GOLF NEWS WINTER 2024 ISSUE 306

THE UK’S NO.1 GOLF NEWSPAPER

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

ISSUE 306 | WINTER 2024

INTERVIEWS

THE GREAT GOLF BALL ROLL BACK

BOB MACINTYRE TIGER WOODS

GOLFERS AT ODDS WITH RULESMAKERS IN DISTANCE DEBATE

EQUIPMENT ODYSSEY’S NEW AI-ONE PUTTERS CALLAWAY CUSTOM FITTING HYBRIDS IN FOCUS

UP TO SCRATCH

REVISIONS TO THE WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM REVEALED

TRAVEL BARBADOS MAURITIUS PORTMARNOCK

JUSTIN ROSE BANKING ON MORE MAJOR SUCCESS

COMPETITION WIN A PAIR OF DUCA DEL COSMA GOLF SHOES

COMPLIMENTARY COPY Est 1994

NEW The new PING i230 iron puts you in complete control, giving you the flag-finding precision and solid feel preferred by tour pros with the forgiveness everyday golfers rely on to lower their scores.

It’s in the bag of some of the best players in the world and it’s now available for you.

GET FIT TODAY

©2022 PING

EDITORS LETTER | WINTER 2024 [3] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

EDITOR'S LETTER

Nick Bayly

PRO TOURS LOSE THEIR SHINE AS MONEYBALL TAKES CENTRE STAGE Very soon, most LIV golfers, barring those with lifetime It’s hard to know where to start when it comes to exemptions for the Masters and The Open, will be absent summing up the past 12 months in the world of golf. from the majors altogether, as their lack of world ranking Hopefully, in your own world, you‘ve managed to get points begins to fully take hold. out onto the golf course in between the showers and The absence of star players from for all but a handful have even knocked a few shots off your handicap. events has already turned the DP World Tour But even if, like me, your WHS Index is steadily into little more than a sideshow, while the creeping up as the years pass by, I’m decision to give the top 10 players at the hoping you’ve enjoyed getting the end of the 2023 season a bunk up to odd extra shot on those tricky the PGA Tour may yet prove to the holes where a bogey always felt final nail in the European circuit’s like a par. coffin. The DP World Tour’s stock Outside of our cosy world of reached a new low last month amateur club golf, seismic shifts when Rory McIlroy won the have been taking place over the season’s points list despite having last 12 months in the paid ranks only played in four events outside and are continuing to do so even of the majors. He looked more than as the fair-weather golfers among a little embarrassed to pick up the us prepare to put our clubs away massive trophy, but he doesn’t make for a few months over the winter. The the rules, he merely follows them to suit his December 31 deadline for the PGA Tour/DP increasingly busy schedule.

World Tour and the Saudi PIF, the backers of One of the many knock-on effects of LIV Golf, to reach a deal is fast approaching, ■ WILL WE SEE BROOKS KOEPKA AND VIKTOR HOVLAND CROSS these fallouts over power and money is with virtually everyone but a handful of SWORDS OUTSIDE OF THE MAJOR that they have served to distract from all people completely in the dark as to what CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2024? the impressive achievements that have the world of professional golf will look like been taking place on golf courses around the world this in 2024 and beyond. year. On the team front, Europe ‘did the double’ over As things stand it could go one of umpteen ways, the USA in the Solheim and Ryder Cup, with the scenes with the favourite being that the PGA Tour accepts the in Spain and Italy hopefully providing a springboard Saudi billions and creates a new global series of elevated for the next generation to go om to further success in events, sponsored by the PIF, which also allows LIV these showpiece events. While on the individual front golfers a way back into the fold while still continuing to we witnessed Jon Rahm’s swashbuckling victory in the operate LIV Golf. Another scenario sees LIV Golf scrapped Masters all the way back in April, while Brian Harman’s altogether and it’s as you were circa February 2022, only success in the wind and rain at the Open Championship with Saudi as the PGA Tour’s main investor. The final at Royal Liverpool in July served as a welcome reminder scenario, and at this stage, I feel like this is the least likely that slow and steady can still win the race when option, is that all parties walk away from the table and combined with a magical touch with the putter. While its full-on war again, with anti-trust court room battles, you earn a point for remembering who won the PGA subpoenas, full financial disclosures, and Rory and Sergio Championship at LA Country Club (no offense, Wyndham going back to trading insults rather than Christmas cards.

Clark), Brooks Koepka’s fifth major title, achieved at The PGA Tour is clearly stuck between a rock and the US Open after a stunning showdown with Viktor hard place when it comes to fighting off the bottomless Hovland, also served to remind us what professional golf pockets of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. Yes, they is missing for the other 48 weeks of the year by being might be able to find the vast piles of money required to sponsor events from other less morally questionable so divided. sources, but that won’t mean that the problem goes We have also witnessed the arrival of another potential away. It will merely serve to stoke the Saudi fire still global superstar in Ludvig Aberg, the super cool Swede further and mean that yet more top players will be paid who seems to break another record every time he tees it off to join LIV Golf and further split the pro game. up. Let’s hope 2024 will allow us to focus on what really All that fans want – and we don’t ask for much – is to matters – watching great golfers hitting great golf shots. see the world’s best golfers playing together more often.

Sadly, I’m not holding my breath.

THE UK’S NO.1 GOLF NEWSPAPER

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

ISSUE 306 | WINTER 2024

MAPLE HOUSE, THE SPINNEY, HOVE, BN3 6QT

INTERVIEWS

THE GREAT GOLF BALL ROLL BACK

BOB MACTINTYRE TIGER WOODS

TEL: 01273 381794 EMAIL: info@golfnews.co.uk WEBSITE: golfnews.co.uk FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: @golfnewsmag INSTAGRAM: golfnewsmagazine

GOLFERS AT ODDS WITH RULESMAKERS IN DISTANCE DEBATE

EQUIPMENT ODYSSEY’S NEW A.I PUTTERS CALLAWAY CUSTOM FITTING HYBRIDS IN FOCUS

UP TO SCRATCH REVISIONS TO THE WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM REVEALED

TRAVEL

MANAGING DIRECTOR EQUIPMENT EDITOR Matt Nicholson Dan Owen matt@golfnews.co.uk dan@golfnews.co.uk EDITOR DESIGN Nick Bayly Fellows Media editor@golfnews.co.uk (www.fellowsmedia.com)

PHOTOGRAPHY ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Getty Images Matt Nicholson Kevin Murray matt@golfnews.co.uk Andy Hiseman 01273 381794

BARBADOS MAURITIUS PORTMARNOCK

JUSTIN ROSE

PUBLISHED BY BlueGreen Media

BANKING ON MORE MAJOR SUCCESS

COMPETITION WIN A PAIR OF DUCA DEL COSMA GOLF SHOES

© Copyright 2024. No part of this publication may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in anyway or means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers in writing.

COMPLIMENTARY COPY Est 1994

[4] WINTER 2024 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

InBrief PEAFORD & BAILEY CLAIM TELEGRAPH JUNIOR TITLES ★ Surrey’s Annabel Peaford made history by becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Championship as 24 of the finest elite junior golfers from Europe competed in the 2023 edition of the event held at Quinta do Lago in Portugal. The 14-year-old, who is a member of Walton Heath Golf Club, led from the start of the 54-hole girls’ tournament held on the resort’s prestigious South Course.

After her final-round 73 took her to three-under-par and a five-shot victory over Scotland’s Freya Russell and defending champion Sophia Fullbrook.

In the boys’ tournament, Morton Bailey, 17, from West Hove Golf Club in East Sussex, also led from the start of the tournament with a final round 69 moving him to seven-under and to a six-shot win over Moseley’s Phillip Krone.

Penge ‘over the moon’ after securing DP World Tour card with victory at Challenge Tour final Sussex-based tour professional Marco Penge can look forward to competing alongside Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and all the top players in Europe after winning the Challenge Tour Grand Final and the season-long rankings to secure his place on next season’s DP World Tour.

The 25-year-old from Horsham posted a closing three-under-par 69 to secure an emphatic six-stroke victory at the Challenge Tour’s seasonending tournament at Alcanada in Mallorca.

He started the final round at the Spanish venue just one shot ahead of Frenchman Tom Vaillant, but a bogey at the par-five first hole saw his lead disappear. However, the Sussex man would bounce back brilliantly. Four birdies in seven holes around the turn and another at the par-four 15th saw him move clear at the top of the leaderboard and secure promotion to the DP World Tour.

“To be standing here and saying I’ve won twice

on the Challenge Tour and also winning the rankings is hard to imagine,” Penge said after coming off the course. “It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but I am absolutely over the moon. I believe in myself, and I know what I am capable of.

I felt like arrived at the tournament in a good place with my game and I’m just really pleased that I could bring it all together.”

■ MARCO PENGE WON THE CHALENGE TOUR ORDER Recounting his final OF MERIT AND THE GRAND FINAL IN MALLORCA round, Penge added: “I made bogey on one after a terrible shot into the green. I find it Ranked in 60th place before his maiden always takes me three or four holes to settle win at the Open de Portugal at Royal in my rounds and that is something I need Óbidos in October, Penge who represents to improve on next season. But after three Caversham Heath GC, finished just seven holes I said to my caddie ‘I feel normal now, points ahead of South African Casey Jarvis so let’s try and get our foot down and move in the season’s rankings, with Spaniard as far forward as we can’ and obviously I Manuel Elvira finishing third. did that. I think birdieing the 7th settled A total of 21 DP World Tour cards were up everything and once I got through eight, I for grabs in Mallorca, with Welshman Stuart felt I was going to be fine.”

Manley securing the final spot.

■ SIR NICK FALDO ON THE NEW PUTTING GREEN HE DESIGNED AT CHART HILLS

ENGLAND’S WOMEN SECURE HIGHEST EVER FINISH AT WORLD TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP ★ England’s women’s team secured their highest ever finish in the World Team Championships after they took fourth place in the three-day event held in Abu Dhabi. Lottie Woad (Farnham GC, Surrey), Charlotte Heath (Huddersfield GC, Yorks) and Caley McGinty (Knowle GC, Glouc) performed with distinction at Abu Dhabi Golf Club as the trio put England in contention for the Espirito Santo Trophy on the final day, before eventually finishing fourth – beating their previous best of seventh. In the individual standings, Woad finished on -9 in a tie for fourth after shooting under par in three of her four rounds.

USA ENJOYS EISENHOWER TROPHY SUCCESS ★ England’s men’s team finished tied 15th in the Eisenhower Trophy, as Tyler Weaver (Bury St Edmunds GC, Suffolk), Barclay Brown (Hallamshire GC, Yorks) and Jack Bigham (Harpenden GC, Herts) gave it their all at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Individually, Weaver finished tied 17th in the 108-player field after finishing -8 across the four days, while Jack Bigham (-3) and Barclay Brown (+1) aided the trio’s combined final score of -14. USA finished runaway winners with an impressive score of -36, while Norway and Australia were joint second on -26.

Faldo swings into Chart Hills to oversee latest improvements Sir Nick Faldo returned to the site of one of his oldest and most significant course design projects when he dropped into Chart Hills Golf Club In Kent last month to review the on-going upgrades to the course that he first designed back in 1993.

Sir Nick took his first look at his newly designed practice putting green, reviewed ongoing projects and hosted a short game clinic for members during his time at the club.

The putting green takes inspiration from Faldo’s favourite greens from his major wins Augusta, Muirfield and St Andrews – including its very own Valley of Sin, the undulating patch of fairway that fronts the 18th green of the iconic Old Course.

In recent years, Chart Hills has undergone some extensive renovation work that has transformed the course into one of England’s finest. The club undertook a major fairway project in 2021, which saw every fairway sand-capped, creating a winterproof course, with excellent playability year-round. Following on from this, in August this year, the club announced the second phase of the renovation project, which includes the refurbishment of all the tee boxes and the completion of the new Sir Nick Faldodesigned par-3 course.

Inspired by some of the short holes that Sir Nick has experienced during his career on tour, the par-3 course will have holes ranging from 50 to 100 yards, with specific design features dawning from iconic holes at St Andrews, Augusta National and the main course at Chart Hills.

LIV Golf to move UK event to JCB Golf & Country Club After hosting the inaugural LIV Golf event at the Centurion Club in Hertfordshire in 2022 and returning to the Hemel Hempstead-based course again in 2023, next year will see the Saudi-funded tour move to a new venue in the UK – JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire.

The full schedule for LIV Golf’s third season will feature 14 tournaments, with JCB signed up to host the UK leg of the international series from July 26-28. The event will see 48 players compete over three rounds of stroke play for a prize fund in excess of $25m across individual and team competitions.

JCB Golf & Country Club is owned by British billionaire Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB, a manufacturer of equipment in construction and agriculture. The club’s ultra-exclusive course only opened four years ago but has already hosted a Legends Tour event for the past two years, but will most likely have to end that partnership given the current impasse that exists between the DP World Tour and LIV Golf.

Centurion is to continue to host the UK leg of the Aramco Team Series, a Ladies European Tour competition which has been staged in the immediate week following the club’s hosting of the LIV Golf London event over the past two years.

LIV Golf’s schedule will include a number of new stops in 2024, including Mayakoba in Mexico, Las Vegas in Nevada and South Korea. Valderrama in Spain will stay in the schedule for 2024, hosting a tournament from July 12-14, while new venues in Nashville and Houston will be among the six events due to take place in the US, with Doral in Miami, being one of the venues to give way.

■ JCB GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB WILL HOST A LIV GOLF EVENT NEXT SEASON

[6] WINTER 2024 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

InBrief

■ JUSTIN AND KATE ROSE WITH PRINCE EDWARD, THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

BOLTON BOLTS IN AT FALDO EUROPEAN JUNIOR FINAL ★ England’s Ben Bolton has been crowned champion of the 2023 Faldo Series Junior Tour Europe after winning the 54-hole grand final at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club in the UAE. The 16-year-old from Wolverhampton recorded rounds of 65, 70 and 66 for a total of nineunder-par total of 201, to win by seven shots from his nearest rival.

With 15 birdies across the three days, the talented teenager’s last round comprised 33 on the front nine with two birdies, as well as 33 on the back nine. Despite recording bogeys on 10 and 11, the Enville golfer battled back to birdie four holes on the spin from 13 to 17 as he fended off Vietnam’s Nguyen Anh Minh – the only other player in the field to shoot below par on -2.

Bolton, who works as a greenkeeper at Enville Golf Club, admitted there wasn’t much of a celebration after his win. He added: “I flew back on Friday and headed to Woodhall Spa for an England camp, then I was back at work at Enville on Monday morning!”

ENGLAND NAMES 2024 WOMENS SQUAD England Golf has named its Women’s Squad for the 2023/24 season, which includes six new players in the nine-woman squad.

The nine players, who have been recognised for their impressive achievements over the past year, will receive England Golf training sessions with support from its world-class coaching team, and will feature in competitive opportunities throughout 2024.

The UK-based squad will train alongside the Girls’ Squad for the most part the winter, while the US-based players came together last week for a training camp at Florida State University with coaches Steve Robinson and Nick Soto.

Lili-Rose Hunt and Nellie Ong are newcomers to the national programme, and join Sophia Fullbrook and Isla McDonaldO’Brien, who have progressed from the England Girls’ Squad, while sisters Mimi and Patience Rhodes are also new additions to the squad for 2023/24.

UK-Based Squad: Sophia Fullbrook, Lili-Rose Hunt, Isla McDonald-O’Brien and Nellie Ong. Women’s US-Based Squad: Jess Baker, Rosie Belsham, Mimi Rhodes, Patience Rhodes, Lottie Woad.

Justin Rose named golfing ambassador for DoE Golf Charity

Justin Rose has been appointed as the golfing Ambassador of the Duke of Edinburgh Cup, a charitable organisation founded by the late Prince Phillip in 1999 and now overseen by his son, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke of Edinburgh Cup raises funds through a programme of national amateur golf events around the world to benefit young people and children in need.

In his role as ambassador, Rose will help to raise awareness of the Duke of Edinburgh Cup and the charitable work that it does. Since its foundation almost 25 years ago, it has seen golf events hosted in over 20 countries which have raised over £5.2m for the good causes that it supports, including The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation and other local charities helping young people. Wherever possible, funds are disbursed where they are raised.

Speaking about his new role, Rose said: “I am delighted to accept the position of ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh Cup as raising funds through golf for children in need continues to be a passion and focus of mine. I am very much looking forward to working with the trustees to expand the charity’s global reach and impact. I particularly appreciate how the organisers of each individual event are able to select the cause most needed in their local community where the monies are being raised.” He added: “I see so much opportunity for the Duke of Edinburgh Cup to expand its reach and help more people in need, through the game of golf. With my wife Kate joining as one of the Trustees, we look forward to playing our part in supporting such a good cause.”

The Duke of Edinburgh, who met Justin recently at Wentworth Golf Club, said he was delighted to welcome Justin as the Duke of Edinburgh Cup’s golfing Ambassador, noting how his support and advocacy will enhance the awareness of the Duke of Edinburgh Cup as well as its charitable impact.

Every year the organisers of The Duke of Edinburgh Cup invite golf clubs from around the world to apply to host qualifying events from which the leading two players progress to a World Finals held in England. This year’s finals saw rounds played at Wentworth Club and The Berkshire Golf Club, before a final round one of the most exclusive golf courses in the world, the Royal Household Course within the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Finalists are offered all-expenses paid trips to compete and are invited to attend a post-competition gala dinner in Windsor Castle, where the Duke of Edinburgh presents the winners with their prizes in his role as President of the Duke of Edinburgh Cup. The Duke of Edinburgh Cup is run by The International Golf Charity which is a legally constituted charity acting under the jurisdiction of the UK Charity Commission (Reg. 1085994).

For more information, visit www.dukeofedinburghcup.com

Trophy thieves target Coombe Hill and Walton Heath Coombe Hill and Walton Heath, two of Surrey’s most historic clubs, have been targeted by thieves over the last few months, with tens of thousands of pounds worth of trophies stolen in separate raids.

Coombe Hill club captain Andrew Hooke said the club had ‘lost many of its prized cups and trophies in a brazen smash and grab raid’ in September, with the haul worth an estimated £90,000, while Walton Heath suffered a similar fate in August just days before it hosted the AIG Women’s Open.

Hooke said the robbery was upsetting for the club and its members, adding that some of the stolen silverware was over 100 years old and of high sentimental value to the club and its players. “It’s such a shame – the silver represented a huge part of our club’s history. We now face the question of how to replace it,” he said.

A spate of golf club trophy thefts occurred throughout the UK about a decade ago, but tightened security and the installation of CCTV seemed to have stemmed the tide in recent years. However, the relative isolation of many clubs means that thieves are often able to escape capture long before police or other security teams are able to react to alarms.

More than 20 golf clubs had their trophies stolen in raids between 2012 and 2014, with the majority located in the southeast of England. Silver trophies were particularly targeted as the price of silver rose from less than 10p per gram in 2000 to more than 90p in 2011. The thefts stopped as the price slumped to less than 30p in 2015, but it currently stands at 60p, making it a much more valuable commodity.

STAY | PL AY | D I N E

Winter Specials at Prince’s!

27 holes of reimagined Championship links golf

Golf Break

£185.00pp Sun-Thur / £215.00pp Fri-Sat

Available from

1 night, 2 rounds of golf, 2 course meal & breakfast

1 Nov 2023 to 29 Feb 2024

Based on twin sharing rooms Extra £45.00 per person for single rooms

December Golf Day

£85.00pp Breakfast & 18 holes

Available from

- Groups of 12+

1 to 22 Dec 2023

- Valid Monday to Thursday ONLY - Must be booked in advance & we do require FULL payment upon booking.

Contact the Golf Office on: T: +44 (0) 1304 611118 E: office@princesgolfclub.co.uk W: www.princesgolfclub.co.uk Prince’s Golf Club & The Lodge, Sandwich Bay, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9QB

@Princesgolfclub

[8] WINTER 2024 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Golf boom shows no sign of slowing New golf participation data for the third quarter of 2023 in the UK has revealed that more rounds of golf were played between July and September than in any previous year with the exception of 2020.

After a slow start to the year, mainly caused by bad weather, rounds played across the UK remain well above pre-pandemic numbers, in the latest sign that golf’s pandemic participation boom has reset the baseline appetite for the game.

According to a report issued by Sporting Insights, only January of the first nine months of the year saw a dip against 2019 figures, while the remainder of the year has so far seen 2023 track and often exceed the totals seen outside lockdowns during the period 2020-2022.

September was the quarter’s strongest performing month, both against 2022 (up 10%) and against 2019 (up 55%).

The year-to-date average of 2,910 rounds played per course per month means there are 646 more rounds per course per month being played – or an extra of 21 more people per day.

The report suggests that initiatives such as iGolf, Openplay and Flexigolf schemes for independent golfers in England, Scotland and Wales were playing a significant role in providing routes for non-members and newer golfers to track improvement and access competitive golf, helping those people to stay in the game.

Last month saw BRS Golf, golf’s leading provider of tee time management booking technology, report a strong first half of 2023 for both member play and visitor play in the UK and Ireland, with more rounds played so far this year than in the whole of 2019.

Another big change in golf participation since the pandemic has also been the noticeable shift in the patterns of play, with games played from midday onwards representing 60% of all rounds, up for 50% in 2019, while the number of rounds played on weekdays has gone up to 59%, compared to 56% four years ago. Both figures reflect a change in work patterns, with more people working from home or operating flexible working hours, which enable them to clock off early to play golf during times that were once considered ‘office hours’.

Royal Ascot unveils course renovation plans Royal Ascot Golf Club in Berkshire is carrying out a £500,000 course renovation programme that aims to transform its 18-hole course into one of the UK’s leading facilities.

The move is part of a long-term investment to enhance playing and social provisions at the club and build on its reputation as one of the best courses locally providing a year-round challenge to golfers of all standards.

Each hole will be upgraded by enhancing drainage and irrigation, while bunkers will be renovated and new treelines created. The course will also look to establish signature holes and regenerate pathways on the 150acre wooded crownland site to improve accessibility. The current phase of works will see four holes – 1, 9, 10 and 18 – upgraded, with an additional round of

development planned in the new year.

The course renovations form part of a wider programme of investments at the club, with other projects including developments to the clubhouse, the creation of a new swing studio, extended pro shop and a fresh commitment to attracting new players to the game.

Speaking about the changes, Stephen Nicholson, General Manager at Royal Ascot Golf Club, said: “Providing outstanding facilities for club members, guests and those using off-course provisions is our number one priority. We are committed to establishing Royal Ascot Golf Club as one of the UK’s top courses. Our major investment into all 18 holes forms a key part of achieving this long-term goal and we’re pleased to begin the latest phase of on course developments.

He added: “Our intention is to deliver the highest quality playing facilities possible – and our investment into the course sits at the heart of this. Tee times during works will remain unaffected and we thank our loyal members for their support of this project which, once complete, will attract new and existing players.”

■ XXX

Westerham enhances playing experience with new teeing options and buggy path Westerham Golf Club has benefitted from further investment in its 18-hole, par-72 golf course over the autumn that will improve the long-term quality of the playing experience at the popular club located on the Kent/Surrey borders.

The tees on the par-4 6th and par-4 17th holes and have been moved to offer a better angle of play for both holes.

Elsewhere, the buggy paths have been resurfaced over the complete length of the 6,270-yard course, meaning that buggy hire is available all year round, and not just when course conditions allow.

The club’s woodland management programme is now in its third year and in the past month some stunning new views have been opened up and the playability of a further four holes has improved significantly.

PXG opens new retail and fitting store in Surrey PXG has opened its first dedicated shop in the UK, with PXG London South offering golfers a fully immersive fitting and retail experience.

Located in Esher in Surrey, next to the company’s European headquarters, the new retail outlet opened for fittings on November 7, and is designed to give golfers a tour-quality club fitting experience, as well as being a retail outlet for PXG’s extensive range apparel and accessories, including a wide range of PXG-branded New Era caps and an eye-catching range of golf bags, The 3,500 square foot store offers two custom fitting bays which feature TrackMan simulators. These bays are supported by PXG’s master fitters, dedicated to fitting golfers into the right set of clubs. There is also a putter fitting area, where players can get fit into one of the brand’s Battle Ready II range of putters.

In addition to fitting PXG golf clubs, the facility will also sell PXG apparel, accessories and the company’s Xtreme golf balls.

To book a club fitting at the PXG London South store, visit www.pxg.com or call 01372 898700.

■ ONE OF THE NEW TEES THAT HAVE BEEN BUILT AT WESTERHAM

COMPETITION | WINTER 2024 [9] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

COMPETITION

WIN A PAIR OF DUCA DEL COSMA FONTANA GOLF BOOTS! We’ve teamed up with luxury Italian golf fashion brand Duca del Cosma to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of the waterproof FONTANA golf boots worth almost £200!

QUESTION

A great option over the winter golfing months, the award-winning FONTANA boot ticks all the boxes in terms of functionality to deliver a super stable stance and ensure feet remain exceptionally warm and dry during the round.

