Today's Golfer Issue 275 preview

Today’s

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212 PAGE MAG

NOVEMBER 2010 OCT 7-NOV 3

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Today’s Golfer NOVEMBER 2010 (OCTOBER 7-NOVEMBER 3)

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101 COURSES

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REVIEWED

TOP YEAR-ROUND TRACKS AND GREAT DEALS 10-PAGE SPECIAL

14 ELECTRIC TROLLEYS TESTED SEE WHICH GO

END SEASON IN STYLE WITH KEY TIPS TO FIX YOUR GAME

THE DISTANCE

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T O P T R I P S I N E N G L A N D ◗ I R E L A N D ◗ S C O T L A N D ◗ WA L E S ◗ S PA I N ◗ P O RT UGA L ◗ F R A N C E ◗ T U R K EY ◗ C Y P RUS . . .

A N D M A N Y M O R E : 6 4-PAG E S P E C I A L

FIRST TEE RULES

PARTNER CAN’T COUNT

Q

I was playing in a Medal with a member I didn’t know. A couple of holes in, he had a shocker. As I was marking his card I kept an eye on what he was doing. I’d seen him take at least seven shots, but he declared a bogey six. I politely queried his score and we agreed it was a seven. An honest mistake perhaps, but this player attempted to give himself a dubious bogey after running up a bigger number on three other holes as well.

How should I handle this situation?

James Edwards, Cardiff

T

he competitor is responsible for the correctness of the score recorded for each hole on his card and the card must be signed by the player and his marker. The marker signs the scorecard effectively testifying that, to the best of his knowledge, the scores recorded are correct. The marker should pay attention to what the player is doing and he would be disqualified if he signed a card he knew was wrong. If a marker believes the player’s recollection of his score is wrong he should discuss it with the player; we can all get a score wrong. Situations like this have to be handled with diplomacy. But if a marker has serious concerns about a player’s adherence to the rules, he should report the matter to the Committee for investigation.

Kevin Barker, R&A Assistant Director - Rules

{ NOT FOR THE TOUR}

MADE OVER LUNCH! Mizuno launch new putter range tailored for ‘average’ golfers You wouldn’t consider trying to hit Alvaro Quiros’ driver or Rory McIlroy’s irons, so why should you try using the same putters that the pros do?

This is the logic behind Mizuno’s decision to release the Line 90 series of putters, designed to help mid and high-handicap amateurs improve their stats on the greens.

The range is named after the unique alignment lines that run parallel to the putter face. Testing showed this visual system made it easier for amateurs to keep the putter square than traditional ‘straight-back alignment’ and encouraged proper acceleration.

This testing also revealed amateurs putt more consistently with a heavier swing weight and larger mid-size grip to reduce hand action. All these elements are featured in the Line 90 range, which features five designs.

Chris Voshall, Mizuno Research and Development, said: “The Line 90 project started off as a lunch-time project to find a putter we could use

◗ Send your rules questions to editorial@ todaysgolfer.co.uk

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personally – rather than designing for our Tour players. Over time we could see that most of our putts were missed through inconsistent alignment. We picked off all possible causes and eliminated them one by one: optically friendlier alignment, heavier swing weight, thicker grip and shorter shafts as standard. The end putter didn’t look like a Mizuno, but the results were so good that Line 90 had to go into production.”

Turn to page 90 for more great new gear from Mizuno.

For better players The MP Series is designed to help Tour players and single-figure amateurs generate a soft feel and pure roll.

Precise CNC Milling produces a thin 3.5mm face for responsive feel and a layer of tour researched score lines encourage a consistent roll.

The MP Series has a glare-reducing soft satin chrome finish and is available in three designs.

TAKING AIM Aiming the blade is our big problem, say Mizuno. Head markings are designed to help.

◗ PUTTER PRICES Line 90 £89, MP series £149

MASS MARKET The Line 90 is also heavier than some putters. Research shows it helps the amateur stroke.

SEE HUNDREDS OF PUTTER R EV I EWS AT TG WEBSITE

LATE ST NEWS

Top

four RY D E R C U P POINTS

{ 1

NICK FALDO, 25 The Englishman also holds the record for the most appearances, playing 11 times from 1977-1997.

DRIVE TIME

ROAD FUN LICENCE Luxury street-legal golf cart available now

The Garia LSV, short for low speed vehicle, has been given the go-ahead to be driven on British roads.

The luxury golf cart is built at the same factory in Finland where Porsche Boxsters and Caymans are assembled, and boasts the same high automotive standards.

