Beyond the Fairways Winter 2010

Page 1

WIN - A HAMILTON ISLAND PLAY & STAY PACKAGE

EXCLUSIVE FEATURE:

KARRIE WEBB

WAYS TO

FIX YOUR PUTTING

REVIEW: PUTTERS

WINT ER

2010

D ru mm ond Cl ub Member Publ i c at i on

$4.95


FIVE LAYERS. ZER THE FIRST 5-LAYER TOUR BALL. PENTA TP’S 5 LAYERS ARE ENGINEERED TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE IN 5 KEY SHOT CATEGORIES - WEDGE/PUTTER, SHORT-IRONS, MID-IRONS, LONG-IRONS AND DRIVER.

CONTROL Middle Mantle increases control with mid-irons and helps prevent up-shooting, ballooning and falling short of the target.

LAUNCH Inner Mantle promotes soft feel, high launch and low spin off the long-irons for incredible distance.

DISTANCE Core produces faster ball speed, high launch and low spin off the driver for maximum carry and distance.

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O COMPROMISES.

SPIN Outer Mantle delivers optimum spin off short-irons to stop the ball quickly on the green without sacrificing distance.

FEEL Urethane Cover provides softer feel and a higher spin-rate on critical wedge shots within 100 yards.

Š2010 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.

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CONTENTS

WIN - A HAMILTON ISLAND PLAY & STAY PACKAGE

EXCLUSIVE FEATURE: 3 WAYS TO FIX YOUR PUTTING

KARRIE WEBB

WAYS TO FIX YOUR PUTTING

CLUB REVIEW: PUTTERS

Drummond Golf is a Proud Supporter of Make-A-Wish Australia

EXCLUSIVE FEATURE: KARRIE WEBB WIN - A HAMILTON ISLAND PLAY PACKAGE

REVIEW: PUTTERS

COVER

WINTER 2010

WINTER 2010 Image: Hamilton Island Golf Club

WINTER

2010

Drummond Club Member Publication

$4.95

16. VIEWS

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Our People

Our People

TERRY

PEOPLE

PRICE

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hings were travelling quite nicely for Terry Price prior to 2005. His golf career was littered with numerous victories in Australia and abroad, and although by the early 2000s his age was becoming a factor, his game wasn’t showing any decline. Price felt he was playing the best golf of his career. It was a period in which he really enjoyed the fruits of playing well on Tour. Then in mid-2005 it all dramatically changed when he broke his leg in a freak accident. A rod and eight pins were inserted into his tibia. Aside from the personal trauma caused by the pain and the long recovery, the real grief came as a result of not being able to continue to do what he knew best—compete on Tour against the best in the world. Forced to spend the next 12 months in a cast and another year hobbling from one piece of furniture to the next, he had plenty of time to reflect on his life and future. “I guess in one respect, breaking my leg meant I caught the last four or five years of my children’s teenage years,” Price said. “That has been a blessing. Learning to give up that selfish insular lifestyle that you don’t realise you are in until you step out of it—that has also been a blessing.” Although his leg has improved to the point he feels he can compete again, Price is permanently confronted with the realisation he will need to manage his schedule on Tour because the injury won’t stand up to the rigours of day-today, week-by-week tournament golf. Consequently, a career on Tour was not

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Editorial EVOLUTION IT’S A BEAUTIFUL THING

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From The Top WELCOME

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Ravi’s Rant SLOW PLAY- THE DEATH OF GOLF

MY CLUB PEOPLE

Australian touring golf professional Terry Price has enjoyed playing on the world stage for more than 20 years. A domestic accident five years ago abruptly halted his golf career. The very thing he loved so dearly was taken away and it nearly destroyed him. During the darkest times, Price rediscovered the value of a balanced lifestyle and the importance of considering his future. Sam Gole writes.

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Kevin Carruthers and Terry Price going to be a long-term option. Price decided to seek other interests to challenge his competitive nature. After a chance discussion with our own Brett Ogle, and having ensuing meetings with the Drummond Golf hierarchy, he considered the option to join the Drummond Golf family as a stakeholder in a franchise business. Price’s first experience of walking into a Drummond Golf store only fuelled his interest further.

“The people at Drummond Golf are not only colleagues, but a number within the organisation are good friends. They have helped me build a support network that will help me get back on the golf course as well.” “The store was so well presented. It had the wow-factor. I thought to myself, you could come in here and eat your dinner off the floor; it was beautifully kept,” he said. “It was very sharp and very impressive and something you would feel proud to be involved with. I am also very keen on a national pricing policy—the country areas can get the advantage of what the city has enjoyed for a long time.” Price regarded Drummond Golf as the strongest golf retail organisation in Australia.

“I would like to be associated with that because it is something I can feel proud to be involved with.” He accepted the opportunity to establish a Drummond Golf franchise in Townsville and immediately brought on board good friend and fellow PGA member, Kevin Carruthers. “Carruthers is a great guy. He has lived up here in Townsville most of his life. He completed his apprenticeship as a trainee golf professional in Sydney and came back here to Rose Bay Golf Club, where he won club professional of the year for the Queensland division in 2004,” Price said. “When this opportunity arose, [Curruthers] was very willing and he has been extremely enthusiastic and an endless source of energy. It is just amazing, I don’t think there is anyone in town he doesn’t know. “The rapport he has with customers and the loyal team of staff is very special. He has the respect of the local community, something he has built over many years and I couldn’t be in partnership with anyone better.” Price and Carruthers opened their store in Townsville during the US Masters weekend (April 10 &11). “I am really proud of our store in Townsville and the way it has come up. The staff have a real sense of pride in the place and hopefully everyone that comes in here will enjoy their experience,” Price said. The store has traded for a few weeks and the signs are encouraging. “The feedback so far has been fantastic.

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Golf Days

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Club Partners

12

Social Groups

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News

PEOPLE 16

Exclusive: Karrie Webb Feature WEAVING HER WEBB

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Brett Ogle’s Tales ROAD BLOCK AT ST ANDREWS

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Aussie Watch WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL SCOREBOARD

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Our People TERRY PRICE

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Celebrity Golfers ON COURSE WITH JOHN EALES

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Members At Play KAY’S COMEBACK

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Junior Golf THE FUTURE IS OUR GOAL

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64.

MY STORE

MY GAME

Ti p s f r o m t h e To u r

Ti p s f r o m t h e To u r

WAYS TO FIX YOUR PUTTING

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utting accounts for between 35% and 40% of shots during a round of golf. Many great ball striking rounds have been ruined by errant putting. Being a good putter allows you to salvage a score during a poor ball striking round and record a great score when you strike the ball well. All golfers can shave shots from their score with relative ease by becoming more consistent putters. Two keys to achieve this are by developing a sound stroke and by incorporating a pre-putt routine.

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1. Position the ball closer to your front foot. This is slightly forward of centre under your left eye. (For a right-hander) 2. Set up with your eyes over or just inside the line of the putt. 3. Arms hang below the shoulders. There isn’t any tension in the arms, shoulders or lower back; if there is, you are standing either too close to the ball or too far away.

Build a Putting Stroke- Rather Than a Hit

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4. The stroke is created via the movement of your shoulders and forearms only. Eliminate head, body and leg movement during the stroke. 5. Maintain an imaginary ‘Y’ throughout the stroke. This is created by the angle formed by your forearms, wrists and club. Avoid wrist action and accelerate the putterhead. 6. Maintain a light to medium grip pressure to create a rhythmical pendulum-motioned stroke.

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Pre-Shot Routine If you watch the professionals their pre-putt routines vary from player to player. What is common is that they all have one. The important thing is that you develop a routine that is repetitive and comfortable. When putting my pre-putt routine is as follows.

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Special Tip- Use a training aid (as pictured)

The Trilink Short Game Trainer develops a pendulum stroke by positioning your arms, hands and club into the ideal swing position. It promotes a one piece action and eliminates excessive wrist action. To use this product simply press your arms gently into the TriLink to create a triangle with your arms, hands and chest. Swing the club back and forth rhythmically in a pendulum motion keeping your upper body working as a single unit.

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PLACES

1. Evaluate the borrow and speed of the putt by reading the green from a number of angles. 2. Stand behind the target line and visualize the roll of the ball seeing it drop into the cup. 3. Align the putterhead square to the chosen target line. 4. Set my feet and body parallel to the target line making sure I set myself over the ball with sound posture (for balance) and take a last look down the target line. 5. Now it is time to pull the trigger and accelerate through the putt with confidence- trusting my judgement and technique.

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Dream Course

PLACES

WHITSUNDAYS

WONDER

The opening of the Hamilton Island Golf Club has meant the wondrous Whitsundays can claim to have AustraliaÕ s first 18-hole island championship golf course. Sam Gole visited our hottest new golf destination and found out why it is sure to put Hamilton Island back on the map for golfers.

H

amilton Island is the gateway to the magnificent Whitsundays. It has been an idyllic holiday getaway for generations, with yachting, fishing and water sports for visitors from across the globe. Now, Hamilton Island has its very own golf courseÑ Hamilton Island Golf ClubÑ f ound on neighbouring Dent Island. Right from the outset you will sense it is a special place, and for those seeking a unique golfing experience, you wonÕ t be disappointed. After all, how many courses can boast their own island, and the only method of transportation to the clubhouse by ferry or helicopter? As you approach Dent Island, the imposing terrain that rises around 150

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Review: Putters

36

Packages

37

Footwear

38

MGI Venturer GPS Buggy

39

Special Offers

41

Mental TSENG LIKE A WINNER

42

Tips From The Tour 3 WAYS TO FIX YOUR PUTTING

44

Physical SWING WITH YOUR PELVIS

45

Training Aids GET IN THE ZONE

PLACES

43

Dream Course

52

Tech Talk PUTTER TECHNOLOGY

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Former European Tour Event Winner, Teaching Professional at Patterson River CC, VIC

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MY GAME

MY GAME

Tips From the Tour by Nadene Gole

52.

WIN

a Hamilton Island Play & Stay Package

32.

42.

C O M P E T I TION

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metres from the sea is both remarkable and unmistakable. This is not your standard palm-fringed, white, sandy beach island retreat. Rather, Dent Island is goat country. The majority of the island is covered in bedrock and hilly terrain, and itÕ s difficult to fathom a golf course can live here. The golf club is a credit to the current owners of Hamilton IslandÑ t he Oatley familyÑ an d their vision to create one of the most picturesque golf courses in the world. It is simply breathtaking. The 378-metre par four 13thÑ w here you experience 360-degree views from the plateau fairwayÑ h as a vista unrivalled in this country. Take your time to digest the vivid and varying colours

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of the Coral Sea, as well as the majesty of a panoramic seascape including mountainous islands and mainland. It is golfing nirvana. For those coming to the island looking for a suitable challenge, the Thomson/ Perrett design team has prepared three tee positions on each hole. Anyone, from the seasoned golf professional to the onegame-a-year resort guest, can tackle this beauty with a measured sense of fairness. ItÕ s a element sure to attract you back time and again. Officially opened in September, the par 71 course measures 6120 metres from the championship tees. Although modest in length by modern day standards, the true challenge lies in course elevation,

tight landing areas, and the ever-present prevailing sea breezes. Designed as a series of holes strung along the ridges and played across steep valleys, each hole is lined by indigenous trees and natural vegetation. Nearly every hole has views out to the Coral SeaÑ v iews that will completely captivate you. Selecting a favourite or signature hole at many courses is often an easy decisionÑ t hereÕ s usually a standout. But at Hamilton Island, thereÕ s as many as nine that could claim that fame with picture-postcard appeal. All the par threes are a feature off the course, and many people rate the 14th as the pick of the bunchÑ i t is brilliant. At

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Getaway THE MURRAY- A MIGHTY GOLF DESTINATION

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Dream Course WHITSUNDAYS WONDER- HAMILTON ISLAND GOLF CLUB

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Packages GREAT GOLF GETAWAYS

LIFESTYLE 58

Wine WELCOME CHANGES

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VIEWS

Editorial

EVOLUTION IT’S A BEAUTIFUL THING

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ad, what did you have on that hole?” My son posed this seemingly innocent question after we putted out the 17th hole during a recent round. Without realising I was being set up, I promptly replied: “A bogey six for me”. I looked over at my 11-year-old who was proudly wearing a wide smirk on his face. It became alarmingly evident that his score—a par five—was not just the source of a personal milestone, but a sign evolution was taking place. One day (all too soon for my liking) the apprentice will in fact become the master of golf in our household—at least within the male domain. Of course the subsequent ribbing I received on the way to the final tee did little to help me come to terms with the realisation my throne as top dog was slowly being usurped by a young pup. While some elements of progress take time to get used to (for some of us anyway), others are the source for sheer delight; ready, willing and waiting to be embraced. Take the magnificent Hamilton Island Golf Club. For more than 20 years, the island’s owners had a vision to build a golf course for guests. Thanks to today’s know-how, the adjacent (and predominantly rocky) Dent Island has been transformed into a golf haven. You have to witness this spectacle to appreciate the incredible engineering feat required to make the beautiful course possible. And when you do experience playing golf here, you’ll encounter the Whitsundays’ newest wonder. (See p.52)

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But before you head Whitsundays way, does your game need a little improvement? In this issue of Beyond the Fairways, we look at the golf shot used more than any other—putting. From major brands using technology to cure poor alignment, to a few handy tips from the Tour’s greens, we’re sure to help lift your game on the short stuff. Check out the importance of building a sound putting stroke, the value of using a training aid, and the need to develop a pre-putt routine. (See p.42) And with so much focus on technology improving our equipment, we shift our focus to a new product on the market promising to use technology of a different kind to improve the mental side of our game. Called Pro Golf IQ, the series of mental strengthening audio sessions have been receiving rave reviews from members. Grab the headphones, settle back and get in touch with the left and right sides of your brain. (See p.45) This BTF issue also deals with the future of our game. A visionary primary school in Melbourne’s south east is leading the way in introducing golf to children. It’s a clever program helping to strengthen the future of this great game in Australia and ensuring golf is exposed to our next generation. (See p.63) On the homefront, it’s great to see this member magazine continue to grow with Drummond Club membership numbers. What started as a four-page newsletter five years ago (and distributed to 5000 members) has blossomed into a 68-page magazine with a national distribution of 40,000. I trust you will enjoy this ‘new look’ issue. Be sure to read it from cover to cover, and may your ability, interest, and involvement in golf continue to evolve— just not too quickly for us old farts. Good reading and happy golfing.

EDITOR & PRODUCTION MANAGER Sam Gole DESIGN Graphic Designer Kate Loft CONTRIBUTORS Brett Ogle Mark Abeyaratne Ravi Abeyaratne Jamie Cooke Brendan Moloney Lee Midson Nadene Gole Bill McTigue Dr Mike Martin Simon Calabria OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Jodi Sessler Anthony Murphy Kean Chai Wilson Everard Advertising 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 Director Editor BTF

www.drummondgolf.com


INTRODUCING

TWO NEW WAYS TO GO LOW.

NEW NXT® TOUR. CONSISTENT SHORT GAME CONTROL, SOFT FEEL & NOW LONGER.

NEW NXT. EXTREME DISTANCE, STRAIGHT BALL FLIGHT & DURABILITY.

The new Titleist NXT Tour with its advanced multi-layer technology, gives players even higher performance. It provides consistent short game control, soft feel, and is now even longer. All adding up to more low numbers on the scorecard.

The newly designed NXT is another way to take shots off your game. It delivers extreme distance and straight ball flight, along with outstanding durability. To find out which is best for your game, go to Titleist.com.au and prepare to go low.

www.drummondgolf.com ©2010 Acushnet Company. Acushnet Co. is an operating company of Fortune Brands, Inc. NYSE: FO. Customer Service: 1800 660 535

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VIEWS

From the Top

WELCOME

FROM THE MANAGING DIRECTOR

W

elcome to the winter edition of Beyond the Fairways. Having spent a week in the US earlier this year during the northern winter, I realised how fortunate we are being able to enjoy this wonderful game all year round. For those of us living in the southern states, playing the occasional game on a cold July morning with the temperature reading single figures, playing a game of golf might not seem that much fun. However, it is always rewarding to get into the warm clubhouse and appreciate this is not the norm. Winter golf is still great fun and adds yet another dimension to the game—keeping your equipment dry and body warm so that you can

play at your best despite the conditions is very much part of the game. When I reflect on some of my more memorable rounds, ironically, they have been in difficult winter conditions. These rounds have stayed in my subconscious due to the extra sense of achievement that comes not only from combating the course, but also the prevailing conditions. This is why I have always been amazed at the feats of professionals during the British Open, which unlike most of the other majors, can have such difficult weather conditions that can change mid-round. The fact that the British Open has been the most successful major for Australian golfers indicates that our players have learned to play in the harsher conditions that prevail over the winter months, particularly in the southern states. For those of you who follow the professional scene, you would have noticed that Karrie Webb has joined Matt Griffin as one of our sponsored players. We are delighted that Karrie agreed to join the team this year, and for us, having arguably Australia’s greatest golfer adorning our logo

is a major sense of pride for all at Drummond Golf. Karrie provided us all with a memorable event the first time she wore our colours, winning her seventh Australian Masters with an incredible final round 61 at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast. All credit to Katherine Hull, the heir apparent, who pushed Karrie all the way, exchanging birdies for most of the day. Some of you would have noticed Karrie’s tips appearing on the golf telecasts and on One HD. I myself have taken a bit from these tips, now electing to use a wedge on the longer greenside bunker shots. We hope that most of you have also gained some benefit from these tips. Next year, we hope to bring you all a fresh round of tips from both Karrie and Matt. Wishing you all great golfing over the winter.

