WIN A Barnbougle Play & Stay Package
SUMMER 201 0 / 11 | D ru m m o n d C l u b M e m b e r M a g a z i n e | $ 4 . 9 5
Fabulous Fiji Natadola Bay Golf Course
Membership Benefits and Club Partner Guide
2011
Barnbougle
Kalgoorlie
The Lost Farm
Desert Golf At Its Best
The Bogle report: See his Top 10 moments in golf from 2010
WHAT'S NEW TaylorMade | Callaway | Titleist
Volume 4 RRP $3.50
OVER 1,000 SPECIAL MEMBER OFFERS & SAVINGS INSIDE
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2011
Member Partner Booklet Get your FREE copy see over
OUT DEC 1
2011 Drummond Club Membership Benefits Booklet The booklet contains; - Hundreds of partner offers - 2 for 1 green fee vouchers - Introductory FREE 1/2 hour golf coaching vouchers
Membership Benefits and Club Pa rtner Guide
2 011
Drop in to your nearest Drummond Golf Store and collect your FREE copy of the 2011 Drummond Club Membership Benefits Booklet.
Volume 4 RRP
$3.50
Simply punch out the booklet voucher below, complete your details and hand it in to your nearest Drummond Golf store. OVE R 1,00 0 SPE CIAL MEM BER OFF ERS & SAV ING S INS IDE
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WIN
a Fijian holiday! 2011 Drummond Club Membership Benefits Booklet Voucher Name: Member No: Contact:
Punch out the booklet voucher above, complete your details and hand it in to your nearest Drummond Golf store. 2
Collect your copy before 31 January 2011 and go in to the draw to win a 4-day golf escape to fabulous Fiji-Natadola Bay. First drawn wins. Package includes: • 4 nights’ accommodation, twin share in a Garden Room at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa • 3 Days of unlimited golf including cart • $1,000 towards airfares • Daily breakfast Conditions You must be a current Drummond Club member to collect the booklet and remit the punch out booklet voucher in this issue. Only one copy per member. *Please contact us if a store is not convenient to your residence and prefer us to mail you your copy- 03 9565 1410. **All Drummond Club partner offers can also be viewed on our website drummondgolf.com www.drummondgolf.com
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5
CONTENTS UGL WIN A BAR NBO
nd | Drummo SUMME R 2010/11
PAC KAG E E PLAY & STAY
Magazin e Club Member
| $4.95
i Fa bu lou s Fij Gol f Cou rse Nat ado la Bay
Benefits Membership Guide and Club Partner
2011
Volume 4 RRP
Bar nbo ugl e The Lost Farm THE BOGLE
C o v er S tory
Natadola Bay Golf Course South Pacific Sensation
Brett Ogle’s Top 10 moments in Golf from 2010
p.18
p.68
Kal goo rlieIts Best Dese rt Golf At
his Top 10 REPORT: See
moments in golf
SPECIAL OVER 1,000 & MEMBER OFFERS SAVINGS INSIDE
$3.50
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201 1
Member Partner Booklet Get your FREE copy see over
from 2010
W WHAT'S NE Titleis t
Taylo rMade
| Callaw ay |
Views 8
Editorial The Dawn Of A New Era
10
From The Top Welcome
82
Ravi’s Rant Give Golf A Fair Go
My Club Quick 18 with Sarah Jane Smith
p.20
12
Golf Days
13
Club Partners
14
News
Tour 16 Young Guns Major Potential 18 Bogle’s Wrap Up 2010 Bogle Report 20
Player Profile Sarah Jane Smith
22
ALPG Tour Report
People
p.28 David Scaletti: A world leading course photographer
6
25
Did You Know? The Birth of Moonah Links
26
Members At Play
27
Ask Terry
28
David Scaletti Nice Shot
32
My Gear Custom Fitting: A Crucial Part Of Your Game
34
Junior Watch: Connor Reeves Connor’s Passion For Golf Isn’t Simulated
www.drummondgolf.com
My Store 37
Tech Talk Can Your Shoes Help You Hit It Further?
38
Shoes
40
Taylormade, Callaway, Titleist & Putters
44
Special Offers
My Game 47
Mental Sanity Strategy
48
Tips From The Tour Skip The Yips, Control The Ball & Bunker Play
51
Physical Ball Striking
52
Nutrition A Fluid Swing
WIN Product reviews on what’s new in-store
a Barnbougle Dunes Play & Stay Package
p.80
p.40
Special Promotions 54
Great Golf Getaways
55
Wirrina Cove Resort
56
AYM Golf Tours
57
Pro Golf IQ Bunker shots can be daunting for many players
Places 58
Kalgoorlie Golf Course A Desert Gem
62 Barnbougle Dunes The Lost Farm 68
Natadola Golf Course Fijian Fiarways
72
Japan Where your Golf Blossoms
74
Partner Directory
80
Competition
p.50
World-class desert-style golf course in Kalgoorlie, WA
p.58
Lifestyle 81
Wine: Riesling A Multi-Talented Underdog
www.drummondgolf.com
7
VIEWS
Editorial
THE DAWN OF A
NEW ERA SAM GOLE, EDITOR
T
he 2010 golf season will be recognised as the year Tiger’s world dominance took a significant hit on the PGA Tour. Missed cuts, missed opportunities and numerous sub-standard rounds for the now world number two showed peers his formerly faultless game was in trouble. Just ask 2010 major champions Phil Mickelson, Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen and Martin Kaymer—I bet they’re not concerned that the Tiger Woods aura is now far less intimidating than ever before. But it may be the game itself that benefits most from the decline of the game’s biggest name (whether temporary or permanent). As a viewer, there is an appeal to watching Tiger perform at a level unmatched. But when he was at the top of his game, there was also a level of predictability that could be a turn off. With the door of opportunity ajar there are now more players set to emerge as icons of the game. The change in the guard at the top could prove to be the game’s biggest lure for viewers and a way of inspiring and attracting the next generation of golfers. There’s a crop of young professional golfers now vying for fans’ affection. Each one is eagerly eyeing off the game’s major silverware and trophies. Young, confident, sometimes brash and extremely talented; names the likes of McIlroy, Day, Fowler and Ishikawa are ready to strike. Between them, they have already chalked up tournament victories, Ryder Cup appearances and record-breaking rounds. We asked you to nominate which one you believed would be the first to break through on golf’s biggest stage. See page 16 for the full report. Of course, competition for Top Dog status isn’t confined to the Tour. In this issue we review two spectacular courses recently opened that will only add to the standard of Australian golf courses. We visit Kalgoorlie Golf Course, a green oasis situated in the Western Australia outback, earmarked to rank in the world’s top desert courses (p.58). We also venture south to the rugged links
8
experience that is Barnbougle Lost Farm, found at the Sattler family property on Tasmania’s north coast (p.62). These magnificent golf riches await you. Be sure to add them to your 2011 to-do list. If reading about those courses gets the travel bug biting, then look no further than the balmy, tropical climate and turquoise waters of the South Pacific. Fiji’s Natadola Bay is the perfect golf getaway for anyone wanting to play on an incredibly picturesque golf course (p.68). Laze by the pool or beach and kick back with the odd cocktail or two. If you’re planning a golf trip in 2011 you’ll be sure to pack your ‘A’ game thanks to our beefed-up golf tips section. Jarrod Moseley, winner of the 1999 Heineken Classic and the 2002 Australian PGA Championship joins former tour player Nadene Gole and current tour player Matt Griffin to provide some handy putting, bunker and iron-play tips. And in addition to helping you play great shots on the course, we also want you to capture the great shots of golf courses you play. World-renowned course photographer, David Scaletti, is sharing his expertise and artistry to help capture your golf travel experiences. His newly-established golf photography schools are well worth a look. Imagine being capable of snapping one of golf’s great landscapes. Now that’s an image to last a lifetime. Whether it be following the game’s greats with interest, taking your own golf trip of note, or playing brilliant shots more often, may 2011 be the dawn of a new era in your golf life. After you read this issue of Beyond the Fairways from cover to cover, that is… Good reading and happy golfing.
EDITOR & PRODUCTION MANAGER Sam Gole DESIGN Suzie Herrington CONTRIBUTORS Mark Abeyaratne Ravi Abeyaratne Simon Calabria Jamie Cooke Nadene Gole Matthew Griffin Dr Mike Martin Bill McTigue Brendan Moloney Jarrod Moseley Brett Ogle David Owen Terry Price Warren Sevil OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Jodi Sessler Anthony Murphy Kean Chai Wilson Everard Advertising ADVERTISING Sam Gole PRINTED BY Graphic Impressions DRUMMOND CLUB Unit A7, Hallmarc Business Park 2A Westall Rd, Clayton, VIC 3168 Tel: (03) 9565 1400 Fax: (03) 9543 5483 Email: info@drummondclub.com www.drummondclub.com Circulation 40,000 copies No part of this magazine may be reproduced, transmitted or otherwise copied without written permission from Drummond Club. All advertising & editorial correspondence should be directed to Drummond Club Management. Contact Sam Gole - 03 9565 1410 or sam.gole@drummondclub.com
Sam Gole Drummond Club Manager Editor BTF www.drummondgolf.com
www.drummondgolf.com
9
VIEWS
From the Top
WELCOME
FROM THE MANAGING DIRECTOR
W
elcome to the summer edition of Beyond the Fairways. Just recently, Ken White a close friend and a former franchisee lost his battle with cancer. Our condolences go to his wife Geraldine, daughter Trinity and son Dow. Ken was a great mate who was always willing to help; the time of day was irrelevant. I remember working late into the night with Ken in an attempt to have the refitted Traralgon store ready for its grand opening deadline. Ken was an outstanding footballer who had an opportunity to make a move to Melbourne to follow a career in the then VFL but opted to pursue his business aspirations in Traralgon. His decision to remain in Traralgon
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to AFL, rugby, soccer, netball, cricket, tennis, surfing and many other sports. Ken often said to me that his greatest achievement in golf was playing golf with his children. His single figure handicap status and his dedication to his children and family reflect the quality of the man. Ken will be sadly missed at the Traralgon Golf Club and the numerous golf courses around Gippsland. I will cherish the memories of the numerous games we played around Gippsland, Queensland and the sandbelt courses of Melbourne, and most of all his friendship. Wishing you all great golfing this summer,
Mark Abeyaratne, Drummond Golf Managing Director
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Ken and I at the 2009 Australian Masters
saw him give up football and take up golf, a sport he played until the very end. Six months ago I played golf with Ken and I was amazed that the day after chemotherapy treatment he insisted on walking the entire 18 holes and on no occasion did he complain. He just enjoyed the course and the company and discussed how golf was such a great companion sport. Our conversation was about the number of elite sportsmen and women who play golf as a release from their main sport. Many sporting greats have enjoyed golf on rest days and out of season and following their retirement have gone on to achieve a very high standard of golf. I recall Dean Jones—now a three handicap golfer—saying that cricket was his business but golf his passion. Next year, Drummond Golf and our major suppliers will be getting behind Golf Australia with its ‘My Golf’ initiative to take golf to 400plus primary schools. We are hoping that this initiative will introduce more than 5000 new junior golfers in 2011. While a few of these kids will make golf their main sport, most of them will take it on as a companion sport
24/9/10 9:54:45 AM
www.drummondgolf.com
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11
MY C LUB
Golf Days
GOLF DAYS QUEENSLAND
1st
38
Graeme Hargreaves
12
SCORE
H/CAP
32
23
Carinne Pert
Individual Non-H/cap SCORE 1st
1st
Roy McLean Michael Dean Peter Douglas Brian Donaldson
1st
John Mathieson
41
9
1st
Shaun Greenfield
1st
Team Stableford Gordon Costello Dean Dempsey Keith Dalish Steve Caggianno
1st
Mark Bond
September 19 Joondalup Resort
38
Individual Non-H/cap SCORE 1st
Dale Leary
Leading Lady 1st
Sue Saunders
33 SCORE
38
Team Stableford 1st
Mark Bond Wendy Bond Sue Saunders Robert Pestrucci
*Tasmania State Champion—Mark Bond
12
Individual Stableford SCORE H/CAP 1st
Paul Hope
41
9
Individual Non-H/cap SCORE 1st
Steve Scott
Leading Lady 1st
Sharon Bell
H/CAP
41
41
Anthony Castro
37
Sandra Pratt John Mathieson Stephen Gleding Mark Bond
SCORE
Western Australia
Individual Stableford SCORE H/CAP
SCORE
National Championship
*Queensland State Champion—Graeme Hargreaves
October 8 Claremont Golf Club
24
Team Stableford
39
*South Australia State Champion—John Mathieson
Tasmania
Marysia Paszkiewicz
40
Individual Non-H/cap SCORE 1st
Individual Non-H/cap SCORE
1st
39
Cameron Hewitt
1st
Stephen Hunt
Leading Lady
Individual Stableford SCORE H/CAP
Team Stableford 1st
October 28, Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club Individual Stableford SCORE H/CAP
August 20 Glenelg Golf Club
Individual Stableford SCORE H/CAP
Leading Lady
NATIONAL FINAL
South Australia
August 8 North Lakes Resort
1st
EVENT RESULTS - WINNERS
Sandra Pratt, NSW
39
Darren Tyrell, VIC
39
John Mathieson, SA
37
Paul Hope, WA
34
Mark Bond, TAS
33
Graeme Hargreaves, QLD
31
Stephen Gelding, NT
30
Richard Jalland, ACT
29
*NATIONAL CHAMPION Sandra Pratt 39 pts (won on count-back)
39 SCORE
33
Team Stableford 1st
Wally Malauski Antoni Lunn Paul Hope Jeff Haley
*Western Australia State Champion—Paul Hope
Brett Ogle, Sandra Pratt & Matt Griffin
Thank you to Malaysia Airlines, Unsurpassed Vehicle Imaging, Wilson Staff & McLaren Vale III Associates
2011 Drummond Golf National Event Series Schedule For more information and event entry forms, please visit our website: drummondclub.com 12
Vic Spring Valley GC Friday 9th September
NSW The Lakes Thursday 12th May
QLD Indooroopilly GC Friday 5th August
SA Kooyonga Golf Club Friday 25th March
WA Lake Karrinyup CC Friday 23rd September
ACT Royal Canberra GC Thursday 31st March
Tas Barnbougle Dunes – TBC NT Darwin GC – TBC National Final Victoria GC Friday 4th November
www.drummondgolf.com
Club Partners
CLUB PARTNERS With more than 1000 deals Australia-wide—including 100-plus golf courses—Drummond Club members enjoy one of the best golf partner programs available. We’re proud to introduce our newest club partners. And don’t forget, if you have a business you’d like exposed to more than 35,000 people, you too can be rewarded by joining this program.
Benefits Membership ner Guide and Club Part
2011
Volume 4 RRP
Driving Range
Leura Golf Club 2 for 1 introductory green fee. 20% off repeat visits and motorised cart hire
Inner City Golf 2 for 1 introductory green fee. 20% off repeat visits and motorised cart hire
Wollongong Golf Club Monday: 2 people golf and cart $50; Weekdays and Sunday after 1pm: 2 people with cart $80
SA
Blue Lake Public Golf Links 2 for 1 green fee: Valid 7 days
VIC
Queenscliff Golf Club 2 for 1 green fee: Valid 7 days RACV Torquay Golf Club 20% off standard green fees
NSW
Accomodation NSW
Eliza’s On The Murray 3 nights accommodation in a 2-bedroom self contained villa, 3 days of golf at Tocumwal Golf Club, daily continental breakfast. Normal price $450pp. Special price $300pp. Valid December to February 2011
VIC
Big 4 Anglesea Holiday Park 15% off weekday cabin fees: 2 and 3 bedroom cabins available. Fully self contained
Sandringham Golf Links 9 hole green fee $12.50 or 18 hole green fee $20. Rate applicable for all groups of four players teeing off from 2pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. (Not available on public holidays)
Big 4 Bellarine Holiday Park 15% off weekday cabin fees: 2 and 3 bedroom cabins available. Fully self contained
Werribee Park Golf Club 2 for 1 green fee: Valid Monday to Friday
Thailand Golf Tours
WA
Kalgoorlie Golf Course 10% off rack rate
Golf Coaches NSW
Scott Silva—Inner City Golf Buy your first 30-minute lesson and get one free
www.drummondgolf.com
Travel
Other Retailer VIC
Collins Booksellers Shepparton 10% discount Jeff Young Shoes 5% discount (excludes sales lines)
Interested in joining the program?
