Inside Golf October 2017

Australia’s

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Go l f

Magazine

Issue 147 // October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

> BUSINESS NEWS PGA EXPO A SUNSHINE SUCCESS

> ON TOUR

DODT DETERMINED TO DELIVER

> CLUB OF THE MONTH

THE SPECTACULAR SANCTUARY LAKES

W I !

A fittN e

set of Mizd u ironsno

> GEAR FEATURE

TOP FASHION ON THE FAIRWAYS

> WE TRIED IT

THE BEST PUTTER WE’VE EVER TESTED?

Onya Marc!

Leishman savours stellar season

> GOLF TRAVEL LIFT-OUT TEE OFF IN FABULOUS FIJI

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Best Opinion (2015-16) Best Column (2011-12) Best Photojournalism (2006-07)

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starters box

LINKS HOPE ISLAND

Has Australian Golf gone out of bounds?

Richard Fellner

richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

O

ver the last few months, I’ve received an increasing number of emails/letters from disgruntled readers, denouncing our governing body, Golf Australia, for a variety of reasons (see this month’s Your Voice for a small sample).

There’s no doubt that you, the readers, feel that golf in this country has gone slightly off the rails. Courses are closing, land is being snapped up by councils or developers, players are leaving the game, fees are going up (or being charged twice – aka Double Dipping), Handicaps and Slope ratings “don’t feel right”, world golf is absent from FTA television, etc. The list goes on.

While there is no doubt that Golf Australia has done some good things for the game (like Golf Month, MyGolf, etc), the overwhelming sentiment from readers/golfers is that the governing body has lost its way, and needs to shift its focus to things that, you feel, REALLY matter.

Personally, I find it odd that, when we have courses and clubs that are in real strife, Golf Australia is

IN THIS ISSUE:

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NEWS cLUB NEWS IG BUSINESS ON TOUR womens golf CLUBS gear FASION ON THE FAIRWAYS AMATEURS SENIOR AMATEURS JUNIORS INSTRUCTION events 19TH HOLE YOUR SAY DEMO DAYS GOLF DIRECTORY

Golf Travel LIFT-OUT: FIJI & NZ

currently focussing on things like online podcasts and website stories/ news. Sure, I’m biased in this case, as it currently feels like our governing bodies are trying to become media outlets, which directly competes with golf magazines like Inside Golf. At any rate, on the surface, these podcasts and stories seem to be mostly targeted to current golfers, and do little or nothing to encourage nongolfers to try the sport.

Golf in this country, you write, is still focussed primarily on the Elite Amateurs and the Professionals, while you, the club golfer, seem to feel like you are largely being ignored, or without a voice. GA and The PGA of Australia each spend a huge amount of time and money promoting the Australian Open, and the PGA Championship, respectively. Yet, each event feels like half of a tournament, with only one or two big names, and nearly the same fields. Plus, since the big names like Jordan Spieth or Sergio Garcia only commit to ONE event, only a small portion of the Australian golfing public will get to see them.

And let’s not forget that Australia’s most golf-hungry state, Victoria, won’t get any “major” professional golf at all this summer, due to the short-sighted vision of GA to lock-in the Australian Open to NSW. Additionally, the prize purses remain ridiculously small by world golf standards. Vijay Singh, at the recent Fiji International, noted that the tiny island nation of Fiji was able to secure a larger prize purse ($1.5million) than similar Australian events like the Australian Open ($1.25million).

To me, this is mind-boggling (and embarrassing).

I think the way forward is crystal clear.

First, we need to accept that we are not the USA. Things that work in America will not necessarily work over here. I believe that, in their attempt to adopt too many US programs and initiatives, Golf Australia has become spread too thin, juggling too many balls in the air. So I believe we need full amalgamation, and we need it quickly.

There has been a lot of discussion about OneGolf, which is a proposal to bring the state and territory governing bodies under the Golf Australia umbrella. This is a great step, but not all states/territories have jumped on board.

www.insidegolf.com.au Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 EDITORIAL: Group Editor: Richard Fellner P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au PO Box 363, Mount Evelyn, Vic, 3796 Chief Writer: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au Design & Layout: Stacey Fortescue, Rhys Martin, Rob Kirk Contributors: Larry Canning, Michael Court, Andrew Crockett, Denis Dale, Steven Jeffress, Karen Lunn, David Merriman, Richard Nizielski

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So it’s time to get rid of the egos and the politics, and create one all-encompassing organisation (combining GA with state bodies and even The PGA of Australia), with plenty of oversight to manage spending, while also streamlining efficiencies. Create two branches of the one organisation – one branch focussed solely on the thousands of professionals and elite amateurs (and their events), and one branch dedicated solely to supporting the one million golfers and their clubs.

This united, larger organisation could combine the revenue/fees and pump it into ONE major event that can more easily generate sponsorship (and thus larger purses), and can travel around the country each year (maybe with the State Opens acting as qualifying, etc). Next, align fully with a major tour (European Tour or the PGA Tour) awarding FedEx Cup or Race to Dubai points. Get MANY tour stars down here to inspire the juniors, etc.

Then, pump those profits into promoting the game at a grass-roots level. Get golf into every school as a recognised sport. Support the clubs where they need it (clean up the GolfLink Database, help smaller clubs to stay afloat, etc), and lobby the state/ national governments properly. Show the benefits of the sport to the nongolfers, not just those who already play the game.

Yes, there are a lot of obstacles to overcome. But if multi-billion-dollar organisations in the corporate world can merge successfully, surely we can do it in our tiny golf industry?

Australia/NZ Sales: Lisa Coleman E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au | M:0406 031 344 Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au

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As always, I welcome your comments.

See you on the fairways,

Winner of multiple Australian Golf Media Awards -- including “Best Column” for his monthly Starters Box –Group Editor Richard Fellner is a member of the Australian Golf Media Association and the Golf Society of Australia, and he is a regular guest on many Australian “sports talk” radio shows.

AUSTRALIA’S MOST-READ GOLF MAGAZINE It’s official: 42,812 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: October 2016 to March 2017

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Green secures LPGA card with Symetra Tour win I

Four years ago when Green graduated from high school in Perth, she devised a plan to reach the LPGA.

n early September, West Australian Hannah Green wrote the letters “LPGA” with a smiley face on her golf glove as a constant reminder of the ultimate goal. The aspiration became a reality two weeks later at the Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout as she broke the Mystic Creek course record with a bogey-free 8-under, 64 to win at 11-under, 205, which is a 3-day tournament record.

Green edged Celine Boutier (Montrouge, France) by one shot.

Green’s second win and the $15,000 payday vaulted her from sixth to fourth on the Volvik Race for the Card money list and with just three events left (at press time), she secured a spot on the LPGA Tour for the 2018 season.

Green has now earned $76,290 in 17 starts as a rookie on Tour.

“I didn’t really know what to expect in the last six weeks, there are a lot of girls behind me performing well so I wanted to make sure I was staying on top of my game and didn’t get knocked out (of the top 10),” explained Green, who picked up her ninth top 10 finish of the year. “To win this week is really great and it sets me up for next year (on the LPGA).”

The 20-year-old started the day in a tie for fourth and a full seven shots off the lead.

Green made birdies on holes one, four, five and seven on the front nine to move into contention at 7-under. At that point, she was still three shots off the pace of 36-hole leader Dottie Ardina (Philippines). Green made birdies on holes 11 and 12 to move into a fourway share of the lead with Boutier, Ardina and Charlotte Thomas (Guildford, England), who made birdies on 10, 11 and 12.

“I set a plan and I wasn’t going to college in the U.S. or studying in Australia, I just said that I was turning professional and I wanted to be on the LPGA,” said Green. “I’ve been dreaming about this for at least four years so to have it come true is awesome.”

Hannah Green with Murphy USA President Andrew Clyde (Credit: Wesley Hitt/Symetra Tour).

Green, who finished second to Lydia Ko at the 2015 New Zealand Women’s Open, made birdies on 15 and 17 to take command of the tournament and closed with a par. Boutier made birdie on 18 to finish at 10-under.

“Obviously I’m really happy and excited, but it doesn’t feel real quite yet,” said Green, who won the Sara Bay Classic earlier this season.

“I’m really pleased with how today turned out and I’m glad I shot a really good score to get the win.”

Green is a two-time recipient of the Karrie Webb Scholarship and has had the chance to develop a friendship with the Aussie legend. Webb was one of the first people to congratulate Green on social media after the win.

“She has been such a big supporter, not only to my golf, but a lot of female golfers in Australia,” said Green. “I got to go to the U.S. Open with her and those are amazing experiences. I would have never been able to go to a major unless I was playing. She is just awesome and to have her as a close friend is really cool.”

Green’s dad, Tau, was her caddy for the week and it was the first time he had been on her bag for a victory.

Jeffress jags a pair of pro-am victories Inside Golf columnist Steven Jeffress hit a purple patch last month, taking the podium in a pair of Pro-Ams. On 12 September, Jeffress joined Daniel McGraw, Peter Shaw and Anthony Quayle to share the spoils in a four-way tie in this year’s City of Brisbane Pro-Am after all fired 9-under par 56 around the Victoria Park Golf Complex.

Jeffress’ round consisted of an eagle, seven birdies and just one bogey coming at the tricky par-4, 15th hole.

“I made a good bogey in the end on the 15th, said Jeffress. “My ball found the edge of the bunker so I had to try and play a left-handed flop shot out. I got out and on the green, it could have been much worse,” he added.

A few days later, at The Breakas Resort Vanuatu Virginia Pro-Am at the Virginia Golf Club, Jeffress joined Taylor McDonald as joint winners after each carded a round of 5-under par 66.

Jeffress had six birdies in his round coming at the 1st, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 15th holes and just a lone bogey on the 377m, par-4 7th.

“It was great to have a win with him on the bag. I’m sure it’s a moment he won’t ever stop telling his friends about.”

“The pin was cut short on the 7th, I only had a wedge for my approach but just underclubbed slightly and ended up making a bogey,” said Jeffress.

Green’s statistics were incredible. She hit 17-of-18 fairways and 12-of-14 greens in regulation. She attempted 28 putts.

In addition to the $15,000 first place check, Green was also presented with a diamond bracelet valued at $10,000 courtesy of Murphy-Pritard Jewelers.

“I hit solidly all day, I just missed a couple of up and downs that I probably should have made”.

“My ball striking was definitely there today,” said Green. “Going bogey-free on this course means everything tied together today, which was great.”

Of the other ALPG members in the field, Charlotte Thomas finished in a tie for 5th place, Rebecca Artis finished 30th while Liv Cheng finished 35th.

The 64 ties her personal best score, which she also shot in the final-round of the Danielle Downey Credit Union Classic in Rochester.

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For McDonald, it was his first win on the Ladbrokes PGA Pro-Am Series, after scoring seven birdies including the 1st, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 13th and 16th holes and two bogeys.

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Leishman’s season ‘on the Marc’

M

arc Leishman’s solid 2016-17 PGA Tour season got a lot better last month, with a dominant wire-to-wire title at the BMW Championship, the third event in the FedExCup Playoffs.

When this season began, Leishman was a one-time PGA TOUR winner, and that lone victory happened five years ago—at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut. Leishman won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March and then tripled his victory output with the latest win at Conway Farms.

