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Contributors: Larry Canning, Mike Orloff, Denis Dale, Garrett Johnston, David Cox, Darren Weatherall, Lee Harrington, Peter Croker, Stephen Pitt, Brian Thorburn, Darren Chapman, Brent German, Glen Whittle, Tony Wells, Michael Green, Richard Nizielski, Matthew Pitt, Peter McConnell, Ross Perrett, Roger GilchristNational Sales: Sam Arthur P: 1300 4653 00 | F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 | E: [email protected]

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It’s official: 42,416 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: October 2011 – March 2012

Cover photo: Courtesy of USGA / John Mummert

While revenues, membership and cost controls are all important to your club, one area that is often overlooked is the effectiveness of The Board.

Boards are the sole responsibility for the viability of clubs. Plain and simple. And getting the right people onto the Board is critical to success. in a perfect world, a Board would be composed of a diverse group of individuals who (among other things) share a strategic vision for the club, and who have the necessary skills, background, time and passion to perform their duties.

Unfortunately, that is not always possible.

Don’t get me wrong. The majority of Boards out there do a stellar job. in a struggling economy, with other sports and pastimes competing for the almighty dollar, being responsible for a golf club’s viability is not an easy task.

But at the same time, there are many board members in power who are simply not up to the task. This is not necessarily the fault of the board members themselves, but rather the fact that they may not have the necessary skills or time required, in the current environment, to thrive in their position.

A club is like a small-to-medium-sized business — often with huge turnovers, and potentially millions of dollars at stake. But not all clubs select their board members accordingly. While a large business, for example, has specific protocols in place to carefully select each member for their board, a golf club board is usually selected by popular vote at the AGM. And like most popularity-based voting processes (let’s not comment on Federal elections, shall we), people often get elected even if they aren’t necessarily the best person for that position.

This is sometimes unavoidable, however, as it may be due to the limited pool of candidates.

A Club Board is usually composed of members from that club. A larger

metropolitan club would have a pool of candidates from, say, large businesses or corporations. These candidates could be CeOs or Directors of huge businesses, with significant backgrounds in business management. But just because a person is a CeO of a company, for example, doesn’t necessarily mean they know anything about marketing to women or junior golfers. And if they are successful in their business, will they necessarily have the time needed to devote to the club?

A smaller club, on the other hand, may not have the same pool of business-educated candidates. They may have a membership of blue-collar, small business owners. Being a successful small business owner does not necessarily mean they have the skills to direct a multi-million-dollar business. Nor do they often have the skill to professionally manage a committee (to reduce the red-tape and inanity of endless committee meetings that often dwell on minutiae). But what they may lack in Big Business experience, they more than make up for in passion and devotion to the Club.

So which is better?every club is different, as are the

Boards that run them. There is no black or white answer to this...no one-size-fits-all board formula. Boards succeed (or fail) for many reasons.

But a key question to consider is: WhY are these people interested in the position?

A candidate will run for a board for any number of reasons. While many of these reasons are to improve the club, other reasons may be more self-serving. Do they have a truly strategic vision for the long-term future of the club, or do they just want their own reserved car parking space near the clubhouse? A new President, for example, may have an agenda to spend $200k to put in bunkers, simply because in his/her sole opinion it will make for a better look. But what the club may ReAllY need is that $200k put into infrastructure, like better irrigation or drainage. While this is not necessarily a “sexy” spend of the money, it could potentially have a better long-term outcome for the club.

Many people that i’ve spoken to

believe that a Board must be able to balance the needs of members with the financials, and should be composed of people that have a mix of backgrounds, age groups, golf skills, etc.

Aussie golfer Jack Newton recently said that he believes golf club boards and committees should be a diverse group.

“i have suggested the structure of a board should feature different age groups so that you get a perspective right across the board. There should be board members in their 20s, 30s, 40s...,” he said at a recent industry forum. “At least with the young age groups you are going to get a perspective of where they see things are at rather than how older blokes see it.”

No matter how you look at it, a Board is a critical part of any club. And at the end of the day, it may be time to either examine how we populate the boards, or how we can up-skill them to better prepare them to run in today’s environment.

What do you think?

Richard Fellnereditor

Richard [email protected]

Getting your club on “board”

YOUR SAYWe want feedback from club members, Board members or anyone else wishing to share an opinion. What do you know about your current board members? Does your club have a successful process to select board members to ensure your club continues to grow? Is your board more successful than others? Why or why not? Should it be more or less corporate? Should Boards get remuneration?Send us your emails and let us know. Confidentiality will be maintained should you wish to keep your name/club anonymous. But the more feedback we receive, the better.

news

6 June 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au


GOlF social clubs and social golfers who get their handicaps via the Golf Access Australia program will be facing an important decision in the following months, as the GAA handicapping program is undergoing a major transition, starting in Victoria.

The program, originally launched by Golf Australia/AGU in 2007, was designed to act as a pathway for social players to convert into club membership. Operated on a state level, it has been administered by various GAA providers in Victoria, NSW and Queensland, as well as via a national provider, Bushranger Golf.

But in a letter last month to the nearly 2000 Golf Access Members in Victoria, Golf Victoria announced that handicaps would no longer be available through the state body, and that members should consider transitioning to another provider; with the RACV Golf Membership receiving top billing.

“Following a recent review by Golf Victoria, it has been decided that the current Golf Access membership will no longer be offered,” the letter explains. “instead, Golf Victoria has formed a relationship with RACV Golf Membership. This relationship provides a fantastic opportunity for Victorian social golfers to access a wide range of benefits not currently available to Golf Access members.”

The letter came as a surprise to many GAA members, as well as some independent GAA providers, who found themselves unexpectedly unable to renew handicaps of their members. Inside Golf spoke with a number of GAA providers who were both shocked and upset by the announcement.

“We were completely blindsided by this,” said one GAA provider, who asked that their name and club be withheld. “We were not consulted at all, nor were any of the other GAA providers that we’ve spoken with. We had no warning that this was coming, let alone that a review had taken place.

“From our position, it has been very poorly managed and the outcome is a backward step for golf. it appears that GAA providers have been removed from the market and the RACV is being handed a monopoly. Many of our golfers are very angry and we feel somewhat betrayed given how we were lobbied by Golf Australia initially to participate in the Golf Access program when it was established.”

Golf Victoria’s CeO, Simon Brookhouse, told Inside Golf that the decision to end GAA administration at the state level was based on many factors.

“Following the development of the Golf Victoria

strategic plan, it was identified that an area of potential growth was that of the social golfer. The social golfer market appears to have been disjointed in the past with a number of options provided but no consistent approach across the state. The options [include] Golf Access, Women’s Golf Network, league Clubs, Social Clubs, RACV Club Membership and the new Crown lager Social Golf Club (ClSGC). To consolidate this we have taken the approach that RACV Membership offers the social golfer the best benefits.”

The GAA Program has sparked debate throughout its existence. Social golfers openly welcomed the program, as it gave them access to an official Golf Australia handicap (via the Golflink system), as well as the necessary insurance and other benefits. Private clubs, however, voiced serious concerns about the program, claiming that it had the opposite effect, essentially driving members away from clubs and into more social play.

Brookhouse suggests that the latter was the case, with GAA not fulfilling its original goal.

“Our data suggests that Golf Access members were not converting to club membership. The product has not been subject to any development since its inception, and with Golf Australia introducing the ClSGC, Golf Victoria felt that the further development of the Golf Access product was unlikely.”

But the conversion data in Victoria may not tell the entire story. According to Matthew Pitt, founder of national GAA Provider Bushranger Golf, between 20 to 25 per cent of golfers they have supplied GAA handicaps have transitioned to club membership.

“We know 20 per cent of our golfers do not renew with us as they have joined a club, but the actual percentage is higher than that. We are aware of many cases where the golfer is not transferred on Golflink and the new club creates a new entity for the golfer on the system. We think it is safe to say that a quarter of the golfers we have put on handicaps have used the GAA handicap as a pathway to club membership. i

would think the percentages for State-based providers vary from ours, but the figures we have reported to Golf Australia have been very consistent over six years.”

According to Stephen Pitt, CeO of Golf Australia, the golfing landscape has undergone a change.

“The playing and membership environment has changed compared to when Golf Access was developed,” Pitt explains. “Golf club membership is, in many cases, less expensive and of greater value than Golf Access, so social golfers can indeed play as they want, whether that be socially or at a golf club in competition.

“The recent introduction of Golf Club Connect (www.golfclubconnect.com.au) enables golfers to purchase and find suitable and more flexible membership offerings to suit their needs. This means the golf clubs are getting significant support and social golfers in particular are too,” Pitt said.

Victoria is just the first of the states to formally re-evaluate the Golf Access program, with NSW and Qld potentially following suit.

“Golf NSW is currently reviewing its Golf Access and Golfers’ Club NSW/ACT programs,” explains Graeme Phillipson, General Manager of Golf, GolfNSW. “We are looking at consolidating these programs together with the national program. Golf NSW does receive queries from casual golfers who are interested in alternative ways of having a handicap other than becoming a full-time member of a golf club. Our challenge is to find the right mix between satisfying the desires of these golfers and also meeting our clubs’ needs. We are in the process of discussing these schemes with our Clubs and Districts to determine the best way forward.”

Golf Queensland, which has about 12 social golf clubs registered on Golf Access, is also working on ways to implement a similar scheme to that in Victoria and New South Wales.

“Golf Queensland does receive calls about Golf

Access so we have identified there might be a need to change as well,” says Luke Bates, manager of golf operations.

“We are trying to work out ways to fulfil the need that is out there for those players who want to play competition golf, but who are unable to join a traditional golf club. We must also be mindful of keeping traditional member golf clubs happy.”

So what are the current options for social/casual golfers to get an official handicap?

Joining a country golf club or a metropolitan club is the obvious choice, and many clubs (especially the cash-strapped country-based clubs) are offering an increasing range of alternative membership options to suit a variety of budgets or playing preferences.

in Victoria, The RACV Golf Membership (www.racv.com.au/golf) offers official handicaps, Personal Golf insurance cover, a free round of golf at selected RACV courses, discounts on golf rounds at RACV member courses and other benefits. Golfers transitioning over to the RACV Club will receive a special rate of $120 for the first year (normally $210).

Another option for Victorian golfers / clubs is to join the Victorian Golf league (www.vicgolfleague.com.au, 03 9417 3019), which represent all golfers on public access courses.

“The VGl can affiliate all golfers, either with one of our existing 78 clubs, or as a new social club,” says Peter Kingshott, president of the VGl. “if they elect not to join the RACV Golf Program, Social Clubs can join our league as a Restricted Club for $80 per member, and maintain their Australian handicaps, along with all other benefits they enjoyed with Golf Access, including magazine subscriptions, Public liability, injury and Property insurance.”

Finally, golfers in all states can join Bushranger Golf (www.bushrangergolf.com.au, 03 5433 3213). Since 2006, Bushranger Golf has provided full official handicaps for golfers across the country, and offers all the necessary insurance and access to a variety of professionally managed events in various states.

“Bushranger Golf welcomes all golfers who are interested in holding an official handicap,” says Pitt. “Our goal is to help golfers where we can and to promote and grow the game. We have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to introduce so many golfers to handicaps and provide a pathway to club membership. We look forward to helping many more people activate a handicap to enjoy participating in the fun and challenge of competition golf.” •

FOOTNOTE: The Crown Lager Social Golf Club, launched by Golf Australia in November 2011, offers “casual” handicaps which are maintained by golfers and calculated via GolfLink.

Golf Access Australia undergoing radical shiftGolf Victoria moves GAA handicaps to RACV and VGL, while GolfNSW and Golf Queensland re-evaluate their options

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www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2012 7

Unique idea nets golfer a trip to US OpenSiNCe October last year, purchasers of eagles & Birdies golf bags were given the chance to enter a unique competition whereby they submitted ideas for golf bag “innovations” to improve eagles Birdies golf bags.

Dianne Connolly, from Terrigal NSW, was the lucky winner, beating out thousands of other entrants. Connolly, who has never been to a major golf tournament, nor to America, will now be travelling with her husband to the Olympic Club in San Francisco. her $9,500 prize includes 2 tickets to the US Open for the last two days, 5 nights in five-star accommodation, two economy return airfares and transfers.

Not a bad prize for a unique idea!“We had a very positive response to the

competition, with contestants numbering into the thousands,” says Brett Clarebrough of UnderPar P/l, which designs and sells eagles & Birdies golf bags.

“We had several really innovative ideas and a couple will be instituted into our new 2013 bag line.”

The judging panel selected Connolly’s idea, which is reported to be “one of a kind” and will remain confidential for the time being. •

What’s in a name?QUeeNSlAND’S richest man, Clive Palmer, has added his name to his Coolum Resort on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

in golfing circles, it was known as hyatt Regency Coolum, but when the mining magnate billionaire bought the luxury resort he changed the name to Coolum Golf and Spa.

That name lasted about a month.Now the home of the Australian PGA

Championship will be known as Palmer Resort Coolum. •

Bondad T2 in the Ladies Scottish Open AUSTRAliAN Frances Bondad finished runner-up at the Aberdeen Asset Management ladies Scott ish Open presented by eventScotland on a glorious final day at Archerfield links in east lothian.

The NSW player fired a final round of 67 to end just one shot behind Scottish teenager Carly Booth, 19, who earned her maiden win on the ladies european Tour.

A winner on the ladies european Tour late last year at the Sanya ladies Open in China, Bondad had a flawless final round containing five birdies at the first, fifth, sixth, eighth and 12th holes.

“i’m really pleased with the way i played,” she said. “i’m not disappointed at all, Carly is a good friend of mine, so really happy for her.”

“i hit a lot of greens this week so that was probably the best part of my game. i missed the last three greens so i think just a little bit of nerves. My putting, i held it together, so i’m really happy with that.”

“i’ve worked hard in the off season preparing

to try and get on the lPGA this year so hopefully i’ll have a good year.”

it was a very good finish for the Australian contingent with four players in the top 15. Victorian Stacey Keating carded a final round of 69 to finish just one back from Bondad and tied for fourth position, her best result on the ladies european Tour since turning pro. in her rookie year, 2011, Keating posted six top-10 finishes.

Karen lunn, who has already tasted victory in 2012 in europe, finished in a share of 15th position at two-over par, with fellow compatriot Sarah Kemp. •

Two new holes at The Dunes Golf LinksONe of the Mornington Peninsula’s top courses, The Dunes Golf links, opened two new holes last month, in the hopes of driving the course into Australia’s Top 10.

The two new holes – the new 15th and 16th — run alongside the current 15th and 16th, thereby giving the course 20 holes altogether (with only 18 playable at any one time).

The new 15th hole is a strong par-4 (replacing a short par-5) running west down a valley in the sand dunes, followed by a 500m downhill par-5 16th (replacing a strong par-4) that uses the existing 16th green.

Inside Golf had the pleasure of being among the first to play the new holes, and we were suitably impressed. The new 15th is a beautiful dogleg that requires a solid teeshot to the left in order to catch a glimpse of the slightly elevated/tucked green. The new 16th takes much better advantage of the landscape and existing bunkers that guard the original green. Although a short par-5, it now offers real risk/reward, and a solid eagle/birdie chance – which adds excitement to any competition.

While the old 15/16 were (and are) still very good holes, we believe the new holes mark an intelligent and exciting upgrade to one of our favourite Mornington Peninsula courses.

The Dunes is currently ranked in Australia’s Top 20 and in Australia’s Top 5 public access courses. it is hoped that the new changes will improve the rankings significantly. •

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2016 Olympic Golf course land OOBAN ongoing land ownership dispute threatens to derail the 2016 Olympic Golf Course project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

A Brazilian court is currently debating the ownership of the site where the course is to be built. Two parties currently claim ownership, sparking a legal battle that could potentially take months to sort out. Contracts and agreements which were seemingly in place cannot be produced by the City of Rio, with the $30 million project now in question.

These delays could seriously affect the tight scheduling around the construction of the course. The international Golf Federation recently said construction was expected to start around October, and the goal is to have it ready for test events early in

2015. But until a decision on the property is made, any building activity would likely be suspended.

The city recently said it was “evaluating the measures it will take” regarding the land dispute.

Choosing another site could be an option, but American designer Gil hanse, who was picked to build the course via a lengthy design submission competition, has stated that his project was based entirely on the land under dispute. Any changes to the land itself would force him to start from scratch. if a new site were announced, it could potentially force another design/submission process altogether, re-opening the door for designers like Greg Norman (who is currently designing another course in Brazil), Peter Thomson, Jack Nicklaus and others to win the contract. •

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Tell a fellow golfer that you shot a 55, and the most common reply is bound to be “Sure, but what did you shoot on the BACK 9!”

Fortunately for Aussie professional Rhein Gibson, he can honestly retort “Well, on the back i shot a 26...”

last month, the 26-year-old from lismore, NSW, made jaws drop across the world as he recorded an astounding 16-under-par 55 at the River Oaks Golf Club in Oklahoma, a 6698-yard par-71 course.

The score, which falls within the Guinness Book of World Records criteria, will be a new world record once cleared. Only one other golfer, homero Blancas from the 1960s, has ever recorded a 55 (on a par-70 course), but his record was removed after harder qualifying rules were set.

Following a regulation par on the first hole of the day (the 10th), Gibson managed 6 birdies and two eagles to record a mind-numbing 26, followed by 6 birdies and 3 pars on his second nine to close with an impressive 29.

“i just kind of got hot i guess and every putt i hit went in, that’s the best i can explain it to be honest,” Gibson said.

Meanwhile, another world golf record fell last month – this time for ball speed.

Professional long drive competitor Maurice Allen exceeded the world record for driver ball speed – despite using a fairway wood!

in the Full Swing simulator at America’s Golf outlet in Orlando Florida, Allen swung an exotics XCG5 fairway wood that produced a whopping ball speed of 211 mph, besting the current record of 204 mph ball speed held by Jason Zuback using a driver.

“Allen’s shot is a remarkable feat because he beat Zuback’s record by 7 mph using a fairway wood” says Andy harris, Tour edge Golf ’s PGA Tour representative. “Allen’s incredible shot produced a stunningly-long 347 yard 3-wood hit with 336 yards of carry. That’s longer than PGA Tour players hit their driver. it is a testament to Maurice’s strength and skill as well as an endorsement of the exotics XCG5 fairway wood as being the longest hitting fairway wood in golf.”

At 30 years of age, Maurice is only 5’ 8” tall and 185 lbs., but he generates an incredible 160 mph of club speed. What’s even more amazing is that Maurice has only been playing golf for two years. •

Two world records shattered

Golf ‘buddy’ programReDlAND Bay Golf Club in Brisbane has a ‘Golf Buddy Program’ to help new members make a smooth beginning to their golfing life at the bayside club.

The program pairs an experienced long-serving member with a new member, who may not have any past golf experience or is new to the club.

The main object is to establish a meaningful friendship between both parties while the new member learns the fundamentals of golf and is familiarised with the club and its facilities.

Part of the learning process is established members must show commitment to the cause.

A ‘golf buddy’ receives contact details of the new member, who wishes to be part of this program. Normally, a club competition game is organised and the ‘golf buddy’ will introduce the new member to other club members, staff and pro shop representatives.

“it’s been working very well,” said the club’s general manager Aaron Muirhead.

“We are trying to bridge the gap between people who haven’t played before and been introduced to the club or who have come from interstate and don’t know anybody in the area.

“So we try to get them out and about with one of our long-serving members to introduce them to other members and about the club’s culture.” •

Golf’s highs and lows iF you think professional golfers can consistently stay on top of their game, forget it.

According to Australian legend Frank Phillips, professionals peak at certain times of the year.

Phillips, who captured two Australian Open titles and more than 40 tournaments world-wide, said he believed in life cycles.

“i believe there are certain times of the year when you are at your peak,” he said.

“i played my best golf between February to May and October to December.

“You watch certain people play great at certain times of the year and then they play badly.

“it’s very hard to keep your great form going for 12 months. You have your highs and lows.” •

Conference coup for Gold CoastGRiFFiTh University on the Gold Coast has snared the right to host the 2014 World Scientific Conference on Golf (WSCG).

The conference, which will attract hundreds of delegates from around the world, will be at Royal Pines Resort.

Until now, the quadrennial event has been at either St Andrews in Scotland or Scottsdale, Arizona.

“While the immediate financial return may not be massive, having the most important people in golf, playing our courses and sharing ideas in a highly technical forum is an amazing coup for the Gold Coast,” Griffith’s head of Physiotherapy and exercise Science Professor Peter Milburn said.

“Few sports rely so heavily on such a variety of sciences as golf – from the technical design and manufacturing of equipment, to the physical perfection of swings and techniques, hydrology, soil enrichment, engineering, construction or environmental science, all before psychology and course management is even touched on.

“One of the big changes is the massive rise in popularity and professionalism of women’s golf, so there is a developing area of research around the different biomechanics of the genders and what they can learn from each other.”

One feature of Griffith’s bid was its focus on Asian delegates and institutions, which could help the conference further expand in the future.

“We had a look at the conference’s usual delegates and noticed there was not much of an Asian presence,” Professor Milburn said.

“As Aussies, we felt we were much more connected to that area of the world – culturally and physically.

“South Korea is very important to southeast Queensland, Japan is fanatical about golf, golf in China is developing rapidly and then you have Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, hong Kong and Singapore.”

Gold Coast Tourism helped secured the conference, which it expects will be a boost for the golf market and local sports science. •

FOOTNOTE: While the global economic impact of golf may be incalculable, a 2005 World Golf Foundation study on its value to the United States put the direct economic contribution at $76 billion. It also found that the industry created two million jobs with a total wage income of $61 billion.

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GOlF Queensland’s Participation Development Officer, lee harrington, knows that remote areas such as Tambo, Blackall and Barcaldine face a tough time in developing the game of golf in their area.

harrington grew up playing golf on sand greens in Western NSW, so she also knows that although these towns are small, they still have a huge opportunity for children to learn about and play golf.

With the assistance of local Tambo/Blackall Regional Council Sport and Recreation Officer, Kim Trickett, harrington recently spent a week delivering MYGolf clinics and a community coaching course for the area of Tambo, Blackall and Barcaldine. This included delivering introductory clinics to schools within the area. These clinics are now being followed up by passionate community coaches, who put in hours of their own time to keep the children learning and playing the game.

The community coaching day was well attended by locals keen to develop the game of golf in their area.

“Golf Queensland’s community coaching course was probably the most engaging i have come across,” said Trickett.

The MYGolf program was also delivered at the community coaching day and then followed up individually with each club.

Since then, 16 juniors in total have now enrolled into the national junior development program, MYGolf in Blackall, with Tambo and Barcaldine to follow. “The response back to the clubs was fantastic,” harrington says.

“We far exceeded expected results, with a great return in new junior memberships and a marked increase in volunteer community coaches,” Trickett enthused.

With the passion and experience of some great people out there–Bill Rogers in Tambo, Shane Robinson in Blackall and leah Williams in Barcaldine, these children will continue to learn and be inspired to play golf.

“The week truly was a great sporting experience for both myself and the community. Golf Queensland has been outstanding with their ongoing support.” said Trickett. •

GOlF Queensland’s Gennai Goodwin has recently been awarded the opportunity to join the elite Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Golf Program.

The QAS Golf Program is conducted with the assistance of the Queensland Government and forms the pinnacle of the Golf Queensland high Performance Programs. The QAS Program, which commenced in July 2001, is designed to assist Queensland’s most talented amateur players in reaching their full potential within the amateur golf ranks.

Seventeen-year-old Gennai Goodwin is a prime example of the type of players invited to join the QAS Program.

“i am extremely honoured to be selected to join the QAS Program out of all the great golfers in Queensland,” Goodwin says. “i’m really looking forward to improving my game as a whole, not only the technical side but also the mental side and help with preparation in leading up to tournaments.”

Goodwin is well liked amongst her peers, which saw her awarded the captaincy of the Queensland Junior Girls’ Team this year.

Grant Field, Goodwin’s home coach also speaks highly of the talented golfer: “This is a fabulous opportunity for Gennai to really develop her game. The added attention to areas such as sport science, strength and conditioning and tournament experience will be invaluable to her development as a player.”

Goodwin demonstrated her passion and dedication for the game of golf throughout her time in the Golf Queensland State Program, when she would travel every month from Mossman to Brisbane to attend State Training.

Golf Queensland’s head Coach, Tony Meyer says he is looking forward to Goodwin joining the QAS.

“Gennai is an extremely talented and dedicated golfer and she really represents what being in the QAS is all about,” he said.

The program provides scholarships for ten high performing players each year, and provides scholarship holders in assistance with training and coaching, sports medicine/sports science, tournament support, apparel and travel to major tournaments. Squad members of the QAS Golf Program are expected to fully commit to the program and to make the most of the scholarship opportunity. The squad is selected based on commitment to training, fitness, tournament performance and passion for the game of golf. •

Gennai Goodwin selected for QAS Golf Program

Golf clinics prove a hit in rural Qld

Gennai Goodwin

DREAM BAG GIVEAWAY

Blackall Golf Club

industry news


Schumacher finishes second to Tiger WoodsMeRCeDeS-BeNZ Formula One driver Michael Schumacher doesn’t like to lose but he’s finished in second place behind golfer Tiger Woods in the Sunday Times’ (US) annual listing of the world’s top earning athletes. The German racing ace has accrued US$810.7 million over the journey, missing out on the top spot to Tiger Woods’ US$856 million.

The scale of the duo’s earnings are put into some perspective when compared with the takings of other highly successful sportspeople like Michael Jordan ($508.2m), Roger Federer ($311.3m) and David Beckham ($254m).

Other Formula One counterparts of Schumacher had varied results with two other World Champions, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen, netting around $158.6 million each, ahead of British Mclaren teammates lewis Hamilton ($87.7m) and Jenson Button ($83.7m). •

Rolex extends ‘commitment to growing golf globally’ROleX has strengthened its commitment to growing the game of golf by extending its support of The R&A for a further 10 years. The decade-long agreement secures until 2022 a relationship dating back to the 1979 Open Championship.

Rolex’s involvement with golf ’s governing body began as Official Timekeeper, then in 2002 as a Patron of The Open. The relationship was extended in 2004 to sponsoring the publication of the english language version of the Rules of Golf and its global distribution.

The Walker Cup and the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship have also received support including a specific commitment to help The R&A grow the amateur game. This will be accomplished by supporting its Championships, international matches and both the men’s and women’s World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), co-administered by the USGA.

The R&A’s Chief executive Peter Dawson said: “Through its historic and unwavering support, Rolex

has become part of the fabric of golf. From supporting the amateur game to increasing awareness of the Rules, through an association of more than 30 years with golf ’s original Major to presenting the Senior Open, Rolex is making a significant contribution at every level of our sport.”

The Swiss watchmaker’s commitment to every level of the game was demonstrated last year when Rolex become the presenting patron of The Senior Open Championship from 2012 after securing a new agreement with The R&A and the european Senior Tour.

“Rolex has been a strong symbol of performance and prestige for over a century and we are delighted to extend our relationship with The R&A,” said Gian Riccardo Marini, Chief executive Officer of Rolex SA. “The R&A shares our values, which include a commitment to growing the game of golf throughout the world, and we look forward to continuing our close working relationship over the coming years.” •

Aussie golf course designers top listJUST three years after opening, Black Mountain Golf Club in Thailand has been named among the top 100 golf courses outside the United States. Black Mountain was designed by Pacific Coast Design in Melbourne. in the latest rankings published in the May issue of US Golf Digest, Black Mountain was placed 98th best course outside America among an elite field of which only 14 are in Asia. located just 10 minutes from hua hin, 200 kilometres south of Bangkok, a long-standing holiday destination of the Thai Royal family and favoured by european visitors.

The ranking is the third major award for the course in the past four months. late last year, Black Mountain was named by Asian Golf Monthly as the best course in Thailand and the best championship course in Asia Pacific. The championship golf course has hosted two Asian Tour events as well as the 2010 Royal Trophy. in 2010, Asian tour players voted Black Mountain the best host venue of the year. •

Monty eyes MoroccoRYDeR Cup legend Colin Montgomerie and european Golf Design (eGD) are to design a new golf course next to one of Morocco’s finest beaches, Plage des Nations, near Rabat.

The golf course will be the centrepiece of a major new 1,200-acre luxury resort and expansive residential community (10,000 units) that will also feature a golf clubhouse, beach club, hotel and shopping centre.

it is the eighth time Monty and eGD have worked together, creating one of the most successful design partnerships in europe, the Middle east and Africa. Previous joint ventures include golf courses in Bahrain, The Netherlands, ireland, Wales, Turkey and Scotland.

The Plage des Nations Resort, one of the largest developments of its kind in North Africa, will

occupy a site offering breathtaking elevated views of the Atlantic Ocean. The 18-hole, Par 72 golf course will wend its way through valleys and an undulating downland landscape set back from the beachfront.

Colin Montgomerie said: “We’ve got interesting terrain and changes in elevation to work with, which is helping us to create a lively and intricate, strategic design. We will be having some fun with the contouring, to encourage more golfers to play more creatively.

“i am keen on designs that test a golfer’s initiative & decision making, so Plage des Nations is going to be a definitive expression of that philosophy. it will be challenging putting it together and we’re confident that the end result will be a beautiful, testing and fun golf course.” •

Robin Hiseman, EGD Designer looks over Colin Montgomerie’s design for Plage des Nations (inset) Colin Montgomerie with Robin Hiseman

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industry news


TaylorMade soars while industry stumblesTAYlORMADe-adidas Golf reported record sales of $508 million for the first quarter of 2012, up 32% from the prior year. This comes on the heels of 20% revenue growth in 2011 to $1.4 billion for the world’s largest golf company. Sales should approach $2 billion this year.

TaylorMade’s success comes as other golf companies are hurting. Sales at Callaway Golf were down 8% in 2011 and have declined seven straight quarters. Nike Golf reported sales down 4% in its 2011 fiscal year to $623 million after a 2% drop the prior year.

Golf companies have struggled as the number of golfers has dwindled in recent years. There were 26 million golfers in the U.S. in 2011, down from 30 million in 2005 according to the National Golf Foundation. Courses continue to close with a further 157.5 18-hole equivalent courses shutting their doors last year versus just 19 new openings. There was a net loss of 358 courses between 2006 and 2011 according to the NGF. “We need to make the game more exciting, more fun and more accessible to attract new players,”

says TaylorMade chief executive Mark King.TaylorMade’s performance is staggering in an

industry under duress. Profits doubled in the first quarter (King wouldn’t reveal profit margins). The company is taking market share from rivals. Metal woods is the biggest category in the golf business and represent roughly 35% of TaylorMade’s revenues. TaylorMade owned 30% of the metal woods market at the start of 2011 and now commands 52% of the market. “The products are great and the validation of that is so many touring professional around the world are using our products,” says King.

TaylorMade has broken some traditional rules in golf. The company changed the colour of its metal woods from the industry standard black to white at the start of 2011, which caused a stir in the golfing community. “We did it to bring attention to our technology,” says King. TaylorMade chose the name RocketBallz for its woods which King says was controversial within the company and in consumer testing. •

Shark circling around Tasmania and PhilippinesTheRe is optimism that a stalled multi-million dollar golf course and residential development on Tasmania’s east coast will eventually go ahead. First proposed more than eight years ago, the Solis project includes an 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman and 600 residential lots. it was put on hold because of financial troubles. The owners have met with the local Council for renewed talks on its future.

Greg Ramsay is the mastermind behind the Barnbougle links course at Bridport and is a consultant on the Solis project. he says the region holds a lot of promise.

“The east coast of Tasmania, in particular, has a bright future in golf tourism, golf residential.”

The town has suffered an economic downturn since the former Gunns woodchip mill shut down almost a year ago.

Overseas, Greg Norman was in the Philippines last month to launch the development of the

Greg Norman Signature Golf Course at the Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Dapitan.

Promising to present a backdrop of the ocean from every angle, the 18-hole golf course is set to be completed within 12 to 18 months. After the initial ocular inspection, Norman will return three more times to supervise the development of the project.

“it’s been a great journey for us in terms of designing golf courses. every golf course we design we try to make it different. it has to do with the environment and the topography,” said Norman, who has been in the Philippines before to design the Splendido Taal Golf Course in 2002.

The new golf course in Dakak joins 18 other Greg Norman Courses currently in progress. Seventy four courses already exist worldwide, with 20 more under planning. •

Stonebridge Golf Club reaches important milestoneThe hunter Valley’s newest championship golf course and residential development opened their full 18 holes last month. located on the outskirts of Cessnock, the Troon managed Stonebridge Golf Club has been designed by home-grown golfing legend Jack Newton.