$3.50
Ask for a Partner prosposal— there’s no cost to get involved. Contact Sam Gole on (03) 9565 1410 or email sam.gole@drummondclub.com
SPECI AL OVER 1,000 S & MEMB ER OFFER SAVIN GS INSIDE
Golf Clubs NSW
MY CLU B
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For a full listing of partner offers please visit our website: drummondclub.com Faggs Mitre 10 Geelong Show your Drummond Club card and sign up for the Faggs Mighty Helpful card and get $10 off your next purchase of $50. Offer postal services and products
WA
Minkz $25 saving off any full priced furniture and homeware purchase over $100. Limit of one use per household on new orders only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer
Motor Vehicle WA
AutoPro Superstore Innaloo 10% discount off performance parts, batteries, car part accessories and Pioneer, Kenwood and Clarion car audio
Publication NATIONAL
The Week Magazine For a free issue of The Week delivered to your door. Call 1800 843 933 and quote TH07100GFR. Offer while stocks last
Real Estate VIC
MJ Docking & Associates 25% off gross advertising budget when exclusively listing a property (real estate) for sale or free advertising when listing a property for rent
2011 Member Partner Booklet available in store. See inside cover for more details
13
MY C LUB
News
NEWS
Gourmet Golf Tours to New Zealand
Sparkle for a Cause Amadio Wines from the Adelaide Hills joined forces with the McGrath Foundation to launch the new Amadio Biljana Sparkling Brut on 16th October. This unique friendship has been formed to raise money for the McGrath Foundation, with $2 from every Amadio Biljana Sparkling Brut sold helping to increase breast cancer awareness in young women as well as funding McGrath Breast Care Nurses right across Australia. “Like so many families, ours too has been touched by breast cancer. Having shared this experience, I raise a toast to those who have learned to ‘live in the moment’. Every purchase of ‘Biljana’ (Bil-ya-na) raises funds for the McGrath Foundation,” said Danniel Amadio, managing director and vintner of Amadio Wines. Named ‘Biljana’ after Danniel’s wife, the sparkling wine is both a tribute to her strength and a glass raised in celebration to those whose lives have also been touched by cancer. “The McGrath Foundation philosophy of ‘together we can make a difference’, was the perfect trigger to develop this special sparkling wine that will not only assist with raising money for a great cause, but hopefully help put a bit of sparkle back into people’s lives,” Mr Amadio said.
Thailand Golf Tours
14
The McGrath Foundation’s Tracy Bevan has welcomed this initiative, “We’re thrilled to develop such a fun and exciting friendship with Amadio Wines. I can’t think of a better way to raise a toast as well as raising money for the foundation at the same time” she said. This lively and citrusy sparking with soft, moussey bubbles has a recommended retail price of $18 per bottle, with Amadio Biljana Sparkling Brut available from the Amadio Cellar Door and independent stores accross Australia. Amadio Wines were the official wine suppliers of the 2010 JB Were Australian Masters and to mark the release, the Amadio Biljana Sparkling Brut was be served exclusively throughout corporate hospitality tents and public bars, at what was arguably the most prestigious golfing event in Australia. For further information on where to obtain Amadio Biljana Sparkling Brut or other Amadio Wines, call (08) 8337 5144 or visit amadiowines.com For information on the McGrath Foundation and how you can help make a difference, visit
mcgrathfoundation.com.au
For years, thrill-seekers have surged to New Zealand to take part in a number of adventurous activities. Recently, golfers have also come to appreciate the home of the long, white cloud as a destination that hosts an array of scenic golf courses. Travel partner, Gourmet Golf Tours, has just released two terrific 8-day/7night group tours to New Zealand. The first tour, February 13-20, 2011, takes place on the South Island in and around the Queenstown region. Playing golf on courses such as highly-regarded Millbrook Resort and Jacks Point will surely satisfy your golfing hunger. The following tour, April 10-17, 2011, allows golfers to get to know some of New Zealand’s North Island delights. Here you will enjoy the Robert Trent Jones Jr designed Gulf Harbour Country Club, the Jack Nicklaus designed Kinloch Golf Club and the Wairakei Golf Club (rated in the top 100 courses outside the USA in 2005) just to name a few. Both tours include stunning accommodation, welcome and farewell dinners, prizes and the personalised service and attention of a Gourmet Golf Tours manager. For more information contact Glenn Hedley, Gourmet Golf Tours on 03 5989 7666, or visit
gourmetgolftours.com
Thailand is already well known as an exotic holiday destination. It offers great service and value for money against an exciting backdrop of scenery, culture, people and cuisine. Golf in Thailand has been one of Asia’s best-kept secrets and it is home to more than 200 courses in popular places such as Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hin and Bangkok. Our travel partner, Thailand Golf Tours, has been hosting golf tours to Thailand for 13 years. In 2011, it is offering a series of eight fully hosted events to the top golfing destinations in Thailand, culminating in a final event in Chiang Mai in October. The winner of each event during the year will receive a free six-day package to attend the Chiang Mai final. As a fully licensed and accredited agency with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) you can be assured of top personal service and peace of mind. If you haven’t played golf in Thailand, you’re really missing out on a wonderful experience. The World Golf Travel Agents Association recently awarded Thailand the ‘Best Up and Coming Destination’ for golf vacations. For tour dates or to discuss tailoring a package to suit your needs contact Mark Penfold, Thailand Golf Tours on 0419 264 800, thailandgolftours.com.au
www.drummondgolf.com
News
MY CLUB
New Website The Drummond Club website is now fully integrated into the Drummond Golf website, making it more convenient for you to search for club partners, upcoming events, product offers and store locations. You can even check out Bogle’s Blog— Brett Ogle’s weekly wrap-up from the various tours. drummondgolf.com
New Store Openings We welcome Nigel and Toni White, Drummond Golf Penrith; and Grant and Deann McCartney, Drummond Golf Warrawong to the Drummond Golf group. This takes the amount of Drummond Golf stores in New South Wales to 11 and to 48 stores nationally. We trust golfers in these regions will be impressed by the golf shopping experience the teams at Penrith and Warrawong have on offer.
McLaren Vale III Associates —A Five Star Winery
Tour Melbourne’s sandbelt and Mornington Peninsula Join our once-in-a-lifetime tour of Melbourne’s most exclusive sandbelt and Mornington Peninsula courses. Exclusive to Drummond Club members and guests, you’ll play at golf clubs the likes of Victoria and Royal Melbourne, The National’s Old and Moonah courses. This all-inclusive six-night, seven-day, five-star team event offers a rare opportunity to play six of Victoria’s finest courses. You’ll also have the pleasure of being based at Victoria Golf Club, home of the 2010 Australian Masters. This special Drummond Club event is available to all handicap golfers looking for the ultimate golfing experience. Tour dates December 12-18, 2010. For more information contact Drummond Club on 03 9565 1410.
Respected wine critic James Halliday has given South Australian winery, McLaren Vale III Associates, a five-star rating. This acknowledgement was published in the James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2011 Edition. It is tremendous news for the longtime supporter of the Drummond Golf National Event Series, which has been building an impressive portfolio of affordable quality wines for 11 years. Both the Descendant of Squid Ink Shiraz 2008 and Squid Ink Reserve Shiraz 2008 received a 94 out of 100 rating. For more information contact Chris Fox, McLaren Vale III Associates on 1800 501 513.
Drummond Club Member Travel Desk Tel: 1300 124 220
Are you planning your next golf trip or a weekend escape? Our golf packages can be tailored to suit your specific individual or group requirements with our extensive range of golf course and resort partners - around Australia and overseas. Contact Lee at Great Golf Getaways for further information on our complete range of travel packages and golf tours available to Drummond Club members - 1300 124 220. LAUNCESTON,TAS
Barnbougle Dunes
HAMILTON ISLAND, QLD Hamilton Island Resort
2 nights’ accommodation in a 2 bedroom cottage for four, and 2 rounds of 18 holes per person. Plus a complimentary Barnbougle Dunes course guide
E
(4-share) includes:
N
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2 nights / 2 rounds from just $325 pp
4 nights / 1 round from just $747 pp (twin-share) includes:
4 nights’ accommodation in the Reef View Hotel or Whitsunday Holiday Apartments (garden view room), daily buffet breakfast, 1 round of 18 holes inc shared cart per
15
TOUR
Young Guns
Major
Potential People in golf have been talking about who’ll be the next Tiger since, well, Tiger. His dominance in the sport and in particular majors, has set a challenging task for those who follow him. Yet even TW hasn’t been able to catch that elusive Jack Nicklaus 18-major record. Not yet, anyway. Tiger was just 21 when he won his first major—the 1997 US Masters. We take a look at today’s up-and-coming young stars with major potential to see which one will be the first to start their collection.
QUICK RICKIE Rickie Fowler Putting about as much time into each swing as he does his golfing attire, the quick-draw American sensation has won plenty of supporters in a short period on the PGA Tour. At just 21, the ‘see ball, hit ball’ approach of the former US number one amateur has really resonated with golf followers worldwide, who’ve too often been subjected to painfully slow and boring play on the major tour (take note Sean O’Hair; Kevin Na). Fowler plays with flair and an unabashed selfbelief that in a short time has proven to be pressure-proof (well, sort of). His outfits might put the foul in Fowler, but when it comes to his game, he’s got plenty. A raw, natural talent with a penchant for looking like a smurf or a witch’s hat, Fowler is America’s beacon of hope in golf’s future cultural race to hold aloft the major torch. Poetic license aside, it’s hard to dispute Fowler’s potential. And if his 2010 performance on Tour is anything to go by, it’s equally hard to imagine he won’t win a major at some point in his career.
PIC: MIKE EHRMANN / getty images
Two second-place finishes this season— at the Waste Management Open and Memorial Tournament—and a stirring Ryder Cup finish that saw him birdie the last four holes to halve a crucial match with Edoardo Molinari, showed that Fowler can do big things under immense pressure. Serious golf watchers would also notice Fowler can seem more interested in pleasing the crowd at times than winning tournaments. But that’s not something you’ll hear us criticise— it’s that lack of obsessive winning that helps him play so freely on course (and dangerously to others). That approach doesn’t work for all golfers (Tiger needs to win) but it certainly works for Rickie. Fowler might not be the short-priced major favourite among the four here, but write him off at your own peril. Remember, even the greatest crowd pleaser of them all, John Daly, was able to grab a couple of major trophies to place in his trailer.
D AY O F R E C K O N I N G Jason Day
PIC: MICHAEL COHEN / getty images
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Australia’s own Jason Day, 23, is the oldest of the Never-Hit-It-Fat Pack. He’s also arguably the most talented. Possessing a long game to raise Ernie Els’ eyebrows and finesse around the greens to make Mickelson shout “C’mon, baby!” ad nauseum, Day has an X-Factor about him whenever he steps on the tee. Cool, and with a confident air about him, he’s a real threat to become a very young major winner. Many have been touting Day with the dubious cliche ‘The Next Tiger’ for some time now, and after a few disappointing years on Tour it appears the Australian has finally begun to reward those loyal spruikers with some eye-catching and competitive golf. In May, he won the Byron Nelson Championship in Dallas, Texas—his breakout PGA Tour win which netted the Queenslander a cool US$1.1 million. He showed he was made of steely stuff protecting his third-round lead on the final day after a few hiccups, including rinsing his ball on the 72nd hole with just a one-shot lead. Pressure doesn’t get any more intense. The Byron Nelson win was a real sign of maturity from a young man who’s been on Tour for some time now. As a teenage professional, Day was considered by many to be a little too cocky. It was a label probably deserved. But there’s little doubt the 2010 version of the man is in strong contrast to the brash teenage model. With five 2010 Top 10 finishes, including a T2 at the Deutsche Bank Championship and a T5 at the Barclays, Day finished the season above average in most key stats on the PGA Tour. While one standout year does not make a career, the change in the man will have many competitors out there concerned with what just might be. To put it simply, Day is finally threatening to do all the things golf scribes have been saying he’ll do for six years or so. We’re not sure when, but his day will come. www.drummondgolf.com
THE REAL McILROY Rory McIlroy If smoking drives, superb iron-play, clutch-putting and a cocksure swagger are major criteria, this 21-year-old Northern Irishman already has the title sewn up. Fast becoming one of golf’s favourite young sons, there’s every reason for Nick Faldo’s favourite golfer to win fans worldwide with a major title. Not easily intimidated, McIlroy has all the makings of a major champion—and better still, he has time on his side. That unflappable nature so rare in golf was no more on show than at the Quail Hollow Championship in May—the site of McIlroy’s first win on the US Tour at just 20 years of age. Only scraping through to make the cut, McIlroy carded unbelievable rounds of 66 and 62 on the weekend to overtake, then accelerate past, none other than Phil Mickelson. His eventual four-shot victory over Lefty (and the rest) forced doubters to stand up and take notice of Europe’s Next Big Thing. And if we needed more proof of his tenacity, Europe’s stirring win at the Ryder Cup was surely it. Paired with countryman Graeme McDowell, McIlroy made several clutch putts during the team event and showed he is certainly made for the big stage. Of course the most compelling statistic that suggests McIlroy is likely to be the first of the Young Guns to win a major lies in his recent major record. In the last five, he has finished tied for third three times. That included an amazing first-round St Andrews course-record 63, with a fine display of swashbuckling iron-play and putting to lead at the British Open in July. And while his second round blowout of 80 has been criticised by some commentators as a “choke”, in reality McIlroy had the worst of windy conditions that day. His last two rounds (69, 68) again showed the calibre of the fight inside this 175cm gun. Had he shot one-under in Round 2—which would still have been his worst round of the tournament—he would have won the claret jug at just 21 years old. One thing’s for sure: The lad’s close. Very close.
PIC: SAM GREENWOOD / getty images
PRINCE OF GREENS Ryo Ishikawa
PIC: ROSS KINNAIRD / getty images
www.drummondgolf.com
Nicknamed the Bashful Prince, this 19-year-old is one of golf’s greatest attributes. Polite, exciting and extremely marketable, this Japanese superstar wields his clubs with the precision of a samurai. At his tender age, Ishikawa already boasts eight Japan Tour titles, including a win at The Crowns in May where the then 18-year-old shot a remarkable final round 58. No wonder Rory McIlroy calls his younger contemporary his “hero”. Undoubtedly a phenomenal talent, Ishikawa has reached idol status in his homeland—so much so he cannot move around freely without being swamped by fans. Yet his ability to maintain genuine modesty and present a real aura of integrity—as opposed to, say, American Anthony Kim—should see him treated fondly by fans and golfing gods alike. But does he have that complete package needed to win majors? We know he has the game to fulfil that dream, but golf’s history is littered with many before him who’ve never realised their potential, at least on the major stage. And if there’s a fault in the teenager’s current game, it must be his putter letting him down on occasion from short range—a fault he’ll need to remedy if majors are to come his way. Few golfers out there attack the hole with such
ferocity from the shortest stuff—a real positive approach to the science of the flatstick. Problem is, when the short bullet misses, the putt back is usually a longer one. Also of concern is Ishikawa’s major record—currently it is far from flattering. His best major result came at this year’s British Open, where he finished tied for 27th at St Andrews. Despite that, the Japanese teen idol is still relatively inexperienced on the big stage and with a demeanour like his, he’s sure to learn fast. While standing just 173cm, Ishikawa—like McIlroy—might not be a giant in stature, it won’t be long before he’s a true giant of the game. And that’ll be a royal pain for those trying to topple the Bashful Prince.
Member Poll Q: Who will be the first of these young guns to win a major championship?
Poll results courtesy of drummondgolf.com
Ryo Ishikawa 7.3%
Jason Day 34.5%
Rory McIlroy 49.8%
Rickie Fowler 8.3%
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TOUR
Bogle’s Wrap Up
The 2010 Bogle Report MY Top 10 moments in Golf from 2010
One
An emotional Phil Mickelson claims the US Masters. After a year in which his mother and wife were both diagnosed with breast cancer it was fitting he should don his third green jacket.
Shot of the year? Phil Mickelson’s second shot on the par-5 13th hole at Augusta during the final round. After pushing his tee shot to the right, he finds himself on the pine straw. He sees a shot between two large pine trees, pulls out a 6-iron and hits an incredible shot to three feet. He missed the ensuing putt for eagle, but the moment was still a turning point in the tournament. He went on to claim his third green jacket. 18
PIC: DAVID cannon / getty images
FOUR
Another young gun, 18-year-old Ryo Ishikawa, closes with a 12-birdie 58 in the final round of the Crowns on the Japan Tour. It was the lowest round ever recorded in a major tour event and proved he has a bright future in the game.
Three
After much hype and expectation, 22-year-old Queenslander Jason Day finally proves he can mix it with the best, claiming his first victory on the PGA Tour with a win at the prestigious Byron Nelson Championship. Day was already in the record books as the youngest winner of a PGA Tour event when he won on the Nationwide Tour at the tender age of 19.
FIVE
South Africa’s Tim Clark had gone 205 starts on the PGA Tour without a victory. But that all changed at TPC Sawgrass in the final round of the Players Championship. His final round 67 was good enough to hold off Robert Allenby by one shot.
SEVEN
Twenty-year-old Rory McIlroy proves he’s one the world’s best young players when he wins the Wells Fargo Championship on the PGA Tour. The Northern Irishman closed with a 10 under par round of 62 to win for the first time on the PGA Tour.
SIX
Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell claims the 100th US Open at Pebble Beach and in doing so ended a 40-year European player drought. McDowell finished at even par for the tournament and proved you have to be a tortoise, not a hare, to win a US Open.
EIGHT
Another Queenslander, Andrew Dodt, proves he’s a player of the future after claiming his first win on the European Tour at the Avantha Masters in February. The 24-year-old birdied two of his final three holes to snatch victory from four players.
NINE
Cowra’s Karen Lunn ends a 13year winless drought on the Ladies European Tour, taking the number one prize at the Portugal Open. A final round 65, including three birdies and an eagle in her first four holes, was good enough for a one-shot victory.
TEN
Europe retains the Ryder Cup in a tight affair with the US at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.
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PIC: andreW redington / getty images
Two
PIC: chris condon / getty images
Stuart Appleby comes from 7 shots behind during the final round of the Greenbrier Classic to end a four-year winless drought on the PGA Tour. A round of 59 includes 9 birdies and an eagle en route to becoming the fifth player in history to shoot the magical number on the tour.
