rules. • A player’s reasonable judgement will be accepted, even if later proved wrong by video evidence.

Well played, Masters mate: At the end and on the course, Rose and Garcia were sporting gentlemen Devastated: Thompson after being told of the four-stroke penalty

Laura Davies responded on BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘It’s a great idea. It’s just a shame it cost Lexi a Major championship. My heart goes out to her.’

But theHills old Poulter spirit was still Bird Golffighting Centre shining through. He said he had been - page 14-15 through the toughest spell of his career: “It’s been miserable,” he said. “There’s Romsey Clubit.” no other wayGolf to explain

- page “ This obviously is a big week for 19-22 me to cement some stuff moving forward where I can enjoy this summer. I can now plan a very long schedule and work out exactly what I’m doing and I’ll have a nice summer with the kids in the UK.”

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If you would like like to to advertise advertise in inTee TeeTimes, Times, or or would wouldlike liketo tosubmit submitany anyeditorial editorialcopy copyfor forpublication, publication,please pleasecall callus uson: on:01329 01329834360, 834360,email emailus usat: at:peter.teetimes@gmail.com, peter.teetimes@gmail.com, or or write write to tous usat: at:PGL PGLServices ServicesLimited, Limited, Shedfield Shedfield House House Dairy, Dairy, Unit 3, SO32 2HQ. Whilst everyevery care has been the preparation of this publication, the publishersthe cannot accept liability errors liability or omissions. All articles published herein are without responsibility part of responsibility the publishers, 3,Shedfield, Shedfield,Southampton, Southampton,Hampshire, Hampshire, SO32 2HQ. Whilst care hastaken beenintaken in the preparation of this publication, publishers cannotforaccept for errors or omissions. All articles published herein on arethe without in or damageintothe any occasion person acting or refraining fromtoaction as a result of anyorviews published in Tee Times Publications. COPYRIGHT: All rights No part of this publication may be All reproduced, stored inNo a retrieval or recordedmay by any onthe theoccasion part of of theloss publishers, of loss or damage any person acting refraining from action as Golf a result of any views published in Teereserved. Times Golf Publications. COPYRIGHT: rights reserved. part ofsystem this publication be means whatsoever without prior permission frombytheany publishers. © PGL Services Limited 2006. reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in orwriting recorded means whatsoever without prior permission in writing from the publishers. © PGL Services Limited 2006.

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PUTTING AIDS: RULEMAKERS REVIEW THE LAY OF THE LAND

Greens-readers go under microscope Golf’s governing bodies are taking a close look at the growing use and sophistication of ‘devices’ which help golfers read putting angles across the contours of a green. The Royal and Ancient and the United States Golf Association said in a joint statement that they are concerned about the development. Its use by players is already limited, and professionals cannot make use of some of the electronic devices available on the market. But traditional greens maps have

become more and more detailed, and the rulemakers will ‘address the matter further in the coming months’. The review could even lead to a ban on green reading maps. Their statement said: ‘Success should depend on the judgement, skills and abilities of the player. We are reviewing the use of these materials to assess whether any actions need to be taken to protect this important part of the game.’ England’s Ian Poulter has previously criticised the use of greens books, and welcomed the review: ‘It is common sense.’

The BBC’s golf correspondent, Ian Carter, said: ‘There has been a growing trend for players to refer to increasingly detailed maps of putting surfaces. These show green undulations and assist in reading the line of putts. ‘The question is whether this offers artificial assistance and is truly in the spirit of the game. The use of these maps is also time-consuming and slows the pace of play. ‘The review by the R&A and USGA suggests green maps will eventually be outlawed, meaning players will have to rely on their own perception of undulations, or that of their caddie.’

What are ‘devices’? They range from the familiar greens books, often part of a course planner familiar to every club golfer, in which a map of the green indicates a broad picture of the undulations of the green.

Three hundred yards was once considered the ultimate, but Rory McIlroy’s average of 306 yards earned him only ninth place on last year’s PGA Tour driving list.

Obsolete

Technology has produced modern hi-tech electronic versions. These can even be downloaded into a golfer’s mobile phone, and do most of the player’s thinking.

Golfers can even download a free app, lay their iPhone on the green and read the putting line

on the green and get an instant on-screen picture of an arrow indicating the correct path from the ball to the pin.

magnitude of the slope in two directions then graphically displays the slope to the player’.

There are models available, free online, which allow a player to simply lay an iPhone

One model claims that it ‘uses the iPhone/iPod Touch accelerometer to measure the angle and

Another says: ‘The smart algorithms will help show you where your putt will break. It can help you master the putting green.’

Welcome for a new world handicap plan The USGA and The R&A are working with golf’s handicapping authorities to develop a universal system which will apply all over the world. Firm proposals will be made later this year.

The American’s stratospheric strike was met with a roar of approval as it disappeared over the horizon - but the astonishing distances being achieved by professional players is worrying one of the sport’s most influential leaders.

In recent decades, courses all over the world have been forced to expand to allow for the distances generated by modern players, aided by drivers with large sweet-spots and balls that spin less and travel farther.

Many of the traditional greens charts have become more and more sophisticated in their details

England Golf has welcomed plans to develop a single World Handicap System for the sport.

THE crowd gathered around the tee gasped in astonishment when Dustin Johnson launched a drive of 428 yards in the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii earlier this season.

Mike Davis, chief executive of the United States Golf Association which sets the rules of the game alongside the R&A, is worried that the modern golf ball may be soaring a little too far for the good of golf.

What exactly are the greens-readers now under review?

At professional level, these greens books have become increasingly more sophisticated, with highly detailed diagrams of the contours of each green on the course.

It’s the wow factor, but are balls flying TOO far?

Currently there are six different systems around the world, providing handicaps for over 15 million golfers in more than 80 countries, and the proposed system takes into account the many different golf cultures and most common formats of play. England Golf Chief Executive Nick Pink said:

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‘We fully support this plan, which recognises that golf is a global game. ‘ Simplifying the system is very good news for golfers and will increase their enjoyment in the sport and, hopefully, encourage many more players to get a handicap and play regularly.’

Many courses have become obsolete for the professional game because they are simply too short. Others, such as the Old Course at St Andrews, need to use tees outside the boundaries of the course to set up the distance to make holes sufficiently testing. Former greats including Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Greg Norman insist the ball is travelling too far. Indeed Nicklaus, an 18-time Major champion, told BBC Sport last year: ‘It is the most ridiculous thing in the game.’ Mr Davis, in an interview with U.S. online magazine Golfworld, said: ‘Billions of dollars have been spent to alter golf courses - and for what?’ He accepts that manufacturers do not want to make equipment that is less powerful, and players and spectators love to see their ball soar into the far distance. But increased distance has had a profoundly negative effect on golf courses.

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62 TEE 2017 TEE TIMES TIMES | JUNE MAY 2017

Lilleybrook GC

Avocet

LEISURE IN THE COTSWOLDS

Ross on Wye

BIRDS AND BIRDIES Michael Rees

If you have been a golfer for any period of time, you will inevitably have become more aware of the beautiful places where we all play the game. The degree to which you notice the wildlife around you, will depend on your own particular interests. For myself, the combination of the animal and birdlife that can be seen as we play has given me a new dimension whenever I play. Birdwatching has become my second passion, I am not your fully committed twitcher, but simply fascinated by the variety and beauty of those we have in the United Kingdom.