“i’m really proud of the whole course design. There’s a good balance of holes for the serious, as well as the casual golfer. The course’s signature 18th hole will feature a memorable par-three playing over a tranquil lake, as well as the stone bridge directing golfers over the water and onto a picturesque green,” Jack said.

The layout will be a focus of Stonebridge living, the hunter Valley’s latest contemporary residential destination. The community nature of Stonebridge, coupled with the quiet streets and unbeatable golf course backyard views, create a totally unique living environment. The Stonebridge Clubhouse will offer members and guests a range of excellent facilities including a fully stocked golf shop, cafe and bar, overlooking the 18th green. •

Mike Orloff [email protected]

Garske, Matlock launch golf consultancy serviceFORMeR Chief executive Officer of the Australian PGA, Max Garske, and boutique investment banker Don Matlock of Matlock Corporate Advisory Pty ltd, have joined forces to assist in the sale or purchase of Golf Courses and their associated businesses, within Australia and the Asia Pacific region. They will operate the business under the banner of SAGOCO, as joint principals.

Both parties will conduct this venture as an operating arm of their respective existing consultancy businesses. Mr Garske in global golf industry consulting and Mr Matlock, through his long established Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) advisory business.

They see the combination of Mr Garske’s experience and contacts in the golfing world and Mr Matlock’s extensive experience in M & A activities, as an ideal combination in an industry that has very few specialist sales advisory groups.

Given the increased interest from overseas investors, particularly from China, india and Malaysia in acquiring Australian golf courses, both gentlemen see a great deal of potential and activity in this area over the medium to longer term. •

industry


ON the 19th September 2011 the PGA of Australia celebrated a milestone 100 years of producing some of the world’s best golfers, helping people all over Australia and indeed the world enjoy this wonderful game.

At PGA Member Centenary Golf Days held at each state’s Royal Golf Club 117 PGA Professionals were honoured by their fellow PGA Professionals with Centenary Awards.

These Professionals come from all areas of the PGA; from some of our most successful Touring Professionals, to world-class coaches, those who have dedicated their time and passion to the Association and those whose names you may not recognise, but who have introduced the joys of golf to people all over Australia.

The PGA of Australia has grown and evolved thanks to the foresight of PGA Professionals over

the past Century. From the Association’s first ever meeting in Carnegie Clarke’s workshop in 1911, the PGA has evolved to comprise a membership of more than 2500 with the modern day PGA Professional being involved in all facets of the Golf industry. They are coaches, they entertain with their phenomenal playing talent, they deliver holden Scramble events, introduce juniors to golf and make the game accessible to those in remote areas. Further, PGA Professionals are prudent business operators and are the friendly face that greets you in the pro shop and provides you expert advice.

PGA of Australia Professionals really are some of the best in the world, so if you are looking to improve your game, knock a few shots off your handicap or purchase better equipment i encourage you to visit your local PGA Professional.

Finally i would like to personally congratulate all PGA Centenary award winners for the outstanding achievements that earned them this honour, and thank all PGA Professionals over the past Century for creating today’s world class PGA of Australia. •

NSW Life Members at the NSW Centenary Member Day with Phil Baird, Mark Gibson, Brian Thorburn

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GOlF Australia, in conjunction with the GMA and AGCSA, recently released a study into the economic impacts of the incoming Carbon Tax on Australian golf clubs and the wider industry.

As regular and often considerable consumers of electricity, petrol and diesel in daily operations, the tax has the potential to have a visible impact on golf clubs with their energy bills. The prospective modelling gives golf clubs approximate differences to their energy costs once the tax is enacted.

As one of the first sports to provide this information to its industry, Golf Australia is committed to assisting clubs with information for their current and future planning.

We’re always interested to hear from golf clubs, big and small, on what other general information would be of value.

Golf Australia’s website contains a range of competition resources for clubs including manuals on competition administration, course

set up and marking procedures, referee duties, various competitions and pace of play advice.

it also houses an industry employment section for golf clubs to advertise vacancies to the industry and links to the Australian Golf insurance website for clubs who are interested in taking up that product offering.

if you’ve got any suggestions of what information or resources would be beneficial for your club, email us at [email protected] with your suggestions. We regularly update our website with new information but would like to hear what club members and officials would find useful.

in championship news, the halfway mark of the year also saw the bulk of our National Amateur Championships played and won following a successful Australian interstate Series held at Royal Adelaide and West lakes Golf Clubs in South Australia.

The men’s final saw New South Wales defeat Tasmania with the Tasmanians shooting for their first win in the championship since 1977. Remarkably, the two states which finished in the bottom two places after the 2011 tournament contested the final a year later.

The women’s final saw a strong Western Australian team defeat the Victorian women to win the Gladys hay Memorial Cup for a second consecutive year.

Good winter golfing! •

Stephen PittCEO – Golf Australia

Ladies get special treatmentiT’S an untapped market and Brisbane’s Redland Bay Golf Club is going after it.

Women golfers, who are newcomers to the game, receive special treatment from club officials and it seems the extra attention is paying dividends.

“The ladies introduction clinic is a big winner,” said general manager Aaron Muirhead.

“it costs $10 to do a clinic with the club professional and after the clinic the ladies

committee take them out on the course to play three holes.

“Then they bring them back and introduce them to the members during the presentation of prizes.

“We have had 30 join the program and if i can convert half to members i’ll be rapt.

“hopefully, that will fill the rest of the six-day membership because our seven-day membership is full.

“It’s been a while since that has happened here. •

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events


Mornington Peninsula Tournament a hit

A few of the golfers who tackled The Mornington Peninsula’s best courses

BAYVieW Golf Club’s Ross McNicol took top honours in the Men’s and Overall Champion events at the Third Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Tournament last month. eden Golf Club’s elizabeth hepburn was the best of the ladies, nabbing the hardware in the Women’s category.

More than 240 players from Australia and overseas took part in what is becoming known as one of the biggest and best amateur golf tournaments on the Mornington Peninsula. Beginning with a big Welcome Party at RACV Cape Schanck Resort, golfers enjoyed friendships made during the week as well as the opportunity to play on some of Australia’s best courses – The National (Ocean and Old courses), RACV Cape Schanck Resort

and Portsea.Wayne lucas, President of Mornington

Peninsula Golf Tourism, who previously envisaged gradual growth of the Tournament said “The Third Annual MPGT Tournament has more than surpassed expectations. entries nearly tripled this year, the format allowed for golfers to experience superb courses throughout the week and also provided leisure time to enjoy the many other wonderful activities the peninsula has to offer.

“Planning for 2013 is already underway and we expect even more golfers from overseas to participate as those taking part this year are spreading the word back home and gathering numbers to tour with them next year”, he said. •

Barraba pair grabs Sand Greens Fourball ChampionshipBARRABA Golf Club pairing Ben Koopman and Peter York won the 2012 Men’s NSW Sand Greens Fourball Championship, held at Coonamble Golf Club in April.

The pair shot a six-under-par 42 points over the first 18-holes, highlighted by York’s eagle two at the par four 3rd hole. This saw them with a four stroke lead from Walgett’s Rodney and Neil Newton and Wallacia’s Ben Michelmore and Chris Moreton.

Although not shooting as well over the second 18-holes—with an even-par round of 36 points for a total 78, it was enough to give the pair a two-stroke victory over fast-finishing Michael and Jacob Ryan (Cobar), who finished with 76 after the two rounds.

in the nett event, Walgett pairing of Gareth Bullock and Ron Fuller took the honours on a countback after four pairs finished equal on 97 points after two rounds. Their barnstorming finish (51 points) was enough to secure them the prize.

A full list of results, prize winners and images can be found at www.golfnsw.org. •

Rain doesn’t dampen NSW Foursomes ChampionshipsCRONUllA Golf Club was the host for the 2012 Men’s and Women’s Foursomes Championships, held in April. Despite heavy rain throughout the week the course was in excellent condition for the event, which saw a field of 110 battle it out over 36 holes.

in the Women’s event, Adrianna Brent (The lakes) and lauren hibbert (Pennant hills), both members of the NSW State Team, finished with a total score of 146, securing the Championship title by just one shot over Olivia Wilson (NSW) and Cathleen Santoso (The lakes). Chantal hodson (The Australian) and Carly Beck (The Australian) finished third overall.

in the Men’s event Dimi Papadatos (Moore Park) and Zac Stolz (Pymble) shot an incredible seven-under 64 in the second round to finish at 137, blitzing the field by five shots to take out the title.

Bonnie Doon pairing Ruben Sondjaja and Ricky Kato finished second with a score of 142, while early leaders Matt Burns (NSW) and Derr yn Weigand (Bankstown) finished in third place on 145.

The Men’s Club Foursomes Champion of Champions event was won by Bonnie Doon’s Ruben Sondjaja and Ricky Kato, while the Women’s was won by Jan Jacka and Tracey Wood from Camden lakeside.

For more information, a full list of results, prize winners and images can be found at www.golfnsw.org. •

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events


David [email protected]

MANY years ago, i came across a wonderful book called Final Rounds written by James Dodson.

it was about a father, a son and the golf journey of a lifetime.

in the book, Dodson offers a touching, heartfelt, often humorous tribute to his father and the game they loved as he tells the poignant story of his father’s last days and how they set out to celebrate them with a golf trip of a lifetime.

The book is about much more than just a game: it is about a journey of discovery between a father and a son, about long-held secrets finally shared, and about the valuable lessons a younger man could still learn from his father on the importance of life, love and family.

Memories of the book came flooding back after i received a telephone call from eric Roberts, the tournament organisers for the 36-hole Australian Father and Son Open Golf Championship.

Roberts rang to remind me this year’s championship, the seventh in the event’s history, would be contested at Country Club Tasmania in launceston from November 30 to December 2.

last year, 50 teams of fathers and sons and even grandfathers and grandsons ventured to Tasmania for the two-ball aggregate stableford event.

“Golfers came from all over Australia, New Zealand and even South Africa,” Roberts said.

“This year i would like to see more players participate.

“For many people, the Australian Father and Son Golf Championship is more than an event.

“it is a holiday for a lot of people who come and play in the event.

“Some people are now staying for seven days

and making a golf holiday of it. Some are staying on and going to play golf at Barnbougle and lost Farm.

“People who have never been to Tasmania before will find out this place is pretty nice.”

it’s also a great opportunity for fathers and sons with common interests to strengthen their bond while away from home.

last year hennie Oosthuizen and his son Gustav took part in the tournament and later penned a letter to Roberts.

“eric, thank you for organising such a wonderful event,” Oosthuizen Senior wrote.

“it has made a significant impact in the relationship between me and my son – memories that we will have forever.”

There are two packages available for this year’s event.

The cost is $585 per person and covers three nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, Villa italiana gala dinner, welcome drinks and nibbles, trophy presentation, two days golf, logoed shirt, cap, bag tag and trophies.

Alternatively, golfers can opt for the $195 per person package, which includes welcome drinks and nibbles, trophy presentation, two days golf, logoed shirt, cap, bag tag and trophies. For those wishing to attend the gala dinner, add $80 per person.

For more info phone (03) 6394 4158 or 0407 124 373, email [email protected] or d ow n l o a d t h e e nt r y for m f rom www.australiafatherandsongolfchampionship.com •

Father and son event on again

An aerial view of Country Club Tasmania – the venue for the Australian Father and Son Open Golf Championship.

Ellis wins Blind Golf ChampionshipBliND Golf Australia conducted its 2012 Australian Stableford Championship over 36 holes at the Adelaide Shores Golf Club on 10 & 11 May.

The tournament was well supported with entrants coming from NSW, QlD, SA, WA and ViC. Blind golf has 3 sight categories; B1, B2 and B3 depending on the player’s vision capabilities. B1 players are totally blind.

Defending champion Victorian Jeff ellis (B3) won on a count-back from New South Welshman Gary Sargent (B2). Jeff, with his wife Maureen as caddie, played outstanding golf scoring 81 stableford points over the two-day event to win the 2012 Championship.

in hosting the presentation of trophies, Mr Doug Sloan, Tournament Director and Blind Golf Australia President firstly thanked the Adelaide Shores Golf Club and staff for use of their course, and the Royal Society for the Blind in Adelaide for assisting in the management of the championship. he went on to thank the representatives from Blind Golf Australia for their help throughout the event, plus the players and their caddies for supporting the national event.

To learn more about blind golf, go to the Blind Golf Australia website www.blindgolf.com.au or see www.internationalblindgolf.com •

RESULTS2012 Australian Stableford ChampionJeff ellis (ViC) 81 pointsClassification WinnersB1 Glenn Niciejewski (QlD) 69 pointsB2 Sean Witting (ViC) 75 pointsB3 Rick Krolik (ViC) 74 points

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events


TWiN Waters Golf Club and Novotel Twin Waters Resort on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast have hosted their fair share of big events over the years, and 2012 is not looking to stray too far from the norm with the holden Scramble Championship Final confirmed to return for the 2012 finale.

The culmination of Australia’s largest pro-amateur teams event will take place a little later than usual this year, running from 7th – 10th December, leading into the Australian PGA Championship, presented by Coca-Cola, and will launch the golfing festivities on the Sunshine Coast.

The popular resort destination has become somewhat synonymous with the holden Scramble, having hosted the Championship Final fourteen of the twenty years it has run thus far, so locals and Scramblers alike can once again prepare for what is always guaranteed to be a great week of golf. Over the fourteen years, the holden Scramble has brought together good weather, good golfing and a range of colourful characters from around the country.

history would suggest that it is the clubs from New South Wales and Queensland that like the challenging Twin Waters layout, having won ten of the fourteen titles held at Twin Waters between the two states (five each). it’s fair to say, however, that being crowned the holden Scramble Champions is not the only prize during the weekend on the magnificent Sunshine Coast facility. Although cliché, it really is the opportunity of just being there which sets

Scramblers once again aim towards a Twin Waters Finale

the Scramble Final as the benchmark National teams event, and it goes without saying that the surroundings have much to do with it.

“Twin Waters is a magnificent facility and fits the atmosphere of the holden Scramble Championship Final perfectly” said Natalie Ritter, National events Manager for the PGA of Australia.

“Our event is about enjoying a unique style of

competition golf and embracing the team spirit. it provides players from all backgrounds and abilities with equal opportunity to be part of a National event. each year when a new group of Scramblers arrive at Twin Waters we know they will leave with some amazing memories and an unforgettable experience at one of Australia’s leading Resort courses.”

Steve hutchison, General Manager at Twin

Waters Golf Club has been involved in the event for the past seven years and still looks forward to the event each year.

“The event is great for the club here, our members and golfers from around the area continue to immerse themselves in the event through volunteering or just as spectators. Of course our head Superintendant, Gary Topp, always presents the course immaculately and we are proud to showcase the venue to each new group that comes through”.

With the event teeing it up at Twin Waters for the fifteenth year, the holden Scramble has also had the generous support of the Sunshine Coast Council for the past five years, who also see the benefit of the region hosting a national event.

“The holden Scramble has always formed a key role in our major event schedule and it’s been a great opportunity for us to showcase our region as a golfing destination,” stated Steve Cooper, CeO of Sunshine Coast Destination ltd.

“We have so much to offer visitors to the Sunshine Coast region, and whether it be golf, restaurants, shopping, beaches or national parks, there is something for individuals and families alike to enjoy in the area.”

So as the holden Scramble continues to make its mark as Australia’s longest-running amateur teams event, Twin Waters is fast becoming the event’s longest-running host venue as the Championship Final heads there once again.

For more info on the holden Scramble contact the PGA events Division on 03 8320 1999 or email [email protected] •

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seniors events


A NeW superstar has emerged in Australian Senior Amateur golf. in winning the 2012 National Senior Masters, Graham Blizard took his record to three titles from four starts in the over-55 years events for Australia’s best senior amateur golfers.

The National Senior Masters is played on each of the three courses at The National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula. Beginning on the Old course the left-handed Blizard took a one stroke lead after a par round of 72 and still had a share of the lead after a second round 78 on the Moonah course. Greg Corben had joined him in the 36-hole lead after an outstanding round of 71 on the Moonah course.

in the final round, Blizard proved too strong with his long straight drives and quality approach shots setting up another even par round. his 54-hole total of 222 gave him a five-stroke victory over Corben. The ever consistent West Australian ian McPherson finished third after a good closing round of 76.

A large field of over 170 senior golfers from all states of Australia played in this year’s championship. Next year, The National Senior Masters will again be held in April and will certainly prove popular again. Definitely an event to add to your golfing plans for 2013.

Greg Corben then continued his excellent form when he travelled to Alice Springs for the 2012 Northern Territory Senior Amateur Championship played in late April. Corben was the top-ranked senior in the field and after rounds of 75-78-74, recorded a ten-stroke victory over local golfer Thomas harold with Queenslander ian Read finishing in third place.

With a second and a win in these two recent events Corben has moved into the Top 5 on the 2012 Australian Senior Ranking table.

More information: www.ausoom.com .

NATIONALBlizard too strong at National Senior Masters

AFTeR four events in the inaugural running of the SA Senior Order of Merit competition, it is the “little master” Tony Mazzone who is showing his younger competitors what is needed. Mazzone is a few years past 65 and is not a long hitter but his consistent play and clever shotmaking has him on top of the table. in a very close competition Mazzone currently leads from Mt Osmond’s Rod Phillips.

The fourth Order of Merit event was played at the Flagstaff hill club and another very good field enjoyed the course and the competition. The winner was Tea Tree Gully senior Chris everett with a score of 74, a stroke ahead of Flagstaff hill member Clive Renner. Well known Australian senior representative John Beaumont made the trip from Mt Gambier to finish third in his first appearance in the 2012 Senior Order of Merit competition.

The first four18-hole events held at Blackwood, Mt Osmond, Tea Tree Gully and Flagstaff hill Golf Clubs were worth 100 points to the winner. The two remaining events are the 36-hole Grange Senior Classic and the 54-hole South Australian Senior Amateur Championship at Renmark Golf Club. These tournaments will be played in September and are worth 200 and 300 points to the winner so there are still opportunities for players not on the current leader board to play well and win the inaugural Order of Merit title.

More information: www.golfsa.com.au .

SOUTH AUSTRALIAMazzone keeps lead in Senior Order of Merit

AFTeR 14 events in the 2012 NSW Senior Order of Merit competition, long Reef golfer Ross Bockman has taken over as the leader. in what looks like being the closest competition in the seven-year history of the Order of Merit competition, Bockman moved into the top position with his victory in the Avondale Senior Medal. The long-hitting Bockman played outstanding golf to finish one-under-par (70) on the beautiful Avondale layout. he defeated Graham Blizard (Twin Creeks) and Dale Tapper (Bayview) who also played top quality golf to finish in a tie for second place on even-par.

Mona Vale’s Greg Stanford holds down second position on the Order of Merit table with his consistent game giving him seven top-ten finishes from his ten starts. Defending champion Denis Dale (Twin Creeks) is not too far away in third place. The Order of Merit competition is calculated on a golfer’s best 12 results and with many nearing this number the competition will certainly be keen as poorer scores are able to be discarded.

ACT senior Bill Banks maintains his lead in the Over-65-Years Order of Merit from Penrith’s Clark Gibbons and The lakes senior Vince Clark.

Full details at: www.golfnsw.org.

NSWBockman takes over in Senior Order of Merit

Player Club Events Best 12

1 Ross Bockman Long Reef 9 1217

2 Greg Stanford Mona Vale 10 1195

3 Denis Dale Twin Creeks 9 1192

4 Graham Blizard Twin Creeks 7 1160

5 Steve Gibson St Michael’s 10 1035

AFTeR winning the title in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011 Cobram Barooga senior Ross Percy is right on target to make it a total of five Doug Bachli Championships. Once again his consistent play has given him the lead in the 2012 Doug Bachli Senior Order of Merit competition for Victoria’s best senior amateur golfers over the age of 55.

With points now allocated for The National Senior Masters, Percy has established a narrow lead over two ageless veterans - Yarra Yarra’s Michael Jackson and Goonawarra’s Pat Giles. Jackson turns 70 this year and Giles is not too far behind.

in the handicap competition Narooma’s Wayne Aigner (700 points) leads from Commonwealth’s Graham Bone (661) with regular handicap winner ignatius Duivenvoorden (650) from Yarram a few points away in third place.

All senior golfers are reminded of this year’s “Sandbelt Week” in August with event scheduled for Royal Melbourne, Yarra Yarra, Kingston heath and Victoria golf clubs. This is a popular week of golf and it is recommended interested players enter early.

Further information: www.golfvic.org.au .

VICTORIAPercy on target for 5 Doug Bachli titles

Player Club Events Best 8

1 Ross Percy Cobram Barooga

7 920

2 Michael Jackson Yarra Yarra 7 864

3 Pat Giles Goonawarra 7 860

4 Greg Welsh Colac 6 802

5 Alan Evans Royal Melbourne

5 650

2012 Victorian Senior Order of Merit

2012 NSW Senior Order of Merit

Ross Bockman

2012 Flagstaff Hill Seniors prize winnersPaul McCarthy, Clive Renner and Chris Everett

Player Club Events Points

1 Tony Mazzone Grange 4 253.8

2 Rod Phillips Mt Osmond 3 232.5

3 John Hill Mt Osmond 4 226.3

4 Clive Renner Flagstaff Hill 4 226.3

5 John Anderson Flagstaff Hill 4 222.5

2012 South Australian Senior Order of Merit

Masters Champion Graham Blizard (centre) with Ian McPherson (left) and Greg Corben (right).

Player State Events Ave.

1 Stefan Albinski NSW 7 156.7

2 Peter King QLD 8 99.00

3 Denis Dale NSW 7 96.14

4 Greg Corben NSW 7 95.75

5 Roy Vandersluis NSW 7 90.80

2012 Australian Senior Rankings

COMING SENIOR EVENTSJune 4 Cabramatta Seniors NSWJune 15 Oatlands Seniors NSWJune 17 heathcote Seniors ViCJune 18-19 Shepparton Seniors ViCJune 18 Pymble Seniors NSWJuly 9-11 Queensland Senior Amateur Bribie island GCJuly 16-17 Gold Coast Seniors Coolangatta-Tweed & lakelands GCsJuly 18 Ocean Shores Seniors NSWAugust 4-5 Seaside Classic Port Macquarie NSW

Recaps by Denis Dale

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events


JUneBanksia 2012 Victorian Men’s Par-3 Amateur Championship

Where: Kyabram ParklandWhen: June 9th and 10thInfo: www.kyabramparkland.com.au or (03) 5852 3146

The 8th annual Victorian Par-3 Amateur Championship is open to all amateur golfers whose Australian handicap at the time of entry does not exceed 18. The Championship will be played over 54 holes of stroke play with trophies in excess of $3000. An added bonus is a set of car tyres for the first the hole-in-one.

Kyabram Parkland is an idyllic par-3 golf course, situated within the town boundary of Kyabram adjacent to the Kyabram Fauna Park. Kyabram is in the heart of the Goulburn Valley, just two hours from Melbourne and half an hour from Echuca and the Murray River.

It is Victoria’s first 18-hole grass green Par-3 golf course, featuring tree-lined contoured fairways and small, fast greens which test the skills of not only the best amateurs, but golfers of all ages and abilities; rewarding accuracy and a deft short game above all else. The total course length is 2892 metres with holes ranging from 122 to 219 metres and seven in excess of 170 metres.

Bonville Ladies Team ChallengeWhere: Bonville Golf ResortWhen: 16th & 17th June Info: www.bonvillegolf.com.au/upcoming-events/

The 4th Annual Ladies Team Challenge will again be played at this award winning resort on the Coffs Coast of NSW. This 2 person teams event is open to all Ladies with a current AGU handicap and entry includes 2 rounds of 18 holes golf (including twin share electric cart hire), twin share accommodation on Saturday night, evening cocktail party on Saturday night, breakfast in The Flooded Gums Restaurant on Sunday and a Bonville logo’d shirt per player as a tournament gift plus great prizes to be won over the weekend.

nORTHeRn WeeKenD TOURnAMenT Where: Pacific Dunes Golf ClubWhen: Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 June Info: www.golfnsw.org

This two day event is open to male or female amateur golfers who hold a current Australian, or overseas equivalent handicap. The format for the first day of play is 18-holes Fourball Stableford - Nett. On the second day of play the format is 18-holes Best Ball Teams Event v Par - players may compete with any other player in the tournament, no handicap restrictions apply. Players may enter individually

or in Teams of 2, 3 or 4. This event is a great opportunity for golfers of all levels to get away for the weekend for some relaxing and enjoyable golf at the challenging Pacific Dunes Golf Course. Entries close Friday 8 June at 5.00pm.

For further information contact Nicole Bessant at Golf NSW on 9505 9105 or email [email protected]

Juniors can play, travel like a proAN opportunity of a lifetime has arisen for junior golfers Australia-wide.

The Hills Golf Academy, home of junior golf education in Australia for more than 20 years, is giving juniors the chance to play in a number of top events in the Asia/Pacific region.

Tom Berndt, the academy’s director of golf, said the tour would allow junior golfers to play tournaments in Korea, China and Taiwan.

“Last year the academy co-sponsored a junior event in Taiwan with the winner gaining a one-year scholarship to their academy,” he said.

This year, the concept expands to include tournaments in Taiwan, Korea and China courtesy of the Korean Golf Association and Dalian Provence (China Golf Association).

“There are very few international junior tournaments played in Asia, however, Hills has changed that and is bringing together players from all over Asia to compete in these tournaments,” Berndt said.

“Players from Australia, China, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Laos, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea have already committed to the tour.”

Berndt will lead the tour, which departs on Monday, June 25.“Our first stop is Korea where we will stay at the Daebul University

Dormitories,” he said.“They will have a practice round on Tuesday and then play in the

Hills Daebul Korea Junior Open on June 27-28.Then it’s back to Seoul for an organised day tour before flying to

China to compete in the Hills China Junior Open in Dalian Provence on July 4-5. The players will be accommodated at the Jinyuan Hotel and will play a practice round prior to the event.

On Friday, July 6, there’ll be a tour of Jinshi beach. By now, the players will have earned a well-deserved break and have the weekend free to explore Dalian before travelling to Taipei on Monday, July 9.

Accommodation is at the Novotel Hotel.A practice round has been organised a day before the July 11-

12 tournament.There is a day tour of Taipei on July 13 before the flight back to

Australia. The cost of the tour is $3650 and includes airfares (ex-Brisbane

or Sydney), accommodation, tournament fees, caddie fees, practice rounds, organised day trips, breakfasts and most other meals.

“This is an amazing opportunity for aspiring junior golfers, both boys and girls, to compete in such events in Asia,” Berndt said.

“It gives the junior golfer a wonderful opportunity to learn their craft as a player in international tournaments as well as experience the culture and sights of three unique Asian countries.

“We have been able to keep the prices very competitive and I would like to invite junior golfers to join me on this wonderful golfing tour.”

For more information, call Tom Berndt on (07) 5547 9655 or 0401 694 051 or e-mail [email protected] •

Junior tour leader Tom Berndt

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events


BROOKWATeR CHAMPIOnSHIP BLACK MARKeR CHALLenGe

Where: Brookwater Golf & Country ClubWhen: June, OctoberInfo: (07) 3814 5500

Both Men and Ladies will play off their respective Championship Markers with challenging pin positions on every hole. A range of prizes will be on offer, including the latest in high-performance golf products from world-leading brand Titleist.

The Brookwater Championship Marker Challenge has two more qualifying events –Wednesday 27 June, and Wednesday 31 October. The entry fee is $90 per person, and is open to golfers with an official Golf Australia handicap.

JULYSchweppes Social Golf Club Challenge Where: Links Hope IslandWhen: July 15Info: [email protected]

Limited to 15 teams, Social Clubs can enter a team of 8 players in the Single Stableford in conjunction with a Team Stableford event. Teams are drawn with the Team Score being the top 5 stableford scores from each team.

There are individual and team prizes courtesy of Schweppes and TaylorMade with the winning team receiving a 50% discount on their next outing to Links Hope Island.

The day includes 18 holes of championship golf, shared electric carts (with GPS), BBQ lunch.

To register call (07) 5530 9000, or for more information contact Mark Holland (07) 55309087 or via e-mail [email protected]

The Links Hope Island Ladies Rosebowl Where: Links Hope islandWhen: 16th July, 17th September, 3rd December,

5th December Info: e-mail [email protected]

Lady golfers from Brisbane and Gold Coast are invited to the Links Hope Island Ladies Rosebowl events.

General Manager Mark Holland states “This year the Ladies Rosebowl will be bigger and better than ever before. Ladies will play single stableford in conjunction with a team aggregate stableford.”

“It is a great day with the ladies teeing off at 8.30 am and finishing up with lunch, fashion show, presentations and fabulous prizes. The day includes 18 holes of championship golf, shared electric carts (with GPS), tea / coffee and biscuits on arrival. All players receive a welcome bag at registration” Mark said

For bookings call (07) 5530 9000 or for more information contact Mark Holland (07) 5530 9087 or via e-mail [email protected]

Bonville Pairs InvitationalWhere: Bonville Golf ResortWhen: 26th – 29th July Info: www.bonvillegolf.com.au/upcoming-events

The Bonville Pairs Invitational is open to both Male and Female players with new entrants welcome and will this year be the 12th annual. Each day of golf is a different format and sees each ‘team’ playing with different players to ensure the event is a social one and different each day. The event entry fee includes: 4 nights twin share accommodation (Sunday through Wednesday), 4 rounds of 18 holes golf including twin share electric cart, Full hot breakfast daily, Welcoming BBQ Dinner Thursday evening, Presentation Dinner on Sunday.

Australian Social Golf Club Championships

Where: Gold CoastWhen: August 19-22Info: www.socialgolfcc.com.auTHE Australian Social Golf Club Championships is one of the most exciting and enjoyable events for Australian amateur golfers, attracting golfers from around the country who enjoy their golf and the experience of playing in a professional tournament atmosphere.

The 2012 tournament features some great new elements to make it even more fun and super value. The Radisson Resort Gold Coast is offering entrants discount accommodation, entrants will again receive discount golf vouchers worth over $300 and one lucky golfer will win a free golf trip to Thailand worth of $2500 for the 2013 SGA International.

In 2012, the tournament will be played at Palm Meadows, Lakelands Golf Club and Robina Woods. There will also be an increase in the prize pool to over $15,000 of prizes, trophies and giveaways with Drummond Golf a continuing sponsor and partner.

Entry forms available in Drummond Stores around Australia. For more information and a PDF version of the entry forms, go to the Social Golf Australia site at www.socialgolfcc.com.au or contact SGA directly on (03) 5433 3213. •

AUSTRALIANSOCIAL GOLF CLUB

CHAMPIONSHIPS


CHAMPIONSHIPS

Can you conquer Keperra?KEPERRA Golf and Country Club has issued a challenge to club golfers with a Golf Australia handicap: “Come and challenge yourself on a championship golf course set up similar to major tournament conditions.”

On Monday, July 23, the club will host a one-off Blue Marker Challenge with a difference.

There will be an added bonus for the player with the best gross score – a spot in the Keperra Bowl field is guaranteed provided that player has a handicap of 4.4 or less.

The Keperra Bowl is a prestigious 72-hole national and world amateur rankings event for the game’s elite amateurs.

The club’s general manager Gavin Lawrence said the one-off Blue Marker Challenge was not limited to the game’s elite players.

“The event is open to A, B and C grade golfers with a Golf Australia handicap,” he said.

“It’s a unique opportunity for all golfers to showcase their skills on a championship golf course.

“It will also give someone the chance to win a much sought-after spot in the Keperra Bowl, which is something that has not been offered before.”

According to organisers, the superintendent and his staff will set up the golf course in exactly the same way they set up the demanding Keperra Bowl course.

With that in mind, it will be interesting to see how many players in the field can match or better their handicap.

There will be plenty of prizes up for grabs on the day.

The entry fee is $40 per person or $50 per person in a shared golf cart and includes a beverage and a snack.

Anyone interested in playing should contact the golf club on (07) 3355 7744, but be quick because numbers are strictly limited. •

CHALLENGE: Keperra Golf and Country Club’s course will be at its toughest next month.

events


AUGUSTPort Stephens ClassicWhere: Various CoursesWhen: August 12 to 17Info: [email protected]

A golf tournament aimed at exposing visitors to the delights of playing top courses in beautiful Port Stephens is now taking registrations for its 16th year.

The Port Stephens Classic will offer golfers the chance to play the bushland 27-hole course at Nelson Bay, the championship Pacific Dunes course at Medowie and the prestigious Newcastle layout at nearby Fern Bay.