It features a Formula One-inspired front suspension, a drive train built by the Italian company that produces Ducati’s gearboxes and aluminum profiles made by the same company that supplies Aston Martin, Jaguar and Volvo.

Luxury bonuses include handstitched seats, 12-inch aluminium wheels and a built-in fridge made by the company that supplies Bentley.

The battery-powered street-legal version has a top speed of 25mph and all the necessary safety features, including seat belts, side mirrors, licence plate-holder and a hydraulic brake system.

Garia say: “Its small size makes it perfect for the city, and with tax-based incentives in many countries and an increasing number of countries that allow LSVs to be operated on roads with speed limits of 35mph or less, LSVs no longer belong to the future market - they are the market.” ◗ The Garia LSV is available from £13,499 in five different colours, three different wheel designs and three seat options.

Visit www.garia.com for more info.

BERNHARD LANGER, 24 He was a prolific foursomes player winning 11½ points in this format – but only 5½ points in 10 singles matches.

3

COLIN MONTGOMERIE, 23½ This year’s captain has a 53% win record and won 4½ points out of five at the K Club in 2006.

ROW

4

ASIA

◗ North America 18,570 ◗ Europe 6,263 ◗ Asia 3,985 ◗ Rest of the World 3,258

EUROPE

There are 32,076 golf courses in the world, frequented by an impressive 50 million golfers. That’s a staggering 577,368 golf holes. Of Europe’s 6,263 layouts, more than 2,500 are in the UK, complemented by over 800 driving ranges.

NORTH AMERICA

WORLDWIDE COURSES

2

BILLY CASPER, 23½ The most successful American made his debut in 1961 and was on the winning team in nine of 10 Ryder Cups.

TIME FOR A CHANGE

}

New balls please, says Gary Player The waste of money from making courses longer is staggering. More oil, more water, more machinery, more expenses. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent around the world making courses longer.

We’re going the wrong way.

We’ve got to keep courses as they are and shorten the ball and take those hundreds of millions and put them in a youth fund around the world to develop young golfers and help them get an education and manners. Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and all the top players from my era agree.

I’ve designed a golf course on my farm to prove to the world that courses don’t have to be longer and longer all the time. It’s low maintenance, low water, low oil and low machinery. It’s the golf course of the future.

What concerns me is that in the future a lot of golf courses considered world class today will be obsolete. It’s just a matter of time before the governing bodies say ‘guys, we have no option but to shorten the ball’. We will see that within 50 years, which is nothing in time when you think I’ve been playing for longer than that.

They’re talking about limiting the length of the driver more but you can’t do that because the longer you make the driver the harder it is to hit straight.

There needs to be a lot of changes in the rules of golf.

Not only the technology but also things like out of bounds.

I don’t think out of bounds is a good rule because you can hit OB by one inch and you’re playing three off the tee; the guy you’re playing with misses the ball completely and plays two. Is that right? It’s ridiculous; whoever thought of it was a nut! I’d change OB to a one-shot penalty; you should be playing two off the tee.

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ACCURACY

STAY GROUNDED For all the energy sources to work effectively, you need to feel the floor. When driving, that’s what you’re working against, especially when you shift your weight. This helps you retain the energy created.

EXTRA ALIGNMENT TOOL Lining up the logo on your ball on the tee helps you focus your attention on the line you want your ball to start on.

This will also help you to shape the ball, starting the ball right or left of target. Being target orientated will improve your accuracy off the tee.

WEIGHT SHIFT

PART 3: SHIFT Shift your weight to your right side at the top of the backswing, rotating onto the right foot. Point the left thumb up and move it away from you to create width and get on plane.

LEFT HEEL UP DRILL Swinging with the left heel off the floor at address enforces the feeling of the weight shifting onto the right side in the backswing. About 85% of your weight should shift. You may have noticed Tour pros like Paul Casey lifting their left heel up at the top of the swing.

THE DRILL

LOG ON T O THE T G W EB SITE F O R P OWER VIDEO TIP S

DROP IT IN THE SLOT Lower body twist in the downswing sets up a powerful late hit. Using a heavy medicine ball enhances the late hit feeling by allowing gravity to take over to let the medicine ball fall into the correct position. This helps your lower half lead the downswing, and generate explosive power.

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2. Iron Play SHOOT DOWN PINS TO GO LOW

When tasked with shooting your best score, the only way you’re going to go low is by firing at some flags. So adjust your mindset as you attempt to build a good score. Turn from golfer to sniper, seeking out the pins with marksman-like accuracy.