MY Predictions for 2011
TIGER WATCH Will Tiger win a major in 2011? After a year of turmoil in 2010 Tiger Woods will win at least one of the four majors. More than likely it will be the US Masters. How many events will Tiger win on the US PGA Tour? He will win three. Will Steve Williams still be Tiger’s caddie by the end of 2011? Yes.
Corporate Golf How would you like Brett Ogle to feature at your next Corporate Golf Day? Contact Brett: brett@brettogle.com
WORLD GOLF Who wins the 2011 Presidents Cup? The USA Team will continue to dominate the Presidents Cup with a victory at Royal Melbourne. But it will be a close affair. The score? 161/2 to 151/2 Who wins the men’s majors? The Masters—Tiger Woods US Open—Phil Mickelson British Open—Lee Westwood PGA Championship— Steve Stricker And the women’s majors? Kraft Nabisco Championship —Michelle Wie LPGA Championship—Yani Tseng US Women’s Open—Christie Kerr Women’s British Open—Ai Miyazato Order of merit leaders? US PGA Tour—Tiger Woods. US LPGA Tour—Yani Tseng.
Yani Tseng www.drummondgolf.com
Who’ll be the world’s number ones at the end of 2011? Tiger Woods and Yani Tseng.
AUSSIE STARS Australia’s top ranked male? Geoff Ogilvy. And our top ranked female? Karrie Webb. Name both a male and female upcoming Australian to watch out for in 2011? Michael Sim and Kristie Smith. Will Brett Ogle make a come-back on the golf tour in 2011? S*** no!
AFL Who will win the 2011 premiership? Collingwood. And the wooden spoon? West Coast. NRL Who’ll be the 2011 premiers? Roosters. Wooden spooners? North Queensland. RUGBY Who will win the 2011 Rubgy World Cup? New Zealand. CRICKET And with cricket, how will the Ashes end? Australia 2-0. Australian Open Tennis Who will be the men’s winner? Rafael Nadal. And finally, the women’s winner? Serena Williams.
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TOUR
Player Profile
quick 18... with Sarah Jane Smith Australian golfer Sarah Jane Smith, Australia’s number one amateur in 2003, 3rd in the end of year rankings on the 2008 Duramed FUTURES Tour (US) and these days a seasoned competitor on the lucrative LPGA Tour, is not only held in high regard for her natural golfing ability. Sarah Jane is also recognised as one of the friendliest and most liked golfers on Tour. She gave Beyond the Fairways this candid insight.
OUTward
Profile NAME:
Sarah Jane Smith (nee Kenyon) Born:
8 July 1984, Geelong, Vic Residence:
Little Mountain, Qld Turned Professional:
2004
LPGA Rookie Year: 2006 Career low round: 66 Professional Victories: 2
2005 - Tampa Bay FUTURES Golf Classic 2008 - ILOVENY Championship
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9
What is your most embarrassing moment on Tour? In 2006 at my first US Open, I was on the first tee for my practice round and it started raining. So up went the umbrella. I was fumbling to get balls, tees and raingear organised when they announced me to the tee. I jumped up from under the umbrella and head butted the large hole sign. Everyone waited a few seconds and then burst into laughter. In order, name your three favourite golf courses? 1. Metropolitan Golf Club 2. Royal Birkdale Golf Club 3. Caloundra Golf Club (where I grew up playing) What is the most common mistake you see your Pro-Am partners make? Trying to hit the ball way too hard. Who is the best ball-striker you have played with? Suzann Pettersen. What meal do you crave for that you can’t get on tour? I have to eat gluten free and it’s hard to find gluten free pasta on the road, so I often crave a nice pasta.
Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My parents and my husband. I’m an only child so I’m close with my parents. They have been a massive influence on and off the course. And of course my husband, he gave up his career to caddie for me full-time. He is an amazing person and a huge influence on my life. How often do you change drivers? Not very often at all. I’ve had the driver I’m using now for a year and a half. It actually has a rattle at the moment, but I love it and I don’t want to mess with it. If you were planning the perfect getaway, where would you go, and who would you take? I would love to go to Greece with my husband. It just looks like a beautiful place with so much history and also beautiful beaches. If you could swap places with a living person for one day, who would it be? Layne Beachley. I love to surf but I’d love to know what it feels like to really catch a wave, not just riding the whitewash like I do.
www.drummondgolf.com
INward
9
If you weren’t a professional golfer, what do you think you’d be doing? I love baking, so one day I’d love to have a shop. But as a career, probably something with animals or children. Name some foods always stocked in your cupboard. Balance bars, gluten free bread, oatmeal and peaches for my oatmeal. Are you a puff pastry or thin and crispy pizza eater? I used to love thick-based pizza, but gluten free is terrible in thick, so now I try to find thin-based pizzas. Name one thing you can’t travel without? My husband. But if I had to go without him, my boomerang pillow. Are you a morning person or a night owl? I hate when the alarm goes off but once I get going I love the mornings. I bomb out early so I’m no night owl. If you had to do karaoke, what would you sing? Crush by Jennifer Paige. I would destroy it but at least I know the words. Is there anything you crave after a round of golf? A coke slurpee. I’ve cut back a lot but I feel like one every day. What is your biggest pet peeve? Bad manners. All types of bad manners. Are you a shop til you drop, or get in and get out quick shopper? I love to shop, but I definitely get in and out fast.
www.drummondgolf.com
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TOUR
ALPG Tour
tour report from warren sevil, alpg ceo
New Look
2011 Schedule for ALPG
S
andwiched among seven Club Car Series events, the five tournament schedule is expected to attract significant interest from international players who will welcome the opportunity to leave the colds of their northern hemisphere winters and warm up in tough competition on the quality courses the ALPG Tour schedule boasts. We have been very fortunate, in tough economic times, to retain commitment from our sponsors and partners. For this we are very grateful to our host clubs, sponsors and promoters who have fought to help us retain a schedule which is very appealing to our ALPG members and internationals. I guess it just shows our product is popular, well delivered and well received by our stakeholders. The Australian events will again boast star-studded fields, with the Sydney and Canberra events to benefit from the perfect scheduling. We always face challenges with our scheduling to avoid clashing with LPGA events. For 2011, all has fallen into place nicely as we will have five great events leading into— rather than following or conflicting with—the commencement of the LPGA schedule. As a result, we are going to showcase true quality international fields at all events. We expect to have a nice contingent of LET members coming out early
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to play the first two tournaments before they commence their official money list schedule at the Women’s Open. In addition we have again confirmed the support of Club Car Ingersoll Rand who will for the fifth year sponsor the Club Car Series—a series that rewards the leading six players with a share of a very attractive bonus pool. Players are awarded points for top 10 finishes and must play a minimum five events to be eligible. NSW Central Coaster and second year LPGA player, Sarah Kemp, claimed the Club Car Series title following her runner-up finish in New Zealand in early 2010, and will be gunning to be in the mix again. Four pro-am format events will be played during the second and third weeks of January, and the series will culminate at the final event in Sydney during the last week of February.
Karrie Webb: Defending champion - ANZ RACV Ladies Masters
Katherine Hull: Top 20 Rolex World Rankings Kristie Smith: Defending champion ActewAGL Royal Canberra Ladies Classic
Images courtesy of ALPG
The ALPG Tour recently announced the 2010-11 schedule to its members, who, for the first time in the organisations history, face a calendar with five consecutive tournaments.
Lindsey Wright: Top 50 Rolex World Rankings Sarah Kemp: Defending champion - Club Car Series
ALPG Tour Summer Tournament Schedule 21-23 January
Bing Lee/Samsung New South Wales Women’s Open
Oatlands Golf Club
28-30 January
ActewAGL Royal Canberra Ladies Classic
Royal Canberra Golf Club
3-6 February
Handa Women’s Australian Open
Commonwealth Golf Club
10-13 February
ANZ RACV Ladies Masters
RACV Royal Pines Resort
17-20 February
Pegasus New Zealand Women’s Open
Pegasus Golf & Sports Club
To follow all the action, go to www.alpg.com.au
www.drummondgolf.com
www.drummondgolf.com
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PEOPLE
Did You Know?
The Birth of
Moonah Links By Brendan Moloney
Few players battling a stiff south-westerly wind on the Open Course at Moonah Links would take time to ponder the conundrum of what came first, the chicken or the egg.
A
t Moonah, the Mornington Peninsula course designed by Peter Thomson to stage the Australian Open, it was the chicken. At the time, Bill Leslie, a lawyer and farmer who knew very little about golf, owned the land. However, friends told him the land on which he grazed beef cattle and grew chardonnay and pinot grapes was perfect for golf. When offered carte blanche on the design, Thomson jumped at the opportunity and spent nearly every day between November 1998 and the following February at the site. The only time he was missing was during the Australian Open at Royal Adelaide, where he tricked up the course so severely there was a great outcry from the players. One said he would stand naked in front of the clubhouse during presentations if a single player broke par for the week. He was saved by Greg Chalmers, who shot par to win. This seems to have been Thomson’s same mindset when considering how best to fit the layout onto the Moonah landscape. Leslie became increasingly concerned that despite walking all over the site day after day, his designer drew no plans. As the suspicion grew that a golf course was perhaps not such a good idea, he got a phone call from Thomson who asked that the farm manager meet him at 9am the following Sunday with a tractor and slasher. “Peter arrived and after a brief chat, got into his four-wheel drive and told Glen Essex, the farm manager, to follow him on the tractor,” Leslie recalled. “They headed off into paddock seven and were back where they started in about five minutes. The slasher had shaped the first hole. And so on it went. By lunchtime the course had been designed. “It appeared remarkably simplistic, but of course months of mental planning had gone into that Sunday outing. “Peter with his vast experience was able to visualise the perfect tournament course with the minimum land disturbance. He had the eye to see it. When the Australian Open was played there in 2003, the course looked like it had been there for all time, but the reality was that three years earlier it was pasture and vineyard.” When a book about Moonah Links was being written in 2006, it was realised no map of the course existed. Thomson’s office drew one in the style of Alister Mackenzie’s beautiful 1924 illustration of the Old Course at St Andrews, by tracing an aerial photograph of the finished product. It took a lot of trust by Leslie to accept Thomson’s explanation that he was designing with his eyes and feet, not with drawings. The only part of the course not outlined by the slasher was the vineyard which made way for 8th hole. Thomson quipped he had no qualms about ripping out the grapes. “I was informed by my local bottle shop that there was no imminent shortage of Australian wine,” he said. www.drummondgolf.com
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PEOPLE
Member ’s at Play
just a minute SEE WHAT THE MEMBERS ARE THINKING...
Josie Lead Drummond Club member since 2008.
Bob Richardson Drummond Club member since 2010.
I am currently playing off 41 at Chatswood Golf Club, NSW—an oasis in the midst of suburbia.
I am a member at Cronulla Golf Club and my golf handicap is 20.
What aspects of golf attracted you to the game?
The physical and mental exercise—5 to 6 km walk, fresh air, beautiful blue skies, individual challenges to improve, socialising and meeting new people. Plus it is a healthy way to enjoy the weekend.
Golf is a sport that tests you against your own wits and ability. The way golf is handicapped adds a fantastic element to the game as it allows people of different golfing abilities to compete on a level footing. Golf can also be scored in different manners that can work for individual and team events.
Name one thing you wish to achieve with your golf in 2011?
To reduce my handicap from 41 to 35 by December.
I would like to achieve a handicap of 15 during [the year]. To do this I know that I must improve my short game.
Which golfer (current or past) would you love to play 18-holes with and why?
Phil Mickelson, so I can learn how to improve my short game. He seems such a naturally talented and friendly guy.
A round of golf with Geoff Ogilvy would be outstanding. Not too sure what impact or advice he may have on how best to improve my game, but just to stand beside someone with the power and control over 18 holes would be an unforgettable experience.
Which Australian Tour event (men’s or women’s) do you most enjoy watching?
The Australian men’s and ladies Masters is attracting a lot of the big names in golf such as Tiger Woods and Geoff Ogilvy, Sergio Garcia, Camilo Villegas, Karrie Webb and Katherine Hull. I was glued to the coverage. It’s inspiring to watch them.
The Australian Masters, especially this year’s at Victoria Golf Club. It was great to watch it played on a course where we have just enjoyed six rounds of golf.
What’s your current handicap and at what club?
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www.drummondgolf.com
Ask Terry
ASK TERRY
Touring Golf Professional Terry Price answers your questions on the game of golf. Q. My driver ball flight is much too high, causing me to lose distance. I get about 22 to 24 degrees launch with my current driver. Do you have any suggestions to lower my ball flight and help on those windy days? – Warren via email
It sounds as if your swing path on your downswing is approaching the ball too steeply. This causes an excessive amount of backspin on the ball and too much launch angle. Try not to have more than 90 degrees angle between your bicep and forearm at the elbow joint. This will allow you to maintain width in your backswing and allow the clubhead to travel on a lower path approaching the ball. A shallower attack means a lower launch angle. A good drill for this is to swing back holding your club in your right hand only, stopping at the top of the backswing, then attaching the left hand to the grip of the club. You will feel the stretch in the back that is the coiling power required for maximum distance without excessive backspin on the golf ball.
PEOPLE
Q. My 10-year-old child is displaying a strong desire to play golf. Can you suggest some key things I can do as a parent to foster this interest? – Peter via email
Make sure it continues to be fun for your child—after all that’s the primary reason we all started. As a parent, you need to keep your own expectation levels under control. It is important to focus primarily on the short game, as the full swing will develop as their body does. Most of all, play golf with your child. These are great family outings where the whole family can interact. Q. I’m 45 years of age and would love to get some more length off the tee. Is there anything simple I can do to add some metres without sacrificing accuracy? – Julie via email
Keeping your muscles in shape and active is vital as we get older. But lifting weights can put too much strain on our tiring bodies. I prefer yoga and swimming to weight training, and your physiotherapist can give you a suitable stretching program. Aside from your personal condition, try a driver fitting at your local Drummond Golf store. Achieving your optimum performance could be as simple as identifying the need for a different shaft flex or taking advantage of the technological advancements in driver heads. Want to ask Terry a question? Email info@drummondclub.com and selected questions will be addressed by Terry in our next issue.
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27
PEOPLE
David Scaletti
Nice Shot…
DAVID
Hearing “nice shot” after skilfully executing the perfect swing with our club of choice is a rewarding part of golf. But few receive such praise attempting to take a different type of shot from behind a lens. Ever taken photographs on a great golf location only to find out the images you took didn’t do justice to the place or experience?
Renowned Australian golf photographer and dedicated golfer, David Scaletti, is one of the gifted minority who expertly capture beautiful golf course settings as an image of artistry to be relived forever. According to The Golfer magazine in New York, Scaletti is one of the world’s leading course photographers. He has travelled and photographed courses all over the world. Using his experience, Scaletti recently established a series of photographic tours to assist the needy amateur photographer. Here are just some of his ‘Nice Shots’ and quirky tales.
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www.drummondgolf.com
O ubaa i G O L F C L U B , S O U T H A F R I C A Located on the southern tip of the African continent overlooking the Indian Ocean it has the twin advantages of spectacular ocean views and being situated along the renowned, and spectacular Garden Route of South Africa. It is the first and only ‘signature’ design of Ernie Els. After playing the course I was sitting in the clubhouse having a cup of coffee before going out to do some photography, and was looking towards the ocean. A reasonably large twinengine passenger plane flew by. Nothing strange about that really, except that the plane was below where I was sitting. The course is perched incredibly high above the ocean, giving spectacular vistas overlooking the Indian Ocean, and the photographs really don’t do full justice to the amazing setting for the golf course.
N ort h B erw i ck G O L F C L U B , S C O T L A N D The 13th at North Berwick, known as “The Pit”, is truly one of golf’s classic holes. It’s quaint, quirky and heaps of fun to play. A stone fence runs parallel to the fairway right up to, and past the green. The approach shot has to be hit over the fence and from the fairway the exact hole location can’t be seen. I was standing by the wall about 150 yards from the green watching a group of golfers playing this hole. The first to play took a practice swing, leaving me with the immediate impression that was a swing only a mother could love. To my chastisement he placed it nicely on the green. His two opponents, just a few yards away from me politely acknowledged a fine shot.
www.drummondgolf.com
Next away was his playing partner, who also took the seemingly obligatory practice swing. This one was as smooth as silk and obviously the product of a very proficient golfer. Hardly had that thought crossed my mind before he sent the ball on its way to the green. Well sort of! It landed to the right of the wall and I thought: “Well…don’t judge a book by its cover”. But all was not lost. The errant ball bounced over the wall on to the path at the back right of the green, and slowly trickled down the slope onto the green. Then to my utmost surprise it meandered across the green and into the cup for an eagle. From that day on I decided to never say anything until the ball has stopped.
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PEOPLE
David Scaletti
N i rwana B al i GOLF CLUB, INDONESIA
S pr i ng C i tY, C HI N A Mission Hills would likely be the most well-known of the burgeoning Chinese golf resorts, but Spring City located near Kunming is a terrific alternative, or additional destination for a trip to China. It’s a good idea to remember the resort is 7000 feet above sea level, a fact that slowly dawned on me during my first round of golf. My caddie could speak virtually no English, and I could speak absolutely no Chinese, so although my suspicions were that we were at some elevation there was no way of confirming it. When a 9-iron flew through the green from 170 yards out, I was pretty sure that Spring City was a little closer to God than any other course I had played. An overheard conversation in the pro shop later that day proved my theory, and changed my club selection for future rounds.
