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STATE SAND
GREENS
BOYUP BROOK
ISSUE 2: AUGUST 2012
PREVIEW
place.
FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S DESK As is always the case, a lot has happened in Western
Australian golf over the last few months. From a golf perspective, no doubt the highlights have been the performances of two of our female golfers at events in the US.
The first highlight was the performance of Royal Fremantle’s Min Jee Lee in winning the prestigious US Junior Girls Amateur Championship. Min Jee won four consecutive holes late in the 36-hole final to rally past 17-year-old Alison Lee, of Valencia, California to win the 64th U.S. Girls’ Junior 1 up at Lake Merced Golf Club in San Francisco. Lee, the world’s No. 8-ranked amateur in the Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking, was 3 down going to the 31st hole. She won holes 31-34, then halved the 35th and 36th holes with par to become the first Australian to win the Girls’ Junior. The second highlight was that of Joondalup’s Whitney Hillier who achieved success by winning the prestigious Trans National Tournament stroke play section with scores of 73 and 69 after missing the cut in her previous two tournaments. This tournament has been running since 1927 and is considered in the top three amateur events in the USA. As a result of her winning the stroke play, Whitney was seeded no1 in the Match Play however was defeated in the second round. Yet there was still a bright side to the end of this tournament with another Australian, Victorian Brenna Elliott, (the reigning WA Women’s Amateur Champion), winning the Championship. With the US Womens Amateur Championship being played at The Country Club in Cleveland Ohio from the 13th-17th of August both WA ladies form is where it needs to be leading into this important tournament and we look forward to their progress with great interest. 02
Whitney Hillier Min Jee Lee
Locally, the tournament focus has been on junior events in recent times with Curtis Luck (Cottesloe) winning the boys titles in both the GolfWA Srixon Championship and the GolfWA 54 Hole Tournament (where he holed his second shot for an eagle on the first play-off hole), whilst Hayley Bettencourt (Mandurah) and Hannah Green (Mt Lawley) respectively won the girls divisions in these tournaments. And at the time of going to print, the finals of the Mens Metropolitan Pennant season are to be played this coming Sunday August 5. In the prestigious Division One final, last year’s champions Gosnells will be aiming to win for the second consecutive year, whilst their opponents Cottesloe will be searching for their first title at this level since 1979. One of GolfWA’s objectives is to secure partnerships with business that can provide benefits directly to clubs. I am pleased to advise that GolfWA has recently announced a partnership with Officeworks, which provides clubs the opportunity to buy on-line all their stationery and a range of other products at very competitive prices. I encourage all clubs to have a look at the Officeworks offer and am sure you will find, as those clubs who have already signed up have ascertained, that there are good savings to be had. Details are available from the office of GolfWA or on our website. As readers will no doubt be very aware, the golfing landscape has certainly changed in recent years in terms of club membership and participation in general. Statistics so far this decade show that club membership across the country is declining at an average of 1.14% p.a and to a large extent the decline is a reflection of changing demographics, an increasingly time poor population and increasingly wider choices in sport and recreation activity. This is also reflected in a reduction of total rounds of golf played across all levels of approximately 2.9% p.a. during the 2000’s. All state golfing bodies and Golf Australia are now critically aware of the need to try and reverse these trends and as such are putting a variety of measures in
In WA, GolfWA when constructing its Strategic Plan last year agreed our purpose to be “To improve the profile and participation of golf in Western Australia” and as such has put in place a range of programmes to start increasing participation rates. Whilst it will take several years for many of these programmes to bear fruit, and considerable resources, early signs are positive that the programmes are being successful in introducing more people to the game. At this stage much of the emphasis has been on juniors and school programmes as our view is that it is important to introduce the game to people whilst they are young. Our introductory programmes for ladies are increasing in numbers and over the last two years we have increased the number of programmes being conducted in regional areas. In the next few years it is our goal to expand these programmes for both juniors and adults, male and female. We are also working towards a closer relationship with the PGA as ultimately if both bodies can get more people playing the game, then everyone in the industry will benefit. One only has to look at the model introduced by England Golf in the early 2000’s to see that such trends can be reversed. Clearly they realised similar trends occurring in golf in that country and through working more closely with all stakeholders and the establishment of a range of introductory programmes, participation is on the increase with statistics showing in the last 6 months alone an increase of 69,000 people playing golf more than once a week. Whilst GolfWA as the State Sporting Organisation must lead the way in recruiting people to the game, clubs must also think of innovative ways to attract new members as well as retaining current membership. As I talk to club officials, there seems to be a growing awareness of this with clubs such as Cottesloe and Geraldton for example introducing successful 9 hole programmes to attract more female members; others being more savvy with their membership offers in terms of playing categories and so on. We all know that we have a great product to sell and by working together we can grow the game.