Leishman led the tournament at the conclusion of every round, posting a 9-under 62 Thursday and slowly increasing his lead. His 62-64 start put him three ahead of Presidents Cup teammate and fellow Aussie Jason Day and Rickie Fowler, and by the end of 54 holes— following a Saturday 68—he held a five-shot lead.

England’s Justin Rose made things interesting for a while on the final day, but the deficit was just too large to overcome, and Leishman walked away with a fivestroke win.

“I feel awesome about this. It’s a long week when you lead every day. [It] takes energy out of you. I was pretty tired [Saturday] night and didn’t sleep very well,” Leishman said.

He also noted that his 54-hole lead was big enough that he shouldn’t lose. “But it’s not quite enough that you are out of reach,” he was quick to add.

For the week, Leishman was ninth in Fairways Hit (38 of 56), fifth in Greens in Regulation (52 of 72) and second in Putting (102 total, with no more than 27 in any round).

Breaking down his putting further, he rolled in three putts during the week of 20 feet or longer (28 feet, three inches on the 15th hole Sunday was his longest) and 15 of 16 on putts between three and five feet.

“He’s obviously answering the call, which is what you need to do, especially on such a big stage as the FedExCup Playoffs,” said Day, who finished fourth. “I’m just glad he’s on my team for the Presidents Cup. He’s obviously in some good form.”

Leishman entered the tournament on a hot streak, after four rounds in the 60s at the Dell Technologies Championship outside Boston two weeks earlier.

“I mean, you come to every tournament to try and win it— especially after last week my game was in a good spot, and

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Marc Leishman The Callaway gear that Marc Leishman had in the bag: GBB Epic Driver (9*) - Fuji Speeder Shaft GBB Epic Fwy (15*) - Fuji Speeder VC Tour Spec Shaft Callaway Steelhead XR Fwy (21*) - Fuji Speeder 9.2x Tour Shaft Apex Utility 3-iron - Nippon N.S Pro Modus 3 Tour 130x Shafts Apex Pro 16 Irons - Nippon N.S. Pro Modus 3 Tour 130x Shafts Callaway Mack Daddy Forged Wedge (54*) Odyssey Versa #1W Black Putter A Chrome Soft X Golf Ball

Day, Scott to play in Oz Adam Scott and Jason Day have announced they will be returning to Australia this summer to compete in our flagship golf tournaments.

Marc Leishman with wife Audrey and their children at the BMW Championship (Getty Images/Stan Badz)

I felt confident with my game,” Leishman added. “So, yeah, you’re trying. I had my sights set high for the FedExCup and trying to get into the top five.” He accomplished that and put himself in a position to set his sights even higher.

“You dream. And I thought my game was in a good enough spot. But, you know, having one win in eight years, it’s hard to imagine winning twice in one year.” Adding one of the PGA Tour’s oldest and most-prestigious titles to his resume further enhances the season he’s enjoyed.

When asked if getting to No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking was a realistic goal, Leishman replied with honesty and humility.

“I feel like with the life I live that’s probably very hard for me to do that. I don’t practice a lot on weeks off. I spend a lot of time with my (three) kids. I feel like you have to work very, very hard. I’m happy doing what I’m doing now with the life I’ve got and the way I’m playing. Obviously, I want to keep winning tournaments. So, who knows?”

Story by the PGA Tour (Note: At press time, the final event of the FedEx Cup had not been run)

Australia’s top-rated golfer and former world No.1, Day will play this year’s Emirates Australian Open in Sydney from 23-26 November; the first time he’s contested our national championship in four years.

“The Australian Open holds a special spot in my heart. I’d love to get my name on that trophy one day – hopefully this November,” Day said.

Day finished T6 behind Rory McIlroy at Royal Sydney in 2013 and T4 behind dual champion Greg Chalmers at The Lakes in 2011. Day will join dual champion Jordan Spieth in the field.

The following week, Scott will join current US Masters Champion Sergio Garcia in the field at the Australian PGA Championship at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast from 30 November – 3 December.

“Competing in the Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast in front of a home crowd is always such a highlight for me,” said Scott.

“I really appreciate the local support and I am hoping that this year I can add my name to the Joe Kirkwood Cup for a second time.”

Tickets for the Emirates Australian Open are available from Ticketek, while tickets for the Australian PGA Championship are on sale at Ticketmaster.

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CLUB NEWS

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Maleny adds next 3 holes MALENY Golf Club in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland remains on track to have 12 holes in play early next year following completion of bulk earthworks and installation of irrigation on the next three holes.

David Burrup Golf Course and Sports Turf Designs was contracted to undertake the earthworks construction, which was completed in just 16 days during August.

Club president Dr Max Whitten said installation of the irrigation system was now well advanced in preparation for stolonising the new greens in conjunction with the next greens renovation scheduled in late October.

“David Burrup and his team are highly experienced and have done an excellent job in shaping the greens and preparing these new holes which will expand our golf course to 12 holes,” Dr Whitten said.

“The club has also received council approval to construct a modern maintenance facility to maintain the course at a very high standard and work on this building is also now getting underway.”

Dr Whitten said in addition to a $100,000 Queensland Government grant, Sunshine

Chinese golf set to boom: coach JUNIOR golf in China is booming and it won’t be long before more Chinese golfers’ names are seen on leaderboards around the world.

That’s the word from Hills Golf Academy director of golf Tom Berndt, who recently returned from China and was impressed with what he witnessed.

“I was in China working with my staff at our academy at Lion Lake and noticed China is starting to forge ahead with lots of juniors taking up the game,” Berndt said.

“It’s going to be exciting times over the coming years for that country.”

Golf course designer and constructor David Burrup (right) with Maleny Golf Club president Dr Max Whitten (centre) and superintendent Mick McCombe.

Coast Council had budgeted to provide $450,000 over the next two financial years towards the design, construction and establishment of stage two of the Maleny golf course to expand it to 18 holes.

“We have received support from both the state and local government as well as an enormous amount of support from local volunteers and our plan is to complete the final six holes in 2018,” he said.

Berndt is working his magic at Hills Golf Academy and attended a tournament in Taiwan where one of his students, Jung Soo Yang, won the Category B Boys (15 years and under) with a 54-hole total of 211 – five-under par.

in Myanmar) – represented their respective countries in the SEA Golf Championships played in Vietnam last month.

“This was a World Amateur Golf Ranking event with players from 12 countries competing in the Asia Pacific Junior Golf Association’s “Elite Tour”.

Meanwhile, Hills is sending a team of eight female players to contest a junior teams’ championship against four other clubs from the South East Queensland District Golf Association.

“Hills Golf Academy sponsors these events and provides a 12-month scholarship to the overall winner with 4x1-month scholarships for the minor placegetters.”

“The SEQDGA is promoting junior golf in the region and this event brings together teams from each club to find which club is the champion team for 2017,” Berndt concluded.

The “Elite Tour” runs events in eight Asia Pacific countries.

To find out more about what the Jimboomba-based (near Brisbane) Hills Golf Academy has to offer, contact Tom Berndt on (07) 5546-0667 or email him at tom.berndt@hills.qld.edu.au

Two other Hills Golf Academy students – Ashley Lau (No.1 ranked female player in Malaysia) and Thiha Myo Set (No.1 ranked male

Get fit today

“We have no doubt that once the Graham Papworth-designed course is completed, it will be one of the best community golf courses on the Sunshine Coast.”

New website for Noosa Springs Noosa Springs’ new user-friendly website has gone live. Not only is it easier to navigate, but it contains new features that mean even greater value and convenience for users.

Members and guests can now buy gift vouchers online, which can be used for spa treatments, rounds of golf, fitness sessions or fitness memberships. There are also vouchers that can be redeemed anywhere in the resort.

More: www.noosasprings.com.au

turn to page 73 for a complete list of fitting days this month

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Two big events for border club OCTOBER is an important month for Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club with two important events – a pro-am on Friday, October 13 and the high-rated Junior Classic on Sunday, October 15.

Some 50 professionals will play in the shotgun start pro-am.

“We have 100 players including 25 professionals teeing off at 7am and another 100 including 25 professionals teeing off at 12.30pm,” the club’s golf manager Neil Russell said.

“The event is on the River Course, which is in awesome condition. It’s a pearl.”

Golf fans will be pleased to know the course set-up will give players plenty of opportunities for birdies and eagles.

“We are not going to beat the players up because it’s a pro-am,” Russell said.

“The worst thing you can do is hide the pins and make it tough for the players. We are going to have an enjoyable day out.

“It’s a good event and the up-and-coming pros use it as a stepping stone to bigger and better things.

“The club does have a history of putting on pro-ams and top junior events and they come from far-and-wide to be a part of the events.”

MEANWHILE, the Junior Classic is shaping up as another blockbuster.

It has a fine history with players of the calibre of Adam Scott and Jason Day contesting the tournament.

T h e g o l f a n d s p a re s o r t , j u s t a “Dustin Johnson driver” from iconic Noosa Heads, will capture the style and glamour of racing’s biggest day with its annual Melbourne Cup lunch on Tuesday, November 7.

Guests will be welcomed with a glass of

CLUB NEWS

New clubhouse, events for Nelson Bay

Scott won it in 1996 and Day in 2004.

Russell said entries for the October 15 event were flooding in.

“The great thing about the Junior Classic is the winners receive an invitation to the Greg Norman Junior Masters,” he said.

“We have three games on the one day,” Russell explained.

“We will have about 100 playing in the 18-hole Junior Classic on the River Course and 30-40 subjuniors playing nine holes on the West Course.

“We also have up to 20 juniors playing a fivehole event.

“It shows there is a pathway for them – an introduction to competition golf.

“Their game improves and next year some of them will qualify for the 18-hole Junior Classic.”

For more information, call the club on (07) 5424-4544 or visit the website www.cooltweedgolf.com.au

Next best to being at Flemington IF you can’t make it to Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day, Noosa Springs is your next best bet.

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sparkling wine, followed by an outstanding two-course lunch.

There will be traditional sweeps, a live band and coverage of the Cup on a big screen television. The best dressed lady will win a prize, and there will be lucky door prizes.

The cost for guests is $69 and members will pay only $62.

Book your place by phoning (07) 5440-3333 or email functions@noosasprings.com.au

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Nelson Bay Golf Club has come back with a bang, enjoying a brand-new clubhouse and influx of members and guests. Since opening the doors to its new clubhouse in August (the club had previously lost their clubhouse due to a disastrous fire in 2015), some 8,699 visitors have now passed through its doors and over 1,400 new members have joined. Weddings, conferences and countless functions have been booked. Weddings are utilising the ceremony site behind the 20th tee and accommodation next door, making Nelson

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September 7 saw the club host its first ProAm in 30 years, with Peter Lonard, Nathan Green and James Nitties in attendance with 46 other professionals enjoying the sunshine and the new facilities. The Social Clubs Challenge on 27th – 29th October 2017 is the next Club event they’re hosting.