Constructed using premium microfibre with a soft fleece lining and a supremely breathable ARNEFLEX memory foam insole, the boot delivers all-day comfort straight out of the box, while the premium Airplay 9 outsole with strategically positioned nubs offers a sturdy grip on all ground conditions.

Providing an abundance of style, the FONTANA comes in two smart colourways – Navy and Brown – which are guaranteed

to catch the eye of playing partners for all the right reasons.

For more information on the FONTANA golf boot, visit www.ducadelcosma.com.

WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE OUTSOLE USED ON THE FONTANA GOLF BOOT? A. AIRPLAY 8 B. AIRPLAY 9 C. AIRPLAY 10

TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning this great prize, simply answer the question below and email your answer to info@ golfnews.co.uk, with ‘Duca del Cosma Competition’ in the subject line. Please include your name, contact details, and where you picked up your copy of Golf News from or whether you read it online.

The closing date for entries is January 31, 2024.

[10] WINTER 2024 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

High-Flying Floydd earns Challenge Tour card

Willett sprints his way to fastest 9-hole world record Reigning British SpeedGolf champion Luke Willett has set a new world record for the fastest 9-hole round of golf by an individual after completing the requisite number of holes in just 20 minutes and 12 seconds.

Willett, who is a teaching professional at Sunningdale Heath Golf Club, completed the impressive feat over a 2,709-yard composite layout of the Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, ahead of the DP World Tour Championship that gets underway on Thursday.

The 39-year-old battled through temperatures of 34° to etch his name into the Guinness World Records. He completed the course in nine over par, using just a 3-wood, 6-iron and a pitching wedge, although his score did not count towards the record.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have set this Guinness World Record for the fastest 9-hole round of golf,” said an exhausted Luke following the challenge.

“It’s an incredible feeling to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport, and I’m grateful for the opportunity provided by DP World, and I’m honoured to be a part of this record-breaking journey with them.”

According to Guinness World Records the record for the fastest 18-hole round of golf by an individual is 27 minutes and 9 seconds. This was achieved by James Carvill at Warrenpoint Golf Course in Northern Ireland in 1987. The course measured 6,154 yards.

Willett has enjoyed a superb run of form in SpeedGolf this year, including winning the British Open Speedgolf champion in front of home crowds at Sunningdale Heath, where he sprinted around the 3,705-yard, 18-hole course in just 25 minutes and 39 seconds and shooting a nine-over 67 on the par-58 layout to take the title. While last month saw him finish third in the US Speedgolf Open held in Kentucky, where recorded the fastest round of the 36-hole competition, playing Oldham County Country Club in just 41 minutes in the first round, and then going even faster over the second 18 holes, which he completed in just 38 minutes. However, Luke’s putting wasn’t up to its usual high standards, and his scores of 81 and 83 meant that he finished third behind eventual winner Jin Ota of Japan.

■ LUKE WILLETT IN ACTION IN DUBAI

Sussex tour professional Jack Floydd earned promotion to the Challenge Tour for next season after finishing fifth in the Alps Tour order of merit.

The 28-year-old Haywards Heath golfer finished eighth in the final event of the season to secure one of eight cards on offer on Europe’s second tier tour in 2024.

Floydd enjoyed a strong season on the satellite tour which staged fourteen 54-hole events in Europe, with tournaments in France, Spain, Italy and Egypt. He bagged his fourth Alps Tour win at the very first event of the season, the Ein Bay Open in Egypt, and went on to secure two runner-up spots at the Open de la Mirabelle d’Or and the Tenerife Pro Golf Open in June.

Wildwood put up for sale

BigShots Golf eyes up new venue in Essex BigShots Golf, the interactive driving range-based experience business, is looking to expand its offering in the UK. The company, which already has sites at Northwick Park and Stockley Park in west London, has applied to lease a plot of land at Ilford Park in Essex to build a new venue.

Redbridge Council has agreed to lease land in Valentines Park in Ilford to accommodate the new facility, which features a specially designed driving range to offer a variety of interactive real and virtual golf experiences. BigShot venues also include an indoor putting course and food and drink offerings.

The site of what was once Wildwood Golf & Country Club in Surrey, which went out of business in 2017, and whose golf course has long since grown over, has put up for sale by its owners, Peker Holding Limited.

The owners had drawn up plans to develop the 232-acre site in Alfold that once boasted a 27-hole golf course that first opened in 1992, but have since decided to divest its interest in the site.

Planning permission was given in 2010 for an 84-bed hotel and 39 lodges to be built on the site, and that consent is understood to remain in place.

A pre application advice has also been submitted to the local planning authority setting out alternative plans for a leisure resort incorporating up to 199 lodges.

Freehold offers are being invited and interested parties should contact Ben Allen at HMH Golf & Leisure by calling 0207 4911555 or 07887 804430.

Call goes out for ‘Community Golf Instructors’ Following the collaboration of England Golf and partners across Great Britain and Ireland to pioneer a Community Golf Instructor programme, members of the public can now register their interest for training courses to become instructors from 2024.

The new Community Golf Instructor training programme has been set up to create a new workforce to help grow the game in communities across the UK, with the focus of getting golf into schools, communities and beginner activity into golf clubs and activities.

The training course will be a mix of online and face-to-face learning, focusing on developing Community Golf Instructors who take a person-centred approach and can create a relaxed, sociable environment for golf activity.

Working in partnership with The Golf Foundation, The PGA, and with the full backing and financial support of The R&A, the Home Nations have piloted training several clubs, including venues Beeston Fields in Nottinghamshire and Celtic Manor in Wales.

Once trained, instructors will be able to lead beginner and introductory activity independently, working in a paid or voluntary capacity, without it affecting their ‘amateur status’ as a golfer.

England Golf Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Tomlinson, said: “We want to inspire and educate people, especially children, to recognise the benefits that golf provides. The

Community Golf Instructor programme is a crucial new initiative that we believe, through the delivery of fun and engaging activity, will enable us to grow the game and bring people from all walks of life into golf.

“Instructors don’t need to be fantastic golfers, the programme is aimed at people with a passion for the sport and who want to inspire people to get into the game. After all, golf is a game for everyone, and by driving a more diverse and inclusive workforce, we hope to make the game more appealable to new audiences of all ages and backgrounds.”

If you, or anyone you know, would like to register your interest in joining the Community Golf Instructor Programme, training courses for which begin in 2024, visit www.englandgolf.org and following the links.

NEWS | WINTER 2024 [11] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Sir Michael Bonallack passes away aged 88 Sir Michael Bonallack, Britain’s most successful amateur golfer of the post-war era, and one of golf’s most pre-eminent administrators, passed away in St Andrews, Scotland at the age of 88.

Born in Chigwell, Essex, in 1934, Bonallack first showed an aptitude for golf on a family holiday to Devon when, at the age of 10, his parents spotted his skill while playing around on the beach. He was given membership at Chigwell Golf Club and began to receive coaching from the club pro. In 1952, he won his first significant amateur title – the British Boys. He went on to win the Essex County Championship 11 times between 1954-72.

The winner of countless elite level amateur tournaments and championships throughout his golfing career, Bonallack’s CV of wins included five British Amateur Championships between 1951-70 and five English Amateur Championship titles. He was also a four-time English stroke-play champion.

He was twice the leading amateur at The Open Championship in 1968 and 1971, and finished 11th in 1959. He also represented GB&I in six World Amateur Team Championships, the last three outings as captain, and he tied for the Individual title with American Vinny Giles in 1968.

Bonallack was a member of the Walker Cup team in nine consecutive years from 1957 and captained the team to success in the event at St Andrews in 1971. In total, he played in 131 matches in England internationals, winning 79 of them.

His services to golf continued after his playing heyday and he was chairman of the European Tour from 1976-82 and held the same role at the Golf Foundation between 197782. He was also president of the English Golf Union in 1982 and was appointed Secretary of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in 1983, a role he held until 1999. He has also served as President of the Golf Club Managers’

Association (1974–84), and Chairman of the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland (1976–81).

He received the USGA’s Bob Jones Award for sportsmanship in 1972 and the Donald Ross Award in 1991 and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2000. He was awarded an OBE for his services to golf in 1971 and then made

a knight in 1998. Bonallack married Angela Ward in 1958 and they were married for 64 years until her death in July last year.

During his time as secretary of the R&A he was once asked: “Most people play golf to escape work. What do you do to relax?” Without a moment’s hesitation, he replied: “I play golf.”

■ SIR MICHAEL BONALLACK WAS A TALENTED AMATEUR GOLFER AND A BRILLIANT ADMINISTRATOR

STAY & PLAY The Belfry is one of the most sought-after resorts in the UK. The perfect place for your next golf break.

2024 GOLF BREAKS FROM £159 PER PERSON

3 AWARD WINNING GOLF COURSES HOME TO THE BETFRED BRITISH MASTERS | 4 TIME RYDER CUP VENUE

TOPTRACER DRIVING RANGE | FOUR RESTAURANTS AND BARS EUROPE’S LARGEST ON-COURSE GOLF SHOP

ENGLAND’S BEST GOLF COURSE

ENGLAND’S BEST GOLF HOTEL

01675 238 600 | enquires@thebelfry.com TheBelfry.com

[12] WINTER 2024 | INTERVIEW

SHOOTING

F O R T H E S TA R S After justifying his captain’s pick at the Ryder Cup and enjoying a solid season on the European circuit, Bob MacIntyre is set to broaden his golfing horizons next year after earning a place on the PGA Tour. Here, Scotland’s highest ranked golfer reflects on his achievements over the last 12 months and assesses his chances of adjusting to life competing on the other side of the Atlantic

W

ith the DP World Tour’s 2022-23 season recently wrapped up, how do you reflect on the year that you’ve had and what you have learned from it?

As with European or American competing in the professional game, you must have dreamed of perhaps one day teeing it up in a Ryder Cup, but how was the reality for you?

It was everything that I always thought it would be and more. Getting the call from Luke was a dream in itself, but to be part of a winning team is a lifetime’s achievement. You’ve got to dream it before you can believe it and I was lucky enough to let it happen. Shoot for the stars and keep dreaming – that’s my motto!

Coming away with two-and-a-half points and an unbeaten record was great, but I really couldn’t care whether I got zero points or five points in five games, it was all about Europe winning Ryder Cup and we managed to do that.

Obviously getting 2 1/2 out of three was great, as was having a great partner in Justin [Rose], and having great team around me, but the highlight for me was just getting into that team room at the end with the Ryder Cup trophy in our possession.

When it was just 13 of us in there in the one room, no cameras, nobody else, was a magical moment.

We just had a bit of time together and kind of embraced everyone and realised what we had achieved. That memory will stay with me forever.

You talked about what a great partner Justin Rose was to have. What specifically did he say to you on that first tee on Friday and then as the matches progressed?

When I came off the range on Friday morning and was walking towards the first tee I was almost crying, and Justin could see that I was very nervous. After we’d done all the introductions and handshakes and posing for the cameras, he came over and put his arm around me and said, “Everything is going to be all right. This will be over in two-anda-half minutes.” He was brilliant. He’s so experienced. He kept me calm. He trusted me. He believed in me. Even though I was terrible on the greens on Friday.

I think he spoke to Luke and said, “He’s close.”

And I felt that tee-to-green I was solid. I was never out of a hole. I was never having a disaster.

I was almost allowing him to be more aggressive because he was playing so well. Then on Saturday, he just kept believing in me. I still had not made a putt for 12 holes, and I stood on 13, and he was trying to help me read the putt. I was like, “Justin, it’s all right. I got this one.” And once I

holed that, he put his arm around me and was like, ‘That’s what it’s all about. We fight together.”

He was incredible the whole week.

He was someone that I knew I got along with, but I know him on a different level now.

■ EXPERIENCED CAMPAIGNER JUSTIN ROSE PROVED THE PERFECT PARTNER FOR BOB MACINTRYE’S FIRST RYDER CUP APPERANCE

Did your experience of playing team golf as an amateur, and maybe as member of the Hero Cup team, help in your preparations for the Ryder Cup? Yeah, everything I did with Scottish Golf at the amateur level was always team stuff, European teams, Nations Cup, Walker Cup. I went to college for a year-and-a-half and it was all about the team there.

My whole life’s a team. I don’t do anything without a team behind me. I treat a team like it’s a family, and Ryder Cup week was pretty much the same. Team sport just feels kind of normal for me.

Most first-time Ryder Cup players – whether they win or lose – say that it made them feel like they never want to miss another one. I’m guessing that’s the case for you?

I’d love to play in another one, in fact lots of them, but you only get in that team by playing consistently good golf for a long period of time.

With only six automatic spots on offer, half the team are having to rely on a wildcard, which kind of takes it a little out of your hands. It’s a very special week and one that I’d like to be a part of again.

What goals did you set yourself at the start of 2023?

The main goal was to get into the top 50 in the world by Christmas so that I could get an invitation to the Masters next year. I’ve got myself

INTERVIEW | WINTER 2024 [13]

FACTFILE

AGE: 27 LIVES: OBAN, SCOTLAND TURNED PRO: 2018 WORLD RANKING: 57 TOUR APPEARANCES: 119 CUTS MADE: 98 (82%) TOUR WINS: 2 (2020 Cyprus Showdown, 2022 Italian Open) TOP 10s: 25 2023 RACE TO DUBAI RANKING: 13th BEST MAJOR RESULTS: OPEN – 6th, 2019; Masters – 12th, 2021; US Open – 35th, 2021); US PGA – 49th, 2021 RYDER CUP APPERANCES: 1 (2023) CAREER EARNINGS: €7.25m 2021 Solheim Cup

PERFORMANCE STATS FOR 2023 DRIVING DISTANCE: 300 yards (28th) FAIRWAYS HIT: 58% (149th) GREEN IN REGULATION: 67% (74th) SCRAMBLING: 70% (19th) PUTTS PER ROUND: 29.3 (45th) PUTTS PER GIR: 1.81 (175th) AVERAGE SCORE: 70.9 (33rd)

up to 56th, so I’m not quite there yet, but we’ve got until January 31, so we’ll see if we can get that done.

You came within a whisker of winning the Scottish Open, your home Open, earlier this summer, only to be pipped at the post by Rory McIlroy. How do you reflect on that week, and how quickly were you able to put the disappointment behind you?

The Scottish Open will be one of the events I want to play for the rest of my life. It’s one I’ve dreamed of winning since I watched at home when I was a kid. Once I birdied 18 I thought this might be the one, but sadly that wasn’t the case. Yeah, look, obviously it was pretty tough not to come away with the win, but it wasn’t like it was mine to lose.

I went out and shot a decent score on Sunday and then someone came along, who was higher up the leaderboard, and also shot a good score and that was that. I was proud of the way I performed.

I played some good golf that week and it really gave me the confidence to kind of kick on from there. Hopefully I’ll get another chance in the future – there’s plenty of years ahead.

You earned your PGA Tour card for next season after finishing inside the top 10 in the DP World Tour points list. How do you think you’ll handle it all – and not just the playing side of things?

My life will change quite dramatically with where I have to live, what I have to do and where I have to play, but I won’t change. I’m going to be the same guy and I will still live my life the same way. It’s not the be-all and end-all though. I’ve got a great life.

I’m making good money. I get to travel the world, and my family are all healthy and happy.

I came close to getting temporary PGA Tour status and I’ve done well in the past couple of years, so will see how things pan out. I know

I KNOW WHAT DREAMS I WANT TO ACHIEVE, BUT I JUST DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH I’M WILLING TO CHANGE IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THEM what dreams I want to achieve, but I just don’t know how much I’m willing to change in order to achieve them. But we’ll sit down and have an open chat with the whole team and see how we move forward.

What do you say to those who say that by giving PGA Tour cards to the top DP World Tour players is simply turning the latter into a feeder tour for the former?

I get why some people are saying that, but I don’t think it [the DP World Tour] is a feeder tour. It is home for me and I think it’s only going to get stronger. You look at the fields we get around the world; the top guys still come back and play on the tour and probably enjoy it more. There is more of a family feel. It’s where you can go for dinner with the boys and we have fun, a great laugh. That’s the thing about the European tour, it’s not all about the golf, it’s about the life and the memories and the friends you make. To me that’s everything.

There are a couple of things that need to change in the world of golf – whether they happen is outside my control, but I’ll let other people work that out background and I’ll carry on playing my golf.

WHAT’S IN BOB’S BAG? Driver: Titleist TSi3 (8°) Fairway woods: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15°, 18°) Hybrid: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (19°) Irons: TaylorMade P7MC (4-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (50°,56°, 60°) Putter: Scotty Cameron T5.5 Proto Ball: TaylorMade TP5x

[14] WINTER 2024 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ ED RICHARDSON (FAR RIGHT) WAS PART OF ENGLAND’S WINNING TEAM AT THE RECENT EUROPEAN SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf community mourns the loss of Ed Richardson Edward Richardson, the chief executive of golf club operator Get Golfing and one of England’s most talented amateur golfers, has died suddenly at the age of 55.

In a statement published on his LinkedIn profile, a spokesperson for Get Golfing wrote: “It is with the deepest regret that we have to inform you that our CEO, Edward Richardson, passed away on November 17. This has come as a great shock and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this most difficult time.

“Ed truly loved the game of golf and everything it stands for, his unrivalled passion, dedication and determination was inspiring for all that he touched. Many of us owe him a great

deal. He leaves a massive hole in our hearts, but an unshakeable desire to fulfil his legacy. As Ed said many times, Get Golfing is owned by the golfing gods and he now joins them.”

After attending the University of Central Florida and Michigan State University, Richardson graduated in 1993 with a degree in Turfgrass Management. A talented golfer in both the professional and amateur ranks, he reached a career high of 35th in the World Amateur Ranking and won 15 amateur tournaments between 2005-8. After a short stint in the professional ranks he re-joined the amateur circuit and won countless county and national tournaments, and represented England’s golf team in numerous events, most recently playing a starring role in England’s victory at the European

Woodhall Spa pro enjoys Indian summer of low scoring PGA Professional Adam Keogh broke the course record over Woodhall Spa’s Hotchkin Course after shooting a 13-under-par 60 at his home club in October.

The 35-year-old bagged his fifth career hole-in-one during an astonishing round on the 6,869-yard, par-73 course, as he fired 11 birdies on top of his eagle ace to secure what is believed to be the best-ever score on the course from the white tees.

Remarkably, it was his joint-best score, as just 14 days earlier he shot 59 (-13) at Turkey’s Carya Golf Course. That was a personal record he broke by three shots, having shot -10 at Spalding in 2021.

Keogh was in such scintillating form during that period that he was a combined -54 for six rounds, which included five eagles, 45 birdies, 57 pars and just a single bogey.

Keogh said: Having shot 59 a couple of weeks before, I told my playing partner that it would truly be something special to do that at Woodhall, as it would mean shooting -14! Although I got to -5 through 9, I wasn’t even thinking about a target at that point, but then I went birdie-birdieeagle, and was -9 through 12. I was still some way off, but knew I had two par fives to play. I secured birdie on the 14th and had a chance at birdie from 20 feet on 15. I then hit it close on 16 and 17 to get birdies, so was heading down 18 knowing I needed an eagle to shoot 59. I hit the drive down the left-hand side and then hit a 3-wood 265 yards to the left of the green. I had an outside eagle chance with the chip which was online, but finished about a foot short!”

The official Woodhall Spa Hotchkin Course record was achieved by David Horsey who shot -9 in the 2005

Champion of Champions event.

If Keogh’s -13 wasn’t special enough, he was also celebrating his fifth hole-in-one on the iconic 12th hole, his first ace at Woodhall Spa. He explained: “It was a fairly calm day and I hit my seven-iron 174 yards. I thought it was a bit right but it drew lovely towards the flag and pitched a foot away before jumping straight in on the second bounce.”

Keogh’s career highlights have seen him represent England at amateur level and win the English PGA Championship in 2021. He played in five DP World Tour events in 2022

■ WOODHALL SPA PRO ADAM KEOGH FOUND A RICH VEIN OF FORM DURING THE AUTUMN

Senior Team Internationals in France in September. He also reached the semi-final of the English Senior Men’s Amateur Championship in August, losing out to Stephen Creed who went on to win the title.

Always a huge supporter of the game at club level, Richardson set up Get Golfing in 2018 with the aim of increasing participation, bettering local communities and enriching the lives of staff and customers. At the time of his death, Get Golfing operates a portfolio of 12 clubs, including Hampton Court Palace, North Downs, Pyrford, Sherfield Oaks, Arkley, Ansty, Warley Park, and the most recent addition Cobtree Manor, which joined the group this autumn.

Since taking over Redlibbets Golf Club in Sevenoaks five years ago, Richardson oversaw Get Golfing’s growth into one of the largest golf operators in the UK, with over 500 staff and annual revenues of £20m, and surpluses of around £3 million. These surpluses are reinvested back into the venues, staff development, and community initiatives, aligning with their overall charitable objectives.

As part of its initiative to encourage greater participation, Get Golfing offers free membership to juniors at all of its sites. Currently, over 1,300 children play free of charge at their venues.

Under Richardson’s stewardship, the charity also developed a dedicated community team to spearhead key initiatives. One such initiative is the Free School Meals programme, which targets children who may not have had the opportunity to experience golf before. Through this free-ofcharge programme, all participants throughout the year enjoy a safe environment, eat well, and experience a whole host of activities that includes golf.

Among the many friends and colleagues to pay tribute to Richardson was Lee Williams, general manager of Pyrford Lakes Golf Club, one of Get Golfing’s recent acquisitions. He wrote: “There are very few people you meet in life who can stand tall and be recognised and respected by their peers for accomplishing so much in life and a profession. Ed had a gift to motivate and drive those around him that was only match by his passion for family and golf. Hundreds of people joined Get Golfing to be part of Ed’s vision and thousands more will continue his legacy for many years to come.”

after qualifying through his national ranking, while his proudest moment was featuring for GB&I against the USA at the PGA Cup at Foxhills in 2022, as he finished undefeated across the tournament despite not being on the winning team.

Looking to the future, Keogh added: “I normally put my clubs away for a period of time in the winter, but I still think you’ve got to keep your eye in a little bit. Primarily my main focus is coaching, as it has been for a few years, but I still pride myself on being able to play the game at a decent standard.

“It’s been pretty special really, you don’t think about scores like -13 happening. People might think I’ve been playing around pitch-and-putt golf courses with these scores but to do it at a club of the stature and difficulty of Woodhall Spa, makes it very special indeed.”

SURREYNATIONAL.CO.UK WESTERHAMGC.CO.UK WOLDINGHAMGC.CO.UK

Book a new golf day of 20 or more players by 31 January and receive a free organiser place.

To enquire please email mitch.dowling@altonwoodgroup.co.uk and quote GOLF NEWS.

CORPORATE, SOCIETY & VISITOR BOOKINGS WELCOME

WEEKEND TEE TIMES AVAILABLE

[16] WINTER 2024 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Georgia Hall Junior Open Series crowns first order of merit champion Fourteen-year-old Liam Thorne has become the first winner of the Georgia Hall Junior Open Series.

Thorne has enjoyed incredible success across the series, picking up prizes at three of the five events. He won the final event of the series, the Manor Masters held on The Manor

Cobtree Manor joins Get Golfing portfolio Specialist charitable golf club operator Get Golfing has taken over the lease of Cobtree Manor Golf Club in Kent, taking the total number of clubs in its portfolio to 12, and their third new venue in 2023.

Situated near Maidstone, Cobtree Manor is conveniently located near Redlibbets, Get Golfing’s first venue and the location of its head office.

Owned by Maidstone Borough Council, and previously managed by MyTime Active, Cobtree Manor boasts an

Course at Bramshaw Golf Club, with an impressive score of 42 points to take the title and finish at the top of the Order of Merit.

The Georgia Hall Junior Open Series is made up of five events hosted at Paulton’s Golf Centre and the Forest Course and the Manor Course at Bramshaw Golf Club. The series has attracted young golfers from wide and far, with Jayden Tucknott from Royal Guernsey Golf Club winning the gross competition.

Thorne, who won the Bramshaw Junior Mini Masters two years ago, has had a fantastic year, achieving all the goals

18-hole, 5,576-yard, par-69 parkland course and clubhouse that, according to Get Golfing, ‘needs investment’.

Talking about plans for enhancing the club, a Get Golfing spokesperson said: “Get Golfing was created for just such an opportunity as this. We are a specialist golf operator which is run as a charity where all surpluses are reinvested back into the venues.

“Our track record over the past five years shows over £7m of site investments and we expect to take Cobtree on the same path as all our other sites. This is through increased participation primarily due to the course conditions we provide supported with our attentive and motivated staff.”

Walton Heath wins inaugural Women’s Champion Club title Walton Heath Golf Club have been crowned the first ever winners of the English Women’s Champion Club at St Ives Golf Club.

Nicola Taylor and 14-year-old twins Annabel Peaford and Emily Peaford helped the Surrey team win the event by 14 shots ahead of Ganton Golf Club.