Mark Abeyaratne, Drummond Golf Managing Director

NO.1 SELLING GOLF BUGGY *

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02 9417 4055 or email gary@underpar.com.au www.underpar.com.au *Brand in Australia 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009. As voted by the Golf Trade. Source: Sports Marketing Surveys Pty Ltd April 2009.

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MY CLUB

Golf Days

GOLF DAYS

Would you like to be the 2010 Drummond Golf National Event Series champion? Enter and win one of the state qualifying events and we will see you at Sandhurst Golf Club competing in the national final for this title.

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olf days are the lifeblood of the avid golfer. On one hand, it offers the opportunity to pit one’s skills against the field and the course with the promise of the spoils for the winner. On the other, they’re just a great excuse for a day out with friends, where thoughts about work are all but a distant memory. We have been staging exclusive golf days for Drummond Club members and their guests for many years. This year the National Event Series returns with eight events (one final per state and territory). These events are open to all golfers with the emphasis on participation and having an enjoyable day out. There will be a number of different prize divisions and prize categories, with the individual stableford winner from the official handicap division earning a place in our end-of-year Drummond Golf national final. Aside from the opportunity to scoop some prizes, everyone can take pleasure from a couple of key additions thrown into these days. A special feature at our golf days is the ability to test-drive the latest equipment from Australia’s leading golf brands. And let’s not forget that Aussie golfer and Drummond Golf Ambassador, Brett Ogle, will attend most events and entertain you with his trademark humour, stories and antics. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event, and who knows, maybe also at Sandhurst later in the year. Best of luck!

STATE FINALS VICTORIA

May 21 Spring Valley Golf Club

NEW SOUTH WALES June 1 Macquarie Links

NORTHERN TERRITORY June 20 Darwin Golf Club

QUEENSLAND August 8 North Lakes

SOUTH AUSTRALIA August 20 Glenelg Golf Club

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA September 19 Joondalup Resort

TASMANIA

October 8 Claremont Golf Club

NATIONAL FINAL VICTORIA

October 28 Sandhurst Golf Club

Winner Richard Jalland in the centre.

EVENT RESULT ACT

April 23 Gold Creek A beautiful autumn day greeted the field at Gold Creek Country Club for the first event of Drummond Club’s National Event Series for 2010. Players enjoyed some antics from Brett Ogle pre-event while testing the latest equipment from Australia’s leading suppliers: Titleist, Ping, Wilson and Callaway. A putting competition was also on offer with Ryan Lea claiming the ultimate prize after holing a 25-foot downhill putt. While the wind picked up in the afternoon, the conditions held off as we finished the round in glorious sunshine. Congratulations to Richard Jalland who won the overall event. He will now represent ACT at the national final in October. It was a fantastic result as Richard had been a great supporter of our golf days in ACT. We wish him all the best in the final. Thanks again to all those involved in the successful day.

For more information and event entry forms, please visit our website: www.drummondclub.com

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Club Partners

MY CLUB

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.

Golf Clubs VIC/ NSW

Barham Golf & Country Club 2 for 1 green fee offer: valid 7 days a week. Cart hire at members price - $28 (normally $35). Murray Downs Golf & Country Club 2 for 1 green fee: mid-week Rich River Golf Club Resort 2 for 1 green fee: mid-week 10% off motel room rack rate Yarrawonga & Border Golf Club 2 for 1 green fee: mid-week (June 1- July 31, 2010) Must be booked with accommodation. Please contact Drummond Club for more information

WA

Pinjarra Golf Club 20% discount on green fees

Health & WellBeing

VIC

One Personal Health - Brighton Free golf Musculoskeletal assessment (value $99) and no joining fee ($90)

NSW

Cariaga Health Systems - Mosman 20% initial nutritional consultation and 20% off golf fitness clinic (4-week program) MentalGolfer.com - Cronulla $50 gift voucher to be used with either the 2-hour playing lesson (normally $397) or the 3-hour playing lesson (normally $597)

Ask for a Partner prosposal­­­— there’s no cost to be involved. Contact Anthony Murphy on (03) 9565 1411 or email

anthony.murphy@drummondclub.com

Join us on a great golfing adventure!

Golf Coaches QLD

Interactive Coaching Solutions Woolloonagabba Complimentary swing assessment and special rates for DC members

Golf Play ‘n’ Stay

WA

Hamilton Island Special golf and accommodation packages. Contact Drummond Club for more information

Other

QLD

Interested in joining the program?

Membership Benefits and Club Partner Guide

2010 Volume 3 RRP $3.50

Andrew Thomas - Pinjarra Golf Club Buy your first 1/2 hour lesson and receive an extra 1/2 hour free

NT

Fishing Tropical Australia Pty Ltd 5% discount on all our tours

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For a full listing of partner offers please visit our website: www.drummondclub.com

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MY CLUB

Social Groups

ARE YOU A SOCIAL CLUB MEMBER?

SOCIAL CLUB Are you a member of a sports, corporate or social group? Then consider joining the Drummond Club through our Social Group membership. Check out why more than 50 clubs have already joined the popular program.

Join the Drummond Club Australia’s largest social golf club program

PACKAGE 1 - *$35 per person

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS • • • • •

Special member product prices at all Drummnod Golf stores Over 1,000 partner offers and savings Opportunity to compete in our national event series Member ‘Golf Travel Desk’ and group golf pacakges to the best golf destinations Free 52-page quarterly member magazine

HOW TO JOIN:

N

early everyone belongs to a social group of some description. Many through work, some via social sport clubs, and for others, the formation has been more ad hoc (such as a gathering of friends on a regular basis to enjoy this great game). These groups are important institutions within the golf industry. They provide those golfers who are not traditional members of a ‘Golf Club’ an avenue to also enjoy the many benefits golf brings—social camaraderie, competition, and travel. That’s why groups such as Wibroc Social Golf Club evolved. What started as a company employee club now sees relatives, neighbours, and friends remaining loyal to this intimate Sydneybased club. The club has its own handicapper to regulate fortnightly golf events, and an annual season showstopper—a week at Corowa in the Murray River region. Club stalwart Mike Ward says: “During the day we play a Presidents Cup style golf competition format and at night the play continues with cards, schooners and plenty of ribbing. Our

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[Wibroc] members are enjoying many of the benefits in being Drummond Club members, especially in-store special pricing and the VIP shopping nights.” Another Sydney-based employee club—Westpac Social Golf Club (above)—is also enjoying an association with the Drummond Club. In particular, members are enjoying the benefits associated with the club’s travel desk. Club member Sid Pelcz explains: “Our work-based social golf group has been around for many years and we had been wanting to put together a weekend trip for a while.” “But initial research showed that such a trip would be a bit pricey and time-consuming to organise ourselves. Then we got in contact with the Drummond Club and ‘hey presto’, we’re now Drummond Club members and enjoy fantastic packages and great value for money. “Our first golf trip in May last year, for 12 of us, was to the Hunter Valley, staying two nights at Cypress Lakes Resort, playing two rounds at Cypress Lakes and The Vintage. The accommodation and facilities were first

Includes: 12 months’ Drummond Club membership and a FREE Dozen Wilson Elite 50 golf balls per member. BONUS VALUE - $39.95 each

PACKAGE 2 - *$55 per person Includes: 12 months’ Drummond Club membership and a FREE Polo shirt per member with club logo. BONUS VALUE - $59.95 each

*valid for groups with 12 or more members.

Contact the Drummond Club for further information. Tel: (03) 9565 1410

rate Email: and we also made time to sample the info@drummondclub.com www.drummondclub.com localWeb: wines and enjoy the nightlife. “A smaller group undertook our next Drummond Club golf trip to the Central Coast in November, staying two nights at Le Meilleur Horizons Resort and playing two rounds at Horizons and Pacific Dunes. Through the success of our recent trips we intend to arrange two trips each year through the Drummond Club. Great golf, simple but hearty foods, ample liquid refreshments and socialising with mates seems to be a great formula for the occasional break from it all.” Like Wibroc and Westpac Social Golf clubs, your group will enjoy affiliating with the Drummond Club. All you need is a group of 12 or more and you qualify for this membership category. The Social Group membership is offered in two options: Package 1: Includes a bonus gift of a dozen golf balls (per person) valued at $39.95. Package 2: Includes a bonus gift of a polo shirt (per person) with your club logo embroidered on the shirt, valued at $59.95. All social group members receive the services and benefits of an individual membership, and we will also print your group’s club name on your personalised Drummond Club membership card.

How To Join

Contact the Drummond Club for further information on (03) 9565 1411 or email anthony.murphy@drummondclub.com

www.drummondgolf.com


3” 4 COLOR

60.40.40.100

®

®

Golf / James Nitties in the Sector Polo and Ricky Barnes in the Land Polo

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©2010 Oakley, Inc.

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MY CLUB

News

NEWS LOCAL CHARITY GOLF DAY On March 22, the team at Drummond Golf Underwood staged their annual Charity Golf Day at Brookwater Golf Club in support of Ronald McDonald House in South East Queensland. A total of 144 players enjoyed a fun-filled day, which included sampling product from Wilson Staff, Oakley, TaylorMade and Callaway. Congratulations to Mike Morrissey who scored a hole-in-one on the 7th. Thanks to the outstanding support of players and the generous sponsors, a total of $9400 was raised.

DRUMMOND GOLF AT THE WOMEN’S AUSTRALIAN OPEN

As the official retail partner of the Women’s Australian Open, Drummond Golf was given exclusive rights to use the putting green at Commonwealth Golf Club during the flagship tournament. We used this opportunity to raise money for the Fiona Pike Skin Cancer Awareness campaign. With the support of our suppliers—Ping, Scotty Cameron, SeeMore and Wilson Staff—we conducted a putting competition where people donated a gold coin to have three putts towards the nominated hole. For every putt made, the contestant won various Drummond Golf vouchers. It was a good opportunity for our suppliers to showcase their products and for people to try new product and putt on tournamentcondition greens. More than $1000 was raised for the Fiona Pike Skin Cancer Awareness campaign and we would like to thank everyone who participated in raising money for a really good cause. Special thanks also goes to our suppliers—without their support we would have not been able to run another successful event. Drummond Golf donated a further $100 per birdie made on the 16th hole during the event. The women scored 52 birdies totalling another $5200 for the campaign.

KOOINDAH WATERS MEMBERSHIP SUCCESS

Kooindah Waters Golf Club is celebrating a membership milestone this month, having signed up its 200th member (along with another seven of his golfing friends). While the club welcomed Central Coast local Lloyd Lawler as the official 200th member, he and fellow golfers Greg Mickle and Chris Coulson invited five of their friends to join after hearing about the club’s referral program. Kooindah Waters’ general manager, Brendan Currie, said they were pleased with the benefits the referral program had brought to both the club and its new members. We are proud to reach such a significant membership milestone, and even happier that Lloyd brought another five of his golfing friends to enjoy all on offer here at Kooindah Waters,” Mr Currie said. “We’re pleased with the success of our member referral program in generating membership interest, and we believe it provides great incentive to join the club.” Kooindah Waters’ members can receive a $500 bonus by referring another fullpaying member through the inaugural Kooindah Waters member referral program. For the full terms and conditions, or for more information on membership at Kooindah Waters, please contact membership manager Michael Coggan on (02) 4351 0700 or email MCoggan@kooindahwatersgolf.com.au

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CHECK OUT THE LATEST

HAPPENINGS IN

THE CLUB, WITH OUR PARTNERS, & THE GENERAL

GOLF INDUSTRY TOWNSVILLE STORE OPEN We welcome new Drummond Golf franchisees Kevin Carruthers and Terry Price. The duo officially opened the new Drummond Golf store in Townsville on April 10. Brett Ogle attended the opening and, with fellow Tour professional Price, was on hand to give tips and advice. Good luck guys.

$2 ROUNDS AT RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB! Rich River Golf Club Resort has released an amazing winter escape deal. For July only, you can play 18 holes for just $2 when you purchase a midweek golf play ’n’ stay golf package. (See page 51 for details.) This is a wonderful opportunity to encounter Rich River Golf Club’s picturesque beauty. Recent water allocations have allowed greens superintendent Andrew Johnson to fill each of the water features on the 7th, 8th, 17th and 18th East fairways, as well as the West’s 15th and 16th fairways.

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News

MCLAREN VALE III ASSOCIATES GOLD MEDAL WINE

Strong supporters of our National Golf Event series, McLaren Vale III Associates has had wine critics and wine show judges raving about its Descendant Shiraz. Awarded winemaker Brian Light produced this commemorative wine in the style that was produced by our early pioneers—unoaked! Associates Wine’s Chris Fox says, “With the emphasis being on fruit quality, we only selected fruit from our multi-award winning Squid Ink Shiraz block. As there is no dominant oak to hide behind. You will find a wine with such abundant fruit you will question why such a magnificent wine style has been lost and forgotten by our contemporaries.” Mr Fox said. “It just goes to show, sometimes we have to look back in time to move forward.” Descendant was a Gold Medal and trophy winner at the 2009 McLaren Vale Wineshow.

BONVILLE: ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S BEST

Luxury Travel & Style Magazine has announced Bonville Golf Resort one of Australia’s best golf resorts for the second year running. Bonville’s general manager, Brad Daymond says: “This [second] ranking reflects the ongoing improvements to both the property and the ‘Bonville Experience’. In the last 12 months we have completed a refurbishment of our accommodation rooms, upgraded our Flooded Gums Restaurant, refurbished our federation style clubhouse and completed many golf course improvement works, including our bunker replacement program. It is pleasing to note we were only one of a few to improve their rankings and that we are now the highest ranked golf resort in New South Wales.” Drummond Club members can experience this tremendous property with added benefits. (See Bonville’s travel package special on page 56.)

DRUMMOND GOLF BRUNEI TRIP

In February, 30 people boarded a five-hour flight from Perth to attend our first golf trip to Brunei. The three-day package included imperial-like accommodation at the magnificent Empire Hotel, buffet breakfast, and golf at the difficult Jack Nicklaus designed Empire Country Club. Group host from Drummond Golf Cannington, Wayne Tardrew, said the course was in superb condition. ”We were very fortunate to play the course in tournament conditions, as they had a European Seniors event there later in the week—The Aberdeen Masters,” he said. The two golf rounds were played in about 30-degree temperatures with Wanneroo Golf Club’s Warren Howard winning the 36-hole event. Keep an eye out for the next trip.

UNDERWOOD OLD MATES BARNBOUGLE TRIP

While 7am is an early start to any day, this wasn’t any day. It was the first day of a funpacked long weekend golf trip to Tasmania’s renowned Barnbougle Dunes. And for the 20 eager golfers from Brisbane, morning couldn’t come soon enough. Not long off the plane the group was teeing it up at Launceston Golf Club. Although greeted with great weather, Drummond Golf’s Andrew McIntosh said the golf was anything but. “Some golf was a little ordinary but a good time was had, and most felt better after a beer and pie after nine holes,” he said. In warm and windy conditions on the Saturday, the group experienced the charming Barnbougle Dunes golf course. Scott Hunter won the first two days with 40 and 35 points respectively. Sadly, like all good things, the final day had to come to an end. But not before another thrilling day on the links, eventually won by tour host Andrew McIntosh with 40 points. Not everyone was in the finest golfing form: “After another big night by some of the group, most made it back to their rooms by 3am,” he said. “However, one needed to hitch a lift with the local baker and one only just made it back in time for the 9.40am hit off. What happens on Tour, stays on Tour, I say.”

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MY CLUB

DRUMMOND CLUB GOLF SCHOOLS AT VICTORIA GOLF CLUB

Launched with tremendous success in late 2009, partner golf coach Nadene Gole established a series of 5-night/6day golf schools exclusively for Drummond Club members and guests. Hosted at Victoria Golf Club, one of Australia’s finest clubs, these events have continued to be a massive success in 2010. Golf school attendees have been raving about their experiences. One such satisfied customer was Simon Dunn: “Nadene has a great way of explaining and demonstrating the processes needed to successfully produce the desired golf shot, while still keeping it simple and only focusing on the major changes needed. Everything from putting through to the full swing—I learned something new every day.” And this from Ian McCarrey: “The Golf School was a wonderful experience. The concept of a livein golf camp for a week, where the participants are virtually isolated from the outside world living at the golf course to focus solely on improving and getting more out of playing golf, was therapeutic beyond the golf.” A number of guests have booked for a second school experience. Like Murray Lampard: “Nadene’s attention to detail and ensuring that the participants got the maximum benefit out of the program was refreshing, and reached high standards of customer service and consumer satisfaction,” he said. “It is one of the best weeks that I have experienced and I can assure you that Nadene Gole rates as, in my experience, the best teaching professional. I enjoyed myself so much that I would like to make an enquiry as to what dates are available in 2010.” Limited places remain for this year, and 2011 dates have now been released. Don’t miss your chance for this great golfing experience.