Don’t be worried about missing the green on the short side, trust your short-game skills and aim to make birdie with a well executed iron shot.

1. ADDRESS Create a long spine by tilting from underneath the belly button. Flex the knees into a squat position.

Centre your weight in the feet and ensure the arms hang down freely.

SHOOT AT PINS Use your trigger finger in your pre-shot routine to help zone in on the flag.

This finger stabilises the right hand in the correct position at address, limiting clubface rotation.

4. DELIVERY The lower half should have made a shift to the target allowing the arms to fall into the delivery position, creating lag in the clubhead to maximise the power going into the ball.

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{H A N D I C A P

F E AT U R E

}

More than a

NUMBER

Your handicap is the most important digit in your golfing world, but how much do you really know about the handicapping system?

W O R D S K I T A L E X A N D E R P I C T U R E S H O WA R D B O Y L A N

“What do you play off?” It’s the first question we all ask whenever we meet another golfer. In no other sport does a single number define so much about a player, but that’s exactly what your handicap does.

Those two little digits – or one if you’re lucky – determine what competitions you can enter, your eligibility to play on certain teams and courses and, perhaps most importantly, how your fellow golfers see you.

With all this at stake, it’s integral that we all know how the handicapping system works so we can maintain the integrity of this noble game and ensure that we achieve what we really want; the lowest handicap possible.

In this complete guide to all things handicapping The Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU), the body that governs handicaps in the UK, answers your questions.

We also talk to three people who abuse, uphold and struggle with the current system and sports psychologist Jamil Qureshi tells you how to stop your handicap dictating every shot you play.

HOW IT WORKS CONGU answers every handicap question you’ve ever thought of, and a few you probably haven’t.

1

HOW HAS THE HANDICAP SYSTEM EVOLVED? The earliest mention of a handicap in golf appears in the minutes of the Royal Burgess Golfing Society in 1822. In the 1870s more English and Scottish clubs adopted the term ‘handicap’ and events with odds were called ‘handicap tournaments’. In 1875 the Westward Ho! Club organised an ‘open’ handicap competition where the handicaps of all players were determined by ‘the vote of all present’. By 1881 many clubs were handicapping by averaging a player’s best three scores of the year minus the scratch score established by the club.

It was the Ladies’ Golf Union that came up with the world’s first pannational scheme in the early 20th century. Following this the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews requested the four men’s Home Unions to take responsibility for

(men’s) handicapping in 1925. The first scheme was drawn up that year by the British Joint Unions’ Advisory Committee.

Over the years the Advisory Committee became the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) and in 1983, after extensive research and evaluation, the basis of the present system of handicap adjustment based on net scores from individual rounds was adopted. In 2004 the LGU relinquished responsibility for ladies’ handicaps and the Unified Handicap System was established.

2

WHAT IS STANDARD SCRATCH AND HOW IS IT DECIDED? The Standard Scratch Score (SSS) of a course is the score a scratch (0 handicap) player would return over 18 holes under normal course and weather conditions. There are two systems used within CONGU to determine the Standard Scratch Score; the Course Rating System of the United States Golf Association (USGA) or the Rating System of the English Golf Union (EGU).

Both systems use teams of trained >>

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INSTRUCTION

HIT THE GREEN The green will be smaller than usual so gaining height is crucial in hitting and holding it. Consider if it’s worth the risk: a 4- iron might be but a Sundaybest 3-wood might not.

SE C ON D SHO T

MIX IT UP The tee shot requires an equal mix of power and accuracy. You need to be long enough to be able to reach the green in two but must make sure you find the fairway.

Shot on location at Wentworth Golf Club. www.wentworthclub.com

T E E SHO T

PLAY SMARTER WITH T G’S WEB SITE VIDEO TIP S

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P L AY T H I S H O L E

R E AC H A B L E PA R 5

A

par 5 that’s reachable in two shots naturally gives us the best chance of a birdie during a round. But it’s easy to get complacent. The majority of holes like this will come with an extra line of defence for both the tee shot and approach shot to make you work a bit harder for your birdie four.

Because the hole is a par 5, many golfers will adopt the ‘hit-it-as-hard-asyou-can’ attitude with the driver from the tee. That’s all well and good if you hit the fairway, but if you find the rough or a hazard, hitting the green in two is out of the question. So from the tee, finding the fairway should be your only priority. Sure, hit the driver, but make sure you swing within yourself to find the short stuff.