A visit to the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean was the ideal opportunity to satisfy both interests, with great places to indulge both. Based in the Cheltenham Chase Hotel in Brockworth, there were plenty of courses, first option is Lilleybrook Golf Club, it is near at hand, and where visitors are welcomed, ideal to take advantage of the Twilight Special, and as I need a buggy with the camera load, ideal for me. The views from most parts of the course are spectacular, the high point of the course is the 14th, and the and the finishing stretch is my favourite, with the three holes downhill and back to the clubhouse ones to remember and savour, particularly if you are driving and scoring well. If you are lucky you can also see some less than common birdlife, woodpeckers, nuthatches the occasional raptor keep the attention as you stroll between the shots. For more specific bird spotting, there is the bird lake at Prinknash Abbey and the Rococo Gardens at Painswick, where there is a really delightful golf course that should never be missed. Painswick Golf Club is on Painswick Beacon, with views along the escarpment, and the holes from the 5th, which is a blind par three up over the ramparts of a Bronze Age hill fort, through to the 14th are unlikely to be forgotten. The 6th, for me the signature hole and another par 3, get a par and celebrate, and then two quirky holes simply to be enjoyed. Something that little bit different, a course that is not long but tricky and again

with scenery to keep you looking, and birdlife to keep me fascinated much more often than any birdies on the card.

Painswick Golf Club

After two contrasting delights at Lilleybrook and Painswick we elected to drive a little further to play Ross on Wye and take in some of the beauty of the Forest of Dean. About an hour away with traffic, Ross on Wye, one of those hidden gems that delight when found, not a particularly old course but one which has matured very well, when we played it adorned with carpets of bluebells and daffodils, the course follows the natural contours of the land, a wildlife haven with squirrels and deer for company it is impossible not to be impressed. Another course where the par 3â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are worth remembering, there are only three, two on the front nine and the charming short 12th over the lake. A course that proved to be well worth the drive, especially when we had planned three more treats to follow.

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Symonds Yat Rock is just outside the old market town of Ross on Wye, it is located on the East side of the river Wye (important as there is no road bridge only a passenger ferry) where there as a spectacular viewing point overlooking the valley of the River Wye, and with a resident family of nesting Peregrine Falcons, a popular spot for bird watchers. We were not to be disappointed, as we saw the female out hunting, soaring high in the sky, while the male was sitting dutifully on the nest hole high in the cliffside. With an abundance of other birds, it was a wonderful hour spent admiring the scenery and focussing the binoculars and taking photographs. There was still time for a relaxing drive through the forest and call in at the Nagshead Nature Reserve for a walk and study before calling in at the local pub for a satisfying meal to end the day. Faced with the journey home we decided to add a little cream to the three days, by visiting the Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge, the creation of Sir Peter Scott, who was knighted for his contribution to conservation. This one of my favourite spots away from the golf course, and one which is becoming ever more rewarding each and every time I visit, as I become more educated and aware of the amazing variety of birds which are resident or pass through the centre. After a great day of observing and recording new experiences, it was time to call at our favourite local, The Tudor Arms, before driving back to Hampshire.

The Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean has much to offer, we simply scratched the surface, but still managed to find more than enough to ensure that we will return in the near future. Three excellent golf courses, Lillleybrook, Painswick and Ross on Wye, all very different and with enough variety to satisfy the more demanding golfer, and with several wildlife locations that like the courses we played will need to be re-visited, although as the title states, there will always be more birds than birdies! View from Symonds Yat Rock

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LEGENDS OF THE GAME...

Henry Picard

...HENRY PICARD - The Man Who Hogan Gave Thanks Many of the legends who were at the height of their prowess in the 1930’s and 1940’s are hardly remembered today, except by those who are really interested in bygone heroes. Those who had a major influence at a time when golf was far from high on the public agenda, when times were hard even in the United States, and it was the fortunate few who had time for golf. One such golfer was Henry Gifford Picard, who was born in Plymouth Massachusetts in November 1906, and turned professional in 1925, after learning his trade working as a caddy, and working with Alex Morrison, a leading coach of the day. His early professional life had not been easy as Pro at Charelston Country Club. When the Great Depression hit, he was left with just $5, after his bank put up the shutters, and the club could no longer afford his salary. A few members who were left with some money, elected to sponsor him, $5 if he shot par and $10 if he was under par, a system that certainly taught him to play under pressure.

Henry Picard 1938

Henry Picard USPGA Champion

Known to his friends as “Pick” he had some early success, winning the Carolinas Open back to back in 1925 and 1926, but then followed a lean spell with no more victories until 1932, when he won the same event, and also recorded his first PGA Tour win in the Mid South Open. Then followed six seasons of continued successes, with multiple PGA Tour wins every year, including six golden years, from 1935 through to 1939. In 1935 his run started, and for those years his record reads:

• 1 935 Five tour wins • 1 936 Three wins • 1 937 Four wins • 1 938 Two wins including The Masters, his first major win. He won by two shots from Lighthorse Harry Cooper and Ralph Guldahl. • 1 939 Six wins including the USPGA Championship his second major. He defeated Byron Nelson at the 37th hole, after they were level after 36 holes, and he had needed to birdie the final hole to draw level. The USPGA was a matchplay event in those days. He finished leading money winner on the tour after such a tremendously successful year. During this glory period he also had nine other tournament wins not recorded as part of the PGA Tour, one of which was the 1937 Argentine Open, a rare journey for an

Ben Hogan having a Picard Lesson

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Henry Picard 1934

American pro to take in that era. He had two more PGA wins in 1941, before the war intervened, and his final victory came after the war ended, when he won the Miami Open , as the tour returned to full activities. A total of twenty six PGA wins, when the tour had far less events than it does today. He came to Great Britain twice as part of the American Ryder Cup team, the members of which combined the event with playing in The Open Championship, finishing in 6th place in 1935 and 15th in 1937. His record in the Ryder Cup was also impressive, he was beaten only once in the two matches. He was selected again for the team in 1939, but the match never took place due the onset of World war 11. When Ben Hogan came onto the PGA Tour in the mid 1930’s he struggled to make his mark. He was down to his last few dollars and thinking of giving up the tournament scene, when he consulted Pick for his advice. He told him to weaken his grip, which proved to be the catalyst that changed his game, added to the Hogan dogma of brutal practice, and the Wee Ice Man was on his way. Not only did he help with his game, but Pick also helped with his finances, offering him funds when Hogan was down to his last dollar. When Pickard left the Pro’s position at Hershey Country Club he recommended Hogan for the much sought after job, and he was duly appointed as Pick’s successor. Ben Hogan dedicated his first book entitled

Ben Hogan’s Power Golf to Picard in 1953. Among his other students were Sam Snead, and Jack Grout, who later taught Jack Nicklaus. His generosity also extended to giving Sam Snead his driver, when he noticed that the one Sam was using did not compliment his game. After winning one tournament, and receiving the $1.000 cheque, he gave it to the son of a friend, William Reynolds, so that the young man could enrol in medical school. Henry Picard retired in 1973, after a highly successful playing career, followed by an even more influential teaching period, during which he worked at Charleston Country Club, before taking over at Hershey for seven years, then onto Twin Hills CC, before he returned to his farm in South Carolina during the war. He finished his working days as a golf professional at Seminole Golf Club, and was inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame, and several years later inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2006. Henry Pickard may not be familiar to many golfers today, but his record as a player will stand far higher than many, and with the ability to influence two golfers who undoubtedly became the greatest of their time, Ben Hogan and Sam Snead. It is said that he was the only player ever to beat Walter Hagen in a play-off, another indicator that he is well worthy of his place in the World Golf Hall of Fame and in this Legends series, as a player, coach and most of all as a gentleman. Michael Rees