Nirwana Bali was indeed a glorious way in which to end a fantastic photographic journey. The course was a pleasure to photograph, especially the spectacular 7th hole, an epic challenge across the surging waters. But for me, one of the enduring memories can be summed in up in two phrases: “Sports Illustrated” and “swimsuits”. Yes, these two elements converged on my hotel and resort to add an unexpected delight to my final location. There is never a shortage of manpower to do any task in South East Asia, but it defied belief to see how many gentlemen were required to mow the lawn in the vicinity of one particular photographic setting. Rest assured, they were not following me around observing my camera skills. I sent a short message back to a friend at home about the difficulties of having such a photo shoot going on while I was there. I mentioned the warm weather, the great golf course, delicious food, the cold drinks and the blue skies. “Yes”, I told him, “Life sucks sometimes; but not today!”
C abel del S ol G olf C lub , Me x i co The Ocean Course at Cabo presents a stern test of golf, perhaps even too hard for the casual player. Indeed, one of the guys I played with soon opted to hit his second shot from where his partners tee shot landed, he simply could not hit far enough to reach the fairway on many occasions. On the 14th hole if I recall, he found himself in the greenside bunker and after numerous attempts to extricate himself opted to throw the ball on to the green. Unfortunately even that proved to be too difficult as the ball once again rolled back to his feet. What is apparent, and most captivating about The Ocean Course, is the proximity of a desert style golf course beside an ocean. It is a strange thing to see saguaro cactuses only a few metres from the beach.
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www.drummondgolf.com
the david scaletti photographic tours
(
“I would consider David as one of the best golf course landscape photographers in the world.” Greg Norman
THIRTEENTH BEACH GOLF LINKS November 29 - Dec 1, 2010 3 day/2 night Photographic Masterclass - from $1595
(includes accommodation and meals)
THE HERITAGE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB November 22 - 24, 2010 3 day/2 night Photographic Masterclass - from $1595
(includes accommodation and meals)
BARNBOUGLE DUNES GOLF LINKS February 1 - 3, 2011 3 day/2 night Photographic Masterclass - from $1595
(includes accommodation and meals)
...take a class with the master Want to take great golf course shots? Learn how from David Scaletti – one of the world’s leading golf course photographers. David is conducting a series of Masterclasses designed to take
photographic skills to a new level. Classes are small, tuition personalised, and locations stunning. But book soon as places are limited for this exclusive photographic experience.
for more information www.sportscapes.com.au or call (03) 8803 3900 www.drummondgolf.com
31
PEOPLE
My Gear
We invited two members to be custom fitted for a driver. Check out the results below. This custom fitting process is available at all Drummond Golf Stores, for all golfers, any time.
CUSTOM FITTING
A CRUCIAL PART OF YOUR GAME Vyda McConnell AGE: 58
MEMBER: Maffra Golf Club HANDICAP: 22
OLD DRIVER: (Purchased 2003) 12 degrees, men’s regular flex/mid-kick shaft, 45 inches. NEW DRIVER: Callaway Diablo Edge, 13 degrees, ladies flex shaft, 44 inches.
“I play golf up to twice and a week and generally love it—except for getting off the tee. With my old driver this was a real struggle. A very low ball flight combined with a tendency to push tee shots to the right led me to prefer teeing off with my 3-wood.” “I am looking to achieve a higher ball flight, more carry and distance and find a club that just looks and feels right in my hands.” KEAN CHAI Drummond Golf After watching Vyda hits some drivers on the launch monitor her numbers were quite surprising. Her launch angle and backspin rates were good, but based on her clubhead speed she had to put a lot of effort into trying to make that driver work for her. The major issue here was that she was using a men’s driver with not enough loft, too long and too stiff. In the pre-qualifying, Vyda said she hit the ball too low, pushed her tee shots to the right and preferred to tee off with her 3-wood. We tried a series of different drivers with different lengths, lofts and flexes but in the end we fitted Vyda with a ladies driver. We gave her more loft which allowed her to hit the ball higher and increased her carry distance. We changed the shaft to a ladies flex, which was softer and half an inch shorter than her old driver, allowing Vyda to improve her accuracy.
Vyda’s new driver with more loft and the correct ladies flex shaft gives her an average of 15 metres more from the tee.
145
130
“I love the driver, so much so, when I picked it up I also added the Diablo 5-wood to my collection, I really enjoy using them”.
115
100
OLD NEW
L
R
Driver
Old
New
Ball Speed (mph)
90.3
92.1
Clubhead speed (mph) 190
64.7
65.9
Launch angle (deg)
18.6
17.8
Spin180 rate (rpm
3696
2688
Carry (metres)
108.6
119.7
Roll (metres) 170 Total distance (metres)
9.1
12.8
117.7
132.6
160
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OLD NEW
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drummond golf approach to custom fitting
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3
2
4 5
The fitter will ask you a series of questions to help collect information about your current driver: your likes and dislikes, typical ball shape and flight, and what you are trying to improve.
The fitter will then ask you to hit your current driver. If you did not bring your driver into the store they will ask you to hit a similar driver on the launch monitor. This test will show the fitter your launch angle, swing speed and backspin rate.
David Straughair AGE: 55 MEMBER: Eastern Sward Golf Club HANDICAP: 32
After working out if you have any brand preferences, the fitter will recommend three different drivers for you to hit in the correct loft, shaft flex and kick-point.
From the results the fitter will recommend a driver best suited for your swing and golf game.
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130
115
OLD DRIVER: (Purchased 2006) 10.5 degrees, mid flex regular shaft, 45 inches. NEW DRIVER: TaylorMade SuperFast Burner, 10.5 degrees, regular flex shaft, 46.5 inches.
“After a long break from the game I have returned to playing weekly—albeit with a horrendous slice. I would dearly love to become more consistent with my accuracy — something that I am sure will enable me to achieve my optimum distance.”
Hitting between 3 – 6 shots with each driver the fitter will analyse and show you the results.
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OLD NEW
L
R
190
180
KEAN CHAI Drummond Golf When I pre-qualified David, he told us he was struggling with his driver’s accuracy and consistency. After hitting some drivers on the launch monitor we worked out he was using the right specification, but we needed to try some different head shapes and shafts to improve his accuracy. After trying a few drivers the club that most suited David was the TaylorMade Superfast. Although 46.5” long, we saw an improvement in his ball groupings as he was not losing the ball weak and to his right as much as he was with his old driver. He was able to hit the ball straighter and even longer. As David gets used to his new club he will see a greater increase in distance and accuracy.
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170
160
OLD NEW
L
R
David’s new driver has reduced his excessive slice. This improved accuracy— plus an additional 11 metres off the tee—has returned confidence to his game. “I have now played five rounds with the new driver and have hit the ball further and straighter and managed to drop my score in each round. My playing partners have commented that I appear far more confident in my game off the tee”.
Driver
Old
New
Ball Speed (mph)
118.6
122.5
Clubhead speed (mph)
81.8
83.9
Launch angle (deg)
16.2
14.1
Spin rate (rpm
3352
3048
Carry (metres)
162.7
171.5
Roll (metres)
10.7
12.9
Total distance (metres)
173.4
184.4
33
PEOPLE
Junior Watch
Connor’s
Passion
for Golf isn’t Simulated Personal Details Junior Feature:
Connor Reeves
Date of birth:
28th July 1997
Residence: Hervey Bay School:
Xavier Catholic College (year 8)
Golf Club: Hervey Bay Golf
& Country Club
Current handicap:
34
4
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Gen Next golfer, Connor Reeves, loves playing golf—the traditional way. Beyond the Fairways catches up with Hervey Bay’s superboy.
I
n an era where an alarming number of youngsters choose computer-generated sport over the real thing, it is refreshing to find a teenager bucking the trend. For generations, kids playing sport in the great outdoors was considered their rite of passage. It was a place where they could compete, socialise, be entertained, get healthy, have fun, express themselves and grow. The lure of today’s cyberworld—as well as Xbox, Wii and Playstation-inspired entertainment—can be a distraction from the outdoor life. But 13 yearold Drummond Club member Connor Reeves isn’t one to follow suit. This Hervey Bay resident can’t wait for daybreak to come. Why? Because every day is golf day and more hours will be enjoyed within the picturesque environs afforded to – Scott all of us via this game. Like many, Connor’s start in golf came through the encouragement of his family. His father Scott and great grandmother Meg took him out for his first hit in country New South Wales. He was aged six. It proved to be a day that would ignite his passion to play golf. “I remember beating Dad on one hole. I was hooked very quickly,” Connor recalled. Since that day, his rate of improvement has been dramatic, and the following statistics will make most readers drool with envy. When he was aged eight, Connor received his first handicap, 32. A year later he was playing off 19. Today, the 13-year-old is playing off a handicap of 4 at Hervey Bay Golf and Country Club. He hits his driver an average of 220m and has already shot his first par round for the course. Connor isn’t reliant on his natural ability or waiting for the right things to happen in order to reach his goals. He attributes his improvement to “a lot of practice”. In fact, he spends 14 to 16 hours a week on his game. “I am also getting bigger and stronger and I have recently changed to a set of Wilson Staff FG Tour irons that were custom-fitted at my local Drummond Golf store.
“All of this has helped me hit the ball longer. “The other big factor is I feel my mental game is getting better too. I have undergone the Pro Golf IQ mental training program and it keeps me positive and relaxed on the course.” In addition to his practice regime, Connor plays twice a week in club competitions as well as additional junior events. His results are notable. He won the under 12 Primary School Boys Queensland State Championship by 14 shots and the under 12 Primary School Boys Australian Championship by five shots. Through playing golf, Connor is experiencing one of the major benefits of playing this game: The opportunity to travel. He credits Bonville Golf Resort near Coffs Harbour, Robina Woods on the Gold Coast, and North Lakes in Reeves Brisbane as some of his favourite courses. In 2008 he also travelled to Melbourne to compete in the National Primary School Championship. And like many keen golfers. Connor too is attracted to one day walk the hallowed fairways of the great Augusta National Golf Club. Although Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are his favourite golfers, there’s no question that the biggest influence on his golf has been his father. “My dad spends every afternoon with me til dark helping me fine-tune my game. He is very supportive.” Connor said. And Dad couldn’t be happier. “As a parent, I am delighted Connor has taken such a keen interest in golf. After school and on the weekends he is at the golf course. He is happy, he is in a healthy and supportive environment and he is meeting many new people. “Through playing golf, Connor is learning more than golf technique. He is developing his communicational skills, appreciating etiquette and mixing with people of different ages and varying backgrounds. All of these things are aiding him in his personal development.” Connor lists among his aspirations for 2011 lowering his handicap and winning the club championship. One gets the feeling he is more than capable of achieving both.
He is happy, he is in a healthy and supportive environment and he is meeting many new people.
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35
Burner 2.0 has arrived. The faces are thinner. The toplines are progressive. The shafts are specifically designed for each head. Every iron has been individually reinvented. But all you really need to know is they’re long.
taylormadegolf.com twitter.com/TaylorMadeGC facebook.com/TaylorMadeGolf Š2010 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
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MY STORE
Can your shoes help you hit it further? BY JAMIE COOKE Drummond Golf, Product Director
L
ast edition, I touched on the critical importance of getting your golf clubs fitted. Of almost equal importance is having the correct shoes when playing golf. Given you’ll be walking anywhere between six and 10km and taking on average 17,000 steps, it’s vital you have comfortable shoes. There are many technologies in today’s golf shoes that not only make the walking aspect easier, but also help with the performance of your golf swing. In essence, the shoes you wear can make a difference to how far and how straight you hit it. Golf shoes can basically be categorised into three styles: Traditional, athletic and hybrid. Traditional shoes are more like a dress shoe with a low cut back and heel; athletic shoes are more like a sneaker or runner, and a hybrid is essentially a cross between the two. When selecting what shoes to buy, the first thing to consider is what type of shoes you wear most in everyday life. For example if you wear a dress shoe to work every day your feet will be used to that style of shoe, meaning a traditional style golf shoe should not pose any problems. If, however, you wear sneakers or runners a lot, you might experience some issues wearing a traditional shoe for golf. An athletic style might be more suitable in that case. If you prefer the traditional look but need the flexibility and comfort of an athletic shoe, the hybrid shoe is most suitable. Tradesman who wear work boots would also be best suited to athletic or hybrid styles. Once you have an idea of the style you need, consider some technologies that can help improve your performance when swinging the club. The fundamental reason for wearing a golf www.drummondgolf.com
shoe is to maintain some traction and avoid slipping during the swing. Today’s golf shoes are fitted with plastic or rubber cleats, commonly called soft spikes— metal spikes are banned at most golf courses these days. While soft spikes alone will give you more grip, the positioning and direction the cleats are facing can further enhance the traction and stability. Hi Tec, a leading European footwear brand has a technology called CDT™ which stands for Custom Directional Traction. This basically involves a sole design that increases grip on the lateral (outside) of the sole and positions the cleats in such a way that they increase grip and torsion. This in turn enhances balance and stability, and enables the golfer to load more power into their swing. This technology was created in conjunction with three-time major winner, Padraig Harrington. Another leading brand, FootJoy, has a similar technology called SYNR-G which is designed to give additional support and motion control. The weight of a golf shoe will also have a huge bearing on comfort, particularly late in your round when fatigue can start to set in. Hi Tec has created a shoe, V-lite, that weighs a mere 329 grams—about 30 per cent lighter than the average golf shoe. Most manufacturers are now using materials to make significantly lighter shoes. Replacing steel spikes with soft spikes alone has helped. Having a waterproof shoe is also imperative for the serious golfer. While you might consider yourself a fair weather golfer and never play in the rain, it’s the moisture on the ground you need to consider more than that falling
Hi Tec footwear with cdt technology
out of the sky. It’s amazing how even light dew on the grass can seep into your socks if your shoes aren’t waterproof. As a rule, leather has been the best material for creating waterproof shoes, however, these days there are some really interesting technologies and treatments enabling manufacturers to use alternative materials to create waterproof shoes. Ultimately, if a manufacturer believes its product is waterproof it should be prepared to guarantee just that—make sure when purchasing shoes they have a waterproof guarantee. The key to selecting the right pair of shoes is to have a large range to choose from and a sales person who knows the product. Drummond Golf has both, and you’ll also get your new wheels at the right price. One final tip; take a pair of socks that you would normally play golf in with you when you’re thinking of purchasing new golf shoes. They’re generally a little thicker than everyday socks and will help you get the right fit. 37
If the
Shoe Fits... Step out in style for your next round in a pair of the latest footwear from adidas, Callaway, FootJoy, Hi Tec, Niblick or Slazenger. To view the complete range of footwear available, visit your local Drummond Golf Store.
adidas Signature Natalie Tour level performance and styling reflective of Natalie Gulbis’ personality. Designed in collaboration with LPGA Tour Professional Natalie Gulbis, this sleek shoe incorporates intricate deco stitching and Natalie’s personal logo and rhinestone design on the heel and tongue. Advanced THiNTech low-profile technology brings you even closer to the ground for unprecedented stability, better balance and improved footwork.
Callaway Corina
A contemporary style featuring the ultimate in luxury. A low-profile design with full-grain leather uppers. It comes with a two-year waterproof warranty for unsurpassed comfort from a women’s Callaway shoe.
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FootJoy LoPro The FootJoy LoPro’s super soft leather uppers combine with ultra-cushioned midsoles to create a modern blend of performance and fashion. While soft leather provides outstanding waterproof comfort, breathability and durability, the slip last construction technique produces a more contoured underfoot platform and vastly increases the shoe’s flexibility. EVA midsoles provide lightweight cushioning that remains comfortable for the life of the shoe. The heel has a standard fit, the instep has a slightly shallow forefoot and the oblique toe offers sport comfort.
Niblick Robina
Provides lightweight comfort from soft leather uppers with a 12-month waterproof guarantee. Superior traction and stability at impact from ‘traxion ridges’ and light, soft ‘fluid’ spikes.
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FootJoy DryJoys Tour The New FootJoy DryJoys Tour golf shoes represent a new category that blends traditional upper styling with cutting edge, next generation stability PODS technology. Incorporating feedback from FootJoy staff players, DryJoys Tour shoes boast innovative TPU-infused midsole/outsole components engineered to offer enhanced platform stability while maintaining the comfort and flexibility that players count on around the world.
Callaway FT Chev New All Tour model delivers Callaway’s most advanced golf shoe. Designed with state-of-the-art technology providing unparalleled low-profile ground contact for ultimate stability and performance. Full grain leather upper with a two-year waterproof warranty and Xtra width technology provides superior comfort and customisation to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Slazenger Panther
Comfort and support of an athletic style shoe designed for golf. With an easy to clean, synthetic upper and PVC sole, the Panther is an EEE wide fit for great comfort.
Adidas Tour 360 4.0 The lowest adidas golf shoe delivers the highest level of performance. TOUR360 4.0 is engineered with advanced THiNTech—a revolutionary low-profile technology that brings golfers closer to the ground. A lower centre of gravity equals a higher level of performance and greater stability, better balance and footwork, and increased power and feedback. All of this promotes more consistent ball-striking.
Hi Tec CDT Power 500 Niblick Concord Pro New shield system microfibre is an ultra lightweight material designed to shield your feet from the weather with a 12-month waterproof guarantee, while giving superior breathability. This revolutionary material is easy to clean and is super soft. Wide last EEE fitting for superior fit and comfort to suit the foot.