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PEOPLE

Exclusive Feature: Karrie Webb

WEAVING HER

WEBB

Few people apart from her family get to know Karrie Webb intimately. She jealously guards her private life. But those who have watched her rise through amateur ranks and take the world by storm will tell you she remains remarkably grounded. Brendan Moloney has known Webb for nearly 20 years, and gives Beyond the Fairways readers an insight into the life of Australia’s greatest ever golfer.

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completely dedicated to her mission, and f all her accomplishments, applied herself to each task with such perhaps the most outstanding maturity. I knew she was destined for for Karrie Webb is that she still greatness simply because of her focus.” has both feet on the ground in her 16th She went on to play for Australia six year as a professional. times between 1992 and 1994 and turned Winning seven major championships and more than $15 million on the US Tour professional the following year. It did not take long for Webb to be noticed is impressive. So was being awarded the overseas because she won her first pro Order of Australia in this year’s honours event, the British Open (pictured below). list and making the World Golf Hall of Fame. All this and her seventh Australian She showed it was no flash in the pan by finishing second in the cutthroat LPGA Ladies Masters victory at Royal Pines in Tour qualifying school at the end of the March (26 under par with a closing 61) year, and starting in sizzling form in the could easily turn a girl’s head. US in 1995. It has been an amazing journey for Before turning pro, the most the 35-year-old, whose first score for money she had made in a week— 18 holes on her home course of Ayr in working in her mother’s takeaway northern Queensland was 152. She was food shop in Ayr and driving aged eight and won the ‘Encouragement to Townsville to work in the Award’. If she wasn’t hooked on the game already, she was now, and devoted all “She is gifted with a perfect her time before and swing for golf.” after school to playing —Peter Thomson and practice. For her 13th birthday her pro shop—was $350. She was grandparents treated her to a flight to the second in her US debut, won Gold Coast to watch Greg Norman play the Healthsouth tournament in the Queensland Open. the following week, and ran It was her first time on a plane and second after that, pocketing a turning point in her life because when $350,000 for three week’s she got home, she told her parents she work, earning the nickname wanted to be a pro golfer. Norman Cash’n Karrie along the way. also figured in the next step along her By the end of the year she career path when at the age of 17 she was the first woman to win won Norman’s junior golf foundation $1 million in a season. championship and a trip to stay at his The Americans could not home in Florida. believe how a slip of a girl Norman pushed her hard, starting at from the middle of nowhere dawn, working out in the gym and then who was coached by an hitting 400 balls before going out to play. paraplegic amateur, Kelvin “I wanted her to live the life of a Haller, could do this to professional for a week and see the the likes of Nancy Lopez, dedication it takes to be successful,” he Annika Sorenstam, Se Ri said. “She was incredibly inquisitive and

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Pak, Juli Inkster, Laura Davies and Dottie Pepper. Typical of Webb, she stuck with Haller when all around were advising her to engage a fashionable swing guru. Haller taught her to play as a kid and he knew her swing better than anyone, she replied. If there was a glitch, she’d phone him in Ayr or send him a video of her swing and he’d fix it. She was proved right and one of the most remarkable partnerships in sport resulted in her holding the world number one spot for the next three years. “She is gifted with a perfect swing for golf,” five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson said. “Her build allows her to draw back to the horizontal with a straight left arm, giving her a full wrist-cock.

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Her torso rotates effortlessly, held in balance by strong legs. It is her leg action that is so unique. It is as if she spins on a straight left leg in perfect harmony. Yet it is an intriguing rhythm that sets Karrie apart. It is smooth and unhurried. I doubt if she ever breaks from this set motion. Hence her consistency.” Thomson is firmly of the view Webb is Australia’s greatest golfer, based on the simple logic that she has won seven majors. He is next with five, followed by Norman and David Graham with two, then Jim Ferrier, Kel Nagle, Steve Elkington, Ian Baker-Finch, Wayne Grady and Geoff Ogilvy with one apiece. Webb continues to work with Haller when she returns home to Ayr at the end of each year and, at his suggestion, with Ian Triggs who is able to travel. Because Haller refuses to accept payment for

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his services, Webb is a benefactor of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation in the USA, and stages a tournament to raise funds each year. “That is one way she is putting something back into the game,” said Warren Sevil, a friend, and CEO of Australian Ladies Professional Golf. “She has also played in every Ladies Masters and Women’s Australian Open for the past 15 years. I can’t think of anyone who has supported the men’s circuit to that extent. And recently, she has sponsored the Karrie Webb Series for amateurs.” In its third year, the two leading players in the 13-tournament series are flown to the US by Webb, watch her play in the US Open, and then stay at her home in Florida, just as she stayed with Norman nearly 20 years ago. Webb has been accused of being

“I knew she was destined for

greatness

simply because of her focus.” —Greg Norman

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PEOPLE

Exclusive Feature: Karrie Webb

a sourpuss on course, in the same mould as Ben Hogan. A pro-am partner once tried to break the ice with the great man by telling him she had bet a friend she could get more than six words out of him in the course of the round. He reputedly replied: “Bad luck lady, you lose.” At worst, this is a back-handed compliment, because no golfer minds being compared to Hogan. In reality, she has the same steely, competitive resolve without the mean streak. Off course she smiles, remembers names, never refuses a child an autograph and fulfils her media obligations—not her favourite part of the job—with good grace. Then she’s gone. The professional media know this and it works well for them. For the rest, if they want an interview, they’ll have to wait until she is back at the course the next day and then only after she has played and signed her card. What she does away from the course is her business, although she gave Beyond the Fairways a glimpse behind the scenes. For relaxation she likes fishing and reading. Her current favourites are crime writer Patricia Cornwall and the thrillers of James Patterson, and Webb has recently read the biographies of Andre Agassi and wheelchair athlete John McLean because, “people come from different backgrounds and it is interesting to see what they did to become successful.” Unlike some stars, who acquire a lot of money and buy a boat, fishing is not a recent thing. Part of her childhood was spent at the family fishing shack at the mouth of Plantation Creek in Ayr. She now prefers deep-sea fishing from her 32-foot boat, Ayrwaves II. It is kept on a hoist in her backyard and she can

get to deep water quickly. Cameras are banned on the boat because, “you never catch anything if you have a camera”. A drawback of this was catching a marlin, which she released. “Without a picture to prove it, no one believed me,” she said. Of the fish that end up on the plate, she likes to cook it blackened (creole style) or with a tip that Jan Stephenson gave her using instant mashed potato instead of bread crumbs before pan frying. Webb has never seriously considered retiring and wants to play for at least another five years in the hope of selection for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She already had a taste of the excitement when she carried the torch up the steps of Sydney Town Hall in 2000. “If I went, the biggest thing for me would be walking into the stadium with all the other athletes,” she said. “If I do play in the Olympics, I will be one of the oldest athletes there.” [Aged 41]. “As for retiring, the question of when it will be comes up in your mind sometimes. How will I know? It will probably be because I just don’t want to work as hard. When my mind or body, or both, won’t let me work as hard. That will be the time. “I know I am on the back half of my career. The end is closer than the start. I have started to think about it, but I have not come up with any firm plans. Golf has been good enough to me that I can pick and choose and do something that will make me want to get out of bed for in the morning. I don’t think I could walk away from golf completely. I would like to get involved with the up and coming girls.”

“If I do play in the Olympics, I will be one of the oldest athletes there.”—Karrie Webb

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Exclusive Feature: Karrie Webb

Do you remember your first game of golf? Yes. I was 14-years-old and it was at the Keperra Golf Course in the rain. I remember finding a lot of balls while I was looking for my own. What attracts you to the game? The best part about golf is the handicap system. It is the only sport I can think of where a hacker can play against the best in the world, have a good day and beat them on handicap. How often do you play? I always assumed when I finished playing rugby I would play a lot more golf—I was sadly mistaken. I play about six games a year, mostly at Bonville Golf Resort, Coffs Harbour. What is your handicap now, and how low has it been? When I play now I play off about 18, but can’t regularly play to it. The best I have been is down to 12. What is has been your best round, and at which course? I once shot a round of 76 on the Palms course at Sanctuary Cove. I’m not sure how it happened because nothing like it has happened since. It was at the time when rugby was an amateur sport and I had more time. What are the best parts of your game? My willingness to play again after a disaster. And the worst? My reasonably regular disasters.

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Are you a member of any Golf Club/s? I am a member of Bonville Golf Resort and Royal Queensland. What is your favourite course and why? Bonville for its beauty and it’s a challenge, but not an overwhelming golf challenge. I love how each hole on the course is an entity within itself of postcard quality. The course is challenging but sufficiently friendly for the part-time hacker like myself. I am a bit of a food junkie as well and so I love the restaurant post-round and into the evening. Have you played golf overseas? If so which courses and places were the highlights? I have played a lot on tours particularly through England, Ireland and South Africa. My favourite course, however, was in Punta Del Este, Uruguay. I cannot remember what it was called but it was extraordinary for its beauty, as if it had been carved out of a pine wood forest.

PEOPLE

Were any other Australian rugby representatives handy at golf? George Gregan, Matthew Burke and Michael Lynagh were the best golfers of my era in rugby. Are there any similarities between playing golf and rugby? There are a lot of similarities between the process of the golf swing and the process of goal kicking. Both are closed skills undertaken under considerable pressure where you, and only you, can impact on the final result. Many top sportsmen and women have a passion to play golf. Why do you think this is? It is such a personally challenging sport. You are the master of your own domain. And it is as much a mental test as it is a physical test.

If you could choose any three people to join you for 18 holes, who would you choose and why? Norman Von Nida; I met him a few times years ago and found his story and ability to play golf fascinating. Tiger Woods, it’s always great to play with the best. Jesus Christ, to help me find my lost balls. Who are some of the golfers you enjoy watching? I prefer watching team golf like the Ryder Cup or international events as the anticipation builds throughout. It almost doesn’t matter who is playing then.

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PEOPLE

Brett Ogle’s Tales

ROAD BLOCK AT

ST ANDREWS

Golf legend Brett Ogle has a book full of interesting stories from his life on and off the course. His first Open Championship at St Andrews and his duel with the famous ‘Road Hole’ is just one of them.

I

was playing pretty well leading into my first Open at St Andrews in 1990 and during the practice rounds my caddie John Hort and I had mapped out the course well. In Thursday’s first round I was cruising along nicely until I hit the 455-yard 17th, which is called the ‘Road Hole’. Standing on the tee, I knew the key to the hole was to hit a good drive. (For me, this hole, and the 11th at Augusta are the two toughest par fours in the world of golf.) Standing on the tee at the Road Hole, you see in front of you the old railway sheds with ‘OLD COURSE HOTEL’ written on the wall. Looking at the three Os, the left one is the safe option. The O in COURSE is the perfect line off the tee; the O in HOTEL is the ‘Tiger’ (most aggressive) line. Basically you have to get your drive up in the air, otherwise it will come straight back at you off the railway-

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Ballesteros. And in 2000 world number one David Duval took an eight on the 17th to lose to Tiger Woods. Faced with playing the Road Hole for the first time, I decided to take the Tiger line for my tee shot and put just a little fade from left to right on the ball. As I did, I thought to myself it was a little tight down the right side. Then I saw a bloke poke his head out from behind the wall waving a red flag, which means the ball is out of bounds. ‘Damn! I thought. So I had to tee up again, and this time I went left into the long rough. I sent John over to the wall near the hotel swimming pool just to make sure my first ball was out of bounds—whenever we hit it out of bounds (or into someone’s backyard or pool) we always sent the caddie to retrieve the ball in case a mouthful of abuse has to be copped—and sure enough, a bloke who was bathing by the pool lobbed my ball over to John. I didn’t shed wall. Through the fairway to the left is rough, usually about waist deep, and to the right is the hotel’s swimming pool, which is out of bounds. Even when you drive the ball on the fairway, you’re not guaranteed to hit the green in two shots. The green angles across you. Miss it to the right and you’re on a stone road or up against a concrete wall; miss it to the left and you’re in the famous Road Hole bunker, which is about five feet deep with a straightfaced front wall. Most players will play out backwards or sideways. In 1984, in one of the most famous displays of how hard it is to get out of this bunker, Japan’s Tommy Nakajima just kept hacking away trying to get the ball onto the green. He ended up taking five shots to get the ball out, in the end running up a quintuple-bogey nine to hand the championship to Seve

“You’re pissed off with your round, but take a look over there—somebody else has had a shocker as well and thrown their shoes in the water.” even make a trip the Road Hole bunker and I still made eight. I promptly signed for a six over par 78, and I can tell you I was not a very happy man walking to the car. I teed off early in the second round and got off to a flying start with birdies on four of the first seven holes. As a pro you always have a feeling after the first round what the cut will be to make the weekend; as it stood it looked like being plus-one or maybe, at a squeeze, level par. I fought hard all day and when I got around to 17 I was four-under

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Aussie Watch

PEOPLE

WOMEN’S for the round and plus-two for the tournament—I knew if I could just par 17 and maybe birdie the last I would be a chance of making the cut for the weekend on my first trip to St Andrews. Once again I took the aggressive line over the sheds and again I saw the fellow poke his head out from behind the wall with the red flag. I had made the same mistake twice, which led to a doublebogey this time. I finished the round with a two-under par 70 and a two-day total of plus-four 148. I strode into the clubhouse and downstairs to the locker room without saying a word. I was furious with myself for mucking up my first opportunity at the Old Course by playing the 17th in six-over par. I knew I had missed the cut and I was devastated. I walked to the car with my then wife Maggie, and my caddie, John, trailing me like a couple of puppies. They knew not to say anything. I unlocked the boot and then walked over to the concrete wall that guards the Forth of Fife. I sat on the wall with my feet dangling on the riverside for a minute or two, then I untied my shoelaces and took off one shoe at a time and threw both in the water. I felt so much better after that. Maggie came over and asked if I was OK. You can imagine my reply. She looked down and saw my shoes drifting back in with each wave of water, and said, “You’re pissed off with your round, but take a look over there— somebody else has had a shocker as well and thrown their shoes in the water.” Well I couldn’t help but crack up and laugh. I turned to her and said, “They’re my shoes!” That broke the ice and we got in the car to drive back to Ascot. We were all disappointed but determined to have a better crack at it next time.

In reference to Brett Ogle’s book: Tigers Sharks & Wild Things. Available at all Drummond Golf stores.

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Check out how our Aussie girls have fared on the World Tours

INTERNATIONAL SCOREBOARD

LPGA (USA)

LPGA of Japan

Kia Classic La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad, California 25 – 28 March 2010

T Point Ladies Golf Tournament Kogoshima Takamaki Country Club, Kagoshima Prefecture 19 – 21 March 2010

Purse: US$1,700,000 T31 Tamie Durdin T31 Katherine Hull T39 Karrie Webb T52 Sarah Kemp T57 Lindsey Wright

Purse: ¥70,000,000 T17 Nikki Campbell +3 74,69,76

+4 70,72,71,79 +4 75,72,73,72 +6 73,73,74,74 +8 74,72,76,74 +9 74,72,72,79

292 $11,533 292 $11,533 294 $8,284 296 $5,342 297 $4,437

Kraft Nabisco Championship Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, California 1 – 4 April 2010 Purse: US$2,000,000 T5 Karrie Webb T24 Katherine Hull

-4 69,70,72,73 284 $64,408 +2 72,71,72,75 290 $20,329

Duramed FUTURES Tour (US) Florida’s Natural Charity Classic Lake Region Yacht and Country Club, Winter Haven, Florida 19 – 21 March 2010 Purse: US$100,000 T10 Kristie Smith -1 72,71 143 $1,400 T50 Leanne Bowditch +4 75,73 148 $592 Riviera Nayarit Challenge El Tigre Golf & Country Club, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico 26­­– 28 March 2010 Purse: US$150,000 T9 Kristie Smith -4 73,72,70 215 $2,436 T16 Rachel Bailey -2 75,71,71 217 $1,453 T55 Leanne Bowditch +5 71,75,78 224 $911 Daytona Beach Invitational LPGA International, Champions Course, Daytona, Florida 5 – 11 April 2010 Purse: US$100,000 Winner Kristie Smith -12 66,71,67 204 T17 Sarah-Jane Smith -4 77,67,68 212 T52 Leanne Bowditch +1 69,72,76 217 72 Rebecca Flood +8 73,72,79 224

$14,000 $982 $652 $590

Historic Brownsville Open Rancho Viejo Resort & CC, Rancho Viejo, Texas 23 – 25 April 2010 Purse: US$110,000 T4 Sarah-Jane Smith -2 2,71,68 211 $3,768 T29 Leanne Bowditch +3 72,74,70 216 $791 T37 Rebecca Flood +4 75,71,71 217 $734 T58 Rachel Bailey +8 73,74,74 221 $623

219 ¥704,200

Yamaha Ladies Open Katsuragi Katsuragi Golf Club, Shizuoka Prefecture 2 – 4 April 2010 Purse: ¥80,000,000 T18 Tamie Durdin +6 72,74,76 T39 Susie Mathews +10 75,79,72 T39 Nikki Campbell +10 76,78,72

222 ¥752,000 226 ¥401,142 226 ¥401,142

NISHIJIN Ladies Classic Kumamoto Kuko Country Club, Kikuyo, Kumamoto Prefecture 16 – 18 April, 2010 Purse: ¥70,000,000 T14 Tamie Durdin

E

74,70,72 216 ¥952,000

Fujisankei Ladies Classic Kawana Hotel Golf Club, Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture 23 – 25 April 2010 Purse: ¥80,000,000 T2: Nikki Campbell -5 70,69,72 211 ¥5,813,333 T29 Tamie Durdin +4 75,71,74 220 ¥576,000

LET (Europe) Lalla Meryem Cup Royal Golf Anfa Mohammédia, Mohammédia, Morocco 18 – 20 March 2010 Purse: €275,000 T28 Stephanie Na

+1 71,70,76 217 €2,805

Communitat Valenciana European Nations Cup La Sella Resort, Alicante, Spain 22 – t25 April 2010 Purse: €$350,000 2nd: Australia (Karrie Webb/Karen Lunn) -21 69,65,67,66 267 €23,800 ROLEX RANKINGS Australians in the Top 100 8 Karrie Webb 26 Katherine Hull 31 Lindsey Wright 62 Nikki Campbell 90 Tamie Durdin

Australia’s team of Karrie Webb and Karen Lunn came so close to winning the Communitat Valenciana European Nations Cup in Spain, only to be beaten by Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist and Sophie Gustafson on the third playoff hole. Image courtesy Tristan Jones/LET

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PEOPLE

Our People

TERRY

PRICE

Australian touring golf professional Terry Price has enjoyed playing on the world stage for more than 20 years. A domestic accident five years ago abruptly halted his golf career. The very thing he loved so dearly was taken away and it nearly destroyed him. During the darkest times, Price rediscovered the value of a balanced lifestyle and the importance of considering his future. Sam Gole writes.