Henry Picard, Charlie Yates, Fred Haas & Gene Sarazen at Augusta

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The Real (and ONLY) Way

to Get Extra Distance Imagine how much you could lower your scores by getting the kind of distance you know you’re capable of. Adding distance to your drives changes the way you attack a golf course. And those extra yards give you a competitive edge. That’s why most of the top players in the world are so focused on finding the right equipment to increase distance. It’s no secret that most of us want to hit it longer. Golf club manufacturers know this and try to produce drivers that push the distance envelope. The problem? Most drivers sold at retail outlets are built to specs that simply don’t work for most players’ swings. What can you do to find the right driver? The answer lies in knowing what the most important club fitting parameters are and using them to match the right equipment to your swing speed. There are four club fitting keys I can think of that you need to focus on for maximum distance and consistency: loft, shaft flex, club length, and ball spin. 1. Loft Selecting the right loft may be the most important fitting parameter when you’re looking to increase distance. The biggest mistake golfers make is buying a driver with too little loft. The average loft on tour used to be 7° and the average club golfer loft was 10°. Today the average on tour has risen to 10° but the handicap golfer is still using the same loft. The slower you swing the more loft you need for distance. Slower swing speeds don’t generate the spin rate needed to maximize distance. Higher lofts give you more hang time and more distance with the same effort. 2. Shaft Flex It’s a fact: about 8 out of 10 players select a flex that’s too stiff for their swing. How does this affect distance? All shafts have to bend in order to get the ball airborne. Players with lower swing speeds need more flex to launch the ball on the right trajectory. Try to find the most flexible shaft you can handle with accuracy. More flexible shafts offer a couple of advantages: You increase distance with less effort because of the shaft’s extra kick. You’ll get better feel with less harshness. Better feel means more confidence, and that translates into better ball striking. 3. Club length A lot of us don’t pay much attention to club length. You probably think all clubs are built to standard lengths. The fact is, there are no standards when it comes to club length. Club length can change from brand to brand, or even from model to model within brand. Most drivers sold today are built to a length of 45.5” to 46”. Some drivers are even made to a length of 46.5”. That’s because longer lengths can produce longer drives. You’ll hit occasional

bombs at these lengths but your consistency and lighter shafts which increase club head suffers. How come? Your percentage of onspeed, which in turn, increases distance. center hits decreases pretty quickly once you The main advantage of the titanium is the go longer than 45”. The longer the length, the increased forgiveness on off-center hits more potential for distance, but the longer the which result from the use of longer shafts. length, the harder it is to hit the sweet spot. • A more flexible shaft will increase distance, Miss the sweet spot by just a small amount but may sacrifice some accuracy if to flexible and you can easily lose 17 yards on a drive. My for your swing speed and tempo. guess is, if you go with a driver length of 44” • A stiffer flex will help with accuracy but will your average drive will be longer, and more of sacrifice some distance if too stiff for your those drives will stay in the fairway. That’s the swing speed and tempo. reason most tour pros stay below driver lengths • Most average golfers play with too stiff a flex of 45”. If you’re struggling with your driver think reducing their potential distance. about having it shortened to about 44”. I think you’ll be surprised at the results.

• A low centre of gravity will help provide a higher trajectory, which will increase distance for golfers with lower swing speed For more information or to receive the benefits listed above, contact David numbers below, to arrange an appointment, or just drop in and receive a friendly welcome. Should you have any questions on this or any equipment matter please feel free to call me at 01256 322007 or 07859 920055 Alternatively, email me directly dave@madetomeasuregolf.co.uk or visit www.madetomeasuregolf.co.uk

4. Ball spin What are the hottest selling golf balls? Just about any ball advertised as a “distance” ball. They’re all pretty similar; they don’t spin much, feel hard at impact, and are usually pretty inexpensive. Distance balls do work, but ironically, not all that well for most average players. The reason? Distance balls spin less. Slower swing speeds don’t generate the spin needed to make these balls effective. Players with fast swing speeds can take advantage of a distance ball’s lower spin rate. Slower swing speeds do better with more spin. Look for two piece balls that are softer and spin more; you’ll find they work a lot better in several ways: They stay airborne longer, maximizing carry. They spin more and that helps you hold greens better. They feel softer when hitting chips and short pitch shots. Just the Facts • Assuming a consistent swing, the two factors that affect club head speed the most, are length of shaft, and your swing. • Lengthening the shaft makes it much more difficult to hit the ball squarely. • A larger head on a driver is always more forgiving in terms of accuracy, and will give a higher trajectory than a smaller head with the same loft. • The use of titanium, which is lighter and harder than steel, has allowed club heads to become larger because the same strength can be maintained with thinner walls. The overall weight of a titanium head is the same as a steel head, it’s just bigger and more forgiving. The increased distance that comes from titanium drivers is due to the longer

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August offer Free buggie Hire as well as 10% off accommodation prices (depending on availability). June, July and September booking up fast, Hit a last minute hole in one with Heart of Wales Golf Breaks.

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RECENTLY OPENED INDOOR GOLF STUDIO PROVING A HUGE SUCCESS AT ROWLANDS CASTLE Peter Klepacz the long standing PGA professional at Rowlands Castle has recently opened a new state of the art indoor golf studio, boasting the latest launch monitor technology. So far this new facility is proving most popular, with the Pro Shop having its busiest start to a season ever. One of the hottest products released this month and selling really well in my shop are the King F7 One Length irons from Cobra, and whilst these irons are packed with all of the latest technology that you would expect in 2017, the actual concept of a single length iron is not as revolutionary as you may think. Indeed back in the time of hickory shafts, irons were usually all the same length and it wasn’t until steel shafts were made legal in 1924 that things changed as the weight of the material meant that variable lengths had to be introduced and then the current accommodations for head weight, swing weight, swing plane, ball position and set up lead to a change in the game that we now recognise as the norm. The theory of single length irons has always stacked up but maybe until now the application was lacking. In fact several notable manufacturers over the past 50 years have released their own versions of a single length iron with varying levels of success. The idea is that by having all your irons the same length then you keep the swing weight and set up the same from one club to the next. This makes it simpler to learn and practice as you only ever have one set up to use and it will work with whatever type of swing a golfer has. So why have Cobra decided to launch a single length iron set now? Two reasons. Firstly shaft and head technology has improved through the use of new materials that make the concept viable again. The King F7 irons feature the same ‘Tecflo’ construction and ‘Pwrshell’ face design as

the conventional King F7 irons, but re-engineered for 7-iron length and weighting throughout the set. Heavier long iron heads and lighter short irons produces a consistent trajectory and distance gapping through the set. So arguably for the first time there is the technology for this concept to work effectively. Secondly, it has a high profile advocate in former physics student and PGA Tour player Bryson DeChambeau, who is in fact a contracted player for Cobra golf, and has been instrumental in the design and development of these clubs. So how does the theory work in practice? As a professional with a passion for teaching I am often advocating that proper setup includes foot positioning, spine angle and ball position, along with many other variables. These all change as you switch between longer and shorter length clubs causing more room for error. With all the cobra irons being one length you have one setup and one swing simplifying the entire process, leading to a more consistent set of irons as every shot is played with a much simpler setup and swing. If you would like to try these one length irons for yourself a great opportunity would be at our Cobra Demo Event on the 23rd of March between 2pm and 5pm, where a representative from Cobra golf will be present along with myself to help you see for yourselves the benefits this concept can bring to your game

Alice Plumb of Sherborne Golf Club is Dorset Ladies County Champion 2017 having beaten last year’s champion Melissa McMahon of Lyme Regis Golf Club on the 18th hole with a birdie. It was a very exciting conclusion to 3 days of wonderful golf played during the Dorset Ladies Championship at Broadstone Golf Club last week.

To Advertise Call: 01329 834360 or email: peter.teetimes@gmail.com

TT APRIL 2017 Issue 191_Layout 1 20/03/2017 18:40 Page 9

Petersfield Golf Club, Liss, GU33 7QY

Spring/Summer Society deals from only £25.. Check out our fantastic list of Open Events at www.lwgc.co.uk

If you would like any more information on golf, lessons or the shop, then Peter can be contacted on 023 92 412785, or his website www.peterklepaczgolfshop.com or why not follow him on twitter: @rowlandsproshop or facebook: rowlandsproshop.