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The CDT (Custom Directional Traction) Power 500 has helped golfers add extra yards to their game because of their revolutionary sole and soft-spike design, delivering extra grip through impact for added stability. Described as golf’s only ‘game improvement shoes’, their innovative features include a two-piece sole unit and power chassis to keep your feet under control and stabilised. An enlarged sole and unique cleats help deliver extra grip at impact.
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TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Irons
Legendary Burner Distance plus More Feel and More Playability. Each iron is individually engineered to promote easyto-hit long irons with high COR faces for extra carry and distance. Mid and short irons are engineered with forgiveness and feel in mind but also deliver better workability with distance control. A club ideally suited to the mid- to low-marker or fast improving high-marker. Improved Weight Distribution to Optimise Ball Flight in Short, Middle and Long Irons Weight distribution varies in every Burner 2.0 clubhead to improve long, middle and short-iron ball flight. In the long irons, weight has been shifted toward the back of the head to promote easy launch, and toward the toe and heel to promote greater stability and forgiveness. In the middle irons, weight is distributed more evenly and slightly higher to promote workability while still providing forgiveness. In the short irons, weight is positioned even higher to promote a lower, more controllable ball flight, and centred to promote increased clubhead control. Additionally, the CG in the short irons is closer to the face, similar to a blade, to increase feel and to promote lower flight. Differing Face Thickness in Every Iron to Promote More Speed and Distance in the Long-Irons; More Feel and Control in the Short Irons Every individual Burner 2.0 iron boasts a different face thickness. The thinnest and fastest faces are in the long irons, with the face in each successive iron growing thicker down through the middle and short irons. The thinner face, the higher the COR to promote more ball speed and distance; the thicker the face, the greater the feel.
womens
Burner Ball
Burner promotes high launch and longer carry. Designed to deliver maximum distance and exceptional feel to a broad range of player types the latest evolution of the Burner ball succeeds in promoting legendary distance through a high launch and longer carry.
Burner Tour Ball
Burner Tour feels soft and goes long while promoting increased spin and control designed to deliver maximum distance and exceptional feel to a broad range of players. The Burner Tour’s low-compression core equates to softer feel, increased spin and more control.
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mens
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MY STORE
Callaway Razr Hawk Driver
Callaway has made a giant leap forward with Forged Composite technology. This new material gave Callaway the freedom to position weight exactly where it wanted for maximised power and distance. Forged Composite is the most advanced material mother earth has to offer, enabling the most precise positioning of weight ever seen before in a Callaway golf club. Super light weight, Forged Composite is precision forged under extreme pressure, enabling it to have remarkable load-bearing capacity at only a third the density of titanium. With over 500,000 turbostratic carbon fibres per square inch, Forged Composite has allowed Callaway engineers to create an ultra thin-walled body, which is much lighter and stronger than titanium. The result? Lower overall headweight with precisely engineered weight distribution enabling the use of a longer shaft to increase head speed and power at impact for longer distances and enhanced accuracy. Hyperbolic Face Technology Chemical milling process selectively removes excess material for precision thickness control across the face, while producing consistently high ball speeds for long distance. Aerodynamic Head Shape Streamlined surface contours reduce energy loss from drag during the downswing by 43 per cent compared to the FT-9 driver. This creates higher impact speeds for added distance.
Diablo Octane Driver
The new Diablo Octane Driver features Forged Composite in the crown, giving it a significant performance advantage over all-titanium drivers. Forged Composite is the lightest, strongest material Callaway has ever used in golf clubs. Combined with Callaway’s hyperbolic face technology and a longer, high performance Project X graphite shaft, the Diablo Octane drivers are configured to deliver unmatched power through superior design, construction and materials. Forged Composite Revolutionary new material that is lighter and stronger than titanium. A lighter clubhead enables a longer club configuration for faster head speed and ball speed for an average of 8 additional yards over Diablo Edge driver. Hyperbolic Face Technology Chemical milling process selectively removes excess material for precision thickness control across the face and produces consistently high ball speeds for long distance.
Tour i Series Balls
Callaway Golf’s Tour (i) series golf balls are designed to own the air. Perfectly balancing second-generation Dual Core Technology and refined HEX Aerodynamics, the Tour iS Ball gives golfers the ability to generate maximum short-game spin with Tour level distance. The Tour iS is the ultimate short game weapon for golfers who want more spin without sacrificing distance. The Tour iZ Ball has the faster Dual Core Construction and HEX Aerodynamics reducing drag and promoting more efficient ball flight in various weather conditions. The Tour iZ is longer and more accurate, making it the end-game for ball speed and distance.
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Titleist Total Performance. Precision Fit. The revolutionary new Titleist 910D2 and 910D3 drivers feature the fastest, most stable head designs Titleist has ever created, as well as the new SureFit Tour (SFT) dual-angle hosel. SFT is innovative, patented technology that allows the loft and lie to be independently adjusted and set. Titleist 910 drivers are available in two models that provide distinct levels of forgiveness and shot control. The 910D2 features a 460cc full pear-shaped head designed for maximum playability and forgiveness, promoting a straighter ballflight with higher launch and low-to-mid spin. The 910D3 features a 445cc classic pear-shaped head design that produces a boring flight. The 910D3 also promotes a straighter ballflight with low spin and provides increased workability favoured by many Tour players.
910 D2
The New 910 D2 driver is a high performance 460cc pear-shaped driver that produces mid-to-high launch with medium-to-low spin.
910 D3
The New 910 D3 driver is a high performance 445cc classic pear-shaped driver that produces mid launch with mediumto-low spin.
Both the 910D2 and 910D3 utilise Titleist’s new SureFit Tour dual-angle hosel – a breakthrough in fitting technology inspired by the bending of metal woods to achieve more precise ballflight through the adjustment of loft and lie angle.
910F Fairways & 910H Hybrids will be available February 2011.
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Putters
Ping Scottsdale Series
The solid feel and consistent response of the insert in the new Scottsdale Series will help your distance control and accuracy. The insert is made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with a face appliqué for a soft yet solid feel on every putt. This response is key in accurately gauging distances. The combination of TPE and high-contrast alignment aids allows you to take confident aim with your Scottsdale putter. Choose from 14 models, including a number of bold new designs like the Wolverine. Proven PING favourites like the Anser2 and B60 are also available.
TaylorMade Rossa Ghost
In addition to the original Corza Ghost Putter, TaylorMade has now launched two new models: the Daytona Ghost and Fontana Ghost. It’s all about alignment made easy. The eye-catching white-head golf ball gives great contrast against the green grass to help square the face at address. The three black lines work as an alignment aid to keep the putter face on target through impact. The circular hole creates a vivid secondary alignment aid. For reduced skidding at impact and to keep the ball running true, the Ghost is fitted with Tour proven AGSI + Titallium inserts.
Odyssey Divine Putters A new line of putters designed specifically for women. With softer aesthetics, ideal head-weights and a new insert developed from women’s preferences during testing, Divine putters have everything women need to sink more putts from anywhere on the green.
See More Si Series
The Si series from SeeMore combines the proven alignment benefits of SeeMore RifleScope Technology with injection moulded TPU face inserts for a softer feel and lower rebound characteristics preferred by many players who choose soft insert putters. The new Si insert is neither squishy, nor too hard, but rather a perfect balance of feedback and soft feel. The Si line is available in three head designs: the Si1, a modern deep flange blade design with centre shaft, near face-balanced, and straight shaft; the Si2, a classic heel/toe blade with a slightly back-of-centre shaft design that is available with straight or offset shaft; and the Si3, a classic small-mallet with a slightly back-ofcentre shaft design that is also available with a straight or offset shaft.
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SPECIAL OFFER PURCHASE ANY GLOVE AND GET A SECOND GLOVE AT
40% OFF
(MUST BE THE SAME GLOVE)
SPECIAL OFFER PURCHASE ANY DOZEN BALLS AND GET A SECOND DOZEN AT
20% OFF
(MUST BE THE SAME BALL)
SPECIAL OFFER BIG MAX IQ BUGGY DRUMMOND CLUB MEMBERS PRICE $275
SAVE $74.95
SPECIAL OFFER PURCHASE ANY POLO AND GET A SECOND POLO AT
20% OFF
(HIGHEST PRICE PREVAILS ON FULL PRICE ITEM)
All offers valid until 28th February, 2011 or while stock lasts. Some items may not be available at all stores. Member offers not valid in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. Prices correct at time of printing & subject to change.
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MY STORE
SPECIAL OFFER
SPECIAL OFFER
XT Package
X31 Package
• 12 Piece Steel Set • Package Putter • Trident Dogleg Bag • Trident Away-u-Go Seat Buggy
• 12 Piece Steel Set • Wilson Putter • Wilson Cart Lite Bag • Trident Stroll Buggy
Retail $499 Save $140
Retail $599 Save $195
Drummond Club Members Price $474
Drummond Club Members Price $569
SPECIAL OFFER
SPECIAL OFFER
TX Ladies Package
TRX-CG Package
• • • •
9 Piece Graphite Set Trident Zeroing AA Putter Trident Tuesday Bag Trident Tilt S Seat Buggy
• 12 Piece Steel Set • Trident Zeroing AA Putter • PowerBilt Salem Bag • Triumph Express 3 Buggy
Retail $699 Save $240
Retail $999 Save $330
Drummond Club Members Price $664
Drummond Club Members Price $949
Bonus items Hi Tec Casual Comfort Shoes, Callaway Warbird 12pk Balls
All offers valid until 28th February, 2011 or while stock lasts. Some items may not be available at all stores. Member offers not valid in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. Prices correct at time of printing & subject to change.
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3” 4 COLOR
60.40.40.100
®
®
Mutiny loves company. Golf / James Nitties in Flak Jacket™ XLJ
©2010 Oakley, Inc.
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Mental
MY GAME
SANITY STRATEGY DR MIKE MARTIN, GOLF PSYCHOLOGIST
Lefty’s Way, the Right Way
M
ickelson has admitted he’s had a tough year on and off the course, despite winning the Masters in April. He said he’d struggled with his putting and 2010 had been “a slow progression into consistency on the greens”. This roller coaster was magnified during his first round at The Tour Championship at East Lake in Georgia—an event he won the year before. He went birdie-bogey on holes 4 and 5, and then eaglebogey twice—once on 12 and 13 and again on 15 and 16. While that inconsistency might have been enough for most golfers to drop their bundle, it didn’t faze Mickelson. Sure, Lefty admitted, “It’s frustrating to follow eagles with bogeys. It was an up-and-down round.” But he also noted making bogey is not a big deal: “You know everybody is going to do it. You miss one shot and you’re most likely going to make a bogey or fight for par,” he said. “This golf course will really penalise you for missing a shot. The firmness of the greens and the challenge of the Bermuda rough around the greens make salvaging pars very difficult. “It’s very difficult to stop the ball on the greens. It’s challenging, but if you play extremely well you get rewarded with some good opportunities. “I think that’s why people like East Lake—if you hit good shots, if you hit it in the fairway, you’re rewarded with a very good birdie opportunity. This course really rewards good play and really punishes poor play.” Here Mickelson is revealing an insight into how he deals with inconsistency during a round. Basically, he doesn’t care about it. What he’s really saying is, a few bogeys on a tough course are to be expected.
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PIC: KEVIN C. COX / GETTY IMAGES
Nothing drives players to tears faster than inconsistency. One moment you’re driving well, even flirting with par, the next your game has “gone to the dogs.” That type of inconsistency happens at every level of golf—even if you’ve won the US Masters and had 38 career victories on the PGA Tour. Just ask Phil Mickelson. Mickelson described a harsh and unforgiving course. He’s thinking, ‘How could anyone even be expecting consistency on a course like this?’ In fact, he said the course was so tough that everyone’s going to bogey at some stage. Why then would he get upset with himself? When he’s riding the roller coaster of inconsistency, he’s just going along with the ride. As he said, “It’s no big deal.” There’s an important lesson about course management in what Mickelson is saying. If you plan well you can set yourself up for success. If, for example, you’re a 20-marker staring down a long par-5 with the wind in your teeth and you’re not planning to get to the green in five, then you are setting the stage for a “mental meltdown” if you berate yourself for scoring a double bogey. By focusing on the scorecard and not being honest with yourself in your shot planning, (based on your personal par), you add a massive amount of pressure to each shot. When that pressure comes, your swing goes and that gutwrenching inconsistency returns. So next time you play, plan to be “Phil Mickelson smart”. Be realistic about your personal par on each hole. It won’t stop you riding the consistency roller coaster, but it will make the ride a lot smoother.
Dr Mike Martin is a golf psychologist who works with middle and low handicappers who struggle with loss of focus, self-doubt and inconsistency in their game. He has worked at the US Masters and British Open. Mike teaches at The Ridge Golf Course (near Menai in Sydney). To get a copy of his free mental game report “Five Embarrassingly Simple Secrets” go to MentalGolfer.com
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MY GAME
Tips from the Tour
SKIP THE YIPS NADENE GOLE, TEACHING PROFESSIONAL
Perfect Putting Practice Ever missed a three-footer? Hurts doesn’t it? We put so much expectation in holing out from short range that missing the putt can often set off an adverse change in our mental game. It is not uncommon for a missed short putt to lead to a poor drive on the next tee, a poor hole and so on. Holing putts from 3 feet for many golfers can be far more daunting than splitting the middle of a fairway with a driver over 200m, or striking an approach iron to the centre of the green. That’s why it’s vital in your quest to reduce your handicap to spend ample time working on this aspect of your game.
Pros from 3 feet 2010 PGA Tour statistics through Sept 12. Rank
Name
Attempts
Putts Made
%
1.
Greg Chalmers
865
865
100
2.
Padraig Harrington
475
475
100
3.
Bubba Watson
694
693
99.86
4.
K.J.Choi
645
644
99.84
5.
Jim Furyk
638
637
99.84
O
Putting Drill n the practice putting green, choose a hole location with some slope. Place a ball one putter length (about 3 feet) from the hole. Start with the easiest putt – a straight, uphill putt for example. Look to hole out from this range five times in a row. Then place three more balls at the same length from the hole at four points – like you’d see on a compass. This will allow you to practise an uphill, downhill, left-to-right and right-to-left putt. By holing these putts in practice you’re building a library of positive experiences you can draw from that will enable you to putt successfully in competition. If you are practising outside of game day, try setting yourself some goals, such as successfully completing five rotations of the hole. Then aim for six, seven and so on. If you are warming up before the round, make sure you set aside suitable time to go through this exercise. It could be just five minutes. But in that time you can hole a lot of putts, building a level of confidence that will help you get the job done when it counts. Remember to always use the routine you would on the course. Don’t just go up and hit them—make sure you have purpose. 48
Uphill
Right to Left
Left to Right
Downhill
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Tips from the Tour
MY GAME
CONTROL THE BALL MATT GRIFFIN, TOUR PROFESSIONAL
Draw and Fade it When You Want To While we all like to hit the ball straight it is important to be able to hit a draw and a fade. By making a small change to your set up, you will be able to access tucked away pin positions, recover from a seemingly hopeless position around a tree, or even hold the ball up against the wind.
Fade With a fade we are trying to move the ball from left to right (for a right-handed golfer). To do this we want to open our stance [below left] to where we want the ball to start. How far left you aim will depend on the amount of fade you need. Then aim the clubface to where you want the ball to finish, ideally at the flag. Once in position, swing normally and the ball should fade.
Draw This is the opposite to the fade and we want to move the ball from right to left (for a right-handed golfer). Here we want to close our stance to where we want the ball to start. As with the fade aim your clubface where you want the ball to finish and then swing normally—you should see a nice draw. [below]
square
draw
fade
Aim the clubface to where you want the ball to finish
Align your body to where you want the ball flight to start
Aim the clubface to where you want the ball to finish
Align your body to where you want the ball flight to start
With this addition to your golf game hopefully you should be able to access more pin positions which will lead to some lower scores.
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MY GAME
Tips from the Tour
BUNKER PLAY jarrod moseley, TOUR PROFESSIONAL
Splash the Cash Bunker shots can be daunting for many players. The biggest mistake I see from many players is that they slow down or stop their downswing on approach to the ball. Bunker shots differ from fairway shots because we don’t want to make contact with the ball—we’re looking to ‘splash’ the ball out of the sand. Imagine your ball sitting in the bunker with a $10 note positioned underneath it. All you want to do is have the club enter the sand at the start of the note and come out at the other end, making sure you complete your follow-through.
Step 1 In this picture you see my weight is on my left side. I have a neutral grip with the club face well open. Where the club face sits on the $10 note is where I want to enter the sand.
Step 2 Notice at the top of my swing, weight is still on my left side. My lower half remains still throughout the backswing with a full shoulder turn.
Step 3 With my weight still on the left side, I make sure my club is accelerating through impact. My follow-through determines the length of the shot (short follow through, short bunker short).
With a $10 note, a positive mindset and some practising the technique above, your bunker play is sure to improve. Good luck and enjoy your time in the sand. 50
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Physical
MY GAME
BALL STRIKING BILL McTIGUE, PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Where Should My Backswing Weight Go? A learned colleague of mine once said there are 150 different backswings on Tour, but only one impact position. I can’t help but agree with him having seen for myself that good ballstrikers all move their body into similar positions in the delivery of the club to the ball.