Remember that you can’t hit the green from the tee, but you can certainly take it out of the equation.

FAIRWAY GO FOR GREEN?

{ R E A L -WO R L D T I P S }

HOW TO PLAY A REACHABLE

PAR 5 Make birdie a possibility thanks to this advice from Wentworth’s Kristian Baker P I C T U R E S H O WA R D B O Y L A N

● It’s not always worth the risk Note the situation you’re in. If the hole comes at the start of the round and you don’t want to ruin your card early then it might be worth laying up. But if it’s towards the end and you’re playing well, then giving it a go makes more sense.

3 2

2.MARRY UP Always try and favour the shape of shot that matches the shape of the fairway, in this case a right-to-left draw.

3.COMMIT If you elect to go for the green, don’t address the ball until you’ve fully committed to the shot.

1 1.SMALL TARGET Narrow your focus as much as possible in your alignment, increasing your margin for error.

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INSTRUCTION

MAINTAIN FLEX

AVOI D I N J U RY

The left knee is under a lot of pressure at impact as the body not only shifts into the left side but is also turning against it. Try to resist snapping the left knee straight at impact by maintaining a slight flex. Otherwise, you could be having surgery like Tiger!

COMPRESSION

BA L L F I R ST

Weight transfer allows you to compress the ball powerfully, giving you a stronger ball flight.

Without sufficient lower body movement in the downswing the club won’t descend into the ball enough, causing a weak and dipping ball flight.

OFF THE INSTEP Weight gently shifts into the outside of the left foot through impact, bearing the weight on the outside section of the shoe.

Notice how the inside section of the shoe is off the floor slightly, displaying the weight shift in the downswing to impact.

F ORWA R D SH I F T

BALANCED I R O N P L AY M OV E

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I M PAC T

FOOTWORK

WORK THE HIPS Coming into impact, the right knee works towards the target, not to the right of it. This causes the right foot to roll on to its instep with the right heel off the floor. This position allows the hips to rotate smoothly through impact to a finish.

TA RGE T MOV E

SUPPORT ACT The weight will continue to transfer from the right foot (at the top of the backswing) to the outside of the left foot in the finish position. In the finish, the right leg should be supported on the toes, the sole of the shoe facing away from the target.

W E IGH T T R A N SF E R

HIT

SOLE ANGLE

F E E L RO TAT ION

Notice how only the front inside corner of the shoe is touching the ground. If you transfer your weight towards the target from the ground up (using the legs) you will begin to understand the feeling of laterally rotating and improve your overall ball-striking.

GET BAC K T O BASI C S WITH T G’ S FREE ONL I N E VIDEO T I P S

In order to compress the ball for strong, powerful iron shots, you need to build weight transfer into your action. This can be detected in the feet’s positioning at impact, says Gareth Johnston

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EQUIPMENT { T G E XC LU S I V E }

DIAMONDBACKS WITH BITE Mizuno’s MP-62 and 52 replacements boast new weighting... and a better sound!

Mizuno have released new additions to the hugely impressive MP range of irons with the MP-63 and MP-53s.

The irons have been introduced to replace the MP-62 and the MP-52 respectively and both feature diamond-shaped muscle backs, designed to add stability to the head and also enhance feel.

With the MP-63 in particular

Mizuno faced a monumental task of trying to improve on the hugely popular MP-62 – their most successful Tour iron to date.

Three prototypes were designed to get comprehensive feedback from Mizuno’s Tour staff before the diamond muscle design was born.

With the MP-53 the concept was to create Mizuno’s most forgiving MP iron ever without compromising

feel or a sleek head profile.

With both irons attention was paid to something called Harmonic Impact Technology (HIT). This is the resonance of the clubhead in four different sound frequencies and Mizuno have optimised each of these to enhance feel and feedback. ◗ The MP-63 and MP-53 are available from 3-iron to PW, priced £105 per club.

STABLE HEAD The MP-53 is built to be forgiving without giving up Mizuno’s usual slick styling.

PEAK SHAPE A diamond muscle helps the MP-63 offer better shot flighting and boosted feel.

FEEL AND FORGIVENESS

MP revamps explained

MP- 63 IRONS EXPLAINED The diamond muscle adds incremental toe-heel weighting, giving more forgiveness than the MP-62. The MP-63 features a flow cavity design – the cavities are shallower as the iron gets shorter.