Eighteen clubs represented each of their counties at the tournament, with three players from each club playing 18 holes on each of Saturday and Sunday, and the two best scores from three players on each day counting.

Emily’s 74 and 67, along with twin sister Annabel’s

pair of 70s across both days, helped them to a comfortable victory. In second place was Ganton’s Staveley, Sara Gilmore and Heather Butcher, with Northamptonshire County’s Hattie Billson, Lila Bissett and Olivia Holioak Church in third place.

The tournament also created a little bit of history because the course record at St Ives was broken not just once, but three times over the two-day event.

First it was Annabel Peaford with a two-under-par 70 on day one, before Ganton’s Amy Staveley fired a three-under 69 on the second day. However, Annabel’s twin sister Emily broke the record just two hours later, with an eagle and four birdies on her way to five-under 67.

Emily said: “I didn’t realise it was the course record on Saturday, it was only when we got to the course on the second day. Nobody had told me, so afterwards when people said I had taken the record away from my sister, it was quite pleasing. She’s had a really good season and overtaken me, so it was nice to get back at her with that one!”

Commenting on the inaugural Women’s Champion Club event, Emily added: “We all worked really hard, and there’s always such a good atmosphere at Walton Heath, so to bring a team together to not just play in the first year of the Women’s Champion Club, but to win it, was amazing.”

he set for himself before the season began. He explains, “At the start of the year I decided to start taking my golf more seriously. I set myself three goals. To win the Order of Merit, The Manor Masters and get my handicap down to the low 20s. I am very proud to have done all of these.”

Bramshaw Golf Club’s General Manager Molly Pavey commented: “We want to create more opportunities for youngsters to play golf in the region. This is a vision that Georgia shares with us, which is why we have opened an Academy and Open Series in her name. The Open Series is important as it provides a competitive experience for young golfers of all ages and abilities, and we look forward to seeing Liam defend his title next season.”

Paulton’s Golf Centre, home to the new Georgia Hall Academy, has already welcomed hundreds of youngsters from across the county to its 10-week beginner sessions.

Plans are already in place to develop the facilities currently available at the venue, and to attract more children and women to the ■ LIAM THORNE sport in 2024.

‘Voice of The Open’ Ivor Robson passes away Ivor Robson, the official starter at The Open Championship for 41 years, has died aged 83.

Described by the R&A as “one of the most distinctive voices in golf”, Robson began his career as a starter at Carnoustie in 1975 and retired in 2015 after the 144th Open at St Andrews.

He delivered the famous “On the tee…” introductions in his gentle Scottish accent at The Open, as well as many European Tour events, and is credited with having introduced over 18,400 players in his time on the first tee at golf’s oldest major.

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said, “We are deeply saddened to hear of Ivor’s passing. As official starter at The Open for over 40 years, his voice was instantly recognisable and synonymous with the Championship for players and millions of golf fans worldwide. He was popular and well respected among all golfers who played in The Open and I know that they will share in our sadness at this news. On behalf of all of us at The R&A, I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to his wife of 61 years, Lesley, and the Robson family.”

Robson didn’t miss a championship or a tee time going back to 1975 and was also well known for avoiding a toilet break as much as he could between matches teeing off by not drinking any liquids until the final player had teed off.

Looking back his career in 2015 following his retirement, Robson said: “It is a great honour to be the official starter for the greatest championship in the world. I’m privileged and immensely proud. They were all very special.”

NEWS | WINTER 2024 [17] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Skylark put up for sale Skylark Golf & Country Club in Hampshire has been put up for sale on behalf of the joint administrators, Kroll Advisory Ltd. As well as an 18-hole, 5,609-yard golf course, Skylark’s facilities include a Grade II listed 18th century wedding barn, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa and gym facilities.

The club, which went into administration in June, is continuing to operate on a ‘business as usual’ basis, and is honouring all future events bookings, including weddings and golf days, while a buyer is found.

Tom Marriott at HMH Golf & Leisure, the agents handling the sale, said: “This is the quintessential country club in an excellent location on the outskirts of Fareham, midway between Portsmouth and Southampton. The business has an excellent turnover and the potential for future growth. Currently there are few golf clubs available in the market and we expect strong interest.”

For further information, visit www.hmhgolfandleisure.com or call 07900 672045.

England Golf launches iPlay membership to encourage wider participation England Golf has added a new tier to its iGolf membership with the launch of iPlay, which will enable users to submit scores from not only all affiliated golf clubs, but also a variety of off-course facilities, including adventure golf and short golf courses in England.

England Golf launched ‘iGolf’ in 2021 to drive participation in the game, with the platform giving golfers

who are not members of a golf club the ability to input scores and obtain a Handicap Index.

Over 50,000 people have now signed up for the iGolf platform since its inception, with more than 6,500 then going on to become golf club members. Those signing up to the new iPlay service will be able to connect with iGolf subscribers as well as golf club members, and England Golf is hoping iPlay will follow in the footsteps of iGolf by bringing more people into the game.

England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson commented: “The incredible take-up of our iGolf platform has inspired us at England Golf to extend our reach with iPlay and the hope of connecting with as many new golfers as possible who want to take up this great game. Of course, the natural progression is for iPlayers to become iGolfers but we are happy with whatever level anyone wants to participate at.”

England Golf currently has 720,000 active golf club members, and Tomlinson hopes those numbers will grow in the coming years as a result of the introduction of iPlay.

He said: “Whether it’s playing short courses, adventure golf, enjoying a pitch-and-putt course, or going all the way to playing 18 holes on a golf course, iPlay provides that chance for people to progress their interest in the game, at any level. If the desire is to play more then we have that pathway for them too, in iGolf, where they can obtain a Handicap Index. We passionately hope that iPlay, will encourage people to connect with England Golf, feeling supported on their golfing journey, wherever it may lead.”

Foxhills continues course renovation programme Foxhills Club & Resort in Surrey is to continue the renovation of its two championship courses this winter with a further £500,000 invested in the second phase of its ongoing improvement programme.

The renovation of a further seven holes on its Longcross Course will take place between now and March under the leadership of Director of Golf Sean Graham and Courses and Estate Manager Derrick Johnstone.

Bunker shape and positioning – more than 20 bunkers will be re-constructed – green size, shape and contouring, as well as extensive drainage and irrigation upgrade work will take place during that time, while tee positions will also change on several holes to bring hazards more into play and encourage more strategy and creativity throughout the round.

Following the success of phase one and the opening of the new signature 16th par-three, Foxhills will also be developing a signature hole on the front nine, with the ninth green being completely redesigned and rebuilt, almost doubling in size, with new bunkering on the front left to protect the green and provide a different challenge.

Director of Golf Sean Graham said: “With interest in golf at record levels, the ambition is to continue to cement our place as one of the best golf courses in the country. This investment will ensure that the courses at Foxhills are enjoyable for all levels of golfer; from the experienced player to those earlier in their golfing journey. We’re looking forward to unveiling the outcome of phase two to our members and guests early in the new year.”

Foxhills has so far invested more than £2m as part of a major five-year plan to improve the year-round playability and enjoyment of its two courses which will make them more suited to the modern style of the game and to players of all handicaps. The project includes the biggest structural changes to the Longcross and Bernard Hunt courses since they were designed by Fred Hawtree and opened for play in 1975.

Johnson wins Social Golfer Matchplay title

■ IAN MULLINS OF THE SOCIAL GOLFER (LEFT) WITH WINNER DAVE JOHNSON

TheSocialGolfer.com held its 11th TSG Matchplay Championship Final at Farleigh Golf Club earlier this autumn, with Essex golfer Dave Johnson facing Kent’s Mark Crane coming through six rounds of match play golf to reach the final two.

The final began with Johnson taking an early lead, going 3up after three. But Crane, who won the title in 2014, fought back to stay in the match. However, it looked all but over when Johnson went dormie on the 13th green, but with victory in sight, Johnson lost the next three holes after going out of bounds off the tee on all three holes, forcing the game to the 17th. Sadly, Crane left his par putt short on the 17th hole, while Johnson holed out for par to take the title 2&1.

Commenting on his win, Johnson said: “Mark pushed me all the way, and I don’t mind admitting that I thought I had thrown it away at one point. However, after losing in the final in 2021, this win was all the sweeter, and I am thrilled to be the new champion!”

Meanwhile, in another competition running alongside the event on the day, ten teams competed for the inaugural Social Golfer Pairs Trophy for The Kirstie Cup, named after long-term TSG member Gary Wilson’s daughter, who he lost to cancer aged only 26. And, rather fittingly, the cup was again won by Wilson and his partner Rob Webb.

To find out more about The Social Golfer and how to join in the fun, visit www.thesociagolfer.com.

WHS

2.0 TheR&A R&Ahas hasannounced announcedsome somesignificant significantchanges changesto tothe theWorld WorldHandicap Handicap System System that that are are to to come come into into play play from from The January1.1.Here’s Here’saasummary summaryof ofthe themain mainupdates updatesand andhow howthey theywill willaffect affectgolfers golferswith withaaWHS WHShandicap handicap January

T

he Rules of Golf have always moved with the times – not always as quickly as some would like – but in the 280 years since they were first introduced they have often been adapted as a consequence of developments in technology, course design or other such changes to what came before.

The same has applied to the handicapping system, which, too, has been subject to rigorous and constant review since it was first launched in 1911.

The most recent change was the introduction of the World Handicap System in 2020, which was an attempt to unify a system which previously operated six different systems across the world. While each system worked well on a national or regional basis, the divisions made it impossible to implement when players were playing away from their home country or in a place which operated under a different set of handicapping rules. The WHS, as it is known, has unified those six systems into one, and now enables golfers of different abilities to play and compete on a fair and equal basis, in any format, on any course, anywhere around the world.

Over the last three years the R&A and the USGA, which governs the WHS, have been gathering performance data from the 125 countries that use the system, and the more than 100 million scores that have been entered during that time, and used them to come up with revisions to the system as part of an ongoing review of the Rules of Handicapping and Course Rating system.

The R&A, which governs golf in the UK, says the revisions are designed to make the system ‘more accurate, consistent and fair’, will come into effect in certain parts of the world from 1 January, although some will not ‘go live’ in England until April 1, so keep an eye on club noticeboards and your myEG app to the latest updates. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the main updates and how they will affect golfers who have a WHS handicap.

■ ROUNDS PLAYED ON PAR3 COURSES, SUCH AS NAILCOTE HALL, HOME OF THE BRITISH PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP, WILL BE ABLE TO BE USED TO CALCULATE A HANDICAP INDEX UNDER REVISIONS TO THE RULES OF HANDICAPPING

INCLUSION OF SHORTER-LENGTH COURSES WITHIN THE COURSE RATING SYSTEM The overall length requirements for Course Rating are being significantly reduced. A set of tees on an 18-hole course may be as short as 1,500 yards to be eligible for a Course Rating and Slope Rating – the previous lower limit was 3,000 yards – and a set of tees on a 9-hole course may be as short as 750 yards.

This change is intended to expand the WHS to thousands of shorter-length courses, including par-3 courses, and enable more golfers to obtain a Handicap Index.

USE OF AN ‘EXPECTED SCORE’ FOR A HOLE NOT PLAYED Changes have been made to the method used to account for holes not played, which will now be based on a player’s ‘expected score’ rather than a score of net par. This new method will produce a 9-hole or 18-hole Score Differential that more accurately reflects a player’s ability.

As golfers across the world are playing more 9-hole rounds, an expected score can also be used to convert a 9-hole round into an 18-hole Score Differential.

For some countries this means that 9-hole scores will be considered in the calculation of a player’s Handicap Index immediately after the day of play, rather than waiting to combine with another 9-hole score.

NON-STANDARD NUMBERS OF HOLES CAN BE USED FOR HANDICAP PURPOSES

THE WHS ENABLES GOLFERS TO COMPETE ON A FAIR AND EQUAL BASIS IN ANY FORMAT ON ANY COURSE IN THE WORLD

A variation to Clause 3.2 in the WHS rules will allow the playing of handicapcounting rounds over a non-standard number of holes. This will mean handicapcounting competitions could now be played over any number of holes between nine and 18, with rounds of fewer than 18 holes scaled up to 18 using the new ‘Expected Score’ facility. So, if your course has a couple of holes out of action for winter maintenance or improvement works, or your club plays a shorter-length competitions, those scores could count for handicap purposes.

FEATURE | WINTER 2024 [19] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ THERE IS TO BE CHANGE IN THE WAY A SCORE IS ASSESED FOR HANDICAPPING PURPOSES WHEN PLAYING IN ABNORMAL CONDITIONS

MORE FREQUENT PLAYING CONDITIONS CALCULATION ADJUSTMENTS The Playing Conditions Calculation has been modified to increase the likelihood of an adjustment for abnormal playing conditions. This means that if you record a good score in what are considered to be ‘tough’ conditions (windy, heavy rain etc), your handicap rating is more likely to be cut than if you played a good round in benign conditions. Abnormal conditions are calculated by assessing the scores against handicap of a minimum of eight players putting in cards at a specific course on a single day.

PLAYERS TO RECEIVE SHOTS BASED ON COURSE DIFFICULTY Currently, the formula used is Handicap Index x (Slope/113), but the new calculation for course handicap will be Handicap Index x (Slope/113) + (Course Rating + Par). This updated formula, which comes into play on April 1, will move the target score to net par/36 points for all handicap indexes. This means that if the course rating is higher than par, players will receive additional strokes.

Whereas if the course rating is lower than the par, they will lose strokes.

For example, a male player currently playing the Hotchkin course at Woodhall Spa from the white tees, with a handicap index of 10.0, would have a course handicap of 13 (10.0 x (151/113) = 13.362831). However, using Course Rating – Par, the course handicap would be 15 (14.76 rounded up).

This revision will help lower handicappers more as any ‘Course Rating minus par’ differences will be a bigger percentage of the result of the calculation than for higher handicappers.

FOURBALL FORMATS TO COUNT TOWARDS HANDICAP Currently, only scores from certain singles formats of play can count towards your handicap. From the start of April, however, scores from fourball competitions (such as strokeplay, Stableford and par/bogey) will also be accepted. The only caveat is that one player of the pair must have scored on a minimum of nine holes, and the total pair score must be at least 42 points (or six under par). If these triggers are hit, however, the golfer who has scored on the minimum nine holes will have an upscaling value added for their unplayed holes based upon their playing partner’s score. If this score equates to 36+ points (level par or better), a score differential will be calculated and recorded for handicap purposes.

ENHANCED GUIDANCE ON CONDUCTING A HANDICAP REVIEW A handicap review will be conducted at least once a year for every player with a WHS handicap to ensure the handicap index remains reflective of that player’s ability. New reporting tools have been developed that will help to identify players who are consistently scoring above, or below, their ‘expected’ scoring range or where other abnormalities within a player’s scoring record exist.

To find out more about the Rules of Handicapping and the latest changes to the WHS, including a series of handy videos, visit www.whs.com

■ UNDER THE ‘EXPECTED SCORE’ REVISION, GOLFERS CAN STILL SUBMIT CARDS FOR HANDICAPPING PURPOSES EVEN IF THEY AREN’T ABLE PLAY ALL 18 HOLES

BRAID’S LASTING LEGACY

■ BERKHAMSTED GOLF CLUB

While James Braid’s talents as a professional golfer were undeniably impressive, his most enduring legacy to the golfing world is to be found in the fairways and greens of the more than 250 golf courses that the great man designed and renovated during first half of the 20th century

■ JAMES BRAID AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF HENLEY GOLF CLUB IN 1908

‘The Magnificent Seven’ James Braid Highland Golf Trail The James Braid Highland Golf Trail has been initiated to enhance the experience of golfers wishing to visit a wonderfully picturesque part of Scotland whilst benefitting from the enjoyment and challenge of playing over our Braid designed golf courses.

20% off Full Green Fees when quoting JBHGT if you book at any of these seven courses via telephone. More information may be found online via the web addresses shown below.

Boat of Garten Golf Club

Inverness Golf Club

Muir of Ord Golf Club

18 completely individual holes, cleverly and sensitively shaped fairways lined by birch trees, heather and broom producing one of Scotland’s finest tests of golf. Ranked 28th course in Scotland by NCG 2019.

Located in the heart of the Highland Capital, Inverness Golf Club has a splendid parkland course with tree lined fairways and generous well manicured greens. An enjoyable and challenging test for any golfer.

An award winning golf club, set in an area of outstanding scenery with the hills of the Great Glen to the south and Ben Wyvis to the north. The course features tight fairways and one of the finest par 3’s in Scotland.

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Golspie Golf Club

Brora Golf Club

Reay Golf Club

A true Scottish links golf course and national championship venue. Voted Scotland’s Best Golfing Experience (Value for Money) at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards 2017 & 18, it is ranked in top 50 courses in Scotland (Golf World)

Situated an hour’s drive north from Inverness, the small Highland village of Golspie hosts one of the hidden gems of Highland golf. The Par 70 course offers an excellent golfing experience whether you are an advanced golfer or beginner.

Recognised as one of James Braid’s finest pieces of work, the green staff work tirelessly to preserve its original beauty.

This course reflects the perfect balance between challenge and fun in a truly breathtaking setting.

A traditional links course on the scenic north coast of Scotland. It nestles in Sandside Bay with the North Atlantic Ocean visible from every hole. Reay is far north, but certainly worth the distance.

www.jamesbraidhighland.golf • www.boatgolf.com • www.invernessgolfclub.co.uk • www.muirofordgolfclub.co.uk • www.fortrosegolfclub.co.uk • www.golspiegolfclub.co.uk • www.broragolfclub.co.uk • www.reaygolfclub.co.uk

JAMES BRAID | WINTER 2024 [21] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

I

f you were to draw up a list of people who have had the most impact on the game of golf, you would expect to find the likes of Old Tom Morris, Frank Stapleford, Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Karsten Solheim, Ely Callaway and, of course, Tiger Woods, well inside the top ten. But also near the top of that list of greats, you would also find James Braid.

Braid, who was born in Scotland in 1870, not far from St Andrews, shaped the modern golfing landscape of the United Kingdom like no other. Not content with having won five Open Championships during a ten-year period between 1901-1910, and being one of the founding fathers of the Professional Golfer’s Association, Braid used his knowledge of course strategy as a player to design and renovate over 200 courses during a 40-year period between 1910 and 1950.

After moving to London in his early 20s, during the height of his playing powers, Braid landed his first club professional’s job at Romford Golf Club in Essex. Two years later he moved south of the river, to Walton Heath, a new course in Surrey designed by Herbert Fowler. He remained with the club for a further 45 years until his death in 1950.

In the midst of his five Open Championship successes – during which time he dominated the game with JH Taylor and Harry Vardon to form the ‘Great Triumvirate’ – Braid found time to put pen to paper in explore his thoughts on the game, its playing, and most interestingly, its design. Advanced Golf, first published in 1902, is a book any golf course architect or serious student of the game should not fail to have on the shelves of their library. Braid dedicated two chapters of the book to course design – ‘The Planning of Course’, and ‘The Character and Placing of Teeing Grounds, Bunkers and Putting Greens’ – and fascinating reading they make for

■ ABERDOVEY GOLF CLUB

JAMES BRAID DID MORE TO SHAPE THE UK’S GOLFING LANDSCAPE THAN ANY OTHER

■ KINGS COURSE AT GLENEAGLES

Situated close to the East Renfrewshire border with Ayrshire is the golfing gem which is Caldwell. Founded in 1903 the course was redesigned in the 1920s by James Braid. Caldwell Golf Club prides itself in promoting a welcoming friendly environment for members and visitors alike. But most of all we are proud of developing a stunning picturesque course which provides an enjoyable yet challenging golfing experience.

Caldwell Golf Club

Our members and visitors in T: 01505 850366 recent years have witnessed E: secretary@caldwellgolfclub.net impressive improvements w: caldwellgolfclub.com creating beautiful well drained fairways and magnificent smooth-running greens.

Such is the growing reputation of Caldwell that we are now a target host of regional championships, charity, and corporate events. Visit Caldwell and see for yourself. You will be made most welcome in our excellent clubhouse restaurant and well stocked Pro Shop. (Book Now quoting Code GN10 for 10% Discount on Visitor Prices)

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

are not placed on a course haphazard, but they are made in particular places to catch defective shots. Whilst every assistance should be given to the bunker to enable it to catch its own kind of shot, and the player punished by having to play out of it, generally there should be a fair chance of playing forward.”

Braid’s prolific architectural work is all the more impressive when you considered that he was operating in a time when there were no planes or helicopters, a sparse rail network and poor roads. It didn’t stop him from completing projects all over the British Isles, however, from St Enodoc, Royal Porthcawl and Aberdovey in the west, to Berkhamsted, North Hants, Littlestone and Goodwood in the south, to Walmer & Kingsdown and Rochford Hundred in the east, and to his beloved Gleneagles in the north, where his magnificent Kings and Queens courses are among the finest inland courses anywhere in the world, to the classic links at Carnoustie, one of the Open Championship’s toughest layouts.

Of course, Braid can’t have been a constant

■ HENLEY GOLF CLUB

those who think about of the strategy of what makes a good golf hole.

He wrote: “It is both necessary and desirable that the holes should be laid out as suggested by the lie of the land, every natural obstacle being taken care of. There should be a complete variety of holes – not just in length, but in their character – the way in which they are bunkered, and the kind of approach shot that is required.

The greens should be well guarded. The shorter the hole, the smaller the green, the more closely guarded. The bunkering and general planning should be carried out with the specific object of making it necessary not only to get a certain length, but more particularly to gain a desired position… and the player who does not gain his position should have his next shot made more difficult.”

Braid, who is widely credited with the invention of the dogleg, firmly believed that

longer holes should present safe and brave options off the tee. “There should as frequently as possible be at least two possible alternative methods of playing the hole – an easy one, and a difficult one – and there should be a chance of gaining a stroke when the latter is chosen.”

Braid was also a fan of a grandstand finish, with the closing holes placing increasing demands on the player as the round reaches its end. “The last two or three holes should be of good length in order to induce a good finish,” he wrote. “At the long holes, the bunkering should not be too severe. In the case of the shortest of the short holes, I would have no cross bunkering, but bunkers all around it.”

Some contend Braid was guilty of over-penal bunkering, and being too tough on the player, but others argue that was, at heart, a strategist.

“Long bunkers right in front of a green are not a good form of hazard,” he propounded. “Bunkers

BRAID WAS A FAN OF THE GRANDSTAND FINISH

■ BOAT OF GARTEN

T H E N O RT H S H O R E GOLF COURSE The North Shore Golf Course is located on the coast of Lincolnshire, overlooking the North Sea. Enjoy the scenery of this remarkable golf course that is a member of the Association of James Braid Courses.

The 18 hole, par 71 golf course is set just 1km from the centre of Skegness with a mixture of links and parkland holes.

This course is a delight to play as the location is beautiful all year round.

TOP TOP 100 100 GOLF RESORTS GOLF GOLF RESORTS RESORTS IN BRITAIN & IRELAND IN IN BRITAIN BRITAIN & & IRELAND IRELAND

2023 2023 2023

Bungay & Waveney Valley Golf Club is located on the Norfolk/Suffolk border in the picturesque Waveney Valley.

The club was founded in 1889 and is a classic James Braid design. The terrain of the 18-hole course is basically heathland, rising and falling gently though, occasionally, suddenly, there is a ravine. Some of the greens are set in fascinating positions and add an extra degree of difficulty to a very interesting, traditional course. The course is very well drained and plays well all year round making it a popular destination for members of other clubs during wet winter months.

A true member’s club which is also very welcoming to guests and societies.

Call us now on 01986 892337 ext.2 or email golf@bungaygc.co.uk

2 01 9 2 20 01 19 9

Find Find out out what what you’re you’re missing missing with with one one of of our our ‘Stay and and Play’ Play’ breaks breaks ‘Stay

B B

k k

breaks@northshoregolf.co.uk breaks@northshoregolf.co.uk breaks@northshoregolf.co.uk

W WW .NO RT HS HO RE HO TE L .. C O .. U K W WW WW W .. N NO OR RT TH HS SH HO OR RE EH HO OT TE EL L.C CO O.U UK K

JAMES BRAID | WINTER 2024 [23] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

presence at many of these constructions, and most of his restoration projects probably required no more than a fleeting visit to assess the lie of the land, but such was his expertise that he only needed a brief look at detailed relief maps to know what was required to create a decent golf hole.

Braid was often called upon to officially unveil the courses he worked on, with one of the more notable occasions coming at the opening of Henley Golf Club in 1908. Braid, who was paid the handsome sum of £15 6s 6d for his design efforts, took on Rowland Jones, the head professional at Wimbledon Park Golf Club, who was a late replacement for Harry Vardon – who reportedly cried off with the flu. Refereed

by Harold Hilton, twice Open Champion as an amateur, records show that Braid won the 36hole match with scores of 77 and 74, with both rounds taking just two hours to play.