Golf Manager & Professional Tel: 01597 822 247 info@lwgc.co.uk

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Lee-on-the-Solent Golf Club

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<RX DQG WKUHH JROÂ¿QJ IULHQGV FDQ ERRN LQ IRU &RIIHH DQG %DFRQ 5ROOV RQ DUULYDO KROHV RI JROI DQG D FRPSOLPHQWDU\ GULQN DIWHUZDUGV IRU MXVW Â&#x2026; $ VDYLQJ RI Â&#x2026;

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SPRING AND SUMMER FOURBALL OFFER 18 holes of golf with a one course lunch (Chef â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special of the week) Â£140.00 per fourball. Minimum of four players maximum of 16. All bookings to course availability. Bath Road,subject Calcot, Reading. RG31 7RN (Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer/County Telephone: 0118 942Card) 7124

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* Seniors, aged 64 and over. Adult rate is Â£26.50 per person.

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THE PRO SHOP East Horton Golf Club

The East Horton Golf Club Pro Shop offers ranges of equipment and clothing from many of the major manufacturers. Prices regularly checked against internet suppliers and we try to be competitive whilst offering professional advice, custom fit and trial facilities. Tuition is available both on the driving range and courses, for all ages and standards of golfers on an individual or small group basis.

TaylorMade M2 Drivers NOW £239 Fairways £149 Rescues £119

East Horton’s golfM2 Professionals Miles Harding And Conrad Claxton Irons 5-sw Steel Shaft NOW £499 are celebrating 25 years service at the club and are having a sizzling summer sale4-pw to celebrate. TaylorMade PSI Irons NOW £499 Cobra £25 F6 and + Driversshoes NOW £199 offF6 Sketchers

£25 off Under Armour shoes £25 off All Taylor Made woods irons and rescues in stock £25 worth of accessories with and Motocaddy lithium trolleys Ping G Series Drivers £249 25% off of all Foot joy and Adidas clothing 2016 Titleist proMany v1 and v1xgreat ballsoffers £25 per dozincluding ( max two per customer) more in store Callaway Xr OS Irons Steel or Graphite £499

Under Armour • Foot Joy • Sketchers • Cleveland • Srixon • Puma - ALL REDUCED!! THE PRO SHOP East Horton Golf Club Ltd, Mortimers Lane, Fair Oak, Hampshire, SO50 7EA Pro Shop and Tee Time Bookings Contact us on: 023 8060 2111 option 1 or pro@easthorton.com www.milesharding.co.uk

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Cottrell Park invests £30K in New Sports Simulators Cottrell Park have recently invested heavily into their two state-of-the-art golf simulators. The new Sports Simulators now includes Football, Rugby Union, American Football, Tennis, Australian Football, Rugby League, Gaelic Football, Ice Hockey, Field Hockey, Foot Golf and Putting. Many new sports are being integrated into the software and the club will benefit from free upgrades for the life of the machines as they become available. The simulators use the very latest graphics engine. Offering every type of ball sport and every type of game challenge, it also provides the ability for match play between teams. The next generation of high speed camera technology, will be able to track any moving object very accurately whether hit, kicked or thrown from anywhere within the simulator itself. This enables a vast array of simulator options, from Golf, Sports, Racing, Shooting, Cinema and all future Simulation developments.

The very high performance of the 3D Motion Imagery captured is similar to the data measured for the Golf Simulator, (as shown below). The Sports Simulator will shortly be able to capture the actual performance data, for the player themselves, measuring foot at impact, leg swing path, ball back spin, ball side spin, hip turn, body turn, shoulder turn and weight transference.

The simulators were procured from Sports Coach that have been manufacturing the world’s largest range of simulators for the past 25 years. Cottrell Park are now in a position to offer unique facilities to both members and visiting parties either as part of a golf day, corporate event, staff incentive activity or as part of a golf break. Sales and Marketing Director Gaynor Openshaw-Smith is delighted to be able to offer this new kit for both its golf members and visiting parties. She said: “Once again Cottrell Park leads the way offering innovative ways to benefit its cleintelle. The Sports Simulators have been

very well received by both our valuable membership base and visiting parties. With the introduction of accommodation currently under construction and due for completion this June, the resort will be in a strong position to offer un-rivalled facilities for its customers within the locality“. About Cottrell Park Golf Resort Opened in 1996 and based within 400 acres of historical parkland, Cottrell Park Golf Resort offers golfing, business, wedding and leisure facilities including two championshipmaintained golf courses, event, conferencing and meeting rooms, team building and training activities, a restaurant and bar, a nature trail, and golf simulators

ROMSEY GOLF CLUB - Book an afternoon Golf Society for £25pp - Read our 4 page Course Review on pages 19-22 Footgolf is played on a golf course using a size 5 football. The object of the game is to get the ball into the hole using only your feet in the fewest number of shots possible. South Petersfield Golf Club Sussex Road - Petersfield GU32 4LE

CALL TO MAKE YOUR BOOKING NOW!

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ENGLAND international Jack Singh Brar held off a determined charge by Jake Burnage to win the Hampshire Salver by a stroke. The trophy is awarded to the player with the best total from the 72 holes played during the Selborne Salver at Blackmoor Golf Club and the Hampshire Hog at North Hants.

Single shot is Jack’s Silver Salver saver the whole competition. I didn’t do anything spectacular, but I didn’t do anything to hinder myself either.’

Singh Brar, from Remedy Oak, Dorset, was five under for the two events, winning the Selborne Salver in a play-off and taking second place in the Hog, where he holed a vital and testing 7ft putt on the last. It kept him just in front of Burnage, an England A squad member from Saunton, Devon, who swept up the leaderboard in the Hog with a score of seven-under par and a five shot win. He had been 18th and threeover par after the Selborne Salver. ‘I had no idea of the scores but I had a putt of about 7ft on the last and I knew it would be pretty important,’ said Singh Brar. ‘I didn’t think anyone could shoot sevenunder for the two rounds. That was really impressive from Jake.’

Jack Singh Brar with the Hampshire Salver and Jake Burnage with the Hampshire Hog. Image courtesy Mark Sandom

This was Singh Brar’s first UK tournament of the season and he commented: ‘It was nice to get the win. I played really solid throughout

His campaign began slowly, with two bogeys at the start of his first round at Blackmoor, but he was soon in the thick of it. Three consecutive birdies set him on course for a score of threeunder 66 and in the afternoon he added level par 69, crucially holing a 30-ft birdie putt on the last to force a play-off with Matt Kippen (Enmore Park, Somerset). Singh Brar won at the first extra hole, the 10th, setting up his par with an excellent drive round the corner of the dog leg. In the Hampshire Hog, the 20-year-old continued his steady progress with rounds of level par 70 and 68, to give him his first win of the season – and to underline a string of impressive results.

He toured Australia in the early season, taking second place in the prestigious Avondale Amateur, reaching the last 16 in the Australian amateur and the quarter finals of the New South Wales amateur. Back in Europe he reached the match play stages of the Spanish amateur. Meanwhile, the Hampshire Hog turned into a showcase for Burnage, who scored the third lowest aggregate in the 61-year history of the event - and one better than Olympic champion Justin Rose achieved when he won the title at his home club in 1995. ‘I drove the ball well, hit some quality iron shots and holed a lot of good putts,’ said. Burnage. He had six birdies in each round, including three in a row from the sixth in the morning, where his longest putt was just 3ft. ‘I feel I’ve been knocking on the door for a little while and it’s nice to get the breakthrough. Hopefully I can now push on from here.’

Baker’s second festival victory

Golf among sports in child sex inquiries

FORMER Ryder Cup star Peter Baker, right was both surprised and delighted after his wireto-wire victory to clinch his second Asbri Golf PGA Cornish Festival title as he plays so infrequently nowadays.

GOLF is one of the sports which have now been drawn into the child sex abuse scandal. Recent figures show that the National Police Chiefs’ Council has received more than 1,400 referrals for investigation across several sports, with the number of alleged victims reaching 560. The council says that 252 suspects have been identified, with football clubs at all levels ‘impacted’. A statement from the police council disclosed that 96 per cent of alleged victims are male and 25 of the referrals relate to sports outside football including golf, rugby, gymnastics, martial arts, tennis, wrestling, sailing, athletics, cricket and swimming. The ages of those affected range from four to 20 years old. Crewe Alexandra player Andy Woodward came forward in November, since when police have been dealing with a surge in complaints.