Amongst other charity days such as Rotary, Port Stephens Women’s Cancer Support Group, Angel Billy as well as Melbourne Cup Day and Club Championships, the club is set to soar well into the future.

on the edge of Toowoomba’s CbD; only five minutes from the center of town, spectacular views of the adjacent award winning City Golf Club and its beautiful greens, the City Golf Club motel is everything you would expect from a 4.5 Star motel. with it’s quiet location, genuine country hospitality offered by your hosts, spacious well lit rooms, quality room service and outdoor swimming pool being only a small part of the reason you’ll love staying with us, it’s no wonder our guests continuously come back and visit time and time again.

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Young trainee hits out on west coast Bonville Trainee Professional Bill Stocks recently travelled to Perth to contest the West Australian PGA Trainee Championships, finishing in a top 10 position across the 72hole tournament at Nedlands golf course.

The young hopeful is a Third Year Trainee Professional at Bonville Golf Resort where he has been refining his craft.

Kwinana women weather storm

Bonville Professional Matthew Dagger, a product of the program, has worked closely with Stocks. “Billy should be very happy with a top-10 finish on a golf course he has never played before, against a quality field of young golfers,” Dagger said.

The result follows a recent trip to Melbourne where Stocks played at the Southern Trainee Championships at Tocumwal on the Murray River. Stocks is also working toward the Trainee event of the year, the National Futures Championship at Ballarat Golf Club on October 24th, where he will meet the most talented Trainees from across Australia and the world, and a chance at sharing in over $60,000 in prize money.

PELICAN Waters Golf Club on the Queensland Sunshine Coast will next year revamp its golf course to accommodate 270 new homes.

The local council last month approved the development of a mix of 200 detached homes on blocks ranging from 400sqm to 700sqm as well as 70 units and townhouses.

The Greg Norman-designed layout will remain 18 holes, but there will be significant changes.

Players battled tough conditions throughout the tournament including winds of up to 35km and hour and rain that made putting difficult at times and made the conditions a little softer under foot.

“I tried to use the softer conditions to my advantage by being a little more aggressive when attacking the pin,” said Stocks. “I finished with 2-over on the last round in tough conditions, so I picked up about five spots on the leaderboard on the last day. It was my goal to hit the top 10 and it’s been a great learning experience,” he added.

Changes afoot at Pelican Waters

“We are bringing in four new holes and changing one of the holes from a par-4 to a par-5,” general manager Andrew Kenny said.

“As it stands, the current back nine holes will become the front nine and that will remain unchanged.

STORM TROOPERS: Winners are grinners at Kwinana Golf Club.

NOT even extreme weather conditions could stop the women from Kwinana Golf Club in Western Australia hosting the Silver/ Bronze competition.

“The weather was terribly unkind,” said the club’s administration assistant Tiffany Franklin. “Canoes would have been better than golf carts.”

Still, 92 brave souls representing 22 different golf clubs battled through wind, rain and thunderstorms as they went in search of top honours.

While the weather was better suited for ducks than golf, organisers were forced to shorten the competition to nine holes.

Mind you, the atmosphere was quite the opposite – full of fun, smiles and laughter.

“Once these wonderful women dried off and partook in a delicious three-course meal, disaster struck again,” Ms Franklin said.

“The clubhouse lost all power, but the staff and guests carried on regardless with everyone enjoying the hospitality and catching up with golfing friends.”

In the end, Janice Northrop won Silver best gross with a score of 40.

Jane Abbott took out the best nett (36) while Rosemary Burd (44) was best senior for those 55 years and over. Fusako Hashimoto won the nett with a score of 37.

Lyn Pearson returned 18 points to win Bronze best stableford and Shelley Spicer’s 16 points was good enough to take out the senior (55+) event.

In the 35 to 54 age group, Julie Jackson won best stableford with 16 points.

“It’s very important we have Greg and his team involved.”

Work on the changes will begin around September 2018 and will take between seven and 12 months to complete, weather permitting.

Part of the new development will include a new driving range, a mini golf course, pro shop, children’s play area and clubhouse redevelopment.

“I think it’s very positive and we are really excited about the changes,” Kenny said.

“The current first tee box will become the 18th finishing hole and it’ll be encouraging to look out from the redeveloped clubhouse over the 18th green.”

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CLUB NEWS

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Topgolf to open on Gold Coast WORK on a new $35m golf attraction has started on a site adjacent to Movie World at Oxenford on the Gold Coast.

offer guests an extraordinary leisure experience,” Village Roadshow Theme Parks CEO Clark Kirby said.

Through the premium experience of play, food and music, Topgolf is inspiring people of all ages and skill levels – even non-golfers – to come together for playful competition.

“Topgolf is an exciting sports entertainment experience and our research indicates that while the concept is hugely appealing to golfers, the majority of guests will be non-golfers who enjoy the social and interactive ambience and we can’t wait to welcome them to the facility when it opens next year.

Guests can enjoy point-scoring golf games using microchipped balls that instantly score themselves, showing players the accuracy and distance of their shots instantly on a TV screen in their hitting bay.

“ Topgolf will also employ approximately 400-500 people with recruitment starting from early next year and we hope people will see this as an exciting career opportunity to join our team.”

To p g o l f a l s o f e a t u r e s a n outstanding chef-driven menu, top-shelf drinks, big screen TVs and music in climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort.

Zach Shor, Topgolf International COO, said the Village Roadshow team would offer invaluable expertise to enhance the Topgolf experience.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks announced the successful US entertainment company Topgolf would open in mid-2018.

Year-round programming includes events for kids and families, social leagues, golf tournaments, golf instruction and more.

“This deal is a major step forward in executing our wide-reaching international expansion strategy as we grow our global community of Topgolf fans,” Shor said.

11

CLUB NEWS

Issy youngest champion LAST month we reported 16-year-old Brisbane golfer Issy Simpson had racked up nine titles including becoming the youngest player to win The Brisbane Golf Club Ladies Championship – a honourboard event since 1909.

Well, it didn’t take Issy long to claim her 10th tournament of the year.

She won the Indooroopilly Golf Club Ladies Championship and in so doing became the youngest ever winner of that championship.

Uniquely, following that win she is the only player to hold the Brisbane Golf Club Ladies Championship and Indooroopilly Golf Club Ladies Championship concurrently.

In the past six months, Issy’s victories include the Brisbane Cup, Brisbane Ladies Championship, Indooroopilly Ladies Championship, Titleist Two-Day Winter Classic, NT Women’s Foursomes Championship, Virginia GC Women’s Foursomes Championship, BDLGA A grade pennants champion (as a member of the Indooroopilly team), Weekend Ladies Tray (Indooroopilly Golf Club) and Met North Schools Trials winner.

CORRECTION: In the September issue, under the headline “No stopping junior sensation Issy” there was a suggestion that Simpson received a complimentary membership from Yarra Yarra Golf Club.

The Melbourne club said this was not the case.

Simpson is a member of Indooroopilly Golf Club, which has reciprocal rights with Yarra Yarra GC. That allowed the teenager to play a number of practice rounds at the sandbelt course during the Australian Amateur Championship.

In Australia, the business will be a joint-venture between Village Roadshow and Topgolf with Village Roadshow Theme Parks managing day-to-day operations and utilising Topgolf’s state-of-the-art technology and operating systems.

Founded in 2000, Topgolf has garnered huge interest in the US and UK. Currently there are 33 venues entertaining more than 10.5 million guests annually.

At that time, Simpson had a conversation with the club and joined Yarra Yarra Golf Club’s high-performance category, which is reserved for young, low handicappers.

“Bringing Topgolf to Australia is a key component of our growth strategy going forward and it will

When completed, Topgolf Gold Coast expects 500,000 visitors in the first year of operation.

That qualified her to play pennant for Yarra Yarra Golf Club.

President Tony hot and cold IS Yamba Golf and Country Club president Tony Moran working too hard?

take the Mickey out of me because I’m the president.

tree then into his cart for a two-shot penalty.

I f h i s g o l f s co re i n t h e G o l f Administrator versus President’s golf day is any indication then the answer is definitely “yes”.

“It’s the second time I’ve had 13 points.”

The club’s golf operations manager Chris Durrington confirmed that.

More than 140 players took part in the event with the Golf Administrator’s team winning on player average 31 points to 30 points.

“Tony had 13 points a few months ago then the very next game he had 51 points to win the Genesis Cup,” Durrington said.

Our money’s on the president to bounce back with another big win sooner rather than later.

Mind you, he did have a good excuse.

“It’s ironic that from his 51 points he won a new driver and with the same club returned 13 points.”

As you can tell, Yamba Golf and Country Club in northern NSW is a fun, friendly club that welcomes visitors.

“I’m coming off a very crook back so I’m not too disappointed,” said Tony, who has been the club’s hard-working president for five years.

For the record, Chris Durrington and his playing partner defeated the president and his playing partner, former president Terry Betts, 6/5.

“Everyone knows I have been struggling with that (bad back) and

“Just when they started to make a comeback, Terry hit a ball into a

It turned out to be a tough day on the fairways and greens for Tony and it didn’t take his marker long to add up his single stableford score – 13 points.

“It’s a predominantly flat course and it’s in as good a nick as it’s ever been and is continuing to improve,” Moran said.

“We won Queensland PGA Regional Tournament of the Year last year for our pro-am and it’s something we are proud of.”

ODYSSEYGOLF.COM.AU

CLUB NEWS

12

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Warrnambool works continue

Big 125 for Riversdale Riversdale Golf Club, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, is celebrating a BIG birthday this month: a monumental 125 years!

The club’s story is traced back to October, 1892, with the Surrey Hills Golf Club in Mont Albert. Land sales and developments saw the club uprooted twice before settling in their current Mt Waverley location, while railway developments further impacted the club, leading to a redesign in 1930.

Some of the great names in golf have graced the fairways of Riversdale, including Joe Kirkwood, Walter Hagen, Ivo Whitten and life members Peter Thomson and David Graham.

But the club is not resting on its laurels.

Over the last eight years, the club has invested $8,500,000 in capital programmes for both the clubhouse and course facilities – water storage and irrigation, pathways and new bridges, new greens, bunkers and a permanent ‘19th hole’, extensive course beautification with a tree replacement program, and, in 2008, a magnificent clubhouse extension that provides members with an outstanding outlook. Here’s hoping for another 125 years!

Warrnambool golf club continues its course improvement works with rave reviews.

product is now aesthetically enhanced and has improved playability.

Early 2017 saw the construction and expansion of the 7 and 15 tee complexes. As part of the changes there was construction of new paths making for a safer flow of golf traffic from holes 6 to 7 and from 14 to 15.

The larger tee boxes now allow for greater variation to both holes, while the finished

More recently, woody weed removal from behind the 5th green has greatly improved the look of the green complex and better air circulation around the green. In addition, more sunlight reaching the green has improved the green surface.

The club is currently selling blocks to the west of the course; once completed this will

strengthen the club’s financial future and will lead to reconstruction of more greens and tee complexes. As a part of the club’s relationship with Ross Perrett and David Flood of TP Golf, they hope to continue modernising the course layout and greens, using the features of the coastal dune complex to enhance golfers experience when they play the course.

Ballarat welcomes gender equality Remembering Ballarat Golf Club is a club that has a history spanning back to 1895 and has seen generations of golfers take their place on the honour boards. It is also a club who through solid governance has recently made a very important step to address a weakness, that of gender equality.