Like many Braid courses, the layout at Henley has changed somewhat over time, mainly due to advancements in equipment technology, but Braid’s legacy very much lives on, with all subsequent course renovations carried out in the trademark Braid style. It is somewhat apposite that one of Henley’s members, Michael Herriot, should run The Association of James Braid Courses, and together with the other 300 clubs, and the good work of the James Braid Golfing Society, is playing an important role in ensuring that the skills of this most multi-talented of men should be cherished for years to come.

Today there are many Braid-based golf tours that fans of his work can undertake, with none more popular than the Highland Golf Trail, which takes in the seven wonderful Scottish courses to be found at Boat of Garten, Inverness, Muir of Ord, Fortrose and Rosemarkie, Golspie, Brora and Reay.

To see a full list of the Association of James Braid Courses member clubs, or to download the new mobile Android app for free, visit www.sites.google. com/site/ajbmap.

To find out about James Braid Highland Golf Trail, visit www.james braidhighland.golf or www.thebraidsociety.com

■ GOLF AT GOODWOOD’S DOWNS COURSE

GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY GOLF CLUB Established in 1890 Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club is one of the finest golf venues in Cairngorm National Park area. Nestled in leafy parkland looking onto the Cairngorm Mountains, Grantown is a superb 18-hole golf course, very different in style, character and golfing challenge which attracts many golfers due to its charm and playability factor. The course was designed by Willie Park with assistance from James Braid.

The course is approximately thirty five miles south east of Inverness.

Grantown is the capital of Strathspey and is a small and friendly town with a grand history of tourism.

Visitors are always assured of a warm and friendly welcome at the Club.

There is also a traditional Clubhouse offering hearty meals and tipples overlooking the first tee.

WWW.GRANTOWNONSPEYGC.CO.UK Tel: 01479 872079 | Email: golf@grantownonspeygc.co.uk

[24] WINTER 2024 | JAMES BRAID GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

BUDOCK VEAN GOLF CLUB

Braid club guide

Just outside Falmouth on the Helford River you’ll find the four-star Budock Vean Hotel. Guests can enjoy plenty of onsite activities, including the fantastic nine-hole, 18 tee golf course, originally designed by James Braid. The ninth is widely regarded as one of the finest short holes in Cornwall, providing a great end to the round.

PLAY SOME OF JAMES BRAID’S FINEST COURSES

Tel: 01326 252102 Web: budockvean.co.uk

CAWDER GOLF CLUB

DROITWICH GOLF CLUB

FILEY GOLF CLUB

Two 18-hole courses that can be played on the same day during a single visit. The par-70 championship Cawder Course is recognised in Golf World’s GB&I Top 100 for £65 and under, and the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards Best Course Finalist under £75. The par-68 Keir Course provides a different, but equally entertaining, challenge.

This 6,019-yard par 70 championship golf course, designed

by James Braid, is one of the finest courses in the Midlands.

The parkland course features a wide variety of holes, elevation changes, mature trees and picturesque views across the Malvern Hills.

The beautiful golf course in North Yorkshire was established in 1897. Having been modified over the years to take into account technology, the 6,274-yard, par-71 course still retains the James Braid layout. The outward and inward holes overlook Filey Bay, with the remainder of the course landscaped with mature trees.

Tel: 0141 761 1281 Web: cawdergolfclub.com

E: 01905 774344 Web: droitwichgolfclub.co.uk

Tel: 01723 513293 Web: fileygolfclub.com

HELENSBURGH GOLF CLUB

HENLEY GOLF CLUB

PWLLHEI GOLF CLUB

A James Braid course founded in 1893, the gently undulating moorland terrain offers a varied layout of holes and is playable for all, but a challenge for the best. The professional’s shop offers a comprehensive range of products from popular brands and club, trolley and buggy hire is available on request.

Nestled on the outskirts of Henley-on-Thames, one mile from the river and 40 minutes from the centre of London, Henley Golf Club boasts the outstanding golf course in the area.

Home to The Association of James Braid Courses, it is one of Oxfordshire’s finest pieces of natural golfing terrain.

Established in 1909, and located on the south-facing coastline of Cardigan Bay, Pwllhei’s 18-hole, 6,108-yard layout features nine parkland holes and nine links-style holes. The clubhouse has a pro shop, restaurant and two large bars, one of which enjoys extensive views of Cardigan Bay and Snowdonia.

Tel: 01436 674173 Web: helensburghgolfclub.co.uk

Tel: 01491 575742 Web: henleygolfclub.com

Tel: 01758 701644 Web: clwbgolffpwllheli.com

RALSTON GOLF CLUB

SHERWOOD FOREST GOLF CLUB

ST DEINIOL BANGOR GOLF CLUB

Located on the eastern edge of Paisley, Ralston Golf Club was established in 1904 and boasts a superb parkland course which is both interesting and challenging in equal measure. The clubhouse offers excellent catering and a well stocked pro shop make Ralston a fantastic club to visit.

Redmodelled by James Braid in the 1920s, Sherwood Forest’s 6,688-yard championship course enjoys a stunning heathland setting alongside the pines, silver birch and oak trees of Clipstone Woods. Host venue for regional qualifying for The Open, it is ranked 84th in Top 100 courses in the UK & Ireland.

Bangor St Deiniol was developed in 1906 and a further nine holes added by James Braid in 1909. The course follows Braid’s principles using natural contours, rocky outcrops and par 3s played in different directions. Excellent drainage and stunning views are features of the elevated course. AOJBC members.

E: thesecretary@ralstongolfclub.com Web: ralstongolfclub.com

Tel: 01623 626689 Web: sherwoodforestgolfclub.co.uk

Tel: 01248 353098 Web: bangorgolf.co.uk

ST ENODOC GOLF CLUB

TENBY GOLF CLUB

TORWOODLEE GOLF CLUB

St Enodoc Golf Club on the North Cornwall coast is currently ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses of the World. A fantastic location for the Church Course, one of James Braid’s masterpieces, with amazing vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and Camel Estuary from every hole. Seaside golfing memories galore!

Tenby’s classic links course beguiles visitors with its undulating greens and awesome sea views. Delight in a breathtaking view of the coastal waters of Pembrokeshire, with the charming Caldey Island in the distance. Sandy terrain ensures exceptional drainage and year-round play.

The 18-hole course is a stunning picturesque rolling parkland paradise just outside Galashiels in the Scottish Borders. Set in a valley among mature trees, flanked by the River Gala, and divided by the Borders Railway line. Green fees start from just £45 a round, with food packages and EZ-GO electric buggies available.

E: reservations@st-enodoc.co.uk Web: st.enodoc.com

Tel: 01834 842978 Web: tenbygolf.co.uk

Tel: 01896 752260 Web: torwoodleegolfclub.co.uk

JAMES BRAID | WINTER 2024 [25] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

T I M E T R AV E L L I N G ON THE

JAMES BRAID TRAIL Hamish Milne, a member of Muir of Ord Golf Club in Scotland, invites you to join him on a voyage of golfing discovery through a collection of seven Braid-designed highland courses that form the James Braid Golf Trail

T

he official, yet informal, James Braid Highland Golf Trail was formed in 2016 when seven like-minded clubs in the stunning Scottish Highlands decided to work together with the objective of attracting more visiting golfers to their Braid-inspired courses.

From truest of links to heathland and parkland the ‘Magnificent Seven’, as it has been dubbed, offer a fantastic variation for the discerning golfer who wants to test their skills whilst at the same time enjoy never-tobe-forgotten scenery. Highland hospitality is well renowned, and this can be found at each of the seven locations stretching from the heart of the Cairngorms to the very top of the Scottish Mainland.

The input of James Braid throughout Scotland is immeasurable. On the Trail his siting of bunkers and inclusion of the odd dogleg on each of the courses still prevails

■ BOAT OF GARTEN GOLF CLUB

today. A true master of his art, not to mention his prowess as a player, he would be pleased to know after around a hundred years since visiting, his legacy at these courses lives on.

Sited in the Cairngorm National Park, Boat of Garten Golf Club is a true inland, heathland course where fairways are lined by birch trees, requiring accuracy off the tee on most occasions. Stunning views of the Cairngorm Mountains and River Spey abound. The club boasts a fine modern clubhouse, club professional and fully equipped Pro Shop.

Next on the journey north is Inverness Golf Club, situated right in the centre of this bustling and fast expanding city. Lush parkland fairways, tree lined with large greens it is an enjoyable and challenging course for any golfer.

A large clubhouse on two levels offers excellent catering with a fantastic vista of the first hole and closing 18th. Being the starting point of the now world famous NC500, Inverness is the perfect base to play several of our Trail courses.

Only a few miles north of Inverness lies the village of Muir of Ord where, in 1875 a golf club was formed. It has gone from strength to strength since that year and in 2016 was voted Club of the Year by Scottish Golf. A mixture of heathland and

■ GOLSPIE GOLF CLUB

parkland it consists of tight fairways and small greens making it a challenge for any golfer. With the main north rail line running through the course occasional steam trains are an added spectacle!

The 15th oldest recorded club in the world can be found only 15 miles away at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Links. Fast, ■ FORTROSE AND ROSEMARKIE GOLF LINKS deceptive greens with tight fairways and strategically placed bunkers, it has a true stamp of Braid. A modern clubhouse and new pro shop offers everything for the golfer. Throughout your round you will be greeted with stunning views of the Moray Firth where dolphins are regularly seen feeding on the local sealife.

If seeking a quieter overnight stay than the busy City of Inverness, look no further than the Priory Hotel in the nearby village of Beauly. At just over a mile from Muir of Ord Golf Club it is the ideal location to relax and recharge the batteries, both of the golfer and his means of transport before heading north to visit and play Golspie Golf Club. A mix of links, heath and parkland, it is another challenging Braid designed course with stunning scenery. It compliments well the more well-known nearby courses at Brora and Royal Dornoch.

A few miles further north takes you to Brora Golf Club. A true links experience which has remained virtually unaltered since the visit of Braid over 100 years ago.

Wonderfully manicured greens with the unusual addition of electric fencing around each to protect them from the free-to-wander highland cattle and sheep which act as labour saving fairway mowers! Home to the Braid Society, it holds an annual gathering for its members.

A scenic 60-mile road trip north from Brora lies another true links at Reay Golf Club. In 1933, James ■ BRORA GOLF CLUB Braid visited the far north

■ INVERNESS GOLF CLUB

■ REAY GOLF CLUB

course to work his magic. With the North Atlantic Ocean visible from every hole, this is a truly challenging experience not to mention the 235-yard par-3 first hole! Situated – as with five of the other ‘Magnificent Seven’ – on the NC500 route it is a chance to get down to business while enjoying the pleasure of your trip.

■ MUIR OF ORD

To find out more about the James Braid Golf Trail, visit www.jamesbraidhighland.golf

A STEP TOO FAR? After years of data analysis and debate, golf’s ruling bodies have finally decided to do something about the distance the golf ball is travelling. But rather than simply seek to curb the excesses of the game’s top players, which are rendering classic courses obsolete, they have decided that we all need a few yards taken off our shots. Golf News Editor Nick Bayly weighs up both side of The Great Golf Ball Roll Back Debate and assesses its impact on all levels of the game

T

he distance that a golf ball can fly is to be reduced under a new ruling that will come into play in 2028 for tour professionals and 2030 for all other golfers, including club amateurs.

The new ruling, the full details of which were announced by the R&A and the USGA on December 6, will see a new test introduced that will reduce the distance that the longest hitters on tour can currently hit the ball by up to 15-20 yards, but will also reduce the distance that all golfers can achieve, albeit by a much smaller percentage, with around a 4-yard reduction for the average amateur swing speed.

Under the R&A’s current testing protocols, any golf ball hit by a robot with a swing speed of 120mph that travels further than 317 yards is deemed ‘nonconforming’, and therefore not allowed to be used in competition. Under a new test, the swing speed is being raised to 125mph, which means that most balls currently used by tour professionals - and millions of amateur golfers – will exceed the 317-yard distance limit, thus rendering them non-conforming.

The change to the limit will require all golf ball manufacturers to come up with new designs for their products in order to roll back their distance and fall within the new guidelines. While it was initially felt that the new rules governing balls would only be applied to professionals and possibly elite amateur play, the R&A and the USGA has said that it will apply to all levels of golf.

MIXED REACTION ON TOUR The ruling has met with mixed reaction among the players on tour, with world with Rory Mcllroy saying that he agreed with the decision not to create separate rules for pros and amateurs, and even going so far as to suggest that tour pros have been using different equipment to club golfers for years.

“I don’t understand the anger about the golf ball roll back,” McIlroy wrote in a post on one of his social media channels. “It will make no difference whatsoever to the average golfer and puts golf back on a path of sustainability. It will also help bring back certain skills in the pro game that have been eradicated over the past two decades.”

McIlroy admitted that he realised that there will be recreational players upset at the necessity for them to change their equipment, even if they will have until the end of the decade to make the switch.

“People who are upset about this decision shouldn’t be mad at the governing bodies, they should be mad at elite pros and club/ball manufacturers because they didn’t want bifurcation,” McIlroy added. “The governing bodies presented us with that option earlier this year. Elite pros and ball manufacturers think bifurcation would negatively affect their bottom lines, when in reality, the game is already bifurcated. You think we play the same

stuff you do? They [the equipment companies sic] put pressure on the governing bodies to roll it back to a lesser degree for everyone. Bifurcation was the logical answer for everyone, but yet again in this game, money talks.”

Look a little farther down golf’s professional pecking order and there are deep misgivings about any decision that potentially makes the game harder for the casual golfer. Speaking for the millions of weekend hackers, world no.15 Keegan Bradley, said: “For the amateur golfer to hit the ball shorter is monstrous. I can’t think of anything more stupid than that. I don’t think it’s very smart at all, especially when golf’s growing in popularity coming out of Covid.”

SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES Tiger Woods, who is happy just to be able to hit a ball, let alone worry about how far it’s going following his recovery from injury, has also given his support to the concept of bifurcation and having separate rules governing equipment for pros and amateurs.

Speaking as a golf course architect, the former world no.1 has also said that the land mass required to extend existing courses and build new ones long enough to cope with today’s tour distances is no longer sustainable.

“We just don’t have enough property anymore,” Woods said. “We’ve been hammering the fact that the ball needs to slow down, but it has kept speeding up my entire career and here we are. I’ve always been for one set of equipment rules for pros and one for amateurs. I’ve always said that. Just like pros using wooden rather than metal bats in baseball.”

■ THE AVERAGE DRIVING DISTANCE ON THE PGA TOUR HAS GONE UP BY 45 YARDS SINCE 1995

‘DOING NOTHING IS NOT AN OPTION’ Despite the opposition in many quarters, Martin Slumbers, the R&A’s chief executive, has made it clear that a climbdown is not on the cards and that the golf ball rollback will push ahead.

“Unequivocally, the ball is going further than it did 15 years ago,” Slumbers said. “And I see no reason to doubt it will not continue to do so. Once we published our distance report at the start of this process back in 2019 I was very clear that, for the good of the game, we need to address this issue. We have been very clear that there are only three options: We can bifurcate; you change the whole game; or you do nothing. And doing nothing is not an option. We stand by that.”

■ THE DRIVING DISTANCES ACHIEVED BY AMATEUR GOLFERS HAS CHANGED VERY LITTLE OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS, WITH 6-12 HANDICAPPERS DRIVING IT JUST 6 YARDS FARTHER

DISSENTING VOICES The story of The Great GolF Ball Roll Back Debate, however, is only just beginning. Regardless of what the USGA or the R&A wish, the professional tours could simply chose to ignore it and carry on as before.

The equipment manufacturers could refuse to make a conforming ball; and we, as humble amateurs, could also ignore it, stock up on a load of current balls, keep calm, and carry on regardless.

■ GOLF COURSES HAVE GRADUALLY EXTENDED THEIR LENGTH TO COUNTERACT IMPROVEMENTS IN GOLF CLUB AND BALL TECHNOLOGY AND FASTER SWING SPEEDS

STORY BEHIND THE PIC | WINTER 2024 [27]

STORY BEHIND THE PIC PAYNE STEWART • US OPEN • PINEHURST 1999

T

he picture of Payne Stewart celebrating holing the putt that won him the 1999 US Open is one that inspires and horrifies in equal measure. At first glance, the sheer joy written large on his face, and the typically over-the-top response from a man who wore his heart and his emotions on the sleeve – and his plus fours – was what stood Stewart apart from his fellow players.

But afforded the benefit of hindsight, as we are, the image is both chilling to the casual observer and heart-rending to friends and family, knowing that just over three months later Stewart would be dead.

Rarely has the knife-edge of life and death been captured more clearly than it is in this picture. Here is a man who, at 42, was just coming into his golf prime, having just captured one of the game’s greatest prizes.

And to know that it was to be his last victory adds a poignancy that even the hardest of hearts cannot fail to be moved by.

Almost 25 years on, and the horrific circumstances surrounding Stewart’s death serve as reminder as to how we give air travel no more thought these days than we would to cross the road. OK, we hate the delays and the endless security checks, but the flying element is the bit we perhaps take for granted.

Stewart died along with five other people when the Learjet he was flying in from his home in Florida to Dallas suffered a catastrophic loss of cabin pressure, which knocked everyone unconscious inside the plane within a matter of minutes. What was even more shocking for those relatives watching events unfold on the news was that the plane was on auto-pilot and carried on flying for a further three hours before it ran out of fuel and crashed to the ground in South Dakota.

Regardless of the manner or timing of his death, Stewart would have been remembered fondly, and for a long time, by everyone attached to the sport. Not only did he win three majors and other 21 other tour titles, but he turned the boring, conservative game that 1980s professional golf had become into something more resembling entertainment.

Always a fierce competitor, he also knew how to have fun,

ALWAYS A FIERCE COMPETITOR, HE ALSO KNEW HOW TO HAVE FUN, ON AND OFF THE GOLF COURSE

on and off the golf course, and held the game in its true perspective.

How his playing career would have panned out if he had lived will always remain an unanswered question, but according to those in the know, he was America’s likely choice as Ryder Cup captain at Celtic Manor for 2010.

Shortly before his death, Stewart said: “I would love to be Ryder Cup captain. I would be a very emotional captain. A very hands-on captain. I wouldn’t hesitate to sit somebody down if he wasn’t performing, even if he was the No.1 player in the world.”

While we’ll never know if he would have left Tiger Woods out of the Saturday fourballs in Wales, you can bet that he would have had a big say in the match outfits, with a check plusfour number being a strong favourite for the Sunday singles.

A fervent American patriot, Stewart was regarded by some as being one of the main instigators of the nationalistic element that was a feature of Ryder Cups in the 90s, yet those that knew him knew that to be farthest from the truth. A month before his death he had played in the infamous ‘Bearpit’ at Brookline and was appalled by the abuse that Colin Montgomerie received. The American waded into the crowd to have people ejected and, sickened by what he had seen over the course of 18 holes, picked Monty’s ball up on the final green and said: “That will do us.”

For a long time Montgomerie kept a photo from that day in his business folder. He wrote in his autobiography: “Every time I pull it out, I think back to the moment Payne gave me the match and how fragile life can be.”

Today the PGA Tour honours Stewart every year with the presentation of The Payne Stewart Award which is given to a player whose ‘values align with the character, charity and sportsmanship that Stewart showed’, with recent winners including Justin Rose, Bernhard Langer and Zach Johnson.

2024 will see the US Open return to Pinehurst, scene of Stewart’s finest hour. His loss will be keenly felt.

THE PLAYERS CLUB

Q School

THE PLAYERS CLUB, CODRINGTON, CHIPPING SODBURY, BRISTOL, BS37 6RZ

LOOKING FOR A GOLF DAY VENUE? VISIT GOLFDAYGUIDE.COM

From £59

• Coffee on Arrival • 9 Holes on the Water Garden Course • or Free Range Balls • 18 Holes on the Codrington Course • 1 Course Lunch or Dinner • £65 Friday-SaturdaySunday

From £139

• 1 Night and 2 rounds of Golf • Stay at The Players Club • 1 Round on each course • Includes Coffee and Breakfast • Includes Range Balls, both days • We can cater for up to 52

From £249

• 2 Nights and 3 rounds of Golf • Stay at The Players Club • Includes breakfast, both days • Based on twin rooms • Sky and BT in all rooms

For more information visit our website www.theplayersgolfclub or call on 01454 313029

[28] WINTER 2024 | INTERVIEW GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

BANKING ON A

LATE BLOOM Justin Rose has set his sights on extending his 25-year career on tour for as long as his game – and his motivation – remains intact; although that shows little sign of waning judging by his performance in the recent Ryder Cup, where he assumed the role of father figure and chief chest beater during Europe’s stunning victory in Rome

After playing your part in the Europe’s Ryder Cup win in Rome you were quick to support the campaign for Luke Donald to reprise his captaincy in 2025.

While there was clearly plenty of support for that to happen - which was backed up his subsequent acceptance of the role – was it also a subtle way of saying that you were ruling yourself out of that job, should anyone be asking?

We all recognise how difficult it is to win an away leg of the Ryder Cup these days, so to win a home and an away leg is now the ultimate prize in terms of captaincy. That certainly played a part in Luke’s decision to continue in the job, and I wholeheartedly endorse the European Ryder Cup committee’s decision to appoint him. In truth, it [the captaincy] probably came a bit early for Luke in Rome in terms of where he was at in his career as a player, but because of the circumstances [with Henrik Stenson being stripped of the captaincy after joining LIV] he probably thought he should do it. But now that he has got that experience undeer his belt it would be a shame to waste it.

I know that there is rarely a ‘perfect’ time to be captain, but I think there is a time when it’s in your sweet spot.

You have to be current, you can’t have stopped playing, because that link has to be there. So it’s a fine line. But, in my view, Luke is probably coming to that sweet spot right now and he’s the right man for the job at Bethpage. It’s New York and it’s going to be loud. We always thought that Poults would be the right man for that job, and would be able to front down the crowd, but Luke’s quiet demeanour could actually be the answer, diffusing the situation rather than antagonising it.

As I said, Luke did a brilliant job in Rome, and I’ve always thought it a little crazy that we have these guys who do a great job as captain, gather all this experience and knowledge, and then someone else comes along and has to learn how to do it all over again. No other sport that I can think of does that. Sure, we have this nice tradition where the learnings are passed on, but each captain is different and wants to put his own mark on it. Luke certainly had his. He didn’t put a foot wrong.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ ROSE IS HOPING TO ADD TO HIS 2013 US OPEN VICTORY AND HIS CV AS A PLAYER BEFORE HE THINKS ABOUT A FUTURE ROLE AS A RYDER CUP CAPTAIN

So you’re not ruling yourself out of taking on the captaincy in the future?

Definitely not. It would be a huge honour to be asked to be captain at some point, but I feel like I’ve still got some good things ahead of me as a player. It’s not so much that I feel I need to play at Bethpage, it’s more than I need to believe I can play. That’s important. If you look at Luke, he sacrificed a lot this year and last year, because his game was coming back, but he had to concentrate on the Ryder Cup. I don’t yet feel ready to take on a job that could be detrimental to my ambitions of not only appearing again as a player, but also of winning a second major.

Although you weren’t playing at Whistling Straits in 2021 when Europe suffered that heavy loss, how surprised were you that the team, which included many of the same players, was able to turn it around in Rome?

I must admit, when I saw what they did to us at Whistling Straits, I did sit there on my sofa and think ‘Oh, gawd, Europe’s really in for it for the next decade’. The US looked so strong, so young, and I just couldn’t see it from our point of view. But then it flipped around. We went there with three of the four best players in the world [Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland], had this great engine room with Matt [Fitzpatrick], Tommy [Fleetwood], Tyrrell [Hatton] and Shane [Lowry], and these unknown quantities in Ludvig [Aberg], Bob [MacIntyre] and Nicolai [Hojgaard] who shocked the Americans like the old days. Then I sort of played the veteran’s role. It was a great mix and I see it becoming stronger with the new guys coming through.

You say ‘veteran’s role’. Is that really how you saw yourself? As the steady hand on the tiller? The daddy of the team?

Listen, first and foremost, I wanted to contribute on the golf course. I think that’s my job, and that was my ultimate focus coming into the week. But I also I felt that I could contribute in other ways in terms of looking out for the guys and just recognising that if any of my past experiences might help situations, then I was more than happy to pass that on. I didn’t go there thinking I could press my views on anybody unless asked or unless I feel like it was natural, but my goal was to be the best teammate I could be and offer as much as I could on and off the golf course.

You struck up a strong partnership with Bob MacIntrye and seemed to coax the best out of him and yourself.

How did that dynamic work as well as it did?

I really enjoyed playing with Bob. I knew he was nervous heading into the matches, and that’s not neccessarily a bad thing, but it was just a question of channelling that energy in a positive way. He’s a great golfer and all I did was to help him, in whatever way i could, to show that. He did a fantastic job and I couldn’t have wished for a better partner.

You seemed to take on Ian Poulter’s mantle on a few occasions with all the chest thumping and fist pumping.

Where did that all come from?