His superb third round seven-under-par 65 over the Trevose course he loves maintained his two-stroke advantage over European Tour player Laurie Canter (Cumberwell Park) who matched his final day score. ‘It was a pleasant surprise to do so well,’ he said. ‘I felt a bit rusty as I hardly play much, although I did play and practise last week in preparation Baker almost aced the short third as his tee-shot hit the pin and finished an inch away from the hole. He was out in fiveunder 31 and made two further birdies. When the immaculate Canter made his fourth birdie in six holes at the 15th he was only one behind. The pair’s 54-hole scores were almost identical. Baker returned 15-under-par 198 with Canter two shots behind. Baker made 35 pars, 14 birdies and three bogeys.

The difference was Baker’s two eagles to Canter’s one. It was that close. Baker, who won £2,500, is now thinking about the European Seniors Tour and will play more this summer to prepare. He turns 50 in October and expects to make his debut at the Forest of Arden that month. - Peter Godsiff

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The information, along with referrals from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, has been forwarded to Operation Hydrant, the nationwide investigation into child abuse. NPCC lead for Child Protection, Chief Constable Simon Bailey, said: ‘Operation Hydrant is beginning to see a decrease in the number of referrals being received via the NSPCC helpline and directly to forces relating to allegations of abuse within football, and other sports. ‘Allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse are complex, and often require specialist skills and knowledge, and can take time to progress. However, all allegations and information received by police forces across the country are being acted upon.’

Rose heads for Ireland HAMPSHIRE’S Olympic gold medallist and former U.S. Open Champion Justin Rose will make his first Irish Open appearance in seven years when he competes at Portstewart next month. Rose, 36, who was pipped to the Masters title by Sergio Garcia in a dramatic play-off, said; ‘I’m excited about going back to the Irish Open. IIrish fans are always a lot of fun to play in front of, It’s always good “craic” out there!’

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SUN, SAND & WATER A PERFECT SUMMER DAY IN WALES

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ROEHAMPTON GOLD CUP WHATS HOT OR NOT SUMMER in the World of Ladies Golf GOLF DAYS Your Monthly Blog by

Claire Kane

The of Bad Golf It’sStages all about

April to October 2017 golf days - Coffee and Full English, followed by 18 holes (minimum 12 people), from just £18.50 per person*

There are golden moments in golf when everything comes good and we play like a demon, striking ball after ball in the sweet spot with perfect judgement of distance shoot a long ball up the fairway but ended I’ve direction, never felt very excited when itand pace.

the technology

up hitting my usual duff shot whereby the comes to replacing household goods, Of course, the moment you even think where the more frustrated you become the greater part of the strike had been forced as I’ve always felt you don’t really to yourself ‘you’ve cracked it’ you can worse you play as it simply adds fuel to underground. As the law of physics will get anything new, despite splashing almost guarantee your game will turn the fire. confirm, this is not the most effective golf the cash. into a disaster. The final phasein ofmind badearth golf isisthe ‘On strike bearing heavier Course Tweaking’ stage where you try What’s puzzling about bad golf is that Having said that, I was recently tempted to than air. to adjust your game to take into account we usually have no idea what we’re purchase a new powerful vacuum cleaner not working. However, before doing wrong everything Iwhatever’s therefore came to the conclusion it was to replace myasaging model.feels I hadexactly my you know it, those few tweaks have landed the same, despite the disastrous result. time to investigate the latest golfing doubts until the cleaner arrived and I you into even troublefor anda you’ll Sometimes we over-relax and technology andmore I arranged fitting with watched it init’srevbecause into action, complete with probably end up scuffing the the our swing waivers, as I once recall when a Pro, who quickly establishedball myup current bright headlights, although I’m not sure fairway or spraying it around. Iexactly received some unforgettable ‘feedback’ off-set 3 wood was completely why these are needed. It’s turbo about backthe swing having more rotation Even if you’re for skilled enoughThis to correct inappropriate my swing. wasn’t chargemy swept carpet so effectively the than problem,surprise you’ve as probably alreadywhy athecomplete it confirmed fluffy Big pileBen! stood bolt upright and the dust a fewmost holesofand, unless ladyaway luck When my was golf recently started to disappear itplayed had spent its life tucked container completely full within is with you,asyour has clocked into the ether, I ended in my bag the score-card odds were stacked minutes – so much forup melaughing thinkingbecause my up someit.cringing numbers, making for a acarpets vision were from arelatively panto scene against clean!I’d watched in disheartening and pressurised few hours if my childhood came flooding back. It was in atomedal. of twosay Dames on the stagetheir merrily Ityou’re didn’tplaying take long convince me the clubs They a badsitting workman blames knitting looking overnew the were right forofmegolf, andstill I ended buying tools, butaway this and was then definite proofallthat The masters fall foul of bada 5 floor for a missing stitch they’d dropped – wood, which 10 yards technology can make a big difference. shots and mysomehow most vividtravels memory of this just like my elusive ‘where’s it gone’ golf! further than mythe current a was watching usually3 wood steadyand Ernie lovely, forgiving club which now So, certainly when I went out to play golfcome next, to I Els years ago atrescue Wentworth, as he isbadly I’m no expert but I’ve known mydrives ‘get out pulled out my temperamental 3 wood to hookedastwo off of thejail’ teeclub. and lost the the conclusion, golf maybe about precision and angles but more importantly it’s about game. Although, the really memorable Imoment love a good and delighted was gadget when an oldI’m chap in the with rhythm and timing. So when our lives are to orOctober 2017then golfmy days - Coffee and Full newshouted vacuum cleaner which manages to crowd out “I thought you had to be fastApril and furious dire and distracting scuff up to even I’m also English, followed 12 people), over (minimum 70 do more that” rubbish. our body and mind reflects thisby in our18 golf.holes withmaybe my new which, After all, why can’t we consistently Who knows, ourclubs dodgy golf is really from just recall £18.50delighted per person* thankfully, are the opposite as no and repeat such basic steps, just like we down to bad bio-rhythms, or athey retrograde longer scuff up so much rubbish on automatically do when we drive our cars. planet in our horoscope rather than the course!Now wouldn’t that be a thought! technique. When we become angry about our golf,

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© Claire BothKane items were a ‘considered’ purchase but it’s fantastic to no longer have to focus like a Jedi Knight trying to ‘feel the force’ just to control enough muscle, posture and rhythm to lift the ball in the right direction.

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Downshire Golf Complex, Easthampstead Park, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3DH Tel: 01344 302030 Fax: 01344 301020 E: downshiregc@bracknell-forest.gov.uk W: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/downshiregolf www.facebook.com/downshiregolf

* Seniors, aged 64 and over. Adult rate is £26.50 per person.

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Sponsored for the fourteenth year by Russell-Cooke Solicitors, 90th Downshire Golf Complex,the Easthampstead Park, Roehampton Ladies Open Gold Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3DH Challenge Cup took place over the Tel: 01344 302030 Fax: 01344 301020 south-west London course in April. E: downshiregc@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

W: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/downshiregolf www.facebook.com/downshiregolf From a very large entry, the cut was made at handicap and women * Seniors,3.5 aged 64sixty and over. Adultgolfers rate is (21 £26.50 per person. professionals & 49 amateurs) played in perfect spring conditions.

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The light south westerly breeze kept the players guessing and with the greens running at 10.5 on the Stimpmeter the pressure was on from the start. The wind dropped a little FOUNDED 1905 for the afternoon round and this was reflected in the better scores.

But the course once again proved a stern test for even the best who were fulsome in their praise of the presentation of the golf course so early in the year. Those from the north, as well as few from closer to home, had not seen such perfect greens all winter!

West Byfleet (73,75) and Sharna Dutrieux from Wrotham Heath (78,71) both on total 149. These two had also featured among the prizes in 2016.