Play is over four days with a registration-cocktail party on Sunday August 12 and a rest day on the Wednesday, giving players and their partners the chance to enjoy the other tourist attractions, shops and restaurants of Port Stephens. The week finishes with a presentation dinner on Friday, August 17.

The format for the classic is four rounds of stableford golf with prizes upwards of $5000 offered to daily winners and the overall winners in grades. Limited field of just 200 players.

For more details on this excellent and friendly golf holiday break contact Nelson Bay Golf Club on 02 4981 1132 or email [email protected]

WOMen’S WeeKenD TOURnAMenTWhere: The Vintage Golf CourseWhen: Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 AugustInfo: www.golfnsw.org

The Women’s Weekend Tournament is an annual event held in the picturesque Hunter Valley. The event has been running since 2008 and has become increasingly popular with entries filling well before the closing date.

The Women’s Weekend Tournament is open to female amateurs who hold a current Australian or overseas equivalent handicap. It is played over two days, with shotgun starts both days. The format is 18-holes single stableford on the first day, and 18-holes Best Ball Teams Event V Par on the second day.

Competitors always enjoy the course with its challenging layout there is always a good story to be told at the 19th after playing a game at the Vintage.Entry Forms are available at www.golfnsw.org or contact Nicole Bessant, Events Coordinator [email protected] or (02) 9505 9105.

VeTeRAnS CARnIVAL GOLF CHAMPIOnSHIPWhere: Various CoursesWhen: 16th to 28th AugustInfo: Ray Kahl 07 4936 2776, [email protected]

The Central Queensland District Veteran Golfers Association cordially invites all Veteran Men and Women Golfers to join the fun at the 2012 Tropic of Capricorn Veteran Golfers Carnival.

Each player must be a financial member of a Veterans Golf Club, a registered Golf Club and have a current AGU or WGA handicap.

The 2012 Carnival Championships for Men and Women golfers will be decided on a points system based on both participation and success. Points will be allocated on results in all divisions to golfers who participate in these Open Events.

Carnival winners must have completed in at least 5 of the days, one of which must be the

C.Q. Open Championships. Winners must also be available for the presentation following golf on that day.

Carnival Nomination forms and costings are available at www.cqdistvetsgolf.wetpaint.com Playing preferences will be provided to those golfers who compete in multiple events. All nomination forms and pay-ups must be in by 4pm on the 9th August.

events and dates:EMU PARK OPENThursday 16th August: Division 3 for Men & WomenFriday 17th August: Div. 1 & 2 for Men & Women

ROCKHAMPTON OPENMonday 20th August

CAPRICORNIA COUNTRY CLUB OPENTuesday 21st August

YEPPOON OPENThursday 23rd August Friday 24th August

CAPRICORN RESORT OPENMonday 27th August 9am shotgun start. Electric carts provided. Resort course: Men. Championship course: Women.

C.Q. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS @ CAPRICORN RESORTTuesday 28th August Electric carts provided. Championship course: Men. Resort course: Women.

Queensland Sunshine TourDate Tournament Prize JUNESat-Sun 2nd-3rd Glenden $25,000Tues 5th Calliope $10,000Mon-Tues 25th-26th Sea Temple $20,000Thurs-Fri 28th-29th Paradise Palms $20,000

JULYSun 1st Tully $10,000Wed 4th Willows $10,000Wed 11th Pioneer Valley $10,000Thurs-Sun 12th-15th Mackay $70,000Tues 17th Capricorn Country Club $10,000Thurs-Sun 19th-22nd Rockhampton $50,000Tues 24th Zilzie Bay TBCThurs-Sun 26th-29th Capricorn Classic $100,000Tues-Wed 31st-1st Bargara $17,500

AUGUSTFri-Sat 3rd-4th Maryborough $17,500Wed 8th Riverlakes $10,000Fri 10th Noosa Par 3 $10,000Sun 12th Caloundra $10,000Mon 13th Mt Coolum $10,000Tues 14th Woodford $10,000Wed 15th Beewah $10,000Thurs 16th Horton Park $12,000Fri 17th Bribie Island $10,000Sat-Sun 18th-19th Peregian Springs $17,500Mon 20th Twin Waters $12,000Mon 27th Pine Rivers $10,000Tues 28th McLeod $10,000Thurs-Sun 30th-2nd Jeep Series (Qld Event) $100,000

Events are subject to change without notice. We recommend you contact the courses/clubs prior to the event to avoid disappointment.

Golf nSW – June Calendar of eventsDate(s) Event VenueJUNE23rd-24th Northern Weekend Tournament Pacific Dunes GC

Men’s Vardon Events9th Bonnie Doon Open Amateur Bonnie Doon GC10th-11th Cessnock Cup Cessnock GC16th Shelly Beach Open Amateur Shelly Beach GC17th Pymble Winter Cup Pymble GC

Women’s Jean Derrin / Senior Order of Merit Events25th Pymble Cup Pymble GC

Men’s Senior Order of Merit Events4th Cabramatta Seniors Cabramatta GC15th Oatlands Seniors Oatlands GC

For information on any of the above events, or for a full list of fixtures go to: www.golfnsw.org

For more information please contact American Golf Supplies on 02 9524 8233or [email protected] or visit www.pinggolf.com

WHAT’S YOURCOLOUR CODE?

Demo the new Ping G20 range in your area, and get

GET FIT TODAYTurn to page 73 for a complete list of fitting days this month

Bond with your Son and enter the7th AnnuAl AustrAliAn FAther And sonopen GolF ChAmpionship 2012

Welcome to 2012

In 2011 we had the pleasant company of Giel Bekker the Director of the African Father and Son, and his son Christiann, together with Hennie and Gustav Oosthuzien. Since their return to South Africa they have spoken very highly of the event, and the many friends they made in Tasmania, and would love to come back in the future. This leaves me to believe that the winners of last years AFAS will be really looked after if they decide to take up the invitation to Africa.

My congratulations to Paul and Carl Bellingham of Queensland on their victory, I do hope they come back to defend the title, also I would like to congratulate the runners up Greg and Luke Budden of Woomera SA. Their weekend did not start so well, but they came home with flying colors. Congratulations also go out to Frikkie and Christopher Badenhorst in running third. All who went to Barnbougle on the Monday had a great day, maybe you should think about putting this on your agenda in 2012.

Hope to see you back again, remember the dates are 30th November - 2nd December 2012.

Eric Roberts

Championship Organiser

Package One: $585.00 per Golfer Includes 3 nights accommodation plus breakfast daily, Villa Italiana Gala Dinner, and golfers package*

Package Two: $195.00 per Golfer. Includes golfers package* only (*as listed below)

*Golfers Package includes: Welcome drinks and nibbles at registration, trophy presentation, two days golf (all green fees), logo shirt (please provide size on entry form), cap, bag tag, trophies.

Please note - persons wishing to attend the gala dinner and who are not on package one the cost will be $80 per person.

Payment is required at the time of entry.

Entries must be made on the official entry form.

Entries and full payment must be returned to the organiser and made payable to Mr. Eric Roberts at 137 Gravelly Beach Road, Exeter, Tasmania 7275 no later than Friday the 31st August 2012. It is the sole responsibility of the entrant themselves to ensure that their entry is received prior to the closing time for entries.

Acceptable payments are as follows; by cheque (personal or bank), money order or direct debit (call for details). Cheque or money orders are to be made payable to E. Roberts. AFAS will not accept responsibility for cash sent that is not received.

email: [email protected] Phone: (03) 6394 4158 Mobile: 0407 124 373

Dear Golfer ToUrNaMeNT PaCKaGeS

“Hi Eric, thank you for organising such a wonderful event, it has made a significant impact in the relationship between me and my son, memories that we will have forever!” - Hennie Oosthuizen, South Africa

Friday November 30th Saturday 1st & Sunday December 2nd Check into Country Club Villas Championship played across the two days. Practise round if required (cost involved) Registration/welcome function 5-6pm at Villa Italiana Sunday December 2nd (All participants to register) Presentations & Gala DinnerTerms and Conditions 1. The championship will be played over 36 holes - (18) on Saturday the 1st December and (18) on Sunday the 2nd December 2012 at Country Club Tasmania Launceston. The event is a 2 ball aggregate stableford. 2. The event is open to all father and son combinations, either amateur or professional. Amateur players must have an official Golf Link handicap and overseas players must have the equivalent. Handicaps will not exceed 27 for this tournament only. (i.e. 32 handicap will be reduced to 27 for the event) professionals will play off scratch handicap. 3. The exact handicap certified at the commencement of play on day one, will be the handicap used for the entire tournament. 4. The championship committee will have sole management and control of the championship, with full power at any time to alter or vary any one of conditions. 5. Motorised carts are permitted for this tournament subject to a medical certificate, and forwarded with the initial entry. Partners are not permitted to share a cart, unless they also have a medical condition and certificate. ALL other participants must walk the golf course. All cart bookings along with medical certificates to be made through event organizer E.Roberts. Please note there are only 10 motorised carts available, so book early. 6. No refunds will be given for any cancellation of booking. 7. The use of mobile phones on the course is prohibited during play.

*For full championship conditions visit www.fatherandsongolfchampionship.com.au

ProGraM DeTaIlS

Country Club tasmania launCeston ~ 30th november - 2nd deCember 2012

This is your chance to compete in the

2013 AFRICAN FATHER & SONIN SuN CITy S.A.

WIN A FREE ENtRy INto thE

2012 AFAS(Details on website)

scorecard


Jason Dufner

Nicolas Colsaerts claimed his second-career European Tour title at the Volvo World Match Play Championship. The long-hitting Colsaerts, who captured his first career win at the 2011 Volvo China Open, triumphed on a severely windy day, with winds gusting over 30 mph. Colsaert’s semifinal match with Paul Lawrie in the morning began with him losing the first four holes, but he then rallied to win on the 20th hole. •

Playing under a Modified Stableford scoring system (8 points/albatross, 5 points/eagle, 2 points/birdie, 0 points/par. -1 point/bogey, -3 points/double bogey or worse), Christiaan Basson captured the Investec Royal Swazi Sun Open by one point with a 50-point victory total. The win was Basson’s first in three years, edging Danie van Tonder and Desvonde Botes by one point. •

Azahara Munoz topped Candie Kung, 2 and 1, to win her first LPGA title at the Sybase Match Play Championship. After making the turn all square, Munoz took control of the finale with birdies on Nos. 11 and 12 to take a 2-up lead. It was a lead she would not relinquish. “It feels amazing,” said Munoz, who sealed the win with a par at No. 17. •

Jay Choi posted a bogey-free 7-under 65 to come from behind and earn his first Japan Golf Tour win by one shot at the Totoumi Hamamatsu Open 2012. Choi closed out his final round with four one-putts and two birdies, including his winning birdie on the 18th. He finished at 16-under 272. •

JAPAN TOUR

EUROPEAN TOUR

LPGA

SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR

HP Byron NelsonPos Ctry Player Total R1 R2 R3 R4 STR

1 Jason Dufner -11 67 66 69 67 269

2 Dicky Pride -10 66 68 69 67 270

T3 Joe Durant -9 70 71 65 65 271

T3 Jonas Blixt -9 68 70 67 66 271

T3 Marc Leishman -9 65 69 71 66 271

T3 J.J. Henry -9 68 68 67 68 271

Australia/NZ Scores

T9 Jason Day -5 68 68 67 72 275

T19 Danny Lee -3 71 71 68 67 277

T49 Mathew Goggin 2 69 71 73 69 282

T49 Nathan Green 2 68 71 70 73 282

T56 Greg Chalmers 3 70 71 70 72 283

68 Nick O’Hern 6 70 71 71 74 286

T69 Gavin Coles 7 71 69 71 76 287

CUT Bryden MacPherson 4 72 72 144

CUT Rod Pampling 4 71 73 144

CUT Adam Scott 4 73 71 144

CUT Matt Jones 5 72 73 145

CUT Steven Bowditch 7 73 74 147

CUT Stuart Deane 17 82 75 157

Top 20 Australians1. Adam Scott (13 in world rankings)2. Jason Day (17)3. John Senden (35)4. Geoff Ogilvy (47)5. Aaron Baddeley (48)6. Greg Chalmers (66)7. Robert Allenby (78)8. Marcus Fraser (91)9. Brendan Jones (94)10. Kurt Barnes (139)11. Richard Green (140)12. Marc Leishman (141)13. Brad Kennedy (158)14. Nick O’Hern (176)15. Rod Pampling (250)16. Scott Hend (257)17. Kieran Pratt (259)18. Stuart Appleby (263)19. Jarrod Lyle (267)20. Matthew Jones (270

Top 5 World Rankings1. Rory McIlroy (averaged points 9.53)2. Luke Donald (9.36)3. Lee Westwood (8.13)4. Bubba Watson (6.45)5. Matt Kuchar (6.08)

Top 20 Rolex World Rankings in Australia1. Karrie Webb (21 in world)2. Katherine Hull (65)3. Nikki Campbell (86)4. Lindsey Wright (89)5. Karen Lunn (133)6. Kristie Smith (146)7. Frances Bondad (152)8. Tamie Durdin (154)9. Stacey Keating (156)10. Sarah Kemp (182)11. Nikki Garrett (198)12. Sarah Jane Smith (241)13. Bree Arthur (269)14. Stephanie Na (286)15. Rebecca Artis (nee Flood) (289)16. Jessica Speechley (299)17. Vicky Thomas (300)18. Rachel Bailey (310)19. Ashley Ona (341)20. Julia Boland (388)

Top 5 Rolex Rankings1. Yani Tseng (averaged points 17.71)2. Na Yeon Choi (8.34)3. Suzann Pettersen (7.42)4. Ai Miyazato (7.29)5. Cristie Kerr (7.07)

Stats and recaps courtesy of the PGA of Australia, the ALPG and Titleist. Follow Titleist on Twitter: twitter.com/titleist and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/titleistanz

WORLd RANkINGS as of May 22

2012 Worldwide Wins

57

2012 Worldwide Ball Count

7,1311,165 7

Rickie Fowler - Pro V1xWells Fargo Championship - Winner

©2012 Acushnet Company. Based upon results through 13/5/2012 on the U.S. PGA, U.S. LPGA, Champions, Nationwide, South African, Asian, Korean, OneAsia, Australasian, Japan, Canadian PGA and PGA European Tours. Titleist Customer Service: 1800 660 535

WORLDWIDE EXCELLENCE.

Dufner captures HP Byron Nelson Classic

Jason Dufner charged to his second PGA Tour in stunning fashion, capturing the HP Byron Nelson Classic by one shot over Dicky Pride. Dufner converted a 25-foot putt for birdie on the 72nd hole to close in 3-under 67 for an 11-under 269 total. Dufner broke through with his first PGA Tour victory April 29 at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. A week later, he got married.

Dufner broke through with his first PGA Tour victory April 29 at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. A week later, he got married. He is No. 1 in the FedExCup Playoff standings and has advanced to No. 14 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

"You probably couldn't dream it any better than what's been going on here. …," he said. "To win two events and get married in the span of 22 days, pretty remarkable," he said.

Aussie Marc Leishman was in contention on the final day, and led with two holes remaining, but a Bogey-Par finish left him two shots short, finishing with a 271 total to tie for third. •

What's in Jason Dufner's Titleist Bag: Dufner, who carries AP2 irons and Vokey Design SM4 sand (54) and lob (60) wedges, led the field in Greens in Regulation at 80.6 percent. Adding substance to that stat was the fact that he also ranked 2nd for the week in Driving Accuracy (75%) trusting his Titleist 910D2 driver (9.5). For his success on the greens, Dufner relied upon his Scotty Cameron GSS Circa 62 No. 2 prototype putter. His tee-to-green trust in Titleist equipment all added up to 19 birdies (tied for first), including two over his final three holes on Sunday.

Ball: Titleist Pro V1; Driver: Titleist 910D2 9.5º; 3-wood: Titleist 910F 13.5º; 5-wood: Titleist 906F2 18º; Hybrid: Titleist 910H 19º; Irons: Titleist AP2 (4-PW); Wedges: Vokey Design SM4 54º, 60º; Putter: Scotty Cameron GSS Circa 62 No. 2 Prototype.

Fowler earns first career PGA Tour crownRickie Fowler earned his first career PGA Tour win in a sudden-death playoff at the Wells Fargo Championship. Fowler, Rory McIlroy and D.A. Points all finished regulation at 14-under 274, before Fowler deliver a clutch wedge shot to four-feet and converted the winning birdie putt on the first extra hole. •

IN BRIEF

ONEASIA ORdER OF MERIT (Following the SK Telecom Open)1. Kim Bi-o (US$341,634.87)2. Nick Cullen (US$180,686)3. Park Sang-Hyun (US$131,453.75)4. Ryu Hyun-woo (US$110,236.42)5. David Oh (US$61,127.85)6. Michael Long (US$58,608.57)7. Joo Heung-Choi (US$57,128.52)8. Rory Hie (US$46,370.61)9. Land Sang-Hee (US$45,729.02)10. Lee Tae-Hee (US$45,576)11. Choi Ho-Sun (US$45,058.13)12. Stephen Leaney (US$42,965.45)

PGA TOUR ORdER OF MERIT (as of May 2012)1. Michael Hendry ($72,852.12)2. Andrew Martin ($38,640.14)3. Mark Brown ($29,152.64)4. Andrew Tschudin ($22,114.11)5. Scott Arnold ($20,942.89)6. Ryan Fox ($19,836.23)7. Gareth Paddison ($19,066.35)8. Brody Ninyette ($17,972.44)9. Nick Cullen ($17,497.94)10. Jin Jeong ($17,119.36)11. Terry Pilkadaris ($12,928.19)12. Kurt Barnes ($11,875.00)

E-Z-GO LEGENdS TOUR OOM(Following the Swanbury Penglase SA PGA Senior Championship.)1. Michael Harwood ($21,431.75)2. Rodger Davis ($17,657.39)3. Peter R. Fowler ($17,444.13)4. Jim H Lapsley ($14,263.16)5. David G Merriman ($13,328.09)6. Mike Zilko ($11,187.28)7. Kym Olsen ($11,114.08)8. Garry L. Merrick ($10,915.31)9. Hugh F. Dolan ($7,293.15)10. David B Hill ($6,770.88)11. Paul A Dalgleish ($6,173.24)12. Mark S Tickle ($5,365.32)

scorecard

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2012

THE PLAYERS Championship

Pos Ctry Player Total R1 R2 R3 R4 STR

1 Matt Kuchar -13 68 68 69 70 275

T2 Martin Laird -11 65 73 72 67 277

T2 Ben Curtis -11 68 71 70 68 277

T2 Zach Johnson -11 70 66 73 68 277

T2 Rickie Fowler -11 72 69 66 70 277

Australia/NZ Scores

T12 Geoff Ogilvy -6 70 73 70 69 282

T15 Adam Scott -5 68 70 74 71 283

45 Marc Leishman E 73 70 73 72 288

T56 Rod Pampling 3 71 72 78 70 291

T61 Robert Allenby 4 72 72 75 73 292

CUT Jason Day 1 73 72 145

CUT Nick O’Hern 1 74 71 145

CUT John Senden 1 74 71 145

CUT Greg Chalmers 4 72 76 148

CUT Aaron Baddeley 11 78 77 155

Wells Fargo Championship Pos Ctry Player Total R1 R2 R3 R4 STR

1 Rickie Fowler -14 66 72 67 69 274

T2 Rory McIlroy -14 70 68 66 70 274

T2 D.A. Points -14 66 68 69 71 274

4 Webb Simpson -13 65 68 69 73 275

Australia/NZ Scores

T9 Jason Day -9 70 70 69 70 279

T15 John Senden -8 66 68 72 74 280

T21 Geoff Ogilvy -7 71 70 65 75 281

T65 Aaron Baddeley 1 69 73 75 72 289

T65 Marc Leishman 1 75 67 74 73 289

72 Gavin Coles 4 72 71 75 74 292

CUT Mathew Goggin E 75 69 144

CUT Nathan Green E 73 71 144

CUT Stuart Appleby 1 72 73 145

CUT Robert Allenby 3 70 77 147

CUT Nick Flanagan 9 73 80 153


DQ Danny Lee 69 79 148

Zurich Classic of New Orleans


1 Jason Dufner -19 67 65 67 70 269

2 Ernie Els -19 66 68 68 67 269

3 Luke Donald -17 73 65 66 67 271

T4 Ryan Palmer -16 72 67 64 69 272

T4 Graham DeLaet -16 68 67 66 71 272

Australia/NZ Scores

T30 Greg Chalmers -9 70 64 72 73 279

T39 John Senden -8 72 70 69 69 280

T45 Geoff Ogilvy -7 76 66 71 68 281

T45 Matt Jones -7 72 70 68 71 281

T45 Stuart Appleby -7 69 69 70 73 281

T52 Danny Lee -6 72 68 74 68 282

MDF Mathew Goggin -1 70 72 73 215

MDF Gavin Coles 1 72 70 75 217


CUT Rod Pampling 1 71 74 145

CUT Nathan Green 4 71 77 148

CUT Steven Bowditch 5 77 72 149

2012 Worldwide Wins

44

2012 Worldwide Ball Count

5,000789 6

Bubba Watson - Pro V1x2012 Masters Champion

©2012 Acushnet Company. Based upon results through 20/4/2012 on the U.S. PGA, U.S. LPGA, Champions, Nationwide, South African, Asian, Korean, OneAsia, Australasian, Japan, Canadian PGA and PGA European Tours. Titleist Customer Service: 1800 660 535

UNWAVERING TRUST.MAJOR SUCCESS.

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EUROPEAN TOURReale Seguros Open de Espana


1 Francesco Molinari -8 70 71 74 65 280

T2 Alejandro Canizares -5 74 72 68 69 283

T2 Soren Kjeldsen -5 71 70 71 71 283

T2 Pablo Larrazabal -5 71 72 69 71 283

Australia/NZ Scores

T12 Richard Green -1 76 72 71 68 287

CUT Michael Campbell 5 75 74 149

CUT Matthew Zions 6 74 76 150

Madeira Islands Open Pos Ctry Player Total R1 R2 R3 R4 STR

1 Ricardo Santos -22 68 67 68 63 266

2 Magnus A. Carlsson -18 66 66 71 67 270

3 Andreas Hartoe -17 67 71 66 67 271

Australia/NZ Scores

CUT Daniel Gaunt -2 71 71 142

CUT Scott Strange 1 77 68 145

CUT Andrew Tampion 4 76 72 148

LPGA TOURMobile Bay LPGA Classic


1 Stacy Lewis -17 68 67 67 69 271

2 Lexi Thompson -16 70 71 66 65 272

3 Karine Icher -15 72 65 68 68 273

T4 Azahara Munoz -12 69 69 70 68 276

T4 So Yeon Ryu -12 69 67 72 68 276

T4 Karrie Webb -12 73 70 64 69 276

T4 Sun Young Yoo -12 68 69 69 70 276

T4 Brittany Lincicome -12 70 67 67 72 276

Australia/NZ Scores

T45 Sarah Kemp -2 69 71 77 69 286

T70 Wendy Doolan 4 72 71 74 75 292

CUT Katherine Hull 2 73 73 146

CUT Sarah Jane Smith 3 73 74 147

CUT Michelle Ellis 4 76 72 148

ONEASIA TOURSK Telecom Open

Pos Player Total R1 R2 R3 R4 STR

1 Kim Bi-O -18 68 68 67 67 270

2 Park Sang-Hyun -15 71 65 70 67 273

T3 Kim Si-Woo (Am) -13 69 70 66 70 275

T3 Joo Heung-Chol -13 72 68 65 70 275

Australia/NZ Scores

6 Mark Brown (Nzl) -9 72 66 72 69 279

T13 Anthony Brown -4 73 68 72 71 284

T13 Aaron Townsend -4 71 74 68 71 284

T16 Jamie Arnold -3 71 74 70 70 285

T16 Terry Pilkadaris -3 75 67 71 72 285

T16 Ashley Hall -3 71 70 70 74 285

T27 Daniel Fox -2 73 69 75 69 286

T27 Matthew Guyatt -2 70 72 72 72 286

31 Kim Felton -1 74 69 71 73 287

T42 Anthony Summers +2 71 75 73 71 290

T42 James Mclean +2 72 72 76 70 290

46 Ryan Haller +3 78 68 72 73 291

T52 Marcus Cain +4 72 73 74 73 292

T52 Adam Crawford +4 69 76 77 70 292

56 Jason Norris +6 75 71 76 72 294

CUT Scott Arnold 78 69 147

CUT Maxwell Mccardle 75 72 147

CUT Scott Laycock 75 73 148

CUT Gareth Paddison (Nzl) 75 73 148

CUT Andrew Tschudin 77 71 148

CUT Leigh Deagan 74 75 149

CUT Michael Long (Nzl) 73 76 149

CUT Steven Jones 79 70 149

CUT Michael Hendry (Nzl) 73 77 150

CUT Stephen Leaney 75 75 150

CUT Douglas Holloway (Nzl) 82 68 150

CUT Peter Wilson 75 76 151

CUT Nick Cullen 76 75 151

CUT Craig Hancock 75 76 151

CUT Rohan Blizard 76 76 152

CUT Mitchell Brown 73 80 153

CUT Matthew Griffin 75 79 154

CUT Brent Mccullough 76 81 157

CUT Craig Hasthorpe 79 79 158

CUT Michael Wright 73 * RTD

Weisberger in paradise; Fraser just shortAUSTRIA’S Bernd Wiesberger left his rivals trailing in his wake as he romped to victory with a closing four-under-par 68 to claim the Ballantine’s Championship.

The 26-year-old Austrian savoured the winning feeling for the time when he signed off with a four-day total of 18-under-par 270 to lift his maiden Tour title at the €2,205,000 Ballantine’s Championship which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and Korea PGA.

Second-placed Richie Ramsay of Scotland battled to a flawless 65 but was still not good enough to overtake Wiesberger. France’s Victor Dubuisson, who took the opening round lead, grabbed a share of third place alongside 2010 Ballantine’s Championship winner, Marcus Fraser on 277.

Fraser, who had lurked at the top of the leaderboard all week, showed solid play throughout the event. Trailing by one shot after round 2, Fraser battled hard in rounds 3 and 4,

and had a glimpse of the trophy always in his sights. In the end, however, his putter let him down, as the putts simply did not fall when he needed them to. •

Ballantine’s Championship


1 Bernd Wiesberger -18 72 65 65 68 270

2 Richie Ramsay -13 70 72 68 65 275

T3 Victor Dubuisson -11 68 75 68 66 277

T3 Marcus Fraser -11 71 67 69 70 277

Australia/NZ Scores

T12 Adam Scott -8 71 76 68 65 280

T20 Brett Rumford -6 73 70 70 69 282

T25 Matthew Zions -5 74 71 70 68 283

T49 Andrew Dodt E 75 71 69 73 288

T65 Andrew Tschudin 4 74 73 73 72 292

CUT Marcus Both 5 76 73 149

CUT Scott Barr 9 78 75 153

CUT David Gleeson 9 77 76 153

CUT Kieran Pratt 9 76 77 153

CUT Scott Hend 10 78 76 154

CUT Darren Beck 14 80 78 158

Bernd Weisberger

Kim Bi-o

PGA TOUR

CHAMPIONS TOURSenior PGA Championships


1 Roger Chapman -17 68 67 64 72 271

2 John Cook -15 69 66 69 69 273

3 Hale Irwin -14 71 66 69 68 274

Australia/NZ Scores

T4 Peter Senior -13 74 67 71 63 275

T13 Barry Lane -7 74 73 68 66 281

89 Peter Fowler +7 75 71 78 71 295

CUT Mike Harwood +10 74 80 - - 154

feature story


Garrett Johnston

The US Open has been staged at the Olympic Club in San Francisco four previous times since it’s opening in 1927. each time an iconic golfer has finished second to a much less-heralded player. hence Olympic has come to be known as “The place where legends go to die.”

1955 was the year that Jack Fleck bested Ben hogan, 1966 saw Billy Casper come from behind to win against Arnold Palmer, in 1987 Scott Simpson defeated Tom Watson, and in 1998 lee Janzen beat Payne Stewart by one.

None of the memorable legends ever won a major again save for Stewart, who won the US Open the next year at Pinehurst over Phil Mickelson.

Mickelson, who finished tied for 10th in ’98 at Olympic, surprisingly doesn’t believe that his experience in ‘98 will hold much merit to this year’s competition.

“Fourteen years,” Mickelson told inside Golf after his win at Pebble Beach in February, “it’s a lot different because they’ll have different tee boxes (at Olympic), and i don’t really remember the greens as well, so i’ll have to kind of re-learn them.”

it’s certainly no surprise he doesn’t remember the greens because the PGA Tour hasn’t hosted a tournament there since the ‘98 US Open. The course will also be lengthened from the 6,700 yards it played back in 1998 to 7,100 this year.

however, Mickelson—who has finished second in

US OPEN PREVIEWA stern test of Olympic proportions

Jason Day will hope to improve on his impressive 2nd place finish at Congressional last year (Photo: USGA/Michael Cohen)

US Opens a record five times in his career--will have the advantage of having played well in windy and foggy west coast conditions over the past 20 years at Pebble Beach, and also a World Golf Championship event in 2005 right next to Olympic at harding Park Golf Club.

“The great thing about Olympic is that it’s a lot like (Pebble Beach) where the air is so thick and the wind is so strong,” he said. “even just a soft wind grabs your ball and affects it.”

Many of the dog-legged fairways slope opposite to the direction they are heading, demanding immense precision off the tee. A slight fade on a fairway that slopes right may easily lead toward bogey or worse.

“You have to have great control of your flight, trajectory, (and) distance control,” Mickelson said. “Because i feel like i’m striking it to where i feel like i have that kind of control i’m excited to play Olympic.”

Jason Day is viewed by many as one of Australia’s best hopes for winning a major.

“Growing up in Australia you’re not so used to tight, treelined type of golf courses,” Day said of Olympic Club. “i know that i’m going to have to prepare well before i get there.”

Though Day has played in only one US Open, his 2nd place finish last year at Congressional was superb. he attributes it to confidence coming off his 2nd at the 2011 US Masters just two months before. But his eyes now are on playing well at Olympic.

“i think the best preparation for (Olympic) is to

come in a couple of days early and get used to the weather (in San Francisco), and obviously get used to the course as well,” Day said.

Another player who knows about finishing high in a major is Matt Kuchar. Coming off a tie for 3rd at the US Masters, and a win at The Players Championship last month.

his story at the ‘98 Open at Olympic was one that most golfers would dream of.

he played in his National Championship as the reigning Amateur champion in a field that included Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, his dad caddied for him, he turned 20 on US Open Sunday, and he finished tied for 14th.

Kuchar simply can’t wait to get back to Olympic.“i’m excited about going back,” Kuchar says. “i

have some special memories there. i played some great golf that week.”

As much as it was a fun week for the fresh-faced low amateur, it was also challenging.

“i remember the course being really difficult. One of the hardest tests of golf i’ve ever played. it’s going to take some real driving precision around that place (this year), but as always with major championships your short game better be sharp,” Kuchar said.

One of the most memorable US Opens in recent history was the 2008 edition at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California. it was Tiger Woods’ last major championship win. A 19-hole playoff marathon against Rocco Mediate.

however, Mediate’s approachable and fun-loving personality won the hearts of the masses that year.

Defending Champion Rory McIlroy hopes to be the first back-to-back US Open winner since 1989 (Photo: USGA)

Coming off a win at The Players Championship, Matt Kuchar is a heavy favourite at this year’s US Open. (photo: kendennisphoto.com)

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feature story


Young gun Rickie Fowler is hoping to bring his recent winning form to Olympic. (photo: kendennisphoto.com)

1.4 is the handicap limit for players who file to compete in this year’s US Open at Olympic Club in San Francisco. 2 internationals sectional qualifying events are held – one in Japan for Japan, Asia and Australasian tours and one in england for the european Tour.5 players have won the Masters and US Open in the same year – Craig Wood (1941), Ben hogan (1951, 1953), Arnold Palmer (1960), Jack Nicklaus (1972) and Tiger Woods (2002).8 shots was Rory Mcilroy’s winning margin last year.10 year exemption for the winner as well as an invitation to the next five US Masters, Open Championship, US PGA and Players Championship.11 sectional sites were chosen in the United States of America.18 holes will be played in the playoff if there is a tie after 72 holes.19 is the age of the youngest winner, John McDermott, who won in 1911.36 holes played in a one-day marathon during sectional qualifying with only a handful of spots available at each site.