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T

hings were travelling quite nicely for Terry Price prior to 2005. His golf career was littered with numerous victories in Australia and abroad, and although by the early 2000s his age was becoming a factor, his game wasn’t showing any decline. Price felt he was playing the best golf of his career. It was a period in which he really enjoyed the fruits of playing well on Tour. Then in mid-2005 it all dramatically changed when he broke his leg in a freak accident. A rod and eight pins were inserted into his tibia. Aside from the personal trauma caused by the pain and the long recovery, the real grief came as a result of not being able to continue to do what he knew best—compete on Tour against the best in the world. Forced to spend the next 12 months in a cast and another year hobbling from one piece of furniture to the next, he had plenty of time to reflect on his life and future. “I guess in one respect, breaking my leg meant I caught the last four or five years of my children’s teenage years,” Price said. “That has been a blessing. Learning to give up that selfish insular lifestyle that you don’t realise you are in until you step out of it—that has also been a blessing.” Although his leg has improved to the point he feels he can compete again, Price is permanently confronted with the realisation he will need to manage his schedule on Tour because the injury won’t stand up to the rigours of day-today, week-by-week tournament golf. Consequently, a career on Tour was not

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Our People

PEOPLE

Kevin Carruthers and Terry Price going to be a long-term option. Price decided to seek other interests to challenge his competitive nature. After a chance discussion with our own Brett Ogle, and having ensuing meetings with the Drummond Golf hierarchy, he considered the option to join the Drummond Golf family as a stakeholder in a franchise business. Price’s first experience of walking into a Drummond Golf store only fuelled his interest further.

“The people at Drummond Golf are not only colleagues, but a number within the organisation are good friends. They have helped me build a support network that will help me get back on the golf course as well.” “The store was so well presented. It had the wow-factor. I thought to myself, you could come in here and eat your dinner off the floor; it was beautifully kept,” he said. “It was very sharp and very impressive and something you would feel proud to be involved with. I am also very keen on a national pricing policy—the country areas can get the advantage of what the city has enjoyed for a long time.” Price regarded Drummond Golf as the strongest golf retail organisation in Australia.

“I would like to be associated with that because it is something I can feel proud to be involved with.” He accepted the opportunity to establish a Drummond Golf franchise in Townsville and immediately brought on board good friend and fellow PGA member, Kevin Carruthers. “Carruthers is a great guy. He has lived up here in Townsville most of his life. He completed his apprenticeship as a trainee golf professional in Sydney and came back here to Rose Bay Golf Club, where he won club professional of the year for the Queensland division in 2004,” Price said. “When this opportunity arose, [Curruthers] was very willing and he has been extremely enthusiastic and an endless source of energy. It is just amazing, I don’t think there is anyone in town he doesn’t know. “The rapport he has with customers and the loyal team of staff is very special. He has the respect of the local community, something he has built over many years and I couldn’t be in partnership with anyone better.” Price and Carruthers opened their store in Townsville during the US Masters weekend (April 10 &11). “I am really proud of our store in Townsville and the way it has come up. The staff have a real sense of pride in the place and hopefully everyone that comes in here will enjoy their experience,” Price said. The store has traded for a few weeks and the signs are encouraging. “The feedback so far has been fantastic.

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PEOPLE

Our People

The people around this district of North Queensland have been wanting something like this for a long time. They have been coming in saying that in the past they had to travel far and wide to find a suitable range of gear. Now that we are here they are really happy. “We are here for the long term and we are here to help them with their problems and help them enjoy their golfing journey. This is something I am very passionate about,” Price said. And I got the feeling that Price is going to relish this continued involvement in golf. Through his interest in the Drummond Golf store in Townsville and his second Drummond Golf store opening soon on the Gold Coast, he will be able to continue to interact with everyday golfers. “I find it really enjoyable talking with golfers from all over the country,” he said. “In many ways it is these encounters rather than event wins that I find the deepest personal satisfaction.”

Although the physical scars of the accident five years ago remain, the psychological scars have repaired themselves. Terry will turn 50 later this year and is loving life. It begs the question, will he hit the Seniors Tour? You bet he will. An exemption on the European Seniors Tour due to his career money ranking on the regular Tour provides the foundation for this. But it is the US Champions Tour that he has his eyes set on. One gets the feeling that the break (away from tournament golf, not specifically his leg) may have served him as a favour. These days Price is refreshed and this newfound balance between tour golf, a business career and family life, he believes, will be great for his game. He also sensed involvement with Drummond Golf would be beneficial. “The people at Drummond Golf are not only colleagues, but a number within the organisation are good friends. They have helped me build a support network that will help me get back on the golf course

as well.” Price hopes when he returns to the tour he’ll have one last hurrah in him. Let’s hope so Pricey.

FACT FILE­­—TERRY PRICE Born: 27 December 1960, Rockhampton, Queensland Turned Pro: 1978 Professional Wins: 11 PGA Tour of Australasia wins (8) • 1988 Queensland PGA • 1990 Queensland PGA • 1993 Queensland Open, Air New Zealand Shell Open • 1995 Queensland Open • 2002 Volvo Trucks Golf Classic, New South Wales Open • 2004 Holden New Zealand Open Other wins (3) • 1988 Naturgas Open (Sweden) • 1989 Papua New Guinea Masters • 1992 Dunhill Malaysian Masters

Get control of your golfing mind and think like a Pro DRUMMOND GOLF

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24

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Š2010 Acushnet Company. Acushnet Co. is an operating company of Fortune Brands, Inc. NYSE: FO. Explore footjoy.com.au Customer Service: 1800 660 535

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PEOPLE

Celebrity Golfers

ON COURSE WITH

JOHN EALES

John Eales is one of Australia’s all-time rugby greats. In a career that spanned a decade, the former Wallabies captain played a total of 86 Tests (including 55 caps as skipper) and accumulated 173 Test points. These days, Eales is firmly entrenched in the corporate world as part owner and director of the John Eales 5 brand, which deals in corporate hospitality, and he also holds positions on several boards. He was the founding partner of the Mettle Group—a company helping organisations link culture to strategy—is a consultant to the BT Financial Group, as well as being a Fairfax columnist. He’s also written a book: Learning From Legends. Through all that, Eales maintained a healthy appetite for golf. He spoke exclusively with Beyond the Fairways.

HEAD TO HEAD It’s AFL versus Cricket when David Schwarz takes on Dean Jones in our head to head quiz contest. How would you have fared?

QUESTIONS

David Schwarz (AFL)

David Schwarz AFL

26

Vs

Dean Jones Cricket

Match Dean Jones (Cricket)

HOLE 1

HOLE 2

Which Australian golfer has won the most majors and how many?

What bird-name is given to a holein-one on a par 5?

Karrie Webb, 7 SQUARE

Karrie Webb, 7

Condor SQUARE

Condor

www.drummondgolf.com


Celebrity Golfers

Do you remember your first game of golf? Yes. I was 14-years-old and it was at the Keperra Golf Course in the rain. I remember finding a lot of balls while I was looking for my own.

Are you a member of any golf club/s? I am a member of Bonville Golf Resort and Royal Queensland.

What attracts you to the game? The best part about golf is the handicap system. It is the only sport I can think of where a hacker can play against the best in the world, have a good day and beat them on handicap. How often do you play? I always assumed when I finished playing rugby I would play a lot more golf—I was sadly mistaken. I play about six games a year, mostly at Bonville Golf Resort, Coffs Harbour.

What is your favourite course and why? Bonville for its beauty and it’s a challenge, but not an overwhelming golf challenge. I love how each hole on the course is an entity within itself of postcard quality. The course is challenging but sufficiently friendly for the part-time hacker like myself. I am a bit of a food junkie as well and so I love the restaurant post-round and into the evening.

PEOPLE

If you could choose any three people to join you for 18 holes, who would you choose and why? Norman Von Nida; I met him a few times years ago and found his story and ability to play golf fascinating. Tiger Woods, it’s always great to play with the best. Jesus Christ, to help me find my lost balls. Who are some of the golfers you enjoy watching? I prefer watching team golf like the Ryder Cup or international events as the anticipation builds throughout. It almost doesn’t matter who is playing then. Were any other Australian rugby representatives handy at golf? George Gregan, Matthew Burke and Michael Lynagh were the best golfers of my era in rugby.

What is your handicap now, and how low has it been? When I play now I play off about 18, but can’t regularly play to it. The best I have been is down to 12. What has been your best round, and at which course? I once shot a round of 76 on the Palms course at Sanctuary Cove. I’m not sure how it happened because nothing like it has happened since. It was at the time when rugby was an amateur sport and I had more time. What are the best parts of your game? My willingness to play again after a disaster. And the worst? My reasonably regular disasters.

Have you played golf overseas? If so which courses and places were the highlights? I have played a lot on tours particularly through England, Ireland and South Africa. My favourite course, however, was in Punta Del Este, Uruguay. I cannot remember what it was called but it was extraordinary for its beauty, as if it had been carved out of a pine wood forest.

Are there any similarities between playing golf and rugby? There are a lot of similarities between the process of the golf swing and the process of goal kicking. Both are closed skills undertaken under considerable pressure where you, and only you, can impact on the final result. Many top sportsmen and women have a passion to play golf. Why do you think that is? It is such a personally challenging sport. You are the master of your own domain. And it is as much a mental test as it is a physical test.

It’s AFL versus Cricket when David Schwarz takes on Dean Jones in our head to head quiz contest. How would you have fared? HOLE 3

HOLE 4

HOLE 5

HOLE 6

HOLE 7

HOLE 8

HOLE 9

What is the name of Barnbougle Dunes second 18-hole golf course?

How many majors has Nick Faldo won?

What score did Jack Nicklaus shoot on the final nine holes on Sunday to win the 1986 US Masters?

Name the venue of the 2010 Men’s Australian Masters?

What is the name given to the Australian Open trophy?

Who shot a final round 60 to win the 2010 Victorian PGA Championship?

Name the Australian golfer who was awarded the 2009 Rookie of the Year on the PGA Tour?

The Lost Farm

4

D.S 1 UP

30 SQUARE

6

www.drummondgolf.com

Victoria Golf Club SQUARE

30

SQUARE Victoria Golf Club

The Marsh Cup D.J 1 UP The Stonehaven Cup

Alistair Presnell

Michael Sim

D.J 1 UP Alistair Presnell

Marc Leishman

RESULT

Dean Jones

WINS! 2 and 1

27


PEOPLE

Members At Play

KAY’S

COMEBACK

We first met Drummond Club member Kay Krestensen last September at the inaugural Drummond Golf golf school at Victoria Golf Club. Before arriving, Kay was on the verge of giving the game away. Six months on, she again made the journey from her home in Western Australia to attend our golf school. We caught up with her to discuss her golf epiphany. When we first met, you told me prior to coming to the golf school you were on the verge of giving the game away. You obviously didn’t. No way! That week in Melbourne at Victoria Golf Club with our golf coach Nadene [Gole] and the other guests completely transformed my game and my outlook on golf. I have dropped eight shots (and still counting) off my handicap and I simply can’t wait for my next game, whether it be at my home club (Western Australian Golf Club) or to travel across Australia to see some of the amazing golf destinations. Do you have any advice for other members feeling blue about their game? There is no question golf can be very frustrating. Don’t allow this to get the better of you and most importantly don’t give up. The one thing that my experience has taught me is that once you find the right person to help you with your game, the turnaround can be dramatic. Ask around at your club and among your golf friends to see if you can obtain a sound recommendation. You were advised to address the state of your equipment. Did you upgrade your sticks? Nadene stressed the importance of not only working on particular areas of my game that needed improvement, but also the value of using equipment suited to my personal requirements. Just before coming on the golf school this time, I dropped in to my nearest Drummond Golf store and discussed a ClubFit fitting. What has ClubFit done for your game? I love my new clubs. They look great and feel superb and I really trust their performance because I know the amount of time and care that went into selecting and building them. The staff were fantastic. Psychologically I feel confident with them so there is no question that my clubs and being ClubFit has contributed to playing better golf.

I have dropped eight shots (and still counting) off my handicap and I simply can’t wait for my next game. 28

And what has that meant to you? Besides winning a few prizes along the way, it is just great to hit some good golf shots and enjoy the game. I used to feel as though I was a burden on my group and holding up the field. I have heard the remark that in many ways golf parallels life. This newfound confidence and happiness has transpired into my personal life as well. What else have you got planned? I have learned so much again during this visit to the golf school, so I will return next year. I would also like to travel more often to experience many of Australia’s wonderful golf destinations like Noosa. And maybe a trip to somewhere, such as Hawaii, is not too far away either. We are here for a good time. Spend the kids inheritance I say!

www.drummondgolf.com


Members At Play

just a minute

The Funnier Side of Golf

SEE WHAT THE MEMBERS ARE THINKING... MANDY SHUTIE Drummond Club member since 2009.

DARRYL LUTTRELL Drummond Club member since 2004.

My husband! No, I don’t have an official one.

18 at Sanctuary Lakes.

Pitching wedge.

Callaway FT-3 10 degree and stiff flex.

Sergio Garcia—he makes me laugh.

“Tiger” Woods by a mile.

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL GOLF GETAWAY?

Two weeks on the Sunshine Coast, a morning round three days out of every four, and day spa treatment on the fourth day.

The Monterey Peninsula is golf nirvana. Pebble Beach, Spyglass, Poppy Hills and Cypress Point are all different and very challenging. This is a fantastic place to play and stay and I can’t wait to get back there one day.

DESCRIBE YOUR BEST GOLFING MOMENT?

Chipping from off the green, watching (with astonishment) my ball move straight towards the hole and receiving a round of applause from the group on the next fairway as it went in. Flukes are fun!

Winning the Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club matchplay pairs 4-Ball Championship with Brett Mackie in 2007 was just fantastic. I couldn’t watch Brett’s half-metre putt on the 19th hole to win as I could see how much the putter was swaying around.

WHAT IS YOUR HANDICAP? WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CLUB IN YOUR BAG? WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE GOLFER?

WHAT IS THE DUMBEST THING YOU HAVE DONE ON THE GOLF COURSE?

www.drummondgolf.com

Electing to wear white shorts in monsoonal rain at Hyatt Regency Coolum. I can’t remember what score I had that day…

PEOPLE

Without doubt, ‘cracking it’ years ago on the slow play of the group ahead, taking the driver out, hitting up on them, and I could easily have killed one of the guys after hitting his bag. That was really dumb, and it scared the s*** out of me. Don’t ever do it.