Lauren Hillier from Newport Gwent playing off +2 set the early pace with a morning round of 72 with six others all playing par 74 or better. However, come the afternoon, professional Sophie Walker from Lancashire and winner of the event in 2009, pulled away and added a 69 (a gold cup course record) to her morning 74 to win the handsome trophy. 18holes holes Total for 36 – 143. of golf with

Lauren Hillier had to settle for the best morning round and Kerry Smith from Waterlooville the best afternoon round with a score of 73.Sophie Mills, playing off 2, from John O’Gaunt Golf Club had a hole in one at the 14th which brightened up her morning round of 85 and inspired her to a 77 in atheone course lunch afternoon.

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Second was amateur Amelia Jane Williamson This event is now coupled with the Minimum four players maximum of 16. from Royal Cromer on 146of (73,73). Third, Hampshire Rose taking place at North amateur Gemma Allman from Stanmoresubject on toHants Golf Club on April 9th. Those All bookings course availability. be used conjunction any other offer/County Card) 147 (73,74). In (Cannot fourth place wasinthe 2016 withcompetitors who compete in the 72 hole winner, professional Alex Peters from Shifnal, Gold Rose will be eligible for World Amateur Please make your booking through the office on 148 (77,71). Golf Ranking Points.

023 9255 1170 option 2

She was closely followed bywww.leegolf.co.uk two up and In 2018 the Gold Cup will take place on coming amateurs – Katherine O’Connor from Saturday April 14th.

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- CLUBS FOR SALE -

PUTTING FOR DOUGH !

A range of putters, part of the TeeTimes memorabilia collection assembled by proprietor Peter Llewellyn over the past fourteen years has just been made available for sale. The clubs, all quality items are described and pictured on this page, are being made available due to the shortage of space to effectively display the clubs at the offices of the Company. Potential buyers who are interested in purchasing either single items or the whole collection are advised to contact Peter, either by telephone or email to discuss the matter. SCHEDULE OF CLUBS FOR SALE 1. A Hogan Sovereign Putter 2. Scottie Cameron California Sonoma Putter 3. Scottie Cameron Studio Select Squareback No1 Putter 4. Yes Sandy C Groove Putter 5. Yes Olivia MB Putter 6. Wilson 8885 Putter 7. Ping B60 Putter

Other clubs available for sale include: 8. Ping Berylium 1 Iron 9. Yonex Driving Utility Club 10. Callaway 11 degree polished metal driver Big Bertha Contact details for values and registering interest: Email: peter.teetimes@gmail.com Telephone: 01329 834360 Mobile: 07870 631040 3

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20 TEETIMES TIMES | MAY JUNE2017 2017 2 TEE

Lots of Winter golf & therapeutic spas An unexpected invitation to join friends on a trip to the Red Sea in the middle of January when UK temperatures were all too frequently below freezing, was a welcome opportunity to enjoy a much needed winter golf break. Thoughts of wearing light summer clothes, playing golf in warm sunshine and walking bare footed along sandy beaches were irresistible and I was easily persuaded to join in the fun. My destination was Somabay on the Red Sea peninsula, a small but charming seaside resort mostly surrounded by water and sandy beaches and less than a forty-five minute drive from nearby Hurgharda airport. What a relief and pleasant surprise to discover the former run-down pre-fabricated airport with its cramped departure facilities and very basic toilets is now a state-of-the-art, spacious and spotlessly clean structure. The first four nights kicked off at the comfortable five star Westin Hotel next to the Cascades Golf and Country club and the Gary Player designed 18 hole par 72 course, about half a mile away from the small nine hole par three course, golf academy and nearby practice range. As well as golf there is also a fully equipped Thalassic Spa with an eye watering list of amazing health and beauty treatments, and, after a demanding game of golf, a perfect place to relax. Another enjoyable pleasure was each morning eating breakfast al fresco on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the practice putting green while watching the sun slowly rise above the Red Sea. Occasionally I would be joined by a group of chirpy sparrows who would perch on a nearby wall and wait patiently to swoop on any crumbs that had inadvertently fallen under the table. The first morning I met with up with ‘the Major, a charismatic character in charge of the golf side of the Cascades Country club

which he runs with military precision and is clearly instrumental in the club’s success. More often than not he can be found driving his buggy around the course while keeping a close eye on activities, often hurrying up slow players.

With an hour to spare before our prebooked tee-time, the ‘Major’ invited me for a quick spin round the course pointing out several interesting hazards and challenging signature holes notably the 6th par 4 hole with it’s difficult slopping green perilously near to surrounding rocks and sea and where, according to the Major, many a ball goes astray. The other holes of note are the 13th par 5 and the 18th par 4. Both appear deceivingly straightforward but bear all the hallmarks of a typical Gary Player design. Buggies are optional and most prefer walking this largely flat course although for the first day I opted for a buggy which retrospectively gave me a better feel for the course which

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incidentally has recently been voted Egypt’s third best golf course. Not far from the 18th green is the hotel’s Spikes restaurant where most players end up for a cool beer and perhaps even a late lunch. With a pre-booked 4 pm spa appointment I was soon dashing off to the Cascades spa for a Thalasso water treatment which takes place in a large square size salt water swimming pool that is divided into separate sections, each section contains a series of powerful warm water jets that pummel bodies from head to toe. After the pummelling comes a brisk swim against a strong current in a narrow horseshoe shaped pool and finally ten minutes relaxing in the Jacuzzi. Word of warning though, don’t forget to bring a cozzie, I had to dash back to the hotel to retrieve mine; there are none to hire and only expensive designer creations to buy in the Spa shop. Taking a trip on a specially equipped boat with a bunch of keen snorkelers and scuba divers was another pleasant way to spend a day. Even though it was mid January and the sea although calm was not its warmest, I did manage a quick dip from the back of the boat while the others frolicked under water. Back at the Aqua Centre and the free bus service was already waiting to take us back to our hotel. This time I arrived with plenty of time for my next spa treatment, a one and a half hour sports massage and by far one of the best I’ve experienced in a long while.

Another game of golf followed the next day and clearly by this time my relaxing spa treatments were doing their trick as I played well below my handicap. The last couple of days were spent at the beachside Sheraton Hotel only this time my ‘room’ turned out to be a spacious luxury apartment which boasted a large sitting room, kitchenette, double bedroom with en suit bathroom and a lovely large balcony that overlooked the beach and Red Sea. The Somabay’s warm temperate climate is the perfect destination for a winter golf break and a place, in my opinion, ticks all the right boxes.

For further information: I flew Easyjet: easyjet.com Note: Hurgharda airport visas cost $40

Somaby For further information somabay.com

Cascades Golf and Spa For further information e: major@thecascades.com for Spa treatments e: Thalasso@residencecascades.com

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22 TEETIMES TIMES | MAY JUNE2017 2017 2 TEE

Marriott Meon Valley Golf Club Celebrating 40 glorious years In July this year the MVGC celebrates its 40th Birthday. However, the history of the land upon which the 27 hole golf course was built stretches back as far as the Middle Ages. Tee off on the first hole on the nine hole Valley course and you are not far from a conservation area where archaeologists discovered burning mounds dating back to 5000-8000 BC! Tee off on the 17th hole on the main 18 hole Meon course and literally walk across the remains of the original Roman road which ran between Chichester and Winchester. Archaeologists unearthed several layers of the 11 meter wide road providing evidence of repairs made to it from 1 AD until the medieval period when it was known as “Broadstreet” the present name of the restaurant at the Meon Valley Golf and Country Club Hotel. The 17th was also the site of a prison camp from the Napoleonic war when French prisoners of war were held captive. They dug out the pond on the 17th as a source of water. The Meon Valley Golf Club officially opened on 1st July 1977 and the Meon course designed by course architect Hamilton J Stutts is considered one of the leading courses in southern England and is Hampshire’s only PGA course. The course has been the venue for several prestigious golf tournaments including the Phillips PGA Golf classic in May 1999 when Australian Bob Shearer won with a score of 12 under par after the three day event and The William Hunt Trilby tour in 2015 & 2016.