GARY THOMAS CHIEF EXECUTIVE GOLF WA
AN UPDATE FROM GOLF AUSTRALIA
There are a number of key projects underway in our Game Development area. Golf Australia recently launched Golf Club Connect – a website marketplace where clubs can advertise their membership offerings to the wider Australian community and use this marketing tool to help boost membership numbers.
The feedback we’ve received suggests the more userfriendly we make it to find out about Australian golf club memberships, the benefits and the costs, the better. I encourage you and your club to make the most of the opportunity and get in contact with Golf Australia to find out how to be a part of it. Golf Australia has a responsibility to golf clubs to help develop and initiate new methods for maintaining economic strength in their business. From a national perspective, one portal that holds all of the offerings in one place and is easily accessible makes the most sense. After such a strong summer of golf in Australia last year, social golfers may now be considering renewing a lapsed club membership or becoming a club member for the first time. While Golf Club Connect aims to engage with those players considering membership options, the Social Golf Club, developed by Golf Australia, is a social player program to
engage with those 700,000 players each year who play rounds of social golf but don’t hold a handicap or want to commit to a club membership. The program gives the player a self-administered GA casual handicap which is stored and calculated online by Golf Link and players can share the scores with mates using social media. The membership also gives players the chance to play on some of Australia’s best courses including Lake Karrinyup Country Club (WA), Huntingdale Golf Club (VIC), New South Wales Golf Club (NSW) and Indooroopilly Golf Club (QLD). The program continues to grow and recently announced the signing of its 1,000th member. At junior level, the national junior program, MYGolf, is delivering golf to juniors and primary and secondary school age children across the country who are trying golf for the first time through the MYGolf Schools 1&2 kit. In April, MYGolf announced the registration of its 3,000th member and I’m pleased to report that number has now increased to 3,500. With over 300 registered centres and the support of a significant number of community coaches and parents, the program is well placed for continued growth and now has the endorsement of the PGA of Australia and the ALPG. I recently announced to all clubs the major components of the complete new GA Handicap System. This announcement comes on the back of a program of extensive consultation and 18 months of analysing all concepts contained in each of the major handicap systems in operation around the world. Along with some unique regulations of our own, we have identified the concepts we believe to be most consistent with the Australian golf culture and preferences. Our development process has also incorporated an ongoing program of expert statistical analysis, as well as live trialling of the new Daily Scratch Rating system within a diverse sample of clubs across Australia. The major components of the complete new GA Handicap System are as follows:
ALREADY IN EFFECT
• • • •
Best 8 of 20, multiplied by 0.93 Anchor Immediate updating of handicaps No lapsed handicaps
YET TO BE IMPLEMENTED
• • • • •
DSR (Daily Scratch Rating) Slope SHA (Stableford Handicapping Adjustment) Handicapping of Conforming Social Scores Handicapping of Four-ball scores (will be similar to current regulations) • Changed 9-hole regulations (9-hole score to be automatically held in GOLF Link for combination with next 9-hole score) To help clubs to communicate this announcement to their members, GA sent direct to each club two separate explanatory posters. Please contact the Golf WA office or Golf Australia office if you would like further copies of these resources for display in your club.