Golfing With An Older Man A young man who was also an avid golfer found himself with a few hours to spare one afternoon. He figured if he hurried and played fast, he could get in nine holes before he had to head home. Just as he was about to tee off an old gentleman shuffled onto the tee and asked if he could accompany the young man as he was golfing alone. Not being able to say no, he allowed the old gent to join him. To his surprise the old man played fairly quickly. He didn’t hit the ball far, but plodded along consistently and didn’t waste much time. Finally, they reached the 9th fairway and the young man found himself with a tough shot. There was a large pine tree right in front of his ball - and directly between his ball and the green. After several minutes of debating how to hit the shot the old man finally said, “You know, when I was your age I’d hit the ball right over that tree.” With that challenge placed before him, the youngster swung hard, hit the ball up, right smack into the top of the tree trunk and it thudded back on the ground not a foot from where it had originally lay. The old man offered one more comment, “Of course, when I was your age that pine tree was only three feet tall.” Deadly Eight Iron Off the seventh tee, Brian sliced his shot deep into a wooded ravine. He took his eight iron and clambered down the embankment in search of his lost ball. After many long minutes of hacking at the underbrush, he spotted something glistening in the leaves. As he drew nearer, he discovered that it was an eight iron in the hands of a skeleton. Joe immediately called out to his friend, “Jack, I’ve got trouble down here!” “What’s the matter?” Jack asked from the edge of the ravine. Bring me my wedge,” Brian shouted. “You can’t get out of here with an eight iron!”

29


WHICH NEW DRIVER FITS YOUR GAME?

There’s two new ways to improve your driving. The G15 driver is longer front to back to increase the MOI for maximum forgiveness. An external sole weight positions the CG to increase launch and optimize spin rate so you’ll hit longer and straighter drives. If you like to work ©PING 2009

the ball, the fade-biased design of the i15 gives you distance and control. The traditional head shape features a bulge crown design and deeper face profile to increase ball speed. Internal weighting delivers tour-preferred trajectories.

Contact American Golf Supplies (02 9524 8233) or ping@americangolf.com.au for PING Fitting Account Information 30

www.drummondgolf.com


Tech Talk

MY STORE

PUTTER TECHNOLOGY CAN GIVE YOU THE EDGE BY JAMIE COOKE, DRUMMOND GOLF PRODUCT DIRECTOR

I

n the last edition of BTF I highlighted the importance of wedges and how technology has made such a difference to how they play. But while we can hone those wedge skills to a fine art, we need to make sure another component of our game isn’t going to take the gloss off all the hard work. I refer, of course, to putting. The reality is if your putting is poor, there’s no amount of brilliant wedge-play that can make up for it. The point is you can’t hole every wedge or chip shot, which means at some point you will need to be able to hole a putt. While technique will always play a big part here, there are some putters and training aids available that can help any number of putting woes. The average player will use a driver around 14 times in a typical round of golf, and a wedge of some sort maybe 10 times. Yet the putter will strike the ball, on average, 30 times in a single round of golf. That means you’re likely to use your putter more times than your driver and wedges combined. As a starting point, if you’re going to practise for an hour, you should be spending nearly half that time putting. Granted, knocking in six-footers on the putting green provides nowhere near the excitement of smashing full blooded drivers, but if it’s a lower score you’re after, I’d suggest the six-footers be given priority. No rhythm, quick stroke, too far past, too short, tension, nerves, anxiety, pulling left, pushing right, tight hands, poor balance, moving head, high heart rate—the list goes on. Most of us have experienced some of these things at some point in our putting. So where do we start? One not so well-known fact about Drummond Golf is that it has many PGA professionals working at its stores, as well as many experienced low-handicap golfers who are more than willing to help. Sometimes you don’t need a ‘great’ player to assist you with your alignment. Every store has a substantial indoor putting green so staff can assist you with

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your putting woes. No matter what you do when putting, if you can’t aim the putter in the right direction, there’s little chance of it actually going in. So alignment has to be one of the most crucial parts of the game. In 2001, putter company Odyssey almost single-handedly revolutionised putting with the release of its White Hot 2-Ball putter. The two white discs on the top of the putterhead—when lined up with the ball—enabled golfers to more easily line up putts. It quickly became the world’s number one selling putter. Over the past decade, Odyssey has continued to refine the two-ball putter and has recently released its “White Ice” series. The new version has a multimaterial face insert designed to improve the consistency of the ball’s performance off the face of the putter. A more recent development in putter alignment has been “Riflescope” Technology, which is used in SeeMore putters. A red dot bordered by two white lines is placed on the back of the putterhead behind the shaft, along with the bottom 6-8 inches of the shaft being coated black. You simply line the black portion of the shaft between the two white lines and cover the red dot. This ensures square alignment of the putter at all times. It’s a difficult thing to explain, you really need to see it and experience it. It’s not just a putter; it’s a putting system, something all golfers can benefit from. The SeeMore putter first gained some notoriety when Payne Stewart used it to win the 1999 US Open. In more recent times, Zach Johnson used it to win the 2007 US Masters. Neither player was paid to use the product. Odyssey 2-Ball and SeeMore Riflescope are just two of the many technologies used in putters today. Other leading putter companies like Ping, TaylorMade and Scotty Cameron are all using technology to make the art of putting that little bit easier. But as with drivers and irons, choosing the right one can be a little difficult. There are also training aids that can

assist in your quest to become a better putter. So make sure you consult the staff at your local Drummond Golf store—they can guide you through the putter selection process and help ‘lift your game’. SEEMORE putters incorporate patented “RifleScope” technology.

TAYLORMADE AGSI® + STANDS FOR ANTI-SKID GROOVE SYSTEM INSERT, a putterface insert that incorporates 12 uniquely-shaped CNC-milled grooves to promote forwardspin and reduce skid and bounce for superior distance-control and accuracy.

ODYSSEY 2-Ball PUTTER has stood the test of time.

31


MY STORE

Review: Putters

PUTTERS SEE MORE PUTTERS

S

eeMore Putters burst onto the scene more than 10 years ago, when PGA Tour pro Payne Stewart held off Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson to win the 1999 US Open at Pinehurst with one of the most memorable putts in Open history. Using a strangely shaped centre-shafted putter with a red dot on the topline, Stewart lit up the field with only 24 putts in his final round, including a tricky 15-footer for par on the 72nd hole to seize the Open trophy. SeeMore recorded its second major victory when Zach Johnson won the 2007 Masters with the help of superb putting. Needing only 27 putts in the final round, Johnson (like Stewart before him) held off Tiger Woods to seal the victory. Since Johnson’s win with the SeeMore FGP Putter, SeeMore has continued to introduce new and exciting designs to the marketplace, including a line of premium milled putters, a line of mallet-style putters, and models incorporating offset shafts. SeeMore has steadily grown and now ships putters internationally to more than 40 countries. However, many golfers still do not know the secret hidden in SeeMore’s patented RifleScope Technology and how it can help almost every golfer drain more putts. SeeMore’s patented RifleScope Technology is recognised by a visible gunsight on the heel of the putter, allowing a golfer to align the putter perfectly with the intended target. The putter shaft is placed between the two white lines on the heel so the signature ‘red dot’ is hidden. Perfect alignment. Perfect stroke. Perfect putt.

The current FGP putter is a new version of the original FGP blade putter, and the FGP2 is a mallet style. The design is unique to SeeMore, with the majority of weight behind the centre, making it easy to properly release the putterhead. SB1 is a large mallet, and a tremendous game improvement option for any player looking at oversize mallets. It is facebalanced (with no discernable toe hang) and 100 per cent milled. The SB1 is more precise and provides a better setup and alignment aid than other putters in this category.

FGP, FPG2 AND SB1 MODELS

See More SB1 Mallet Putter: Price: $339.95 Members Price: $299.00

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-of-centre shaft design that is also available with a straight or offset shaft.

See More FGP Blade, FGP2 Mallet Putters:

Price: $269.95 Members Price: $239.00

See More Si1 Putter, Si2, Si2W Offset, Si3 & Si3W Offset Putters: Price: $229.95 Members Price: $199.00

32

www.drummondgolf.com


Review: Putters

MY STORE

ODYSSEY BACKSTRYKE PUTTER

The Big Idea is Back Relentless innovation and exploration has led to a putter that will revolutionise the game you play. With its rebellious and independent design, the Odyssey Backstryke putter will give you the cutting edge to put the ball in the hole more often. VISIBLE FACE ALIGNMENT allows the golfer to clearly see if the face is square to the target line without the shaft impeding the line of sight. This provides an unprecedented visual aid in lining up putts to the target line with precise accuracy. FORWARD PRESS STABILISATION

The positioning of the hands forward without delofting promotes an upward stroke into the ball, while the shaft position creates a stable, straight line with the lead arm so the wrists are less likely to break down during the stroke. It will ensure a stable, straight line with the leading arm encouraging longer (and lower) follow-through for better consistency. STROKE BALANCE

It is a putter balanced on the axis of the putting stroke, which promotes a fluid, stable strokepath that’s more consistent, accurate and leads to better distance control.

Odyssey Backstryke Putter Members Price: See in-store.

ODYSSEY WHITE ICE 2-BALL PUTTER

An extended mallet head featuring the revolutionary 2-Ball alignment system, a double-bend shaft and full-shaft offset are significant features of these putters. The new White Ice Insert is Odyssey’s best feeling, multi-layer insert to date. Developed after extensive feedback from players on Tour, Odyssey engineers have enhanced the sound, response and consistency of the insert. Coupled with a new dark nickel finish for a premium look, White Ice putters combine Tour-level performance with Tour-inspired feel. WHITE ICE INSERT is a multi-layer insert fine-tuned

to enhance sound, response, resilience and consistency. The inner core is 19 per cent firmer to enhance the feel and 92 per cent stiffer for better resilience, leading to consistent distance control. ADJUSTABLE WEIGHTING allows you to optimise the feel and performance of your 2-Ball putter based on your personal preference. 2-BALL ALIGNMENT SYSTEM

This ‘legendary’ design provides a Tour-proven visual aid that makes lining up putts easier and more accurate.

www.drummondgolf.com

Odyssey White Ice 2Ball Putter Members Price: See in-store.

33


MY STORE

Review: Putters

TAYLORMADE SPIDER VICINO

Inspired by numerous Tour professionals who asked for a putter that delivered the stability and true roll of a Monza Spider and Itsy Bitsy Monza Spider, but in a cleaner, more streamlined and attractive shape. TaylorMade succeeded by dramatically reducing core weight and increasing the frame’s weight, which boosted the perimeter-weighting to achieve the necessary MOI. In addition, TaylorMade incorporated a new composite AGSI+ face insert that flexes and ‘holds’ the ball in its grooves better to promote more forward spin and better roll. Movable ‘Weight Technology’ for customised feel, plus ultra-light polymer core and steel frame, combines for renowned Monza Spider forgiveness with a deeper CG.

TaylorMade Spider Vicino Putter:

Price: $289.95 Members Price: $269.00

TAYLORMADE ROSSA AGSI+ DAYTONA PUTTER

Classic, Tour Proven Head-Shapes with AGSI+ Technology from less than $200. TaylorMade AGSI®+ stands for Anti-skid Groove System Insert—a putter face insert that incorporates 12 uniquelyshaped CNC-milled grooves to promote forward spin and reduce skid and bounce for better distance-control and accuracy. A 304 stainless steel construction with a Tuscan nickel finish offers a sleek and beautiful look for added confidence when you stand over the ball.

TaylorMade Rossa AGSI+Daytona Putter:

Price: $184.95 Members Price: $169.00

COUGAR M4 OFFER COUGAR M4 4-SW STEEL IRONS, STEEL HYBRID, 3 & 5 GRAPHITE FAIRWAY WOODS

The Cougar M4 Driver is 460cc full titanium designed with a thin face to produce faster ball speed, higher launch angle and low spin to generate more distance. The Fairway Woods and Hybrids have a low centre of gravity, creating an easier launching and more consistent ball flight. Tungsten weights have been added to the heel and toe of the irons. This produces a well balanced, extremely forgiving and easy to play iron. The wedges are a blade style head with precision milled grooves produces an extremely solid feeling wedge with consistent spin rates. Price: $999 Members Price: $949

34

1-PIECE

1 4 BUY AN O UGAR M

C SET OF MATCHING A T & GE FREE! DRIVER ER M4 DRIV 5 T: $249.9 A D E U L VA

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BUY AN 11-PIECE SET OF WILSON DEEP RED WT100 & GET A MATCHING DRIVER

FREE! WT100 DRIVER valued at $269.95

11- PIECE SET valued at $1083

DRUMMOND CLUB MEMBERS PAY $999

www.drummondgolf.com

35


MY STORE

Packages

PACKAGES SLAZENGER STARTER

6-piece steel set with graphite driver

COUGAR SP-05

Slazenger Putter

$

249.95

12-piece steel set with graphite driver

TRIDENT TX

Trident T003 Bag

Cougar CP06 Bag

PowerBilt SB5 Enamel Buggy

PowerBilt SB5 Enamel Buggyut

BONUS MEMBER Tec D Hi Tec ri ear ootw Classic F istance iD fl x a M l Roya 12pk Balls R EMBE TOTAL M 69.75 $2 : G IN V A S

699

(Save $129.85) 36

12-piece steel set with graphite driver Trident Zeroing AA Putter

Trident Zeroing AA Putter

$

299.95

S S BONU MEMBER ilt Lite rB e Pow y Tec Bugg 5 t $59.9 a d e lu a V

S S BONU MEMBER ilt Lite PowerB y Tec Bugg 5 9.9 5 $ t a Valued

COUGAR PC6

Cougar Putter Cougar Bag

Slazenger Bag

$

6-piece graphite set

BONUS MEMBER Tec Hi Tec Dri ear ootw Classic F istance iD fl x a Royal M Balls 12pk EMBER TOTAL M 73.75 $1 : G IN V SA

$ 775

(Save $33.85) www.drummondgolf.com


Footwear

MY STORE

HI-TEC FOOTWEAR V-LITE ZERO

DRI TEC CLASSIC

Weighing in at just 283 grams, this is the lightest waterproof golf shoe sold today. The combination of innovative materials of $179.95, (MEMBERS PRICE $159) microfibre, waterproof membrane, textile lining for moisture-wicking and precise construction assists stability and posture, meaning golfers can now purchase an ultra-light golf shoe without any performance compromises.

A lightweight, comfortable shoe at a budget price. Action $109.95, (MEMBERS PRICE $99) leather uppers and dritec membrane—with a 12-month waterproof warranty—gives you a comfortable all year round shoe ideally suited for the casual golfer.

CDT POWER 500

CASUAL COMFORT

Made from environmentally friendly recycled material, not only will you be doing your bit to $159.95, (MEMBERS PRICE $145) reduce global warming, but also have one of golf’s most comfortable shoes on your feet. The outsole, midsole and sockliner are constructed from durable, eco-friendly material.

The CDT (Custom Directional Traction) Power 500 has helped golfers add extra distance to their game because of its revolutionary sole and softspike design, delivering extra grip $139.95, (MEMBERS PRICE $125) 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.

CALVIN KLEIN POLO OFFER

Purchase a Calvin Klein Essential Stripe Polo for

$ 89.95 and receive a Calvin Klein Pique Polo FREE valued at $79.95.

Calvin Klein Essential Stripe Polo 97% Poly / 3% Spandex Moisture Wicking 3 Button Placket www.drummondgolf.com

S S BONU MEMBER her 10% a furt Receive e price of th OFF the al ti n e s in Es Calvin Kle olo. Stripe P 37


MY STORE

MGI Venturer GPS Buggy

MGI VENTURER GPS BUGGY The VenturerGPS Motorised Buggy is the choice of golfers looking for the latest technology but without Sureshotgps software and mapping capabilities as a standard feature. With its full colour screen, the VenturerGPS displays buggy statistics as never seen before. SINGLE MOTOR, FREEWHEELING BUGGY

The standard gearbox means this buggy freewheels without changing the wheel position, and operates as a standard motorised buggy yet with the latest technological advancements of the GPS series. PERSONAL & BUGGY STATISTICS

Through the use of GPS tracking you can keep an eye on your distance travelled and time taken. Plus, you’ll receive scheduled servicing reminders and battery capacity indication. DATA TRANSFER UNIT

Keep up to date with technology by downloading the latest software to your Venturer via the data transfer unit and the wireless transfer to the buggy. OPTIONAL SURESHOTGPS SOFTWARE

Throughout the life of the buggy, the Sureshotgps software can be purchased and activated on the VenturerGPS model. To purchase the software, a customer simply connects the data transfer unit to the PC and once payment has been approved the software is instantly downloaded and ready to transfer to the buggy.

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Technical features - VenturerGPS

Powerful, whisper quiet 140 watt motor Standard gearbox Freewheeling, quick-release rear wheels Digital speed control settings between 1 and 9 with stop/go button

Weight (without wheels)

10.5kg

Folded dimensions

850 x 560 x 430mm

Optional Electronic feature – VenturerGPS

Sureshotgps mode/software for GPS mapping

Colour Range

Gun Metal Navy

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Special Offers

MY STORE

SPECIAL OFFER PURCHASE A CALVIN KLEIN ESSENTIAL STRIPE

$89.95 AND RECEIVE CALVIN KLEIN PIQUE POLO FREE VALUED AT $79.95

POLO FOR

DRUMMOND CLUB MEMBERS GET A FURTHER

10% OFF.THE ESSENTIAL STRIPE POLO.