Golf course manager Phil Walker has been at the club for 20 years and together with his dedicated team of greenkeepers has helped to ensure that the courses provide excellent playing conditions throughout the year. Stunning photos of the course taken by the green keeping staff often appear on Twitter. The club currently has approximately 360 members including several current members who first joined when the club opened 40 years ago. The club caters for all ages in fact, the age gap between the youngest and oldest member is more than 85 years! MVGC is very proud to highlight the achievements of its members over the past 40 years and in 2007 the MV ladies section were one of 2900 teams to enter the prestigious Mail on Sunday golf tournament. “Meon’s marvels” as they were affectionately known made it to the grand finals in Andalusia in Spain where they were runners up to Liss GC.

Meon Valley Golf Club achievements Ladies Section

Men’s Section

7 X Winners of the Stoneham cup 9 X Winners Hezlet cup 7 X Winners North Hants trophy Winners of Hayling Trophy 2008 Winners of Hull Shield Winners of Knight Cup

Vauxhall Classic National Winners 1993 Help for Heroes National Winner 2010 Winchester Bowl County 7’s Finalist’s HSB Over Fifty’s Winner 2015 /2016 Winners of HSB Gales Evening League Kindred Foursomes Winners Knighton Heath Trophy Winners Normandy Cup Winners

In 2010 the men’s team representing Meon Valley won the prestigious Lee Westward Help for Heroes National Golf Club Challenge that took place on the Brabazon course at the Belfry. The winning team enjoyed a fabulous golfing holiday in Egypt.

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A tale from the past still honours junior golfers today In 1964 Terry Liming, a member of the MVGC attended the Australian Open with his 10 year old son. They were following the young Jack Nicklaus and on the third hole Master Liming asked for Jack Nicklaus’s autograph. Of course it was not the right time to ask and Jack Nicklaus declined but said “not now sonny, see me later” On the 18th green Nicklaus sunk his putt, lifted the ball from the hole and said “now where’s that boy who asked me for an autograph?” Young Master Liming stepped forward and received the ball and an autograph.

strength of character and courtesy. He suggested using the ball given to his son by Jack Nicklaus and Terry wrote to Jack Nicklaus reminding him of the incident in 1964 and asking him to write a short endorsement for the award. Jack Nicklaus wrote back saying he could not remember the details of the incident but would be happy to write a congratulatory letter each year to the recipient of the Junior award or upstanding improvement in skill. Over 50 years on and Jack Nicklaus has kept his word and continues to write to the recipient of this rather special award every year.

Some 20 years later Terry was searching for something for a junior award that would symbolise qualities such as sportsmanship,

Successful Junior section Director and club professional Neal Grist and past director George McMenemy still a member of the team, have many fond memories from the past 40 years. As well as sharing in the success of the men’s and ladies honours they have also had the privilege of seeing several of the junior members attain many accolades both at junior level and beyond. Two recent juniors Harry Ellis and Emma Allen have both gone on to succeed at the highest level. Harry Ellis now 21 joined Meon Valley at the age of 7. As well as achieving many club honours, Harry had his most memorable golfing success to date at the age of just 16 years and 11 months . On the weekend of Olympic gold medal history in August 2012 Harry won the 36 hole final of the English Amateur golf National Championships beating Nick Faldo’s long standing record that he won in 1975 at 18 years of age. In May 2016 Harry won the Lagonda Trophy for leading amateurs, a 72-hole competition held over two days. Harry won with a gross score of 270 (including an outstanding second round of 65) Past winners have

included Luke Donald and Lee Westwood. Harry is currently studying a four year scholarship in the USA and has recently been selected for the Arnold Palmer Trophy representing Team Europe at Atlanta Athletic Club on June 9th-11th. Emma Allen joined Meon in 2009 and has been the club junior and ladies club champion as well as a recipient of the Jack Nicklaus award. Emma has represented county and England since the age of 13. At the age of 15 Emma won both the girls and ladies county championship, being the youngest to date to win both in the same year. Emma has represented England in two home internationals (2014 and 2015) and in 2016 helped England win the European Ladies Team Championship in Iceland, the last time England won the trophy was 23 years ago. In recognition the team that won the European Team Championship was also awarded England’s Team of the Year at a ceremony held at Lords in March 2017. Emma, like Harry is attending university on a full scholarship in the USA.

The Meon Valley Golf Club will be celebrating its 40th birthday during the month of July and 2017 Club Captains Justin Towlson and Nicole Jones have organised a special members lunchtime BBQ with live music to take place on the 2nd July. As well as the BBQ, Justin has been busy collecting memorabilia from members and staff from the past 40 years and has presented them in a display cabinet near the golf shop for members, hotel staff, visitors and guests to enjoy and reminisce.

Sadly, Meon Valley paid a fond farewell to Club president John Stirling when he passed away last year. A Scottish golf professional and captain of the PGA in 1989 he joined Meon Valley golf club as our professional in 1982 and has inspired generations of golfers over many years. John Stirling was without a doubt a significant part of this club and is missed by everyone not only for his golfing skills but also his wonderful wit and charm.

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24 TEETIMES TIMES | MAY JUNE2017 2017 2 TEE

Golf’s version of Twenty20 makes a remarkable (and marketable) debut

How the Golf Sixes works

The European Tour offered a prize fund of 1m euros (£850,000) for the inaugural Golf Sixes at the Centurion Club near St Albans. The event featured teams of two players competing in a six-hole greensomes. In this format, both players tee off, with one ball then being chosen and alternate shots taken. Sixteen teams, each representing their country, were split into groups of four. The , top two in each group advanced to the quarter-finals, with the semis and final following on the same day. Each of the six holes had a theme, including a long-drive contest, nearest to the pin and a 40-second shot clock.

ALL HAIL THE NEW SIX-PACK!

The plaudits came thick and fast from spectators, players and commentators as the European Tour’s Golf Sixes event made its exciting debut.

Looking for something faster, more fun and likely to attract a modern audience alongside traditional four-day tournaments, the tour has launched Sixes as a marketable short form – golf’s version of cricket’s Twenty20 format. Golf Sixes includes longest drive, nearest the hole and even a shot clock, and proved to be a jazzy working blueprint for the future. It proved that spectators become more involved with the razzmatazz, the players loved it and the atmosphere was akin to the excitement usually generated only over the closing holes of a ‘big’ tournament or the Ryder Cup. Indeed, the introduction of a shot clock proved to be an idea which could easily be introduced into longer-form events.

The players were very enthusiastic. Scotland’s Richie Ramsay said golf’s governing bodies have been ‘sleeping at the wheel’, up to now.

Many of the traditional greens charts have become more and more sophisticated in their details

‘A lot of different bodies have not been doing anything. They say “this is a problem and that is a problem”, but you have to take action. This is different and it’s been a long time in coming.’ The inaugural tournament ended with Denmark winning the final against Australia on the closing green. Scotland came third, triumphing by inches in a nearest the pin shootout against England’s quarter-final conquerors, Italy.

Champers like in Formula 1

Mr Pelley added: ‘I think it is definitely answering the cry from the global world of golf to be innovative and not be afraid of change. ‘There needs to be another way to attract the younger generation. Is this the answer? Maybe, and we will take what is good out of this and build on it.’

Netherlands’ Reiner Saxton joshing with young fans.

And here was confirmation that a meaningful golf match can be played over as few as six holes in just over an hour, with a proper tournament completed in a weekend.

Wild-child Daly dazzles his way back into the It’s Ace King Jack winner’s circle The shot clock was used on the fourth hole, with players allowed 40 seconds to hit their shots. This was reduced to 30 seconds for later rounds.

Only one player in the whole weekend, American Paul Peterson, incurred a one-shot penalty for exceeding the shot clock in his side’s draw with Wales.