US Open by the numbers45 is the age of the oldest winner, hale irwin.53 players were fully exempt for this year’s US Open.60 players plus ties will make the cut and play on the weekend.70 is par for the lakes Course –34 for the front nine and 36 for the back nine. 109 local qualifying sites, which is the first stop in the process after the entry form has been accepted by the USGA.111 US Opens have been played prior to this year’s event.156 players will make it to the first tee this year.520 yards (475 metres) is the length of the opening hole, which is a par-4.670 yards or 612 metres, the par-5 16th, is the longest holes on the course.750 players contested sectional qualifying for about 78 available spots in the field.1895 was the year in which the US Open was first played.7170 yards (6556 metres) is the length of the lake Course of The Olympic Club.9006 entries were received for this year’s US Open – the fourth time entries went beyond 9000.8,000,000 dollars is the prize purse for this year’s US Open.

DID YOU KNOWUS Open international qualifying started in 2005 and in its first year, Michael Campbell of New Zealand not only qualified in England, but went on to claim the US Open title at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina.


Mediate believes that driving accuracy is foremost to winning this year at Olympic.

“The thing about a US Open is that you’ve gotta put the ball in the fairways,” he told inside Golf. “And (Olympic’s) fairways are hard to hit because they’re so sloped. They’re either going to be 24, 25, 26 yards wide. That’s the key to US Open golf.”

Although he finished second in 2008, Mediate pushed the almost unbeatable Woods during the height of his prime.

“You get to find out what you really have in those situations,” Rocco said of the pressure moments he felt during the 2008 US Open. “That was the coolest thing about it.”

Could Woods become the next legend whose major championship career becomes cursed at Olympic with a close finish? however, his record in US Opens is impressive. he has three wins, five top 6’s, and a tie for 18th at Olympic in ’98.

in the past, Woods’ philosophy of attacking Olympic has been one of precision over power. During the US Open in ‘98 he told the media that he used his driver only 2 to 3 times a round. like Rocco, focusing more on accuracy off the tee.

Defending US Open champion Rory Mcilroy will have a great challenge trying to retain his title at a course that he has never played.

“i’m expecting this to be a tough and tricky test,” Mcilroy said during the US Open Media Day in April.

There hasn’t been a repeat US Open winner since Curtis Strange in 1989. interestingly enough, the same year that Mcilroy was born. Certainly a good omen for the young Northern irishman.

That brings us to America’s promising young talent in Rickie Fowler.

Fowler has the tremendous advantage of having competed in the 2007 US Amateur at Olympic. A United States Golf Association set-up certainly fresher in his mind than the US Open contenders of ‘98.

“i’ve seen the course in conditions similar to how they will have it set up for the US Open,” Fowler said in December.

“i’m really looking forward to playing there, it’s a great venue, and it should be a really fun week,” Fowler said.

The flashy young American is also finally starting to feel comfortable at the bigger tournaments in golf. his first career PGA Tour win at the Wells Fargo Championship in May shows as much.

“i think that it’s just a matter of comfortability (contending at the US Open). having played (Olympic) before definitely helps as well.”

Which player in the field of 156 will best navigate the winds of San Francisco and Olympic’s sloped fairways and thick tree lines to claim America’s greatest golfing championship? it’s a wide open test on a course that doesn’t play for the favorites. •

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on tour


Garrett Johnston

AS Phil Mickelson and many others prepare for the US Open this month, one can’t help but stop and ponder Mickelson’s tremendous career. The recently inducted World Golf hall of Fame Member has won 4 majors and has captured 42 victories worldwide. his fearless mentality towards the game of golf has led to many a major triumph and heartbreak. But in the big picture, it is Mickelson’s willingness to always be thinking of and appreciative toward other people that makes him so unique and loved by the golfing world.

Who are these other people one might ask? They begin with his parents Phil Sr. and Mary Mickelson, who provided Phil a foundation of how to be generous with one’s time.

Mickelson had a heartfelt thank you for them during his induction speech into the World Golf hall of Fame last month.

“My mom and dad have given me every opportunity in this world to pursue and live the dream that i’ve always had,” he said. “And i can’t thank them enough for the sacrifices they’ve made.”

Their support during his formative years helped him to win 34 American Junior Golf events in his native San Diego, California. While at Arizona State University, he accomplished something unprecedented: winning a PGA Tour event as a college junior at age 20. That win at the 1991 Northern Telecom Open in Tucson, Arizona earned him his PGA Tour card and is the win that he points to as being the most important of his career.

Mickelson also adores his wife and kids. Who could forget that US Open week in 1999 at Pinehurst when Mickelson carried a beeper in his bag. he told the media that he was willing to leave the tournament if he heard that his pregnant wife Amy was going into labor with their first child. She did so the day after his final round loss to the late Payne Stewart.

Mickelson recently told the Golf Channel that Amy has been a huge part of his happiness and feelings of accomplishment outside the game of golf. Together they have been prominent on the PGA Tour with the charities they’ve established

Lefty’s inspirational career

for children and wounded US military troops. 2009 was an emotional time for the Mickelsons

when both Amy and Phil’s mother, Mary, were diagnosed with breast cancer. Phil himself, as one might remember, revealed a year later that he was suffering from Psoriatic arthritis. All have been treated for their conditions since and have become closer still because of these set-backs.

Perhaps more than any golfer since Arnold Palmer, Mickelson has been beloved and embraced by golf fans. he has given back considerably.

“As a human being, i feel as though i can’t walk past someone,” Mickelson recently told the Golf Channel. “You look them in the eye, you acknowledge them and even if i can’t accommodate their request at that time it doesn’t mean that you can’t say hello.”

During the 1994 US Open at Oakmont, which was Arnold Palmer’s last, Mickelson realized how much Palmer appreciated his legions of fans. By looking them in the eye, shaking their hands, and signing their autographs, it inspired them. But it also inspired Mickelson to treat his fans with gratitude and respect.

Mickelson’s appreciation for others was also

reflected on the course at the 2005 US PGA at Baltusrol. Needing birdie to win, he tapped a plaque in the final fairway marking the spot where Jack Nicklaus had hit a US Open-clinching shot years earlier. Mickelson then hit his own finishing shot which led to birdie and his first PGA Championship win.

At Pebble Beach this year after his victory at AT&T, Mickelson revealed that he had been inspired that week remembering that his grandfather had been a caddie at Pebble Beach in the past. And he carried his grandfather’s lucky silver dollar with him on Pebble’s fairways.

Mickelson also was up early on Thursday during Masters week this year to see Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player hit their ceremonial tee shots to start the event. The gesture certainly spoke to his appreciation for the game’s greats. A Masters champion truly inspired by and appreciative of others.

how inspired will Mickelson be to play the US Open coming off his recent induction into the World Golf hall of Fame? Perhaps that will be the inspiration he needs to capture his first national championship. •

Phil Mickelson with wife Amy. (Photo by Eric Kurth)

Five join Hall of FameThe World Golf hall of Fame has five new inductees – Phil Mickelson, Sandy Lyle, British player-turned-broadcaster Peter Alliss, writer Dan Jenkins and four-time lPGA major champion Hollis Stacy.

each new hall of Fame member displays his or her mementos at the World Golf Village near St Augustine, Florida.

Mickelson provided his little wooden clubs he received when he was 18 months old as well as the six-iron he skilfully used from behind the trees on the 13th en route to winning the 2010 US Masters.

he also gave the gold helmet trophy from the 1991 Northern Telecom Open, when he competed as an amateur and earned his first PGA Tour win.

“i had fun picking some of the stuff out and being able to kind of look back on some of the victories and tournaments and accomplishments and so forth.“

lyle gave the kilt he wore after becoming the first Briton to win the US Masters in 1988, the seven-iron he used to hit his famous shot from the bunker on the 18th hole of that Masters, the putter he used to sink the final putt and his bag and trophy from the victorious 1985 european Ryder Cup side.

Alliss put on display the bag he used as a player for Great Britain and ireland in the 1957 Ryder Cup and photos of himself with Sean Connery, Jack Lemmon and Seve Ballesteros.

Jenkins gave the old typewriter he used as a staff member of Sports illustrated in the 1970s, a personal letter from Ben hogan and press badges from more than 200 majors he covered.

Stacey put on display the medals she received after winning the US Women’s Open in 1977, 1978 and 1984.

She also gave the metal woods and wedges she used en route to her US Women’s Open titles.

There are now 141 members of the World Golf hall of Fame, including Australians Peter Thomson, Greg Norman, Kel Nagle and Karrie Webb. •

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cover story



iT’S Masters Sunday and Adam Scott is teeing off at the 16th at Augusta National. The Aussie floats a delicate 7-iron 170 yards, where it dips perfectly above the pin and trickles down into the hole. The packed gallery erupts and Scott thumps the air in unrestrained delight. it’s a magical shot, the highlight of a truly inspired final round of 66 which sees the Aussie record a second straight top ten finish at Augusta. Two days earlier and such a round would have put Scott right in contention but the frustrating thing for fans and of course the man himself, is that he was only able to turn on the magic once the pressure was off.

“That’s my goal right now. Trying to play more consistently at the World Golf Championships and Majors,” he says simply. One of the most laid-back characters in his sport, you won’t find Scott indulging in too much soul-searching. While many of the game’s leading stars become consumed by self-analysis, seeking out sports psychologists to unravel their muddled thoughts, Scott remains content to simply believe that his talent will ultimately prevail.

“i did well at the Masters this year and came very close in 2011. Being in contention down the stretch there was great as i’m just trying to put myself in the position to win late on Sunday. Unfortunately, it didn’t come off that time but i really feel my game is rounding itself into good shape to perform well at any of them. My performance at the majors last year was good

overall: two top tens, one second place. it was a tough weekend at the Open but i was in a good position going into the weekend so, just gotta have a bit of luck on your side and one of these will come off.”

“When you go into the final round of a major near the top of the leaderboard, you just have to go out there and play as hard as you can and most of all, try not to make mistakes! That seems to be what happens at majors, bad errors are made and the tournament gets thrown away. All you can do is just try to take the pressure off by making good decisions and hope all the hard work pays off at the right time.”

“i think learning about dealing with different situations psychologically in golf is a bit of a process. Some people find that talking to a psychologist is beneficial and others just don’t.

i’ve spent time with several since i was a junior, in junior programs here in Australia and i’ve talked to different people along the way but i’ve never really worked with anyone on a regular basis. i feel that the people around me like my coach, caddie and trainer — if they do their role well then the confidence within the team is good enough to keep everyone on track.”

Scott is currently honing his game under the watchful eye of Steve Williams, a man he describes as ‘probably the best caddie in the world.’ Their relationship may have had a rocky start due to Williams’ comments in the aftermath of last year’s Bridgestone invitational – where Williams all but taunted former employer Tiger Woods — but Scott has plenty of faith in his bag man’s ability and it showed in his results last year with the Aussie climbing to number five in the world.

“having a good caddie on the bag is vital. They do play such an important role when you’re out there. Saying the right thing at the right time is very beneficial to any player and obviously Steve has a lot of experience,” he enthuses.

“Steve has made a number of observations about my game and pointed out some areas that i certainly can improve on that’d have a dramatic impact. he believes i need to work on lowering the number of three-putts, work on my par-five scoring–take advantage of the par-fives a little more and work on my chipping. he believes improving those three areas will continue to have a big impact on my results.”

The stats suggest that Scott’s best chance of breaking his major duck lies at the US PGA later this summer. he’s recorded three top ten finishes there over the years but sounds more than a little surprised when we remind him of his record.

“i don’t really know why the US PGA has been consistently better than the others for me,” he muses. “it certainly has a different feel than the other ones. i would say the US Open, the Open and the Masters are quite unique while the US PGA is more like a PGA Tour course that’s just been put on steroids! Maybe it’s just a little more predictable what’s gonna happen.”

“Of the four majors, i certainly feel i have the game to contend for the Open at some point. i can adjust my game to suit links golf well. i feel i’ve got the ability to take some sting off the ball and keep it down low, play it along the ground.

‘Major’Adam Scott’s

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cover story


i’ve got some imagination. i grew up playing in a lot of wind in Australia. No matter where you are, you still have to control your ball flight so i feel quite comfortable doing that. We don’t get to play enough links golf year-in, year-out to always feel 100% comfortable but i certainly enjoy the challenge of it.”

Scott and his contemporaries have spent their careers in the shadow of the legendary Greg Norman. The Shark was atop of the world rankings for 331 weeks during his pomp in the mid 80s to early 90s and his success has made him a hard act to follow, but rather than a hindrance, Scott reveals that he actually found the two-time Open champion a valuable source of guidance during his early years as a professional.

“i think all the Australian golfers are

supportive of each other as the next bunch of guys come out and Greg played a big role mentoring and advising me when i came out on tour,” Scott recollects. “i remember him being a strong advocate that i go and play the european Tour for a couple of years before worrying about the US Tour. he felt very strongly about that and it ended up being a great move for me.”

like many young golfers breaking onto the tour over the past decade, Scott suffered the unfortunate curse of being labeled ‘the new Tiger’, a cumbersome burden which pushed media expectations into the stratosphere. And along with Sergio Garcia and many others, having built him up, his subsequent failure to deliver that promised major has seen him receive more than his fair share of batterings in the press.

however, with a string of celebrity friends and tennis starlet Ana ivanovic currently on his arm, Scott is well versed in the perils of the media and as you might expect, he learned to become very selective with his reading a long time ago.

“i don’t really find it frustrating that journalists label me an underachiever, it’s only that they think i have a lot of potential and as of yet, i haven’t fulfilled it,” he says. “When i first turned pro there was a lot of hype about a few young guys like myself, Justin Rose, Charles howell and Sergio (Garcia) to be the next big thing in golf which i think was a lot to live up to as a 19 or 20 year-old but now it’s certainly not relevant and i don’t think any of us lived up to what was expected just after Tiger (Woods) came along!”

“i feel like i had a fairly successful year in 2011, i learned a lot and made a lot of progress in all

parts of my game and obviously winning the Bridgestone (invitational) was the high point, it being a World Golf Championship. Getting back in the top ten last season was good but i’d never really pay much attention to the rankings unless i was number one or sliding outside the top 50. They’re the only important places to be, anywhere in between is fine because you’re in all the majors.”

“hopefully one day i’ll be able to live up to everyone’s expectations but most importantly live up to mine which i believe are higher than most other people’s. i don’t really follow what’s written about me in the media. i got over worrying about that stuff a while ago and i feel like i’m in a good place now, the golf ’s in a good place and i don’t see any need to pay attention to the hype or any negative press.” •

Under the watchful eye of caddy Steve Williams, Adam has been working on specific areas of his game which may have a dramatic

impact on his results. (Photos © USGA/John Mummert)

That’s my goal right now. Trying to play more consistently at the World Golf Championships and Majors

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PAUl Spargo battled from five shots behind overnight leader Brett Rankin to be crowned the 2012 South Pacific export Papua New Guinea Open Champion.

Spargo finished with a closing round of four-under-par 68 to finish on nine-under for the tournament. Overnight leader Brett Rankin finished in a tie for second with ian esson, who chipped in on his final hole to finish one shot behind Spargo.

For Spargo, though, it was a win he thought may not happen considering a poor start to the final round.

“Unfortunately i bogeyed my opening hole and when i turned in even par, winning never really crossed my mind. i made a good birdie on 11 and when i made three birdies in row on

14, 15 and 16, i knew i was in with a chance. i was pretty nervous waiting for the final group to finish, but i can’t describe how good i am feeling at the moment. it’s just amazing”.

Unfortunately for Rankin it was the one that got away. Two bogies on the final two holes is never a great way to finish, but he was very gracious in defeat.

“it has been an amazing week and just so happy with the way that i have played. The hard work is finally paying off and i am really looking forward to the remainder of the season.

Queenslander Michael Wright finished in fourth place after a final round 72 with a further shot back to fifth placed Kevin Conlong who enjoyed the best finish of his young professional career. •

Spargo the conqueror in PNG

Morobe Open glory for YoungerViCTORiAN professional Josh Younger has claimed the largest win of his professional career, taking out the 2012 Coca Cola Morobe Open.

Younger fired a final round seven-under-par 64 to finish on 16-under, and finished a single shot ahead of Steven Jeffress. Unfortunately, overnight leader Martin Dive could only manage a final round even-par 71 to finish in a tie for third with Michael Wright, two shots behind Younger.

The win is the largest for Younger in his professional career, and he commented on what has been a couple of up and down years.

“My golf has been on the climb the last few months after a couple of average seasons and to finally see it come together this week and especially today in the final round is very gratifying. i have always enjoyed this event and i would really like to thank the lae Golf Club and all of the tournament sponsors for giving all of the professionals this great opportunity to play such a large event in Papua New Guinea”.

it was bitter sweet for Dive who had led through rounds two and three but he was positive as he looks to the future.

“it is a little disappointing not to have won, but i need to take the positives away from what has been a great week. i am playing nicely at the moment and i am already looking ahead to next week’s Papua New Guinea Open being played at Port Moresby Golf Club”. •

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Bubba likes pink. So can you!PiNG Pro Bubba Watson isn’t afraid of a little pink in his game. in fact, with his booming distance off the tee his all-pink G20™ driver puts many pink-o-phobics in their place.

But for Bubba, it’s not just about hitting a long ball. it’s also about charity. his goal this year is to raise $1 million as part of “Bubba & Friends Drive to a Million” initiative. he is also getting help from PiNG, who as part of the “Bubba long in Pink. Driven by PiNG” campaign are $10,000 to the charity, plus a further $300 for the first 300 drives that Bubba launches over 300 yards in 2012. All funds raised will go to Phoenix-area charities, chosen by PiNG with Bubba’s support.

“We have always admired how Bubba wears his heart on his sleeve and how generous he is,” says PiNG Chairman and CeO John A. Solheim. “his objectives are in step with ours — to make the community where you live and work a better place. This year we have more reason than ever to hope that he’s ‘Bubba long’ and that every one of his drives goes past 300 yards.”

WIN! a Limited Edition pink PING G20 Driver (like Bubba uses)

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Sun Mountain Dry hoodDesigned to fit any golf bag, this accordion-style rain hood completely covers the top of your golf bag while giving you easy and quick access to your clubs. The best feature is that you simply push it back or down which eliminates any zipper function. The DRY HOOD folds down to become 60 cm x 11 cm and comes with a carry case.RRP $79.95(02) 9417 4055www.underpar.com.au

Birdee Sport–Autumn Winter CollectionBirdee Sport has become one of the top players in the Australian Golf wear industry, creating high fashion garments for golf and the travel and leisure market.The new Performance Range is available in a new lightweight four-way stretch fabric – breathable with functionality, windproof and quick dry water repellent, essential on those cool windy days.The new styles are available in Black, the Jacket with Zipper front opening has zip-off sleeves which turn into a Vest with contrast piping and two pockets with zipper closure. The Pants are in two styles. The Performance Pant has comfort waistband with elastic side, while The Allure Pant has a little more bling.With leather trim detail on the pockets front and back, both styles are cut to suit all body shapes, with extra length for the taller woman.Also available are the Techno Slide-on range, which includes best selling Capri Pant, Skirts and Skorts. New styles out soon are full-length pant for the woman who wants total cover, the ever popular knee capri, and a new style dress.For those who love to travel. these lightweight, easy-care garments are perfect for all seasons anywhere you wish to go.www.birdee.net, or email [email protected]

Smoothy Square 122 cm long shafted umbrellaThe revolutionary second version of the Smoothy square 122 cm long shafted umbrella has eliminated the need for the ‘extra hand’ golf buggy accessory. By widening the thickness and extending the length of the fiberglass shaft it increases the height of the umbrella when connected into the umbrella holder enough for most adults to easily get in and under and out from the umbrella. The Smoothy umbrella has a revolutionary square flatter vented canopy and a maximum sun protection rating of 50 + UPF. It has a 97 cm square rib length and a 194 cm canopy. It is ultra light weight at 0.75 kgs and has a very sturdy fiberglass frame which will prevent the umbrella from inverting. Available in Black/Silver and Navy/SilverRRP $110 (02) 9417 4055www.underpar.com.au

Footjoy DryJoys® Tour Collection Rain WearThe DryJoys Tour Collection Rain Wear provides Tour proven waterproof protection, breathability and maximum comfort during the golf swing. This is achieved through the waterproof stretch panels designed to aid freedom of movement. The DWR (Durable Water Repellency) finish beads off rain for the life of the garment. The FootJoy Tour Collection Rain Wear is available now in a Full Zip Jacket and a Half Zip Rain Shirt with a suggested retail price starting from $249 per garment. www.footjoy.com.au or on 1800 660 535

gear


Golf GPS Technology a boost for players and clubsWE’VE written at length about the benefits that GPS technology can bring to golfers. By quickly giving players accurate distances to the green, bunkers or other hazards at a moment’s notice, GPS speeds up play immensely, thus creating a more enjoyable round for everyone.

But GPS technology is also extremely beneficial to clubs. The clubs that have been able to understand the benefits and opportunities that are provided by GPS systems like On-Pin have seen an increase in pace of play, cart hire, corporate days and member satisfaction.

High-profile clubs are rushing to adopt the top-quality systems in their carts. These clubs include Bayview, Ryde Parramatta, Cabramatta, Blackheath, Capital, Centenary Park, Waratah, Kurri Kurri, Murwillumbah, Morrisset, Wyong, McCracken, Hope Island, Mona Vale, The Links at Lady Bay, Richmond , Pegasus Golf Club and Hills golf course in New Zealand – the list goes on.

One of the leaders in GPS technology is On-Pin, the longest-serving Golf GPS Provider in Australia, which has provided GPS technology to the golf industry since 1998.

Cabramatta Golf Club, one of Sydney’s busiest golfing layouts, first installed On-Pin navigation in their vehicles five years ago. The system has been successful that they recently upgraded to the latest equipment.

“Since we installed the On-Pin GPS navigation, our golf cart hire has increased every year,” says Cabramatta Golf Club GM Bill Basan.

In addition to generating more revenue from cart hire, GPS technology also allows advertising and messaging to be “pushed” out to golfers. From specials in the pro shop or restaurant, to sponsored ads via a club partner or manufacturer, the sky is the limit on generating additional revenue via your GPS system.

In the past, in-cart and site installation of a GPS system could cost upwards of $500k. These days, however, a full system is a lot more affordable, simple to use and reliable. And if your club hasn’t jumped on board, then you are probably lagging behind your competitors.

“The cost of GPS technology has significantly decreased,” comments Craig Helmers the recently-appointed General Manager of On-Pin. “Previously GPS Technology was only available to larger Resort and Country Clubs. Today On-Pin Technology is a viable option for all clubs and we can demonstrate how this can generate revenue increases,“ he said.

For more information on On-Pin systems, or to discuss how you can increase your Golf club revenue using GPS technologies, contact David Glasson at [email protected] and via 0418 232 019, or Craig Helmers at [email protected] and 0400 622 377.

Srixon Z-Star SeriesTHE Srixon Z-STAR SL 3-piece ball is designed specifically for golfers that don’t possess the tour-level swing but demand the precision of a tour-level golf ball. The SL offers superior playability by balancing each aspect of STAR performance technology (Spin, Technology, Acceleration and Responsiveness) to react to slower swing speeds. The result is a tour calibre ball with a high launch angle and exceptional greenside spin for golfers with slower swing speeds. The Z-STAR SL is available in both Pure White and Tour Yellow.RRP AU$69.95 per dozen

Trion ZTrion Z creates magnetic & ionic gear for active lifestyles. Their wristbands, necklaces, insoles & body supports combine the power of negative ions and Medical Grade 1000 Gauss axially magnetized magnets to form the most unique product of its kind. Trion Z products have been embraced by scores of professional and amateur athletes all over the world. Promoting better circulation & relieving stiffness in the body so you can compete at your best.www.trionz.com.au

The new Oasis Refresher unitThis petrol-powered vehicle is refreshingly easy to use and is equipped with a host of features that help cater for any environment.Using a locally developed custom-built refresher unit that is fitted onto a petrol powered E-Z-GO shuttle 2 vehicle, Augusta Golf Cars have produced a vehicle that is environmentally friendly, cost-effective and is sure to enhance your return.This versatile vehicle features a large gas-powered oven; perfect for keeping warm snacks at exactly the right temperature.It also includes a generous cold storage area, which uses refrigerator-quality insulation and is ideal for keeping drinks icy cold.Other features include: multiple dry storage areas, cash box, twin waste bins and a safe, secure and secluded gas storage area.The vehicle itself includes headlights, taillights, fuel gauge, horn as well as an anti-roll back alarm.www.ezgo.com.au

FootJoy Merino Tour SocksThe New FootJoy Merino Tour sock sets a new benchmark, delivering ultimate breathability and durability whilst naturally regulating temperature and moisture to keep golfers one step ahead of the competition. Constructed using fine Merino Wool, this innovative golf sock has been anatomically designed to cradle each foot. Supplemented with natural fibres it also delivers incomparable comfort, moisture management, and breathability due to Breathable Mesh Inserts that boost ventilation throughout the entire round. A durable double-layer reinforced heel rounds off the most advanced sock in the game.The FootJoy Merino Tour sock is available now in a Black Crew with a suggested retail price of $29.95 per pair. www.footjoy.com.au or 1800 660 535

Toro launches greens rollerTORO is expanding its product line up with the Toro® GreensPro™ 1200 greens roller, which turns turf into a smooth, high-performance surface.The GreensPro 1200 is ideal for use on golf courses, tennis courts, bowling greens and any fine turf area that requires a smooth, high-performance surface for optimum playing.Key features include an offset roller design that delivers a consistent rolling pattern without leaving a roll line.A floating junction point also allows the rollers to move independently, following undulations in the terrain.In addition, a wide turning radius minimizes scuffing and turf damage when the operator makes a turn at the end of each rolling pass. Simple foot pedals and an adjustable seat make the GreensPro 1200 easy to operate.It is powered by a Honda engine and provides a rolling width of 120 centimetres (47.2”) with a maximum ground speed of 10 kilometres per hour (6 mph). A single person can quickly convert the machine from operation to transport mode without tools.www.toro.com.au

gear


Roger E Gilchristwww.rogeregilchrist.com

WiTh Shakespeare, the question was “To be, or not to be….”. With Ben hogan the question remains today; was it a one-iron or a two-iron he hit to the 72nd green during the 1950 United States Open Championship held at Merion?

Those who were present that day say it was a two-iron. Unfortunately, the armchair historians amongst us have perpetuated the “one-iron” myth.

During June 2001, a USGA spokesman stated “The cause for the confusion arose when hogan erroneously stated in his book that he had hit a two-iron…”. Those who personally new Mr. hogan believe he never did anything erroneously in his life. The USGA has an interest in continuing the one-iron myth because they have the one-iron from the set of irons he used on display at Golf house.

however, Mr hogan did not carry his one-iron during the fourth round of that United States Open. instead he had substituted it for his four wood.

Mr hogan was very tired during the Fourth round, and the further he got into the round the quicker he wanted it over. he drove off the 18th tee determined to hit the fairway, which he did. Weighing his options for the shot to the 72nd green, his friend Gibby Young ran out to tell him how he stood. he needed three to win and four to tie. Mr. hogan had not been hitting his four wood very well that day so from a distance of 210 yards he decided to hit his two-iron. he did so, and it finished above the hole. Two putts put him in a playoff with lloyd Mangrum and George Fazio. he won the playoff the following day by four shots.

And the debate began.

People there that day all state that Mr. hogan hit a two-iron. Mr. hogan spent one full year proofing his 1957 book “Five lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf ” and he stated there were no errors in that book. he clearly states on page 13 “I went with a two-iron and played what was in my judgement one of my best shots of the last round…”. his playing partner for that round was Dr Cary Middlecoff, and he stated that Mr. hogan hit a two-iron. Mr hogan’s Caddy was Whitey White. Gibby Young had remained out on the fairway and asked Whitey what he had hit, and Whitey flashed two fingers.

Gibby also had the foresight to pick up the resultant divot, wrap it in plastic and freeze it.

later finding it in his freezer, he sent it to Mr hogan during the 1980’s. in the letter of thanks to Gibby Young, for forwarding the divot, Mr hogan thanked him for his kind gift and again stated that he had hit a two-iron that day.

hy Peskin, the photographer of the famous; and most copied photo in golf; the photo of the crowd surrounding the 72nd green with Mr hogan in his distinct follow through, stated that Mr. hogan had hit a two-iron. Writer Will Grimsley is on record stating that Mr. hogan hit a two-iron.

There are many others. Those who were there say it was a two-iron. To refute statements by these golfing gentlemen is to call into question everything they are so revered for today.

As for Mr hogan, one of the few telling statements about this incident was what he asked noted hogan historian Fred Simmons: “Why would people think i needed a 1-iron from only 210 yards?”

how this debate ever started is unknown. Why the USGA would not believe Mr. hogan’s own words, or the words of some of the most respected golf writers in history is unclear. What the facts show, however, is that Mr. hogan used a two-iron for that shot in 1950. •

The Hogan one-iron/two-iron debate

Now you can own a piece of golf history: a framed photo of Ben Hogan’s famous two-iron shot, with an original bank cheque written off of Hogan’s company account, authentically Handsigned by Ben Hogan himself. Museum-quality framed (size of 33x32”) as shown with a 16x20” classic photograph of his famous shot at the 1950 US Open Championship and a 4x6 color seated portrait inlaid on the right-hand side.$995. Plus postagewww.Bestingolfmemorabilia.com.au

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“The advantages wereimmediate and I couldn’t believe just how comfortable it is to wear. I am convinced it will be of great benefi t”

Lee WestwoodWears Biofl ow® Sport in Black

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juniors


hiS mum is his biggest fan and he wants to follow in the footsteps of Jason Day, Greg Norman and Adam Scott.

Matthew Samen-Curtis (pictured) is a talented junior golfer from headland Golf Club on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

he is also a confident young man, who has ambitions of one day joining the play-for-pay ranks.

last month, Matthew won the Greg Norman Golf Foundation-run Pelican Waters 36-hole Junior Classic with scores of 73-72–145.

The victory gets him a start in the invincibles iGA Sunshine Coast Junior Masters Championship to be played at Noosa Springs, Peregian Springs, Twin Waters and Pelican Waters golf clubs in September.

After his win at Pelican Waters, Matthew was quick to heap praise on his “team”.

“Winning is great, but it is the team behind the player that enables a sportsman to be successful,” he said.

“After this wonderful feeling of success, i would like to thank my team.”

his “team” includes his family, coach Grant Field (Twin Waters), the staff at headland Golf Club and the invincibles, who organise junior tournaments on the Sunshine Coast.

“The list of people who have invested in my development is endless, but my family have been my major sponsor and do their best to guide me on the right path,” said Matthew, who plays A grade pennant at headland Golf Club.

“i would also like to thank horton Park Golf Club

Matthew’s a star in the makingDavid [email protected]

for being part of my training and development and Mountain Creek State high School for supporting my request to train harder and do better academically.”

Matthew said he was grateful for the support of his mum who “is my biggest fan and behind me all the way”.

his goal, he says, is to prove to the golfing world that he is capable of reaching the top of his chosen sport.

“i am determined to improve greatly in order to fulfil my dream of being a tour pro. i will get there one day,” he said.

Told you he was confident.The 16-year-old’s coach, Grant Field, said his

student had a very good work ethic.

“i don’t think work ethic will ever be a problem for Matthew,” he said.

“he is a strong kid, who hits the ball a long way and has definitely got all the tools.”

Matthew, who plays off +1, notched another win when he captured the easter Cup at headland Golf Club with scores of 74-69.

“Playing talented juniors from around the Sunshine Coast is both exciting and hard work because they are all capable of carding some great scores,” he said.

“There are many organisations that encourage junior golf on the Sunshine Coast like the invincibles, who run a well-structured tour for juniors of all ages.

“The tour encourages and motivates juniors, but mostly it’s about having fun with like-minded kids.” •

iT didn’t take Bonnie Doon Golf Club junior member Noa Yap long to make short work of two of the club’s six redesigned holes.

The 18-year-old, who plays off a handicap of two, aced two of the holes within two weeks of opening.

Yap got his first look at the new holes, designed by Geoff Ogilvy and Mike Clayton, in the Wednesday competition on May 2.

At the 166m 13th, his purely struck seven-iron hit the flagstick on the bounce and dropped into the cup.

Nine days later (Friday, May 11), he aced the brand-new uphill 15th using his trusty wedge from 120m.

For the record, Yap now has five holes-in-one on his resume. •

Junior Yap’s ace double

iN what may be seen as a sign of things to come in other parts of the industry, Stuart Appleby Junior Golf (SAJG) announced last month that it has amalgamated with Golf Victoria. While there will be a number of changes moving forward, primarily around event entry procedures, the team was clear to point out that it will remain “business as usual”. The SAJG website will also continue to operate in the foreseeable future.