JOHN HOPKINS CHAIRMAN GOLF AUSTRALIA
CONTENTS
02 FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S DESK 03 GOLF AUSTRALIA UPDATE 04 BRIGHT FUTURE......OLIVER GOSS 06 MY GOLF TOUR: ROYAL FREMANTLE 08 BOYUP BROOK SAND GREENS PREVIEW 10 INTERVIEW: NEVILLE PARKER 12 BOYUP BROOK GOLF CLUB 13 DENNIS CLAIMS HOLY GRAIL 14 RULES OF GOLF: SAND GREENS 16 COURSE MANAGEMENT: BRAD LOGAN
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BRIGHT FUTURE.....OLIVER GOSS
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YOUNG OLIVER GOSS IS ON A MISSION WITH MORE AND MORE OF THE GOLFING COMMUNITY IN WA, AUSTRALIA AND INTERNATIONALLY STARTING TO SIT-UP AND TAKE NOTICE. THE 22ND RANKED WORLD AMATEUR HAS SIGNED UP AS A FRESHMAN WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AS PART OF A PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIP. THIS IS ON THE BACK OF A RECENT WIN AS PART OF THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM IN THE TOYOTA WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP AND A RUNNER-UP FINISH IN THE MPI-SAUJANA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP. GOLF WA MANAGED TO CATCH OLIVER FOR FIVE MINUTES BETWEEN FLIGHTS IN THE US TO GET HIS THOUGHTS ON THE FOLLOWING.
PRE-TOURNAMENT ROUTINE?
High protein and carbohydrate meals before I play. I usually listen to music when I warm up, most likely to be some house music which makes me feel positive before I start my round. My warm up consists of stretching, then hitting balls then chipping and putting.
FAVOURITE GOLF COURSE? Royal Melbourne
GOLFING HIGHLIGHTS?
Playing with Laura Davies, Travelling all over the world, Winning WA State Amateur earlier in the year
BIRTHDATE BIRTHPLACE?
12th April 1994, Frimley, England
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I live in Coogee which is near Fremantle, I grew up in England but then moved to Australia in 2000 and have been in Coogee ever since we moved.
RIGHT OR LEFT? Righty.....
FAVOURITE PLAYER? Adam Scott, I was absolutely crushed watching the British Open.
FAVOURITE SPORTSPERSON OUTSIDE OF GOLF? Georges St-Pierre (UFC).
FAVOURITE SPORT OTHER THAN GOLF?
YOU TO PLAY GOLF?
UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).
My Dad, he has been the one constant ever since I knew what golf was and I couldn’t of done it without him and I thank him dearly for it.
HOME CLUB?
EDUCATION?
Royal Fremantle Golf Club.
FIRST STARTING PLAYING AT WHAT AGE?
Dad has told me I was one and a half years old back when we lived in England.
CAREER GOALS? Play on the PGA Tour and win Major Championships.
Lightwater primary School (UK) 1999- 2000 Beeliar Primary School (Aus) 2000-2003 St Jerome’s Primary School 2004-2006 CBC Fremantle 2007-2011 University of Tennessee 2013
FAVOURITE GOLF DESTINATION OUTSIDE OF WA? Internationally it would have to be Japan, I’ve been twice and loved it. Domestically it would be Melbourne, so many pure and quality courses in such a small area.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING HOURS A WEEK FOR TRAINING AND PRACTICE? TO DO WHEN YOU Depending if I’m travelling or at home RETIRE? working. If I’m travelling I don’t practice very much because I’m so busy just playing all the time but if I’m home I just go up to the range if I feel I need to work on something or just want to play nine holes but it would be about 10 - 15 hours minimum.
EARLIEST EXPOSURE TO GOLF?
Dad, had me watching and playing since it was physically possible
Whatever I want.
FAVOURITE MOVIE? TED!!!!
IF YOU WEREN’T A GOLFER WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? UFC.
WHO HAS HAD THE Number 1 tip for a BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON beginner? Keep it simple.