Thus, a gender equality task group has been established, the club has become a member of the CoRE Alliance (Communities of Respect and Equality), a group who is dedicated to the prevention of gender-based violence and who emphasises the need to promote gender equality.

Saturday, competition day at Ballarat Golf Club, sees a full field of up to 220 golfers. Up until last month only 16 tee times were made available to female golfers on competition day, the rest were open to male golfers. However females paid the same membership fee. In the 125-year history of the club there have only been four female board members. There are currently 695 male golfing members and only 143 females. Similarly, there are 71 junior boys and only nine junior girls.

The club’s first ever female vice president has been appointed, a range of new membership categories and fee structures have been introduced and all members will now be treated equally and equitably, including an open timesheet for women and men for Saturday competition, and an open competition for all members on Saturdays and Sundays.

To address these glaring issues of gender inequality the club’s board, spearheaded by board member Greg Anders, adopted a strategic plan for the Ballarat Golf Club that included the following objective: “to be recognised for its leadership and commitment to the principals of equal opportunity and to be acknowledged as a successful model of gender equality and equity in a golf club environment”.

Further to this work is the implementation of goals around stronger gender representation from the board of directors including a strong push to establish pathways for women in senior leadership roles within the club. Any opportunity to help create opportunities to encourage participation are being taken, including a recent application made by the Golf Club for travel grant, offered by the Victorian Government, on behalf of one of their nine junior girls.

Congratulations from Inside Golf on these forward-thinking initiatives!

Nudgee’s super Russel Cook IT’S been more than three years since Nudgee Golf Club 2IC superintendent Russell Cook passed away from a sudden heart attack, but his memory lives on thanks to the generosity of many.

Russell was just 47 when he passed away at work leaving behind his wife Leesa and son Mathew, then 11 years old.

“The Nudgee Golf Club family was hit hard by his sudden passing in January 2014,”said Nudgee Golf Club general manager Aaron Muirhead.

“The club decided to run a golf day on May 9 that year with proceeds from the day going directly to Russell’s family, in particular, schooling for Mathew.”

“Three years on, the golf day is still running to assist the family and Mathew’s education.”

The golf day has been well supported by the golf industry, in particular the Golf Course Superintendents’ Association of Queensland and the Eatons Hill Tavern.

Ranfurlie Golf on the move Following the sale and closure of the Amstel Park course in May 2016, Melbourne’s Amstel Golf Club—and in turn the Ranfurlie Golf Course—is in a strong financial position and are now giving back to its faithful membership with additional offerings that stem well beyond the normal golf club membership.

The Ranfurlie Golf Course is now investing heavily into the member experience at the Ranfurlie facility, which has already been spearheaded by an innovative indoor teaching room with state-of-the-art coaching and clubfitting equipment.

Despite currently being indoors, the teaching room was designed to hit out onto an exciting commercial driving range – plans for which have been approved and construction has since commenced. The Ranfurlie Range will be open to the public seven days a week and feature innovative hitting bays, ‘premium bays’ and a renovated sports bar, all custom-built to heighten the overall range experience.

The club’s membership offering is also getting a shake-up, designed to establish unique value adds to the membership at all levels. Some of the new member developments at Ranfurlie include the ability to play at three additional golf courses, free of charge, through the club’s alignment with management company Golf Services Management; Special ‘Member Guest Passes’ that allow members to bring family and friends onto the golf course; Member range credits for the Ranfurlie Range later this year; Meal Vouchers available for members to use at the Amstel Club for lunch or dinner; Special member-only golf events at some of Victoria’s best courses and a new ‘Provisional Membership’ allowing 7 day access which will be available for an opening offer of $995 for 6 months.

More: www.ranfurlie.com.au

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

13

CLUB NEWS

A ‘hole’ new game at Mt Lawley

WA’S NEW APPROACH TO GOLF MEMBERSHIP IS HERE...

» Credit based Membership » Three categories to choose from The new 19th hole is taking shape at Mt Lawley Golf Club. (Photo by Luke Teal)

IT’S all happening at Mt Lawley Golf Club in Perth, West Australia.

The club’s general manager Troy O’Hern told Inside Golf an additional hole, the 19th, would open for play at the end of November.

It’s more of a short-game practice area, but it will give the club flexibility to bring it into play if another hole needs urgent repairs.

“We can still play 18 holes by bringing that hole into play,” O’Hern said.

“What we are doing is using the 19th as a showcase hole for the members to be able to touch and feel and see some of the principles of the design that we may or may not take out on to the golf course.”

In other news, the club is weighing up its option to develop an al fresco area, while on the membership front Mt Lawley has introduced a ninehole membership category.

Ogilvy Clayton Cocking Mead designed the new hole/practice area.

“It will suit members who feel playing 18 holes has become out of reach,” O’Hern said.

Meanwhile, Mt Lawley recently appointed superintendent Trevor Strachan and he is “kicking goals”.

“He came from Lake Karrinyup and is probably the best superintendent in the country,” O’Hern added.

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“The new category will keep them engaged and participating in golf.

“It’s also a good category for the younger demographic, who are a bit more time poor.”

Shop til you drop at McLeod CGC THE golf shop personnel at McLeod Country Golf Club’s have never been busier, according to the club’s general manager Sean Kennedy.

Ever since the club’s management took charge of its golf shop over 12 months ago, there has been a stampede as members, guests and visitors take advantage of the extensive range of apparel on offer.

Happy customers are snapping up the latest Vanity Fairways stylish women’s (and men’s) range of attractive gear.

“A year ago, we partnered with Vanity Fairways and we are over the moon with the results,” Kennedy told Inside Golf.

“The results have exceeded our expectations, not only through Vanity Fairways but the whole golf operation.

Our golf operations manager Michelle Williams has played a massive role in us achieving this success.”

Delivering excellent service has instigated the turnaround in the business.

“The service Michelle and her team have been able to deliver to our members and guests is second-to-none,” Kennedy said.

“The golf shop is the first point of contact anybody has at the golf club so it needs to be positive and welcoming and making sure everyone is enjoying their visit to the golf club.

“We make sure that first point of contact is what people expect and the feedback we are getting is the staff are going out of their way to deliver an excellent experience for everyone.”

In coming months, McLeod golf shop will widen its range of men’s apparel to suit the trends and fashions demanded by golfers.

What McLeod golf shop does not carry is a huge range of golf equipment that oftentimes tends to gather dust on the shop floor.

Rather, the club prefers to offer its members and guests one or two demo days a month.

T h a t ’s w h e r e t h e g o l f c l u b manufacturers showcase their latest equipment offerings.

“Demo days is where the members are purchasing their golf clubs,” Kennedy added.

“Of course, we carry most brands of golf balls, tees, ball markers and other items golfers need.”

Right now, there is an exciting vibe and freshness around the club located in the western suburb of Mount Ommaney just 20 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD. More: www.mcleodgolf.com.au

SPREAD THE NEWS! Got a story that would fit in Inside Golf?

We are looking for interesting stories, quirky tidbits, club news or anything else worth sharing with other golfers. If you or your club have an interesting story, drop us an email and let us know! ed@insidegolf.com.au

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14

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Curran crowned Masters champ

BDGA president David Seeley (right) presents champion Sean Curran with his trophy.

A STRONG field turned out to contest the Brisbane District Golf A s s o c i a t i o n ’s a n n u a l M a s t e r s Championships at Redcliffe Golf Club in Brisbane last month.

Playing excellent golf in ideal conditions, Sean Curran, a Redcliffe member, carded a fine round of 73 to win the seniors’ title.

Brisbane course renamed BRISBANE has a new golf course. Well, not exactly a NEW golf course, but an established golf course with a new name.

Peter Huang, who owns Kooralbyn Valley Golf Course, last month purchased Karana Downs Golf Course and immediately changed the name to Brisbane River Golf Course.

“The new logo and website will be launched soon and the golf course will be further improved,” Peter Huang said.

A countback was all that separated second and third placegetters Warren Colefax and Tim Deakin, who each finished on 77.

Meanwhile, another Redcliffe local, Peter Dagan, won the Brisbane Veterans’ Championship with a solid round of 76.

Again, the second and third placegetters, Rod McNeven and Dick Kamen, finished with identical scores – 84.

“Our target is to make the Brisbane River Golf Course a top-25 course in Queensland and top10 in Brisbane. That is our mission.

“The golf course has magic river views and that’s why we changed the name. It’s a magic location.”

Huang has another goal – to move Kooralbyn Valley golf course into the top-3 in Queensland.

And he is offering membership.

“We will offer the incredible dual membership of both the championship courses at Kooralbyn Valley and the Brisbane River golf courses from $49 to $69 per month,” he said.

Karana Downs is a locality 22 kilometres west of Brisbane’s CBD.

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Do it for a good cause IF you want to play a round of golf on a wonderful golf course and do so for a good cause then mark down Friday, November 3 in your diary.

That’s the day the Michael Dunstan Memorial Charity Day will be played at Redcliffe Golf Club with proceeds going to the Cancer Council Queensland.

This will be the 11th time the event has been held with close to $100,000 raised to date.

The day is in memory of Paul Dunstan’s father, who lost his battle with cancer in 2005.

Paul and his dad played golf every Saturday morning without fail. That started when Paul was a four-year-old.

Paul says he will continue to hold the charity day in memory of his dad and to help prevent other families going through the pain and suffering his family endured.

This year’s event has a number of different options available to support the day – hole sponsorship $550, single players $60 (including dinner) and dinner only $30.

Out on the course there’ll be a sausage sizzle as well as a drinks cart.

Then the fun begins with a monster raffle, dinner, auctions, presentations, entertainment and guest speakers.

Tommy Raudonikis, Trevor Gillmeister, Mark Murray and Steve Walters have previously attended as guest speakers.

For more information, call the club on (07) 3284-5485.

Membership survey success YEARS ago a golf club placed its Suggestion Box in the middle of a lake, meaning members with grievances and trivial suggestions would have needed a small boat to reach it.

That’s not necessary at Beerwah Golf Club on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

The club openly asked its happy members for anonymous feedback and the response was swift with more than 110 members offering suggestions.

The club hopes the feedback will serve as an important tool for marketing purposes, strategic direction and operational improvements.

Meanwhile, it’s full steam ahead with improvements around the golf course.

The superintendent and his staff have been credited with the cart paths taking shape and a huge pile of soil between the 13th and 15th fairways has been levelled to make way for work to start on a new dam.

Also, the beautification program continues with a new garden in the loop of the cart path between the seventh green and eighth tee.

Another garden will add to the beautification of the golf course.

That’s not all.

The pro shop is currently being remodelled and renovated for the benefit of members, guests and visitors.

Proserpine GC fighting back THINGS are looking up at Proserpine Golf Club in north Queensland after Cyclone Debbie made a mess of the place earlier this year.

The club’s new head professional Roger Vandenberg said more than $500,000 was being spent to repair the clubhouse, pro shop and golf course.

“All the repair work will mean we will basically have a new clubhouse as all the inside is being renovated and the pro shop fitted out,” Vandenberg said.

There has also been a marked improvement to the golf course, which was virtually under water.