SAJG can now be contacted through the Golf Vic office on 03 8545 6200. Juniors looking to enter events should note that all current entry forms have been updated to reflect this change. General email enquiries and scanned event entries can be sent to [email protected] •

Stuart Appleby Junior Golf merges with Golf Vic

WA (08) 9244 1727SA (08) 8346 6645

VIC (03) 9558 1211TAS (03) 6248 1481

NT (08) 8946 4480Fiji +679 670 0955

QLD (07) 3807 8895NSW/ACT (02) 9972 7705

people



GOlF club members and non-members who volunteer for working bees can’t fill in a divot, spray weeds, tend gardens, empty bins or do anything else until they have completed a workplace induction course.

earlier this year, the Federal Government passed an amended version of the Occupational health and Safety (OhS) laws to align each of the states.

The legislation is quite clear when it comes to OhS and volunteers, who effectively fall under the same legislation as paid employees.

The OhS Act states: “A person is a worker if the person carries out work in any capacity for a person conducting a business or undertaking, including work as a volunteer.”

“effectively, any volunteer or staff member must be put through an induction course about what practises the golf club accept,” said Redland Bay Golf Club general manager and Queensland manager of the year Aaron Muirhead.

“i recently put through 16 volunteers and the staff and i have another 12 volunteers doing the induction course this month as, under the act, volunteers are now categorised as staff.

“We obviously advise them on occupational health and safety issues, who they take direction from, emergency procedures and all other workplace practices.

“i run through that with all the volunteers and then they are right to work.

“The course i deliver takes about 20 to 30 minutes and doesn’t cost the volunteer anything,” said Muirhead, who is also on the committee of Golf Management Australia (Queensland).

Volunteers must complete course

Course volunteers, like Muriel Lowrey from Atherton, will now need to complete a workplace induction course.

There is a cost to the golf club to purchase handbooks and other paraphernalia, which are available from companies such as Advanced Safety Systems Australia.

“it’s just another thing we have to cover so that there is no litigation that can come back to the golf club and to provide duty of care to all volunteers and staff,” Muirhead said.

Once they (government) legislate, you have to comply otherwise myself and the board of directors of the club are in the firing line if someone gets hurt.

“it’s just one of those things that you need to comply with.”

in an effort to stay on top of OhS issues, Muirhead has enrolled to complete a Certificate 4 in Occupational health and Safety.

“i need to do that because the Workplace health

A TeAM from Toowoomba on Queensland’s Darling Downs easily won Golf Queensland’s annual Sponsors and Volunteers Day at Keperra Country Golf Club last month.

City Golf Club representatives Bob Argus, Danny Carroll, Peter Constance and ed Britnell won the fourball ambrose event by a healthy margin from David McNamee, Craig McKeough, lindsay ellis and John Baldwin.

Sandy Ottaway, Joel Pieterse, Grant Garrison and Adrian hewat finished third.

The Sponsors and Volunteers Day is designed to acknowledge volunteers for their contribution to golf in Queensland and to thank sponsors for their continued support.

The Queensland golf industry relies heavily on thousands of volunteers giving their time freely to support the sport and it is important to recognise them.

Volunteer of the year award winner, Ruth hungerford, attended the day, along with tournament support group volunteers, course raters, high performance volunteers and Golf Queensland committee members.

Golf Queensland is grateful for all of the support it receives from not only the event sponsors but also our supporting partners: Club Super, Coca Cola Amatil, Srixon, City Golf Club Motel, Golf Australia, Golf industry Central, Red Tape Busters and Queensland Government. •

Country team too good

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Bob Argus, Danny Carroll, Peter Constance and Ed Britnell from City Golf Club were popular winners.

and Safety Officer (WhSO) is no longer recognised under the new legislation in the workplace under the act,” he said.

“Now you need to either do the bridging course across to Cert 4 or you have to do the entire Cert 4 in Occupational health and Safety to comply with this legislation.

“Alternatively, you can delegate somebody to do it within the club.

“The Workplace health and Safety induction course is site specific and cover everything from equal opportunities to environment matters, drug use, etc.

“it just makes them aware of what they can and can’t do,” he said.

“if they go and do something outside of the directions we have given then the club cannot be held responsible for their actions.” •

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legends tour


The eZ-GO Australasian legends Tour ventured to South Australia last month, with rookie Kim Olsen taking the first event at Mt Osmond from former Australian Tour winner Tim elliot. From there it was off to Whyalla where they say the outback meets the sea. Sadly for me, my golf ball couldn’t meet the course, but Mike Zilko and evergreen Garry Merrick had no such problem finishing 7-under-par.

Rodger Davis crashed the party at the Jacobs Creek Pro Am at Tanunda Pines Golf Club when he tied with Tim elliot and Garry Merrick with 69, and he continued to beat up the young seniors at both Mt lofty where he tied with Mark Tickle on 4-under and Kooyonga with 71. After shooting 68 in the first round of the South Australian PGA legends Championship at Adelaide Shores it appeared he was on track for four in a row, but a seasoned Peter Fowler strung two great rounds of 69 & 67 (9-under), to finish four clear of Russel Swanson and Dave Merriman.

Watching Rodger Davis continually break par at an age where most 61-year-olds can barely break wind successfully, inspired me to put the Australian Champion through a Q & A.

Q: What motivates you to continue to compete at the level you still do?

Well, i actually stopped playing for a while, when i retired from the US Champions

Tour… but i had a problem. it was called weight! i enjoyed the food and drink too much and thought i’d better get myself back on the track or i won’t be around too much longer.

Q: Overall, how is your game at the moment?Not too bad, i’m not putting quite as well as

i’d like to. From tee to green i’m striking the

ball pretty well and if i can make a few putts i reckon i can still compete.

Q: What are your thoughts on the other Aussie players having success on the Senior Tours around the world?

i think i can speak for 95% of the boys on the senior tour. The reason we started playing golf was that it was a hobby. And i think when

you can turn a hobby into a business, you still love the game so much, it allows you to want to play senior golf. When you get a few aches and pains and you have to get out of bed early, you don’t mind doing it so much because of you still just love what you’re doing.

Q: Equipment is making it a lot easier to play as well?

it sure is. Actually, i think the ruling bodies need to address the problem of the ball going too far and make separate rules for pros. Golf courses are getting longer and longer to counter the distance the pros are driving the ball. Millions of amateurs are playing the game around the world and 85% of them are playing off 22 or more handicap. They just can’t play these longer courses. Baseball in America has aluminium bats for the lesser competitions but they only allow wooden bats in the major leagues. Why not bring a golf ball into play for the pros that amateurs don’t have to use?

Q: You came so close to winning the British Open on more than one occasion. Do you look back and wonder how your career might have changed had you have won?

i was always adjusting my goals through my career and at that point i felt i was ready to win a major...but...i still feel i would have made the same choices. At Muirfield, for instance, the decision i made on the 15th… even though i made a bogey off it, i still felt it was the right play. i just didn’t quite hit the shot the way i wanted to. i was happy with the tournaments i did win, though, and i can’t be too hard on myself. •

The Legends Tour Report: Rodger DavisLarry [email protected]

From tee to green I’m striking the ball pretty well and if I can make a few putts I reckon I can still compete.

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corporate golf


iS there a better place to do business than on a golf course?

Many company directors and leading executives don’t think so and that’s why they continue to spend a day on the course with their clients and staff.

The relationships established on the golf course can be of tremendous value to any situation.

Corporate golf gives you great tips on achieving that success.

Of course, corporate golf can be just as helpful to women golfers who have begun to recognise the advantages and opportunities afforded by playing business golf.

Corporate golf can be helpful to any individuals or companies interested in building business relationships. it all boils down to relationships.

Thankfully, most of our leading clubs have taken steps to cater for the corporations.

Normally, nothing is left to chance when you decide to take your company to the golf course for the day.

While a few putts might be missed, most of the clubs do not miss a trick when it comes to giving these golfers, many of them once-a-year players, something to remember.

And it’s amazing how many of them are back the following year to do it all again – and hopefully par that darn hole where they lost a ball the previous year.

Your guide to Corporate Golf in Queensland

Many of the bigger golf clubs have their own staff assigned to organising everything from invitations, booking the course, catering, prizes and even the post-match celebrations.

here are some of Queensland’s leading clubs where corporate golf couldn’t be in better hands.

Links Hope IslandTheRe is no better way to impress your ViP clients on your next corporate golf day than to spend it with them at links hope island.

located just 20 minutes from Surfers Paradise and 40 minutes from the Brisbane and Gold Coast Airports, links hope island Golf Course is the centrepiece of hope island Resort.

With its five-star facilities and consistent rankings as one of Australia’s top-10 resort courses, links hope island is the ultimate destination for corporate and social golf, functions and events.

Your day begins with a friendly welcome from the concierge and may include a practice session on the aquatic driving range, or a meal on the legends Terrace.

it will then involve some careful strategic thinking while you make your way around the par-72 golf course, avoiding the natural and man-made hazards and the 128 challenging pot-style bunkers.

heading home after a fantastic day, the signature

par-3 17th hole is a challenge for any golfer and is an experience in courage or folly.

At 230m off the black tees and 180m off the whites, most players cannot reach the green due to the prevailing head wind.

So one must consider playing this as a par-4 rather than a par-3, but then again, you decide.

The 18th hole provides visitors with a fantastic view and although it may be a long journey “home”, there is plenty to see and avoid.

The 18th green is surrounded by bunkers and a hollowed out front. it’s a challenging end yet it is hoped you’ll not be disappointed.

links hope island is the chosen corporate golf venue for several of Australia’s highest-profile companies including Mercedes Benz, lexus, QBe and Optus that expect a quality golf day on a world-class golf course supported by excellent service.

Packages can be custom made based on individual requirements.

The club welcomes visitors and there are plenty of opportunities for both corporate and social golfers to enjoy one of Australia’s favourite clubs.

For further information, contact the club on (07) 5530-9000 or visit the website www.linskhopeisland.com.au or [email protected]

Brookwater Golf and Country ClubBROOKWATeR has achieved its reputation as one of Australia’s best courses due to the truly great course design by Greg Norman and the fact its team works tirelessly to present the layout in tournament condition all year round.

“The club’s commitment to providing the best golfing experience in Queensland is as strong now as it was when Brookwater opened 10 years ago.

Brookwater Golf and Country Club is hosting two outstanding events designed to challenge golfers – the emirates Golf Challenge and the Brookwater Championship Marker Challenge.

The Brookwater Championship Marker Challenge provides a unique opportunity for players to test their skills as Greg Norman intended the course to be played.

The emirates Golf Challenge is set to be the drawcard event of the year with the major prize of two business class flights to europe flying emirates.

All participants of the event are eligible to win, however, they must be in attendance at the draw to claim the prize. Multiple entries are accepted.

Challenge yourself, your staff or your clients at Brookwater Golf and Country Club and enter into one or both events by completing the form available online at www.brookwater.com.au.

Alternately, why not host your own event at Brookwater.

Links Hope Island Brookwater Golf and Country Club

VIRGINIA GOLF CLUBThe Course of Champions

Hold your Corporate Golf Day at the only golf club in the world with 2 Major Champions on

its Club Championship Honour Board and you too will be a golfing Champion

We are experts at tailoring your corporate golf day to fit your exact requirements. As a special bonus to

Inside Golf readers, mention this ad when booking and we will provide prizes for your event to the value of $200* conditions apply

Virginia Golf Club ~ Elliott Road, Banyo

www.virginiagolf.com.auOffice: (07) 3267 6333

corporate golf


The corporate and social golf sales manager and Drift Brookwater events team will work with you to ensure your Brookwater corporate or team building golf day creates a positive and lasting impression with your clients and/or staff.

Brookwater Golf and Country Club1 Tournament DriveBrookwater Qld 4300(07) 3814-5500www.brookwater.com.au

Pacific Golf ClubYOU’ll be in for a nice surprise if you make Pacific Golf Club your next corporate golf venue.

The popular club is just 15 minutes from the Brisbane CBD, but provides a natural and relaxed setting away from the bustle of city life.

There is no doubt Pacific offer something special to all levels of golfers.

For corporate players, it’s a memorable golfing experience due to the challenging golf course and picturesque surroundings.

That’s because players are presented with lush fairways, rolling greens and a championship golf course, which is beautifully landscaped and wrapped around the foothills of Carindale.

When it comes to corporate golf, Pacific’s staff

are experts at delivering every amenity needed for your clients to have a golfing experience second-to-none.

Whether it’s just a small gathering of your most respected clients or a full day of fun and excitement for your business associates, Pacific Golf Club also has the facility to cater for pre and post functions from presentation dinners to more informal BBQ settings.

Sitting on the hillside above the course, the clubhouse presents the perfect setting for a fully catered function where your players can reminisce about their golfing prowess from the day’s play, while enjoying a cool beverage and scrumptious meal.

Pacific Golf Club offers all the experience of its 75 years as the staff provide you and your clients with a fantastic golfing event.

The club offers customised corporate packages to suit the needs of your corporate or charity group, with pricing to match.

To sample this magnificent course at its finest, take part in the monthly Blue Marker Challenge, proudly sponsored by Motorline BMW.

Social play, adult and junior golfing memberships are now available for all levels and offer great opportunities to get your children involved in a socially fun outdoor sport.

if you are looking for a reasonably priced, but professionally delivered corporate event, then look no further than Pacific Golf Club.

Pacific Golf Club430 Pine Mountain Road,Carindale Qld 4152Phone: (07) 3343 0888www.pacificgolf.com.au

Redland Bay Golf ClubNeSTleD against the shores of Morton Bay is

one of Southeast Queensland’s best-kept secrets – the award-winning Redland Bay Golf Club.

The club hosts the Queensland Seniors PGA Championship as well as many businesses and visitors through its corporate golfing packages.

Catering for groups from 20 to 144, RBGC can deliver a tailored golfing package to suit the requirements of the client which includes friendly staff at the bag drop and registration to the sympathetic ears of the bar staff.

it’s the perfect way for businesses to deliver corporate entertaining and relationship building in a very cost effective manner.

The course is always in immaculate condition and has greens the envy of most clubs.

The well-stocked pro shop offers a full complement of golfing goods including late model electric carts.

No matter the format, be it ambrose or stableford, golfers are always on the lookout for a range of wildlife including the resident koala colony.

There are a number of challenging holes throughout the course including the par-5 14th, which is a dogleg left. With trees lining the left and Moreton Bay lining the right, it can be a challenge for golfers of all abilities.

Still, the 6009m 18-hole course is generally user-friendly and won’t break the spirit of the average golfer, ensuring an enjoyable day for all players.

Presentations and post-match functions can be hosted either on the expansive shaded deck area, which overlooks the first tee and ninth green, or inside the clubhouse where the bistro can provide a range of delicious meals served as set menus or buffets.

RBGC delivers more than a game of golf – it delivers an experience that ensures that companies keep coming back.

Redland Bay Golf ClubNorth Street Redland Bay Qld 4165Club (07) 3206-7011Pro shop (07) 3206 8143Email [email protected] www.redlandbaygolf.com.au

Pacific Golf Club Redland Bay Golf Club

BrisBane’sPremier Corporate Golf VenueSituated just 15mins south of the Brisbane CBD, Pacific Golf Club provides a challenging

golfing experience for your next corporate event.

Pacific Golf Club provides corporate golf packages to suit your business needs. Our professional event management team will ensure your day is delivered above your expectations leaving you

and your guests with fantastic long lasting memories.

For details and information, see the club’s website or email [email protected]

430 Pine Mountain Road, CARINDALE QLD 4152Ph: (07) 3343 0888www.pacificgolf.com.au

Social Golf memberships are available through the Club’s “Pathway 5” and “Pathway 10” categories where the low annual fee allows you to play 5 or 10 rounds per year – a perfect way to experience the course or periodically bring guests along for a business or social game during

the week. See the club’s website for details or email [email protected]

minicorpGolf Day Package

Package Cost$1,500

Cost for up to 20 players inclusive•

18 holes of golf•

5 x 4 per group•

Progressive Tee Off 1st (approx •1/2 hour)

Carts (2 players per cart)•

Breakfast or Lunch roll before •game

Tea & Coffee•

BBQ Lunch (steaks & sausages) •including 2 salads

Corporate Signage on 1st tee and •deck

2 NTP (4th & 13th)•

Longest Drive 18th•

Customer to provide prizes (or can •be supplied by RBGC at a price)

Tee offs available:Thursdays & Fridays,Morning or Afternoons

Redland Bay Golf Club has structured a golf package for business owners that would like to take advantage of hosting their customers to a Corporate Golf Day and all the benefits that follow.

This package suits a small number of guests to ensure that the personal touch is not lost, maximising your networking and relationship building opportunities.

The day starts with either a breakfast or lunch roll with tea & coffee, followed by 18 holes of golf on the award winning Redland Bay Golf Clubs picturesque course. At the conclusion of play, enjoy a BBQ meal on the deck where you can share stories of the games highlights with your customers and complete the day with a presentation of prizes.

Redland Bay Golf Club staff will run the day for you to ensure you spend maximum time with your customers, from arranging groups, organising cards, completing the scoring and catering to your food requirements.

For more information contact:Phil Watkins or Stacey Solomon on (07) 3206 7011or email [email protected]

REDLAND BAY GOLF CLUB2010 Queensland PGA Metropolitan Golf Club of the Year& host of the Annual PGA Seniors Championship Pro Am

corporate golf


Royal Pines ResortSeT just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast’s glitter strip yet close enough to enjoy the attractions, RACV Royal Pines Resort is perfect golfing and corporate destination.

The Gold Coast’s only 27-hole composite golf course has three distinct course layouts offering three unique golf course experiences and promises to challenge a golfer’s every stroke.

As the permanent home to the RACV Australian ladies Masters and many other prestigious golf tournaments, RACV Royal Pines Resort has dominated the world of golf for over a decade.

“We aim to make your day a memorable experience for you and your guests,” said the resort’s manager golf and sport Adrian lawson.

“With our fleet of 110 golf carts and 27 holes of championship golf, we can accommodate groups from 12 up to 216 for a shotgun start.”

Corporate golf days at RACV Royal Pines Resort are assigned a personal group coordinator who organises all aspects of the day including bag drop, pre-event registration, a players’ briefing, on-course

competition and banner services, collection of scorecards, scoring, post golf presentation set up and all food and beverage requirements.

RACV Royal Pines Resort also offers extensive practice facilities including a 250-metre driving range, a chipping green and practice bunker in addition to the practice putting greens – all of which are available to corporate golf groups.

For golfers’ convenience and comfort, a fully-stocked, on-course beverage cart is readily available to ensure an enjoyable day’s play.

lawson said RACV Royal Pines Resort is unique when compared with other Gold Coast facilities.

“We have the 331 rooms of accommodation, internationally-recognised golf course, restaurants, corporate facilities, tennis, kids’ club, swimming pool and more.

“it’s the ideal corporate venue for big or small groups.”

RACV Royal Pines ResortRoss Street, Benowa Qld 4217Phone (07) 5597-8457www.racv.com.au/royalpines

Sanctuary Cove GCC – The Palms Golf CourseiF you really want to impress your clients and make them the centre of attention, then Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club should be your choice when planning a corporate day.

The team at Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club offer unrivalled service to ensure its guests are afforded the ultimate golfing experience.

A corporate golf event can set your business apart from your competitors. The club offers clients the chance to build your relationships and entertain clients or reward its staff with a perfectly executed corporate golf day.

Sanctuary Cove has a range of packages to suit all events and is easily adaptable to your individual needs and requirements.

The corporate events team at Sanctuary Cove will discuss all of these options with you, whether it be themed holes, long drive exhibitions or challenge the professional.

They are always happy to discuss all concepts. The Palms Golf Course has recently undergone

an $8.8 million redesign by renowned golf course

architect Ross Watson. After its reopening in April 2011, the Palms is now

considered a championship course rivalling some of the best golf courses in Australia.

it has a total length of 5904 metres off the back tees and has numerous water features and hazards.

Tee placements designed to suit a variety of playing conditions and a diverse playing membership are in place.

Nestled within century old Cabbage Palms, the Palms Golf Course has returned to the traditions of the game, with distinctive holes, deep greenside bunkers and boldly contoured greens.

Requiring creative shot making, the Palms challenges players of all abilities.

As one of the only a few 36-hole golf facilities in South-east Queensland, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club provides an amazing overall experience.

Facilities include driving range, practice chipping and putting green, five tennis courts, a state-of-the-art gymnasium with yoga room and a wide range of fitness classes, a 25m heated lap pool, sauna, spa, complete locker room facilities, dining and function rooms and much more.

Royal Pines Resort Sanctuary Cove GCC – The Palms Golf Course

All tee times on the day HALF PRICE with food tastings and free activities all day Great 2012 End of Financial Year Membership Offers

Ask how you can SAVE more than $12,500 off your new membership Annual memberships now start at $1800 per year

Everyone there will go into the draw to WIN a free membership for one year!!

Corporate Golf Rates FROM $85.00 per person 18 holes including electric cart

MEMBERSHIP OPEN DAY Sunday 10th June 2012 9.30am to 3.30pm

WWW.LAKELANDSGOLFCLUB.COM.AU

Phone (07) 5510 6504 Australia’s first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course

100 Lakelands Drive Merrimac QLD

corporate golf


Whether it is for a half day, full day or weekend golf event, Sanctuary Cove Golf will supply you with the ultimate golfing experience.

The Palms Golf CourseGleneagles Drive, Sanctuary Cove Qld 4212Phone: (07) 5699-9000Website: www.sanctuarycovegolf.com.au

Twin Waters Golf ClubWheN it comes to organising corporate golf events, Twin Waters Golf Club gets it right first time every time.

That’s because the club’s professional team has the expertise required to ensure you get the maximum benefit from your golf day.

They can tailor your event to suit any budget and sole use and half-day course hire fees are available on request.

The Nineteen Restaurant and function room can cater for formal events with comfortable seating for 120 people.

Nestled amidst tranquil bush land on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Twin Waters Golf Club combines the characteristics of links golf within a resort-style setting.

internationally-recognised, Twin Waters is one of the top courses in Australia and arguably the best on the Sunshine Coast.

Designed by five-time Open champion Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge, the 18-hole, par-72 championship course with the stunning setting and challenging layout combining to produce an enjoyable round for all players.

As part of Twin Waters’ service, the club provides the following at no extra charge: A personal golf co-ordinator to ensure the smooth running of your day; starters and marshals on the golf course; personalised printed cart signs, scorecards, rules sheets etc; competition markers; assistance with registration, if required; on-course drinks cart; locker rooms and towels; collation of scorecards; assistance with prize requirements and in-house PA systems, skirted registration and prize tables.

Twin Waters clients have a choice of function

venues for presentation and a wide variety of catering options from casual BBQs on the terrace to more formal a la carte menus.

The club can also arrange pre- and post-golf food and beverage, golf clinic, putting competition, practice on the aquatic driving range, player registration gift, novelty events, trophies and prizes, signage and banners and branded merchandise.

Twin Waters Golf ClubOcean Drive Twin Waters 4564Ph; 07 5457 2444Email: [email protected]: www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au

Lakelands Golf ClubWheN it comes to corporate events, lakelands Golf Club is one of the leaders of the pack.

The club takes great pride in not only hosting events, but also helping make them successful.

Since arriving at lakelands, corporate golf coordinator Dylan Stoner has built up an impressive client base of big businesses keen to host their next day at one of the Gold Coast’s leading courses.

“This year is shaping up to be one of our best yet,” he said.

“Not only have we kept all our existing clients, but our business strength and great customer service has really grabbed the attention of industry executives keen to play on our championship course.”

lakelands’ team of professionals is skilled and experienced in assessing and identifying the specific requirements of a wide range of groups.

The Jack Nicklaus-designed signature course is a challenge worth conquering with the par-3 14th hole a feature.

“We know we have a great course that continues to be in top condition for our golf events, but this year we have put immense focus on our customer service and catering with a new head chef and some modern and exciting menus that our members and guests can’t help but rave about,” general manager Tim Gnech said.

lakelands is primarily a members’ course with limited available dates for corporate golf days.

Many who have played the course see it as a privilege.

“That’s right,” said Dylan Stoner. “We prioritise our members in terms of date availability so our clients know to get in early to secure one of our limited corporate days.

“We already have business flowing in for next year, particularly for those who may have missed out on their dates this year.”

Lakelands Golf Club100 Lakelands Drive (off Gooding Drive),Merrimac, Gold Coast 4226 Phone (07) 5579-8700

Virginia Golf ClubOVeR on the north side of Brisbane is the award-winning Virginia Golf Club with 27 challenging holes, which make it the perfect venue to host your corporate golf day.

it’s also one of the closest golf courses to the Brisbane Airport and is easily accessible from all directions.

The course is always in immaculate condition, with lush fairways and arguably with the best greens

Twin Waters Golf Club Lakelands Golf Club

151 Ocean Drive,Twin Waters Qld 4564Ph: (07) 5457 2444

E: [email protected] www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au

Luxury You Can Afford

Corporate & Social Packages AvailableLet our professional staff take care of your requirements to ensure your guests have an enjoyable and successful day;• Function Venue for Corporate & Social Functions • Full Stocked Pro Shop • Motorised Carts and Hire Equipment Available • Aquatic Driving Range

Corporate & Social Packages

starting from

$82.50ppincluding Lunch

Our Championship Golf Course offers a stunning setting and challenging layout for players of all levels

Enjoy your next Corporate Day at

OxlEy GOlf ClubCorporate Golf Packages from $54 per person*

Includes: - 18 Holes of Golf - Shared use of motorised golf cart - Personal Golf Day Coordinator - free function Room Hire - Personalised Cart Signage - Post Golf Scoring - Organisation of On-Course Activities

for more information: 290 boundary Rd, Oxley Qld 4075 www.oxleygolfclub.com.au E: [email protected] P: (07) 3379 6322

Ideal Venue for your next Wedding, Conference, Function or Celebration

Corporate, Competition & Social Golf

Available 7 Days (Subject to availability)

Twilight Mid-Week (Mon-fri) Golf Special after 3pmunlimited Holes - $18 per person

Monday Golf Special after 11am18 Holes- $25per person

* Conditions Apply

corporate golf


in Brisbane. The club’s championship course recently hosted

the Australian Amateur Championship and the club boasts that it is the only golf club in the world with two major champions etched on its Club Championship honourboard – Greg Norman and Wayne Grady.

The pair spent their early years honing their skills at Virginia.

The course layout is perfect for corporate golf and the dedicated corporate golf team will ensure that your every need is expertly looked after.

At Virginia, your corporate golf day will be exactly how you want it.

The club prides itself on its flexibility and is second-to-none when it comes to tailoring your day to perfectly fit your requirements.

And staff will go the extra mile to ensure your guests have a great day and your day is remembered for all the right reasons.

Virginia does not charge any extra for things such as pre-event registration, event signage, player briefings and assisting with collating results and prize presentations. The club believes that’s all part of the service.

The facilities are just the ticket for corporate golf with a fully air-conditioned clubhouse, a choice of two function rooms for post-game presentations and meals (the club is renowned for the quality of its catering operation), great warm-up and practice facilities including full-length driving range and expansive car parking.

The club offers on-course food and beverage from up to two drinks carts and can easily handle 144 players for corporate days and even more if clients are prepared to utilise the club’s additional nine holes.

Your search for the perfect corporate golf day venue that is not a one-size-fits-all day will lead you to Virginia Golf Club.

Virginia Golf Club Elliott Road, Banyo, Qld 4014 Phone office: +61 7 3267-6333 Phone Pro shop: +61 7 3267-7057 Email: [email protected]: www.virginagolf.com.au

Oxley Golf ClubONe of the nice things about golf in Australia is the fairways can be shared by all-comers from tradespeople to boardroom executives.

There is no elitism as golfers of various abilities play on a level playing field.

That makes it the ideal choice for corporate stakeholders and Oxley Golf Club the perfect venue to mix business with pleasure.

The 18-hole championship golf course provides a true test of golf and a range of outstanding dining and entertaining options.

When it comes to hosting big events, Oxley Golf Club has the runs on the board.

For example, the club hosted the 2010 Australian Men’s interstate Series and received plenty of accolades from players and officials.

So, why not make your corporate day one to remember.

With a dedicated coordinator and professional staff at your beck and call, the club will ensure you and your guests have an enjoyable day of golf and hospitality.

“We recognise your day is very important, from both a customer relations and financial point of view, and have the flexibility to ensure that we meet both expectations,” said golf manager Clay Williams.

The function room and restaurant facilities all have magnificent views over the golf course.

Complimentary services with all golf days at Oxley include a personal golf coordinator, who organises all aspects of your day including bag drop, pre-event registration, players briefing, on-course competition and banner services, collation of scorecards and scoring, post golf presentation as well as all food and beverage services.

Oxley also offers practice facilities including a 220-metre driving range, a chipping green and practice bunker and a putting green, all of which are complimentary to corporate golf groups.

“Oxley is dedicated to making your corporate golf day a complete success and a memorable one for both you and your guests,” Williams said.

Oxley can cater for groups from 20 to 144 golfers with supporting bar and restaurant services, with packages starting from $54 per person, including shared use of motorised carts.

Oxley Golf Club290 Boundary Rd, Oxley Qld 4075Phone: (07) 3379-6322Email: [email protected]: www.oxleygolfclub.com.au •

Virginia Golf Club Oxley Golf Club

REGISTER NOW PHONE 07 3814 5500brookwater.com.au

Emirates Golf Challengeis your chance to win two

business class flights to Europe.

Qualifying event prizes include flights to New Zealand,

ipads and more.

1st Qualifying event Thursday 14th June 2012

Brookwater Championship Marker Challenge

Mens and Ladies play off their respective Championship Markets with challenging

pin positions on every hole. Grand Prize

Set of AP1 IronsTitleist Bag

2nd Qualifying EventWednesday 27th June 2012

impress your clients, reward your staff or challenge yourself

at queensland’s number one golf course

brookwater only 30 minutes from brisbane cbd

clubs


lAKelANDS Golf Club on Queensland’s Gold Coast is rolling out the red carpet to potential new members.

The golf club’s general manager, Tim Gnech, said the club was aiming to kick-start the new financial year with some great changes and amazing offers starting with three new membership categories.

“We have an interstate membership from $2600, an intermediate membership (21-30 years) from $2600 and a junior membership (12-20 years) from $1800,” he said.

“The club’s aim is to reach a broader group of people, including up-and-coming golfers.

“it will give the younger demographic the chance to hone their skills on a championship golf course that may previously have not been affordable for them,” he said.

To kick-start memberships, there are some great incentives to all new and existing members, with a 7.5 per cent reduction on annual dues for the 2012 year in addition to the major incentive of no joining fee.

That means in 2012 memberships start from less than $35 per week.

Of course, there are plenty of other incentives for the club’s long-standing members and newcomers.

“This year a great range of value adds have also been included in not only new, but existing memberships,” Gnech said.

“These include unlimited driving range use, golf bag storage, motorised carts and unlimited use of one of Gold Coast’s leading golf courses.

“The members have been privileged to enjoy the benefits of the club and championship golf course and now we invite others to share the same wonderful experience.”

lakelands Golf Club plans to launch these great incentives with a bang by hosting a Membership Open Day on Sunday, June 10.

To play the magnificent Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, it’ll cost just $65 per person and includes complimentary food tastings throughout the day and there will be plenty of prizes up for grabs.

There will be loads of other activities and competitions as well.

“Golfers should book in now and experience what lakelands has to offer,” Gnech said.

“Tee times are limited so get in quick or just turn up to enjoy the great food and surrounding activities/competitions on the day.

“every person who registers on the day will go in the draw to receive one-year free annual membership.”

lakelands’ Signatures Restaurant is open seven days a week and the club is a popular venue for weddings and corporate events.

Visitors are always welcome. The club boasts a fully-stocked pro shop, golf cart and club hire facilities as well as coaching for individuals and groups.

For more information, call the golf club on (07) 5579 8700 or log on to the club’s website www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au •

Become a member at one of the Golden Bear’s best

JOIN HERE: The magnificent and inviting Lakelands Golf Club.

One of the biggest handicaps that most golfers have is ill-fitting, mass produced equipment. Industry surveys show that over 95% of golfers are playing with clubs that do not fit them. Golf clubs are like shoes. If your shoes don’t fit, your game will suffer.

your local experts

The Experts in Custom Club Fitting

Call your local Golf Shop today to book in your club fitting experience. Find your nearest store at www.oncoursegolf.com.au

At Golf Shops, we can custom-fit and custom build clubs to match each golfer, whether they are a novice or a single figure marker.