I
n October I spoke at the Australian PGA biennial summit on the difference between front and rear foot loaded backswing methods. The most recent swing methodology to “ruffle the feathers” of the golfing community is called Stack and Tilt, advocated by Mike Bennet and Andy Plummer who hail from the US. Stack and Tilt is a “front foot loaded” backswing that requires the golfer to keep the centre of the shoulders “stacked” vertical over the centre of the hips til the top of the backswing. This is the “stack” component. Plummer and Bennett state that in order to achieve this, the golfer must progressively “tilt” to the left (right-handed golfer) until they reach the top of the backswing. From this “stacked and tilted” position at the top, the golfer continues to load more weight onto front foot as they downswing, impact and follow through. Traditionally golf coaches have instructed the golfer to load onto their trail foot as if they were loading up ready to throw a ball. Stack and Tilt flies in the face of this and has had a number of scathing reviews despite having had some success on the US tour. Fortunately, I’m just a physiotherapist/biomechanist who does
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not have to vie into the debate. What I do find rather compelling is our study of good ballstrikers from both front and rear foot loaded backswing methodologies saw all of them get into incredibly similar positions at impact. Hip, shoulder and arm rotational speeds were also comparable. I suppose it is hard to deny physics. Stack and Tilt is purported by its advocates to be a much easier way to get golfers to strike the same spot on the ground consistently and eliminate
errant ballstriking. What you are asking yourself now is, “Should I try Stack and Tilt to see if it improves my shot consistency?” I would recommend you go and see your local PGA golf professional to ask that question. What I can tell you is that the front foot loaded backswing techniques require a considerably powerful upper torso and arms with good stability in the legs. For this reason, women and children tend to struggle with it.
Two great, golf specific exercises for both front and rear foot loaded swings are below for you to practise. Side plank Great for building improved connection between the shoulder and the body Prop on your elbow as pictured. Hold for 15 seconds then rest for the same period. Repeat 4 times on each side.
Single leg squat One of the best leg stability exercises. Stand on one leg and squat to where your knee makes a 90º bend. Knee over your 2nd toe and your hips square. Hold for 5 seconds and do 10 repetitions. If you have pain or weakness then consult your golf physiotherapist.
Bill McTigue is the director of mgolf, a physiotherapy clinic based in Melbourne’s sandbelt district that deals specifically with golfing injuries, fitness and performance. Ph: (03) 9583 5300 or visit mgolf.com.au 51
MY GAME
Nutrition
A FLUID SWING DAVID OWEN, ONE PERSONAL HEALTH
Drink your way to fewer shots The silly mental lapse. It’s happened to us all. You grab a five-iron instead of an eight, or you hit straight into trouble, even though you play this course every week. Before you come down too hard on yourself, consider the fact that this problem might be physical rather than mental. A decrease in fluid in your body– even by as little as two per cent—has an enormous affect on the way your mind and body operates. dehydration can be easily prevented—or at least dramatically minimised—even on hot days.
The effects of dehydration As your body water drops, your body’s ability to regulate heat decreases, causing an increase in body temperature and an elevated heart rate—not ideal for those nervy moments over the putter. In addition • Perceived exertion is increased, causing the golfer to feel more fatigued than usual at any given work-rate; and • Mental function is reduced, which can have negative implications for motor control (your golf swing), decision-making and concentration. Dehydration is also the major cause for muscle cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The good news is that David Owen is the director of One Personal Health, a specialised gym based in Brighton, Victoria, dedicated to improving health, fitness, flexibility and nutrition. Ph: (03) 9596 4800 or visit onepersonalhealth.com.au
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Three keys to correct hydration My rules of hydration centre on three simple words: preparation, observation, and action. 1) Preparation. Make sure you don’t start your round dehydrated. If you’re serious, hydration really needs to be thought about the day before you play. It’s impossible to be hydrated for a morning round if you were out all night drinking and eating foods high in salt. Think about when you’ll be playing, look at the weather forecast, and adjust your water intake accordingly. A good rule to keep in mind is that a person of average size needs a minimum of two litres of water a day. If you’re heading out to play on a warm to hot day, you’ll need more. It’s not uncommon for people participating in activities on a hot day to require four litres of water to remain properly hydrated. 2) Observation. It pays to keep a close eye on your environment. The weather plays a major role in how much water you’ll need before, during and after your game. On a hot day, with a dry wind, your body will be working overtime to keep cool, through perspiration. As the temperature increases, so does your need for more fluids. In extreme conditions, you might want to also add a sports drink into your hydration strategy.
3) Action. Knowledge is useless without action. I see too many golfers wait until it is too late to hydrate. Here’s a simple hydration action plan: • Don’t wait until you’re thirsty out on the course. Action must be taken before the game and often the day before, so you start your game already hydrated. • Watch the weather. Your action plan out on the course will largely depend on the weather conditions. The warmer the day, the more fluids you’ll need. I aim to drink at least one litre of water during a round on an average 20-degree day. • Include a sports drink when it’s hot. On warm to hot days, it can help to include a sports drink later in round. Sports drinks are great for replacing lost electrolytes, but be aware they are also high in sugar, so use sparingly to avoid the dreaded sugar rush. • Continue to hydrate after the game. Once again, it depends on the weather conditions, but it’s common to lose up to three litres of fluid on a hot day, even when you’re hydrating correctly out on the course. Continue to drink the right fluids to replace what you have lost, and remember alcohol will dehydrate you. I’m sure as the weather warms up we will all have rounds affected by how well, or poorly, we manage our hydration. However, by following these simple rules, I’m sure your concentration will be clearer for a longer period. And that can only result in a more pleasurable golfing experience.
!
The following fluids are classified as diuretics and should be avoided as they will increase your rate of dehydration.
Alcohol; Coffee; Tea (including green tea); Energy Drinks (Red Bull, V, Mother etc); Drinks that contain a high sugar content including soft drinks and cordials.
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Drummond Club Member Travel Desk Tel: 1300 124 220
2011 MAUI MASTERS GOLF TOUR
Exclusive to Drummond Club Members, 20 – 29 May 2011 Following the success of the inaugural 2010 Maui Masters, we are pleased to announce the 2011 Maui Masters Tour is now on sale! This amazing 9-night / 4-round tour is exclusive to Drummond Club members and family and friends and is limited to a maximum 60 golfers. The new 2011 tournament includes 4 of Maui’s best golf courses and introduces 2 new courses to our schedule including: Makena North, Kahili Golf Club, The Dunes at Maui Lani and final round at Wailea’s Gold Course. The 2011 tour also allows time for optional additional rounds at the world-renowned Kapalua – Plantation Course and King Kamehameha golf course on the Island of Maui. Plus optional tour activities are available for all tour members including: A deep-sea fishing tour, ladies luncheon and shopping tour, sunset catamaran cruise and more. And of course plenty of time for a variety of planned social group dinners throughout the tour to celebrate your triumphs on the course!
2010 Tou
r Member
4-ROUND CHAMPIONSHIP This tour includes a 4-round championship tournament for golfers with a registered handicap and divisions for men and women. There will be daily competitions and prizes for each round, plus a final presentation dinner and trophies awarded to our 2011 Maui Masters Champions!
asters – 2010 Maui M Brett Ogle On Tour with
After the tournament concludes, tour members can choose to extend their stay in either Maui or Honolulu for additional sight seeing, leisure or additional golf rounds. If you are planning an extended golfing holiday, we’ll be happy to provide our recommendations and package options.
HOW TO REGISTER This tour is selling fast and is limited to a maximum 60 golfers, so be sure to register early. Contact Lee at Great Golf Getaways on 1300 124 220 or email: info@greatgolfgetaways.com.au to obtain a tour information pack and registration form. Registrations close 30 November 2010.
s
mpions sters Cha a M i u a (centred) 2010 M Brett Ogle h it w d e r pictu
2011 Maui Masters Tour Itinerary and Package Information 9 Night / 4 Round Tournament, 20 – 29 May 2011 Itinerary: DAY 1:
Depart Australia ex Sydney via Qantas Airlines Arrive Maui, Hawaii same day and transfer to Makena Beach and Golf Resort. Welcome drinks on arrival and tournment briefing.
Play Maui’s world-class golf courses - Exclusive to Drummond Club Members!
DAY 2:
DAY FREE – Relax at resort ,enjoy local sightseeing. Optional: Afternoon practice round at Makena North.
AUD$4,850* pp (twin-share) includes:
DAY 3:
am: Morning Free pm: ROUND 1 – MAKENA NORTH
DAY 4:
am: Morning Free pm: ROUND 2 – KAHILI GOLF CLUB
DAY 5:
DAY FREE Optional leisure/tour activities include: *Golf round at King Kamehama Golf Club *Deep-sea Fishing Tour *Ladies Luncheon and shopping tour
Drummond Club Member Tour Price: • Return International Airfares (economy) via Qantas Airlines ex Sydney. Domestic add-ons available from all Australian capital cities.
• 8 nights’ stay at Makena Beach and Golf Resort, Maui • 1 night stay at Ala Moana Hotel, Honolulu • Daily full buffet breakfast • 4 rounds of 18 holes per person inc shared cart • Return airport/hotel transfers in Maui and Honolulu • Return transfers between hotel and golf courses • Welcome drinks and tournament briefing on arrival
DAY 6:
am: ROUND 3 – THE DUNES AT MAUI LANI pm: Afternoon free
DAY 7:
am: ROUND 4 – WAILEA (GOLD COURSE) pm: Pre-dinner drinks and entertainment Presentation Dinner and Awards Night
DAY 8:
DAY FREE Optional leisure/tour activities: *Day trip to Kapalua – Golf Round at Plantation Course *Sunset Catamaran cruise (dinner/cocktails)
Non-Golfing Partners:
Check out resort and transfer for flight to Honolulu Afternoon free for shopping Overnight stay at Ala Moana Hotel, Honolulu
Travel Agent Partner: Encore Travel Pty Ltd (Licence#32544)
DAY 9:
• Final presentation dinner at Makena Beach and Golf Resort • Fully escorted tour with our events manager. • Daily golf event competitions and prizes, plus overall winner’s trophy (Men’s and Women’s Divisions).
Accompanying non-golfing partners are welcome. Applicable package price: AUD$4,300 per person Same package inclusions as per above – excluding golf rounds.
DAY 10: Depart Honolulu for Sydney via Qantas Airlines. Arrive Sydney following day.
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*NB: Tour package price quoted above may be subject to change prior ticketing and dependent on currency rate fluctuations. Package rates for non-golfing partners available also.
www.greatgolfgetaways.com.au
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Wirrina Cove Resort, SA
SPECIA L PROMOTION
Wirrina Cove Resort Golfers who like to mix a little shiraz with their tees and greens, should add Wirrina Cove Resort on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula to their “must play” itineraries. Located just 70 minutes south of Adelaide, Wirrina Cove is a private seaside village where you will be inspired by the untouched natural beauty of the region. Nestled in the rolling foothills and coastal fringes of the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula, the resort offers an enticing mix of fine dining, wildlife, water, and golf, all combining for an opulent experience. To add to the beauty of Wirrina Cove, it fronts onto the open waters of the Gulf St Vincent. One of the resort’s greatest feature’s is the superb championship 18-hole par 70 golf course. It is a relatively hilly layout offering splendid views over Gulf of St Vincent and South Australia’s rich countryside. More than $3 million has been spent making sure Wirrina Golf Course maintains its standing as one of the finest resort courses in South Australia. With rolling fairways and superb greens, it is fairly suited to all golfers.
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Activities On Site Wirrina Cove boasts a multitude of activities designed to keep you entertained. Enjoy the natural surrounds of the resort with a chartered cruise, an overnight horseback ride or one of the endless sightseeing options on offer. Kick back at the end of the day with a soothing massage or refreshing sauna. Children are also comprehensively catered for and babysitting facilities are available on request. Other Attractions The world-famous McLaren Vale wine region is just a short drive away, as are the popular tourist attractions of Kangaroo Island and Victor Harbor. Nature lovers can witness the migration of Southern Right Whales from June to October as they return to the waters of Victor Harbor’s Encounter Bay. Granite Island is home to a colony of 2000 penguins and dolphins, and fur seals are commonly seen off the peninsula’s southern coast and along the beaches of Gulf St Vincent. With its beachside location, a large variety of water sports are available in the region including fishing, sailing and diving to the scuttled HMAS Hobart dive site. Horse riding on the beach is a popular pursuit. With 87 luxuriously appointed resort rooms and two executive suites within the main resort complex, Wirrina Cove Resort is one place you must visit for at least a few days. For more information on our special golf packages, call (08) 8598 2400.
Fact File WHERE:
Paradise Drive, Wirrina Cove, South Australia
LENGTH:
5732m
PAR:
70
Swimming pool, spa, Other Facilities: sauna, tennis courts, and bushwalking trails
CONTACT:
Golf: 08 8598 2415; Accommodation: 08 8598 2400
Special Package Per Couple $199 • one night’s accommodation in a resort room for two people • continental breakfast for two people in Heysen’s Restaurant • 18 holes for two people • one round of mini-golf for two people • one two-seater cart hire BONUS! Stay a 2nd night for only $1! Terms and Conditions Offer valid until the 31st December 2010. Note 2nd night Accommodation is room only For all enquiries please contact reception on (08) 8598 2400. Golf games must be booked prior to arrival through the pro shop on (08) 8598 2415
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
AYM Golf Tours
AYM Golf Tours
A
YM Golf Tours is a licensed travel agency based in Sydney specialising in golf tours and sightseeing in China. Under the management of Sheri Yu it has built a strong reputation for first-class travel arrangements to the region. Yu formally worked in golf hospitality in China. But what separates AYM from an average travel agent is an ability to tailor all tours to clients’ needs at an affordable rate. It doesn’t matter if you have a big group, or you simply want to play by yourself, AYM tailors everything for you so booking that dream golfing getaway to China has never been easier. AYM even keeps in touch with you when you are travelling to make sure everything is running smoothly. Using superior quality five star hotels at only the best locations, all you’ll need to do is pack your bags. All transfers are by luxury coach so your comfort is also assured. AYM selects the best season to organise escorted golf tours from Australia to Mission Hills and other parts of China. “I will personally take care of our tours to Mission Hills twice yearly, with the next one to be in April next year,” Ms Yu said. “And to make your tour even more enjoyable you will stay in Mission Hills for five nights with five rounds of golf, and then stay two nights in Shenzhen CBD.” AYM take care of all arrangements in booking a golf tour package to China, including airline tickets, visas, hotels, golf courses, transport and local Chinese and English-friendly tour guides. While tours to China’s worldrenowned Mission Hills Golf Complex are a popular choice with AYM clients, extension trips can also be arranged to Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Yangtze River Cruise, Hong Kong and Macau among a host of others. Left-Handed Golf Association members, John and Marlene Garth have experienced first-hand the joys of seeing China through AYM Golf Tours.
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China “I was blown away by Mission Hills,” Mr Garth said. “We knew almost nothing about China before we went but have developed quite a fascination with the place since our trip. It was just the most wonderful experience and much of that was due to Sheri. “Everywhere we went she had arranged first-rate guides who could answer any question you could think of. I think she’s
got so many contacts in that part of the world that you can’t help but have a firstrate experience.” For more information and booking golf ours to China, contact AYM Golf Tours Sheri Yu on 0438 866 850 or email sheriyu@aymgolf.com
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Pro Golf IQ
SPECIA L PROMOTION
Mind Skills
The Missing Link the five weeks you’ll learn to change your mindset from “I can’t” to “I can”. Distractions become a thing of the past and you will learn to ‘switch off’ during the crucial moments before your swing.
Pro Golf IQ has been hailed worldwide as the breakthrough for amateurs to slash their handicaps. Beyond the Fairways took time out to catch up with its creators, Chris Steffe and Pete Nicholson, to learn more about this revolutionary coaching device. BTF: What made you create the Pro Golf IQ program? PETE NICHOLSON: As a frustrated 27 handicapper myself, and after hearing hundreds of golfers say after a bad round, “If only I could get my head right”, I realised there was an opportunity to assist the millions out there who know how to hit a great shot but lacked consistency due to negative thinking. It’s well documented that touring pros say 80 per cent of golf is mental, yet this part of the game is largely ignored by the amateur and social golfer, probably because previously there was little or no help available to master the important mind skills required to improve their game. BTF: How was the program conceived? CHRIS STEFFE: We researched how the world’s top golfers approach the game mentally and established the same process could be applied to the amateur. Using the 40 years experience of behavioural expert Dr Jason Gregg, we developed a comprehensive mindcoaching program to enable amateurs how to think the same way as the pros. BTF: So, what’s the program all about? CS: Pro Golf IQ is a five-week audio program used in the comfort of your home. Just sit back in your favourite chair and using headphones, relax and listen to the 25-minute sessions three times per week. Each week you hear a different track encompassing all aspects of the game, from driving, chipping and putting through to course management.