The greens are coming back nicely and this month two greens received a complete makeover.

Vandenberg said the club was working on growing its membership base and junior program.

“I’m going to the schools doing the MyGolf sporting schools program so we can hopefully further develop the junior program,” he said.

Vandenberg has employed promising junior Matt Bower two days a week.

“He won the junior open and I have taken him under my wing and we hope to offer him a traineeship in 2019,” he said.

Awaiting visiting golfers is a friendly welcome, warm atmosphere and a challenging golf course.

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Captain predicted cup win

Champions Calliope GCF (left to right) Mark Seawright, Dan Lusty, Peter Williams and Col Kennedy.

CALLIOPE Golf Club’s No.1 team captain Mark Seawright predicted Calliope would win this year’s Robinson Cup and he was on the money.

In the single stroke tournament where the best three nett scores from Central Queensland and the Central Highlands fourperson teams count, Calliope returned a combined score of 210 to finish three shots ahead of the Town of 1770.

The winning scores came from Calliope’s Mark Seawright (66 nett), Peter Williams (69) and Col Kennedy (75).

Seawright also won the best individual nett when he edged out Mick Danson on a countback.

Wowan’s Daryl Myles returned the best individual gross score when he carded a

73 to finished two shots clear of Yeppoon’s Terry Bulger.

Golf Central Queensland won the annual inter-association trophy when they scored an average of 74.7 to Central Highlands District’s 75.

That turned out to be the closest result since the tournament inception in 1935.

More than 160 players from 23 clubs (42 teams) played in the contest.

Next year’s popular tournament will be played at Tieri Golf Club followed by Moura in 2019 and Mount Morgan in 2020.

FOOTNOTE: Mr J. Robinson, the owner of a sports store in Rockhampton, introduced the Robinson Cup in 1935. He also donated the perpetual trophy.

Wild wind can’t stop Howeston FOR the 38th successive year, Howeston Golf Course put on a pro-am the professionals, amateurs and golf fans lapped up despite the wind blowing a dog off a chain.

“The wind was horrendous,” said Howeston’s Lynn Weston. “I thought to myself ‘why did we have to get these strong winds on our pro-am day’, but it’ll be a reminder in the years to come.”

The wind was so strong the organiser toyed with the idea of suspending play.

That didn’t happen and Brisbane based professional Daniel McGraw shot a fine 69 – twounder – to win the event.

He finished one shot clear of Cory Crawford with Ryan Haller and Josh Cabban a further shot back.

“I knew it was going to be a tough day in the wind,” McGraw said. “It’s very easy to find trouble on this course, so my plan was just to try and keep the ball in play.

“The highlight of the round was the five-iron I hit into the 11th hole, which finished two inches from the hole.”

He was happy and so were the patrons.

“I had so many nice comments from people who came to watch,” Lynn Weston said.

Daniel McGraw conquers wind and Howeston.

“Even though the wind was strong, we still enjoyed the golf,” one golf fan said.

Another complimented Howeston on its food and beverages prices.

“You prices are incredible,” he said. “The food and drinks are good value for money and that made it a great day.”

It’s refreshing to know there is at least one sporting venue doing the right thing by golfers and visitors to the course.

Meanwhile, the traditional long drive event after the pro-am attracted more than 12 big hitters, but Simon Hawkes won the day with a 295m drive.

He finished two metres ahead of Tim Hart with Talmage Neill a further two metres back.

Danny racks up 11th title DOWN at beautiful Bunbury Golf Club in West Australia, everyone is high-fiving Danny Ennor.

That’s because the popular club member recently racked up his 11 th men’s club championship title when he defeated junior Connor Butlion 8/7 in the 36-hole final.

Winning 11 club championships at Bunbury is no mean feat, but it’s not the first time a player has won 11 titles.

Jason Hislop is the other club member to do it.

“It’s quite incredible to have two men’s champions with 11 titles each,” said the

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club’s director of membership Mandi Willcocks.

“Danny made his acceptance speech to a full clubhouse of members, who had enjoyed a barbecue after all the championship finals.

“Danny is a great member of the club and also is a current member of the match committee.”

Other results: Plate winner Chris O’Keefe defeated James Hillery 5/4; B grade Declan Harnett defeated Ian Milne 1-up; C grade John Coutas defeated Dennis Owens 1-up and D grade Mitch Lamont defeated Marek Golinski 3/1.

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Super Martin clocks in at Ocean Dunes gives me great pleasure just turning up and looking at the golf course and the surf. I have good staff (five full-time and two casuals), reasonably adaptive grasses we can work with and the greens are great. With a new course, you are only as good as the construction. Graeme Grant, the ex-super, built it and did a fantastic job. It’s been constructed really well and everything in the ground has been put in professionally.

David Newbery

david@insidegolf.com.au

T

HE first thing you need to know about superintendent Martin Rose is he is not a clock-watcher.

He can’t afford to be … his job won’t allow it.

How many hours would you do in a typical week?

(Martin laughs.) I have a software program to record our time. In the last month, I have done 75 additional hours, which is normal in winter. I’m not a clock-watcher and do what I have to do. In summer, if the course needs watering you have to come in and hand water and apply wetting agents. It’s part of the job and you are judged by the last person who has played a round. You are only as good as your staff.

Rose is the superintendent at Ocean Dunes Golf Course on King Island, which is located in Bass Strait off Tasmania where the infamous Roaring Forties winds can cause havoc.

Sure, Mother Nature is the bane of all golf course superintendents, but Rose’s day-to-day management of the golf course is particularly challenging.

Still, the 60-year-old has an impressive CV having worked at some of the best courses in Australia, including Royal Canberra, and abroad (Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and China) and that experience means he’s the right man for the challenges at Ocean Dunes.

What don’t golfers understand about your work?

What it takes to maintain what they are playing on. The surfaces they enjoy takes hard work. I don’t think they have grasped the conditions of the island when they come to play if it’s windy and raining. They can opt out, but we can’t; we have to keep trudging along in harsh conditions.

I caught up with Rose, who was born and bred in Moruya (NSW) where he started his apprenticeship, to find out more about his work at beautiful Ocean Dunes.

What’s the best-kept secret about Ocean Dunes?

It’s a golfer’s golf course, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s a very traditional links-style course with fescue fairways and tees and bent greens.

What is your biggest challenge?

Salt. The course is right on the ocean and you can stand on a couple of the greens and get wet from ocean spray. So, keeping the salt from landing on the greens is challenging because it can destroy them. We use covers to stop the saltwater landing on the greens, then flush the turf with irrigation water. Our water has high pH, about 8.6, and it locks up your nutrients. It’s interesting to see how turf can adapt to harsh conditions. There is nothing like observation to keep you going. Keeping good staff is hard and I try to educate young people not to watch the clock. The job is a privilege not a right.

What significant changes have you made at Ocean Dunes?

I came in a year ago when the course hadn’t fully grown in

What is the hardest thing about being a super?

The hardest thing is the transition into office work, report writing and politics. You are never taught politics when you are doing your apprenticeship – dealing with golfers, directors and committee people. A player can become your boss when voted on to the committee. I’ve seen many guys go by the wayside because of unsympathetic committeemen.

What sort of a golfer are you?

I got down to seven and I’ve had three holes-in-one.

Ocean Dunes Superintendent Martin Rose

and it’s been a big learning curve dealing with salt. Getting a good crew is a challenge because we have to deal with the local labour force. For example, we have a mechanic but we had to teach him how to look after golf course equipment for the first time.

What part of your job do you most enjoy?

All of it. I still surf and love being by the ocean so that

How often do you play?

I get the staff out once a month to educate them about etiquette and show them what golfers see on the golf course.

We also host Cape Wickham (also on King Island) on an alternate basis once a month.

You turn 60 in November. Have you thought about retirement?

I don’t think I will retire. When you are on an island and in a situation like this, I could do this for a long time. •

Industry/business

20

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

PGA Expo a success on Sunshine Coast

GMs visit Strathfield Over the last couple of years, Strathfield Golf Club has been in the process of a major re-development of its golf course and clubhouse, which aims to deliver its members first class facilities.

In 2015 the Club cemented a deal to sell its existing clubhouse site and adjoining practice fairway and surplus land near the first fairway for $52.5M, allowing for the redevelopment to take place.

Last month, Strathfield hosted a ‘Walk & Talk’ seminar at the club, to allow other golf club managers to see the progress firsthand.

The workshop was organised by the GMA (Golf Management Australia), as there has been a lot of interest in the project, especially among other golf clubs that are considering similar redevelopment works.

The workshop commenced with a presentation compiled

by General Manager Neil Hardy, and presented by Assistant to the General Manager Brendan Hough, which outlined the $26M project.

Over 200 PGA professionals from across Australia converged at Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast last month for the inaugural 2017 PGA Expo.

golf instruction. McCormick and Breed gave live lessons on the driving range at Twin Waters that were perhaps the most soughtafter showcase of the three-day coaching seminars.

Held at the Novotel Resort, the event showcased the major golf brands in Australia, as well as the latest golf instructional information.

Golf Australia were also in attendance, providing keynote speeches on their High Performance Program, game development and a broad understanding of the golfing demographic in Australia.

Exclusive to PGA professionals, the PGA Expo was a coming together of the golf industry in Australia, with major brands and PGA pros and industry stalwarts all together in one room.

The retail showcase included keynote speakers passing on their International expertise, discussions on the future of golf retail in Australia and a broad look at co-operative trends that are enabling the survival and in some cases successes of retail approaches around the world. The general tenet of the Expo was opening the discussion on how to improve and strengthen the industry in Australia.

In addition, the event provided PGA professionals with the latest information and technology to aid them in plying their trade and teaching the game. International guests such as Dawes Marlatt, the Director of Education at the PGA of America, Jordan Spieth’s coach Cam McCormick and Michael Breed the Director of Instruction at the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point all cited the efficiency and forward-thinking nature of Australian

Major brands Callaway, Cobra-Puma, Ping, Mizuno, Wilson, Titleist, Bushnell, Taylor Made and others offered presentations to the PGA professionals and wholesale buyers in attendance.

Along with the major brands, also attending were the more innovative new start-up companies showcasing their new ideas and products.

Attendees were given an insight into the planning and decisionmaking that led to the final design of the new clubhouse. It was emphasised that the new clubhouse was being designed to incorporate new revenue streams, which include a 300-seat function centre, leasable office spaces and a business centre, with the ultimate goal of creating a profitable and efficient, firstclass clubhouse facility.

Following the presentation, attendees were joined by course architect James Wilcher for a tour to view the new course work.

The club is anticipating that the new clubhouse will be fully operational, and the course redevelopment completed by midnext year.

Royal Melbourne’s soon-to-be-retiring teaching professional, Bruce Green, who is also a PGA of Australia board member, was buoyed by the Expo.

“This was the perfect way to get 200+ PGA professionals together and I think it has gone extremely well,” he said. “We all get to learn more, you run into a lot of old mates, there are a lot of ideas thrown around, and people swapping ideas on what works and what doesn’t work. The PGA pros get time to spend with the companies and understand who they are and where they are going into the future. Collectively it is just a win, win, win.”