Personal fittings can be performed by PGA Golf Professionals at any of our stores nationwide. In fact, every one of our stores has fully qualified PGA Golf Professionals on staff to ensure you get the right advice.

Our fitting process is the most comprehensive available.

Here is what is involved:

• Detailed evaluation of your current clubs

• Discussion of your strengths, weaknesses and playing goals

• Dynamic fitting analysis

• Recommendation for club specifications

• Expert advice on the options for club selection and set configuration

Radisson Resort Gold Coast to celebrate Festival of GolfRADiSSON Resort Gold Coast and its five partner golf courses will be celebrating golf from June to December 2012 with a festival of golf competition.

Golfers who book a stay and play package between 1 June and 31 December will be entered into the draw to win a prize package valued at $5000.

Radisson Resort Gold Coast is set in the lush surrounds of Palm Meadows Golf Course, 30 minutes drive from Coolangatta airport and about an hour from Brisbane. enjoy luxurious accommodation in this tranquil location and play 18-holes at up to five challenging courses.

Stroll to Palm Meadows or book a transfer to lakelands, The Glades, Robina Woods, or The Colonial. These partner courses are within a few minutes’ drive of the resort and Radisson guest are offered discounted green fees. Packages include accommodation, a full buffet breakfast, 18-holes of golf, transfers and golf cart hire.

There is plenty to do away from the greens; the resort has two swimming pools, four tennis courts, a games room, gym, day spa and the award winning Chelos at Radisson Restaurant and Bar.

Guests who plan to enjoy more of the Gold Coast can rely on the concierge team to arrange tours, transfers and theme park tickets. The resort is 10 minutes drive from surfing beaches, the casino, and all the excitement of the Broadbeach entertainment hub.

Stay and play packages are ideal for golfers, couples with non-golfing partners and groups. Radisson guests enjoy free internet access in guest rooms and throughout the resort plus free undercover parking.

Call 07 5555 7700 or email [email protected] to arrange a great Gold Coast golfing escape. •

clubs


ON the Gold Coast, golfers of all abilities now have the opportunity to participate, learn, develop and practice golf all at one facility.

Recently, the KDV-Sport Academy of Golf, a new and exciting innovation for the golfing community, opened at Carrara Gardens Day and Night Golf Course.

headed up by AAA-rated professional Richard Woodhouse, the academy provides a premium coaching and club fitting experience for beginners through to the elite player.

“The academy is accessible to all standards of golfers,” Woodhouse said.

“it incorporates state-of-the-art teaching facilities utilising the absolute best technology available for golf tuition.

“Our sole aim and desire is to take your game beyond your expectations whether you are a complete novice or a seasoned touring professional.”

Woodhouse said he and senior teaching pro Joel Mercieca help golfers improve in all areas of their game.

“To achieve this we look at a player’s game from a complete holistic approach taking into consideration technical ability, mental ability and physical ability,” he explained.

he says these three key components allow a golfer to perform at his or her peak performance.

Of course, technology is a key component to KDV-Sport Academy of Golf ’s success.

“We are proud to be associated with the golf industry’s leaders in technology,” Woodhouse said.

“Trackman Technologies, KVest TPi3D, SAM Putt and Balance lab are simply exceptional tools for us to give golfers exact, uncompromised clarity and direction of their game.

“We deliver the necessary information in a simplistic, logical manner ensuring a player’s

development is heading down the correct path with a structured plan geared to achieving their personal goals,” said Woodhouse, who is Titleist Performance institute (golf specific training) certified and a qualified fitness and nutrition expert.

That, he says, enables him to look at all players in a complete holistic manner, which leads to developing a player’s maximum performance and improvement.

“We treat every student as an individual and tailor their development plan,” he said.

“every golfer has different strengths and weaknesses and it is our desire to make a player’s game more effective rather than just coach to a particular model or style.

“Communication and understanding between coach and player is crucial to development and that’s why we measure

a player’s development in a practice and game environment.

“By doing this the student will always understand where his or her game is heading and the importance of development in the correct areas.”

KDV-Sport Academy of Golf are also experts in club fitting, and understand its importance.

“We offer comprehensive fitting service with Titleist, Scotty Cameron and Vokey wedges,” Woodhouse said.

“Using correctly fitted equipment is a crucial link in game development and we use state-of-the-art technology to achieve the perfect fit for all equipment.”

For more information, contact Richard Woodhouse on (07) 5596 0404 , email [email protected] or go to the website www.kdvsport.com •

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KPMG: Improved outlook for the golf travel industryGOlF tourism is on the increase and is bouncing back from the economic downturn, a new survey by KPMG has revealed.

According to the Golf Travel insights report, 60% of golf tour operators experienced an increase in the number of golf breaks booked in 2011, compared to 38% in 2010.

Similarly, just 12% of tour operators reported a decrease in bookings in 2011 compared to 54% the year before.

The survey, published by KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice, included the feedback of 90 golf tour operators in 35 countries, the majority of which are based in europe. The results are seen as an indicator of the golf travel industry’s performance and outlook.

Spain and Portugal remained the most popular destinations, ahead of the UK & ireland, while Turkey, as well as Thailand and Vietnam, continue to emerge as popular destinations for golf holidays, the report revealed.

however, Spain and Portugal saw an average price drop of 10-20% for golf holiday packages in 2011, while destinations in South east Asia increased prices by 30-50%.

Turkey also experienced a price hike of 10-20%. however, most golf tour operators (51%) maintained similar prices in 2011 to 2010.

While North America maintains a strong domestic golf travel market, Argentina and the Dominican Republic are becoming popular outbound tourism destinations for US citizens, tour operators reported.

Golfers from the USA and Canada, the UK, Scandinavia (predominantly Sweden) and Germany remain the biggest golf travellers. KPMG also found that golfers spend significantly more on a holiday than regular leisure tourists, typically €600-900 on a four to seven-night golf break. More than a third of these breaks (35%) are group bookings of 8-12 people. •

golf travel


The Old Course at St Andrews is the world’s oldest and best links. At a stately 459 years old, it’s a melange of gorse and dunes and rolling fairways with bumps and burns and fiendish small-round pot-bunkers with steep, riveted faces.

Populating the place are squinting old Scots, marshals who sit on stick-seats in Tam o’Shanters smoking pipes and asking slow players to “hurry along”, rolling their “R”s like boulders tumbling down a hill. indeed if the first-tee announcer called a two-ball of Roger Rasheed and Roger Rogerson it would sound like six minutes of thunder.

Playing the Old Course at St Andrews

The Old Course at St Andrews is the most famous course in golf, yet it’s surprisingly easy to get on, as Matt Cleary discovers.

The town itself is a charming old joint of haunted houses and grey-stone blocks with that european oldness so different to the polished chrome in our sunny New World. it’s quaint and good, and you’ll be inexorably drawn to buy tartan-themed merchandise.

My brother and i arrive on Good Friday and add our names to the ballot for a tee-time the next day. As you can imagine, it’s a pretty popular course, hosting 45,000 rounds each year - despite being closed on Sundays. The bloke in the starter’s box tells us that if we aren’t chosen in the ballot, then

we should turn up early next day and wait for no-shows. Needless to say, we aren’t hopeful.

We head to the Jigger inn and drink pints of ale while talking golf with Antoinette from ireland. She’s managed the pub for 20 years and chirruped away with every “name” in the game, taking the piss out of Tiger and Shark and the great Golden Bear.

And so we eat a delicious haddock chowder they call a “Cullen skink” – named because it was invented in Cullen, and skink is what they call chowder. We dip into it with warm black bread

lathered with melted butter. We take our pints outside and sit on a fence by the Road hole and watch approach shots. it’s sunny, cold, dry and crisp, an al-fresco golf-drinking heaven.

And then we get the news: we’re on! Tee-off is 11:46 tomorrow. happy days!

Next day, we’re up at 5am with excitement and jet-lag. We watch the sun creep over St Andrews and bathe the course in turquoise and promise. The course reveals its curves, bumps and burns (pronounced b’rr’ns) like a wise, noble, incredibly beautiful woman. We breakfast on black- and white-pudding and (tasty) haggis. There are pots of tea and smoky bacon and slabs of bread with butter. They know comfort food in this part of the world.

And then it’s on to the golf! After two hours warming up in the excellent Golf Practice Centre and standing around not knowing what to do with one’s hands, we meet our playing partners, Ben and John hillard, a father-son duo from Melbourne. Ben’s a greenkeeper here and plays for free, making him probably the luckiest backpacker in Britain.

And so we stand on the first tee of the Old Course, St Andrews and gaze down the fairway with slack-jawed awe. And we wonder: how on earth did ian Baker-Finch hook one out of bounds? You’d more likely crash into a tree on lake eyre.

Yet i’m shaking as i line up 3-wood and prepare to bomb away. Somehow i make sweet contact, knocking the ball out fairway right before Swilcan Burn.

i then nip my 9-iron off the cold, tight fescue-bent, the ball landing middle-green. My putt from 25 feet slides across the billiard-table to tap-in distance, and i make a par on the first at the Old Course at St Andrews. And this, at this stage in my life, is the greatest thing i have ever done.

A salty rain soon whips in and we’re into the wet gear. This is Scotland, and if you didn’t get rain you’d feel ripped off. The round progresses

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in a conga-line of highlights: The club-head of my hybrid machetes through long grass...Tim drives the ninth green...On a demented kidney-shaped green the size of lichtenstein, Tim makes bogey with a 300-foot three-putt that has to travel around a bunker.

On the eleventh, a brilliant par-3 with a green sloping back to front with several gradients, i find the longest, steepest putt i have ever faced. it’s like being in Row A at Suncorp and putting up to Row QQ. i smash the heck out of it and send the ball whistling up the slope, past the hole, between my caddy’s legs and over the back of the green. i record double-bogey. Unlike Bobby Jones i do not tear up my card.

On the aptly-named “long”, a 618-yard par-5, i hit two drivers under the salty wet wind and end up in hell Bunker, the trap Jack Nicklaus once couldn’t get out of until he’d had four shots. Me? hell schmell, George Pell. i nip out a four-iron and end up with par. happy days!

And then we come to the Road hole. The 17th at the Old Course is 495 yards and

is golf ’s oldest and best par-4. Known as the Road hole”, it is so flat-out gob-dangling good

that passers-by will stop and watch you play it. Whether you’re a PGA pro or a chopper from Charleville, you’ll be on the Road hole and people will nudge each other and whisper “look – he’s playing the Road hole. let’s watch.”

And so they watch. And you play your shot. And if you hit a good one, they may applaud.

Why? Because it’s the Road hole! Your tee-shot must cut a corner off the Road

hole hotel in order to find a thin bumpy fairway. The green is angular and raised and bordered by a famous bunker, aptly named “Road hole Bunker” and an old stone wall called “old stone wall”.

Shaking (again) from mid-fairway, i somehow spank a 3-wood, finishing pin-high just before the little round bunker that Costantino Rocca took three shots to get out of, gifting an Open play-off to John Daly in 1990. i roll my putt up the greenside bump and finish 12-feet from the flag. One putt and i’ll par the Road hole. Come on, baby. Please let me par the Road hole. Please, baby, please…

i line it up. i stand over the ball. i pull the trigger, set the ball in motion. it tracks across the slight left-to-right break and starts to fall.

Can we? Can we... par the road hole…? Oh, momma. Yes. We. Can. And i am telling

everybody. But it gets better. On the tee at 18, Tim sends

his drive into Macdonald Rusacks hotel, and everyone laughs their head off. We take photos on Swilcan Bridge where Jack and Arnie and Old Tom Morris have stood and posed. “how good is this?” we beam.

And on the same closing hole that Seve Ballesteros sunk a 10-foot curler to record 12-under and win the ’84 Open, i smack a driver up the left, clear the Valley of Sin with an 8-iron that stiffs to 3-feet, walk (make that “float”) to the green, wave my tartan-themed visor at the busload of politely-applauding tourists, and putt out for a brilliant birdie-three. Oh, yeah baby. And that’s a nine-over 81. Rory Mcilroy had an 81 in Round Two of The Open in 2010. Dear sweet Superman and Dennis lillee, how i love this game.

As we do our “post-mortem” of the round back in the Jigger, my brother and i are in agreement: We have to come back. “We’ll bring the families. Tell them it’s a beach holiday,” he says somewhat

evilly, pointing at the cold grey wet slab of sand, the wind flinging stinging needles like tiny hail. “i don’t care if we have to trick them. Actually, stuff it – we’ll just emigrate!” And we cackle like fiends.

You must play the Old Course. You must. Buy a plane ticket, book accommodation and just play it. it is flat-out the greatest thing you will ever do in this sporting life.

FACT FILEAll seven of the St Andrews links Trust

golf courses – including the Old Course – are open to the public with an official handicap. To play the Old Course you can book in advance on the phone or online. You can go into the daily ballot for a tee-time next day. Or you can turn up at dawn and wait for cancellations. www.standrews.org.uk.

Tip: on your first trip around the Old Course, you’ll want a caddy. They’re 45 quid plus tip and are invaluable men worth every shekel, a giant font of tips and chat and historical tidbits.

Accommodation can be found via the St Andrews hotel & Guest house Association website www.stayinstandrews.com. •

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iN a country that boasts the second-highest number of golf courses per capita in the world (behind only Scotland, and slightly ahead of Australia) New Zealand is a golfer’s dream. lush, green and eye-poppingly scenic, there are golf courses at nearly every turn, and you’d be hard pressed to find a town without even a nine-holer in its midst.

Topping the charts of golf in the land of the Kiwi are a pair of world-class courses recently rated by Golf Digest as among the world’s best courses outside the US: Cape Kidnappers Golf Course (#6), and sister Kauri Cliffs GC (#19).

in the January issue of inside Golf, we reviewed the rugged and beautiful Cape Kidnappers. Set among rocky cliffs and windswept valleys in Napier, the Tom Doak-designed marvel offers an

opportunity to experience links-style golf with a true Kiwi flavour.

This month, we look at its sister course, the magnificent Kauri Cliffs. located north of Auckland near The Bay of islands, Kauri Cliffs is a par-72 beauty set on 6,500 acres near Matauri Bay. Measuring 6539m from the back (and a more manageable 5930m from the whites) the course features ocean views from nearly every hole and offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. it has also been home to The Kiwi Challenge PGA Golf event.

While Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers are often spoken in tandem, they are very different courses. Whereas Kidnappers is a rugged, windswept beauty (similar to, say, Barnbougle Dunes) Kauri benefits from a more manicured,

resort-style approach. in my eyes, it is much more playable by a wider variety of golfers than Cape Kidnappers. But they are both must-play, bucket-list courses.

Designed by David harman, the course at Kauri Cliffs owes a lot to nature, as it weaves around the amazing rolling landscape. But the layout smartly takes full advantage of the scenery without sacrificing playability. This is key, as some designers are so tempted to make a beautiful, jaw-dropping picture that it can sometimes result in a hole that is nearly unplayable in some conditions.

There are no unplayable holes at Kauri Cliffs. every hole provides a combination of an amazing view with a challenge for every level of golfer. But there are also strategically-placed bail-out areas and “easy routes” to appease even the high-handicapper.

There is one caveat, however: check your ego at the door.

if you want to enjoy Kauri Cliffs – i mean ReAllY enjoy it – then you must play from the tees that match your skill level. Middle or high handicappers who are tempted to play it from the tips (aptly named the “Tiger” tees) will not only lose a lot of balls, but they may lose all semblance of sanity – especially if the wind is up.

Playing from the proper tees at Kauri will give you a MUCh better feeling of how the course is meant to be played. So, instead of hacking your way through the shin-high rough (if you can even find your ball, that is) you will be able to appreciate the routing of the holes, the well-placed bunkers, the tricky false fronts, the slick greens and the ultra-manicured fairways that are a dream to hit from.

One Of InsIde GOlf’s TOp

“MusT play” G

Olf cOurses

A New Zealand gemKauri Cliffs

The spectacular 7th hole

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For golfers travelling to New Zealand’s rugged North Island, the beautiful and ultra-playable Kauri Cliffs should be top of the list, as Richard Fellner discovers


Take, for example, the Par-4 17th (“Rainbow”). From the Tiger tees, you need to hit a dead-straight 230m laser-guided bullet for any chance of clearing the ravine and hitting the fairway, which runs almost perpendicular to your drive. if the wind is in your face, you need to be even longer. From the White or Green tees, however, the ravine is out of play, and the fairway is wide open. it’s still a very difficult hole, however, as you’ll have a tricky 200m+ approach to a well-protected green (bordering a sheer cliff, by the way).

This is also evident on some of the amazing par-3s, like the 7th hole (“Cavalli”). Playing over a massive valley, the Tiger tees require a full 200m shot to a tightly guarded green, which features bunkers, swales and the ever-present wind (which in my case was pushing left-to-right, out to sea). The Green/White tees, however play around 160, while the Red and Yellow give you 135 and 96, with less ravine to manage, and a nice safety area on the left.

The two nines are very different from each other. The front nine introduces you to the spectacular coastline, the wind and the style of play that is required for the day – which is most likely the low punch shots, bump and runs or the occasional high approach to an elevated green. The fairways are mostly wide open, the holes straightforward.

The back nine, however, is a different story altogether. holes 10-13 take you into a seemingly calm and picturesque valley which is reminiscent of the country, complete with grazing cattle, valley views and even a few marshy areas guarding secluded greens. Just as you are lulled into a false sense of inner calm after putting out on 13, you soon find yourself right back at the coastline for the closing holes, battling the wind, ravine-guarded doglegs and ball-grabbing bunkers – like the migraine-causing set on the par-4 16th (Temptation). if you manage to escape without a “Saddam hussein” in here (i.e. going from bunker to bunker), consider yourself lucky.

The course also feels like you have it all to yourself. each hole is isolated from the others, so you’ll really feel as if you are the only player or group out there.

The golf complex/facility itself is top notch. The world-class practice range features grass tees, full putting and chipping greens, and pin/green targets down the range. The golf shop is stocked with everything you need (including premium hire clubs), while the food & beverage options are five-star quality.

like the golf course itself, the main lodge offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett and the Cavalli islands. On-site facilities include tennis courts, an infinity swimming pool, luxury Spa and fitness centre. There are also three swimming beaches, which are also available for picnics and barbeques.

Accommodation is also spectacular. The lodge at Kauri Cliffs was named the 6th best hotel in the world according to the 2011 Condé Nast Traveller readers’ poll. The lodge has 22 guest suites, which sit alongside the 10th fairway and offer private

porches, bedroom with Super-King beds, sitting area and open fireplace, walk-in “his and hers” wardrobes and more.

Overall, Kauri Cliffs has notched its spot among my favourite golf courses. i highly recommend you give it a hit at your earliest opportunity. •

Course notesLodge Tel: +64 9 407 0010Golf Shop Tel: +64 9 407 0060Email: [email protected]: www.kauricliffs.com

Low Season High Season1 May - 30 Sept

pp (Excl GST)1 Sept - 30 April

pp (Excl GST)18 holes NZ$ 285

(~$219 AUD)NZ$ 385

(~$296 AUD)Electric Golf Cart (pp)

NZ$ 32 (~$25 AUD)

NZ$ 32 (~$25 AUD)

Clockwise from above: Looking out at the ocean from hole 4, the 12th green and the Kauri Cliffs clubhouse

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See our hole-by-hole description and complete photo gallery at insidegolf.com.au

instruction


“THIS is a game of misses. The guy who misses the best is going to win.” - Ben hogan

The greatest and the most frustrating part of golf is the ability to strike a beautiful shot... only to be followed by a horrible one. Many studies, and my experience, have made clear the number one message from golfers is: ‘i just want to be more consistent!’. With my experience playing on the tour and watching some of the best golfers, i have outlined the top 6 tips for greater consistency.

Top 6 Tips for Greater Consistency

1. Dance with the girl that brung ya!if your standard shot on the range is a low

fade, then out on the course is neither the time nor the place to try and play a high draw to a tucked flag. Stick with what you know and what is most repeatable. Jack Nicklaus famously said that whatever shot he felt most comfortable with on the range that day was the shot shape he would choose during tournament play.

2. Get fitted out“The ultimate key is to have the golf clubs fit

you, you not fit the club” - Tiger Woodsi’m definitely not talking about fashion. There

has been amazing advances in technology in the past 10 years so why not take advantage of them? Speak with your local PGA member

about gaining consistency purely by having your clubs tested and fitted. i have not met a tour player who has not had his/her clubs and balls fitted. With the now adjustable driver heads, the banana slice can be turned into a power fade by the tweak of a screw.

3. Have a solid pre-shot routine“Visualization’s the most powerful thing we

have.” - Nick FaldoWhat you do prior to a shot is critical to

concentration and tempo, which is one of the major factors for overall consistency. A good pre-shot routine should be smooth, with purpose and clearly defining the specific shot intended.

4. Those who fail to plan, plan to failNext time you head to a big golf tournament

try to get out on the practise days. Watch the

experts decipher and analyse each hole and their plan. You can do the same at your home course: have a clear plan of attack for each hole and know the distance you hit each club.

5. The 2nd line of defence“Nobody asked how you looked, just what

you shot.” - Sam Sneadeveryone knows the feeling of having a

beautiful ballstriking round on the course. The days where the swing feels effortless, and coordination seems like your best friend. Then there are the other days. These

are the ugly days. What a lot of people may not realise is that even touring professionals expect to experience these days. When a tour professional wins, the scores for each day all look pretty similar, but there will be a day in there where the player felt as though his swing was like an octopus falling out of tree (arms and legs going everywhere). What they have is what i call their 2nd line of Defence: a killer short game. Make your short game your strength, not your weakness. This will make your bad days more manageable and give you the ability to still post a score.

6. Radar alignment“Of all the things you do before you play a

golf shot, setting your alignment is the most important. And certainly, it requires the closest attention”. - Greg Norman

What did the two greats Greg Norman and Ben hogan have in common? Alignment, alignment, alignment. They were meticulous about having perfect alignment that they designed in their pre-shot routines to gain greatest consistency. Show me a consistent golfer with inconsistent alignment and i’ll show you a liar.

Put these 6 laws of consistency into practise and i promise you will see a much greater consistency in your game. Feel free to contact me to ask any questions or to give any feedback.

Happy Golfing! •

Top 6 tips for greater consistency

Darren Weatherall is a former touring professional and head teaching professional at Queensland’s Parkwood international Golf Academy. PiGA specialise in private tuition, half day golf schools, junior and adult clinics and have just launched their latest monthly development programs making golf improvement very affordable. www.parkwoodgc.com.au

Darren Weatherallwww.parkwoodgc.com.au

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instruction: short game


AS a junior, i grew up playing at Peak hill, a sand green course. While i became a very good chip and run specialist, i did not have a lot of opportunity to play pitch and bunker shots. however, if you can learn the fundamentals of how to play a chip shot it really can set you up to improve your swing angles for those more lofted shots.

i recently headed west to deliver golf to local schools and clubs at some sand green courses including Tambo, Blackall and Barcaldine, and found a lot of the players out there struggle with basic chipping fundamentals. The variety of lies, bounces and sand thickness really makes the short game a true test of technique and club selection on these courses. There are a variety of different approaches facing sand green players.

Whether you play to a sand or a grass green you need to assess the same issues prior to playing your chip shot: the lie you have, course conditions of bounces, slope and green speed and then the club that will best suit the shot you see that you wish to play.

A big issue i see is a lot of players trying to scoop the ball so that they try and get it into the air. One of the main causes of people chipping badly is they tend to flick their wrist or try to scoop the ball into the air. The one thing that i tell all of my students is DOWN = UP! if we try and keep a firm left wrist and hit down on the back of the ball the loft of the golf club will lift the ball into

the air. The method i like to use with my students in particular is called the hOW method, and we use the letters h.O.W to help them remember the chipping technique.

First of all you can chip with any club you like, but make sure you practice with the technique and clubs before you take it onto the golf course. So, first of all, choose a club that you feel comfortable with and start chipping with that, normally a 7, 8 or 9-iron. Now, because we are chipping you can stand with your feet a little closer together, they don’t need to be shoulder width apart. Place the ball in the middle of your stance and now we are ready to begin.

H hands forward: your hands need to be forward of the ball, over your knee.

O Open stance: you should open your stance and body to the target just a little so you can see down your target line a little bit better. This also will give you a better feel for the chip shot.

W Weight forward: for right-handed players you should have about 60% of your body weight on your left leg, so feel like you’re leaning towards your target just a little bit.

Once you have done this, your arms and your golf club will create the letter “Y” and, without moving your wrist, rock your letter Y backwards and forwards. Remember we are only chipping, so the golf club should not go backwards or forwards any more than hip height. As i said earlier you can chip with any golf club you like, each club will just give you a different height and run result. For example a 7-iron will make the ball not go so high in the air and will run along the ground

a lot more, perfect for the chip and run. Using a sand wedge will make the ball go higher in the air and won’t run as much—perfect for pitching the ball over a bunker.

Practice the chipping method above and then

experiment with different clubs to see what they all do. if you practice this method it will allow you to take an easy but effective chipping method out on to the golf course and will help you lower your scores. •

H.O.W. to chip

Lee Harrington(07) 5596 3373www.thegolfschool.com.au

lee harrington is a AlPG and PGA Member and is also the Development officer at Golf Queensland. lee and husband Peter, also a leading PGA coach, have moved their business ‘The Golf School’ to Palm Meadows Driving Range. At this new facility they now offer world leading technology for teaching, fitting and training. Swingmodel, Foresight and Somax.

To chip properly, ensure your hands are forward of the ball, open your stance and body, and ensure your weight is on your front foot. Also, keep your wrists in a Y formation throughout the stroke.

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instruction: practice


i hAVe recently read two great books: “The Talent Code” by Daniel Coyle and “The Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell. They highlight the type and amount of practice required to reach an elite level. As a coach, these books are invaluable to me.leT me preface my article by stating that you need to really know what is required in order to be the best at anything; whether that be in business, your relationships, etc. You must also be aware that, with golf, you will start improving but you will always go through a slump. When you are in a slump, this is the time where you may give up. But be aware that—when you are in a slump— this is also the optimum time for you to learn and where ultimate improvement occurs.

in his book, Coyle mentions that 10,000 hours of Deep Practice are required for you to reach your full potential.

“Deep Practice is built on operating at the edges of your ability, where you make mistakes; which makes you smarter. When you are practicing deeply, the world’s usual rules are suspended. You use your time more efficiently. Your small efforts produce big, lasting results. The trick is to target your struggle. Thrashing blindly doesn’t help.”

in Coyle’s book, Anders ericsson, Psychologist, also mentions two theories:1. “Deep Practice x 10,000 hours = World-

Class skill”

2. “A 10 year/ 10,000 hour Rule” to reach your full potential.

A couple of other interesting notes from Coyle’s book are:• Russian Tennis Players: They are brought up in

a deep practice arena. When Marat Safin and Anna Kournikova learnt the art of tennis, they didn’t hit a ball for 3 years. They learnt tennis rallying in slow motion with an imaginary ball. This form of coaching produced more top 20- ranked women than the USA from 2005 to 2007, half of the men’s team that won the 2006 Davis Cup; and all done on an indoor court with no ball.

• Roger Bannister: he was the first person to break the four-minute mile. Until he achieved this phenomenal feat, no one thought it could be done. Within 3 years, another 17 runners achieved it. This instilled psychological belief in others that it could be done – a “you can do this too” effect.

it is also interesting to quote what Gladwell states in his book about The Beatles:• Before The Beatles made it big, they had played

in hamburg for 270 nights in over a year and a half. Their gigs would be between five to eight hours in length. This is extraordinary. Most bands today don’t perform 1200 times in their entire careers. To this day they played twice as many times as any other rock band in history and this is when they hit the big time. They just got so good at playing together.

The reason for quality practice and to receive coaching is not only for technical advancements, but

to also receive valuable encouragement via feedback during the lesson. When you obtain the right feel and receive invaluable positive feedback, this is a vital stage in your improvement/development.

if you aren’t receiving any feedback from a trained eye, how do you know if you have the right feel to improve your game? For example, if you hit 500 range balls with the incorrect technique, you have to hit 500 more the correct way — then you will be back to square one. Then any quality practice done on top of this helps you improve.

i started playing golf at the age of 12 and i received coaching once a week up until the age of 18. i hit 25,000-30,000 range balls a year and this did not include all the rounds of golf that i played per year (probably some 300 rounds of 18 holes per year). All of the practice done in this early stage of my golf you could call Deep Practice. Now i don’t have any technical thoughts over the ball before i hit it. i only have ball flight thoughts now. This is the same with the world’s greatest players as well. •

Deep practice

Brent German0412 533 555

Brent German is an AAA Accredited PGA Golf Teaching Professional based at Albert Park Driving Range Melbourne. Check out new tips added at http://www.youtube.com/user/BrentGermanGolf and www.BrentGermanGolf.com or call him on 0412 533 555 to help you get rid of your slice, lower your score or hit it longer.

instruction: swing


TheSe days, most golfers tend to get consumed and bogged down in the mechanics of the golf swing. This is true for all golfers, from beginners to Tour Professionals. With so much information available these days it can become confusing when you have a ‘laundry list’ of swing ideas on your mind. The amount of information is so complex that improvement (if at all) is usually temporary. Now add to this even more advice from well-meaning friends and the various forms of literature and the readily available internet sites, and even more information and ‘tips’ are then piled on top of the already overloaded golfing brain!

One of the most important keys to accurate ball striking is to maintain a constant swing radius. So what is the swing radius? The radius of the golf swing is the distance between the right hand and the centre of the torso during the swing. Maintaining a consistent radius during the swing improves your quality of contact at impact, which in turn improves power and accuracy of your golf shots.

having established the correct set-up position with good body angles and balance, it is vitally important that the swing radius from this point on in varies very little, if at all. Maintaining your body angles during the swing creates the ideal swing radius to achieve power and accuracy. if your body angles change then your swing radius changes, and vice versa (if your body angles change, your swing radius changes). Therefore, your ability to hit the sweet spot is greatly affected.

We want to control the radius of our swing so our

hands remain the same distance from the centre of our chest throughout the entire swing. What guarantees that this will happen is on the backswing the right hand and the right elbow only bend to an angle of 90 degrees. if you have a 90-degree angle at your right elbow, your right wrist will be the same distance from your chest on the backswing as it was in the address position. The left arm will also remain more in sync and with the body.

RADIUS PRACTICE DRILLThis drill is best done by using an exercise band,

flexible band or alternatively you could use a towel or similar. hold one end of the exercise band in your left hand and the other end should be positioned in your right hand in your normal grip position on the handle of the golf club as in the photo. Swinging with just your right arm only, taking the arm back and just bending it to an angle of around 90. By positioning your right arm in this position, you are now getting the feel of how the right arm works in the backswing. i recommend practicing this drill in front of a mirror first and then progressing to teeing up a ball, and making some swings through to a balanced follow through position. At first you will most likely not make good contact, but if you persist, before long you will be making good contact. There is absolutely no value at all in taking the club back low and wide and then trying to get narrow on the downswing, which is the way i was shown to swing when i was young. This ‘low and wide one piece takeaway’ is one of the myths that has been perpetuated throughout the years in golf, but when you look at the modern-day players, most of their backswing radiuses are going to match their downswing radiuses. it is always going to be a little bit narrower on the downswing but it is much closer than it used to be. •

Swing radius is the key to better ballstriking

Tony [email protected] 0401 261 207

Tony Wells is an AA rated Australian PGA Professional and Director of Instruction at Australasian Golf Academy located at the Parkwood International Golf Club on the Gold Coast. Tony works with students at every level from new golfers to tournament professionals. To book a lesson with Tony call 0401 261 207.

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instruction

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012 59

iN the following instruction article i am going to share the first lesson that i am giving to Rosie Johnson.

Rosie became interested in playing golf because of a few of her friends starting to play, and golf has a great social quality and attraction to it. her profession also offers opportunities to play in Corporate Days with clients and fellow co-workers. This, plus the chance to play at The Dunes with her Fiancée, makes golf the game to play.

Rosie comes to golf with good hand/eye coordination. She played field hockey and Netball, and still plays tennis. This has both a plus and a minus factor attached. The plus factor is that Rosie knows how to focus on the ball and be comfortable striking it. The minus can be the “expectation factor” attached just because you can play tennis, etc that playing golf well should follow.

Providing Rosie applies the Fundamentals to build her swing on a step-by-step basis, does the drills to develop a coordinated swing and allows the time needed (around 12 to 16 weeks) then there will be many happy years on the golf course ahead.