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THE SMARTER THAN SMOKING ‘MYGOLF TOUR’ DEVELOPED BY GOLF WA IS AN AUSTRALIAN FIRST AIMED AT ENCOURAGING JUNIORS, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN YEAR 8 AND BELOW, TO PLAY THE GAME IN A MODIFIED FORMAT. FOLLOWING THE INITIAL INTRODUCTION AT SCHOOL OR CLUB LEVEL. Golf WA sent the Around the Traps team along to a round hosted by the Royal Fremantle Club in late May. It was a perfect early Sunday morning start for the 50 strong squad of young golfers with plenty of dew on the greens and long shadows across the fairways. There are three distinct ‘MYGolf Tour’ divisions in each event; • Five holes (Tiger Tee format and rules) • Nine holes (without official GolfLink Handicap) Modified stroke format • Nine holes event (with official GolfLink Handicap) Stableford format The aim of the Tour is to provide an opportunity for young golfers to transition from range to course on a monthly basis and build up their course play and knowledge amongst their peers. Each group of four was assigned a Golf WA junior development coach for the morning 06
with most kids having their parents along for support and to caddy. The Tour’s Order of Merit rewards attendance and performance with points that will accumulate over the year. The Smarter than Smoking My Golf Tour has proven to be a huge success this year and with limited places, each event is heavily oversubscribed. For more details on how your child can get involved in this great initiative contact Golf WA.
REMAINING DATES FOR 2012: August 12
Mount Lawley GC
September 16
Lakelands CC
October 2
Mandurah CC
November 18
Melville Glades GC
December 21
Lake Karrinyup CC
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Sand
Greens
Boyup Brook Preview
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BOYUP BROOK’S GOLFING HISTORY DATES BACK TO PIONEER DAYS THIS YEAR BOYUP BROOK GOLF CLUB WILL HOST THE NEWMAN & BROOKS STATE SAND GREENS FOR THE SECOND TIME, HAVING PREVIOUSLY BEEN THE HOST VENUE IN 1985, WHEN MANJIMUP’S WAYNE EDWARDS EMERGED VICTORIOUS - A FEAT HE REPEATED IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS. BOYUP BROOK HAS A STRONG HISTORY IN COUNTRY GOLF AND NO DOUBT WILL PRESENT A FABULOUS THREE DAYS OF GOLF AND HOSPITALITY.
Boyup Brook Golf Club is a few miles from the town centre in a setting which is held by many travelled golfers to be one of the most impressive in the State. The history of golfing activity in the Boyup Brook district dates back to 1912 when Robert Whistler and his wife returned from a visit to the United Kingdom during which time they were enthused by the St Andrew’s example, the ‘home of golf’. Upon return to their Boyup Brook property, which was named “Brancaster” after the Norfolk village from which the Whistler brothers had originally emigrated, and using golfing equipment which they had brought back from their visit, golfing activity in the district was initiated. Friends and neighbours joined in the new sporting activity and Brancaster was eventually registered as the first official golf club in the area. Mrs Robert Whistler became known as the ‘mother of golf’ and was made a Life Member of the Upper Blackwood Golf Club, which was formed from the Brancaster base.
Extract: Warren-Blackwood Times, October 2, 1985
Mrs Whistler was still playing golf at the age of 88. Even in her 90’s, she still drove the ball for the official opening of each season “cleanly and truly straight down the middle”. As early as 1937 and ’38, the Brancaster pennants team won the Sandover Shield for district teams from the SouthWest. The original clubhouse was the shearing shed on the Whistler’s property. On one occasion at the old club house, Mrs Whistler was returning to the homestead some 400 metres distance, when she was attacked by a bull. She valiantly defended herself with her golfing umbrella. Another local golf club was formed by residents of Boyup Brook at the same time that Brancaster was functioning and laid down a links in 1930 on Mr E. A. Proctor’s farm. In 1952, a virgin bush block was cleared and in 1954 the Boyup Brook Golf Club was established. Years of hard work from club members and volunteers has resulted in a course that has become one of the premier sand green courses in the State. Meandering through native bushland with marri, jarrah and wandoo trees, the undulating fairways along with first class sand greens guarantee a great golfing experience.
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AROUND THE TRAPS CAUGHT UP WITH BOYUP BROOK GOLF CLUB PRESIDENT NEVILLE PARKER AND HIS WIFE RHONDA A MONTH PRIOR TO THE STATE SAND GREENS TOURNAMENT. HOW LONG HAVE YOUR FAMILY LIVED IN BOYUP BROOK?