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Hayley lands at Barossa Valley

21

Industry/business

On Course for another 30 years

FORMER touring professional Hayley Hunt is the new manager at Barossa Valley Golf Club in South Australia.

The 37-year-old took over the role after longserving club professional Ian Devlin moved into a coaching role at the Tea Tree Gully Golf Club.

Under the guidance of the committee and Devlin, the club has gone from strength-tostrength and the recruitment of Ms Hunt is a boon for the club – on and off the course.

Ms Hunt previously worked for a national golf equipment retailer while she continues to play pennant for Kooyonga Golf Club after regaining her amateur status last year.

Barossa Valley club captain David Wall said Ms Hunt’s marketing and sales experience would complement her vast golfing knowledge to create a different dynamic to the club.

“Hayley has fitted in well and her appointment is a real positive for the club,” he said.

“This was a real win for the club landing someone like Hayley with such vast golfing experience plus her sales and marketing experience in the golf industry which will be invaluable.

“Hayley will be working hard to build our membership, our sponsorship and to promote the club.

“She is the complete package and we’re very excited to have her coming on board.”

As a promising junior, Ms Hunt won a golf scholarship to Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach, US. She returned to Australia to complete a PGA traineeship and played the professional circuit for 10 years.

“I’m now looking forward to the challenge of managing a golf club, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Ms Hunt said.

5

Chris Pannell, Tim Silver, Graham Kelly, Howard McHutchison, Brian Barugh, John Toyne, Phil Boulton, Mark Griffin.

Hayley Hunt.

Australia’s largest golf buying group, On Course Golf, brought together some of their key members last month to celebrate their 30th anniversary during their annual awards night/dinner.

“I want to build up the club’s membership, look after sponsors and existing members and basically keep the club ticking along.

“It’s all about getting people out on to the course and I’m hoping I’ll be able to get out there as much as possible on ladies days and regular competition days.”

The awards night, which was held at Novotel, Twin Waters prior to the PGA Expo, recognises the best-performing On Course members in each state. With a tight-knit, family-like atmosphere among the On Course members, the evening featured plenty of laughs and banter as the members looked back over the past 30 years of retail success.

Ms Hunt, who plays off a two handicap, said she was impressed by the Barossa Valley course.

“It’s a great course and a credit to the greenkeepers here,” she said.

With eight of the original founding members in attendance, as well as many VIPs and guests, the event was a genuine celebration for On Course, who have forged the ‘buying group’ space in Australian golfing retail.

“The course is in amazing condition and it’s remarkable to think that’s all done by two fulltime greenkeepers and some volunteers.”

The club holds competition on Tuesdays (women) and open competitions on Thursdays and Saturdays.

“It was a good feeling in the room,” said CEO Geoff Zarth.

Barossa Valley is open seven days a week and welcomes visitors.

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“The members who had been with us for a long time really appreciated looking back at the history. For a lot of the newer members it was great for them to hear and understand the history of the group and put into context what On Course really is.

“When people join On Course they understand the model and they understand the benefits and that we are not competitors, we are all on the same train. For the independents who are not yet part of On Course, the benefits financially are that we can negotiate over-arching deals with the manufacturers and get the product cheaper due to our buying power,” Zarth added.

Established in Victoria in 1987 to support PGA members, On Course are now firmly entrenched in the industry, with over 200 stores nationally. From their humble and grassroots beginnings, On Course are now set to continue their nation-wide presence well into the future.

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22

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Redcliffe pro goes high tech Boring is okay, says coach Matt

H

F

OLD the front page.

REDDY Hay, the club professional at Redcliffe Golf Club in Brisbane, has become busier since introducing TrackMan technology to the club’s members.

If you hit the ball down the middle on every hole and your mates criticise you for playing “boring” golf, take it as a compliment.

“By having TrackMan (sports radar technology), lessons have picked up by 20 to 30 per cent,” Hay told Inside Golf.

That’s the advice from former touring professional Matthew Guyatt, who has stepped back into a coaching role at Golf Central (Brisbane Airport).

Well, if it’s good enough for 137 of the world’s leading players – including Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott and Jason Day – then it’s good enough for Redcliffe’s members and visitors.

The 42-year-old’s coaching experience has been gleaned by working with some of the best coaches in the world including Mac O’Grady.

Mind you, it’s not just the top players using TrackMan technology.

Now Guyatt is encouraging club golfers to play to their strengths rather than attempting to play shots they are incapable of executing.

Measuring 26 golf data parameters, the world’s best coaches use it as do all major equipment manufacturers.

“There are two areas to it – the club-fitting component and the coaching side of it,” Hay said.

TrackMan measures and displays the full trajectory of any shot from pitches to 350m drives, pinpointing the landing position with an accuracy of 30cm to 100m.

Club data provides club speed, attack angle, club path, swing plane and more. The launch data gives ball speed, launch angle, launch direction, spin rate while the flight date provides carry, height and much more.

“It can even be used for bunker play and putting,” Hay added.

“If a player is cutting across the ball, TrackMan will tell you by how many degrees.

“The coach can then work on those numbers to bring it back to where it needs to be.

“We have the new TrackMan 4 which is brilliant because it can be used indoors and outdoors.”

Redcliffe Golf Club pro Freddy Hay helps trainee pro Laura McCahon using TrackMan technology.

“If you are a club golfer and hit left-to-right shots until the cows come home and then stand on a tee of a hole that is right-to-left and try and hit that shot when it’s not your cup of tea, well, that’s a mistake,” he said.

“You should just go with what you do well.

Visitors to Redcliffe can save money by taking advantage of green fee specials on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons.

“Two players can play 18 holes in a cart for $70 on those days - $35 per player,” Hay said.

The money saved can go towards a lesson using Trackman technology.

Hay said the condition of the course was “excellent”.

“That’s not just me saying that. We are getting the feedback from visiting players.

“We just finished our pennant season and the players from other clubs had high regard for the layout and condition of the course.”

More: www.redcliffegolf.com •

“It might look boring because it’s repetitive, but in golf boring gets the job done.

“I work with some elite players and I ask them what their hostage shot is.

“If your family is being held hostage and you have to hit the fairway with your driver, what shape shot are you hitting?

“If they don’t answer me straight away, well, then we have problems because they should know what their absolute go-to shot is under pressure.

“In fact, that relates to everyone – elite or high handicapper.

“Play within your talent level and you will enjoy the sport more.”

Matthew Guyatt … helping amateurs improve and enjoy their golf.

Guyatt says he is not a coach that makes technical changes for the sake of it.

“My coaching philosophy is to help my clients to better understand their patterns, tweak them where needed through TrackMan and video technology,” he said.

“Everyone that comes for a lesson has their own unique DNA. “I work with what the student brings to the table and how much time they have to put into the game. If we don’t have to make technical changes, we won’t.

“It’s about unlocking the understanding of their own golf swing and teaching them how to play to their strengths.

“If they do that, they will enjoy the game more.”

To book a lesson with Matthew Guyatt, call (07) 3087-7800 or go to www. golfcentralbne.com.au/matthew-guyatt •

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EVENT PREVIEW

23

On TOUR

HSBC Champions:

a truly international tournament W

hen Hideki Matsuyama began play at the 2016 World Golf Championship-HSBC Champions he was just another good, young player, a talented 20-something on the brink of stardom. By the end of the week Matsuyama had emerged as an international force.

Matsuyama followed his victory at the HSBC Champions with two additional victories on the PGA TOUR and finished first in the FedExCup’s Regular-Season standings.

By the end of the season he was the No. 2-ranked player in the world. When pundits spoke about potential major champions, Matsuyama’s name was mentioned in the same breath as Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy.

And it really all started at the HSBC Champions.

That should not be surprising. Since the tournament became a World Golf Championships event in 2009, the HSBC Champions has produced a roll call of exceptional winners. Four of the eight are major champions and the other four have been members of either a Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup team. Players from six different countries have won the event over the last eight years, making it truly an international tournament.

It’s great for the growth of the game in that part of the world. The tournament has been growing a lot in the last few years,” said 2010 HSBC Champions winner Francesco Molinari, of Italy. “More and more players from the U.S. are going over there to play.

I think it’s great to go there and allow fans to experience once a year golf live, a chance to see the best players in the world.” For his part, Molinari has found China very much to his liking. Besides his 2010 HSBC Champions’ triumph, he teamed with brother Edoardo to win the World Cup of Golf for Italy in Shenzhen in 2009.

Molinari will be playing in his seventh HSBC Champions, trying to dethrone Matsuyama who defends his title Oct. 23-29 when the tournament returns to the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai. The top players in the game will gather in China for one of the most important tournaments of the fall, one that can set the tone for the 2017-18 season—just like it did for Matsuyama.

The HSBC Champions victory was significant in many ways for Matsuyama.

In addition to a three-year PGA TOUR exemption, Official World Golf Ranking points and prize money, he became the first player from Japan—the first from Asia, actually—to win a WGC event. It tied Matsuyama with Shigeki Maruyama, one of his boyhood heroes, for most PGA TOUR wins

by Japanese player, a mark that Matsuyama has since broken.

“To win the HSBC was probably my biggest achievement,” Matsuyama said. “I was the first Asian to win that event, and to me that was a big deal.”

“The fact that Tiger (Woods) won them all may have made them bigger than they may have been,” said Geoff Ogilvy. “He obviously

treated them as really, really important events, and they were a big focus for him. It made everyone go ‘Hang on a minute, I want to be on all these trophies that Tiger has his name on’.”

“Tournaments aren’t made by the tournament,” continued Ogilvy, who counts three World Golf Championships titles among his eight total PGA Tour titles. “They’re made by the people who win them. The Masters is the Masters because of who’s won

it, right? It’s a beautiful course, but it became the Masters because of who won it. These WGCs are very similar in that respect.”

The tournament draws the game’s best players each year. In 2016 the field included 10 major champions and eight of the top10 players in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Twenty-five countries were represented in the 78-player field. • STORY BY THE PGA TOUR Getty Images/Andrew Redington

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On TOUR

24

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Dodt committed to European Tour Was winning the Queensland Open in 2014 a career highlight in Australia?

David Newbery

david@insidegolf.com.au

Yes, that is probably one of my proudest achievements. I remember very clearly looking at the names on the trophy at the pro-am lunch and thinking ‘I really want my name on the trophy’. I don’t think I have played a tournament with so much desire to win. So far, the Queensland Open is top of the tree in terms of wins in Australia, but I would really like to win a bigger tournament like the Australian Open or the Australian PGA.

A

USTRALIA’S leading player on the European Tour, Andrew Dodt, says he is committed to playing in Europe and has no plans to switch to the US PGA Tour.

Inside Golf recently caught up with the 31-year-old to discuss this, what golf fans can expect from him, the best advice he’s been given, his desire to climb the world rankings and more.

Are you a gym junkie?

At press time, journeyman Dodt, who has two wins on the European Tour (Avantha Masters and True Thailand Classic), was in 28th place in the Race to Dubai with earnings of €782,270 ($1,165,847).

I love going to the gym. Even at home (Newcastle), I go to the gym every morning.

It’s a good way to get the body moving at the start of the day. It’s an important part of a golfer’s make up now. All the guys are fit, flexible and have strong cores. Gym life has always been in my blood.