My approach to a first lesson with Rosie is no different than how i would approach any person starting out in golf as a beginner. Therefore i invite all keen golfers to check out their “grip and stance” and make sure that these two Basics are correct.

My experience is that there is no golfer who cannot improve their grip on the club, whether it is to do with the alignment of the hands to the club shaft and clubface or the correct pressure point contact of one hand to the other and the grip of the club or the correct amount of pressure required to control the club for the shot being played.

it is most important to grip the golf club in the fingers and to wrap the top hand around the grip so that the handle wedges under the “heel pad” and the thumb rests on the top rear side of the handle.

Next, the building of a solid impact, starting by learning how to make a “chip shot” is a good place to start.

For a chip shot, you should do the following:1. Narrow Stance with both feet turned

approximately 20 degrees2. Weight mostly on front foot (80% +).3. Club Shaft learning forward as the hips

move forward over the front foot.4. left arm straight, right arm slightly bent.5. heavy Feet – weight distributed evenly

between ball and heel – outside and inside of feet.

6. Springy legs – knees unlocked slightly to help weight distribution between ball and heel of feet.

7. Relaxed from the waist up – straight spine – bend from hips, right shoulder below left.

For the chip shot backswing:1. hands, arms, and body turn move

together2. Wrist remain level (no wrist cock)3. Weight remains centered over front foot4. eyes watch the ball – head remains steady

Work on developing the feeling of hitting through impact with extension into follow-through. in this instance, your thumbs point downward through impact and into follow through, with club shaft in line with left arm. The finish for the chip shot has the thumbs pointing down, left arm straight and club shaft in line with left arm. •

Video lesson: How to build your swing from the ground up

Peter Croker0415 292 549www.crokergolfsystem.com

Peter Croker has been a PGA member since 1971 and has given lessons with his Croker Golf System to professionals including Vijay Singh, Arnold Palmer, Rocco Mediate, Fred Funk, Olin Browne, and Bob Charles. Based at The Dunes Golf links, he delivers schools, individual lessons, and has an “Online lesson Program.” www.crokergolfsystem.com/Academy/view-your-swing.html

This article is based on an Internet Video Analysis Lesson of Rosie Johnsonhttp://youtu.be/UWje2RVYU8A

For extra study, watch: Chipping lesson with Peter Walshhttp://youtu.be/pFyLaoP46F8

Correct stance

WheN hitting a putt, one of our major goals is to get the ball rolling as soon as possible, we have discussed in previous articles that the reason we need loft on our putter face is to assist in lifting the ball out of the small indent the ball sits it when it comes to rest. it does not sit up on the green as most people think it does.

The amount of loft that you have on your putter is very important to good putting. When determining the correct loft, we need to assess three things:

1) BAll POSiTiON2) hAND POSiTiON AT iMPACT3) eFFeCTiVe lOFT

BALL POSITIONThe further forward you position the ball

the more loft you will likely have on the putter face at impact. Determine where you position the ball when you putt.HAND POSITION AT IMPACT

Assess whether you have your hands forward, in line or back at impact when you strike the ball. Also, whether your hands are rising as you strike the ball.EFFECTIVE LOFT

The factors above combine to determine the true (effective loft) you have on the putter face when you putt as opposed to what you think you have. Most golfers that visit me at The Sydney Putting Studio don’t know what loft their putter has, let alone what they should have.

i am surprised just how many people report back to me that their putting has dramatically improved when we determine

the correct putter specifications FOR TheM, rather than the standard specs the company built it with.

Putting is nearly half of the game, but most golfers continue to spend most of their time practicing their long game which in my view is a concern. it’s critical to spend a significant amount of your practice time on the putting green.

The good news is we have a putter lie and loft machine that allows us to assess and adjust people’s putters during a session. Check with your local PGA Professional to see if they offer a similar system. •

Ball position, impact and loftGlenn [email protected](02) 9541 4960

The 2008 NSWPGA Teacher of the Year, Glenn Whittle is an AAA PGA Member and is also an official iseekgolf.com Teaching Panelist. Visit www.sydneyputtingstudio.com or www.whittlegolf.com.

fitness


We’Ve all heard “a good night’s sleep and you will feel better.” But just how important is the quality of sleep we get, and how does it affect daily performance?

Sleep can be compared to eating: the better choices we make, the better the benefits to our well being.

Unfortunately, in a busy and modern world, it is all too easy to miss out on quality sleep, which creates a sleep debt, which at some point will need to be paid back.

The obvious effects of sleep debt are fuzzy-headedness, irritability, and fatigue. however, just like eating, sleep assists with growth, tissue repair and maintaining bodily functions, all of which affect how we function both on and off the golf course.

evidence, provided by the harvard medical school suggests adults need between 7 – 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.

While ethics limit the research on human subjects, volunteers in a study conducted at the University of Chicago slept only four hours a night for six consecutive nights. The results led to the subjects developing increased blood pressure, higher levels of the stress hormone Cortisol and producing only half the usual number of antibodies to a flu vaccine, as well as showing signs of insulin resistance — a precursor of Type

2 diabetes and metabolic slowdown.Fortunately, when the subjects made up the

hours of sleep lost, all the changes were reversed.There is plenty of evidence as to the importance

of good sleep.Short-term sleep debt can be repaid by adding

a few hours onto your sleep over the weekend. long-term, it should be a goal to develop patterns, which encourage better sleep.

The Mayo Clinic in the United States suggests the following steps to getting a better night’s sleep.1. Be consistent: Go to bed and get up

at the same time each day, weekends included. Consistency will promote a better night’s sleep and reinforce the body’s sleep-wake cycle.

2. Monitor what you eat and drink before going to bed: Too much or too little food before bed can cause discomfort while attempting to fall asleep. Drinking too much water before bedtime can be disruptive as well as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.

3. have a bedtime ritual: Turning off the computer and TV 30 minutes before going to bed, having a warm shower or bath and dim the lights can all help. A ritual will bring the mind and body in line with preparing for sleep.

4. have a bedroom, which is comfortable for sleeping: Your bedroom should be cool, dark and quiet. if needed, try using earplugs, a room fan and room-darkening curtains. Choose the bedding which suits you best and if you have children or pets limit the time they share the bed with you.

5. limit your daytime naps: if you do like a daytime nap, limit it to 10-30 minutes. Of course, if you are a shift-worker (sleeping in the daytime), following tip 4 will help with the getting a good sleep.

6. Get some regular exercise: Regular physical activity helps with falling asleep easier and increasing the restfulness of the sleep. Just be sure not to exercise too close to bedtime as this may bring on an energised feeling, which is not great for getting to sleep.

7. Manage stress: excessive or unmanaged stress will quickly disrupt sleep patterns. The researchers at The Mayo Clinic suggest finding ways to lower daily stress such as setting priorities, delegating tasks and organising your daily routine. it is also suggested to take a break when needed and to write down what is on your mind before going to sleep.

By following these tips you will be well on your way to a better night’s sleep, and a healthier body as a result. •

Sleep easy to better health

Richard Nizielski is a Brisbane-based golf fitness expert and the Director of Golf Fit Solutions. A three-time Olympian and medallist in the sport of short track speed skating, Richard is a qualified sports and personal trainer designing individual fitness and nutrition programs for both professional and amateur golfers here in Australia and overseas. www.golffitsolutions.com

Richard [email protected] 027 768

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mind


Peter [email protected]

GOlF, in my opinion, is a stronger mirror for life than any other sport i know. how we choose to behave on the course will often show how we react and behave in our normal lives. Whether it be our reaction to a poor shot, a missed putt, a bad bounce, or a bad lie, our choice of how we deal with these inevitable occurrences are a good barometer for how we deal with inevitable occurrences in life.

even if you agree with this statement, it is far from simple to alter these reactive patterns just by seeing the connection. if this statement does not agree with you then perhaps one of four things are happening:1. Golf is far more important than life, and your

score and performance means more than the stresses you face each day.

2. Golf is a great escape from life and you couldn’t care less about your score in comparison to life’s pressures.

3. You expectations are much higher or lower in golf than life.

4. This statement is too much of a direct challenge to your behavioural patterns to want to reflect on your current methods.

Within the confines of the golf course, when we play a bad shot or miss an easy putt, how we react will more often than not dictate how present we are for the next shot. even when we

think we have ‘gotten over’ the previous ordeal, our nervous system would beg to argue.

When we feel and/or display anger and frustration, our sympathetic nervous system kicks in and we fire up the ‘fight or flight’ response mechanism. This cascades through our body producing hormones, including cortisol, that we don’t really need on the course. So even when we ‘get over it’, our body hasn’t hormonally. This will display itself on the next shot with maybe only 10% more aggression and miss-timing the shot, or firing the next 3-footer through the break, but enough of a subtle change to create more anger and frustration.

The mirror in life here is that when something happens we don’t necessarily like or agree with, we will see the same response pattern going on. Whether on the course or at work or at home, it’s never an ideal way to deal with life’s challenges.

To the degree that someone accepts the recent event, the level of sympathetic nervous system response will be reduced accordingly. (Just as a side note, the sympathetic nervous system is not actually very sympathetic – it creates stress hormones for us and winds us up. We need activation of the parasympathetic side of the autonomic nervous system – in other words, relaxation).

Acceptance is crucial in life and golf, and unfortunately it doesn’t necessarily come naturally, as our general teachings promote otherwise. i could say things like “there’s no point in getting annoyed about something that’s already happened and passed” or “forget about it and get on with your next shot” or “don’t worry, it’s only a game”. But these are not very comforting when we have no acceptance in the first place.

The level of acceptance often comes down to our level of self-acceptance. if we value our whole selves on each shot, and more importantly, what others think of each shot we play, then the game becomes ultra-stressful. Sometimes we react in an aggressive manner simply to let everyone else know we think we’re better than that particular shot. This is where the ego needs to be tamed. The more caged our egos are, and the less expectations we carry around, the more relaxed we are, the more accepting we are, and funnily enough, the better we play. Go figure.

i say these things not from a great vantage point in the sky, above all mere ego-driven mortals, but from deep in the trenches of personal experience. here’s the trick – even though i see this mode of behaviour clearly, it doesn’t mean i am immune to it, which makes it more frustrating.

So, what do i do? i work on this part of my game,

which is also working on this part of my life. i work on self-acceptance, self-love, and accepting my fate on the course, regardless. What i find is that the more i work on my attitude on the course, rather than my swing and whingeing to everyone else, the better i play, which is far more enjoyable to me, and to my playing partners.

There are many many books about in the self-help genre, while these are all valid and useful, i urge you to do the work they suggest, because intellectually understanding something is vastly different to removing the emotive response from your behaviour.

i also teach emotional Freedom Technique to rid the system of thought patterns and beliefs that help create the inner turmoil. Work on this stuff in your game, as it’s a relatively safe place to do it, and you will find your reactions off the course will change too. •

Reactive golf

Peter McConnell runs his business Fair Game on the Gold Coast. Peter teaches golfers and athletes how to increase their performance and reduce stress. Visit his website: www.vitalperformance.com.au, or email him at [email protected]

Phone (02) 9773 0628 | Enquiries: [email protected] | www.bankstowngolf.com.au

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business



JACK Newton would have a ball if he visited Clifton Golf Club on Queensland’s Darling Downs.

That’s because the tiny golf club is doing the things Newton says is critical if clubs want to survive in the 21st century.

Newton has stated publicly that golf clubs need to relax dress standards, reduce the age of committees, get more kids playing the game and make the game fun.

Well, Clifton Golf Club, which is located 50 minutes from Toowoomba, encourages its members and visitors to have fun, but play within the spirit of the game.

“it has to be that way if we want to survive,” said club captain Colin hoey.

like most “bush” golf clubs, Clifton Golf Club relies heavily on volunteers to keep its head above water.

“The only paid employee is the greenkeeper, who has kept the course in good condition for the past 20 years,” hoey said.

“We do it tough, but we try and make a profit every month.

“Our costs are low because we only have one paid employee and the rest are volunteers. They run the bar and do everything else to keep the club running.”

The club is also working on ways to communicate with the members.

“i do a newsletter every month and every Thursday or Friday i send an email to our members telling them what’s on at the club.”

in years past, most members were locals, but now golfers from Toowoomba and surrounding areas are

playing there.earlier this year, champion golfer Peter O’Malley

had a hit on the nine-hole layout.O’Malley was impressed with the course and later

signed a framed photograph of himself and added the words “good club, good greens, good golfing”.

“We are proud of our golf course and try to do what we can to survive by getting as many people playing golf as possible,” hoey said.

“Our greens are second to none, well-designed and you can putt on the first green and it will be exactly the same speed as the last.

“it’s a good course although our couch fairways are not as lush as metropolitan clubs.

“The improvement over the last five years has

been immense as we have put in new tees and kept everything ticking along.”

Clifton’s 65 members pay just $170 per annum.“it’s cheap golf, but a lot of people would struggle

if you put the fees up much more,” hoey said.“We are better off having them here playing golf

than not playing.”established in 1954, Clifton made the transition

from sand greens to grass greens in the early 1980s when golf architect Ross Watson redesigned the course.

“it’s not a long course, but it’s a little gem,” hoey said. “We have a few mid-week events including the 12-

hole Friday hackers comp, which is a lot of fun and attracts up to 20 players.”

The tongue-in-cheek message on the club website reads: “Friday hackers is a bit more relaxed and chaotic due to the incompetent volunteers who run it.”

hoey said hard-working president Gary Riddle and ian Jones started the event.

“it’s a bit of a shemozzle at times, but that doesn’t really matter,” he said.

“We can’t afford to take ourselves too seriously. All we are trying to do is have fun and get more people playing golf.

“We are more serious on Sundays when we play our monthly medals and other big events.”

Once a year the club holds what it calls the 19th hole Club Day, which attracts close to 100 players.

As far as inside Golf can make out, terminal fun is the name of the game.

The gents hit off some of the ladies tees and the ladies return the favour, while each player’s tee shot must be used at least twice and the name recorded.

There’s a local rule which can attract a two-stroke penalty for failing to experience the hospitality at Uncle Tom’s Cabin (halfway house) and taste refreshments at least twice.

“For us, the secret to survival is volunteers and some committed people like Ruth hungerford, who is the treasurer,” hoey said. “But everyone chips in and does their bit.” •

FOOTNOTE: Volunteer Ruth Hungerford was recently honoured when named Golf Queensland Volunteer of the Year. At 78, she is the club’s treasurer and has been captain of the ladies committee for many years. Every Wednesday, Hungerford runs the ladies golf day and spends her weekends organising daily competitions.

‘Bush’ club Clifton makes the cut

GOOD APPROACH: The picturesque seventh green at Clifton Golf Club. INSET: Peter O’Malley enjoyed his round at Clifton.

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business


While much has been written about the ongoing struggle by clubs to make ends meet by attracting and retaining members, the issue of Cost Reductions has a much greater impact on a club’s bottom line.

The costs of running a golf club are rising at an alarming rate. Over the last four to five years, fuel costs have increased 150 per cent, waste/bin disposal has increased by almost 200 per cent and electricity has increased by 150 per cent.

Unfortunately, not all clubs can raise their subs or entrance fees to cover these increases. in fact, pressure from golfers has compelled many clubs to reduce or eliminate their fees, making it more difficult for a club’s GM to make ends meet.

But there is hope. i recently sat down with one GM who may have “cracked the code” on reigning in costs.

Ben Telley, GM of The eastern Golf Club in Melbourne, is a passionate and determined man whose zeal for both golf and fostering a happy team of staff is contagious. having been in the role for five years (and “still loving every day of it!”) Telley has seen The eastern weather the current economic storm with flying colours.

At the core of Telley’s process is creating a “culture of cost awareness”. From the pro shop to the kitchen and everywhere in between, staff at eastern take an active role in managing costs. it’s a successful and positive process that has not only resulted in a better bottom line, but has also helped the club win “Club of the Year” at the 2011 Clubs Victoria Achievement Awards, which recognize promotion of positive club culture and environment, staff service, professionalism, etc.

“There is a misconception that the manager has to do it all,” Telley says. “But it’s quite the opposite – if your staff share in the values and they understand the importance, then they will want to do it,” he says.

Telley’s process is simple: encourage staff to regularly question costs, negotiate better rates, and rigorously monitor and re-evaluate on a regular basis.

“Determine which suppliers you have ‘leverage’ with,” Telley explains. “in catering, for example, there will be Clubs paying 10-20 per cent more than other Clubs for the same items. i’ve seen examples of saving five per cent on the spot just by asking the company rep!

“Of course, there are some things you can’t control—like call out fees for tradespeople, etc—but you can still ask. When was the last time you compared prices of every Food & Beverage supplier?

Creating a culture to drive costs down


The Eastern Golf Club’s general manager Ben Telley (left) with operations manager Peter Vlahandreas.

While there is always the issue of quality—particularly with fresh produce—you may find the same dry store item cheaper elsewhere.”

in addition, spending a few minutes can result in significant savings.

“Some clubs that do a high volume of packaged beer and wine sales may, for example, pop down to Dan Murphy’s and buy in bulk. By doing this, they can sometimes buy cheaper — and save 10 per cent in some instances—than from direct wholesalers. This is illustrative of “outside of box” thinking by staff doing that extra bit for their club.”

Once agreements/prices are set, regular monitoring and follow-up is key.

“There should be a purchase order process in place with multiple checkpoints, like Delivery/Chef, to house/Operations Manager to Financial Controller. it is an ongoing process and requires relevant department heads to be rigid in their monitoring every three to six months on everything. The process of ‘masterlists’ —with agreed pricing and checking protocols — is a must. i’ve seen examples whereby a supplier’s agreed prices have ‘accidently changed’ or were ‘incorrectly overcharged’ a few weeks later, so those staff charged with the responsibility need to stay on top of it all.”

Of course, getting the staff to take ownership of this process can be a challenge. According to Telley, getting buy-in — and creating aligned goals throughout the team –is critical.

“A common challenge for many clubs is

addressing the ‘ i don’t have time’ attitude of key staff in monitoring pricing. So we help them understand what’s in it for them. is their performance assessment linked to GP percentage? if not, should it be? Perhaps analyse the pros and cons of doing this. This can expand to other areas.”

it’s also important to explain to the staff how the numbers add up.

“When you’re purchasing, say, $250k in food, a ‘creep’ of two to three per cent can result in $5-7.5k in increased costs. And this is only one department. What about the bar cost of goods, golf shop purchases, chemicals, fertilisers and fuel? When you spend over $1 million on goods and services in a year, a 2 per cent across-the-board saving is a lot. And is that enough? Can you achieve five per cent? Seven per cent? More?”

According to Telley, improved networking and communication between clubs is also beneficial.

“Clubs are gett ing better at communicating with each other. Managers are networking more and talking about ideas, experiences and practical applications where savings have been made or services improved. At a recent Golf Management Victoria Business meeting, we had great examples of savings such as 40 per cent on cleaning costs, 50 per cent on telephone services and 25 per cent on insurance coverage.”

So the next time a bill lands on your desk, take a moment to consider if this is the best price you can get from the supplier. As you can see from the above, it couldn’t hurt to ask. •

architecture


BUNKeRS are an integral part of most golf courses and have their origins in the wastelands of the early links courses that were built on the wind-blown sand dunes of the Scottish coast .

From these humble beginnings, golf is now played in all corners of the globe and golf courses have adapted to all manner of environments both natural and manmade. Whether a course is in the mountains of Canada, the deserts of the Middle east or as the lungs of a new city in China the course will almost certainly have bunkers.

As golf course architects, we use bunkers as a key strategic element of the game and as an aesthetic tool to create a memorable sense of place.

Bunker styles and quantity vary dramatically from course to course and place to place in response to the particular conditions of the site, the Architect’s design preferences and the purpose of the course. The contrast between the bunker styles at some of golf ’s current and former Major championship venues illustrates that a variety of styles can be used.

Augusta National, the venue for The US Masters, has relatively few bunkers and they are generally concentrated around the greens, leaving many fairways without bunkers. The sand is pure white and flashed up the bunker faces to contrast with the perfectly manicured turf and the dense landscape backdrops.

The Old Course at St Andrews, a recurring venue for The British Open, has well over 100

bunkers but the total area of sand is relatively small. The bunkers vary in size and all have names including among them the famous Road hole bunker, Coffin, hell, Principal’s Nose and Shell. The bunkers are revetted using stacked sods of solid turf and have steep faces which sometimes require shots to be played sideways or even backwards. The famous road hole bunker on the 17th at St Andrews has been responsible for numerous calamities at the penultimate hole in The Open Championship (eg David Duval 2000)

Pebble Beach, a venue for past US Opens, as well as the annual AT&T National Pro-Am, has bunkers built in a classical style. On the downhill short 7th the bunkers are used to frame the hole and to stop balls running off into the Pacific Ocean beyond. The course is more memorable for its spectacular seaside setting rather than for its bunkers.

Whistling Straits, the venue for the 2010 US PGA Championship, was designed by Pete Dye who is famous for his deliberate distortions of traditional design elements. The course boasts an incredible 1400 bunkers but most of them

are sandy wastes used to create a memorable landscape setting.

in contrast to all the above is the Melbourne Sandbelt which capitalises on its abundance of free draining sand and is characterised by large bunker complexes. Whilst these bunkers are relatively economical to construct they demand a lot of costly attention to maintain them to the high standards demanded by the members. At some courses the constant trimming of the bunker edges has caused the bunkers to grow over time, which changes the bunkers’ appearance.

The basics of bunkers

The Carya Course in Belek, Turkey

Ross [email protected]

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architecture


every golf course architect responds differently to the land at his or her disposal and their individual response would vary from day to day depending on their mood. in reality there is no strict rules with bunker design although bunkering strategies can be either penal, strategic or heroic or a combination of each. Some architects have a recognizable “one size fits all” approach whereas others experiment with a range of styles.

At Thomson Perrett, our bunker styles vary from course to course to suit the ground conditions, the weather conditions and the design brief. it is also important to consider the impact of design solutions on the cost of construction and the ongoing maintenance costs. Also, if the course is a daily fee course, the commercial pressures of slow play caused

by over bunkering can be significant,The Open Course at Moonah links was purpose

built for Championship play and the bunkers are strategically arranged and are unashamedly quite penal–deep with steep faces. The bunkers are to be avoided at all costs but there are 5 greens without any bunkers, and a further 5 with only one bunker. On these holes slopes and hollows are used to create the difficulty.

The bunkers on the legends Course in contrast are less severe and have a wilder free-form style and a more natural appearance. Construction of the bunkers was easy given the sandy site which allowed the bunker complexes to play an aesthetic role framing holes and improving legibility.

The hamilton island Course was built on a windy

uninhabited rocky island and it was very difficult to construct bunkers due to the surface rock. Bunkers were used sparingly and generally modest in size and reasonably deep to prevent the wind blowing away the sand. All the sand for the bunkers is barged in from the mainland which is a costly exercise.

The site for the Carya Course in Belek, Turkey was reminiscent of the Surrey heathland given that was undulating sand dunes covered with a conifer forest with an understorey of heath. it was decided to develop this as a theme for the course to set the

course apart from the other dozen courses on what is a masterplanned tourist strip on the coast of the Mediterranean coast. To complete the picture over 1 miilion local heathland plants were grown and planted in the carries and on the bunker faces.

Bunkers will continue to be an important element of golf course design–new styles will emerge and others will go in and out of fashion. hopefully common sense and sustainable bunkering strategies will be adopted in response to site conditions and the course brief. •

Ross Perrett is Managing Director of Thomson Perrett Golf Course Architects, one of the world’s premier golf course design companies. Together with Australian legend Peter Thomson, Thomson Perrett has worked on over 250 projects around the globe. They can be contacted on +61 3 8698 8000, or via thomsonperrett.com.au

One of the many bunkers at Sandhurst Champions courseOne of the signature sod-stacked bunkers at St Andrews

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GOlF enthusiasts have 300 reasons to get excited this winter after two of the Gold Coast’s leading championship golf courses announced they are slashing membership prices.

For the month of June, The Colonial and Robina Woods are offering local golfers a dual three-month membership, providing lovers of the game with a massive saving of $300.

Prices for the three-month memberships have been almost halved from $700 to $399 as part of an end of financial year sale.

Boasting lush fairways and pristine surroundings, the plush courses were recently revamped and refurbished after being taken over by businessman Clive Palmer.

Managing Director of the two courses, Mrs Angie ison, said the membership offer is a

groundbreaking move for golf aficionados, who will be welcomed at either of the two courses, all for the price of one.

“This is a rare opportunity to experience two of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious golf courses at an incredibly discounted price,” she said.

“Both courses are in pristine condition and look magnificent. They offer state-of-the-art facilities so it’s the perfect time to make the most of a fantastic money-saving opportunity.

“Not only is this a significant saving on regular membership prices, but new members will also receive other benefits such as discounts on merchandise and reduced food and beverage prices.”

The offer is for a limited time only and golfers of all ages are urged to act swiftly by calling (07) 5553 7520. •

New playing options at Links Hope IslandLINKS Hope Island recently announced the creation of new playing options at the club for the local and corporate golfer.

Designed by five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson and his partner Michael Wolveridge, Links Hope Island—which is central to both the Gold Coast and Brisbane—is a traditional links-style golf course with A first class clubhouse and dining facilities.

The new options are designed to attract regular golfers who wish to affiliate with a premier club without the expense of an entry or joining fee.

The Links 7-Day Pass offers daily course access, eligibility to play in club competitions, maintenance of Golf Australia handicap and discounts in the Golf Shop, Links Restaurant and Driving Range. The fee for 12 months is $4,400.

The Links 5-Day Pass, offering similar benefits from Sunday to Thursday, is $3,150 for a 12-month term.

The existing Corporate Partner Program has been revised to offer entry-level packages of 30 rounds including golf cart and GPS for $2,950.

“We have formulated these packages to attract golfers who wish to belong to a quality club without the expense of joining fees,” explains Mark Holland, general manager. “Our course is maintained to consistently high standards as are the service levels within the club. With our location just 40 minutes from central Brisbane and within easy reach of the Gold Coast, we are confident the packages will be sought after by the discerning golfer who demands quality.”

For more info: Leigh Milne on (07) 5530 9023 or [email protected] •

Dual membership discounts for Gold Coast golf lovers

Winter Golf at Eagle RidgeONe of the premier courses on the Mornington Peninsula, eagle Ridge is known for their winter golf specials, and they are regularly one of the best value options around. From now until August 31, you can get golf, soup and motorised cart midweek for only $30 when you book online via their website (vs $35 when booked via the golf shop).

Plus, when you notch up three midweek games prior to August 31, you’ll get a fourth midweek game for free (played between 1 September and 24 December.)

For more info, visit www.eagleridge.com.au •

Free carts at St Andrews BeachONe of Australia’s highest ranked golf courses, St Andrews Beach Golf Course on the Mornington Peninsula, has just released a great offer available throughout winter. All green fee players will receive free motorised carts when playing midweek. This cart special is available in conjunction with existing special green fee rates for groups, seniors and afternoon golfers. As a result, you can play golf with a cart for as little as $49 midweek.

St Andrews Beach Golf Course consistently rates amongst the elite golf courses in Australia and is designed by world-renowned course architect Tom Doak, designer of Barnbougle Dunes, Cape Kidnappers and many other world famous designs.

To book a round at St Andrews Beach Golf Course, visit www.standrewsbeachgolf.com.au or call (03) 5988 6000. •

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the 19th hole


TheRe’S a famous golfing cliché which i’m sure you’ve heard. “The older i get, the better i was”. i tragically found myself committing this offence on my last sortie on the Australian legends Tour. i had no choice: the poor amateurs in my group had paid good money for the privilege of watching me shoot over par. i felt if they at least thought i used to be able to play, they might not file a case with the small claims court over their entry fee.

i was coming up with shameful pearls like, “This new equipment is amazing. i remember having to hit a five-iron to this green back in 1986 South Australian Open… Mind you the wind always gets up when you’re playing in the last few groups…on Sunday… with Greg Norman”.

Pathetic isn’t it?i entered into an absolute tirade of sickening

personal preferment at one course when my score had slipped more over par than my amateur partner. “Did you watch the golf on TV this morning fellas? Good to see Rickie Fowler finally win. Take it from me, it’s hard to win big golf tournaments… when you’re constantly in contention…against the best players…in big tournaments.”

When this didn’t stir up any response, i started dropping nicknames. “Yeah it took Me, Finchy and Pazz a while to get it into the house.” i’m still trying to find the house. Does anyone have a GPS?

it came to a head after i had made the turn in 4-over in the Whyalla Pro-am. While i was looking for my ball on the 10th, my playing partner—who

was a big friendly blast furnace operator named Rick— asked me what i did for a living. After i said i’m a pro and i play golf for a living he reached into his golf bag and offered me his sandwich.

it seemed the more i tried the “Older i get, the better i was” thing the worse i became at it. When one playing partner asked me if i played any other sport, and i fired back with “As matter of a fact, i was beaten in the 83 Wimbledon final by Boris Yeltsin”, i decided to change direction. i was lucky that one of my final events in South Australia was the Mount lofty legends Pro-Am. As the name would suggest, this golf course required us seniors to scale cliffs that Sir edmund hillary wouldn’t have touched. With the small amount of air i had left in my lungs—and the fact that i had developed a strong himalayan accent—i spared my poor amateurs another chapter of “larry the former legend”. Plus, by the end of the day i actually finished OK, mainly because half the field died.

The last round of the SA PGA Seniors Championship i drew three great blokes named Wayne, Kev and Jeff. My new plan was to deflect their attention away from my game and focus on my radio career. By the end of the 8th hole i was sounding like a cross between Prince Charles and Darth Vader. eventually Jeff came to my rescue and asked, “What do you do when you’re not playing, larry”. “Ahh, funny you should ask Jeff…..” and off i went.

it actually worked a treat and with all attention now off my game i came home in 3-under for a half decent score. And did it with a voice like Kamahl. i now intend to play my next Pro-Am wearing headphones and with my producer on the bag.

At the expense of half of the golfing population of South Australia, i think i have learnt a valuable lesson. No-one is interested in how well you thought you once played or who you played against. They just prefer you to be yourself…. particularly when you are on radio. •

The older I get, the better I was

Larry [email protected]

itravel Golf Tours a ‘Master’ operatorThe recent US Masters had one of the most exciting finishes in recent history. Who can forget Bubba’s amazing wrap-around approach shot from the pine straw? Or his nailbiting playoff against louis Oosthuizen?

For the spectators in the crowd, it was an event to remember. And for those who booked on the itravel US Masters Tour, the overall experience will last a lifetime.

And while the 2013 event may seem ages away, those looking to walk the hallowed grounds of Augusta need to start planning now, or else risk missing out on some great deals.

“itravel’s The Masters Tour is fantastic value for money,” says Stacey Arthur, Group Tour Manager. “The offer of how many golf games can be played on this tour, along with five-star hospitality throughout the Masters Tournament makes any golfer’s holiday a reality. We have chosen a dream list of golf courses on offer to play which would fulfil any client’s wish list. The luxury accommodation on our tour is four- and five-star. We have our PGA pro on tour who will give pre-clinic lessons and coaching on all golf tour courses, but not forgetting the chance to see who will win the Green Jacket in 2013. We also offer an extension to itravel’s The Masters Tour, to play at leading golf courses in las Vegas. Also on offer is the extension to Pebble Beach playing at their famous three courses,” she said.

itravel is a group of professional and experienced licensed travel consultants which offer flexibility to organise a traveller’s individual travel needs. They are not a shopfront, which means they can visit their clients and fit in with their busy schedules.

in addition, itravel offers a variety of tours to other golf events. And golf is not the only group tours offered by itravel. They also have Skiing, Football and World Cup holidaysas well as leisure and corporate travel.

For more call: 0402327606, or www.itravel-au.com •

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the 19th hole


hANK haney’s new golf book, The Big Miss has been controversial to say the least. The former swing coach of Tiger Woods details some of the private life of his employer including outlining Woods’ desire to joins the Navy Seals and his fear of hitting a big hook with the driver.

Woods was reportedly furious to hear about the release and while it is certainly not akin to breaking the hippocratic Oath, it has led many to believe haney has breached a certain code of conduct between player and coach. Some have suggested the book should never have been published.

it has us wondering what the reaction would have been if the following collection of not-so-well-known books had been published, rather than shelved (so-to-speak) at the last minute.

FORE AND PEACEliKe several greens at Augusta National, this book would have been epic, but largely unreadable to the average reader. it was essentially one long narrative of the ramifications of an incident where a golfer is hit by a golf ball without hearing anyone yell ‘fore!’. The book was never published in case similarly tedious long battles involving the warring golfers’ families were replicated at golf clubs across the planet.