I have lived here all my life and been involved with many sporting clubs for the past ‘66’ years including cricket, football, hockey, pony club, tennis and golf. My family (Blechyndens) are from ‘original’ stock having settled in the area in the 1800’s. Rhonda came on the scene 30 years ago and has virtually followed the same path with us both being involved with junior sport when our children were here.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU AND RHONDA BEEN MEMBERS AT THE BOYUP BROOK CLUB?
We joined in 1998 when our youngest child left for boarding school.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU AND RHONDA BEEN PRESIDENT RESPECTIVELY?
neville parker 10
I have been President for the past two years along with serving as the Secretary in 2005/6 and Bar Manager for several years. Rhonda has been President for two different terms along with Captain in 2005/6 and has been Handicap Manager/Accredited Rules person for several years. She is also on the South West Match Committee and was Australian of the Year - Local Hero WA in 2010.
RHONDA WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GOLFING HIGHLIGHTS AS A MEMBER OF BOYUP BROOK? WE NOTICED THAT YOU WON THE 2011 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP?
I did win the championship in 2006/2011. In 2003 I won the State International Bowl Comp. I also must point out that Merridee Waters has been Club Champion many times.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS IN YOUR TIME WITH THE BOYUP BROOK CLUB?
The highlights have been 50th Year Celebrations in 2004, playing on Saturdays and fellowship with members afterwards at the 19th.
BOYUP BROOK HAS A FANTASTIC CLUBHOUSE, WHEN WAS IT BUILT AND HOW HAS THE FACILITY EVOLVED?
In 1952, there was a move to amalgamate the Brancaster and Boyup Brook Golf Clubs and form an 18 holes course called the Upper Blackwood Golf Club. The land was purchased from Mrs Janet Purse and the course designers were Mr Bruce Wallace and Mr Pat Glynn. The Upper Blackwood Golf Club opening took place on 8th August 1954. Later in 1971 it was renamed the Boyup Brook Golf Club. The Club has survived on many hours of voluntary work and we thank all past and present members for their dedication that has resulted in the course and facilities that you see today.
YOU MENTIONED THAT EACH HOLE IS MAINTAINED BY VOLUNTEER FAMILIES. CAN YOU EXPAND ON HOW THE PROCESS OF MAINTAINING THE COURSE WORKS, THE FRIENDLY COMPETITION
BETWEEN FAMILIES AND WHO HAS THE BEST KEPT FAIRWAY!
Family Fairways are maintained by various golfing families with duties including tee boxes, maintaining the rough, eliminating rabbits etc. The friendly competition between some families adds to the reason we love our Golf Course. Mowing of the course is the only ‘paid’ work done on a regular basis. Sandbagging and general ground work is all done by volunteers.
HOW HAS THE COURSE EVOLVED SINCE YOU FIRST BECAME A MEMBER?
avenue for fund raising for not only the Golf Club but many organisations within Boyup Brook.
WHAT DOES THE UPCOMING SAND GREENS EVENT MEANS FOR THE CLUB?
1985 was the last time Boyup Brook was privileged to host the State Sand Greens. An application was made in 2005 to host once again and by ICV (Inter Club Visits, attendance and other SSG events we won the right to host the event in 2012. In attracting some 200 golfers from around the State and district we have the opportunity to showcase.....
WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP IS THERE BETWEEN THE CLUB AND LOCAL BUSINESSES?
Support from local business is exemplified by the sponsorship at weekly golf with the motto “Local - Loving Our Community And Lifestyle”. This provides two-way support for sporting clubs which keeps subs at an affordable rate for all. Generous support from Doyles Lime, SACOA, Summit Fertilizers and Members supplying seed (rye & clover) has improved the playing surface.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE GOALS THAT BOYUP BROOK GOLF CLUB HAS “For our club the rewards are for members to PLANNED FOR THE work as a team on a major golf project and to FUTURE?