You know, on that first afternoon, when I holed that putt on the 18th [for a half against Max Homa and Wyndham Clark] was a bit of a dream. I’d seen Poults do things like that, on the final green, on the final match of the day to give Europe all the momentum, but I’d never had the opportunity. I had never had one of those pivotal moments. That’s why my

■ ROSE LAUNCHES INTO A BIG CELEBRATION AFTER HOLING OUT ON 18 FOR A HALF-POINT DURING THE FRIDAY FOUR BALL MATCHES AT THE RYDER CUP

I DON’T FEEL READY TO TAKE ON A JOB WHICH WOULD BE DETRIMENTAL TO MY AMBITIONS AS A PLAYER celebration probably seemed a little Poulteresque. That lives with you forever.

Given the different languages and cultures that exist among the European team, what is it that unites such a disparate group to get behind a flag that has little meaning to anyone?

Strangely, I think it is our differences that makes us stronger.

A good pairing on the European team doesn’t mean playing with your best mate. It means representing something bigger than yourself, and I feel like that’s, for me, what being a European Ryder Cup player is all about. We are united by the generations of players that have come before us.

What is it about the Ryder Cup that brings out the best in you?

I don’t know what it is. It probably goes back to representing England when I was an amateur, and back to playing county golf. It goes back to all those experiences. As soon as I wear something on my chest that is something bigger than just myself, I feel like it forces me to be the best version of myself.

When you’re playing 30 tournaments a year as an indivudal, it’s sometimes difficult to bring your best every single week. At the end of the day, the only person you’re going to let down is yourself. I’m not saying that that’s the mindset at all, but it’s much easier to have weeks where things just don’t quite come into focus. Whereas the magnitude of the situation when you’re playing for a team, your country or a continent, you are representing something much, much bigger than yourself. I feel like encourages me to be the best version of myself, which hopefully then makes me play some of my best golf.

How important was your victory at the PGA Tour’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am in May in terms of rebooting your career, which before then, had seen you go four years without a win?

It was an absolute game changer. It got me back into the world’s top 50 and got me into the Ryder Cup reckoning – or least got me on Luke’s radar to considered as a potential captain’s pick – and it got me into those signature events on the PGA Tour next year. That was vital, otherwise I would have been in a sort of no man’s land.

So I am in all the big events, and along with my new coach, Martin Blackburn, with whom I’m only about 50 per cent on in our journey, and with Fooch [Mark Fulcher] back on the bag, I do believe I got a few big weeks left in me. Yes, I’ve made some mistakes there for a few years with equipment and coaching decisions, but I’m back on track and the hunger is still there. I feel like I’ve got that Indian summer of my career to look forward to.

Your game seems to thrive on courses where course management is needed more than sheer power. Do you see yourself playing a schedule that takes in more of these types of venues to improve your chances of competing?

I love strategy, and I think that tougher golf courses reward more strategy. Obviously, if you couple good strategy with good ball-striking, normally it’s a pretty good combination.

I just think the patience that’s required to play certain tests, that it’s not flat-out driver on every hole, I kind of value that, putting the ball in play, angles, if you do miss, how do you not compound an error, those sorts of things. Listen, I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my career and will continue to make mistakes, but I think the more you can limit the amount of them mentally, that’s going to help on these types of tests.

Having turned down LIV, what was your reaction when you first heard that PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan had entered some sort of an agreement with the Saudi PIF, the money behind LIV? Yeah, I mean, the news was definitely left field. I was wondering if it was some sort of prank for the first five minutes or so. To be honest, I’m very happy with the decisions that I’ve made. I feel like my game is trending in the right direction and I feel like it’s been important for me to challenge myself against the best players in order to try to rekindle the form that I know I’m capable of. And I could only do that by competing on the PGA Tour. I also didn’t want to miss out on the chance to play in major championships, so I’m happy with where things are right now for me personally.

Looking at the bigger picture, as things stand we are no nearer to a clear understanding of how the landscape of professional golf is going to look next year or into the future. The initial headline seemed to be like it’s just going to be this very smooth transition and ‘come on back boys, it’s all done now’, but I don’t think that’s the case. I’d probably be more concerned if I was on LIV right now than on the PGA Tour.

Would you be happy to welcome back LIV players to the PGA Tour if that is how it turns out?

Obviously we’re looking for a harmonious world of golf. This is what I think this is designed to achieve. That’s not going to happen overnight. Clearly there are a number of players currently playing on LIV that people want to see competing on the wider stage. They’ve got a lot to offer the game.

Just because they made a certain decision it doesn’t mean they’re outcasts forever. Having said that, for them just to be welcomed back overnight is not going to sit well with anybody on the PGA Tour.

[30] WINTER 2024 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

InBrief DP WORLD TOUR SCHEDULES NEW TEAM PRO-AM EVENT IN DUBAI ★ The DP World Tour is launching a new tournament in Dubai next year that will see 60 professionals compete alongside 60 amateurs. The Dubai Invitational will be held in alternate years, starting off in 2024, when it will be held at the Dubai Creek Resort from January 11-14. The tournament follows the same format as the Dunhill Links Championship, with 72 holes of stroke play comprising a three-day team Pro-Am and a final round featuring professionals only. The Dubai Invitational is schedule to take place the week before the Dubai Desert Classic, which is being held at Emirates Golf Club from January 18-21.

HISATSUNE WINS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD ★ Ryo Hisatsune has become the first Japanese player to be named Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year after a memorable maiden season on the DP World Tour. The 21-year-old won the Open de France and recorded a further seven top-ten finishes as he finished his debut campaign in 17th position on the Race to Dubai. He also earned a PGA Tour card after being among the top 10 players in Europe who did not already have playing rights in the US-based tour.

OGLETREE EARNS LIV GOLF SPOT ★ Andy Ogletree earned a valuable promotion to next year’s LIV Golf League after winning the Asian Tour’s International Series Order of Merit for the 2023 season. The 25-year-old American wrapped up the season-long title with still one event to go after securing an unassailable lead at the end of the Hong Kong Open, which was won by New Zealand’s Ben Campbell. He also won International Series events in Qatar and England and secured five other top-10 finishes in a season which earned him $450,000. Spain’s Davis Puig finished second in the order of merit, with Campbell in third.

SUN SHINES ON HOMA IN SOUTH AFRICA ★ US Ryder Cup player Max Homa won the DP World Tour’s Nedbank Golf Challenge by four shots after posting a final round 66 at Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, South Africa. The 33-year-old American, who is a six-time PGA Tour winner, finished on 19 under par to secure his first taste of victory outside the United States, with Nicolai Højgaard his closest challenger on 15 under. Thorbjørn Olesen, who for long spells kept pace with Homa before a double bogey at the 17th ended his chances of glory, finished third on 14 under.

TOURNEWS Jon Rahm joins LIV Golf for £450m Weeks of speculation about whether Jon Rahm would or wouldn’t be joining LIV Golf finally ended on December 7 when the world no.3 was officially announced as having signed up to the Saudi-backed league for a reported fee of £450m.

Speaking about his decision, Rahm said: “I am proud to join LIV Golf and be part of something new that is bringing growth to the sport,” I have no doubt that this is a great opportunity for me and my family and am very excited for the future.”

Commenting on his new signing, LIV Golf Commissioner Greg Norman said: “When I first met Jon at the age of 17, I knew then that the golfing world was about to witness the birth of a new star. Jon is a generational talent who has proven his merit as a multiple major champion and tremendous ambassador for global golf by placing the game ahead of himself.

“There are very few athletes with his pedigree of talent, leadership, poise, and commitment to bringing progress to the sport on a worldwide stage. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jon to the LIV Golf family as the league continues preparations for a huge 2024 and beyond.”

Details about which of LIV Golf’s 12 teams Rahm will be joining next year have not been announced, but he will be teeing it up in the first event of the 2024 LIV Golf season in Mexico in February.

Donald retains Ryder Cup captaincy for 2025 Luke Donald has been named as the European captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York.

The 45-year-old returns to the role having led Europe to a 16½-11½ victory against the United States in the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome earlier this year. He will become Europe’s first repeat captain since Bernard Gallacher performed the role in three consecutive Ryder Cups in 1991, 1993 and 1995.

Donald will be aiming to become only the second captain to lead Europe to victories both home and away, following Tony Jacklin who achieved the double at Muirfield Village in Ohio in 1987, retaining the Ryder Cup following his team’s victory at The Belfry in 1985.

Donald said: “I’m delighted to have been given the chance to lead Team Europe in the Ryder Cup once again. Great opportunities don’t come along very often in life and I’m a great believer that when they do, you need to grab them with both hands – this is one of these moments. There is no question that being a captain away from home is a tough task, but I have never shied away from challenges throughout my career, and it is precisely the kind of thing that motivates me. I can’t wait to get another 12-strong team to Bethpage in 2025.”

Aberg bags first PGA Tour victory and secures Masters invitation Rising star Ludvig Aberg raised the bar on what has already been an incredible start to his professional career by winning his first PGA Tour event just six months after joining the paid ranks.

The 24-year-old from Sweden, who only turned pro in June, won the RSM Classic at Sea Island in Florida by four strokes, and in doing so broke the scoring record for the tournament by seven shots after firing back-to-back 61s over the weekend to finish on 29-under-par. His 72-hole total also matched the record for the lowest ever winning total on the PGA Tour, which was set by Justin Thomas in 2017.

“This is what you dream of as a kid,” said Aberg, who also the European Masters in August and earned a captain’s pick for the Ryder Cup, where he won two points. “This is the sport I love and am going to love for a long time. If you told me this a couple of months ago that I would be in this position, I would not believe you. I need to pinch myself to believe it’s really happening.”

Aberg was already assured of a PGA Tour card for 2024 as the No.1 player from the PGA Tour University ranking after his senior year at Texas Tech, but in the 14 tournaments he played since June – three of which were on the DP World Tour – he won on the PGA Tour and had five other top 10s, including a play-off loss.

Victory at the RSM Classic moved him to No.32 in the world, which will result in an invitation to next year’s Masters, which will be his first Major championship appearance.

TIGER TALK Speaking during his long-awaited return to competitive golf at December’s Hero World Challenge in Barbados, Tiger Woods tackled a wide variety of subjects – from the state of his leg to the state of his swing, and from the state of the professional circuits, to why he’s against one rule for all players when it comes to the golf ball With all the success you’ve had in your career.

What drives you, at the age of 47, to still go out to the practice range and hit golf balls?

What drives me is that I love to compete. There will come a point in time – and I don’t think I’m there yet – when I won’t be able to win again. When that day comes, I’ll walk away.

Gone are the days of me pounding balls on the range all day. I’ve played a lot of holes, but I haven’t been using a pencil and a scorecard, so I was interested to see how I would fair under tournament conditions and with a scorecard in my hand. As it turns out, not too bad.

I was a little rusty out there, which showed in my first round, but I was pretty happy to play 72 holes in level par. It was a long way off from where I want it to be, but that was to be expected, as far as a beta test goes I think it went ok. I made a few mistakes, and I missed a couple of putts, but I certainly felt better each day, which can only be a good thing.

Things are not as sharp as they normally would be.

There’s some good in there and I have just got to make sure that the good is more consistent than it has been. At home I can play and I can walk, but it’s different when you’re at game speed.

How are you feeling physically after all the operations that you’ve had, and how is that impacting on your game?

I’m very excited at how I have felt physically. I have shown myself that I can recover each day, that was kind of an unknown as far as I’ve walked this far. I’ve done all my training but add in

playing and concentration and adrenaline, and all those other factors that speed up everything, and it’s a very different scenario compared to hitting balls at home.

Physically, I don’t have any of the pain in my ankle that I had when I was

playing at Augusta. Other parts are taking the brunt of the load. But that surgery was a success.

The hard part was the six months after surgery, sitting around doing nothing. The first couple of months were really tough, so now I’ve come out the other end and I’m feeling my way back into the game.

As far as my game in concerned, there are some shots that I can’t hit now that I could when I first started out in the game, but I’ve always been able to hit the ball out of the middle of the clubface, so that’s been good.

I’m hitting the ball further than I did when I first came out on tour. I’m swinging slower, but I’m still able to hit the ball in the middle of the face, and there’s always an advantage in being able to do that.

I’LL WALK AWAY WHEN I FEEL I CAN NO LONGER WIN

What are your expectations for 2024 in terms of playing on tour?

I think the best scenario would be maybe to play a tournament a month – I think that’s realistic.

You would have to start maybe at the Genesis Invitational in February, and something in March near The Players. We have it set up in the schedule right now that there is at least one big event per month. Now, I need to get myself ready for all that and I think this week [the Hero World Challenge] is a big step in that direction.

As a member of the PGA Tour’s policy board how did you feel when you first heard that the Tour’s leadership had been in talks with the Saudi PIF and had reached a loose agreement to work together after all that had gone on over the previous year. What is your take on the way this whole situation has been handled by the PGA Tour?

I would say that my initial reaction was surprise, as I’m sure was the reaction of a lot of the players.

We were very frustrated with what happened.

It happened so quickly, without any of our involvement it was just thrown out there. No one knew. That can’t happen again. And how we do that is having six player/directors so we control the board and we control what we’re going to do.

I think Jay [Monahan, PGA Tour commissioner] has been a part of that direction, he understands what happened prior to that can’t happen again and won’t happen again, not with the players that are involved and not with the player/directors having the role that we have.

There are so many different things that have

happened in the last few weeks and months that it’s hard to get a handle on where things currently stand. The deadline for the discussions is coming up soon [December 31], so there are still a lot of moving parts, and a lot of different things happening very quickly. That’s one of the things that all of us as player-directors on the PGA Tour Policy Board have been working on. Everything is now at a time crunch. It’s 24 hours a day just trying to figure it out.

What’s your view on the USGA and R&A’s joint decision to include amateurs in the proposed rollback of golf ball distance?

I’ve always said that professionals and amateurs should operate under a different set of rules when it comes to equipment. We’ve been hammering on about how the ball needs to slow down for almost my entire career, but it has kept speeding up, and now here we are.

If you play in a pro event or you have a ‘P’ next to your name, you should be playing a pro ball. If you have an ‘A’ next to your name and you’re playing an amateur event, you should use an amateur ball.

Speaking as player and now also as a golf course designer, the time has come to put a halt on distance. We simply don’t have enough property left to keep extending our existing golf courses or making new ones longer – it’s just not sustainable.

Under the new rules the long hitters on tour will still be the longest hitters on tour, so their relative advantage will remain the same, but what’s the point in reducing the drive of the club golfer who busts a gut to hit it 50 yards?

It’s obviously disappointing that the new Tech Golf League with which you are a key figure has had to be put back a year. How confident are you that it will launch next year given the current flux in the golfing world?

I’ve been a believer in TGL, and as the momentum has built this past year, I’m even more excited about what this can become for fans of the game all around the world. Although the events surrounding the stadium collapse will force us to make adjustments to our timelines, I’m fully confident that this concept will be brought to life by our great team of committed players.

[32] WINTER 2024 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

he was delighted to come through a nervy week in Tarragona.

“This means a lot to me,” said Lewis. “I’ve had some up and down moments in my career, and hopefully this can start a new path for me and I can keep building from here. To have played as well as I did on the front nine today with four birdies in a row that just settled the nerves on the back nine for me. I’ve been in these positions before and got excited and took my foot off the pedal and hopefully I can learn from that and keep moving forward and take ■ TOM LEWIS HAS the opportunities when I get them.”

EARNED BACK HIS DP Spaniard Sebastian Garcia began the WORLD TOUR CARD final round in 24th position but produced a stunning 62 to finish the week in eighth, while Colchester’s Garrick Porteous eagled the last the secure his card in dramatic fashion.

Final Stage Qualifiers: Freddy Schott, Filippo Celli, Sebastian Friedrichsen, Darius van Driel, Matthis Besard, Sam Jones, Tom Lewis, Sebastian Garcia, Haydn Barron, Kristian Krogh A total of 33 players earned a card to play on the 2023Johannessen, Jack Davidson, Jacques 24 DP World Tour following the conclusion of the Final Kruyswijk, Renato Paratore, Andrew Stage of Qualifying School at INFINITUM in Spain.

Wilson, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Germany’s Freddy Schott eagled the final hole of the David Ravetto, Pieter Moolman, six-round tournament to win by two shots, with a final Garrick Porteous, Nicolo Galletti, round 65 taking the 22-year-old’s overall total for the week Joshua Berry, Benjamin Rusch, to an impressive 27-under par. Having finished 144th in Jonathan Gøth-Rasmussen, the DP World Tour’s season-long Race to Dubai, Schott was Kristoffer Broberg, delighted to bounce straight back to the tour.

Rhys Enoch, Darren Schott finished two shots ahead of Italian Filippo Celli, Fichardt, Jannik with Belgian Matthis Besard firing a closing 65 to finish in de Bruyn, Pedro third place on 23 under par alongside fifth round leader Figueiredo, Søren Sebastian Friedrichsen from Denmark and Dutchman Broholt Lind, Nicolai Darius van Driel. von Dellingshausen, Two-time DP World Tour winner Tom Lewis will also Lauri Ruuska, Alfredo return to Europe’s top tier tour next season after turning his Garcia-Heredia, Joe Dean, week around with a ten-under-par 61 on day four. Rounds of 67 and 65 followed for Hertfordshire-based player, and and James Nicholas.

DP World Tour Q School produces plenty of drama and 33 cards

Ryder Cup star MacIntyre among 10 DP World Tour players to earn PGA Tour cards Adrian Meronk, Bob MacIntrye and Victor Perez are among a group of ten DP World Tour players who have earned playing rights on the 2023-24 PGA Tour.

As part of the strategic alliance that exists between the European and US circuits, the group will hold status on both tours, giving the best on the DP World Tour access to the PGA Tour while still maintaining the flexibility to play in Europe.

Nine different nationalities are represented in the top 10, with Poland’s Adrian Meronk finishing top of the list on the back of his three wins. In addition to Scotsman MacIntrye and Frenchman Perez, the other seven players to earn their PGA Tour cards were Matthieu Pavon (Fr), Thorbjorn Olesen (Den), Alexander Bjork (Swe), Sami Valimaki (Fin), Jorge Campillo (Spn) and Ryo Hisatsune (Jpn).

DP World Tour Championship winner Nicolai Hojgaard had already secured his PGA Tour card as a Special Temporary Member and accumulated the requisite number of non-member FedEx Cup points, while Min Woo Lee, who finished 10th in the Race to Dubai, also secured his card via Special Temporary Membership.

Tech Golf League put back a year after Florida arena collapses Just seven weeks before its glitzy launch, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy suffered a huge blow to their indoor golf league with its launch being put back until 2025.

The TGL was due to begin in Palm Beach Gardens on January 9, with live TV events to run in a succession of Mondays before its £18 million grand finale the week before The Masters in April. However, the 1,600-capacity arena that had been specially constructed in south Florida dramatically collapsed on November 11, after the failure of a power system caused the dome to deflate, leaving the schedule too tight to make the necessary repairs.

Instead of embarking on a race to the complete the reconstruction and cutting corners to ensure there was at least a partial calendar, TGL and broadcasting partners ESPN decided to shelve it for a year.

In addition to Woods and McIlroy, 22 other leading players had committed to the TGL – which was to air on TV on Monday nights in front of a live audience of 16,000 fans – including Justin Thomas, Tommy Fleetwood, Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose, Max Homa and Shane Lowry.

The six teams – which have a host of celebrity investors including Justin Timberlake, LeBron James and Lewis Hamilton – have all been purchased, with Serena and Venus Williams, Fenway Sports Group (owners of the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC), Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons owner) and Stephen Curry all involved as owners.

Woods and McIlroy both tried to put a positive spin on the latest setback that will likely cost their venture eight-figure sums. A fortnight ago world No 3 Jon Rahm pulled out after originally committing.

“I’ve been a believer in TGL, and as the momentum has built this past year, I’m even more excited about what this can become for fans of the game all around the world,” Woods said. “Although the events of last week will force us to make adjustments to our timelines, I’m fully confident that this concept will be brought to life by our great committed players.”

“The postponement brings mixed feelings of disappointment and excitement,” McIlroy concurred. “Above all, we are happy that no one was injured. Given the circumstances, while the delay is disappointing, the postponement will allow us to regroup, refocus and return stronger.”

Solheim star Dale Reid passes away Dale Reid, who played in the first four Solheim Cups before captaining Europe to victory in 2000, has died at the age of 64.

Reid, who was born in Ladybank in Scotland, but had lived in Australia for many years, passed away peacefully at her home in Queensland on November 8 after a short illness.

Reid was one of the most successful players in the Ladies European Tour’s history, winning 21 times on the circuit between 1980-91, which ranks her only behind Laura Davies. In her best season, 1987, she won four times, including the Ladies Scottish Open at Cawder. She topped the Order of Merit in 1984 and 1987 and she also holds the record for the most top-10 finishes on Tour, with 135, recorded between 1979-2005.

Reid enjoyed a successful Solheim Cup career as both player and captain – playing in the Solheim Cup in four times between 1990-96, winning 4½ points from 11 matches – three of which ended in team defeat – before guiding Europe to victory at Loch Lomond in 2000. She received an OBE for her services to women’s golf in 2001.

WINTER 2023 | WWW.GOLFNEWS.CO.UK/EQUIPMENT

GRIPPING 'N' RIPPING IT WHY GOLF PRIDE GRIPS ARE DOMINATING THE GLOBAL TOURS

PERFECT FIT Inside Callaway Golf's new state-of-the-art Performance Centre

HOLE-IN-ONE Lifting the lid on Odyssey Golf's new Ai-ONE putters

HELLO HYBRIDS!

This season'sbest Rescue clubs in focus

TRIED & TESTED Duca del Cosma winter golf boots + Proto Concept irons

[34] WINTER 2024 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

THE GEAR EFFECT INSIDE THE BAGS OF RECENT TOUR WINNERS MIN WOO LEE

AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond S (10.5°) FAIRWAY: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond HL (16.5°) UTILITY: Callaway X Forged UT ‘21 (19°) IRONS: Callaway Apex MB ‘18 (4-10) WEDGES: Callaway JAWS Mack Daddy 5 10 S 50° PUTTER: Odyssey Tri Hot 5K Double Wide BALL: Callaway Chrome Soft X

CAMILO VILLEGAS

BUTTERFIELD BERMUDA CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER: Titleist TSi3 (11°) FAIRWAY: TaylorMade M4 (16.5°) HYBRID: Titleist TSi2 (24°) IRONS: Srixon ZU85 (4), Srixon ZX5 Mk II (4, 5), Srixon ZX7 Mk II (6-PW) WEDGES: Vokey Design SM9 (54°, 60°) PUTTER: L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

NICOLAI HØJGAARD

DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond (10.5°) FAIRWAY: Callaway prototype (16.5°) IRONS: Callaway Apex MB ’21 (4-10) WEDGES: Callaway Mack Daddy 5 (50°); Callaway JAWS Raw (56°, 60°) PUTTER: Odyssey O-Works Jailbird Mini BALL: Callaway Chrome Soft X Triple Track

LUDVIG ABERG RSM CLASSIC

DRIVER: Titleist TSR2 (9°) FAIRWAY: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (15°) IRONS: Titleist 718 T-MB (2), T100 (4-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (46, 50, 54, 60) PUTTER: Odyssey White Hot Versa #1 BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

ADRIAN MERONK

EQUIPMENT NEWS TRIED & TESTED

PROTO CONCEPT C03TC IRONS Equipment Editor Dan Owen puts a set of Proto Concept C03TC Irons through their paces with the help of the custom fitting experts at Golf Tech UK

While all the main golf brands do an exceptional job when it comes to creating irons to suit a wide range of golfers, there is a small but growing group of golfers who are looking for something a little bit more niche.

This explains the rise of boutique brands such as Miura, Vega, and Epon, who specialise in creating hand-made irons made from the finest materials.

You can now add Proto Concept to that list of brands catering to discerning golfers who want something that not only offers incredible feel, but unlike many boutique irons, offers advanced performance as well.

Played by women’s world no.3 Lydia Ko, Proto Concept irons are built in a factory that many experts believe make the best forgings in golf. The range includes four iron models, but after a custom fitting at the West Sussex-based headquarters of Golf Tech UK, the best results I got were with the CO3TC model.

TRIED & TESTED

ANDALUCIA MASTERS DRIVER: Ping G430 Max (10.5°) FAIRWAY: Ping G425 Max (14.5°) HYBRID: Ping G425 (19°) IRONS: Ping iBlade (4-PW) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey SM9 (50°, 54°, 58°) PUTTER: Ping Vault 2.0 Ketsch BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

NEDBANK GOLF CHALLENGE

COLLIN MORIKAWA ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP

DRIVER: TaylorMade SIM (8°) FAIRWAYS: TaylorMade SIM (14°), TaylorMade Stealth 2 (18°) IRONS: TaylorMade P770 (4), P7MC (5-6), P7MC prototype (7-PW) Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (50°, 56°, 60°) PUTTER: TaylorMade TP Soto BALL: TaylorMade TP5x

is informative, the true feel of a club is experienced on the course, so I took them for a round at Littlehampton, a gem of a links course. The most surprising aspect on the course was that the heads aren’t overly compact. With their Japanese shaping, there’s more mass in the heel, and the irons don’t have an excessively thin topline. Despite being one-piece forgings, these are forgiving irons for their size.