‘SuBTLE GOLF’ by John DalyDAlY reportedly wrote this instructional golf book over the course of an unexpected free weekend. he outlined a modest, humble approach to tournament golf, with chapters including “When in doubt, use an iron off the tee”, “Conservative fashion for the modern golfer” and “Always have enough golf balls

Golf books never publishedMichael [email protected]

in your bag”. No copies of the book were ever printed, though, as the draft copy is reportedly at the bottom of the lake on the 11th hole of The lakes Golf Club.

THE GOLF DELuSIONThiS book would have been controversial to say the least. it largely dealt with the dream that inhabits the mind of every golfer: one day he or she will be good enough to become a professional golfer. While very few golfers would admit it, we all secretly think that upon winning the lottery, we would then have enough time to practise and easily compete on the PGA Tour. Needless to say, this text would have crushed the hopes and dreams of many weekend golfers and seen them leaving the game in droves. Subsequently, publishers burned the manuscript and it never saw the light of day.

‘THE TExTBOOK GOLF SWING’ by Jim FurykSCheDUleD for a Christmas release in 2003, publishers were forced to abandon this book after thousands of professional golf instructors signed a petition against its publication. Their opposition focussed on two things. The book was written back to front, and none of them had any idea how to teach the Furyk technique to amateur golfers without being seen to be having a laugh.

ON THE ORIGIN OF BOGIESThiS book was sent to the shredders at the last minute for fear of reprisals from angry golfers. it claimed that bogies only evolved because golf officials began assigning low par values for each hole. it argues that in the early stages of golf ’s development, par for a golf hole was usually somewhere in the range of 10 to 20 which lead to many more birdies, eagles, albatrosses and a whole host of other avian species previously thought to be extinct. During this time, golf was a much happier sport and publishers sensed a backlash if golf club members became aware of the conspiracy.

HARRY PuTTER AND THE CLARET JuG OF FIREAiMeD primarily at the burgeoning junior golf market, this was a fictional account of a young golfer sent off to golf school by his mulligan family. There he learned how to ward off evil bogies with the short stick and was forced to take part in the Open Championship. After Bubba Watson’s magical golf shot at the US Masters, rumours abound that this project will be resurrected, with eighteen separate books planned to be published in the series. •

Subtle

by John Daly

Golf TheTexTbookgolfswing

by Jim Furyk

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iGolfrules is among the world’s more popular golf apps. It now includes video sequences and the golf rules for 2012–2015.lAUNCheD three years ago, The iGolfrules app for iPhones has regularly topped the rankings of the most popular golf apps in numerous countries, as it provides the answer to virtually every question about the rules. it is even officially recommended by Apple.

The developers, led by best-selling author and referee Yves C. Ton-That, have recently improved the app, updating it to include the new golf rules for 2012-2015. interactive image sequences are used to explain the correct procedure step-by-step, while animated video sequences have been added in order to make the rules even easier to understand. The interactive “Relief Finder” help tool even tells you instantly whether you are entitled to a free drop.

The easy-to-operate app provides the answers to your questions with a maximum of just 3 clicks. in addition, a brief summary provides an overview of all the rule changes that came into effect in January this year.

The app can be purchased from the iTunes App Store for $9.99. it will also soon be available for Android and Windows phones.www.iGolfrules.com •

New rules for iGolfrules

Michael Green is an avid golf fanatic, and the author/blogger of the Aussie Golfer blog (www.aussiegolfer.net) one of Australia’s most popular golf blogging sites. Follow him on Twitter (twitter.com/AussieGolfer) or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AussieGolfer

the 19th hole


Matthew [email protected]

eVeRY April, golfers around the world watch the drama unfold on the back nine of Augusta National in the final round of the US Masters. it is the most iconic nine holes in the world and it has set the stage for some of the greatest and most memorable dramas in the history of golf.

Augusta was the scene of Gene Sarazen’s ‘shot heard around the world’ on the 15th in 1935, Roberto De Vicenzo’s “What a stupid i am!” after signing for the wrong score on 17 in 1968, Jack’s back nine of 6-under par in ’86 to win his final major at age 46, Norman’s tragedies including the Mize chip-in on the 11th in ’87, Ben Crenshaw’s emotional win in 1995 just days after the death of his mentor, the legendary harvey Penick, and Tiger’s chip that hung on the lip at 16 in 2005. The list goes on.

it is a sequence of holes that includes the legendary Amen Corner and lingers in the imagination of all die-hard golfers. Alas, unlike the public links at St. Andrews and Pebble Beach where anyone can get a game if they are determined enough, Augusta National is one of the most exclusive and private golf clubs in the world. it is a golf course that nearly every golfer dreams of playing, but very few golfers will ever get the chance to experience.

Until now.A new golf course development in Thailand

has recreated a replica of the back nine of Augusta National to allow golfers to experience what it would be like to play that most famous sequence of holes. it is not the real thing, but it is as close as many of us will ever get. What’s more, before you play the back nine of Augusta, you need to warm up on the front nine, which is made up of replicas of nine of the most famous golf holes from around the world.

The golf course is The Royal Gems in Bangkok and it is the first replica golf course built in Asia. holes one to nine are comprised of replicas of the 3rd hole at Oakmont with a recreation of the famous Church Pew bunkers; the par five 6th hole from Bay hill that curls around water; the island green from the 17th at TPC Sawgrass; the Doral Blue Monster 18th;

the Postage Stamp at Royal Troon; The Road hole at St Andrews; the 15th from Bethpage Black in New York; the famous par-3 10th at Winged Foot in the States, and the iconic short par-4 10th hole from the Belfry in england.

Once you have warmed up over that opening sequence of famous holes, you should be ready to tackle the challenge of the replica of the back nine at Augusta National. The holes are in the same sequence as Augusta, so you can experience all the thrills of what it might be like to play in the US Masters.

Royal Gems has planted out the course with flora similar to the original holes and have recreated the floral colours of springtime at Augusta. They have also used coconut husks to simulate the pine needles that are an integral part of the course. The coconut husks look the same and provide lies similar to the pine needles that one has to play from in the Masters.

So how can you play this amazing course? And play it for free?

Social Golf Australia (SGA) has partnered with Thailand Golf Tours to host an annual international amateur golf event – The SGA International. in 2013, The SGA international will be held from March 9 – 16 in Pattaya, a beach resort south of Bangkok and will include a round of golf at Royal Gems.

it is a golf course that most golfers would relish the opportunity to play and one lucky golfer at the 2012 Australian Social Golf Club Championships (ASGCC) will win a free golf trip (including airfares) to Thailand valued at over $2,500 to play in the 2013 SGA international and experience playing Royal Gems.

The 2012 ASGCC will be held on the Gold Coast from August 19 to 22 with players staying at the Radisson Resort Gold Coast and playing at Palm Meadows, Lakelands Golf Club and Robina Woods. All golfers are welcome to play and entry forms are available in Drummond Golf stores around Australia and online from Social Golf Australia’s website.

The ASGCC attracts adventurous amateurs from around Australia who enjoy their golf and the experience of playing in a professional tournament atmosphere. The 2012 event features over $15,000 of prizes thanks to sponsors Radisson Resort Gold Coast, Thailand Golf Tours, Drummond Golf, Wilson Staff, Heathcote Winery and Inside Golf.

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , g o t o www.socialgolfaustralia.com.au or contact SGA directly on (03) 5433 3213. inside Golf is proud to support the ASGCC and provide event coverage and results. •

Win a free trip to play the back nine of Augusta

Competitors from last year’s Australian Social Golf Club Championships

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Portsea Golf Club redevelopment commencesCONSTRUCTiON of the Portsea Golf Club multi-million dollar redevelopment has commenced which includes a partnership with one of the world’s largest hotel groups, Accor.

A new state-of-the-art clubhouse, boasting modern facilities and panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay, will be developed and feature twenty-four, 4.5 star accommodation rooms. Construction is set for completion in May 2013.

President of Portsea Golf Club, Paul Cannon, believes modern facilities combined with sweeping views will ensure Portsea Golf Club is regarded as one of the leading courses in the country.

“With a new clubhouse, members lounge, world class facilities and 4.5 star accommodation rooms, the club will cater for local, interstate and international golfers,” said Mr. Cannon.

eddie McGuire, Portsea Golf Club member, was onsite to officially announce the redevelopment and witness the initial foundation structures being laid.

Currently ranked 32nd in Australia, Portsea Golf Club has recently employed a number of course design improvements combining strategic bunkering, undulating Santa Ana couch fairways and slick greens.

“The club strives to provide a course that is not only challenging but enjoyable for all ages and standards of golfing ability. The redevelopment will enable the club to utilise the outstanding facilities for weddings and corporate functions,” said Mr. Cannon.

A rare opportunity exists to purchase land in this highly sought after location with a number of double lot land packages still available to the public. A limited number of golf club memberships are also available.

For more info visit www.portseagolf.com.au •

Portsea member Eddie McGuire

the 19th hole


Your letters and storiesTHe MaIlBOX

The Winner Is...

Clubs must adaptREGARDING your article “Clubs must adapt” (Inside Golf May 2012), might I offer some suggestions for struggling clubs? The survey indicates that anything that encourages more golfers onto a club’s course, and into their clubhouse, should be explored and implemented.

Clearly the “joining fee” is anachronism, and I wonder what its justification is (apart from deterring new members). How much “work” does processing a new member entail?

Might I also suggest a more flexible fee structure? The traditional 5, 6 or 7 day membership doesn’t have much relevance for many players who can play only on 1 or 2 days per week. These golfers may be time restricted, or want to belong to two clubs (for the experience of participating in extra competitions).

One Sydney club has a ‘user pays’ system of fees, offering something like this: Gold Membership $1550 + $7 comp fees; Silver $ 850 + $16 comp fees; Bronze $499 + $29 comp fees. This includes $100 bar credit, and provides full membership privileges.

This flexible model would be attractive to beginners, and anyone who can only play irregularly.

One final point: The introduction of Slope indexing will operate to “free up” the mobility of golfers between clubs (e.g. multiple memberships; participating in competitions on different layouts). Players from “easy layouts” cannot compete competitively at longer courses. Hence they do so decreasingly, or not at all. Conversely, players from more difficult courses tend not to enter single events at “easier” clubs, as their resulting handicaps may prove to be uncompetitive at their home clubs.

Slope provides a handicapping system that is fair to all golfers wherever they wish to play. Clubs should welcome this, as more visitors means increased income and potential new memberships. Can the struggling clubs hang on until April 2013?Rosemary Brooker, Balmain

Thanks Rosemary. Good points. While the joining fee is certainly a deterrent to many, it does serve a useful purpose for many clubs, as it sometimes provides a significant cash injection to fund critical improvements or projects. That said, some joining fees out there are excessive, and should be re-evaluated by some clubs.

LAST month there was a report in Inside Golf that the Brisbane District Golf Association (BDGA) division 1 pennant was shared by Oxley and Pacific golf clubs.

You remember the story. It went like this:Pacific and Oxley tie for the Division 1

pennant.Pacific declared the winner – on countback.Oxley’s protest and they win – on countback.The ever-thinking BDGA has another

rethink and Oxley don’t win.Pacific and Oxley are JOINT winners.How boring, I hear you say.Exactly. Why didn’t the BDGA insist the

teams face off a week later at a neutral venue to battle it out until there was a proper winner?

The build up to the showdown would have created plenty of interest.

The local media would have jumped all over it and golf would be the winner.

Both golf clubs would have received massive support from their fans and there would have been plenty of interest from other Division 1 pennant clubs.

But the opportunity to promote the game to the masses was lost.

Imagine if the US Masters officials said to Bubba Watson, “sorry Bubba, but Louis Oosthuizen gets the green jacket because he hit more fairways than you”.

It would have left a sour taste and Bubba really would have had something to cry about.

Again, imagine if the AFL grand final ended in a tie and Carlton was the winner because Collingwood kicked the ball into touch on the full more times.

Only 100,000 fans at the MCG would be left extremely unhappy on the day.

They wait a publicity-filled week and replay the game.

In the NRL, a tie is unacceptable all year and extra golden point time is played to get a victor.

No one likes countbacks and, in the Oxley/Pacific case, it does nothing for the spirit of the game.

The only good argument for a countback is when it comes to deciding minor grade events at the local golf club – not for more important competitions.

The BDGA say it will make sure no two golf clubs share a pennant again.

Next year, there will be a countback system in place everyone understands and that’s how a winner will be decided if two teams tie.

You see, the BDGA conducted the Division 1 pennant competition to determine who had the best club team.

At the completion of the competition – oh, I protest!name withheld at writer’s request

Rid golf of countback system

Three lefts equal PMAI READ with a certain amount of glee your article on the three left-handed Tasmanian golfers who took out the major places in their 2012 Club Championships. How do they do it while hitting from the wrong side of the ball?? The answer is in their names: P(Peter), M(Mick), A(Andy). PMA is also short for Positive Mental Attitude. Congratulations to the three of them. Here in Bulolo (oldest club in PNG still on original site), we also have a significant number (20%+)of our members who are Lefties. There are Kiwis, Aussies, Filipinos and PNG Nationals. Needless to say sledging is an accepted part of golf here.

Congratulations and thanks for your very readable magazine. Snow Kimpton, Bulolo Golf Club (yes and a leftie to boot)

Good FridayFUNDAMENTALLY most golfers are a very selfish lot! Me included. Playing weekly, monthly or maybe 2-3 times a week like some do, we are we cranky if we miss out due to weather, work, wife or partner errands, etc. Well, look deep inside fellas/girls: why doesn’t EVERY golf club--private and social--hold a golf day on Good Friday every year to raise desperately needed funds for the Royal Childrens Hospital? Yes, doing something for someone other than yourself, feeling good already! Andrew Watson, Reserve Bank (VIC) Social Golf Club.

Join the Gas WorksTHE Gas Works Social Golf Club is perhaps the oldest Social Golf Club in Australia, formed in 1935 and still going strong today. We are looking for new members to bolster our ranks. We play at many courses around Sydney and surrounds including Rosnay (Auburn),

Have you got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us via email at [email protected] or mail a letter to: The Editor, Inside Golf, PO Box 360 Nunawading, Vic 3131. Tell an interesting story or something funny

about golf and you could WIN a Smoothy Compact buggy valued at $230!

Super CoachIN Rugby League they talk about the Super coach (Jack Gibson, Wayne Bennett etc) in recognition of their talents to get the best out of people and achieve the winning formula. While I am relatively new to the game of golf, and read your magazine each month, I have not seen a similar appraisal of Golf’s elite coaching professionals.

Recently, I attended a three-day Golf school with Tom Linskey in Sydney. Tom is the founder and Head Coach at Australian Golf Schools based on the Gold Coast.

He coaches with a simple approach to the game and has a keen eye for where even the most minor of things is having a major impact on a player’s game. While he has changed my

swing technique, it was not done in a quick/major fix, but over a period of time with subtle changes. This really helped to ingrain the right technique into my game.

Tom has the intuitiveness of taking your own sporting background (most of mine in cricket) and equating it to how the body moves and functions in tandem with the golf swing. His concepts of the golf swing are both simple and effective.

In my opinion, Tom is a Golf Super Coach and that runs over to his team of professionals such as Terry Adcock, Josh Smith & others at Australian Golf Schools. Regardless of ability, Tom & his team will get the best out of you.Greg Allen, via email

Inside Golf launches iPad AppFOLLOWING our long tradition of leading the Australian Golf industry in the online/digital arena, Inside Golf is proud to announce the launch of our new iPad app — which brings Interactive Replicas of Australia’s favourite golf magazine onto your mobile devices.

Available in the Apple App store/Newsstand/iTunes (coming soon for Android), the Inside Golf Digital Version features the entire print version of our magazine in a portable, iPad/iPhone-ready format. Plus, we’ve enhanced each issue with special videos, links, photo galleries and interactive features to improve the overall experience for our loyal community of golf fans.

At only 99 cents per issue, it is one of the most affordable golf magazines in the Apple Newsstand. A full 12-month subscription is only $5.49 — which is cheaper than a single issue of other golf magazines out there, and around the same price as a lone golf ball (but much harder to lose). That’s great value for Australia’s most regularly read monthly golf publication.

Check it out on the App Store or in iTunes: http://bit.ly/HSdId8

Fairfield, Picton, Concord, Bexley, Georges River to name a few. We play every fortnight on Saturday mornings and are usually finished at midday. Many single and team events are contested and a free barbecue about three times a year. For details ring Barry Phillips on 0419 607 147.

the 19th hole


The quick nine quizDavid Newbery1. How many entries were received for this

year’s US Open – just over 6000, 7000, 8000 or 9000?

2. True or false: Scotland’s Bobby Cruickshank lost a US Open because he knocked himself out with his own club.

3. What is the prizemoney for this year’s US Open – $US7m, $US7.5m or $8m?

4. Which Australian player finished runner-up to Rory McIlroy in the 2011 US Open?

5. Who was the last player to win the US Masters and US Open in the same year – Tiger Woods, Padraig Harrington or Jack Nicklaus?

6. In what year was the US Open first televised – 1945, 1947 or 1950?

7. Solve the anagram, Is foe to green, to identify the winner of the 2001 and 2004 US Open?

8. Who said: “It takes courage to win the US Open, more courage than it takes for any other tournament.” – Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson or Geoff Ogilvy?

9. Who was the US Open winner unable to defend his title in the year 2000? Clue: He was an American who was married to an Australian.

ANSWERS: (1). 9006; (2). True; (3). $US8m; (4). Jason Day; (5). Tiger Woods; (6). 1947; (7). Retief Goosen; (8). Tom Watson; (9). Payne Stewart.

lAST month, the Urban Golf Australia tour bus made a mad bash across Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. From the Opera house to luna Park, they were promoting their upcoming World Urban Golf Day (8 September) as well as raising awareness for Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets Program.

The people of Sydney received Urban Golfing with gusto, and many people came over to ask questions and show their support. Some even got involved and took their first official off-course swing!

World Urban Golf Day this year will include events in Coffs harbour, Melbourne and Newcastle. Urban Golf Australia see themselves as an affordable, approachable and effective means of both revitalising players’ interest in golf and creating entry points for new golfers.

Traditionalists have until now been wary of Urban Golfing as they are worried it will be a dissolution of the strong codes and morals that have made golf the gentleman’s game we all love. But Urban Golfing does

not encourage anyone to break dress regulations or bend rules on the course. They just provide a way of playing golf free from all of that. And as the player’s skills increase, it may lead them to the course and maybe even tournament play.

“We are committed to ensuring that Urban Golfers do so in a safe, fun and respectable manner that can be enjoyed by everyone,” says Chris Connors of

Urban Golf Australia.“We are heartened by the story of Anil Made in

india (http://vimeo.com/evolveimg/mumbaigolf) who recently made the transition from the streets of Mumbai with homemade clubs to india’s pro golfing tour and is one of india’s most exciting young on-course golfing talents,” adds Chris.

For more info: australianurbangolf.com. •

Urban Golf returns to Oz

Melbourne golfers: Take the TaylorMade R11s ChallengeTAYLORMADe and Inside Golf are giving three lucky Melbourne readers the chance to tee it up in the new TaylorMade Performance Lab (TMPL), and compare their own drivers to the new and exciting TaylorMade R11s.

In the challenge, three lucky readers will be hooked up to the state-of-the-art TaylorMade system, and use launch monitors to test their performance with their current driver. They will complete a full R11s driver fitting and then test their performance with new R11s. They will then share their experience and results.

Inside Golf recently wrote about our experience in the TMPL, and how we gained distance and ball speed with an R11s. Now you can try it out as well.

To enter, simply visit www.insidegolf.com.au and follow the links to the competition! •

FOR your Sunday round of golf, walking a casual 18 holes can chalk up around 6-7 kilometres (depending on your course, and the amount of real estate you cover looking for lost balls, that is). For many of us, that 6km is enough of a walk, and getting us to do more than that without even swinging a club can be a daunting proposition.

So imagine tackling 100km in one go – walking for up to 48 straight hours while battling rain, sun, darkness and all the mental demons that arise throughout.

Recently, walkers for The Oxfam Trailwalk did just that in Melbourne, embarking on a massive bush walk through the Dandenong Ranges, all in the name of charity.

The event raises funds to help overcome poverty and injustice around the world. Together, teams of 4 walk (or run) together through a 100k course, while receiving donations from friends, colleagues and family.

This year, over 3000 people took part in the event, including a team sponsored by inside Golf – the Oxfam Tramps. The team of Yvonne Fellner (wife of inside Golf ’s editor, Richard), joined Shorny Dwyer, Sophie Clarke and Steph Tawse to complete the course in a respectable 32 hours.

Their support team of friends and family all pitched in to help, driving a fantastic Britz Campervan to the many checkpoints throughout the day/night. The campervan proved to be an extremely important (and welcome) part of the walk, as it allowed the walkers to rest, change, eat and even shower when needed, providing an important physical and mental boost for the team members.

Thl/Britz are long-time sponsors of Oxfam

Trailwalk. They support all participants and the charity by providing a generous 25% discount off the hire for the walking team and 10% to Oxfam for every booking.

Over $2.25million in funds was raised by teams in Melbourne this year, with two events still to be held in Brisbane (June 15-17) and Sydney (August 24-26).

More information: trailwalker.oxfam.org.au •

100km walk for charity

WIN!

2 Aces...same hole, same grouplAST month, during the Joondalup Country Club on ladies day, Terri Parks and Delnaz Roussilhes got to the 3rd hole of the Quarry Course, and both hit their tee shots. On this occasion the base of the flag was not visible from the ladies tee, and when the group arrived at the green only two balls of the foursome could be seen. After searching around the green, in the bunker, down the bank of the Quarry, Terri glanced in the hole to find the two balls – one on top of the other.

Although neither won the competition of the day, the girls were pretty pleased.

According to the hole in One Odds website, the odds of two players getting an ace in the same group, marking each other’s card, on the same hole, in the same round is 1 in 17,000,000. •

Pacific junior nabs Ace TeN-year-old Benjamin Mclaughlin achieved what many golfers can only dream of, scoring a hole-in-one. last month, during his weekly round in the Pacific Golf Junior Competition in Brisbane, Benjamin aced the first hole of the day. What a way to start a round! The feat is even more amazing when you consider that young Benjamin has only been playing golf for three years. Good on ya Benjamin! •

Catch the latest golf news online: www.insidegolf.com.au. Join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/insidegolf, keep up to the minute with our Twitter feed (@InsideGolf ) or if you prefer–drop us a line at [email protected]

Keep up with us online!

demo dates


View Demo Days on our website: www.insidegolf.com.au/demo-days-australia/Ping Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com

Location Day Date Time

new South WalesThe Lakes golf club* Friday June 01 9am - 2pmIllawarra Golf Driving Range Tuesday June 05 10am - 2pmThe Ridge Golf Driving Range Wednesday June 06 4 - 7pmKurri Kurri Golf Club* Thursday June 07 10am - 2pmTamworth Golf Club* Friday June 08 9am - 3pmQueenbeyan* Tuesday June 12 10am - 2pmRoyal Canberra Golf club* Wednesday June 13 9am - 1pmCanberra Int Driving range Wednesday June 13 4 - 7pmGungahlin Lakes Golf Club Thursday June 14 10am - 2pmWagga Country Club* Friday June 15 11am - 4pmCamden Valley Golf Club* Tuesday June 19 9am - 3pmNew South Wales Golf Club Wednesday June 20 9am - 1pmAvondale Golf Club* Thursday June 21 8am - 1pmNarrabeen Driving Range Thursday June 21 4 - 7pmVincentta Golf Club* Monday June 25 1 - 4pmOlympic Park Driving Range Tuesday June 26 4 - 7pmBonnie Doon Golf Club* Wednesday June 27 9am - 2pmSt Michaels Golf Club* Thursday June 28 10am - 2pmThornliegh Golf Centre Thursday June 28 4 - 7pmMorisset Golf club* Friday June 29 12 - 4pmQueenslandHope Island Friday June 01 1 - 5pmNoosa Tewantin Saturday June 02 9am - 12pmVictoria Park Golf Complex Tuesday June 05 5:30 - 7:30pmNudgee Golf Club Saturday June 09 9am - 12pmIndooroopilly** Wednesday June 13 9am - 1pmParkwood Thursday June 14 2:30 - 5:30pmPalm Meadows Driving Range Friday June 29 1 - 5pmVictoriaRanfurlie Golf Club* Saturday June 02 10am - 2pmKooringal Golf Club* Tuesday June 05 1 - 5pmKingston Heath Golf Club* Wednesday June 06 10am - 2pmMelbourne Golf Academy Wednesday June 06 4 - 7pmWoodlands Golf Club* Thursday June 07 10am - 2pmRiversdale Golf Club* Friday June 08 9am - 3pmHeidelberg Golf Club* Saturday June 09 10am - 2pmYarra Yarra Golf Club* Wednesday June 13 10am - 2pmVictoria Golf Club* Thursday June 14 10am - 2pmKew Golf Club* Friday June 15 10am - 2pmHuntingdale Golf Club* Saturday June 16 10am - 2pmHOG Ringwood* Tuesday June 19 1 - 5pmSandringham Golf Range* Wednesday June 20 5 - 7pmYarra Bend Golf Driving Range Thursday June 21 4 - 7pmNational Golf Club* Saturday June 23 12 - 4pm

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. † Callaway demo date. ‡ Callaway fitting day. Demo dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending.

new South WalesElanora Country Club * ‡ Friday June 01 10am - 2pmNSW GC * ** ‡ Wednesday June 06 9am - 1pmCarnarvon Golf Club* ** ‡ Thursday June 07 8am - 1pmThe Lakes Golf Club* ** ‡ Friday June 08 1 - 5pmNarrabeen Driving Range † Thursday June 14 4 - 7 pmMoruya Golf Club* ** ‡ Thursday June 14 10am - 2pmLinks @ Shell Cove Golf Club* ** ‡ Friday June 15 9am - 1pmCamden Golf Club† Saturday June 16 10:30am - 12pmKurri Kurri Golf Club* ‡ Tuesday June 19 11am - 3pmTerrey Hills Driving Range* ‡ Monday June 20 10 - 1pmEverglades Golf Club* ‡ Wednesday June 20 1 - 4pmNorthbridge Golf Club* ‡ Thursday June 21 1 - 2pmMoore Park Driving Range* ‡ Thursday June 21 4 - 7 pmMorrisett Golf Club* ‡ Friday June 22 12 - 4pmWindsor Golf Club* ‡ Wednesday June 27 8:30am - 11:30amThe Ridge Golf Driving Range Wednesday June 27 5 - 7 pmManly Golf Club* ‡ Thursday June 28 1:30 - 4:30pmCumberland Golf Club* ‡ Friday June 29 1 - 4pmQueenslandTGrand Golf Club † Saturday June 02 10am - 1pmVictoria Park Golf Complex † Tuesday June 05 5 - 7pmMatts driving Range ballina † Wednesday June 06 2 - 6pmHorton Park Golf Club † Wednesday June 13 10am - 2pmParkwood † Thursday June 14 4 - 7pmLakelands Golf Club † Friday June 22 3:30 - 4:30pmPalm Meadows Golf Range † Friday June 29 2 - 5pmVictoriaYering Meadows * ‡ Friday June 01 10am- 2pmThe National Golf Club † Friday June 01 12-2pmGrowling Frog * ‡ Saturday June 02 10am- 2pmRiverside Golf Club * ‡ Wednesday June 06 10am- 2pmMelbourne Golf Academy † Wednesday June 06 4 - 7 pmGolf City Ballarat * ‡ Thursday June 07 3 - 7pmBallarat Golf Club * ‡ Friday June 08 12-4pmHorsham Golf Club * ‡ Saturday June 09 10am-3pmKingston Heath Golf Club * ‡ Wednesday June 13 10am-2pmMorack Public Golf Course * ‡ Thursday June 14 3-6pmRoyal Melbourne Golf Club * ‡ Friday June 15 10am-2pmFlinders Golf Club * ‡ Thursday June 21 10am-2pmKeysborough Golf Club * ‡ Friday June 22 10am-2pmThe National Golf Club * ‡ Saturday June 23 10am-2pmHeritage Golf Club † Thursday June 28 10am-2pmThe Heritage Golf & Country Club * ‡ Thursday June 28 10am-2pmWestern AustraliaCarramar Golf Course † Friday June 08 2 - 6pmMaylands Golf Course † Friday June 15 2 - 6pmCollier Park Golf Course † Friday June 22 2 - 6pm

CaLLaway RaZR FiT PoweR houRs www.callawaygolf.com

Location Day Date Time

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golf directory

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Plus, we also offer custom made clubs to suit your individual swing

www.clubtechgolf.com.auMail orders accepted: [email protected]

Visit our Factory Showroom at 74 Newlands Road, Coburg North 3058 Phone (03) 9355 7978

CLUB EXTENSIONSOR CUT DOWNS

TAYLOR MADE R11 IRONS MIZUNO JPX 800

IRON RE-SHAFTS

LOFT & LIE ANGLES ADJUSTED TO SUIT YOUR SWING PLANE

CALLAWAY WARBIRD 2.0 BALLS

FROM $25 TO $55

ACER XF THRIVERIt’s not a three woodIt’s not a DriverIt is a THRIVERCombining the best attributes of a three wood and a Driver.14º Loft - for less spin and good launchDriver size face - for larger hitting areaShorter Shaft - more accuracy and controlHead Weight - for perfect swing balance

$195

4 - AW4 - Gap Wedge

• Dynamic Gold• Dynamic Gold

Superlite• Nippon NS Pro• Project X• KBS Tour

$749www.clubtechgolf.com.au

Visit our Factory Showroom at74 Newlands Road, Coburg North 3058 Phone (03) 93557978

Plus, we also offer custom made clubs to suit your indiviual swing

Sets • Drivers • Fairway Woods • Putters • Bags • Accessories • Grips • Repairs• Re-Shafts • Swing Analysis • Vector Launch Monitor • Loft and lie adjustments

OPEN TO PUBLIC

Mail orders accepted: [email protected]

$20CALLAWAY GLOVES 2 fOr

TAYLOr MADE rAYLOr HYBrID22˚, 19˚

ACEr Xf THrIVErIts not a three woodIts not a DriverIt is a THriVErCombining the best attributes of a three wood and a Driver

14º Loft - for less spin and good launch

Driver size face - for larger hitting area

Shorter Shaft - more accuracy and control

Head Weight - for perfect swing balance

$195

rE SHAfT YOur DrIVErPro Force V2Aldila NV/NVSPro-Launch Platinum

$119fITTED

JuNIOr SETS

MIzuNO JpX 8004 to Gap Wedge

$795CALLAWAY WArBIrD IrONS4 to SW $495

IrON rE SHAfTS• Dynamic Gold• Dynamic Gold Superlite• Nippon NS Pro• Project X• KBS Tour

frOM$25 TO $55

TAYLOrMADEpENTANew golf balls

$3495DOz

CALLAWAY DIABLONew golf balls

$1980DOz

NIkE GOLf BAGS

SrIXON SOfT fEELNew golf balls

$18DOz

BELLY puTTEr$99

GIfT pACkS

Gift Vouchures Available

$39

$99

$129

$139

GOLF SHOES NIKE OR CALLAWAY

TAYLORMADE RBZ IRONS4 - SW

TAYLORMADE RBZ DRIVER & FAIRWAY

DRIVER NOT PERFORMING AS IT SHOULD?Reshaft your Driver to suit you!• Pro Force V2• Aldila NV or NVS• Grafalloy Prolaunch

$119 Fitted

$89

$739$759

$10RE GRIP YOUR CLUBS FOR WINTER

FROM $12 PER CLUB FITTED

$12From PER CLUB FITTED

$1950

Per Doz

Now at lowest price!!

Per Club

$35 Per Set

2 for$30OR

THE FOUNDATION OF EVERY SHOT

HIGH TENSILE STRENGTH FIBERS WRAP THE MIDFOOT FOR ROCK-SOLID SUPPORT ALONG WITH FEATHERLIGHT FEEL.

DUAL-DENSITY MIDSOLE SYSTEM PROVIDES LOW-PROFILE, LIGHTWEIGHT, ALL-DAY COMFORT.

LUNARLON CUSHIONING FLYWIRE STABILITY

NIKELUNAR CONTROL

GAME-ENHANCING LIGHTNESS, NOW IN A STYLE-ENHANCING RANGE OF COLOR CHOICES.

FULL-SPECTRUM PERFORMANCE

issue 83 inside golf june 2012

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