This means more playable long irons and enhanced workability in the short and mid irons. The sole is thicker than the MP-62 but plays narrower because of a 360° grind round the head perimeter.

MP-53 IRONS EXPLAINED The MP-53 have a milled pocket cavity in the 4-7 irons, which moves 14g of weight to the perimeter for an enhanced Moment of Inertia (resistance to twisting). The result is the highest MOI of any MP iron in Mizuno’s history. The sole is narrower than the MP-52 and plays even narrower because of the 360° grind round the head which means more playability and a thinner topline appearance.

VISIT TG WEBSITE F O R L AT E ST GEAR NEWS

Luke Donald The highs and lows of Mizuno’s No.1 staff player

T E C H N O L O GY

1999 Wins the National Collegiate Athletics Association Men’s Golf title beating a scoring record previously set by Tiger Woods.

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2001 Turns pro and is only the 11th man to win over $1m in his debut PGA Tour season, including victory at the Southern Farm Bureau Classic.

2004 Wins the WGC World Cup for England with Paul Casey and makes winning Ryder Cup debut at Oakland Hills.

2005 Shoots four-over-par 76 in the final round to lose the Players Championship by one stroke from Fred Funk.

LATE ST NEWS

DONALD GAINS YARDS GA M E - I M P R O V E R Mizuno staff player Luke Donald was pivotal in the development of the MP-63 iron. But it’s not only for Tourlevel equipment that Mizuno look to their Tour players for.

They also put the new gameimprover JPX-800 iron, which we brought you exclusively last month, in Donald’s hands to compare them with the MP-63 and the results were impressive with an instant 6-iron power increase of more than 17 yards.

“So why don’t I have a set of these in my bag?” asked Donald after hitting the JPX-800 for the first time.

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T O U R I R O N : D O NA L D T E S T S

“It’s a slightly bigger head and leading edge than I’m used to but it’s still in proportion. It looks pretty refined and easier to hit.

There’s certainly a bit more acceleration off the clubface.

“Even Tour players are looking for ways to make the game easier. Any help you can have is really a benefit

and there’s no shame in playing cavity backs or performance-enhancing clubs. Maybe on those long US Open courses I’ll put a set of these in the bag.” ◗ For info on Mizuno’s range visit www.mizuno.eu and to watch Luke Donald hitting the JPX-800 irons see www. todaysgolfer.co.uk/donaldjpx

RATED DONALD’S 6-IRON STATS COMPARED

Ball Speed Launch Angle Spin Rate Carry Distance

JPX-800

135.6

11.7

6142

193.3

MP-63

126.5

13.2

6602

175.9

JPX-800: Gave Luke 17 more yards.

2006 Wins the Honda Classic by two strokes from Australian Geoff Ogilvy.

2008 Wrist injury sustained at US Open wrecks his season and rules out a third Ryder Cup appearance.

2010 Ends his four-year winless streak with victory at Madrid Masters; reaches a career high of No.6 in the World Golf Rankings.

2010 Picked as one of Colin Montgomerie’s wild cards for the 2010 Ryder Cup.

NEW TITLEIST DRIVER SPIED! 910 Prototype makes great start on the world’s tours Hoffman: New driver.

Many of you will have watched Charley Hoffman’s sensational victory in the Deutsche Bank Championship in September. And the “hawk-eyes” amongst you might have spotted that he was using a new driver.

Titleist have confirmed that there is a new model being prepared for launch.

According to Titleist, the new 910 Prototype driver is the longest, most stable driver they have ever produced.

It will also feature the new, patented SureFit Tour hosel technology which allows golfers to adjust loft and lie, making it Titleist’s first adjustable driver.

Hoffman, who used a 9.5˚ D3 with a Diamana Whiteboard 83X shaft, finished the week in a tie for fifth in driving accuracy (78.6%) and 10th in driving distance with an average of 299.8 yards.

His overall accuracy statistic sees him in a lowly 117th position – which does tend to suggest that his recent switch to the Prototype has worked immediately.

The 33-year-old American has enjoyed a stellar campaign so far, and he is (at the time of going to press) lying third in the FedEx Cup standings behind fellowcountrymen Matt Kuchar and Dustin Johnson with impressive seasonearnings just shy of the $2.5m-mark.

In addition to the victory at the Deutsche Bank, Hoffman enjoyed success at the Canadian Open and the John Deere Classic, recording a T4 and a T7 finish at the respective venues.