Can you see yourself playing the US PGA Tour in the near future?

I always wanted to as a kid, but that desire is not as strong. The European Tour is getting stronger each year and I know if I keep playing well and my world ranking gets lower then that will take care of things and get me into more events in Europe and America.

What’s the best thing about being Andrew Dodt the golfer?

You’ve been a pro for 10 years. What have you made of the journey so far?

What’s the hardest thing about being a touring pro?

Like most careers, you have ups-and-downs.

I started on the Asian Tour in 2008 and was fortunate enough to win a co-sanctioned event in 2010, which got me on the European Tour where I’ve been for last seven years. I’m happy how my career has panned out and I still think my best golf is ahead of me.

For me, it’s being away from home. My wife used to travel with me, but she works in Newcastle. I’m away 25 weeks of the year and it’s difficult, but we make it work and the times we are together we make sure we are having fun.

What can the golfing public expect to see from Andrew Dodt going forward?

I want to make hay while the sun is shining in the next 10 years. I’m 31 and they say golfers peak in their 30s, so I feel I have a lot of experience under my belt and can climb the world rankings a bit more. I’m around 150th and would like to be top-100 by the end of the year. I would like to play more majors, but I have to work hard if I want to achieve that. (Note: Dodt has played one major, this year’s Open Championship, where he finished in a tie for 44th.)

What advice would you give a young golfer turning pro today?

Work hard. I’m lucky because my parents set a great example. I watched dad (a farmer at Gatton in Queensland) leave home in the dark and come home in the dark. That gave me the work ethic and I realised then that if you don’t work hard you won’t achieve anything in life. You only get out what you put in.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

I played a practice round with Mark O’Meara in America. He told me there were

three things you need to be successful at golf – 1) do all things (chipping, putting, long game, etc) seven out of 10. If you do that, you’ll do okay. 2) learn to hit the ball pin high and 3) short game, short game, short game. That’s three pieces of good advice.

I’m a proud Aussie, I love playing the European Tour, love travelling but at the same time I love being at home in Newcastle.

I’m a pretty lucky guy, I’m playing European Tour, married to a great girl (Ashleigh), got a great family. I have been blessed and lucky. •

What would surprise us about your golf game?

I don’t have any surprises. I think I’m a solid player, a good driver of the ball and a good wind player. What you see is what you get.

You’ve had nine holes-in-one. Tell us about the time you had two aces in one round.

It was at the Nordea Masters in Sweden. I shot five-over in the first round and sevenunder in the second round with two holesin-one. I made the cut right on the number, but I had to hole a 15-footer on the last to make the cut.

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On TOUR

26

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Fiji fun and a Coolum win faded away the second day as I shot 74 to go with my first round 70. I finished in 11th position so still made a little money but retiring was still out of the picture!

With Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

B

eautiful Maryborough was my next destination. It’s a Pro-Am that I have always loved playing. Kevin Law, the head professional, and his staff always do a great job and you know there’s always a smile waiting for you in the pro shop. I have a lot of friends up there and love catching up with them every year. There is never a shortage of banter in the clubhouse. The course was in good condition but it was very dry. I was told that they had only had 100ml of rain in a year so taking that into account the course was in great condition. My golf was just above average, shooting 68 and 65 to finish in 7th position.

Mt Coolum was next and this is another great little golf course. It’s tight with small greens so it’s a real challenge if you’re a little off the mark. I had a mate, Zac Jansen from Southport, come up and caddy for me, which helped, as I knew if I didn’t play well, he would have never let me hear the end of it! Fortunately I did play well and got a win shooting 6-under-par, 66! It had felt like a decade since my last win so this relieved a little bit of internal pressure.

Maroochy River was the last event of the run. This is a new course and if you haven’t played it, you should. It’s a great layout with big undulating greens and is always in pure condition. I won the Pro Am here two years ago so after my Mt Coolum win, I was feeling fairly confident. But any chance of the win

The Fiji International was my next tournament and as most of you know, sometimes travel doesn’t work out the way that you planned. I booked a Qantas flight about four months before the event and with a month to go, I get an email saying that my flight, which was on Fiji Air, was cancelled. So I had to change my flight to go through Sydney, which was a bit of a pain, but not the end of the world.

My flight Monday morning from Brisbane to Sydney was running late and thus I missed my connecting flight to Fiji, so I had to spend a night in Sydney (just what I wanted!) Anyway I was put on a 6am flight the next morning and arrived Tuesday afternoon to have a look at some of the new changes.

Vijay Singh had done some course changes over the last year so it was going to be interesting to see. My thoughts on the changed course was always going to be hard to swallow as I always loved the old Natadola Bay course. I believe a lot of us golf pros are a little soft in regards to golf courses. What I mean by that is we can’t always expect to shoot under par on the courses we play. Part of the attraction to Natadola for me was the fact that the course was extremely difficult.

Anyway, I must say that I didn’t really like the changes. Vijay has cleared a lot of bush out and basically made the course quite a bit easier. Even though I don’t like the changes, the course is definitely more playable for the everyday golfer so I understand why it has been done.

I started poorly in the first round, which around Natadola when it’s windy, can make for a long day. I was 2-over early and fought back to even but finished with three bogeys to shoot 3-over 75. I have played a lot of rounds at Natadola but I played from some places that I had never seen! To add to that, the wind died off in the afternoon, which meant the afternoon scores were good and

making it even tougher my 2nd day, to make the weekend.

The golf was better on day 2 but the putts wouldn’t drop and I signed for another 75, which saw me missing the cut. It was very disappointing as it’s a place that I normally play well at. I had the weekend off before playing the Qantas Golf Club Pro Am, which

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On TOUR

my sponsor and mate, Robbie Bennetts runs.

The event is three days at Natadola, staying at the Intercontinental Hotel and is always a lot of fun. I played with some friends of mine, Geoff and Denise Hodge and Paul (or “Boof” as I know him). We had some fun and I finished 3rd with rounds of 68, 69 and 71 to finish at 7-under. The golf was quite a bit better than in the Fiji International but as I have said many times before, you can’t pick when you want to play well! As a bonus, we also won the team event, which my partners won 100,00 frequent flyer points.

Robbie and his team at the Qantas Golf Club do a great job and if you are ever looking

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My next stop was in Darwin for the NT PGA Championship, which is played at Palmerston Golf Club. This was my second year in Darwin and I stay with some friends of mine, Doug and Nicole and their daughter Miea. They have a beautiful home at Nightcliff overlooking the ocean and always look after me. As most of you know I love dogs and they have one of the friendliest dogs I’ve ever met, Shadow. I can assure you he gets plenty of scratches throughout the week! Doug is a social golfer so Ed Stedman and I took him out to the range to give him a few tips. I’m not sure

I’ve met a more enthusiastic part-time golfer, which is awesome. The only problem is when he hits a drive that goes 10ft left, he asks how to fix that! I’m thinking, gee I wish I hit it that straight!

Palmerston is a good little track, but what makes the event is all the volunteers. They always greet you with a smile and even when things aren’t going to plan, you can’t help but to think that this is what golf’s all about.

It was a funny week for me on the course as I drove the ball terribly, which is normally one of my strengths. A 1-under par 70 the first day, followed by a 68, saw me sitting in about 20th position and in a good position to make a move on the weekend. I have to

tell everyone that on Friday night I did some washing and put dish washing detergent in instead on laundry soap. What can I say… washing is not a strength of mine!

Saturday started slowly on the course and standing on the 14th tee, I was 2 over for the day and moving backwards fast. The only really good thing that I had done all day was staying patient. And it paid off as I birdied 14, 15, 16, 17 and parred 18 to sign for a 2-under par 69. Moments like this in golf tournaments are huge. If I lose my head because I’m not playing the way I would like to and finish 2-over, any chance I had to finish in the top 10, are gone. That’s why in this game you keep grinding—no matter how bad you

think you are going—as you never know what is coming.

The last day was a little like day 3 and I turned the front-9 in even par. Once again my patience helped me and two birdies and an eagle on the back-9 saw me shoot 68 and finish on a total of 10-under-par for the week, in tied 6th position. Considering that I drove the ball terribly all week, I was really happy with that result.

The next month is fairly quiet with some Pro-Ams throughout South East Queensland and maybe a Japan Challenge event, which is perfect for me to keep building the game for the end of the year. •

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Norris prevails at Fiji International S

Millar claims Qantas Club victory

outh Australian Jason Norris’ life changed with a drop of a putt as he won the Fiji International at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.

Tri-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, European Tour and Asian Tour the 44-year-old journeyman now has the golfing world at his finger tips.

Photo: Matt Millar (Photo: PGA of Australia)

Matthew Millar won the Qantas Golf Club Fiji Teams Challenge for the second time with rounds of 68, 68, 68 for a tournament total 12-under par 204.

It’s an incredible change for the man who, up until the previous week, was working at the Grange Golf Club in Adelaide and on the edge of giving the game away.

Millar played consistent golf over the three rounds around the challenging Natadola Bay layout to claim victory by three shots over Queensland professional Brett Rankin.

“Today I felt good, I felt like a champion,” said Norris, who now has his pick of tournaments in Europe and Asia.

Millar exacted his revenge on the Natadola Bay layout after a disappointing Fiji International which saw him fail to make the cut and consequently have the weekend off.

Millar cast aside any disappointment by firing three solid rounds of golf in challenging conditions to claim this year’s title.

“I said a couple of years ago when I was about to quit, that I didn’t want to give it away until I had won a big tournament because I know I can.”

“I told the boss last week that I have probably two years left playing golf and I just want to have a crack. This came up quicker than I thought.”

Norris looked good all week and with scores of 69, 68, 70, 67 he won the title by four shots with a score of 14-under the card.

“I didn’t really play any better this week than I did during the Fiji International”, said Millar. “I just didn’t get any bad breaks or bounces, the ball just went in the hole this week”.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s good to see you all on Sunday instead of on Thursday every time,” said Norris, who opened the final round with a birdie and never looked back.

“This place can really wear you down in the wind, eventually you will miss a green, fortunately for me I was able to make the up and downs to save par most of the time”.

Freely admitting to suffering from the yips, Norris used three different grips per round but on the Sunday everything clicked.

“Today I used backhand grip all day. I putted well with the grip on the back-9 yesterday so I stuck with it,” added Norris.

“I putted sensational all day; even the ones that I three putted were just bad speed.”

Four shots back was the fast finishing Jazz Janewattananond. Having made the cut on the number the Thai star set the course record at 8-under 64 in the final round thanks to a long eagle putt on the par-5 17th.

Jason Norris with the Fiji International trophy (Photo: PGA of Australia)

“I am just really happy to put up a good score. It’s always good to shoot a bogey-free round. I couldn’t make any putts in the first two days but I had been hitting the ball good all week. I managed to sink some putts today and yesterday and I guess that was the key,” said Janewattananond.

Joining him in a tie for runner-up were Australians David McKenzie and James Marchesani.

Rounding out the top-5 at the Fiji International are Australians Adam Bland, Peter Wilson, Wade Ormsby and New Zealander Daniel Pearce. •

Brett Rankin fired the low score of the event, a 7-under par 65 to finish three shots off the pace in second position on 9-under par 207.