A boy of six has become the youngest player to score a hole in one at Bruntsfield Links.

This is just what golf needs with the current perception that it is increasingly losing out because it takes too long to play and watch. European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley has identified slow play as golf’s biggest enemy.

Jack’s dad Jonathan is a Bruntsfield club member, and four-year-old brother Angus also plays golf.

“ We fully support this plan, which Jack Dunn, pictured right, stuck with the recognises that golf is a global game. post-round tradition of buying a round at the bar for his fellow members - although it was “ Simplifying the system is very good news for golfers and will increase their nothing stronger than a soft drink. enjoyment in the sport and, hopefully, Primary two pupil Jack holed the 134-yard encourage many more players to get a par-three seventh at the Edinburgh course handicap and play regularly.” using his driver. “It was fantastic,” he said. “Hopefully, I will have many more.” Bruntsfield dates back to 1761 and is the fourth oldest club in the world. It has been an Open Championship qualifying course.

The win and the celebrations were typical John Daly.

Unmissable in his stars-and stripes golfing gear, matched by his girlfriend Anne Cladakis, the wild child of American golf was enjoying his first PGA Tour Champions victory in the Insperity Invitational. Now 51, two-time Major champion Daly was delighted to make his mark on the senior tour, although three straight birdies on the closing holes were not the ideal way to finish as the 12th member of the over-50s tour to have won on all three PGA Tour circuits.

Despite a career dogged by stories of long-term alcohol abuse and huge gambling losses, Daly has never surrendered the affection of golf fans who have loved him for being larger than life and far, far away from the perceived traditional stuffiness of some parts of the sport. He claimed to have won and lost three fortunes over the years, but his personal wealth through endorsement, sponsorships, instruction videos and modest tournament performances was enough for a recent rich list to claim he is still worth around $20million.

After kissing a fairway image of the late Arnold Palmer, Daly pumped his fist and enjoyed the fountains of champagne squirted by his supporters.

Club chief executive Dougie Cleeton said: “It is quite a talking point among our members. Jack put the traditional bottle behind the bar - albeit Coke - for everyone to celebrate his success.”

He said: ‘It was not pretty at the end, but I got the job done.’

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GET BEACH FIT Are you as good It’s that time of year we love to hit the sand. So why do we fear the bunkers so much? Standing on a sandy surface would bring back fond holiday memories for most. But if you aren’t a fan of the bunker shot then it will be somewhere you’d rather avoid. So let’s get these bunkers beaten. I assure you if you gain confidence in here, you won’t fear them anymore. With that string to your bow you will probably find you don’t go in many either. Attitude Firstly I can spot someone who loves bunkers and someone who hates them from a mile away. It’s all in the body language. Check out your playing partners when they get into the sand. You’ll be able to guess whether they relish the challenge or would rather be anywhere but in that trap. If you enter the sand dragging your heel and with a slight ‘Monty’ air about you (Sorry Colin!) chances are you aren’t about to blast a confident bunker shot out by the flag stick. Let’s have a bit of a talking to here… You are in the sand. Deal with it. let’s get Sand Smart. Let’s talk routine I don’t mean get in and out as fast as you can so no-one notices the horror that just unfurled. I mean actually pacing yourself as you would do in any other area of your game. Visualise, Rehearse and Execute. Standing outside the bunker, sand wedge in hand. Open the face a touch and take hold in your usual grip. You need to remember to aim that club face at the target. Your body will be open to it a touch. Make a few really solid practice swings outside the bunker, really brushing, nay bashing the grass. Be positive and finish the swing. Having got a good feel for an accelerating swing. stride into that sand. The ball needs to be just forward in your stance, like a fairway wood. You’ve got to hit the sand under the ball remember. Now hover the club above the bit of sand you are going to hit first. Then taking a full swing, commit (photo 1) to that sand and finish (photo 2). Your ball will have floated out on a cushion of sand. We worry so much that long swing will send the ball too far. Stay calm. The reason we aim for the sand behind the ball is that it will gobble up a lot of the energy of the shot. So restricting the distance the ball will travel. Get practicing out on the course on those Visit www.katiedawkinsgolf.co.uk for longer evenings, every hole you play simply throw a ‘Beach Ball’ into play. An extra sandy some more shot saving pointers from the practice opportunity. You’ll soon be brimming sand and beyond. with confidence. Enjoy June everyone!

Golf Academy

as you can get? Just how do you know when you’ve hit your peak? When can you be sure that you won’t play better by adopting some new technique? It has been well documented that many well known golfers have fallen from grace after trying to get to the “next level” by making swing changes. Players like Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald spring to mind. Jack Nicklaus once made a very strong statement. He said “I know I don’t have the perfect swing but I don’t think I would have played any better with any other swing”. Nicklaus actually did make some minor changes to his swing when he hit forty. He felt that his shots where ballooning slightly and put it down to a loss of youthful athleticism. He changed his address and backswing slightly to give him a slightly shallower attack on the ball and, after experiencing a few glitches at the start with his slightly flatter action, his ball flight improved and he went on to win two Majors the following season. Another notable player who wanted to play better was Nick Faldo. Whilst working with David Leadbetter during the 80s, he completely changed his action and gained better control of the golf ball. During the period of change, his form slumped. He went from the best in Europe to well down the rankings. He lost most of his lucrative contracts in this period. However, with hard work, he came out the other end a better player and won six Majors. It’s quite interesting when you compare Nicklaus and Faldo. Both wanted to improve their striking, and the changes they made helped them both play better. In Nicklaus’s case, the changes he made had an almost immediate beneficial effect; he played great the following season. With Faldo, the changes took nearly three years to bed in and he got worse in the meantime. The reason that Nicklaus was able to make his changes effective so quickly was because he only had one thing to fix. The ball flight miss

that he had was due to his swing becoming very steep. He had a naturally steep swing anyway. So all he had to do was add some things that would make his swing a little shallower - and bingo! Basically his ball flight miss was equal to his swing. Faldo was an entirely different kettle of fish. His ball flight miss was one where his impact was on the shallow side. In other words, pushes and hooks were his bad shots. Great rhythm and timing held him together but, under the extreme pressure of coming down the stretch in majors, his shots often went awry. Unlike Nicklaus his miss was opposite to his swing. He had a little hip slide at the start of his swing and his arms went to an upright position. From there he had quite a big hip slide and dropped the club on the inside, hence the draw. To make impact less reliant on timing, he had to have two fixes. Without going too much into the technicalities of it, he had to basically make his swing more rounded in order to create a slightly steeper impact. His stock shot became a bullet fade which didn’t let him down. To sum up; Nicklaus had to only make one set of fixes to get his game back on track. Faldo, on the other hand, had to make two sets of changes to move his game to a new level. He had to make his swing flatter before he could rotate through the ball and make his impact steeper. So to move the game to a higher level, often two things have to be changed. Just changing one can often result in a backward step. More about this in future articles. Pictured is Elliot Groves at the start of his downswing and coming into impact - left side is the change. He is making a couple of changes in order to move his game to a new level. Note that he is less on the inside coming into the ball on the left. After a relatively short time he is having great success. He had a two round total of six under par at the Oxfordshire in a tournament recently. butchersgolf@aol.com

BLACKMOOR GOLF CLUB

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WATERLOOVILLE GOLF CLUB

One of Hampshire's best courses

A Club for Life

As a member you will get to enjoy our 18-hole Championship golf course, the fantastic social atmosphere, discounted food and beverage and reciprocal golf at 16 other golf clubs

With regular roll-ups, competitions and social events at Waterlooville Golf Club you will make many life-long friends which is why it really is - a Club for Life â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am a member of Waterlooville Golf club because of the friendly and professional team ,the great course but mainly for the mixture of happy, mad, exciting members who all look for the best in each other.â&#x20AC;? Robert Brown

To join Waterlooville Golf Club, call 023 9226 3388 or email secretary@waterloovillegolfclub.co.uk

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