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Pro Golf IQ creators Chris Steffe and Pete Nicholson BTF: It sounds fascinating. How does it work? CS: Using his calming voice and patented ISM system coupled with multi-layered sound tracks, Dr Gregg utilises relaxation and guided imagery techniques to get you into the zone on every shot. It’s probably the easiest golf training you will ever do. All you need to do is close your eyes and listen. BTF: What benefits do your customers experience from Pro Golf IQ? PN: We receive great feedback from our clients who report feeling more relaxed on the course, increased focus and concentration leading to consistent shots and reduced scores. We take great pleasure from reading testimonials from golfers who say they are now enjoying their game and have rediscovered the fun, which had been worn away by years of frustration. An additional benefit is a feeling of calm and decreased stress levels in everyday life. BTF: Many of us have our ‘demons’ from past bad experiences. How can Pro Golf IQ help? PN: We designed the program to coach your mind to eradicate all the negative chatter that gets in the way of bad golf. Over the years I have played with guys who when faced with a shot over water would pull out an old ball because they believed they couldn’t possibly make the shot. And guess what? Splash. During
BTF: One bad shot often leads to another due to frustration and anger. Does the program address this issue? PN: Golfers acquire skills on how to relax and focus on the next shot. You can’t change the past but you can certainly change the future. Our customers relate to it as their personal mind coach giving them the confidence they need to play the best golf of their life. BTF: What happens after completing the five-week course? PN: This is when the powerful enforcer booster session kicks in, which literally bolsters everything learned from the main program and can be used as often as necessary. BTF: There will be many sceptics out there who may say this is just another gimmick. What do you say to them? CS: We’re seeing a 98 per cent success rate from the program which has given us the confidence to offer a money back guarantee on the product. Quite simply, if you do not lower your scores or enjoy your game more you get a full refund. You have nothing to lose except your handicap.
Special Offer
Pro Golf IQ CD box set is available at your local Drummond Golf store and includes an exclusive “Focus on Putting” session and the powerful Enforcer booster program
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PLACES
Australia
A Desert
Gem
Golf in Kalgoorlie has been a fairly low-key affair until now. The opening of a world-class desert-style golf course at the WA mining town is one of the finest to be found, writes Sam Gole.
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L
ocated an hour’s flight east of Perth, the Western Australian mining town of Kalgoorlie is renowned for its gold. But soon, golfers from far and wide will better know it as home to Graham Marsh’s superbly-designed Kalgoorlie Golf Course. Measuring a whopping 6768m from the championship tees, this green oasis—found at the northern end of town—comes as a real surprise. We’ve come to expect new multi-million dollar golf developments popping up along our vast coastline with scenic water views. So it is a pleasant change to have a major golf development using that other abundant Australian resource; desert. At last, Western Australia can market to the world a desert golf course of international class. In doing so, it will also showcase the Aussie desert allure. With a decade of planning, this $16 million project—funded by the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder and with WA Government assistance—aims to be of significant benefit to the city’s economy. It should bolster Kalgoorlie-Boulder through visitor attraction, staff and resident retention, and an increase in property values through improved facilities. The course itself presents some unmistakably rare characteristics. Each tee, fairway and green area are distinct in appearance from the surrounds, and the lush grass texture and deep green colour offer an island paradise effect to the layout. In contrast to these areas are rich red and yellow earth surrounds, the olive tones of the scrub and white sandy bunkers. And if you throw in a bright blue sky you encounter a captivating range of colours.
www.drummondgolf.com
Kalgoorlie Golf Course
Fact File WHERE:
93 Aslett Drive, Karlkula, WA
LENGTH:
6768m (Championship); 6433m (Members); 5933m (Public); 5404m (Ladies)
PAR:
72
Designer:
Graham Marsh
Getting there:
1 hour flight from Perth
Green fees:
Green fees: 18 hole $55 (with cart $75); 9 holes $35 (with cart $49)
Membership: Available via Goldfields
Golf Club. $1650 annual subscription
Contact:
08 9026 2626
Accomm:
Kalgoorlie-Boulder has plans to build a 200-room resort style accommodation function centre on the golf course
Once you get out on the course you’ll understand why many visitors depart with a view to return. The fairways are lined by Salmon Gums. Gribble Creek runs through part of the course with a meandering billabong. Whistling native birdlife offer the only ambient sounds. And to top if off, the course is inundated with inquisitive kangaroos. It all adds up to Australiana at its best. Graham Marsh designed courses are lovable: Robina Woods, The Vines and Eynesbury are just a few of his great tracks. Marsh’s ability to create an interesting, challenging but fair and technically stimulating layout blended with the natural topography is why he’s revered as one of the world’s best in the caper. It’s why he’s so eagerly pursued by golf course developers in many countries world wide. This course is no different. Although young (Kalgoorlie officially opened for play in November) this course is tremendously well-conditioned. The tees and Bent grass G2 greens are exceptional and playing from the Wintergreen grass fairways was a pure pleasure. Mayor of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Ron Yuryevich, said the city was looking forward to welcoming golfers to the new course.
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PLACES
Australia
Kalgoorlie Golf Course
“It all adds up to Australiana at its best.” “I am sure they will relish the challenge of the course, while enjoying the stunning backdrops and pristine greens,” Mr Yuryevich said. Prime Golf, current operator of The Links Kennedy Bay golf club in WA, has been appointed as the operator for the Kalgoorlie Golf Course. Prime Golf’s mangaging director, Douglas Bailey, has every right to expect big things from this outback wonder. “Kalgoorlie golf course has the promise to join Australia’s top 20 ranked golf courses and we believe it will be one of the world’s top 10 desert golf courses,” Mr Bailey said. With a population of about 33,000, Kalgoorlie’s township has thrived from the mining industry and visitors travel to Kalgoorlie to explore the town’s rich history. Now the image of the city is set to transform from that of just a mining town, to one that also houses one of the world’s great desert golf courses.
Favourite Hole The 538-metre par-5 9th is both visually pleasing and technically challenging. The hole winds gently right off the tee. A large bunker divides the fairway into two distinct precincts. Lying short of the cross bunker with your drive, you have the choice to bust one at the green, risking catching the large bunker waiting around 50 metres out, or to take the strategic option by laying up some 60-70 metres short. The green is a real feature of this hole. With three noticeable tiers and a tremendous drop in elevation from the top tier to the bottom, this green is sure to see some interesting putts. Toughest Hole The 452-metre par-4 5th is brutal. The hole shapes a slight dog-leg to the right. To get a good look at the green on your second shot you will need to blast your drive toward the left-hand-side of the fairway. With your second shot you’re likely to need everything you have in the bag to reach a small green guarded by bunkers on the left. Best Birdie Chance The 321-metre par-4 12th is the shortest par-4 on the golf course. Most golfers don’t require a driver from the tee and will approach the green with a wedge. You just need to avoid the front bunker and a birdie putt awaits you. The Final Stretch Holes 15 through to 18 are challenging and offer a vast change in scenery. Holes 15, 17 and 18 are rated in the eight most difficult holes on the course—the 15th is a 569-metre par-5 monster. These holes are more open than the rest of the course and the panoramic views from the elevated 17 and 18 tee grounds over the treeline are well worth the wait. *Distances are from the Championship tees
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KALGOORLIE Golf Course
NOW OPEN! Come and play the new Kalgoorlie Golf Course! Based on a design by world class golf designer Graham Marsh, the long anticipated Kalgoorlie Golf Course is open to the public. Telephone: (08) 9026 2626 Email: golf@kalgoorliegolfcourse.com www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com www.drummondgolf.com
Tipped to be one of the top ten desert golf courses in the 61 world, experience outstanding golf in the outback.
PLACES
62
Australia
www.drummondgolf.com Š Gary Lisbon
The Lost Farm
L ose Y ourself
at Barnbougle
If you’ve not yet ventured south to play or stay at the world-renowned Barnbougle Dunes, there are now double the reasons to visit north Tasmania. The opening of a second course at Bridport, the Lost Farm, has the golf world talking and golfer’s tongues wagging (and salivating). We flew to the course on a private Vortex Air jet to check it out for ourselves. What did we discover? It’s a wonderful place to lose yourself…
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PLACES
Australia
LOST FARM The Course
S
© Gary Lisbon
The eagerly anticipated opening of the Lost Farm has been realised. And it doesn’t disappoint.
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© Gary Lisbon
ince word spread that a new course at the much-heralded Barnbougle Dunes in north-east Tasmania was to be built, golfers nation-wide celebrated as one. Now about 18 months on, the eagerly anticipated opening of the Lost Farm has been realised. And it doesn’t disappoint. Sculpted out of coastal sand dunes and Tasmanian farmland, the new layout at Bridport is a sight to behold. Visually stunning, the 20-hole layout—because 18 was just not enough—is remarkably captivating to play, without the consistent difficulty of the original Dunes course nearby. Having said that, to compare the two courses at Barnbougle is to completely miss the point. Like your children, each has its own personality and a special place in your heart. Be warned, though, after a round here there won’t be a lot of room left in there for much else. Lovers of traditional links courses found in Ireland, Scotland and England will revel in their Lost Farm experience. Some of the finest views in world golf are on offer here, with several holes either running along, or in view of the beach overlooking the waves of Bass Strait. Those million-dollar views also add to the test on course when the winds pick up, a standard feature of any true links layout. For the inland holes, the test is equally rewarding. While course designers Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw were unarguably blessed with a beautiful template on which to design the Lost Farm, credit should certainly be pitched their way for complementing the natural Australian coastal terrain with a golfing experience that gives all a chance to enjoy. You’ll feel relaxed stepping up to the elevated tee box at the 1st tee, looking out over the lush green fairways bordered by thick rough and dotted with sandy bunkers ahead of you. Four hours of bliss await you. With each hole played comes another favourite; and the intelligence with which the front nine, in particular, has been arranged is impressive to say the least. We’d me remiss not to mention the brilliance of the stretch from 3-9, a superb blend of par-3, par-4 and par-5 holes. That stretch is only matched by holes 14 through 18, which offer an equally magnificent mix. www.drummondgolf.com
The Lost Farm
© Gary Lisbon
Some of the finest views in world golf are on offer here, with several holes either running along, or in view of the beach overlooking the waves of Bass Strait.
© Gary Lisbon
If we were to be picky, holes 10 through 12 are not nearly as special as every other—hey, nobody’s perfect—but to say they took anything away from the overall experience would be false. One beauty of playing links courses is how differently they play as the weather changes. And while it might sound sacrilegious to say, try and play the Lost Farm (or Dunes) when the wind is up and the rain pouring—it’s one of the most fun experiences you can have on a golf course. We went around in 4-under playing Ambrose in such weather, coming in drenched, a few balls lighter and (most importantly) all laughed out. Nothing can spoil a trip to Barnbougle. It must also be said the Lost Farm is not only for golfers. Any lover of nature or spectacular views will find equal worth here. Standing at the new restaurant located at the highest point on the course, you’ll be met with an amazing panorama over the Lost Farm and out to Bass Strait, watching players below tackle the tricky par-3 15th. Crack open a bottle of red or a single malt scotch, sit by the fire and watch the waves roll in. Heaven.
The Lost Farm
Australia
© Gary Lisbon
PLACES
THE DUNES If you’re not in a rush make sure you also play the Dunes during your stay at Barnbougle. The original course, designed by renowned American course architect Tom Doak, is still as good as it’s ever been. The challenging trek through 18 magnificent holes offers one of the best rounds available in world golf. Still relatively young in course terms, the Dunes offers a maturity and depth for its tender age that many other notable courses lack. In many ways, it’s like the charming, cheeky friend we all know—no matter how many times you’ve been teased during a round, you still can’t help but love it. Very much a traditional links course—no carts are allowed—it’s an experience all golfers in the country should afford themselves. And now with a stunning sibling in the Lost Farm, Barnbougle has become one of the finest Australian golf destinations on offer. barnbougledunes.com.au
© Gary Lisbon
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How To Get There Depending on where you’re coming from, there are a few options to get down to Bridport. Melbourne golfers certainly have the pick of choice. Vortex Air charters affordable private flights out of Moorabbin Airport in Melbourne’s southeast. It offers a Barnbougle experience you’ll never forget and one that can’t be matched. In a little over an hour after takeoff, Vortex has you flying directly above the Lost Farm before landing along a private airstrip running along the Dunes’ 3rd hole. Booking charters up to eight people (or two groups), the flight across Bass Strait is surprisingly smooth, as is the pilot commentary as you pass over a series of small islands. Or you can sit back with a beer in hand and have a laugh watching golf classics like Caddyshack or Happy Gilmore. Either way, the Vortex experience saves you so much time in travel, which means more time out on course. No need for hire cars from Launceston, and no queues or strict check-in times. We loved it. For the rest of the country, Virgin Blue and Jetstar have regular flights to Launceston, about 11/2 hour’s drive south of Bridport. From there you can hire a car or organise a bus charter. But if you’re able to arrange a flight to Melbourne and then fly down with Vortex, we’d recommend it—it’ll make a special experience a truly unbelievable one. vortexair.com.au
www.drummondgolf.com
PLACES
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International
www.drummondgolf.com
Natadola Bay Golf Course
Natadola Bay Golf Course
F
Fijian
Fairways The list of “must play courses” around the world has recently been amended to include a new entry: Natadola Bay, Fiji. A tropical paradise to play golf.
www.drummondgolf.com
iji has been in the world golfing spotlight for some time now. It is most famous for producing former world number one Vijay Singh, who started from humble beginnings caddying for his father around local Fijian courses. Some of the best the tropical paradise has to offer can be found at Natadola Bay, located 45 minutes from Nadi airport on Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu. Adding to the splendour of the region is the adjacent Natadola Beach, named by Forbes magazine as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Natadola was developed by the Fiji National Provident Fund and includes the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course and the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. A residential component to Natadola is also on the drawing board. The 18-hole Natadola Bay Golf Course was opened in June 2009 by Fiji President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and immediately hosted the Fiji Open—ultimately won by Drummond Golf’s Matthew Griffin. Griffin’s 11-shot victory was his first international win, and his first round of 71 continues to stand as the course record. The sheer beauty and stunning views from around the Natadola Bay Golf Course almost overshadow the great layout and pristine playing surfaces. Standing on the first tee, you get a good indication of what to expect from Natadola Bay. The par-4 454-metre first hole plays downhill toward the ocean. The brilliant green fairway is “chequered up”—Augusta style. And the brilliant white sand in fairway bunkers complement the white sandy beach in the distance. With crashing waves and the sparkling blue water of the coral reefs bordering the golf course, you’re continually reminded that you’re playing golf on one of the most stunning islands in the Pacific. With uninterrupted ocean views from 15 of the 18 holes, keeping your eye on the ball can be a real issue. “Choosing a signature hole has been a tough challenge—there are so many great holes it is impossible to choose just one,” Avid Sports managing director James Cooper said. Avid Sports manage the course. 69
PLACES
International
The sheer beauty and stunning views from around the Natadola Bay Golf Course almost overshadow the great layout and pristine playing surfaces.
“The fourth, sixth and 13th are standouts in my mind—they’re certainly the most photographed.” The fourth hole is a stunning par-3 of 197 metres playing alongside a coral reef. The brilliant green seashore paspalum fairway is framed by white sandy beach, coconut trees and the lapping waters of the Coral Sea. Holes six through nine meander through natural valleys, tropical Fijian landscapes and a network of running streams. The brilliant green fairways provide a striking contrast to the tall native grasses swaying in the breeze across the rolling hills, reminiscent of the Mornington Peninsula’s Moonah Links Open Course. The sixth hole is truly breathtaking. The 495-metre par-5 presents beautifully in front of your eyes from an elevated tee. With the breeze often at your back, the receptive fairway begs you to open up your shoulders and give the ball the ride of its life. Beware, the large mango tree on the right and the traps on the left are there to catch you if you are too adventurous. The 15th is just another great example that a par-3 doesn’t have to be long to be great. Measuring just 132 metres from the back tees and often playing down breeze, distance control is a must. Playing from a tee surrounded by the culturally significant “Magic Rock” you hit to a subtly shaped green well guarded by traps on both sides, and three traps at the back of the green. Another spectacular hole must be the par-4 18th. Playing straight uphill toward the Fijian-inspired clubhouse. The clubhouse has a 20-metre peak roof indicating the point to pick up your icy cold beer and a famous Natadola club sandwich. The well-appointed and relaxing environment around the clubhouse has proven to be popular with golfers and non-golfers alike. Strategically perched on top of the hill, the open-air bar and restaurant offers great food and amazing views. Diners enjoy uninterrupted views of the course out to the sandy white Natadola Beach, crashing waves and sparkling coral reefs.