SPECIAL OFFER PURCHASE ANY DOZEN BALLS GET A SECOND DOZEN AT

20% OFF

(MUST BE THE SAME BALL)

SPECIAL OFFER PURCHASE ANY BAG AND BUGGY COMBINATION AND GET

10% OFF

SPECIAL OFFER PURCHASE ANY GLOVE AND GET A SECOND GLOVE AT

40% OFF

(MUST BE SAME GLOVE).

All offers valid until 31st August 2010 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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39


PEOPLE

AS USED ON USPGA TOUR!

Members At Play

Riflescope Technology SeeMore’s patented RifleScope Technology (RST) recognisable by a visible ‘‘gun sight’’ on the heal of the putter, allows the golfer to align the putter perfectly in relation to the intended target. The putter shaft is placed between the two white lines on the heel so that the signature ‘‘red dot’’ is hidden.

PERFECT ALIGNMENT - PERFECT STROKE - PERFECT PUTT! Si1

Si2

Si3

Off-Set version available

Off-Set version available

-

Custom fit lengths Milled Face TPU Inserts Soft Feel Nickel Plating Finish SeeMore Winn AVS Soft Grip

-

Custom fit lengths Milled Face TPU Inserts Soft Feel Nickel Plating Finish SeeMore Winn AVS Soft Grip

-

Custom fit lengths Milled Face TPU Inserts Soft Feel Nickel Plating Finish SeeMore Winn AVS Soft Grip

HIDE THE RED DOT FGP

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100% Milled 303 Stainless Steel 330g Head Weight Black Satin Finish SeeMore Winn AVS Soft Grip SeeMore Head Cover

FGP2

-

100% Milled 303 Stainless Steel 335g Head Weight Pure Platinum Finish SeeMore Winn AVS Soft Grip SeeMore Head Cover

SB1

-

100% Milled Aircraft Aluminum 357g Head Weight Internal Milled Hosel SeeMore Winn AVS Soft Grip SeeMore Head Cover www.drummondgolf.com


Mental

MY GAME

TSENG LIKE A WINNER W

Dr Mike Martin Golf Psychologist

hen Karrie Webb jumped to a three-shot lead after just five holes in the final round of the Women’s Australian Open this year, Taiwan’s Yani Tseng thought she was playing for second. I told my caddie, “Let’s try to get second place,” she said. Yani Tseng But with a check of the leaderboard through 12 holes, Tseng saw she was just two shots behind the leader. Then, with four birdies over the next six holes, Tseng carded a bogey-free 66, enough to claim the Open by three shots. A few “Just one hole, you can make two weeks later Tseng was at it again in an LPGA major—the Kraft Nabisco shots different. Suzann missed like three, Championship at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. four putts in the back [nine], otherwise This time, Tseng beat world number three Suzann Pettersen by just one stroke, she would be on top with me, same with some safe play and a stellar mental game. thing. And the back nine is always “I just keep telling myself, commit to the shot and keep my tempo right, and tough. That’s big pressure on a major. just keep smiling all 18 holes, however I play, however if I make a three-putt or So I really just told myself, don’t look at anything. Just keep smiling.” One aspect of Tseng’s mental game focus was her her, just however she’s playing, I’m just attitude. Even if things went wrong she was determined not to let it affect her. doing my job, and then hit on the green As she said: and play safe.” “I keep telling me, head up, shoulder back, and enjoy the walk on the golf Tseng’s ‘keep it simple’ mental game course. If I hit a bad shot... just think like a champ. I just keep telling me I’m a strategy for squeezing out the most focus champ; I want to think like a champ from the start, the first tee, until the end. and confidence from the least amount of That’s very important for me today, just think like a champ.”Notice that in Tseng’s effort, perfectly complements her Happy approach she forced her attitude to be positive by doing two very simple things— Face mind game. smiling and keeping a confident posture. Tseng has a clear focus on her job; she Now consider how you play when you are stooped over, dragging your feet plays the course and not her opponents. between holes, grumbling about your poor shots and wearing your ‘Sad Face’. If she makes mistakes, she just smiles You know exactly how you play—terribly. If your body language is negative it them away, stays upbeat and positive— is reflected in your shotmaking. this allows her to get into the zone and But Tseng knows you can reverse that equation. A smiling face and a nail her next shot. “head-back-and-chest-out” walk can alleviate even the darkest feelings. Just as That’s why Tseng has jumped four negative body language detracts from your game, positive body language can places in the World Rankings to number enhance it. The better you feel, the more you commit to your shots and the better two in the world. your score. However, if the golf mental game were as simple as putting on your ‘Happy Face’ when things got rough, everyone would Dr Mike Martin is a golf psychologist who works with middle and master the dark art of world-class mental toughness. It ain’t so! low handicappers who struggle with loss of focus, self-doubt and It also needs laser-focus to go with it. Tseng had that trick up inconsistency in their game. He has worked at the US Masters and her sleeve, too, for the final day pressure cooker—focus on the British Open. Mike teaches at The Ridge Golf Course (near Menai job and not the competition. in Sydney). To get a copy of his FREE mental game report “Five “I feel all the way around... like four-shot lead is not enough Embarrassingly Simple Secrets” go to www.MentalGolfer.com for this golf course, because this golf course is really tough,” she said.

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MY GAME

Tips from the Tour

WAYS TO

FIX YOUR PUTTING

6

Tips From the Tour by Nadene Gole

Former European Tour Event Winner, Teaching Professional at Patterson River CC, VIC

P

utting accounts for between 35 and 40 per cent of shots during a round of golf. Many great ballstriking rounds have been ruined by errant putting. Being a good putter allows you to salvage a score during a poor ballstriking round, and record a great score when you strike the ball well. All golfers can shave shots from their score with relative ease by becoming more consistent putters. Three keys to achieve this are by developing a sound stroke, use a training aid and by incorporating a pre-putt routine.

1

1. Position the ball closer to your front foot. This is slightly forward of centre under your left eye (for a right-hander). 2. Set up with your eyes over or just inside the line of the putt. 3. Arms hang below the shoulders. There isn’t any tension in the arms, shoulders or lower back; if there is, you are standing either too close to the ball or too far away.

Build a Putting Stroke- Rather Than a Hit

3

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2

1

4. The stroke is created via the movement of your shoulders and forearms only. Eliminate head, body and leg movement during the stroke. 5. Maintain an imaginary ‘Y’ throughout the stroke. This is created by the angle formed by your forearms, wrists and club. Avoid wrist action and accelerate the putterhead. 6. Maintain a light to medium grip pressure to create a rhythmical pendulum-motioned stroke.

4 5

5

5

Special Tip- Use a training aid (as pictured)

The Trilink Short Game Trainer develops a pendulum stroke by positioning your arms, hands and club into the ideal swing position. It promotes a one-piece action and eliminates excessive wrist action. To use this product, simply press your arms gently into the TriLink to create a triangle with your arms, hands and chest. Swing the club back and forth rhythmically in a pendulum motion keeping your upper body working as a single unit.

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Tips from the Tour

MY GAME

2

1

3

3

Pre-Shot Routine If you watch the professionals, pre-putt routines vary from player to player. What is common is that they all have one. The important thing is you develop a routine that is repetitive and comfortable. When putting my pre-putt routine is as follows: 1. Evaluate the borrow and speed of the putt by reading the green from a number of angles. 2. Stand behind the target line and visualise the roll of the ball seeing it drop into the cup. 3. Align the putterhead square to the chosen target line. 4. Set my feet and body parallel to the target line making sure I set myself over the ball with sound posture (for balance) and take a last look down the target line. 5. Now it is time to pull the trigger and accelerate through the putt with confidence, trusting my judgement and technique.

www.drummondgolf.com

4

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MY GAME

Physical

SWING WITH YOUR PELVIS

Bill McTigue Physiotherapist

T

he pelvis is the core of an optimal golf swing. You can see that good ballstrikers demonstrate similar patterns with their pelvises when examined on computerised golf swing analysis programs. But what exactly is it that good ballstrikers do differently to others? Over the last decade technology has developed to the point where we can record the movement of all body parts in the golf swing accurately to within a millimetre (or one degree).

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This degree of accuracy demands a hard-wired system. We can now accurately measure and record any movement of the body as it happens in the swing. Having tested countless numbers of great players we can now quantify the “corridors of movement and time” that a body should move through in order to optimise ballstriking. Among the myriad of things we have learned from 3D computerised golf swing analysis is that pelvis movement is incredibly important. With most good ballstrikers the pelvis initiates the downswing, tilts backwards (to allow rotation post impact) and tilts so that the lead hip is 10 to 15 degrees above the trail hip at impact. The computer allows us to measure exactly where the golfer’s pelvis is at all times during the swing. Knowing what should happen at full speed and what does happen in the golfer are often very different. It allows us to tease out a golfer’s movement insufficiencies, and to create a golf-specific exercise program to help optimise the golfer’s performance during the swing. A common fault I see is golfer’s trying to manufacture backward tilt of the pelvis approaching impact (to allow the pelvis to then rotate through after impact) by using the muscles of the legs more than the muscles of the abdominal core. This means the golfer must thrust forward

with their pelvis rather than stay “deep” and maintain room in the swing. The golfer gets trapped and either blocks the ball right or duck hooks it left by rolling their hands over as a compensation. Golf professionals see this every day and have a fortune of drills to combat this common evil, but if the golfer cannot tilt their pelvis independently of their knees and torso, then they will never be able to achieve what the coach is instructing them to do.

Here is an exercise to test how well you can control your pelvis movement. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Stand at address position. Ensure you keep your knees and shoulders still throughout this test. Tilt your pelvis forwards and backwards. The belt buckle should point to the floor and then point upwards with no knee or shoulder movement. Pelvic tilt forward and back for 20 repetitions keeping the rest of your body still.

Remember that if you cannot do it slowly, you’ll never be able to do it quickly. If you cannot complete this exercise it is probably time to see your golf physiotherapist for a physical golf screen.

www.drummondgolf.com


GET IN THE

Training Aids

MY GAME

ZONE

It’s been touted as a coaching device that will revolutionise amateur golf worldwide. So Sam Gole decided to find out more about this amazing product, Pro Golf IQ.

art video and part audio, Pro Golf IQ has been developed to coach your mind to think the same way as the game’s top pros, eradicating negative thoughts and distractions during set up and swing, guiding you into the ‘zone’ on every shot. Used in the comfort of your home for half an hour three times a week,

the five-week course takes you on a calming journey of relaxation and guided imagery, providing you with the ability to concentrate, focus and relieve the frustration from your game. We spoke to Naomi McIntosh at her Drummond Golf store in Underwood to discuss feedback she’s received from her customers who’ve used the program. “We have many of our customers on the program reporting fantastic results,” she said. One customer, Julie Houghton, shaved a whopping six shots from her handicap within weeks of completing the course. “The first thing I noticed was an unbelievable calmness if I hit a bad shot. Rather than grumbling and stressing I realised I cannot change the past, but I can change the future, simply by letting go of the frustration and focussing on the next shot,” Julie said. “I always used to fear one particular hole known as Shark’s Lake where I would always put the ball in the water. Not anymore! The new techniques I have learned allow me to control my mind and play the best golf of my life. “I’m also saving a fortune on lost balls,” she quipped. Julie’s husband, Trevor, has also dropped shots and is enjoying

a newfound relaxation in his game. “Pro Golf IQ is really powerful and we are both looking forward to repeating the program to boost our mental skills,” he said. Here’s what another Underwood Drummond Club member, Alan Pilling, had to say about the program: “Six months ago I attended a presentation on the Pro Golf IQ program. I purchased the program because I have been playing golf for 20 years and my scores were going downhill fast. My home course includes a river, lakes, lagoons, and creeks on 14 of the 18 fairways. This program has allowed me to relax. And I have no more tension while hitting over or standing beside them. Consequently, [there are] not as many lost balls and my handicap has gone down a few stokes.” Overall, the reaction from Drummond customers was positive, and coupled with the products money back guarantee, it appears the only thing you have to lose is your handicap.

Golf Coaching Events

Course Management Clinic

Aug 28- Sep 2, Sep 4-9, Oct 9-14 & Dec 4-9 Bookings contact: Nadene Gole 0425 792 784

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To try one of these up-coming events and take your game to new heights or to find a coach near you, visit: www.drummondclub.com

Short Game Clincs

QLD Brookwater GC July 30 & 31 Bookings contact: Naomi McIntosh 07 3299 1300 www.drummondgolf.com

QLD Brookwater GC July 30 Bookings contact: Naomi McIntosh 07 3299 1300

Golf Schools

VIC 5 Nights/ 6 Days Victoria GC 2010: Aug 29- Sept 3, Oct 10-15 & Dec 5-10 2011: Feb 6-11, Feb 20-25, May 29- Jun 3,

For more information, consult the staff at your nearest Drummond Golf store.

Golf Tour & Coaching

VIC 6 Nights/ 7 Days Victoria GC 2010: Dec 12-18 Play Royal Melbourne, Victoria, Kingston Heath, Metropolitan and The National (Old & Moonah courses) plus coaching and more. Bookings contact: Nadene Gole 0425 792 784 45


328mm wide x 261mm

MGI GPS SERIES Unveiling the future of golf

The all new revolutionary motorised GPS Series brings together two brands synonymous with Australian golf and innovative technology, MGI and Sureshotgps, presenting a seamlessly integrated buggy with GPS mapping and statistic capabilities. The slimline, lithium powered remote control enables wireless transfer of maps, golf statistics and software updates. The Sureshot Mode integrates all the features the Sureshotgps is renowned for including distances & game statistics. The Buggy Mode displays further statistics such as distance walked for the round, time on the course and scheduled servicing reminders, just to mention a few. Backed with quality and reliability only MGI can deliver, the GPS Series is a must have for the summer golf season. NavigatorGPS featuring Gyroscopic guiding technology to keep your buggy on track, operated by a full directional remote control. CruiserGPS featuring downhill cruise control and a stop/go/reverse remote.

Be part of the evolution of the way we see golf. Â The GPS Series is available from $1895.00 or $18.22 per week on Pay as you Play option* * Conditions apply.

Â

To learn more call MGI 1300 644 523

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www.mgikaddy.com/GPSseries

www.drummondgolf.com


Getaway

PLACES

THE M U R R AY A MIGHT Y GOLF DESTINATION

For years, the Murray River region has been a popular golf and leisure destination, ideal for the weekend getaways or longer stays. Recent rain has brought renewed life to the Murray and courses in the region are in excellent condition. Drummond Club members can now enjoy great offers with additional golf club partners and a variety of stay and play packages, Lee Midson writes. YA R R AW O N G A A N D B O R D E R GOLF CLUB—45-HOLES This club is the largest public access golf resort in Australia, offering a choice of three golf courses. The Murray Course is regarded by many as one of the best 18-hole courses in the region. A Thomson/Wolveridge design, this course meanders along the sandy river flats and features spectacular, ancient, towering river gums. It’s a picturesque course with numerous lakes and lagoons. The 18-hole Lake Course is more open than the Murray Course but in contrast, is heavily bunkered. It has strategic water hazards and undulating greens sure to test your skills. The nine-hole Executive Course is a more gentle parkland style layout and offers a relaxed round. It’s ideal for the beginner golfer.

www.drummondgolf.com

No matter what your budget, you’ll find a great choice of accommodation options here. From affordable cabins, to spacious suites and luxury 2- and 3-bedroom apartments perfect for couples, families and group golf trips, you’ll find something to suit your needs. All rooms provide cooking facilities and are ideal if you’re planning a longer stay. Other resort facilities include gymnasium, lawn bowls, croquet, tennis court and a heated swimming pool. For great value dining you can’t go past the Border Bistro at the clubhouse, which is open daily for dinner and lunch on Sundays. Be sure to try the carvery for a hearty meal after your golf round.

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PEOPLE PLACES

Members At Play Getaway

A MIGHT Y GOLF DESTINATION M U R R AY D O W N S G O L F & C O U N T R Y C LU B —18-HOLES This 18-hole championship course is immaculate in presentation and on arrival you’ll feel you have entered a lush inland ‘oasis’ in this remote stretch of the Murray.

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www.drummondgolf.com


Getaway

PLACES

COBRAM BAROOGA GOLF CLUB —36-HOLES Has always been a popular choice for golfers. Two 18-hole layouts—Old and West courses—are quite different in character, but a prominent feature on both is the variety of doglegs on many holes. The Old Course is a more traditional, parkland style layout capturing views of the Murray River, and has narrow tree-lined fairways and smaller greens. The signature hole on this course is the 5th, a 385-metre par 4 often referred to as the “bell hole”. The tee shot is blind with the drive needing to be manoeuvred from left to right over a saddle running across the fairway. The approach is to an elevated green well-protected by a large bunker. The West Course is more open, with wider fairways and larger sloping greens and is slightly longer than the Old Course. It has a collection of well-constructed par 3 holes, with the 5th perhaps the best of them with two tee options. At 150m from the tee, the green is guarded by four bunkers at the front half of the green. The tee shot usually requires a mid-iron. It should to be played to the centre-left of the putting surface as the green tilts towards the front and left. Any ball finishing above the hole will require some skill to save par.