Since 1954 the course and Clubhouse has evolved through the hard work of volunteers improving and modifying facilities making this the place to be on Golf Days. The clubhouse has been upgraded with new roof and ceiling in the Bar area accompanied by a complete paint job, new water tanks, extra power for camping (particularly during the Country Music Festival) and clearing of a large area for overnight campers. The Men’s toilet and shower facilities were also upgraded five years ago. We’re very pleased to say that the Course has been rated under the new system and is in top condition. Being the ‘Country Music Capital of WA’, Boyup Brook hosts some 17,000 people at the Country Music Festival every year during the third week in February. The Golf Club contributes to this weekend by providing camping facilities for many of the patrons who attend the festival. This provides a wonderful
The Golf Club is on the eastern boundary of the CVGA, (Country Veterans Golf Association) has one of the few Sand Greens in the area. With a lack of available water and nearness to other pristine grass green courses, we offer a winter/spring course that accommodates our district population. With affordable membership we have the diversity to play at home or Country Membership to neighbouring clubs year round courses. To increase membership by way of increased population in the district and provide a well maintained course for their use. Encouragement through school programs to introduce the ‘leaders of tomorrow’ to another sporting code without taking away from involvement in team sports. Golf one day becomes - Good Old Leisurely Fun!
support and welcome visitors who come to share the experience. Financially we hope to achieve a measurable profit which will in turn support the investment the club has made in Course and Clubhouse improvements. With funds invested in better power facilities we encourage onsite vans and camping by visitors to the Sand Greens.” • • •
Boyup Brook as the gateway between the South West and Great Southern Highlight an attractive, alternative route between Bunbury and Albany Give visitors an opportunity to sample the diversity on offer in the town and surrounding district
BOYUP BROOK, A ‘CO-OPERATIVE’ COMMUNITY Around the Traps had a quick chat with long-
standing club sponsor Travis Reid from the Boyup Book Co-Operative Company. For him the association was a good-fit as many of the club members are also shareholders in the co-operative so it all goes hand-in-hand. Travis commented that the association with the club is about putting back into the community. “Our partnership with the Boyup Brook Golf Club goes back for as long as I can remember. I’ve been here for 12 years so it’s been at least that long. The Co-Operative supports as many community based activities as it can. At the end of the day we’re a small community and it makes sense for us all to work together.” The Co-operative provides a 200 litre drum of wetting agent to the club courtesy of one of his suppliers each year. The product is used by a number of clubs in the district and has done a great job of keeping the grass on the course in top condition. There is also an annual Co-operative sponsored golf day at the club which he attends. By his own admission he’s a bit of a ‘hacker’ spending most of the day in the rough. 11
BOYUP BROOK
GOLF CLUB
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DENNIS CLAIMS HOLY GRAIL OF WEST AUSTRALIAN GOLF Michael Dennis of Royal Perth Golf Club has once again
claimed the honours of the Paxton Averages title and hoisted the famous Roy Paxton trophy for a second consecutive year.
At 40 years of age the current State Team Captain has proven he’s still got what it takes to compete with the young guns by posting the lowest average scores in all state events, and club open events which have been awarded Paxton Average status from August through to June. “I’m very proud to win a second Paxton in a row,” Dennis said. “There is great history to this trophy and there have been some of the all-time greats of golf in WA and Australian golf get their names on this, the holy grail of WA Golf.” “I really hope that winning this a second time inspires the young guns coming through to practice hard and take their games to a new level which will help us go a long way to achieving my goal of winning an interstate series. “ “Firstly I must thank my family, wife Pauline and kids Emily and Brooke. They make a lot of sacrifices for me to continue playing state golf.” “A very special thank you to state coach Craig Bishop. Since Craig has taken over as State Coach he has helped me improve my game significantly.” “I must also thank Golf WA for their help this year and more importantly for their help over the last 10 or 11 years while representing WA.” “Lastly I would like to thank my home club Royal Perth. I’m proud to be able to represent Royal Perth as a state player and at the same time hold the position as Course Superintendent. It is great to be involved in the golf industry and for any young golfers out there who want a career in golf you don’t have to be an international touring star to be a leader in the golf industry. There are so many different career paths you can take to stay involved in the great game of Golf.” Previous recipients of the Roy Paxton Trophy include such luminaries as Terry Gale (6 times), Roger Mackay (5 times), Stephen Leaney (3 times), Michael Sim (Twice), Craig Parry (Twice), Greg Chalmers, Brett Rumford, and Rick Kulacz.