Hoffman isn’t the only player to be trialling the new driver – it has already tasted success in the hands of English Ryder Cup rookie Ross Fisher (right) who used it to good effect when he won the Irish Open at Killarney, while twotime US Open winner Geoff Ogilvy and Adam Scott have also been using it.

We will have a more detailed look at the driver in the next issue of TG, which goes on sale on November 4.

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EQUIPMENT POWAKADDY TOUCH £399

TOUCH TECHNOLOGY SETS NEW STANDARDS Web: www.powakaddy.com Tel: 01795 473 555 The Touch features the new “touch ’n’ go” technology – you simply push the touch-sensitive handle to move it forward, and pull back to stop it. There are no dials or buttons – it’s all in the handle which feels great. Once you’ve got over the initial panic about controlling the Touch, it is an impressive bit of kit. Jon noted how quiet it was – humming even when going uphill. If we were being picky, we would have liked to see a few more features. There is no display of distance travelled or speed – maybe a battery monitor would have sufficed?

T H E TG

BRONZE AWARD

IN THE PRESS Control is at your fingertips, thanks to a touchsensitive handle feature.

ANATOMY AT A GLANCE Functions: Responsive handle with touch ‘n’ go technology.

Battery options: 18-hole lead acid.

Size when folded: 58.3cm x 88.9cm x 35cm Weight: 9.5kg

THE VERDICT Looks: 4. Ease of use: 4.5. Ease of assembly: 5. Functions: 4.

Performance: 4.8. Value: 4.5. RATING:HHHHH

MOTOCADDY S1 DIGITAL £329.99

T H E TG

GREAT ALL-ROUND PRODUCT, AND A CINCH TO USE

BRONZE AWARD

Web: www.motocaddy.co.uk Tel: 0845 058 9818

LIGHT WORK The contemporary frame is light and clicks down into place, making portability easier.

Our quartet was incredibly impressed with the S1 Digital.

The curvy looks are contemporary without being over the top and it was very easy to set up. The S-Series folding system means the trolley clicks together when it’s folded down too which makes it remarkably easy to lug about.

Ian promptly gave it full marks in each section. Gadget-mad Dave admitted he would have liked a few more functions but for the money he agreed with the rest that it was a pretty impressive piece of trolley.

ANATOMY AT A GLANCE Functions: Digital control with on/off and nine speed settings.

Battery options: 18-hole lead acid £399.99, 36-hole lead acid £429.99, lithium £599.99.

Size when folded: 56cm x 85cm x 35cm Weight: 7.6kg

THE VERDICT Looks: 5. Ease of use: 5. Ease of assembly: 5. Functions: 3.8.

Performance: 5. Value: 4.8. RATING:HHHHH

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THE TEST

ELECTRIC TROLLEYS

POWAKADDY FREEWAY II £699

GREAT DISPLAYS & TOP PERFORMANCE Web: www.powakaddy.com Tel: 01795 473 555 It was always going to be a contender for the number one spot, and the Freeway II certainly gave it a good crack. In terms of assembly, it was a piece of cake… out of the box, three steps later and we were ready to go. The frame proved incredibly stable and the padding that helps to hold the top of the bag in place does its job well. The FW II also made light work of any hills it encountered.

Looks-wise, golfers can buy the trolley in white or black – we tested the white version and it certainly looks the part.

When it came to the actual test, Fergus felt it did the job in the functions department – it features a distance-measuring facility that not only calculates how far you’ve hit the ball but also the distance travelled during your round. The Digital Distance Function also allows golfers to set the FW II to go off on a set distance. Dave loved the bright display too, commenting that it was easy to see, while Ian noted it was incredibly easy to manoeuvre. The one thing that let it down a little was the price – Fergus was in the minority when he said he expected it to be more.

With a lithium battery the overall package is just shy of £700 – which is a lot of money. But if you like the sound of it and want the lead acid battery then there's a more affordable price tag – £429.

T H E TG

SILVER AWARD

WHITE MAGIC Boasting an incredibly solid frame, the FWII comes in either black or white.

BAG HUGGER The bag is held securely in place by extra padding – adding to the feel of quality.

FROM CLASSIC TO FREEWAY Launched at the 1983 Open, the innovative Classic was the original powered golf trolley from PowaKaddy.

They followed this up with the introduction of the Rio five years later, while the Pulsar model appeared in 1996. It was designed to fold down just like a normal pull trolley but in 2001 the RoboKaddy extended the range.

This remote-controlled product joined the Freeway as PowaKaddy consolidated its place in the upper echelons of the power trolley industry.