M U R R AY D O W N S G O L F & C O U N T R Y C LU B —18-HOLES This 18-hole championship course is immaculate in presentation and on arrival you’ll feel you have entered a lush inland ‘oasis’ in this remote stretch of the Murray. Designed by Australian golf architect Ted Parslow, each hole on this course requires a tactical approach from tee to green—you’re sure to need every club in your bag. It’s a course that appeals to the intelligent golfer who enjoys calculating ‘risk versus reward’ shots, and is suited more to the advanced golfer. The prominent feature of this course is the picturesque waterways presenting a series of interesting challenges. On the front nine most of your drives from the tee will need to navigate several water hazards, and on the back nine water comes into play as you approach the greens. Accommodation at Murray Downs is set on five acres with beautiful, landscaped gardens that create a sense of space and tranquility. There is a range of room types available including studios, premier and executive spa rooms, and the super deluxe option that has two bedrooms and a kitchenette—ideal for shared group accommodation. There is a central outdoor pool and BBQ facility, perfect for a casual meal and drinks with friends after your round. Alternatively the Fairways Bistro at the clubhouse provides great value dining, or you can take the courtesy bus into Swan Hill and enjoy a meal at several top-class restaurants.

BARHAM GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB —18-HOLES Golfers will enjoy a more relaxed pace here in comparison to other busier courses. This 18-hole course is a traditional parkland layout and an enjoyable course to walk. Generally, the greens are fast yet provide a generous putting surface, and the couch fairways feature gentle undulation. The front nine recently underwent extensive renovation with four new holes and greens designed by Ross Watson. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd holes now follow the flow of Eagle Creek. The 5th is the signature hole, known as “Gallipoli”, and has a massive, steep bunker guarding the entire front of the green— it’s a challenge you’re sure to enjoy. The original back nine features smaller greens but fewer bunkers.

COMMERCIAL GOLF CLUB ALBURY —18-HOLES Commercial Golf Club is conveniently located in the heart of Albury’s CBD and in close proximity to several accommodation options, including the Commercial Golf Resort. The golf course features magnificent mature trees and generous wide fairways and is a real delight to walk. The front nine features gentle undulation while the back nine takes you to more hilly terrain, with sloping fairways that definitely step up the challenge.

www.drummondgolf.com

49


PLACES

Getaway

RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB RESORT—36-HOLES Rich River Golf Club is located in Moama and offers two challenging 18-hole golf courses. Each is distinctive in style, and were originally designed by Ted and Geoff Parslow. The West Course is a traditional parkland style layout with wide, open fairways and smaller greens. On the back nine more water hazards come into play, in particular the par 4 15th. Even after a 220m drive, a second shot nearing 180m is required to secure a safe landing on the large two-tiered green. In contrast, the East Course is a links-style layout and was redesigned by Peter Thomson in recent years. The trademark pot bunkers are a prominent feature on this course, and are visually intimidating when you’re standing at the tee. The fairways have more undulation and are narrower than the West Course. The greens are larger, but generally well protected by clusters of deep, tricky pot bunkers. For accommodation, the resort offers a choice of 63 spacious motel rooms overlooking a tranquil, landscaped garden and pool area with several BBQs. The James Maiden Bistro at the clubhouse offers great value dining, in particular the ‘Tuesday Buffet Special’ or ‘Thursday 2 for 1’ meal deals. During a recent visit, I tried the buffet special and caught up with Bob and Eileen Martin (Drummond Club members from Bendigo) who had recently moved to the area. They love life along the Murray, not to mention playing plenty of golf at Rich River. Visitors can also take advantage of a convenient free shuttle bus service (operating on 7 6 5

4 321

the hour) between the golf resort and townships of Moama and Echuca. It’s ideal for heading to town for dinner, shopping and for some local sightseeing.

M U R R AY R I V E R DRUMMOND CLUB PARTNERS GOLF COURSES 1. Commercial Golf Resort Albury and Thurgoona Country Club Resort 2. Corowa Golf Club 3. Yarrawonga and Border Golf Club 4. Cobram Barooga Golf Club 5. Rich River Golf Club Resort 6. Barham Golf and Country Club 7. Murray Downs Golf and CC For a list of Partners and Member offers, visit www.drummondclub.com

O T H E R M U R R AY RIVER AT TRACTIONS - Boating - Fishing - Wineries - Waterskiing - Historical sites

ACCOMMODATION A range of excellent accommodation is available in Albury, Yarrawonga, CobramBarooga, Echuca, Barham and Swan Hill.

YOUR TRIP Contact Lee Midson to co-ordinate your next Murray River Golf Trip. Lee can assist you with the best sights to see, a range of accommodation options, information on the various golf courses and the best deals. Lee Midson 03 9565 1411 or lee.midson@drummondclub.com See page 56 for our latest great golf getaways.

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www.drummondgolf.com


JULY

ONLY

if purchased with

✂

Echuca / Moama's Rich River Golf Club Resort

WINTER SPECIAL

MIDWEEK GOLF PACKAGE Includes: twin share motel accommodation, two cooked breakfast, PLUS a $20 fuel card for only

$120pn

03 5481 3300 twin share room.

www.drummondgolf.com

51


PLACES

Dream Course

H

amilton Island is the gateway to the magnificent Whitsundays. It has been an idyllic holiday getaway for generations, with yachting, fishing and water sports for visitors from across the globe. Now, Hamilton Island has its very own golf course— Hamilton Island Golf Club—found on neighbouring Dent Island. Right from the outset you will sense it is a special place, and for those seeking a unique golfing experience, you won’t be disappointed. After all, how many courses can boast their own island, and the only method of transportation to the clubhouse by ferry or helicopter? As you approach Dent Island, the imposing terrain that rises around 150

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www.drummondgolf.com


Dream Course

PLACES

WHITSUNDAYS

WONDER

The opening of the Hamilton Island Golf Club has meant the wondrous Whitsundays can claim to have Australia’s first 18-hole island championship golf course. Sam Gole visited our hottest new golf destination and found out why it is sure to put Hamilton Island back on the map for golfers.

metres from the sea is both remarkable and unmistakable. This is not your standard palm-fringed, white, sandy beach island retreat. Rather, Dent Island is goat country. The majority of the island is covered in bedrock and hilly terrain, and it’s difficult to fathom a golf course can live here. The golf club is a credit to the current owners of Hamilton Island—the Oatley family—and their vision to create one of the most picturesque golf courses in the world. It is simply breathtaking. The 378-metre par four 13th—where you experience 360-degree views from the plateau fairway—has a vista unrivalled in this country. Take your time to digest the vivid and varying colours

www.drummondgolf.com

of the Coral Sea, as well as the majesty of a panoramic seascape including mountainous islands and mainland. It is golfing nirvana. For those coming to the island looking for a suitable challenge, the Thomson/ Perrett design team has prepared three tee positions on each hole. Anyone, from the seasoned golf professional to the onegame-a-year resort guest, can tackle this beauty with a measured sense of fairness. It’s a element sure to attract you back time and again. Officially opened in August, the par 71 course measures 6120 metres from the championship tees. Although modest in length by modern day standards, the true challenge lies in course elevation,

tight landing areas, and the ever-present prevailing sea breezes. Designed as a series of holes strung along the ridges and played across steep valleys, each hole is lined by indigenous trees and natural vegetation. Nearly every hole has views out to the Coral Sea—views that will completely captivate you. Selecting a favourite or signature hole at many courses is often an easy decision—there’s usually a standout. But at Hamilton Island, there’s as many as nine that could claim that fame with picture-postcard appeal. All the par threes are a feature of the course, and many people rate the 14th as the pick of the bunch—it is brilliant.

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PLACES

Dream Course

At 150 metres from the back tee, it isn’t long, but there is little room for error with the green surrounded by thick ball-grabbing bush. The views here are extraordinary and spending some time at the viewing platform adjacent to the tee is a must. Personally, the 4th hole is one of the most stunning par threes I’ve

stray off the fairway during a round. Remember, there’s more room off the tee than it appears. Take an extra club on your approach to the green as it sits slightly higher than the tee box—the distance is a little deceiving. Amazingly, with the immense water in view on most holes, the only time you actually have to navigate an aquatic hazard is on your approach to the 9th green. This 379-metre par four is rated the second hardest on the stroke index. This dogleg-right is a fine way to round off a challenging, scenic and naturally beautiful front nine.

seen anywhere. The highest point on the northern end of the course, this demanding hole is framed by expansive views of the Whitsunday Channel and a panorama of the course itself. At 175 metres off the back, you must fire a tee shot through a prevailing crosswind to a green guarded by a deep ravine short and left. Choose your club carefully. Another hole expressing plenty of beauty of a different nature, is the 2nd. This 379-metre par four is encompassed by dense natural vegetation, and is a showcase of what to expect once you

The terrain on the Dent Island course is ever-changing. One moment you’re ascending steep rises to plateau fairways or tee boxes, and the next you’re perched on top of the world gazing down upon a fairway or green. All the way around you’re left wondering what lies next—surely

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it couldn’t get better? But is does. For whatever you have encountered on the front nine, it is but an entree to what greets you on the way back in. The stretch from holes 13 to 18 is particularly impressive. Like a punchline is to a joke, these holes present the course’s knockout blow and wow-factor. I can’t recall a stretch of holes on another course like it—each hole could rightfully be regarded as the signature hole. My pick must be the 387-metre par four 15th. As you play the preceding hole and witness the full scope of what lies ahead, you’ll see why it’s rated the hardest hole on the course. No doubt intimidation plays a large hand on this hole in defeating the nervous golfer—I, too, succumbed to its pressure. The hole sits on a narrow peninsula heading off to the southern most point of the golf course. Most players will stand on the tee frozen with the fear of sending a ball off on a kamikaze mission. It’s a great hole. The 18th is yet another brilliant hole. From an elevated tee you really have the opportunity to launch your drive and get one back on the course. Although the longest par four at 421 metres, it plays relatively short due the fall in altitude from tee to green. A birdie is certainly on the cards here, and what a way to finish an incredible day’s golf. From the arrival by ferry (or helicopter) to the course’s natural bushland appeal, and to the unparalleled panoramic scenes of the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island Golf Club is truly unique, offering an awe-inspiring golfing experience. The course is golf heaven, and must be a new inclusion on all avid golfers wishlist of dream courses to play.

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Dream Course

The 378-metre par four 13th—where you experience 360-degree views from the plateau fairway— has a vista unrivalled in this country.

PLACES

WHITSUNDAYS

WONDER

fact box Length: Par: Designed by: Green fees: Getting there:

6120m (Championship); 5658m (Resort); 4902m (Ladies) 71 Thomson/Perrett $150 for 18-holes (including cart and ferry to/from Dent Island); $100 for 9-holes Hamilton Island is 16km from Airlie Beach (North Queensland Coast). It can be reached by ferry from Shute Harbour (30 mins) or a direct flight (Virgin Blue, Jetstar, Qantas) from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns.

PACKAGE Red Hot Deal- Save 25% off RRP See page 56 for full package details

Accommodation

Dining

Hamilton Island has a range of accommodation to suit all needs. • 3-star Palm Bungalows • 3.5-star Whitsunday Holiday Apartments • 4-star Reef View Hotel • 5-star Beach Club Resort • 5-star qualia, Australia’s newest world-class luxury resort on the Great Barrier Reef

Try Bommie Restaurant, Hamilton Island Yacht Club’s signature restaurant. With fine dining and stunning views to match, the a la carte menu boasts culinary delights with a modern Australian cuisine theme. As you gaze from your table over the marina back to Dent Island, you’re sure to relive the many sights, shots and stories from your day’s play.

www.drummondgolf.com

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Packages

GREAT GOLF GETAWAYS

Our golf packages can be tailored to suit your specific individual and/or group requirements with our extensive range of golf course accomodation partners. For further information on our complete range of golf travel packages, please contact Lee at the Drummond Club on (03) 9565 1415. MURRAY RIVER, VIC

Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links

2 nights / 2 rounds from just $295 pp (4 share) includes: 2 nights’ accomodation in a 2 bedroom cottage for four and 2 rounds of 18 holes per person, plus complimentary Bambougle Dunes course guide per person.

Additional golf rounds available at Launceston Golf Club and Country Club Resort.

MURRAY RIVER, NSW

2 nights / 2 rounds from just $260 pp (4 share) includes:

Rich River Golf Club Resort 2 nights / 2 rounds from just $192.00 pp (Twin share / midweek) includes:

EW

Hawthorn Suites N

13TH BEACH, VIC

Hawthorn Suites

Yarrawonga & Border Golf Club 2 nights / 2 rounds from just $175.00 pp (Twin share / midweek) includes: 2 nights accommodation in a Wattle/Waratah suite (twin-share), daily cooked breakfast and 2 rounds of 18 holes per person (excludes cart hire). This winter special is valid for bookings Sun – Thu between 1 June to 31 July 2010 inclusive. Room upgrades available and additional golf rounds can be Heritage arranged upon request. The Sebel

EW

LAUNCESTON, TAS

ARE YOU PLANNING YOUR NEXT GOLF TRIP OR A WEEKEND ESCAPE?

N

PLACES

2 nights’ accomodation for four in a 2 bedroom

2 nights’ accommodation in a deluxe suite for two,

apartment, and 2 rounds of 18 holes inc shared cart

dailycontinental breakfast and 2 rounds of 18 holes per person (excludes cart hire).

per person at 13th Beach Resort, playing both

Additional golf rounds available.

the Creek and Beach courses.

N

Cypress Lakes Resort

HAMILTON ISLAND, QLD

Hamilton Island Resort

N EW

5 nights / 2 rounds from just $793 pp (Twin share) includes: 5 nights’ accommodation, in the 4-star Reef View Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, 2 rounds of 18 holes inc shared cart per person, complimentary return transfers between airport/marina to hotel, plus kids stay and eat for FREE (0-12 years and conditions apply) and more.

BONVILLE, NSW

Bonville Golf Resort 2 nights / 2 rounds from just $370 pp (Twin share / mid-week) includes: 2 night’s twin share accommodation in a resort room overlooking the picturesque 1st fairway. 2 continental breakfasts, 2 games of 18 holes golf, including twin share electric golf cart. Unlimited range balls during your stay. Free Bonville golf cap and course guide.

For more packages visit www.drummondclub.com

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EW

Plus a bonus $20 gift voucher per person redeemable for food and beverages at Cypress Lakes Resort. Option for upgrade to Spa treatments @ $50pp.

MILLBROOK RESORT QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND

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1 night / 1 round from just $129 pp (4 share / mid-week Sun-Thu) includes: Overnight accomodation in 2 bedroom villa for four, full buffet breakfast, 1 round of 18 holes per person including shared motorised cart.

Noosa Springs Resort Aquarius Resort 2 nights inc Golf Tuition from just $742.50 pp (4 share) includes: 2 nights’ accommodation in a 2-bedroom apartment for two,daily buffet breakfast, 1 round of 18 holes in cart hire, unlimited range balls and golf tuition for 1 golfer includes: Video analysis, 3 x 1-hour range instructions and 2 x 2-hour playing lessons. Bonus spa treatments for non-golfing partners includes a hydro massage and steam experience, 1/2 day spa escape package and a flotation pool session.

EW

EW

1 night / 2 rounds from just $125 pp (Six share mid-week) includes: Overnight accommodation for 6 guests in a luxury 3-bedroom villa, continental breakfast, self cook BBQ dinner pack, 18 holes of golf inc cart, plus an extra 9 holes inc cart on arrival, late check-out and a complimentary “Riverside Oaks” cap and range balls per person.

HUNTER VALLEY, NSW

NOOSA HEADS, QLD

Villa Special N

RIVERSIDE OAKS, NSW

New! Exclusive to Drummond Club Members Land Package: 7 nights / 4 rounds From just AUD$1,995*pp (4-share) includes: • • • • •

7 nights accommodation at Millbrook Resort, Queenstown (4-share in a 2 bed cottage) Daily buffet breakfast per person Return transfers between airport and resort 4 rounds of 18 holes per person inc shared cart hire (Millbrook, Queenstown, Arrowtown and Jacks Points) Plus a bonus Millbrook welcome gift pack (includes Millbrook Cap, towel and $30 spa voucher per person)

*Package prices are subject to change and are dependant on dates of travel. Above land package excludes return international airfares but can be arranged on request through our appointed travel agent, Encore Travel. Packages are available for single, twin and triple share. Optional extra golf rounds and other local sightseeing activities can also be arranged.

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Slazenger Golf Apparel available exclusively at:

www.drummondgolf.com

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LIFESTYLE

Wine

WELCOME

CHANGES

Drummond Club member Simon Calabria loves talking about wine. Here are some of the standout reds he recommends you uncork this winter.