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RULES OF GOLF SAND GREENS 14
Any time the golf ball is hit onto or within one club length of the sand green you are allowed to use a scrape to prepare the putt. First thing to do is to mark your ball by making a couple of lines with the scraper to mark the position and then you’re free to pick the ball up.
Now that the golf ball is out of play you need to prepare the putting surface. The universal rules state that you are allowed a maximum of two scrapes, but in some cases if there are loose impediments such as twigs, if it is unfair after your two scrapes, you can have another scrape without penalty.
The first scrape is normally from the hole back towards where your ball was. Simply lay it down flat and scrape one way, and then the final scrape goes back and you must go more than two club lengths past the hole on the other side.
In some places you can be penalised if there is a shoulder and your ball hits it and then goes in. The universal rules do not penalize you however your playing partners can ask you to remove a shoulder if they are worried about it.
The next process is to find your mark that you’ve made earlier, put your golf ball back in the same spot, and then you’re ready to putt it in. 15
COURSE MANAGEMENT WITH BRAD LOGAN With the 2012 John Hughes Geely / Nexus Risk Services West Australian Open to be held at Royal Perth in October, this edition of Course Management is courtesy of Royal Perth Head Pro Brad Logan. We’re here at the 4th hole at the Royal Perth Golf Club - it’s a signature hole, 291 metres and par 4. It’s pretty much straight, and it’s unique as there are no bunkers on the hole. A very good ‘thinkers’ golf hole, as you can’t just boom it off the tee.
At 291 metres, I’m trying to leave my tee shot somewhere between 95 -110 metres into the green, so I’ll be playing a long-iron, eg. a 3 iron off the tee. Looking down the fairway you can see we don’t want the ball to go down the left hand side. The route that will open the green up and give us the most options with our approach shot is the centre right-hand side of the fairway. If you were to play a longer golf shot down the fairway off the tee you would find that a lot of the trees come into play with your set shot and really do limit your ability to attack the pin with your second shot. I’m setting up on the left hand side of the tee box so that I can aim my tee shot down the centre right-hand side of the fairway. Now my golf ball has finished up on the right side of the fairway, about 95 metres from the pin. The shot is slightly downhill, and what makes this hole so unique is that traditionally we’re playing into quite a strong sea breeze that can play havoc for the spin of the golf ball. At 95m we’re well within wedge range. I normally play a wedge around the 115 metre mark. The ball flight isn’t being obscured by the trees because I’ve managed to get it onto the right side of the fairway. Now I have the option of bringing the ball in a little lower with a softer, slightly shorter golf swing. That will allow me to bring the ball up to the hole without placing too much spin on it. Our 4th green actually slopes quite heavily from back to front, so if you’re playing the ball hard into this putting surface, chances are you’ll over-spin the ball and it will come right back to the front edge and not give us much of a chance to make a birdie. So I’m going to take one club more than
what I think I need and swing at a smoother, more controlled tempo, ultimately trying to leave the ball underneath the hole, leaving myself an uphill putt for birdie. I’ve been lucky enough to get reasonably close, but not quite where I wanted the ball to finish, with my golf ball above the hole here. If we were in a tournament this green would run very quickly so I really wouldn’t want to leave myself that putt, so I’d try and be under the hole. From here, it’s downhill slightly right to left and then it’s all just about feel.....feel for the putt and the pace, and just trying to roll it in for a birdie. I’ll take that all day every day. And my favourite thing about the 4th hole at Royal Perth is the beautiful Swan River in the background.
WA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP ROYAL PERTH GOLF CLUB OCTOBER 25-28, 2012
GOLF WA 1/5 49 Melville Parade SOUTH PERTH WA 6151 Phone: (08) 9367 2490 Fax: (08) 9368 2255 Mobile: 0434 337 641 Email: garyt@golfwa.org.au Website: www.golfwa.org.au