ANATOMY AT A GLANCE Functions: High colour, 2.5in display, digital speed gauge with nine settings, battery indicator, distance function.

Battery options: 18-hole lead acid £429, 36-hole lead acid £459, lithium £699.

Size when folded: 57.5cm x 82cm x 39.5cm Weight: 9kg

THE VERDICT Looks: 5. Ease of use: 5. Ease of assembly: 5. Functions: 5.

Performance: 5. Value: 4. RATING:HHHHH

VISIT TG ONLINE

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COURSES { 2 -F O R E ! -1 C L AS S AC T S }

HIGH CLASS, LOW FEES

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RICE GO L

These cracking courses may have noble connections but they can be great value when you turn up with a 2-FORE!-1 voucher...

OLFIH E G A

HALF-PRICE GOLF

Expectations are sky high from the moment you drive through the impressive archway and grand gates leading to Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s pride and joy… Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort.

The quality Dave Thomas-designed course weaves its way majestically through 2,000 acres of rolling parkland. And despite recent heavy rain, the course was in good condition when we visited in September.

The course measures a meaty 7,300 yards off the championship tees but is a serious enough golfing examination off the daily tips (par 72, 6,566 yards).

There is plenty of trouble – trees, water hazards and deep penal bunkers – to negotiate. And once you’ve found the green there are still plenty of sizeable, teasingly sloping putts to endure.

But whatever tees you play from you’re guaranteed to get real value-for-money and the fact that you can tackle Bowood for £30

NOBLE CONNECTIONS

with a 2-FORE!-1 voucher is an absolute bargain.

Star holes come thick and fast but you’ll probably best remember the sharp dog-leg right par-4 2nd and the snaking par-5 13th which demands a precise approach to a green tightly flanked by water on the right.

Bowood has plenty to offer off-course too including a new hotel and spa, covered driving range and a classy clubhouse converted from an 18th century estate farmhouse. If you stay on-site you’ll benefit from free admission to historic Bowood House and Gardens, the 9th Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne’s home. ◗ WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Location: Derry Hill, Calne, near Chippenham, Wilts.

Green fees: Mon-Fri: £49. Sat-Sun: £60.

2-FORE!-1: Any time (on weekend rate).

Contact: 01249 822228 or www.bowood.org

FIVE MORE CLASS ACTS Blue-blooded courses that demand a fullblooded approach

◗ ROYAL NORTH DEVON

Historic links near Bideford.

Costs: Mon-Fri: £45 a round and £60 a day. Sat-Sun: £50.

2-FORE!-1: Midweek (day rate).

Contact: 01237 473817.

◗ THE WARWICKSHIRE

King’s and Queen’s courses.

Costs: Mon-Thurs: 7am-1pm, £50; 1pm-5pm, £30. Fri-Sun: £50/£35. 2-FORE!-1: Any time.

Contact: 01926 622570.

◗ BOWOOD PARK GC

On the Black Prince’s deer park at Camelford, Cornwall.

Costs: £34 round & £45 day.

2-FORE!-1: Any time (day rate).

Contact: 01840 213017.

◗ PETERBOROUGH MILTON

Overlooked by Milton Hall, Earl Fitzwilliam’s family home.

Costs: Mon-Fri: £40. Sat-Sun: £50. 2-FORE!-1: Mon-Fri. Contact: 01733 380489.

‘THERE ARE TREES, WATER HAZARDS AND DEEP PENAL BUNKERS FOR YOU TO NEGOTIATE’

◗ THE ROXBURGHE

The Duke of Roxburghe is the boss at this Borders beauty.

Costs: Sept: £70. Oct: £48.

2-FORE!-1: Any time, day rate.

Contact: 01573 450331.

TRAVEL

WIN

A DREAM SOUTH AFRICAN GOLF HOLIDAY FOR TWO Your chance to experience a week’s golf in South Africa; and it’s five-star all the way, including a trip on the famous Blue Train...

Travel in style with South African Airways and on The Blue Train; stay at sumptuous Steenberg (right) and Fancourt.

138 IS SUE 275 ❘ TODAYSG OLFE R .CO.UK

COMPETITION

South Africa recently hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The footballing extravaganza may be over, but you can still explore this amazing country and take the trip of a lifetime thanks to Today’s Golfer and South African Golf specialists Out of Africa Golf.

Golf is a major sporting attraction in South Africa and with year-round sunshine and an array of amazing courses offering affordable green fees it’s not hard to see why it’s regarded as one of the world’s leading golfing destinations.