Striking them out of the middle was addictive. The soft, compressed impact may be the best I’ve felt. Unlike Miura, which feels a bit thuddy to me, these resemble the Bridgestone forged J33 irons I played in the past, which were manufactured in the same factory.

They aren’t exceptionally fast or long irons – they deliver to the ball what you put in, and as I’ve lost some speed, they might not be what I’m looking for long-term, but if you want a set of irons that keep you honest and feel is more important than distance and forgiveness, these could be exactly what you are looking for.

RRP: £345 per iron For details. visit protoconceptgolf.com

DUCA DEL COSMA FONTANA GOLF BOOTS Golf News Editor Nick Bayly gives Duca del Cosma’s new golf boots a run out among the muddy puddles and rain-soaked fairways

MAX HOMA

DRIVER: Titleist TSR3 (10°) FAIRWAYS: Titleist TSR2+ (14.5°), Titleist TSR2 (21°) IRONS: Titleist T100S (4), Titleist 620MB (5-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (46°, 50°, 56°, 60°) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron Phantom X T5.5 Prototype BALL: Titleist Pro V1

This forged one-piece carbon steel design features a CNCmilled channel in the longer irons, that lowers the centre of gravity and promotes a higher launch. In the 8-PW this is removed to give the clubs a more controlled flight. The bevelled sole design with a killed leading edge reduces turf drag and helps maintained clubhead speed through impact.

Initially apprehensive about their playability, I expected to be fitted into one of the more forgiving irons in the range. However, with my shallower swing, the narrow sole helped me achieve better contact and, more importantly, faster ball speeds than the larger CO5 molde.

Expertly fitted by the team at Golf Tech UK, these irons were built with the KBS TGI 90 graphite shafts. Despite being graphite, they are stiff, providing a stronger ball flight than comparatively weighted steel shafts. And one of the keys to choosing a set of irons like this is they will be custom fit, and you won’t be limited to standard options.

While hitting indoors on a Trackman

There probably hasn’t been a better time to test out a pair of golf shoes that promise to keep your feet dry following the last few weeks of incessant rain that we have experienced in the UK. With almost non-stop downpours and four named storms before we were half-way through November, most golf course’s water tables have long since reached saturation point and even finding a club that is open for play is proving something of a challenge in areas of the country where the soil is less than free draining.

My local course has thankfully remained open during this extraordinarily wet spell, but it has at least it has given me the opportunity to put a pair Duca Del Cosma’s

new golf boots through their paces in conditions for which they were designed.

Part of the brand’s new Cool Season range – although cool hasn’t really been the problem in the UK in recent weeks – I tested out the Fontana, a walking boot-style golf shoe that boasts a luxurious waterproof leather upper with above-the-ankle support and a cosy fleece lining.

Duca del Cosma’s boots come in a wide range of eye-catching styles in the women’s range, while the options for men are slightly more conservative, with black, grey, brown and blue in various different designs. I opted for the navyblue Fontana, which looks unfussy and is as stylish as you can hope a walking boot to be. An earlier model of this shoe – the Stanford – that I tested last year had metal hooks in place of the final two eyelets on the laces, which enhanced the rugged

walking boot aesthete, but the Fontana has eyelets all the way up, which I didn’t particularly mind, although it makes it slightly harder to loosen when it comes to taking them off.

Otherwise, the overall footprint is far from clunky, with the sleek, narrow design and tapered, rounded toe making my size 46’s not look too oversized. They are also surprisingly light and at no point during my round did I feel like I was having to drag my feet along, despite the heavy going provided by the rain-sodden fairways. My initial concern that the height of the ankle support would somehow affect my balance or my swing also proved unfounded, and I was able to fully engage my legs and feet in the normal way without feeling constricted or planted. The padded tongue and cushioning around the ankle provided welcome support, and the main body of the foot feels nicely locked in without feeling squashed, with

NEWS | WINTER 2024 [35] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

MOTOCADDY ISSUES TOP TIPS FOR WINTER BATTERY CARE

TITLEIST EXPANDS CUSTOM FITTING EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME Titleist is offering the opportunity for even more golfers to benefit from a custom fitting experience at venues throughout the UK. The brand’s team of golf club fitting specialists will be at locations across the UK over the coming months, with golfers able to book a custom fitting experience via the Titleist website.

The host venues include The Grove, Burhill, Foxhills, Royal Norwich, Celtic Manor, Long Ashton, Leicester Golf Centre, Keele, Hartford, Manchester Golf Club, Gleneagles and the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre.

At each Titleist Custom Fitting Experience event, a golf club fitting specialist will deliver five onehour appointments utilising the latest fitting technology, including Trackman, to help golfers find the right spec for the brand’s TSR drivers, brand new T-Series irons and Vokey Design wedges.

To find your nearest Titleist Custom Fitting event, visit titleist.co.uk.

no lateral movement. Getting the sizing right is key in this respect, and I’d suggest going up at least half a size or even a full size, and wearing a thicker sock if need be.

Out on the golf course, the Fontana ploughed through puddles with the minimum of fuss and water literally rolled off the uppers like water off a duck’s back.

The soles feature firm rubber nubs rather than traditional cleats, but despite the squelchy conditions I never felt like I was in danger of slipping while swinging or walking. More importantly, after sloshing and splattering my way through 18 holes, I came off the course with my socks bone dry and my feet looking nothing like the shrivelled specimens that most golfers are used to seeing when wearing standard golf shoes in wet weather, while a quick spray with the air pressure hose outside the clubhouse had them looking like new again.

While I’m hoping that the sun will soon make a reappearance and our golf courses will start to dry out, in the meantime I can take solace in the knowledge that I can step out onto of the water-logged links with my trusty Fontanas without fear of growing webbed feet.

RRP: £200, To check out the full Duca del Cosma golf shoe range, visit ducadelcosma.co.uk

Leading electric golf trolley brand Motocaddy has put together some top tips for power trolley owners to ensure the safety, performance and longevity of its lithium batteries over the colder winter period.

The top-selling powered trolley brand is keen to stress the importance of adhering to recommended battery charging and storage advice to avoid problems, particularly over prolonged periods of inactivity and the colder winter months.

It’s top tips include disconnecting the battery when its fully charged; remembering to recharge the battery at least once every month or so, even when it has not been used; not to leave the battery uncharged for extended periods, and remembering to store the battery in a place where the temperature is 10c+ (i.e not leaving it your car overnight or in a cold garage or garden shed during the winter.) Leaving a battery in an uncharged state in temperatures below 5°C could pose a significant safety risk that could result in a fire when charged.

The company also recommends charging extended range batteries as soon after use as possible – ideally within 12 hours, and that they shouldn’t be used over consecutive days without being recharged.

“Our batteries are state-of-the-art and incorporate a comprehensive Battery Management System that helps to protect the Lithium cells if charging advice is followed correctly,” said Motocaddy CEO John Helas. “Although incidents are extremely rare and batteries of the size and type used on golf trolleys are proven to be very safe and long-lasting, there can be issues if they’re not cared for properly, especially if second-hand batteries are involved.”

For further advice, a ‘How to care for your Motocaddy Lithium battery’ page can be found on the brand’s website, motocaddy.com.

HOLE MORE PUTTS WITH SWEET SPOT American Golf is stocking a brandnew putter, the iB Putter Sweet Spot, that has been developed and designed by Iván Ballesteros, the nephew of golfing legend Seve.

Available exclusively in the UK via American Golf online and across its 90-plus retail stores, the innovative dual-face cylindrical putter is poised to revolutionise the way golfers approach their putting game.

Leveraging Ivan’s extensive knowledge of golf equipment, acquired over many years in the golf industry, along with his experience as a PGA instructor and his years alongside his uncle, the legendary Seve Ballesteros, the iB Putter Sweet Spot promises to redefine precision, balance and performance on the green.

Made from a combination of highgrade stainless steel and aluminium, the putter is designed to maintain perfect

balance throughout the stroke. Offering a 3.5° loft and a 70° lie, the clubhead’s 373g mass provides exceptional weight distribution to ensure a solid touch precisely where you aim. This balanced design encourages a pendulum-like stroke, resulting in consistent hits on the sweet spot with every shot.

Iván Ballesteros said: “No detail has been spared in ensuring that this putter will dramatically transform every golfer’s putting technique. It’s a true gamechanger that promises to elevate any golfer’s overall putting experience.”

Priced at £349, the iB Sweet Spot putter is offered in black or silver and can be purchased online from American Golf and its retail stores nationwide.

GOLF PRIDE BY

NUMBERS Golf Pride is by far and way the leading grip in golf.

The numbers speak for themselves....

FEATURE | WINTER 2024 [37] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

0

Golf Pride manufactured

48 MILLION

the number of players paid to use Golf Pride grips

grips in 2022

Golf Pride is celebrating its

75TH ANNIVERSARY in 2024

4/4 men’s major winners in 2023 won using Golf Pride grips

THE TOP 10 in the OWGR all use Golf Pride grips

Across MCC and MCC teams they are available in

22/24 PLAYERS

25 DIFFERENT COLOURS

at the Ryder Cup used Golf Pride grips

5/5 WOMEN’S MAJOR WINNERS in 2023 won using Golf Pride grips

30 out of the last 50 Open winners have used Golf Pride grips

92% of the field used Golf Pride at the US Open

THE MCC IS SUCH A POPULAR GRIP, if it was its own company it would be number two after Golf Pride

Golf Pride won 23/31 events on the LPGA Tour in 2023 – 94% of all events played

Golf Pride were founded in 1949. In 1953 they introduced the slip on rubber grip which is the forefather to modern rubber golf grips There at least 15 DIFFERENT GOLF PRIDE GRIPS in use on any week on the DP WORLD TOUR.

Tommy Bolt won the 1958 US Open using Golf Pride grips

Across the 2022 season Golf Pride had

105 TOUR WINS The MCC grip is

134 of the 138 players at the BMW PGA Championship had at least one Golf Pride grip in play. That’s

97.1%

of the field

20 YEARS OLD in 2024

A Golf Pride study concluded that new golf grips offer an increased average carry length of 2.3 yards on full golf shots

Tiger Woods has won everyone of his 82 professional victories using Golf Pride grips

Average ball speed (average: 121.6 mph) increased by 1.3mph Golf Pride grips were used to win 41 of 45 events on the PGA Tour in 2023 or 91% of all events played

Average carry length (average: 168.6 yards) increased by 2.3 yards

The most popular grips on tour are the

TOUR VELVET and MCC

Golf Pride manufacture over 100 different grip types, as well as all the OEM grips they produce

Golf Pride won 33/39 on the DP World Tour,

85%

of all events played

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PUTT PERFECT

FIT FOR THE STARS Golf News Equipment Editor Dan Owen pays a visit to Callaway Golf’s National Performance Centre in Surrey and finds a state-of the-art custom fitting facility that offers a five-star service for tour pros and club golfers alike

C

allaway’s National Performance Centre in Chessington has long been one of the best custom fitting facilities in the UK, but now they’ve made it even better.

I first visited Callaway’s European headquarters to be fit for a set of golf clubs back when I was a teenager, some 20 years ago. I was fitted for a set of Big Bertha X-12 Pro Series irons and a Big Bertha Steelhead 4+ fairway wood with a fancy RCH Tour shaft. I loved those clubs, and they helped me improve massively as a golfer. But it’s fair to say that golf clubs and golf club fitting has come a long way since those very early days of indoor golf.

In keeping with the times, Callaway’s showpiece fitting facility in the UK has recently benefitted from a top-to-toe makeover. The main fitting room has been brightened up, with multiple flat screen monitors mounted on the wall, and it the whole place feels alot more spacious.

Head fitter and Product Trainer Chris Courtneidge explained, “We wanted to give it more of a golf course feel, with more space. It feels like you’re on a tee box. We’ve also added a second hitting mat specifically for wedge fitting, and that’s really improved that aspect of our fitting.”

Callaway has also switched over to using Foresight GC Quad launch monitors for fittings.

“They are the market leader for indoor fitting, and the data is incredibly accurate,” adds Chris, who joined Callaway having previously worked for ■: THE PERFORMANCE CENTRE STOCKS A DIZZYING CHOICE OF AFTERMARKET SHAFTS

Titleist in both Canada and the UK and brings a huge amount of club-fitting experience to the role. He knows the Callaway fitting product inside out, and when he’s not fitting it, he’s training retailers and fitters around the country to understand the fine details of the Callaway product line-up and how to get the best fit.

As well as improvements to the look of the facility, Callaway has also significantly expanded the choice of custom shafts on offer, and golfers are now faced with a veritable wall of shafts when they walk into the fitting suite.

Courtneidge explains, “This is Callaway’s top fitting facility across Europe. Since we’ve improved the studio, a lot more of Callaway’s DP World Tour staff have been in here, and they want access to the latest shafts for a fitting. And if a golfer is dedicated to their game enough to want to come here for a fitting, then, in all likelihood, they will want the very best shaft options and don’t want to just be fit from the stock offerings.”

With Callaway’s comprehensive equipment range there is a model for everyone. While the Paradym range or irons has something for most golfers, they also offer the Apex irons for golfers looking for a forged feel, the Big Bertha line-up for the player looking for more forgiveness, and the Great Big Bertha range for golfers looking for the most premium and lightest models in the Callaway range.

I went through the fitting process for a set of the new Paradym irons. While the forgiving heads are known for their fast speed, it was amazing how much control they offered when we found the correct shaft. Like most manufacturers, Callaway finds the right head first and then finetunes the shaft to fit. Because the Paradym irons are fast and offer relatively low spin, we settled on a Nippon 850 Neo shaft that added launch and spin to really dial in the club fit.

When you next need a new set of clubs, give the Callaway National Performance Centre serious consideration. With industry-leading equipment, an expert fitter, and some of the best technology in golf, you will come out with an excellent set of bespoke golf clubs. Just remember, go in with an open mind, and let the fitter fit you for what is best for your game and not what you thought you might need.

■ MAN WITH A PLAN: CALLAWAY PERFORMANCE CENTRE’S HEAD FITTER AND PRODUCT TRAINER CHRIS COURTNEIDGE

Dan Owen checks into the Odyssey Putting Studio, the latest addition to the Callaway National Performance Centre’s fitting facilities, and finds out some home truths about his short game shortcomings Alongside the refitted National Performance Centre, Callaway Golf has installed a Odyssey Putting Studio at Chessington. It’s probably the first time I’ve seen the entire range of Odyssey putters in one place, as well as multiple shaft length options. The selection is vast and seeing all the models lined up alongside each other is a truly impressive sight.

While I’ve always considered myself a decent putter, a few years ago I had my long-time gamer stolen and it’s been a constant search for a true replacement ever since.

With the help of Chris, the aid of SAM Putt Lab, and my semi-repeatable stroke, we found some fascinating insights. I’ve always used a face-balanced mallet putter with a shaft at around 32-33 inches long.

The mallet always made it easier for me to line up putts, while the length allowed my arms to hang low and extended. Turns out I need to make some changes.

First of all, the SAM Putt Lab showed that I don’t have a straight back-andthrough stroke like I’ve always thought.

I open and shut the face, so the facebalanced head was working against me.

And Chris could see by having a shorter putter, my eyes weren’t over the ball.

We tested a few models, but I settled on the White Hot 5K 7CH at 34 inches.

Still a mallet like I favoured, but with a crank hosel to add some toe hang that allows the putter to move more naturally throughout the stroke.

■ DAN GETS FITTED FOR A SET OF CALLAWAY’S NEW PARADYM IRONS

BOOKING YOUR CUSTOM FITTING To book a fitting at Callaway Golf’s National Performance Centre in Chessington, contact your local club professional or retailer, and they can book you in. While Callaway does the fitting, the purchase of the clubs will go through the retailer. For readers further north, there is a facility located at the St Andrews Links Trust in Scotland.

FEATURE | WINTER 2024 [39] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

ODYSSEY’S ON A ROLL with game-changing Ai-ONE putter range

Odyssey, the #1 putter brand on tour, has introduced the all-new Ai-ONE and Ai-ONE Milled putters, which combine ground-breaking AI technology with state-of-the-art materials and ultra-forgiving face inserts to enable you to achieve consistent distance control and hole more putts. Report by Equipment Editor Dan Owen

F

or putter manufacturers the world over, the holy grail of putter design is to create a putter that hits the ball as far on a miss-hit as it does from one struck from the dead centre of the clubface, because, let’s face it, who hits the sweet spot every time? If every putt goes the distance you intended, then you’ll have fewer missed putts and far fewer card-wrecking three-putts.

Step forward Odyssey’s new Ai-ONE putter family. Using Artificial Intelligence technology borrowed from sister company Callaway’s driver and fairway wood designs, the Ai-One is the end result of an exhaustive period of time spent by Odyssey designers talking to its tour players and measuring their strengths and weaknesses with a putter in hand.

Using an Odyssey putting lab and a Quintic Ball Roll device on the brand’s tour truck, the designers were able to gather a huge amount of data relating to the putting stats of the world’s best players. And among the many things that came back from the research was that while the game’s best all have phenomenal speed control, what they aren’t able to do is find the centre of the putter face each and every time, especially on longer putts. This leads to putts ending up short and the potential for a three-putt creeping in. And, with the average proximity to the hole on the PGA Tour for first putts being 34 feet, that’s a lot of long putts that could end up a long way short of the hole.

Armed with this knowledge, Odyssey’s design team fed this data into a supercomputer and drew on the machine learning powers of AI and some of Odyssey’s pre-existing technology – including the legendary White Hot urethane insert – to come up with a design for a putter that is able to deliver a consistent ball speed across a much larger section of the face, so that putts that come off the toe or the heel still produce ball speeds that are much closer to those from the centre.

Many months later – and after 50,000 different iterations – robot testing on the finished products showed that 32-foot putts hit from off-centre, both laterally and vertically, with an Ai-One putter ended up 21% closer to the hole than those hit with other putters in Odyssey’s existing line up. It was a eureka moment and one that certainly proved an eye-catching number for world no.2 Jon Rahm, who wasted no time in putting the Ai-ONE Rossie S in the bag for the Ryder Cup in Rome.

Even better news is that the technology works for all golfers, not just elite tour pros. In fact, an Ai-ONE putter will be an even more potent weapon in the hands of club golfers who are prone to making more miss-hits than tour pros.

AI-ONE PUTTERS ON TEST Equipment Editor Dan Owen writes: I was given an Ai-ONE Double Wide and the Ai-ONE Milled Eleven to test and after giving both a decent run out I came down on the side of the Milled model purely on the basis of the finish. While both are navy blue – which is quite a bold colour choice – the standard Ai-One has a matt finish while the Milled models boast a satin sheen which was more to my liking.

That said, they both look stunning behind the ball, with the window on the Ai-One offering an insight into the clubhead’s inner workings, emphasising the innovative engineering technology that has gone into creating these ground-breaking putters.

The Double Wide I tested boasts a classic Anserstyle design with some added depth to the head that helps with alignment. Feel-wise, Odyssey hasn’t changed a winning formula with the AiONE, retaining that signature White Hot feel that the majority of their tour players trust and prefer, offering the merest hint of a ‘click’ at impact, which I also liked.

The Ai-ONE Milled ELEVEN looks and feel a million dollars, which, crazy as it sounds, makes the £449 price tag almost feel like good value. The

AI-ONE RRP: £289 The key to the performance of the Ai-ONE putter is the all-new insert. Unlike other designs that attempt to achieve consistency by deadening the centre of the face, Ai-ONE putters aim to raise ball speed on mishits. It’s an idea that’s been four years in the making, inspired by the use of AI in the unique designs of driver faces for Callaway’s Epic Flash drivers. The Ai-ONE features an outside face made from White Hot Urethane with Odyssey’s Microhinges that features a contoured aluminium backing that improves the consistency of ball speed across the face.

Visually, the Ai-ONE doesn’t look too different from previous Odyssey putters, so engineers created a window to the sole of the putter by introducing an see-through polymer that allows you to see inside the clubhead. Elsewhere, the graphite Stroke Lab shaft has been replaced by an all-steel version.

The SL90 is a 95g steel shaft that contains between 20-30g of counterweighting in the butt end of the grip to raise the shaft’s balance point closer to hands to provide better tempo, while the stiffer tip section emphasized torsional control of the head without adding excess weight.

It features a matte navy blue PVD finish, as well as

copper hue to the titanium insert looks great but doesn’t distract at address, while the dark blue head provides an excellent constrast. The alignment aid, with three lines on top, will serve as a great complement to Callaway’s Triple Track ball, and creates a lot of confidence when lining up those stressful sixfooters.

Feel is soft, but crisp, as you’d expect a high-end milled putter, but still offers plenty of feedback. On longer lag putts, the Ai-ONE Milled outperformed my existing putter in holding its line and maintaining speed, even on mishits across the face.

At 20-plus feet, this increased consistency was very noticeable.

After such a short testing period, it’s hard to quantify if the Ai-ONE technology will bring about a turnaround in my flatstick fortunes, but this putter is all about percentage gains over a long period of time, so I’m going to monitor my performance on the greens over the coming months and see how we get on, but there’s no doubt that Odyssey is on to something. And who would argue with Jon Rahm?! Not me.

interchangeable weights. A 17-inch grip allows you to choke up or down depending on your preference.

MODEL OPTIONS (more to come in February) • #1 – heel and toe-weighted blade featuring soft lines and an alignment aid in the flange.

• The Double Wide DB – extended blade design for extra confidence at address.

• The Rossie S is the model used by Jon Rahm and is the latest version of the putter that put Odyssey on the map.

• #7 S and #7 CH – fang design for easy alignment.

The #7 S features a slant neck and significant toe hang, while the #7 CH features a crank hosel neck.

AI-ONE MILLED

To find your nearest Odyssey RRP: £449 putter fitting Featuring a CNC-milled stainless steel body, Ai-One centre, visit Milled putters feature a unique Champagne-coloured www.odysseyeu. variable thickness titanium insert that has milled callawaygolf.com contours behind the face that evens out ball speed across the face.

Odyssey claims that these technologies combine to produce putts that finish 10% closer to the hole on average than a typical milled putter. Other specifications, including the counter-balanced shaft, adjustable weighting and extended grip, are the same as those offered with the standard Ai-ONE putter.

MODEL OPTIONS • ONE T Heel and toe blade with topline alignment.

• TWO T Heel and toe blade with square lines • THREE T Classic mallet with flat rear edge • SIX T Face-balanced mallet with enhanced forgiveness.

• SEVEN T Smaller fang for golfers with a straight stroke.

• EIGHT T Mallet with a simple alignment aid and slant hosel.

• ELEVEN T Compact mallet that takes inspiration from the classic #7 design but makes it even easier to line up.

[40] WINTER 2024 | PRO SHOP GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

MIZUNO ST-G DRIVER £549, MIZUNOGOLF.COM

BLOODLINE VALE PUTTER £349, BLOODLINEGOLF.COM

Bloodline makes some really interesting putters and are used by Ernie Els on the Champions Tour. One of the first brands to introduce a graphite-shafted putter, they feature a low balance point, so as much of the putter’s weight is near the head as possible to improve feel. But their standout feature is that they stand up on their own.

This allows you to line up the putt, put it down, and check that it’s aiming at the intended target.

Mizuno has been making some great drivers for the last few seasons, embracing carbon fibre and new titanium to make great feeling and looking ‘big dogs’.

What they hadn’t done in their last release is bring out something either offering low spin or adjustability.

Featuring a 440cc head, with twin weight tracks from front to back, this is designed to be the driver for the bomber. It’s such a low spinning model that Mizuno has yet to put the weights all the way to the front for any of its tour players.

PRO SHOP

YOUR GUIDE TO THE LATEST GEAR

Equipment editor Dan Owen casts his expert eye over the last equipment launches

CALLAWAY APEX PRO ’24 IRONS

WISHON 719MW DRIVER

Callaway has updated its Apex irons targeted at better players.

But the standout for most golfers is this new Apex Pro model which features a multiple-piece hollow design. While the body is carbon steel, which is great for adjusting specs, the long irons feature a carpenter steel face for faster ball speeds, while the short irons use a softer carbon steel for feel and control.

Urethane Microspheres allow the face to flex while dampening the sound and giving them the feel of a true forged iron.

Wishon is the world’s leading clubmaker-only golf brand.

Designed to be custom-fit and built for the golfer, this is the most adjustable driver they have ever designed. With four weight ports around the head to fine-tune launch and spin, designer Tom Wishon believes that you need to be able to move at least 25g of weight to significantly impact ball flight. By using one 30g weight, the driver can be made high launch, low launch, fade-biased, or draw-biased. It can be further fine-tuned with its adjustable hosel sleeve.