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After your round, luxury awaits at the neighbouring Intercontinental Golf Resort and Spa. Just over a year since opening, the Intercontinental is widely regarded as the leading resort on Fiji’s main island. In true Intercontinental style, the resort offers style, sophistication and pure luxury. Relaxation is the number one priority; each apartment is beautifully appointed down to a Bose sound system and a Cleopatra bath on the balcony. From the beachfront apartment you step out onto the white sands and can cool your heels in the lapping waves of the world-class Natadola Beach. With five bars and restaurants to choose from, this is living at your own pace. Poolside dining at Toba captures the relaxation Fiji is renowned for and diners will enjoy views across the infinity pool and out to the Coral Sea. Navo is the resort’s signature restaurant and is named after the uninhabited Navo Island it overlooks. Located on the beachfront, diners enjoy dishes created from local produce and wines from around the world. www.drummondgolf.com
Natadola Bay Golf Course
If you are looking to kick up your heels after dinner, Kama Bar is the place to be. Live entertainment from the resident band rocks the vodka-inspired bar. It’s also a magic spot to watch the sun set on another golf day in heaven. With multiple flights available through Air Pacific, Jetstar and Pacific Blue leaving daily from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, the tropical paradise of Natadola Bay is only hours away. For more information on Natadola Bay, visit natadolabay.com to book your dream golfing escape.
www.drummondgolf.com
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PLACES
International
Where Your Golf
Blossoms Words by Sam Gole Photography by David Scaletti
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Japan
G Golf’s real beauty—aside from the torturous addiction of it— is the way it propels people to some of the world’s most amazing settings, offering opportunities to experience varying cultures, religions, languages, currencies and foods in the process.
olf itself may be similar the world over. But the ‘experience’ of playing golf from country to country differs greatly. Like most things in the Japanese way of life, playing golf is a vastly different experience to what we are accustomed in this country. And it’s refreshing. One of the friendliest nations on earth, golf in Japan is played respectful of the great traditions of the game. As a golf destination, it’s remarkable this culturally and scenically stunning archipelago—and home to more than 2300 golf courses—remains relatively untouched by the hand, or the club, of mass golf tourism. As a golf destination, the country presents one of the final frontiers of the developed world. As an experience it is unrivalled. At most golf clubs, playing a round of golf is a full-day affair. Add Japan to your must do golf destinations. “Gambatte Kudasai.” (Good-luck) ‘ITATAKIMASU’ —LET’S EAT One of the features of a golf day—or round—is the time-honoured custom of stopping for lunch at the halfway mark. Upon making your golf booking, you’ll be given two tee times—one for the front nine; one for the back nine—allowing a 45-minute break between going out and coming in. During lunch you will sit for a minimum two-course set menu that often includes traditional favourites as katsudon (rice topped with deep-fried pork, egg and condiments) and kare raisu (Japanese curry). Most Japanese will enjoy beer as their beverage of choice, often a couple of small bottles of Sapporo or Asahi. For those who don’t mind a beer or two you won’t be disappointed here: Breakfast, a break after nine holes, and a ‘finale’ dinner after your o-furo will provide plenty of occasions to indulge in the good stuff. KORAI AND BENT —DOUBLE VISION Many courses in Japan have constructed two greens for each hole. Seems a little extravagant doesn’t it? The reason stems from traditional Japanese pride on appearances. Achieving excellence in course condition is a must. Each hole is designed with a Korai grass green, and a Bent grass surface. This enables the
course to combat the severe changes in weather patterns. The heat of summer better suits the finer blade bent grass, where the cool chills of winter suit the thicker blade korai grass. In essence, golfers are able to continue to play all year round in the best of course conditions. ‘SAYONARA’ —OUT OF BOUNDS Where most golf courses around the world mark their outer boundaries with out-of-bounds markers, Japanese courses—to be different—also contain numerous internal out-of-bounds areas. Sometimes barely missing a fairway or over-shooting a green will cause your caddie to call out “Obi desu”. You don’t want to hear that—it means out-ofbounds. And if hitting your ball offline into an out-of-bounds area wasn’t penalty enough, strict Japanese culture forbids players (and caddies) from crossing the OB markings to recover their errant shot. Behind the white line lies thousands of brand new high-grade golf balls, sometimes barely metres away and almost always in full view. ‘O-FURO’ —THE SOOTHING WATERS It is when the golf is finished that the fun truly begins. While sitting stark naked in a hot-tub full of strangers might not appeal to everyone, the ‘o-furo’ experience is a must for those wanting to literally immerse themselves in one of the most ancient aspects of Japanese culture. The Japanese believe the mineralised water helps ward off any number of potential ills, but even if you’re not convinced, o-furo is still a wonderful, stress-relieving way to wind down after a round. Most of the major clubs have an o-furo and it is important to remember you must shower fully before entering one. Although segregated by gender, don’t be too put off if you see any little old ladies flittering around in the locker room. They’re just doing their job. ‘SAKURA OR KOYO’ —WHEN TO PLAY Spring is cherry blossom (sakura) season and the temperatures are pleasant. Avoid Golden Week, a succession of four national holidays that falls at the end of April, beginning of May. Autumn is also ideal for golf. The colourful leaves (koyo) are absolutely spectacular.
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CORPORATE GOLF PACKAGES Kooindah Waters is the perfect location for your next corporate golf function. Corporate Group Packages from $49.00pp include: • 18 holes of championship golf
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Nadene Gole Golf Schools at Victoria Golf Club Join Nadene at one of Australia’s finest golf venues for the ultimate game improvement experience Full School- 5 nights/ 6 days 2011 Dates: Feb 6 - 11 Feb 20 - 25 Mar 27 - Apr 1
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Drummond Golf Members receive a 40%* Saving on Travel Insurance
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Eliza’s on the Murray is a gorgeous Villa Retreat, offering one and two bedroom fully self-contained luxurious Villas - simply the best accommodation available on the Murray.
Goanna Scramble Open 20th August 2011 2 Day Event You can play on grass almost anywhere, come and play on a genuine 18 Hole Outback Dirt Golf Course South Broken Hill Golf Club ph: 08 8087 6164
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MID WEEK SPECIAL Stay three nights for two people in our fully self contained Studio Spa Villa for $390 – normally $540 or four people in one our 2 x bedroom Garden or Pool Villas for $440 WEEKEND GETAWAY Stay two nights for two people Fri & Sat or Sat & Sun for $290 – normally $400 Offers available Dec-Feb and are subject to availability
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Earlybird Specials for 2011Tours
Book before 31st January 2011 if not sold out, for all tours listed on this advertisement and save 5%* * Queenstown Tour for sales until 15th December 2010
Experience Thailand Collection 2011...
5 star luxury escorted tours - Non golfers welcome
Welcome and farewell Dinners for all 3 tours included Phuket 11 days June 26 - July 6. Staying at Sheraton Grande Laguna Resort
Golfing Highlights include ■ Phuket Country Club ■ Loch Palm Golf Club ■ Blue Canyon - Lake Course ■ Laguna Golf Club ■ Mission Hills Golf Club ■ Red Mountain Golf Club... Golfers from $3,89.7pp. twin share. Non golfers deduct $1,000.pp.
Bangkok and Pattaya 11 days Sept 11 - Sept 21. Staying at Sheraton Grande Sukhomvit and Sheraton Pattaya Resort
Golfing Highlights include ■ Thai Country Club ■ Bangpra Golf Club ■ Burapha Golf Club ■ Siam Country Club - Plantation ■ Laem Chabang ■ Siam Country Club Old Course... Golfers from $2,897.pp. twin share. Non golfers deduct $650.pp.
Bangkok and Hua Hin 11 days Dec 04 - Dec 14. Staying at Sheraton Grande Sukhomvit and Sofitel Centara Grand Resort Golfing Highlights include ■ Thai Country Club ■ Palm Hills Country Club ■ Imperial Lakeview Golf Club ■ Sea Pine Army Golf Club ■ Black Mountain ■ The Banyan Club... Golfers from $3,598. pp twin share. Non golfers deduct $650.pp. Estimated Group sizes - 24
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Experience New Zealand Collection 2011... 5 star luxury escorted tours - Non golfers welcome Queenstown 8 days Feb 13 - Feb 20. Staying at Peppers Beacon Resort
Golfing Highlights include ■ Queenstown Golf Club ■ Jacks Point ■ Arrowtown Golf Club ■ Millbrook Resort Golfers from $2,098. pp twin share. Non golfers deduct $490.pp. Estimated Group size - 24
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Join us in London for a quick look at the British Open in style followed by a week of superb golf in the Emerald Isle. Golfing Highlights include ■ Killarney ■ Tralee ■ Ballybunion ■ Adare ■ Lahinch on an all inclusive land package with various options in London to see the British Open at Royal and St. Georges in Kent. From $3698.pp. twin share.
Stay at The Sea Temple Resort...
POrT DOuGLAS in a fantastic swimout luxury apartment all year round and receive 2 free rounds of golf at Sea Temple Country Club including 18 holes and a cart FrEE. Valid for all bookings of 5 days or more. Studio from $250. per night, 2 bedroom from $480. and 3 bedroom from $580. Special rates for more golf available. For detailed itineraries and pricing for tours listed, other tours and events, please go to: www.gourmetgolftours.com or call 1300 788 666
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▌ Gourmet Golf Tours Pty Ltd ▌ ‘St Andrews’ PO Box 299, 112 Bittern-Dromana Road, Merricks North, Victoria 3926 Australia ▌ Phone: 03 5989 7596 ▌ Fax: 03 5989 7664 ▌ Email: ggt@events.com.au ▌ www.gourmetgolftours.com 79
Q CROSSWORD 2.
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1. Nicknamed the King (surname) 2. Australian golfer who won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am in 1993 (first name) 4. The Great White Shark (first name) 5. Current British Open champion (first name) 9. Family owners of the Barnbougle property (surname) 10. All amateur golfers need this to enter a competition 13. Team event held biennially between the US and Internationals 15. The style of golf course found by the seaside 17. Before titanium, drivers where typically made from this wood 18. The manufacturer boasting the most major championship wins with their irons 19. Phil Mickelson’s middle name 22. You get a free drop from this area 24. Credited with winning golf’s Grand Slam in 1930 (surname) 25. How many major championships did Lee Trevino win? 27. Japanese golfer joining the 2011 class of World Golf Hall of Fame (surname) 28. Faldo designed this course found at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links 32. Won the 1992 US Open (first name)
ACROSS
1. Captained the 2010 US Ryder Cup team (surname) 3. Putt to near the hole from long range 6. The 2010 FedExCup winner (first and surname) 7. Shot a record 58 this year in Japan (first name) 8. Jack Nicklaus designed Cabo Del Sol is located in ___ Cabos, Mexico 11. Won 2010 Valero Texas Open (first and surname) 12. Australia’s professional body for female golfers (abbrev) 14. US golfer won the British Open in 1996 (initials) 16. Type of shot played with a lob wedge 19. Hole-in-one 20. A score of two on a par 5 21. Erratic US golfer who has won the British Open & US PGA Championship (surname) 23. Missed out on the playoff at this year’s US PGA Championship due to a penalty on the 72nd hole (first and surname) 26. Term used in match-play when you cannot lose 29. Indentations cut into the clubface 30. When a tournament’s field is reduced 31. Opposite to a draw shot 33. The cry to warn other golfers of an errant shot 34. Missing putts due to nerves 35. Last German golfer to win a major championship (surname)
THIS ISSUE
WIN
a Barnbougle Dunes Play & Stay Package
Crossword Answers Spring issue 2010
Winner: Juanita Greaves, NSW Word Find: Victoria 2.
1.
ENTER TO WIN CROSSWORD
7.
B
NAME: H
15.
PH: Competition Conditions Please mail the completed crossword to Drummond Club Management, PO Box 1465, Clayton VIC 3169. All correct entries received by 31 January 2011 will go in to the draw. The first drawn entry will win the following prize. Barnbougle Dunes Play & Stay Package Prize (Ground only) Two nights bed and breakfast package for two people (twin-share). Includes: 2 nights accommodation and 2 rounds of golf.
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O A M A E E R K D R P R A L L O W P B O P E Y E N A A R D T 14.
17. 20.
22.
25.
28.
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Wine Talk
LIFEST YLE
Riesling:
A multi-talented underdog Our resident wine buff Simon Calabria takes a look at riesling, which as it turns out, was pleasantly surprising.
Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling 2010 ($20)
I
Pewsey Vale ‘The Contours’ Riesling 2005 ($28)
n the white wine popularity stakes in Australia, riesling never seems able to reach the top of the podium. First it was chardonnay, and more recently sauvignon blanc. And while these white varietals were holding top spot, experts keep heralding riesling as the ‘next big thing’. Given its pedigree and versatility, it’s hard to believe that riesling hasn’t been able to grab the mantle. Riesling is regarded a noble grape and it’s not hard to see why. Like no other variety it can be made into many different wine styles, can handle ageing, is food friendly and always expresses the many places in which it is grown. Styles include dry, off dry/semi-sweet (such as the German kabinett), sweet (such as auslese, beerenauslese), botrytis-affected, ice-wine and even sparkling. Countries include its original home Germany, Austria, France (Alsace), Italy, Australia (particularly Clare and Eden valleys, Great Southern in WA, Victoria and Tasmania), New Zealand, Canada, United States and South Africa. Riesling is an aromatic variety. When young it displays intense fruit, florals, and at times minerality, but always balanced by its natural acidity. It is this acidity that provides riesling its compatibility with food and its ability to age. With age comes more complexity with toastiness and honeyed characters, as well as an increased silky texture. Sometimes aged riesling can even display kerosene notes, a trait often desired by some makers and drinkers (and curiously not near as bad as it sounds). Australian rieslings have benefited from a string of quality recent vintages over the past decade (including 2008, 2009 and 2010). Of these, the 2010s are likely to be included alongside the outstanding wines from the 2002 and 2005 vintages. Somewhat incredibly, even the most highly-regarded Australian rieslings (those from Grosset, for example) can be bought for about $40 a bottle, but most are available well under that price. A benchmark example highlighting the value that riesling offers can be seen in the annual release of Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling. The retail price for this wine is close to $20 and at that price is worth every cent. Made in the dry style, the
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Delatite Riesling ‘Sylvia’ 2008 ($23)
Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Kabinett 2008 ($46)
current release is the excellent 2010. Other makers to look out for include Petaluma, Crawford River, Howard Park, Richmond Grove, Leo Buring, Delatite, Jamsheed, Frankland Estate and Heggies. Wineries often hold back some riesling and release it with some age. These aged rieslings are generally more expensive than the current vintage models. The value, however, is readily apparent. The current release Pewsey Vale ‘The Contours’ Riesling 2005 ($28) and Peter Lehmann’s Wigan Riesling 2004 ($35) are both outstanding wines. Gaining some momentum in Australia is the off-dry (or kabinett) style of riesling. These wines tend to show more florals and mouthfeel, are generally lower in alcohol and incredibly good with food. Referred to as ‘off-dry’ (as they retain some residual sugar) the balance with acidity means the wines usually still finish dry on the palate. Some Australian examples include Pewsey Vale Prima Riesling 2009 ($25), macforbes Riesling rs20 2010 ($28) and Delatite Riesling ‘Sylvia’ 2008 ($23). Imported riesling is a whole different story and an adventure entirely worth seeking. Makers such as Dr Loosen (Germany), Pierre Sparr (Alsace) or Domane Wachau (Austria) are becoming more common in bottleshops and on wine lists. Don’t let the labelling and naming of these wines put you off. If in doubt, seek help from a restaurant sommelier or wineshop attendant. Some names to look for, in addition to those above, include Donnhoff, Wittmann and Gunderloch (from Germany), Emmerich Knoll and Brundlmayer (Austria), and Albert Mann (Alsace). It probably doesn’t matter whether riesling wins a popularity contest. Just keep it in mind when next reaching for a bottle of white. You will be pleasantly surprised. Prices shown are RRP per bottle.
Simon operates Winecall, an internet-based mail order wine business. For more information go to www.winecall.com.au/winetalk 81
VIEWS
Ravi’s Rant
give golf a fair go
BY RAVI ABEYARATNE
Drummond Golf, Marketing Director
O
n a recent trip overseas I was pleasantly surprised to see the local daily paper dedicate a fullpage in sport every day to golf. This was an Asian country where golf, you could say, is on the incline. But still, its best player was ranked well outside the world Top 100. A few weeks after returning home, Stuart Appleby shot 59 in the last round to win The Greenbrier Classic. This amazing sporting feat received just three quarters of a page—seven pages from the back—in one of Melbourne’s daily papers. Let’s put this in context. Appleby is the sixth professional golfer to shoot this score in competition. The US PGA Tour runs about 40 tournaments a year. On average 120 play Thursday and Friday, and roughly 60 make it through to the Saturday and Sunday rounds. Today more than 14,000 rounds of competitive golf are played on the US PGA Tour alone. And don’t forget the LPGA Tour, the European Tour, the Asian Tour, the Japanese Tour and the Australasian Tour. Back to Appleby’s achievement, a similar outcome in cricket would, to me, be making a test ton and taking 10 wickets in the same match. This has happened twice. So why is golf on the ‘nose’ with the general media? Nine Australian men are in the Top 100 and four women in the Top 50 in the world—four have won on the men’s tour and one on the women’s tour this year. We punch well above our weight on a global stage in golf, yet don’t get the level of positive media coverage the game deserves. I would have thought the golf demographic would be a good fit for the newspaper-buying demographic.
Some say it might have to do with the lack of success in majors. Just keep in mind Greg Norman only won two majors when he was at his peak and golf was the buzzword in sport. Others say it’s the lack of ‘personalities’. This might be closer to the truth. So where have all the personalities in sport gone? Golf is not the only sport suffering from this—tennis and cricket also fail to capture our imagination most of the time. I love watching Roger Federer play tennis and Sachin Tendulkar bat, but I have to say they’re just too nice and too conservative for my liking. Bring back the Brat and smoking Joe. The media has to take some responsibility for the death of personalities in sport. With the high level of scrutiny media likes place on public personalities, it’s not surprising most of them only choose to give us the Mr Nice Guy vista. If video killed the radio star then media helped kill the sporting personalities. Everyone understands the power the media has in influencing the public; so give us a chance to promote the game and its stars. All I want is one page a week to talk golf. A Tuesday piece would be nice to wrap up all the golf from around the world. Who knows, we might inspire a few more kids to play golf and one of them could turn out to be the next Greg Norman. As I write this rant Katherine Hull just won on the LPGA Tour, taking her into the Top 20 in the world. In Melbourne one of the daily papers gave this around 100 words in 13 pages of sport. Another rag, generously, gave it a third of a page with a photo.
Why is golf on the ‘nose’ with the general media?
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