There’s another big benefit as far as Brits are concerned – there’s a minimal time difference compared to the UK so jetlag shouldn’t be a problem.

The lucky winner, plus golfing mate/ partner, will lap it up in sheer luxury, staying at two world-class venues in the historical Steenberg and the fantastic Fancourt – Southern Africa’s premier golfing and leisure destination which famously staged the 2003 Presidents Cup – and an unforgettable trip aboard the iconic Blue Train.

Located in the historic town of George, in the heart of South Africa’s famous Garden Route, Fancourt’s five-star resort offers an enticing combination of Old World charm and contemporary chic, set in 620 hectares of lush countryside, plus three highly rated Championship courses designed

by local hero Gary Player, (Montagu and Outeniqua and The Links).

Fancourt has been named Africa’s Leading Golf Resort at the World Travel Awards six times since 2001 and boasts a wide range of facilities and activities including an acclaimed spa, fully equipped leisure centre with indoor heated pool, mini cinema, jacuzzi, outdoor swimming pool.

You’ll also stay at the lovingly restored five-star Steenberg hotel which promises a true gourmet experience combining its award-winning wines with acclaimed cuisine at the popular Catharina’s restaurant.

The hotel is surrounded by vineyards, gardens and a superb championship 18-hole layout which makes full use of natural features and hazards.

Steenberg also offers a lavish spa and is an oasis of calm and beauty – just a stone’s throw from Cape Town’s popular V&A Waterfront.

Another highlight will be experiencing South Africa’s spectacular scenery in style aboard The Blue Train. Relax in the finest en-suite accommodation and enjoy the views as your butler pampers you between Cape Town and Pretoria, in either direction. Gourmet cuisine is accompanied by award-winning wines in the elegant dining car. The Blue Train also offers special golf/safari-based packages from time to time.

READER DEALS ● TG has teamed up with Out of Africa Golf to offer readers a five-star golfing break to Cape Town & the Garden Route. The self-drive holiday includes three nights at Steenberg Hotel Cape Town, and three nights at Fancourt on a B&B basis, car hire, return flights and four rounds. Cost is from £1,995 (two travelling). A supplement may be charged. ● The Blue Train is offering a Golfer’s Breakaway, departing Nov 18-22. This fournight package offers a return overnight trip on The Blue Train and two nights’ B&B at Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, Durban. It includes two rounds at Zimbali or a 700 Rand (about £60) voucher to use at Camelot Spa at Zimbali. Cost is £955 pp excluding flights. ● To book, call 0208 249 5919 or visit outofafricagolf.com

SOUTH AFRICA

THE PRIZE ◗ Direct, return flights from Heathrow via South African Airways. SAA offers twice daily, direct flights to Johannesburg and a daily flight to Cape Town. Visit www.flysaa.com ◗ Three nights’ B&B (based on two sharing) at five-star Fancourt with two rounds of golf. ◗ Three nights’ B&B (two sharing) at five-star Steenberg Hotel & Wine Estate in Cape Town with two rounds. ◗ An overnight fully inclusive trip on The Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria in a deluxe suite. ◗ Road transfers are also included. ◗ The prize is valid until August 31, 2011 (excluding Dec 1, 2010 to Feb 28, 2011). It cannot be exchanged for cash or transferred.

H OW T O E N T E R Just answer this easy question: Which South African golfer is known as the Big Easy?

A. Gary Player B. Ernie Els C. Retief Goosen Leave your answer at www. todaysgolfer.co.uk/competitions or fill in the coupon below and send it in to the address shown. Deadline for entries is midnight, November 3.

{ PRI

WO Z E } OV RTH £8, ER 00 0 ENTER AT W W W.TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK/COMPETITIONS Post this coupon to: South Africa competition, Today’s Golfer, PO BOX 57, Coates, Peterborough, PE7 2FF Title ____________________ Initial ____________________ Surname __________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________________________Answer_________ Telephone No* _____________________________ Email address**_______________________________________

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This competition is open to UK residents only. Please allow up to 28 days after the competition closes for a winner to be confirmed. *Bauer Media (publishers of Today’s Golfer) may also like to contact you by post or phone.

Please tick this box if you do not wish to be contacted by us or by carefully selected partners . **If you supply your email address we will communicate with you from time to time, but never pass these details on to other organisations. You can opt out of these emails at any time. Closing date November 3, 2010.

TODAYSG OLFE R .CO.UK ❘ IS SUE 2 75 139