£1,299 (5-PW), CALLAWAYGOLF.COM

RRP: SHAFT DEPENDENT, WISHONGOLF.COM

PRO SHOP | WINTER 2024 [41] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM PACE SL £164.99, AMERICANGOLF.CO.UK

Although New Balance has been producing high quality trainers and running shoes for many years – over 100 to be precise – it has only recently got into golf – and even only more recently started selling them in the UK thanks to an exclusive retail partnership with American Golf. Thankfully the brand has lost none of its cool looks and performance-focused attributes with its golf offering, with American Golf selling nine different models, with seven options for men and two for women, that will appeal to a wide range of golfers. sslate accents in five sizes from 7.5-11.5. Boasting a waterproof mesh upper designed for year-round play, it features a BOA closure for a customised fit and a cushioned insole for the ultimate in in-shoe comfort and energy return, while the smart rubber spikeless outsole delivers all the traction and stability you need to deal with all underfoot conditions.

GRAPHITE DESIGN TOUR AD VF SHAFTS £325, PROSCHOICESHAFTS.COM

Graphite shafts are a voodoo that few people truly understand. They just look like multi-coloured sticks. But get fit for the right one, and I guarantee you will hit more consistent shots, especially with the driver. The new Graphite Design Tour AD VF (Victory Force) has been put in play on tour by Justin Thomas and Adam Scott, and Tiger Woods has been seen testing one in his preparation for his comeback. A low launch, low spin design, this hand-rolled shaft from Japan will best suit stronger swingers looking to keep their ball flight down.

TAYLORMADE X GARMIN APPROACH S7 WATCH £649, TAYLORMADEGOLF.COM

TaylorMade and Garmin have joined forces to create a an exclusive TaylorMade-branded Garmin Approach S70 watch. It features the TaylorMade ‘Metal-T’ logo on the button crown enclosed by a copper ring around the bezel, while a 1.4-inch touch screen display brings more than 43,000 courses to life and features shot tracking with shot dispersion data for each club, as well as a ‘PlaysLike’ distance feature and green contour data.

A virtual caddie tool suggests a club based on historical swing data, while it also boasts all the usual smart watch functions such as step counters and heart rate monitoring.

PENGUIN EARL WATERPROOF JACKET £159, ORIGINALPENGUIN.CO.UK

Waterproof jackets aren’t always the most stylish of garments. To try and rectify that Original Penguin has taken inspiration from their Classic Earl polo shirt in creating the Earl Waterproof jacket. With the contrast white piping details and a simple slim silhouette, this fully waterproof jacket is something you would happily wear away from the course, as well as when trying to stay dry on the course.

SOLEX SUN CREAM £24.99, SIGNUP.SOLEX.LIVE

PXG GEN6 IRONS

£189/£199 PER CLUB (CHROME/BLACK), PXG.COM PXG makes some of the very best irons on the market, combining powerful designs with a super-soft feel. They have the thinnest face on the market, which is supported by an XCOR2 polymer core which supports the face and creates that soft feel. While the industrial screws and two-tone finishes can be visually divisive, PXG has added two new finishes – Double Chrome and Double Black – that should make these clubs appeal to a much wider range of players.

If you’re chasing your golfing fix abroad this winter, you’ll need some sun cream. But suncream and golf grips don’t go hand in hand, making it hard to grip the club. While your skin should be more important, most golfers are more worried about gripping the club properly. Solex is an SPF30 cream designed to be applied without ever touching your hands. The patented squeezy design gets the cream out, then a cosmetic-inspired saddle applicator helps apply the cream. The result: no sunburn or greasy grips to contend with on the course. We also love that it can attach to the outside of your bag, so you don’t need to scramble around all ten pockets on your bag to find it.

[42] WINTER 2024 | SHOWCASE GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PING G430

CALLAWAY APEX UW

WILSON DYNAPOWER

Of all the hybrids on the market, this is probably the one that fits the broadest range of golfers. While offering relatively simple shape at address, the G430 design packs a punch. It boasts a CarbonFly wrap crown that dramatically lowers the centre of gravity, while a Facewrap maraging steel face provides fast ball speeds. An eight-way adjustable hosel allows it to be dialled in for a perfect fit.

Better players often struggle with hitting hybrids left.

Not with this one. The Apex UW combines the launch of a fairway wood with the versatility of a hybrid and a neutral flight that good ball strikers prefer. The compact shape hides a lot of technology inside it, including the AI-designed Batwing structure that is pushed to the perimeter to stiffen the body, allowing the high-strength maraging steel face cup to flex for fast ball speeds.

Dynapower hybrids were designed with the help of AI, analysing thousands of permutations to create a variable face thickness face that is as fast as possible. It features a high-MOI head design and a Tour-inspired shape to boost your confidence both on the tee and off the deck, while internal weighting, places the centre of gravity low and back for a forgiving, high-launch ball flight.

It is available in four lofts from 3-6 and is a great option for those who struggle to get much elevation or distance with their long irons.

TAYLORMADE STEALTH 2

PXG 0311 GEN6

The Stealth 2 hybrid is offered in three models – Plus, HD and Standard. The Plus is for better players looking for a compact head and a penetrating ball flight; the HD is for those requiring maximum forgiveness, while the Standard falls somewhere in between. The centre of gravity in the Standard has been lowered to create more powerful launch conditions, while the face features TaylorMade’s Inverted Cone technology to maximise ball speed across the face on miss-hits. A V-Steel sole improves turf interaction.

PXG has always made exceptional hybrids, and the new 0311 GEN6 is arguably its best yet. With a lightweight carbon crown and three adjustable sole weights, the centre of gravity has been lowered to raise the launch while controlling spin. The three weights can be used to influence shot shape, and in combination with the adjustable hosel, these are among the most customisable hybrids on the market.

TITLEIST TSR 2

VEGA ALKAID TOUR

SRIXON ZX MK II

The TSR2 features a longer face that allows it to flex more to improve both ball speed and forgiveness. By pushing the CG deeper, while keeping it low, Titleist has been able to increase MOI without impacting launch dynamics. This leads to a more forgiving hybrid that still launches fast and easy. Added sole relief pockets are designed to help golfers pick the ball cleanly off the fairway and from the rough, with less surface area reducing the chance of it getting caught up in grass.

Featuring an appealing shape at address for those that prefer a compact head, the ALKAID Tour is designed to deliver a more penetrating shot trajectory. It features Vega’s distinct and unique Airflow Stabilizer design to create more aerodynamic efficiency. A maraging steel face creates fast ball speeds, a carbon fibre crown is used to save weight, while the centrally located weight creates a solid feel at impact.

Srixon’s hybrids feature a unique look, with a lot of bulk at the toe of the club. It won’t appeal to everyone, but it makes them look super forgiving.

Featuring a Rebound Frame, it gives the hybrid two flex zones – one at the face, and another further back in the head. Like a spring within a spring, Rebound Frame elevates COR across the face for increased ball speed which should translate into extra distance.

£295, PING.COM

£239, TAYLORMADEGOLF.CO.UK

£259, TITLEIST.CO.UK

£319, CALLAWAYGOLF.COM

£239, PXG.COM

£275, VEGA-GOLF.COM

£195, WILSON.COM

HYBRIDS TO THE RESCUE! With so many shapes, sizes, lofts and performance attributes, it’s vital that you get a custom fitting and gapping assessment when investing in one or more of these invaluable clubs

£239, EU.DUNLOPSPORTS.COM

WINTER 2024 | WWW.GOLFNEWS.CO.UK/TRAVEL

APESHILL Meet the new jewel in the Caribbean's golfing crown

PORTMARNOCK 2.0 DUBLIN RESORT UNVEILS MAJOR RENOVATION

MAGICAL MAURITIUS HERITAGE RESORT LAUNCHES LA RESERVE GOLF LINKS

ME & MY TRAVELS WITH CRICKETING LEGEND BRIAN LARA

PORTMARNOCK REIMAGINED Golf News Editor Nick Bayly returns to Portmarnock Resort, formerly known as Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links, for the first time in 20 years and finds the North Dublin venue muchchanged, with a new owner, new name, and a recently redesigned championship course that serves to elevate the experience in more ways than one…

P

ortmarnock Resort, formerly known as Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links, has unveiled its recently remodelled championship golf course under a new brand name – Jameson Golf Links.

The rebrand follows the multi-million pound renovation of Bernhard Langer’s original 1995 design, masterminded by Jeff Lynch, director and senior architect at (re)GOLF, and his team on a site inextricably linked to the famous Jameson whiskey dynasty – a family who played an instrumental part in introducing people to the game of golf in Ireland.

In the 1850s, John Jameson built his own private course on the site which would have been used by friends and family coming from Scotland. Three of the Jamesons, including John, are laid to rest in the graveyard to the right of the first hole, and the old family home – St Marnocks – now forms part of the Portmarnock Resort, Dublin’s only coastal resort.

Enhancements made to the course include the ambitious elevation of greens and tees from the eighth hole all the way through to its breathtaking finishing stretch. Visitors can now marvel at stunning views of Portmarnock’s Velvet Strand beach, the Dublin city skyline and the famous uninhabited island – known as Ireland’s Eye – which greets visitors as they land in nearby Dublin Airport.

Given their location away from the coast, the first seven holes have been very much left as they were, and they are none too shabby in their own right, but they feel pedestrian by comparison to the remaining 10, as it’s only when you get to the eighth hole does evidence of the changes come into play and the excitement begins to ramp up as the aforementioned views are revealed and the course begins to take on a more linksy feel.

The previously dog-legged eighth has been transformed into a straighter par four following the development of a new fairway, green complex and grass pathways. The par-4 10th is another memorable hole that brings the dunes and elevation changes into play. A large dune

■ MAIN IMAGE: A VIEW OF THE ‘VOLCANO GREEN’ ON THE PAR-5 12TH HOLE MIDDLE: LOOKING ACROSS THE GREEN ON THE PAR-3 8TH TO THE VELVET STRAND; ABOVE: THE JAMESON BAR IN THE HOTEL

dominates the view from the tee, while a marker post in the distance provides the ideal line for a hole that swings from right to left. But it’s only when you reach your ball – which is hopefully in the middle of the fairway – that you realise that it’s all about the second shot on this hole, as the green is basically an upturned bowl that will repel all put the most perfectly struck approach – as I discovered to my cost during my three rounds on the course.

Both the 12th and 14th holes – previously par

fours – have been redesigned as par fives, with the raised green area on the former providing incredible views of the Velvet Strand, Howth Head, Lambay and Ireland’s Eye. In between those new par fives, the once par-five 13th is now a very challenging par four, becoming the course’s stroke index one in the process. The 15th has been shortened from a par four to a par three, and plans are in place to change the 17th from a par three to a par four in early 2024 in order to provide another birdie opportunity over the closing holes.

The final hole is a 400-yard par four that requires a tee shot down the left side of the fairway to set yourself up for a second shot into a green surrounded by towering dunes and protected by three bunkers. It’s a suitably dramatic finish to a round that is not short on excitement and interest, and like any good course it will leave you wanting to come back for more, if only to right some of the inevitable wrongs that were made through your previous lack of course knowledge.

The course changes have also prompted the creation of a new on-course ‘half-way hut’ located close to the eighth, ninth, 14th and 15th holes, where you can get a freshly poured pint of Guinness and a Jameson whiskey chaser, if the mood takes, along with a selection of hot and cold snacks.

Away from the golf course, those visiting the new-look Portmarnock Resort will also experience a recently upgraded and award-winning hotel, which blends modern elegance with a fascinating history, encapsulated by the quaint Irish charm of its famed Jameson Bar – which in 2022 was commended in the Icons of Whisky Ireland Hotel Bar of the Year Awards.

The resort is just a 30-minute journey from the heart of Dublin and provides a perfect base for golfers looking to explore the vast array of worldclass links courses along the north Dublin coast – including Portmarnock Golf Club, The Island and Royal Dublin, as well as the all-too-well-known delights of Ireland’s capital city.

■ A VIEW FROM BEHIND THE 14TH HOLE

BOOK YOUR BREAK For more information on Portmarnock Resort and Jameson Golf Links, including the latest stay-and-play packages, visit www.portmarnock.com

NEWS | WINTER 2024 [45] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ THE BERKSHIRE GC

Tee up your five-star ‘all-Exclusive’ heathland golf break Golfers are being offered the ultimate stay-and-play golf break for those wishing to experience Surrey and Berkshire’s world-class golf venues in the finest five-star luxury.

Situated in the Surrey Sandbelt region – home to several quintessential British heathland golf courses – Exclusive Collection hotels’ Pennyhill Park and Royal Berkshire offer luxurious hotel retreats where guests can indulge in great dining and relax in stunning accommodation.

Following an increase in golfers staying at both hotels, Exclusive Collection has launched a range of golf break packages taking in rounds some of the area’s top clubs, including Sunningdale, Walton ■ THE SPA AT PENNYHILL PARK Heath, The Berkshire and West Hill – with guests able to secure tee times, subject to availability, directly through Pennyhill Park and Royal Berkshire when booking their stay.

One of Surrey’s most luxurious spa and hotel retreats, Pennyhill Park in Bagshot is renowned for giving guests the opportunity to indulge in the finest hotel and lifestyle facilities. The 19th century, ivy-clad, country house is set within 120 acres of beautiful parkland, yet conveniently close to London, and offers the ultimate reset button for those looking relax between days of golf at the stunning courses in the area.

The hotel is home to bespoke accommodation, first-class food experiences – including a 5 AA Rosette and Michelin star restaurant – and an award-winning spa with innovative treatments and little luxuries perfect for escaping the stresses of normal life.

A short trip down the road lies Royal Berkshire, a hotel known as a ‘home from home’, which warmly welcomes all visitors and invites them to relax and take it easy, while also taking advantage of the major tourist and golfing destinations on the doorstep. After golf nearby on the incredible courses, guests can return and revel in the property’s period features as they unwind with their favourite tipples and relaxed dining. With comfortable rooms and suites to make your own, this hidden gem near Ascot and Windsor is easy to get to and makes stays feel special, yet familiar.

An example package, including a three-night stay at Pennyhill Park, with rounds of golf at Sunningdale, The Berkshire and Walton Heath, starts from £1,922pp with bed and breakfast, while a similar stay at Royal Berkshire costs from £1,517.

For more information, visit www.exclusive.co.uk/healthland■ ROYAL BERKSHIRE HOTEL golf-breaks

■ WEST HILL GC

Gunners & Greens: The Grove tees up ultimate football and golfing getaway Golfing diehards who like football – or football fans who like golf – should take a look at a sporting package that is currently being offered by The Grove, the luxury estate located in Hertfordshire.

The package includes a two-night stay in a double or twin room in the five-star hotel’s West Wing, two rounds of golf on resort’s championship golf course – venue for the 2012 British Masters and the 2006 WGC Amex Championship – and a ticket to watch an Arsenal Premier League game of your choice from the comfort of The Grove’s Executive Box at the Emirates Stadium.

This superb double sporting header also includes luxury coach transport to and from the game; dinner in one of The Grove’s award-winning restaurants on one night, and dinner in the executive box before the football match. Breakfast in The Grove’s excellent Glasshouse restaurant is also included in the package, as is complimentary access to all the resort’s spa facilities, including swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym.

Upcoming package dates include three London derbies, including Arsenal’s evening fixture against West Ham on December 28; the game against Crystal Palace on January 20, and the typically fiery home fixture against Chelsea on March 16. Package prices for those three fixtures cost £715, £612 and £737pp respectively, based on double occupancy in a double or twin room.

For all bookings and enquiries, visit www.thegrove.co.uk/offers/arsenal-getaway or call 01923 296010.

Portal Home to 45 holes and on-site accommodation that takes luxury to the next level

S

ET IN the heart of the rolling Cheshire countryside, the 18-hole Championship and Premier courses and nine-hole Arderne Course have established Portal Golf & Spa Resort as a distinctive world-class championship golf venue.

The Championship Course, opened in 1990, is the star of Portal’s golfing complex.

Designed by Donald Steel and a host of the EuroPro Tour in 2019, the 7,037yard layout meanders through parkland with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

It is characterised by unique and distinctive holes, with expansive water hazards and cascading waterfalls among the tests. The long third hole, tipping the scales at 607 yards with a green guarded by a beautiful lake, is a particular highlight.

The Premier Course features several key holes, including the par-3 15th cut out of a sandstone quarry, while the nine-hole Arderne is perfect for either a gentle warm up or fun competition.

On-site, rooms at the hotel are as elegant and luxurious as you’d expect; stylish design, plush fabrics and rich soft furnishings combine to make a stay something special, with the feature rooms on the top floor taking luxury to the next level.

Elsewhere, there’s the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely dip in the 18-metre heated pool or work out in the state-of-the-art Technogym. Following that, relax in the thermal suite and indulge in either the infrared sauna, rock sauna, aroma steam room or ice room.

macdonaldhotels.co.uk/portal

Hill Valley Luxury accommodation and championship golf await in the Shropshire countryside

S

TUNNINGLY located amid acres of peaceful gardens, yet conveniently close to motorway networks, Hill Valley Hotel, Golf & Spa is the perfect location for your stay, with a relaxed country club ambience and stylish, modern interiors.

A host of the 2019 EuroPro Tour, there are two challenging and professionally designed 18-hole courses – the Emerald and Sapphire – both of which were designed by the duo of Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas. The Emerald, a par-73 measuring 6,714 yards, sweeps around undulating fairways through natural water hazards and strategically placed bunkers, while the par-66 Sapphire is much shorter and suited to the less experienced golfer. Luxury four-star accommodation can be enjoyed in the various styles of rooms, including the feature rooms with beautiful golf views and a furnished patio.

There’s plenty to enjoy in the area, too, with the historic market towns of Chester, Market Drayton and Shrewsbury all nearby. A visit to the Vital Health & Wellbeing Club is a treat for both body and mind. Enjoy a leisurely swim in the sparkling waters of the 20-metre heated indoor pool or simply lie back on a poolside lounger. Or why not retreat to the candlelit hush of the treatment room, where trained therapists work their magic with spa and beauty treatments for ultimate relaxation?

macdonaldhotels.co.uk/hillvalley

RESIDENTIAL GOLF BREAKS

W

ITH SIX championship golf courses and six luxury hotels, isn’t it about time you tried somewhere different for your next golf break? Take your pick from Macdonald Hotels in the Scottish Highlands, Scottish Borders, Northumberland, Shropshire and Cheshire. No matter what, luxurious accommodation can be expected along with award-winning food, prepared using only the finest and freshest produce.

GREAT PACKAGES TO CHOOSE FROM

SPECIAL OFFER

1 night, dinner, bed and breakfast and 2 rounds of golf from £89 per person.

2 nights, dinner, bed and breakfast and 3 rounds of golf from £169 per person.

3 nights, dinner, bed and breakfast and 4 rounds of golf from £229 per person Based on twin rooms.

Makin Terms and conditions apply.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

CALL 0344 879 9048 or email centralgolf@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

NEW g

easier - your life gro or less c ups of 8 an now

BOOK ONLIN E!

Book your 2024 golf break now and you could receive up to 1 in 12 go free, 10% off drinks and upgraded room for the organiser.

Terms and conditions apply.

See website for details.

www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/golf

Spey Valley Everything you need to enjoy the best short break in Aviemore is right here

I

N THE heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Macdonald Aviemore Resort is a truly magical location.

Having benefited from a £7m investment, everything a family needs and more can be found within the resort, from the latest movies in the cinema, the latest brand fashion in the luxury retail outlet, to an activity centre featuring a large leisure pool, soft play, multiactivity rooms for babies up to teens and so much more.

All that’s without even mentioning golf and the breathtaking Spey Valley Championship Course, regarded as one of the finest courses in Scotland and host of the Challenge Tour’s

SSE Scottish Hydro Challenge, as well as the EuroPro Tour in September 2022.

Designed by Dave Thomas, the par-72 layout boasts one of the longest holes in Scotland – the fifth at 641 yards – while the sixth spans a lake that has been adopted as a nesting site by a bird colony. The most spectacular of all is the 18th, with its two bunkers designed to mirror the undulating corries of the mountains beyond.

The resort also includes three four-star hotels – Highland Hotel, Aviemore Hotel and Morlich Hotel – and 18 woodland lodges, as well as many restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. If you’re looking for a golf hotel in the Highlands, look no further.

macdonaldhotels.co.uk/speyvalley

Linden Hall

One of the top golf resorts in Northumberland

B

Cardrona

A golfing jewel in the heart of the Borders

S

ITUATED in the beautiful Scottish Borders countryside only 40 minutes south of Edinburgh, the four-star Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa is the perfect venue for your next golf break. The par-72 Championship Course at Cardrona was designed in 2001 and matured quickly in rank and reputation, hosting Challenge Tour events in 2007 and 2008 and more recently the Tartan Pro Tour in 2013. Playability for golfers of all levels is achieved through a wide choice of tee options, with the course measuring 7,010 yards from the championship tees and 6,139 yards from the front markers. There has been heavy investment into the greenkeeping team and equipment this year which has meant some fantastic work has been carried out this summer, this will continue into the off-season with a robust winter plan in place which will no doubt ensure the course is in amazing condition ready for the 2024 season. So, if you’re planning your next golf break then you should book into Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa. You’re guaranteed a warm welcome, before taking on one of the best courses in the area.

macdonaldhotels.co.uk/cardrona

macdonaldhotels.co.uk/lindenhall

UILT in 1812, the impressive Linden Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa is nestled in 450 acres of private grounds in the heart of the Northumberland countryside.

Its par-72 Championship Course is one of the most picturesque in the area.

Designed by highly regarded course architect Jonathan Gaunt and a EuroPro Tour host, the parkland layout has wide, undulating USGA specification greens and four challenging, par-3s. The signature hole, though, is the 13th – a real risk-and-reward par-5.

Add into that the panoramic views of the Cheviots, Coquet Island and the Northumberland coastline and the opportunity to see local wildlife and Linden Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa is a real treat.

Inside the hotel, each room has its own special character and all have spacious en-suite bathrooms. The Hotel has also recently gone through a £500,000 refurbishment of the Linden Tree Pub Golf Club House which now offers a stunning environment and great food for our golfers!

Macdonald Hotels Winter Series Take part in the Macdonald Hotels Winter Open Series and you will have the chance to win prizes at each event for team places, as well as long drive and nearest the pin competitions. You will also have a chance to win a hole in 1 prize of a 7-night holiday to Spain.

Event dates LINDEN HALL GOLF RESORT, NORTHUMBERLAND

CARDRONA GOLF RESORT, PEEBLES, SCOTLAND

Saturday 11th November Best 2 from 4 Saturday 9th December Scramble Saturday 10th February – Best 2 from 4 Saturday 23rd March Scramble

Sunday 12th November – Best 2 from 4 Sunday 10th December – Scramble Sunday 25th February – Best 2 from 4 Sunday 24th March – Scramble

PORTAL GOLF RESORT, CHESHIRE Sunday 18th November – Best 2 from 4 Saturday 17th December – Scramble Sunday 18th February– Best 2 from 4 Saturday 23rd March – Scramble

SPEY VALLEY GOLF RESORT, AVIEMORE, SCOTLAND Saturday 4th November – Best 2 from 4 Saturday 9th December – Scramble Saturday 17th February – Best 2 from 4 Saturday 23rd March – Scramble5

More details and information on how to BOOK can be found on macdonaldhotels.co.uk/golf

HILL VALLEY GOLF RESORT, SHROPSHIRE Saturday 25th November – Best 2 from 4 Saturday 23rd December – Scramble Sunday 18th February – Best 2 from 4 Saturday 23rd March – Scramble

HERITAGE RESORTS

LA RÉSERVE GOLF LINKS Pure golfing drama in Mauritius

M

ark Twain was right in saying that “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and heaven was copied after Mauritius.”

The secluded Indian Ocean island, situated close to Madagascar and inhabited by just one million residents, boasts over 170km of sandy, golden beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs.

Once the home of the flightless dodo, now extinct, this tropical island offers moderate temperatures, gentle trade winds and ample sunshine. You’ll also find natural history, volcanic mountains, lush green forests and rolling hills, providing a dramatic backdrop to the beachy coastline.

Find out why you should visit Mauritius – not least of which because Heritage Golf Club, crafted along the southwestern shore of the island, is opening the first and only contemporary links golf course in the Indian Ocean: La Réserve Golf Links.

Heritage Resorts’ newest gem, La Réserve Golf Links, nestled within the southern shores of Bel Ombre in Mauritius, guarantees pure golfing drama amidst a backdrop of unrivalled natural beauty.

■ STEP ONTO THE IMMACULATE FAIRWAYS OF LA RÉSERVE GOLF LINKS AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A WORLD OF GOLFING PERFECTION

BLISSFUL MORNINGS A day at Heritage Resorts starts as all days should, with the sound of the ocean lapping against the shore, the scent of the sea breeze, and the peaceful melody of tropical birds singing.

After a tranquil night’s sleep in your beautiful suite at Heritage Le Telfair, head down for breakfast at the resort’s elegant, brasserie-style restaurant Annabella’s for a delicious feast, where the atmosphere and service will make you feel right at home.