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Yalumba’s FDR1A Barossa Cabernet Shiraz 2006 ($40)

Majella The Musician Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz 2008 ($18)

Spinifex Taureau 2007 ($34)

Greenstone Heathcote Shiraz 2007 ($35)

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hen it comes to food and wine, I just love the change of seasons. Based in Melbourne, the crisp mornings and cool evenings that arrive around Easter truly mark the end of summer. It’s at this time that the flavours we crave also start to change. There’s a move from fresh, light summer foods to those more likely to be labelled ‘comfort’: slower cooked meats and warmer and earthier flavours. The weather also demands we change our selection of wines. During autumn, I look for white varietals with a bit more texture (such as chardonnay, viognier, pinot gris) and some with age—preferably riesling and semillon. With reds, I tend towards those of medium weight—Spanish and Italian varietals such as tempranillo, sangiovese and nebbiolo as well as pinot noir and cooler climate shiraz. As we move from autumn to the cold of winter I look forward to finding new hearty reds (shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, durif and old vine grenache and mataro/ mouvedre) as well as rediscovering some old favourites. Last winter I was particularly impressed with Yalumba’s FDR1A Barossa Cabernet Shiraz 2004 ($37). It’s rare to find current release wines with bottle age and the 2004 FDR1A shows lovely development and highlights the magic of this quintessential Australian blend. Look out for the just released 2006 vintage. Inspired by the style of the FDR1A, I keenly sought other cabernet/shiraz blends and discovered Majella The Musician Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz 2008 ($18). One of my favourite makers in Coonawarra, I normally opt for the straight Majella Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz. Perhaps without the same ageing potential as the single varietals, the 2008 Musician displays elegant black fruits, herb notes, and fine tannins. Unquestionably Coonawarra, a gorgeous drink and good value. Another maker to consistently impress me over the past few vintages

is Spinifex—a producer of blends from old Barossa vineyards. My winter pick is the Spinifex Taureau 2007 ($34), a blend of tempranillo, carignan, cabernet sauvignon and graciano, all juicy red and dark fruit characters, with savoury hints and great palate depth. Grab a bottle for a hearty casserole; it’s also my pick to drink curled up in front of the fire. A bit like playing a new golf course for the first time and only remembering one or two standout holes, often you come across a new winery where only one or two of the wines grab your attention. Not so for Greenstone Vineyard from Heathcote. I enjoyed all their current reds, and it’s the Greenstone Heathcote Shiraz 2007 ($35) that I recommend. Made in limited quantities, it displays spice and elegance with the unmistakeable dusty tannins from Heathcote. Not a big brooding winter red, but one that drinks beautifully and reminds me of the shiraz-based wines from the Rhone Valley in France. With good current release wines, it can be easy to forget the wonderful characteristics of aged wine. A big bold red on release will often benefit from some time in the cellar. Even with only an extra year or two, these wines display more elegance and complexity. Great winter drinking. If you’ve got your own cellar you’ll understand what I mean. If not, look at your local wine shop for current releases with a few years age (such as the FDR1A) or re-released cellar stock, and older vintages on restaurant wine lists. Otherwise, it’s never too late to start a cellar—buy some extra bottles of an old favourite or a new find, and hide them for a year or two. Prices shown are RRP per bottle.

Simon operates Winecall, an internet/mail order-based wine business. For more information go to www.winecall.com.au

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Members At Play

PEOPLE

GET CONNECTED. When you’re on the course and need to charge your GPS device or PDA, just plug it into our powered USB port. Drawing minimum energy from the S3’s battery, this world first on a golf buggy lets you make the most of your ‘tech’ as you play.

MO R E FEATU RE S. BETTE R GOL F. I T’S T H E S3 P R OMIS E.

Discover more at motocaddy.com.au or call (02) 9693 5777 Proudly distributed by SPORTE LEISURE

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PARTNER DIRECTORY

CORPORATE GOLF AT KOOINDAH WATERS

CORPORATE GOLF PACKAGES Kooindah Waters is the perfect location for your next corporate golf function. Corporate Group Packages start from $49.00pp and include: • Locker and shower facilities

• 18 holes of championship golf

• Practice facilities including 4 nets, • Organisation of on course activities chipping green and putting green • Full cart set up with personalised cart signs • Microphone and lectern upon request for pre and post golf speeches Green Fees Per Person

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• Post golf presentation and prize set up with clothed tables and decorations RESIDENTIAL GOLF & SPA RESORT

Individual Groups Up to 19 persons 20-28 persons

Groups 28+ persons

Mon-Thurs

$59.00pp

$54.00pp

$49.00pp

Fri-Sun

$69.00pp

$64.00pp (After 12pm)

$59.00pp (After 12pm

Open to the public 7 days, Kooindah Blvd, Wyong, Central Coast

Ph 02 4351 0700 or visit kooindahwaters.com.au

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PARTNER DIRECTORY

THI OF NK TRA ING VEL ?

A rare opportunity to play six of Victoria’s finest courses. Drummond Golf Members receive a 40%* Saving on Travel Insurance

Join your host Nadene Gole on a once in a lifetime tour of Melbourne’s most exclusive sandbelt and Mornington Peninsula courses. Exclusive to Drummond Club members and guests.

Chartis travel insurance covers you and your family for overseas medical and hospital costs, stolen and lost luggage, trip cancellations, flight delays and more. You’ll also get 24 hour access to Travel Guard™ emergency assistance, for expert help any time you need it.

Royal Melbourne

http://chartistravelinsurance.com.au/drummondgolf

* The savings are calculated by comparing with Chartis full price premiums as detailed at chartistravelinsurance.com.au current as at 15 April 2010. Savings do not apply to pre existing medical assessment fees. The Chartis logo is a registered trademark. Insurance products and services are provided by American Home Assurance Company, ABN 67 007 483 267, AFSL 230903, trading in Australia as Chartis. American Home Assurance Company is the issuer of travel insurance products. The above is a brief summary of cover only, and exclusions and conditions may apply. You should read the Product Disclosure Statement and consider the PDS in light of your personal circumstances, prior to making any decision to acquire the product. TB 10/00317

Victoria

Kingston Heath

Would you like to ADVERTISE your Business to over 40,000 PEOPLE?

Metropolitan

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

CHECK OUT THE BEYOND THE FAIRWAYS RATE CARD Contact Sam Gole: 03 9565 1410 or email sam.gole@drummondclub.com

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The National - Moonah and Old Courses This all inclusive† six night, seven day, five star team event comes at a cost of $3,395 per person based on twin share and is available to golfers of all handicaps who are looking for the ultimate golfing experience. For full details or to book your place call Nadene Gole on 0425 792 784 or visit www.nadenegole.com †Conditions

apply - see booking form for full details and itinerary.

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Junior Golf

PEOPLE

THE FUTURE IS OUR GOAL

S

At most junior schools in Australia, you’ll likely find students playing our most popular sports: AFL, NRL, Rugby, soccer, cricket, tennis, netball, and even athletics and swimming. But where does golf sit in all this? Beyond the Fairways reports how a Drummond Golf-supported program at a progressive school in Melbourne’s sandbelt is introducing more than 300 students to the game annually.

ince 2006, Beaumaris North Primary School (BNPS) in Melbourne’s south east has included a golf program in its school curriculum. It is a progressive program in a worldrenowned golf region, and it’s something that to date has been rare in our schooling system. Located within a good ‘tee-shot’ from the likes of Royal Melbourne and Victoria Golf clubs, the school offers all of its students from grades three through to six an introduction to golf. As you can imagine, the kids have been more than enthusiastic and many have now taken up golf as a result of first having a taste at school. Past student James Spencer, 13, represents the sentiments of the first group of students to pass through the golf program’s entirety. “I was excited to try golf at school. The general overview from all my classmates was similar as most had not experienced it before,” says James. His initial excitement about playing golf at school has flowed on and he recently joined the neighbouring Rossdale Golf Club, and participates in the club’s junior development program. Now into its fifth year, the Beaumaris program was first implemented with relative ease—everything is modified from the golf balls (made of rubber), to junior clubs designed for 9-12 year olds, cones, witches-hats and hoops. The school’s oval has made an ideal field for a modified golf course. Students from grades three to six receive three hour-long sessions on the school grounds. Here, the emphasis is on children trying golf and basically having some fun with the sport. They’re shown the basics, taught safety and engage in games. Grade six students are lucky enough to spend a golf session playing on the exclusive fairways of Victoria Golf Club, and according to James, an experience all the children loved. The golf program has already demonstrated success in attracting children to play competition golf. At last year’s Victorian Primary School Golf Championships, BNPS had the strongest representation of entries in the eastern division

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and also boasted a dozen students making it through to the regional stage. Principal Sherril Duffy seized the opportunity to include golf as a curriculum subject, saying: “I believed by including golf in our school curriculum we would be able to provide children with an alternative sporting and leisure activity that would engage them now and in adult life.” “I was very shocked at the small number of students who had never been exposed to the game of golf, especially when our school was surrounded by four golf courses. Our school’s student learner profile includes skills and attributes that embodies the values and etiquette of golf.” Drummond Golf supports the school’s initiative by providing junior golf clubs for the program and offers gift packs to foster the interest of these budding golfers. Mark Abeyaratne, Drummond Golf’s managing director, says golf offers children a range of benefits. “Golf offers the children a sense of individual achievement and encourages them to apply self-discipline,” Mr Abeyaratne said. “Golf is a hobby children can play with their parents, grandparents, friends or by themselves. It is also a healthy sport that is non-contact and therefore less prone to injury. Most importantly, children of all shapes and sizes, and all degrees of physical capability can participate successfully at golf.” “We are looking forward to becoming involved in more golf programs for the school-aged in the years to come and to a future where all children are having a go at golf.” Who knows, perhaps boys and girls from BNPS can emulate the accomplishments of Aussie golfers and alumni Geoff Ogilvy and Matt Griffin (school captain) in years to come. But even if they don’t, at least these kids have all tried golf and had fun attempting it. If they do, however, go on to play golf socially or even as a profession, it would certainly be an added bonus.

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Q CROSSWORD

COMPETITION

Theme: The Open Championship (Men’s British Open) * All references to St Andrews are related to the Old Course at St Andrews

1.

5.

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DOWN 2. The angle between the centre of the shaft and the sole 3. Arnold Palmer has won the Open Championship 4. Ernie Els won at this Golf Club in 2002 5. Spanish star and three-time winner (first and surname) 6. Family with eight wins between them (surname) 7. Scottish term for creek 8. 2009 Open champion (surname) 11. Faldo and share the record for the most rounds under 70 (surname) 13. The total Australian victories at The Open 14. Irish born back-to-back winner (surname) 17. The stake colour to identify a lateral water hazard 18. Which amateur won the Open three times (surname) 20. Australians Greg Norman, Peter Thomson, Ian Baker-Finch and have won the Open Championship (first and surname) 23. Who made the most Open appearances before winning? (first and surname) 27. The cup edge 29. One over par for the hole 34. South African who won in a playoff (surname)

ENTER TO WIN

ACROSS 1. Golf’s governing body. The _____ and Ancient 3. Five-time winner from the US (first and surname) 5. The season the event is played (northern hemisphere) 9. The longest course in Open history 10. Who has won the most Open Championships? (surname) 12. Nickname of the back-to-back winner in ’71 & ’72: The Super ______ 15. Another term used to hole a putt 16. You cross this bridge on the 18th fairway at St Andrews 17. The name given to 17th hole at St Andrews 19. This baseball grip is also known as the ___ finger grip 21. The valley of ___ guards the 18th green at St Andrews 22. A major trap on most golf courses 24. Which course has hosted the most Open Championships 25. A long putt designed to simply get the ball close to the hole 26. New Zealand-born champion who won in 1963 (surname) 28. Which champion shot the lowest final round of 64 (initials) 30. Highest-placed Australian at Turnberry in 2009 (first and surname) 31. Nick Faldo’s title 32. Australian winner in 1991 (first name) 33. Who has made the most Open appearances (first and surname) 35. The first Open venue (golf club) 36. The name of Turnberry’s ‘Open’ course

THIS ISSUE

WIN

a Hamilton Island Play & Stay Package

Crossword Answers Autumn issue 2010

Winner: Bryant Roberts, SA. 1.

NAME MEMBER NO.

S

9.

2.

V

3.

E

4.

7.

6.

S

A

N

PH

11.

Competition Conditions Please mail the completed crossword to Drummond Club Management, PO Box 1465, Clayton VIC 3169. All correct entries received by 31 July 2010 will go in to the draw. The first drawn entry will win the following prize. Hamilton Island Play & Stay Package (Ground only) Two nights accommodation in a Coral Sea View room at the 4-star Reef View Hotel. Two 18-hole rounds of golf at the Hamilton Island GC, including transfers and use of a golf buggy (on golf course). Full buffet breakfast daily. Return Hamilton Island airport to hotel transfers. Use of paddleskis, catamarans, windsurfers and snorkelling equipment. Use of island shuttle service for duration of stay.

14.

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37.

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VIEWS

Ravi’s Rant

SLOW PLAY ­­

THE DEATH OF GOLF AND ITS KILLING ME

BY RAVI ABEYERATNE, DRUMMOND GOLF DIRECTOR MARKETING

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aving a busy work schedule and family commitments, getting out to play a round of golf is becoming a rare experience. So when I finally do get out for a hit, I like it to be an enjoyable experience. I recently played a corporate day at one of my favourite courses (an invitation I simply could not refuse), but I must say I took little pleasure in the five hours and 48 minutes it took to play 18 holes. And that was in a cart! The experience gave me plenty of time to reflect on the current state of the game, and what we can do to speed up play. When I started playing golf as a junior, we used to get around in a group of four in less than four hours. So why does 18 holes today take more than five and a half hours? What has changed so dramatically? And what can be done to put the fun back into my (and your) golf experience? Now, this is not a witch-hunt to chase people off the course. But if we can speed up the game it can only be a good thing for us all—it might even encourage more people to get out and play. The first problem is modern course design. In pursuit of better rankings designers and superintendents have made courses harder. The subsequent result is slower play. My aforementioned experience was at a course presented in great condition. But the secondary rough, only a few metres from the fairway, was so thick your ball just disappeared if it got near enough. A lot of time was wasted searching for marginally wayward hit balls. If these guys want

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to trick up a course for a major event, then fine. But for the majority of the year, courses should be playable for the majority of golfers. Doing so will speed up play. There are plenty of examples of a course being challenging without having to grow the rough to US Open conditions. Another slow play issue stems around lost ball penalties. While I’m not one to fiddle with the rules of the game, the penalty for a lost ball (loss of distance and a penalty stoke) needs to change. Perhaps to something similar to a lost ball in a water hazard? There’s nothing worse than trudging back to where you played your last shot, holding up the group behind, and adding another 10 minutes to the round. It only needs to happen with three groups and you have another 30 minutes added to everyone’s round. Yes, hit a provisional. Unfortunately this is not always an option, especially when your ball only runs a few metres off the fairway into trouble. Technology, has also slowed the game in some respects. GPS’s might have helped with the pace of play, but mobile phones certainly have not. If you need your phone with you on the course, then perhaps you shouldn’t be out there in the first place. Now, I don’t have a problem with people having the mobile for emergencies and checking messages (not emails), but when you need to receive and make calls or send an SMS, that’s when you get my blood boiling. And I don’t see much fun in playing if you constantly have work on your mind. So go back to work or ignore the mobile. But for me, the major reason we have ridiculously slow play at times on course comes down to a lack of education. This is not an indictment on golfers, but on the people managing the game in this country. Back when I started playing, I joined a club as a junior and was taught

the ‘etiquette’ of golf—the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’. But with ‘pay for play’ golf more popular these days, and more people playing golf as a second sport, education through membership isn’t a viable option. What we learn about golf now comes from TV and watching professionals play—a recipe for disaster.

So what’s the solution? • When you finish your hole, mark your card on the next tee while your playing partners are hitting off. Not on the green. • Line your putt while another player is putting (without intruding on their lineof-sight, of course). • Select your club for your shot while your playing partner is hitting. These three simple tips are just some of numerous little ideas that speed up the game. The education process needs to start at the golf course. Instead of having time clocks on the course telling people they should have played, “six holes in 90 minutes”, how about having some signs with suggestions on what they can do to keep the game moving? As a retailer, we too should take some responsibility and provide customers/ players with some common ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ on golf course etiquette. Keep it moving and keep the fun. Have Your Say If you have some good ideas on how to speed up play, please email them to info@drummondclub.com Selected responses may be printed in the Spring issue of BTF.

Member Poll/ Results Autumn 2010 issue. Who is Australia’s greatest ever golfer? • Karrie Webb 41.5% • Greg Norman 40.7% • Peter Thomson 17.8%

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ACT

QLD

Fyshwick

(02) 6280 4480

NSW

TAS

Cairns

(07) 4041 4223

Hobart

(03) 6248 4800

Melbourne

(03) 9663 6620

Fortitude Valley

(07) 3257 7220

Launceston

(03) 6334 1919

Nunawading

(03) 9873 8441

Albury

(02) 6041 4848

Gold Coast

(07) 5564 6181

VIC

Preston

(03) 9416 8844

Camperdown

(02) 9557 8822

Hervey Bay

(07) 4194 5582

Ballarat

(03) 5331 5515

Shepparton

(03) 5821 3037

Casula

(02) 9734 0422

Lawnton

(07) 3285 2122

Bendigo

(03) 5443 0074

Taylors Lakes

(03) 8390 8888

Dee Why

(02) 9982 4566

Maroochydore

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