For those travelling with family or large groups, the resort also offers two additional luxury accommodation options, Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, a five-star all-inclusive experience, and Heritage The Villas, a collection of luxury private villas in the heart of the estate.

TEE TIME AT HERITAGE GOLF CLUB After an indulgent breakfast, it’s time to make your way to Heritage Golf Club.

Before heading to the first tee, golfers can warm up on the driving range or 9-hole short course, hone your short game on the practice putting and chipping greens, and visit the newly opened Golfzon Leadbetter Academy, the first and only coaching centre of its kind in the Indian Ocean.

The choice is then yours. Step out onto the pristine fairways, greens and naturally beautiful surrounds of the 18-hole Le Château Golf Course, recently voted the Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course.

For links golf lovers on the other hand, Heritage Golf Club’s new course – La Réserve Golf Links – opening in December 2023, is a must-play.

Co-designed by former Open Champion

Louis Oosthuizen, alongside acclaimed course architect Peter Matkovich, the layout is inspired by the wild open spaces of the great links designs and will be the first contemporary links golf course in the Indian Ocean and host venue of the 2023 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, a DP World Tour event.

Step onto the immaculate fairways of La Réserve Golf Links and immerse yourself in a world of golfing perfection. This 18-hole championship course is a golfer’s paradise, combining strategic challenges with breathtaking vistas. Enjoy the gentle ocean breeze as you explore the course and admire the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean stretching out just in front of you.

La Réserve Golf Links is not just a golf course; it is a masterpiece meticulously crafted to provide an unforgettable golfing experience with its natural surroundings, featuring undulating terrain, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging natural hazards that add an element of excitement to every swing.

Beyond the golfing experience, discover a remarkable stay like no other at Heritage Resorts.

SUNDOWNERS ON THE VERANDA Après golf, is a ‘must’. Enjoy the luxury comforts, relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality at Le Château Golf Course clubhouse, a perfect blend of an English Country Club and a French Brasserie, where magnificent views of the verdant fairways, rolling hills of the Domaine and the historic 19th century colonial mansion of which the course takes its name complete a post-round experience.

If you have taken up the challenge of La Réserve Golf Links, the clubhouse’s one-of-a-kind ‘green’ roof terrace is the spot to indulge in a refreshing beverage or enjoy delicately prepared dishes, all from locally sourced ingredients, while

TRAVEL | WINTER 2024 [49] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Surround yourself with English custom and tradition at The Cavendish Bar and Lounge of Heritage Le Telfair while sipping an evening apéritif in this relaxed piano bar atmosphere.

STEP BACK IN TIME

watching golfers sweep down the 18th fairway and play to the final green.

With an abundance of local flavours, Bel Ombre is a haven for culinary connoisseurs. Most of the ingredients served in the kitchens at Heritage Resorts are hand-picked from the estate.

A choice of 13 restaurants awaits on the estate, including light meals at Le Palmier, pan-Asian fusion at Gin’ja and hearty Italian delights at the Kuzini, to name just a few.

For a true gastronomic experience, a dinner at the historic 19th century colonial mansion, Le

WELLBEING AND RELAXATION After a day on the greens, guests can recharge at Heritage Le Telfair exclusive spa, where rejuvenation and relaxation await. Guests can opt for the newly launched Wellness Bliss, which gives them a customised itinerary of treatments.

Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Heritage Le Telfair invites guests to experience well-being on their own terms through the Wellness Bliss. With the assistance of a dedicated Wellness Ambassador, they can select activities that align with their personal goals or opt for pre-made packages that offer a diverse array of rejuvenating experiences.

Crafted by the award-winning Seven Colours Spa, Heritage Le Telfair’s exclusive wellness program encompasses fitness activities, massage therapy, nutrition, mindfulness, and forest bathing in the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve, providing a holistic approach to well-being.

The estate’s luxury Seven Colours Spa is at your service with all kinds of treatments, from coconut massages to flower-scented baths, you’ll feel restored and rejuvenated for your next round of golf.

SUN, SEA, SAND… AND MORE! After a freshen up at the spa, grab your sunscreen and beach bag and head down to the resort’s private beach.

The warm sea waters and stunning white sands, surrounded by coral reefs and vibrant fauna and flora, coupled with the island’s year-round tropical climate, provide the perfect location to sit back and relax after a morning on the course.

For thrill seekers, the crystal-clear Indian Ocean is the perfect spot for kayaking, kitesurf, scubadiving, dolphin watching or big game fishing.

Or, you can take a short trip to the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve for quad biking adventures, forest bathing and trail walks to suit all abilities.

ENJOY AN APERITIF OR TWO As the sun begins to set over the distant horizon, it’s time to unwind with a refreshing beverage at golden hour.

Château De Bel Ombre, is a must.

Guests will embark on a culinary journey of sophisticated cuisine that combines farm-to-fork dining with the finest local produce that tells the story of the region’s vibrant culture while bringing the unique flavours of Mauritius to life.

After this culinary awakening, be sure to take a leisurely promenade through the mansion’s formal French gardens, overlooking the golf course, to truly immerse yourself in this enchanting setting.

THE ULTIMATE WIND-DOWN To keep the night young, sail into the horizon on a catamaran cruise or end the evening surrounded by tropical tunes and majestic views at the resorts trendy and contemporary C Beach Club.

Overlooking the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean and the endless stretch of white sand, it’s the ideal location to soak up the twilight beach vibes and enjoy a craft cocktail.

The perfect end to the perfect day at Heritage Resorts, Mauritius.

...YOU’LL FEEL RESTORED AND REJUVENATED AND READY FOR YOUR NEXT ROUND OF GOLF

■ FROM THE MOMENT YOU ARRIVE AT HERITAGE RESORTS, YOU’LL BE CAPTIVATED BY THE OPULENCE AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL THAT DEFINES THIS SUMPTUOUS DESTINATION: LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS, GOURMET RESTAURANTS, WORLD-CLASS AMENITIES, AND IMPECCABLE SERVICE CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE OF UNPARALLELED SOPHISTICATION

ISLAND OF

DREAMS Matt Nicholson rubs shoulders with the famous – and the rich – on a visit to Apes Hill Resort in Barbados, where a redesigned championship golf course and a stunning collection of luxury villas has created an award-winning destination that looks set to take golf in the Caribbean to the next level

I

’ve been lucky enough to visit several of the island nations that make up the West Indies during the course of 30 years of adventure in the golf industry, but I’ve never had the opportunity to visit Barbados to play golf, despite it being home to two longstanding and legendary resorts in Sandy Lane and Royal Westmoreland, so when the call came in about an upcoming trip to check out a new golf development on the island I was more than delighted to clear the diary for a bit of golf under warm Caribbean skies.

I say ‘new’, but Apes Hill, the destination for my trip, has been around since 2009, when it was built – or rather funded – by local businessman Sir Charles Willams. Sadly, the course closed

■ THE VIEW FROM INSIDE AN APES HILL VILLA

NAM E WITH IAN WOOS LSON TAKE S A RID HO NIC TT MA : ND OW RELA ■ DRIVING FOR SH AT ROYAL WE STMO CAPTAIN’S BUGGY IN HIS RY DER CUP

in 2019, but it was subsequently bought by Canadian businessman Glen Chamandy not long after and reopened in January 2022 following a three-year hiatus and a $25m investment that has resulted in a redesigned 18-hole championship course, a new par-3 course, and an upscale property development, all of which has breathed new life into this stunning venue and given travellers another great reason to book a golf trip to this beautiful part of the world.

Flying in from Heathrow, we touched down in Bridgetown, Barbados’s historic and buzzing capital just eight hours later – the return flight is just over seven hours, making it one of the shorter ‘long haul’

■ THE SUP ER ACCOMMO B LUXURY VILLA W AS THE DATION D URING OU R S TAY

journeys – and were soon making our 30-minute transfer to Apes Hill, which is located on the north eastern part of the island, which, in case you’re interested, is just 22 miles long and 12 miles across at its widest point.

Disembarking from the cool climate of our air-conditioned car, I was immediately hit by the warm night air, which is was a welcome feeling when compared to the UK, where opportunities to sit outside after dark without wearing several layers are few and far between.

Situated some 1,000 feet above sea level, Apes Hill is the most elevated golf course and residential community in Barbados, in fact it’s just 3km from the highest point on the island – Mount Hillaby. The altitude means that the resort offers superb views out towards both the east and west coasts and also enjoys the cooling breezes for which the island is well known.

The accommodation for the duration of our stay was one of the collection of luxury villas

FEATURE | WINTER 2024 [51] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

that are dotted around the estate. Offering 3-4 bedrooms and boasting all the high-spec fittings that you’d expect, the villas offer a seamless transition from inside to out, with open-plan living areas leading out through bi-fold doors to spacious terraces and private swimming pools.

Most of the properties on the estate are privately owned, but some have been kept in reserve for visiting guests. Golf membership comes as part of the package when buying a villa – which is a nice bonus.

Each villa also comes with its own private golf buggy, so after dropping my bags off, I jumped into the buggy and drove the few hundred yards or so to the 20th Hole Restaurant for dinner – which makes a change from the 19th, but we’ll come to the reason for that later.

The next day, after a leisurely breakfast, we played the newly renovated Apes Hill Championship Course which was redesigned by renowned American architect Ron Kirby, who sadly died this summer and for whom this was one his last design projects. It’s certainly a fitting legacy for a lifetime dedicated to creating great

THE ALTITUDE MEANS THAT THE RESORT OFFERS SUPERB VIEWS OUT TOWARDS BOTH THE EAST AND WEST COASTS

■ THE PAR 3,16TH HOLE IS ONE OF IAN WOOSNAM’S FAVOURITES ON THE COURSE HIS RYDER CUP CAPTAIN’S BUGGY AT ROYAL WESTMORELAND

golf courses, as the course stays with you long after the final putt has been sunk.

Offering breath-taking views, the 7,041-yard layout sits on 450 acres of what was once a sugar plantation and plays through lush, jungle-like forests, past incredible rock formations, over water hazards and vast bunker complexes. Each of the two nines opens with uphill par fours that play into the prevailing wind and both close with downhill, downwind holes that provide a strong finish whichever way around you play the course.

The front nine delivers a strong test with a selection of interesting holes, but the layout really comes into its own on the back nine, particularly the section referred to as Apes Hill’s ‘Amen Corner’.

The 12th is a stunning downhill par-3 of over 200

yards, then the 13th is a majestic par-4 on which you drive between towering Bearded Fig trees on the left and a jutting rock formation on the right.

With the wind out of the left, it’s a daunting tee shot. On the 14th, the hole curves from right to left and is played between huge palm trees.

The par threes are about as good a collection of short holes as you’re likely to find in the Caribbean, with the most photogenic being the 185-yard fifth, which is cut into the side of a stone cliff whose impressive rock formation also serves as the backdrop to the equally excellent 200-yard 16th hole.

Although I had no experience of the original course, one member told me that the redesign made it much more playable than the old, which

he described as being like ‘the US Open on the fourth day after a USGA official got out of the wrong side of bed’ – so we have a lot to thank Ron Kirby for, as although I found it challenging, it was great fun to play and required plenty of imagination to tackle the inclines, as well as the ever-present wind, while I recorded using every club in my bag – always the sign of a great allround test.

At this point I should add that our Apes Hill experience was also enhanced by the appearance of former world no.1 Ian Woosnam. The 1991 Masters champion and 2002 Ryder Cup captain has divided his time between Barbados and Jersey for over 25 years now and his passion for the game still burns brightly at the age of 66. An ambassador for the resort, Woosie uses Apes Hill

■ THE APES HILL COURSE PRESENTS A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND A CHALLENGE FOR YOUR GOLF GAME

friendly practices such as solar energy utilisation and native landscaping to minimize its ecological footprint.

In addition to the golf course, Apes Hill also boasts a state-of-the-art performance centre, where, with the expert help of the club’s Director of Golf Jody Addison and his team PGA qualified professionals, you can take advantage of all the latest coaching technology to improve your swing and your putting stroke. The clubhouse, construction of which was well underway during our visit, is a traditional Barbadian style which, judging by the rest of the estate, will extend the welcoming atmosphere shown from the minute

...WHILE I RECORDED USING EVERY CLUB IN MY BAG – ALWAYS THE SIGN OF A GREAT ALL-ROUND TEST.

to practice between Legends Tour events and his ball striking ability and touch with the putter seemed just as good as when he was winning all those events on tour. Still also pretty useful with a driver in hand, he shot 69 off the back tees without appearing to break sweat. He’s also great company and a tremendous gossip, sharing many an eyebrow-raising story, none of which can be repeated at this juncture – and he even generously invited us back to his house after a round at Royal Westmoreland – where he has a house – for more scurrilous golf chat!

One of the standout features of Apes Hill is its immaculate maintenance. The course management team, led by head superintendent Ed Paskins, spares no effort in ensuring that the course is in pristine condition year-round. From perfectly manicured fairways to fast and true greens, every detail is meticulously attended to. Sustainability is also high on the agenda at Apes Hill and one of the things they’re rightly proud of is the fact that all the irrigation for the championship course, the soon-to-open Baby Apes par-3 course, and the practice facilities, comes from the estate’s own reservoir. The development has also implemented other eco-

■ RAHKEEM CORN WALL HIT TING AN OTHER SIX AT THE KENSING TON OVAL

■ A TY PICAL HOUS

E IN THE SCOTLAND

DIS TRICT OF BARB

ADOS

you arrive. Inside, players will be able to relax in the comfortable lounge area, enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant, or browse the well-stocked pro shop for the latest golfing gear. Beyond the golf facilities, Apes Hill will shortly also boast a high-tech fitness centre, tennis courts and a swimming pool, providing further opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

Apes Hill is pretty special but it’s by no means the only golfing option on Barbados.

That’s what makes this small island such a great place for golfers – Just down the road you have Royal Westmoreland as well as Sandy Lane. We had a chance to play at Royal Westmoreland and it’s another excellent layout. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr, it’s more established than Apes Hill. It’s perhaps not as dramatic as its more elevated neighbour, but it still offers a highly enjoyable playing experience and there are some excellent holes to negotiate throughout the round, culminating in the fascinating downhill 18th. In between golf and a succession of memorable meals, we had a chance to check out what else the island has to offer, including a memorable evening spent at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown watching a cricket match under the floodlights between Barbados Royals and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League. As a keen cricketer, and having watched many first-class matches back home in England, this was a truly unforgettable experience, enhanced by the lively atmosphere that surrounds all levels of cricket in the Caribbean and, if you don’t mind the name dropping, the chance to briefly meet the legend that is Sir Gary Sobers, while watching Barbados Royals star player Rahkeem Cornwall smash a 45-ball century to see the home side successfully chase down a very respectable 221 set by St Kitts & Nevis.

On our final day we enjoyed a guided tour of the island, which included a fascinating tour of the local Scotland district around Apes Hill, and Bathsheba, a beautiful seaside town located on the wilder east coast, while a visit to a local rum shop is a must for anyone with a taste for one of the Caribbean’s finest exports.

We rounded off the trip with a final nine holes on the Apes Hill championship course, before taking on the 19th hole, a par-3 island green decider for any match that finds itself level after 18. We were joined here by our now close friend Woosie for one last hurrah, and of course, one last post-match beer.

For further information visit www.apeshill.com

IAN WOOSNAM’S

FAV O U R I T E H O L E S AT A P E S H I L L 5TH, PAR 3, 165 YARDS This is a gorgeous little par 3 which exposes the natural coral rock. It can be any club depending on the wind, so don’t be afraid to club up if necessary!

13TH, PAR 4, 420 YARDS The elevated tee shot on this hole gives you the feeling that its there for the taking, but anything but a long, straight drive will put you in trouble, with the rocks around the side of the green and the bunker demand a very accurate approach shot.

12TH, PAR 3, 215 YARDS

16TH, PAR 3, 170 YARDS

After the 16th, the 12th is the most demanding of the short holes. I often go in here with a mid to long iron, The configuration of the green also allows for some tricky pin positions, further ramping up the challenge.

This is a great short hole that delivers an amphitheatre-style feel. It’s a proper ‘do or die’ tee shot with an incredible backdrop of the cave.

It measures 200 yards from the championship back tee and those with nerves of steel should play it from there.

10 THINGS ABOUT BARBADOS

1

Barbados is named after a tree. When the Portuguese first discovered the island in 1536 the Bearded Fig Tree was found all over the island. “Los Barbados” is Portuguese for “The Bearded One.”

2 3 4 5 6

It is known for its exquisite local cuisine and world renowned chefs, making it the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.

The people of Barbados are officially called Barbadians, but more commonly known as Bajans.

The Island has an average temperature of 28 degrees all year round.

Barbados is the 13th smallest country in the world.

The island’s capital city, Bridgetown, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7 8 9

Barbados has over 60 white sandy beaches along its 80-mile coastline, many of which are named the most beautiful in the Caribbean.

Barbados is the birthplace of billionaire superstar Rihanna. Barbados named the street that Rihanna grew up on after her – ‘Rihanna Drive’.

Their national flag is full of symbolism.

The ultramarine blue represents the ocean and sky, and the gold-yellow panel represents the sandy beaches of the island. The broken trident represents the country breaking free from its status as a colony.

10

Barbados is the birthplace of rum and home to Mount Gay Rum. Mount Gay Rum is the oldest rum brand in the world dating back to 1703. Today the rum is exported to 110 countries in the world. Tours of the distillery, followed by a rum tasting, are available to book online.

■ BATHSHEBA ON THE EAST COAST

[54] WINTER 2024 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■GOLF DE PALS

Costa Brava uncorks new golf and wine packages The Empordà region of Costa Brava, in north-eastern Among the golf destinations in the area that combine Spain, famed for its stunning landscapes, rich both activities is Peralada Resort, which features cultural heritage and award-winning an 18-hole championship course within the vineyards, is launching a range of renowned Peralada wine estate. Golf ■ EMPORDA GOLF new experiences for golf and wine enthusiasts can complement their RESORT IS IN THE HEART OF THE enthusiasts in 2024. experience with guided tours and COSTA BRAVA’S WINE-GROWING REGION Spanning 200km from north to south, tastings at the Peralada Winery golfers visiting this scenic stretch of and vinotherapy treatments at Catalan coastline can discover the the Hotel Peralada Wine Spa. world-famous Empordà wine region Golfers teeing it up in the Baix and its exceptional native red, white Empordà region shouldn’t miss and rosé grape varieties, including Empordà Golf Resort, whose Garnatxa, Carinyena, and Macabeu, 18-hole course ranks among after a round on one of the province’s Spain’s top golf venues and is just critically acclaimed golf courses.

10 minutes from Mas Oller, where With a variety of new wine tourism golfers can explore the winemaking activities on offer, including vineyard picnics, process, the stunning views of the Medas eno-gastronomic experiences, wine tastings and Islands and the medieval walls of Pals. exclusive winery tours, there are plenty of activities to Mas Geli Winery, situated near Golf de Pals, is a interest fans of both golf and grape. family-run winery which offers an intimate setting for

guided tours, sunset yoga, cycling routes and tastings of carefully crafted organic wines accompanied by a sampling of ‘Arroz de Pals’, a traditional dish deeply rooted in the region’s gastronomic history.

Nearby Golf de Pals’ 18-hole course occupies a flat stretch of pine forest close to the Mediterranean – although not close or elevated enough to actually see it – and is best described as a woodland/links hybrid. The woodland holes have been carved out of dense forest, with slivers of fairway winding their way through the thick canopy of umbrella pines to greens that are heavily protected by yet more pines and deep bunkers. The more linksy holes have a more open feel to them, with undulating fairways, while water, too, plays a part in the design, with two lakes to negotiate.

Travellers can fly into Barcelona and head an hour’s drive north, or to Girona and find most of the venues mentioned virtually on the doorstep.

For more information on golf and wine breaks to the Costa Brava, visit www.costabrava.org.

Take your game to new heights at Terre Blanche Golfers looking to sharpen their game up over the winter should take a look at the golf breaks currently on offer to the five-star Terre Blanche Resort in the south of France, which in addition to two championship courses also offers world-class practice and coaching facilities.

A Leading Hotel of the World, Terre Blanche is home to Le Château and Le Riou golf courses, both of which were designed by Dave Thomas to incorporate the natural Provençal terrain and stunning water features. The resort opened the Albatros Golf Performance Centre in 2019, the only European Tour Performance Institute certified in Europe, which offers a host of specially curated programmes to help improve all aspects of your game. The centre is equipped with a Toptracer range, a state-of-the-art putting lab and is home to Biomecaswing, which provides customised training programmes based on a kinetic analysis of the body.

Away from the impressive golf facilities, guests can enjoy a host of luxurious experiences, including Michelin-starred dining at restaurant Le Faventia, relax at the award-winning spa, enjoy the azure infinity pool with panoramic views over the surrounding landscape, and a myriad of activities within and around the resort.

■ THE ACADEM Y AT

TERRE BL ANCHE

These include visits to the local medieval villages, tasting Provençal wines and olive oils, horse riding, mountain biking, cooking lessons, pottery and hiking.

Deluxe suite starts from €500 for bed and breakfast, while golf starts from €91 for 9 holes for hotel guests in peak season (April-October) and €42 for 9 holes in low season (January-February and December).

For more details and bookings, visit terre-blanche.com.

ME & MY TRAVELS | WINTER 2024 [55]

Brian Lara Travel with

■ WYNN HOTEL LAS VEGAS

After retiring from first class cricket in 2007, the former West Indies captain has swapped his bat for a driver after being bitten by the golf bug

My first holiday was to... Maracas Bay in Trinidad.

I spent a lot of time as a kid hiking over the hills into Maracas Bay, which is on the north coast of the island. Me and my six brothers and four sisters used to climb those mountains from our home in Santa Cruz and then spend the entire day on the beach. I still do that now, maybe more for fitness and taking friends and showing them, but these days I’d rather drive my car round than walk, but it’s still a lot of fun.

I first picked up a golf club in... 1994. I had three days to kill after a match I was playing in against the Leeward Islands ended a few days early. We played this beautiful course in Montserrat and I caught the golf bug straight away. As cricketers we often had a lot of time off between matches and I found golf a great way to get away from it all and switch off for a few hours.

I play off a five handicap, but I’ve only shot under par once for 18 holes. I have had four holein-ones though, so I’m probably more lucky than good. Although I was a left-handed batsman, I play golf right-handed. Maybe I would have been a better golfer if I’d stuck to my natural handedness.

Whenever I’m on holiday I always take… my golf clubs. I love golf, so if I’m on holiday I often play a lot during the day,. I tend to lose less money playing golf than I do when I go shopping with the family!

My worst experience on holiday was... when someone bought a car using my credit card while I was in South Africa. My bank called and asked me if I had bought it, and I said, ‘No’. So they had to write off the debt. It was about £10,000, which I know is a lot of money in South Africa.

■ SENTOSA GOLF CLUB, SINGAPORE

■ MARACAS BAY, TRINIDAD

My favourite golf course... is a toss up between the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland and the course at St Andrews Golf Club in Port of Spain, which is my home club! I’m also a big fan of Sentosa in Singapore, Sunningdale and Sandy Lane.

All the S’s.

Whenever I’m on holiday... I always try to meet and interact with local people and local cultures and try and appreciate what happens in each and every single country.

On my holiday bucket list is... Iraq. It might sound surprising, but I would like to touch down there, if only just for a day or two. It’s a country that nobody wants to go to, and I’ve been almost everywhere, so I’d like to experience something new and see what it would be like.

My favourite favourite city is... London. I really love Sydney and Cape Town, but London just edges it – the nightlife there is fantastic. Back in the day, we’d go to Tramp nightclub and China Whites and all those trendy places. And there are some great restaurants too – Zuma and Nobu are personal favourites.

My favourite holiday meal... is sushi. I’ve become a huge sushi fan over the last five years or so, so I tend to visit a lot of sushi bars wherever I travel.

I’ve not been to Japan yet, but I have been to Hong Kong, where the sushi was great.

■ THE HIDEAWAY BEACH RESORT & SPA MALDIVES

My most recent holiday was to... the Hideaway Beach Resort and Spa in the Maldives with my family. We stayed in a 4-bed villa directly overlooking the ocean and the coral reef. It was va ery relaxing trip, and although there wasn’t a golf course, they did have an indoor golf simulator and a practice putting green, so I did manage to swing a club!

My most memorable holiday was to... Las Vegas.

I was there for my friend Dwight Yorke’s 40th birthday in 2011. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas but let me tell you though we were hurting on a few occasions. We stayed at the Wynn Hotel, which is beautiful.

My favourite hotel... is any five-star hotel in India.

There are lovely hotels all around the world, but the ones that left a mark on me are the beautiful hotels in India. You’d walk off a street full of poverty and you’d go into an oasis of marble and mahogany. These structures and their locations are amazing; you look out of your window on the 40th floor and you are surrounded by poverty. The juxtaposition is hard to get your head around.