Steven Jeffress who was running second for the first two rounds finished in third position with a 7-under par total for the event.

The next best placed professional is Mark Brown from New Zealand who finished on a 2-under total followed by Brad Moulds and Jack Wilson both on 1-under par totals to round out our top 5 places.

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Did you #SeeWhy? Karen Lunn CEO – ALPG

S

ince 2011 the US LPGA Tour’s tagline has been “See why it’s different out here” and one of their go-to Twitter handles is #seewhy.

If you have been following the LPGA Tour and women’s golf over the past few weeks I am sure that you could only agree!

Three weeks prior to writing this article, we witnessed the 15th edition of The Solheim Cup held in Des Moines, Iowa in the USA. For those of you not familiar with the event, The Solheim Cup is the Women’s equivalent of The Ryder Cup, and while it cannot boast the long history of the Ryder Cup, the event has firmly established itself as one of the biggest women’s sporting events in the world since the first edition was held at Lake Nona in Orlando in 1990.

The team captains this year were legends of our sport, LPGA and World Golf Hall of Famers Juli Inkster for the US Team, and Annika Sorenstam for the European Team.

The US team were defending the Cup they had won back in Germany two years ago courtesy of Gerina Piller’s four-metre putt on the final green to defeat home-town heroine Caroline Masson.

Open champion Mel Reid to strike the first blow for team Europe, and Lexi Thompson on the tee for the US team.

Both players would set the tone for what would be three amazing days of golf, the standard of which was unbelievably high given the degree of difficulty of the 6300m Des Moine Golf and Country Club layout.

The first hole is a short par-4 of some 290 metres, designed for a lay-up from the tee and a pitch to a small severely sloping green.

This year they would start the event as hot favourites to win on home soil for the first time since 2009.

Reid, no slouch when it comes to driving distance, declared her intent by belting a driver over the corner of the dog-leg onto the fringe of the green, much to the delight of the vocal European fans.

Emotions were at fever pitch on the first tee on the opening morning for the first foursomes match, with our 2017 Oates Vic

Thompson replied in typical Lexi fashion by smashing a majestic three wood also across the corner to just three metres from the

hole. The European duo of Reid and Charley Hull would two-putt for a birdie and could only stand back and watch as the inimitable Cristie Kerr punched home the eagle putt for the US to go 1up.

The stage was set, it was game-on!

The morning matches would eventually see the European team grab the momentum, taking the session 2.5 – 1.5, before the might of the USA predictably came back in style in the afternoon fourball matches, shutting out the Europeans in a 4-0 whitewash, the first time ever the USA have swept a single session in Solheim Cup history.

On Day 2 the galleries were treated to some of the best golf I have ever witnessed from any golfers, male or female. The quality of play was right out of the top drawer and there were some memorable matches.

The morning foursomes matches were eventually halved two apiece, and it was still all to play for with the US team leading by 3 points and with 16 points remaining on offer.

The US team, however, stepped up a gear in the afternoon fourball matches, winning three out of the four matches to take a commanding 5-point lead into the Sunday singles matches.

One match in particular which will stick in my memory is the Thompson - Kerr match playing against Catriona Matthew and Georgia Hall. The American duo were an incredible 13-under-par when they shook hands with their opponents on the 16th green, the Brits looking stunned having themselves played a superb match.

Mel Reid and Carlota Ciganda were also left dazed in their match against the two Brittanys – Lang and Lincicome, with

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Lincicome jumping out of the blocks with birdies at each of the first six holes before Lang decided to get in on the action with a birdie of her own at the 7th hole.

Predictably, both teams stacked the Sunday singles draw with quality at the top end, although certainly when it came to the US team it would be tough to identify any weakness in their 12-strong team.

While US Captain Juli Inkster would have been confident heading into the final day, I am sure she was expecting the European Team, led by superstar Annika Sorenstam to come out fighting, and fight they did, striking some early blows to leave the result being anything but a formality.

The opening match between Swede Anna Nordqvist and Thompson was again of the highest quality, with Thompson 1up playing the final hole having made seven birdies and an eagle through 17 holes.

WOMEN’S GOLF

Back to ALPG and our business, by the time this magazine is published our 2017/18 Tour will be well and truly underway, kicking off in Bangkok at the PTT Thai Masters the second week in September in a tri-sanctioned tournament with the Thai LPGA and the China LPGA.

The shell-shocked European duo were themselves 5-under-par through seven holes and had found themselves two down. The match would go all the way to the 18th hole where the US team would make yet another birdie to take the match 2up.

It was an incredible session of golf all round and it was no surprise to see the European Captain Sorenstam still upbeat about her team’s chances heading into the singles matches given the quality of golf which she had just witnessed.

31

Nordqvist, recently back from an unscheduled break after battling a bout of glandular fever, almost holed her 2nd shot at the final hole before being conceded a birdie to halve what would go down as one of the finest Solheim Cup singles matches in history.

Paula Creamer’s 1up victory over Georgia Hall, and Cristie Kerr’s 2/1 win over Mel Reid in the 2nd and 3rd matches swung the pendulum firmly back the way of the US team, and they would go on to record what would seem on paper as a comfortable victory, 16.5 points to 11.5.

Both captains were, as you would expect, gracious in victory and in defeat. Inkster was quick to say that the standard of golf over the three days and the sportsmanship on display was such that that the real winner this week was women’s golf, while Sorenstam said that it wasn’t so much about the result but about the journey, and that her team had come

together as colleagues and friends and will leave as a family.

The 2019 Solheim Cup will be held from 13th-15th September at Gleneagles Golf Club in Scotland.

As the golfing world was digesting the outstanding attendance and viewing figures released for the Solheim Cup, (124,000 people attended and in the US more than 7.30 million unique viewers tuned in to the coverage across three days on Golf Channel and NBC) two weeks later The Cambia Portland Classic was providing yet another incredible storyline, with Stacey Lewis breaking a three-year winless drought and donating her entire 1st place cheque of US$195,000 to the Houston Relief fund following the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

We follow that tournament up the following week with the Anita Boon pro-am in Auckland, where we stay on for another week for the highly anticipated McKayson New Zealand Women’s Open, which for the first time in the tournament’s history will be co-sanctioned with the US LPGA Tour.

We have also just announced our schedule of National Women’s Clinics for the end of 2017; •1 2th October City Golf Club Toowoomba • 30th October Charlestown Golf Club • 31st October Magenta Shores Golf Club (Mixed clinic, gentleman welcome!)

•R oyal Canberra Golf Club Clinic (Date TBC) For further information go to http://www.alpg.com.au/clinics or contact Lee Harrington on 0413 163 312 •

Lewis herself had grown up in Houston and currently lives on the city’s outskirts with her husband Gerrod Chadwell, who is the head women’s golf coach at the University of Houston.

In addition to Lewis’ contribution to the victims of Harvey, one of Lewis’ sponsors, financial giant KPMG, matched her donation, while Marathon, another of her sponsors who have an office and a refinery in Houston also made a private donation of US$1million.

“See why it’s different out here?” Yes it most definitely is.

Keep an eye out for updates and stories on our website, www.alpg.com.au and our social media pages Facebook (ALPG Official), Twitter (@ALPGTour) and Instagram (alpgtour)

Chasing the Sun Golf Tournament Commencing Ceduna 7 April 2018 Nullarbor Links, ‘World’s Longest Golf Course’, is unique. This 18-hole par 72 golf course spans 1,365 kilometres with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway from Ceduna in South Australia to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

Each hole includes a synthetic green, tee and somewhat rugged outback-style natural terrain fairway. The course provides visitors with a quintessential Australian golfing experience that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.

“Chasing the Sun” Golf Tournament has established itself as a brilliant Australian golfing experience, from the very first sip of champagne on Saturday morning at Ceduna, through to toasting the setting Sun in Kalgoorlie 7 days later.

This is memorable journey, taking you on a drive to Australia’s famous oyster beds in Ceduna, then to the wheat and sheep farming districts of Penong, Nundroo and the beautiful waters of Fowlers Bay. You venture passed the whales and the beautiful coastline at Nullarbor to arrive at the beaches of Eucla, to meet the Pirate and claim your treasure. Clutching your gold you move on to the remains of Skylab at Balladonia and the working sheep station at Fraser Range.

The Indigenous art and dance of the Ngadju people in Norseman will features strongly in your memories of the festival. The next morning you journey on to nickel mining and land sailing at Kambalda and then finally to Australia’s gold capital, Kalgoorlie.

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Future is bright for young Montana RISING STARS

Richard Fellner

richard@insidegolf.com.au

M

ontana Strauss may not yet be a household name in Australia, but that could change very soon.

One of Australia’s most promising young amateurs, the young, affable 20-year-old Victorian has been making a name for herself, both domestically and overseas.

Introduced to the game by her father, Ziggy, around the age of five, Montana quickly took a liking for the game, steadily progressing through the junior ranks before winning the 2013 Victorian Junior Masters at Waverley Golf Club. A member of The National Golf Club, she has played pennant for Long Island and is a member of the Victorian State Team. Sporting an impressive +3 handicap, she is currently ranked the No. 4 amateur in the Women’s Open Rankings for Australia.

In June of this year, Montana made headlines by finishing second in the St Rule Trophy at St Andrews, Scotland. The 54hole amateur event attracts players from all over the world, with previous champions including Annika Sorenstam, Catriona Matthew and Melissa Reid. In the final round on the Old Course, Montana fired an equal-low round of the day, a six-under-par 71 which included two eagles. She finished just one stroke behind the tournament winner, Clara Young of Scotland, with a sizzling 15-under-par total for the event.

“I flew out there with dad about five days before it (the tournament), which was great,” Montana told Inside Golf. “It was my first time in the UK. I loved the courses, which suited me quite well. It was just a great experience playing there.

And I was very happy with how I played! I hadn’t shot that far under par before, so it’s good to know I can, especially on a course like that.”

For Montana, the final round of the event provided some unexpected drama and excitement.

“I was playing with Clara, and we started about three shots behind. We thought the other girls were doing OK, but we didn’t know for sure. They actually were shooting over par, and we didn’t even know that! We were both 14-under-par when my dad came up to me and told me I was leading... and then I three-putted! (laughs). I went birdie-birdie to get it back, but Clara also went birdie-birdie to win.”

Dealing with pressure on the course is a current focus for Montana.

“I do get a bit nervous when I know that I’m leading. It’s what I’ve always struggled with, which is why I come second a lot (laughs). But my coach, Paul Skinner, is starting to work with me mentally, and since we did that, my whole game has improved.”

Working on her game, and seeing improvement, is key to Montana’s love of golf.

“I like the feeling of improving. When my game’s getting better, I love going out there. It can be frustrating, though,

when you put in all that time practising and then you go to a tournament and you don’t play all that great. But when I struggle, I’m out there every day, practising to get better.”

Montana splits her playing/practising time between The National/Long Island and Spring Valley, and cites Royal Melbourne’s East Course as a favourite pace to play. In addition, she lists Rory McIlroy as her idol/hero.

“Rory is very competitive and pushes himself a lot. He’s someone I look up to. And Lexi (Thompson), she’s really good as well.”

Off the course, Montana, who finished uni last year (studying Beauty Therapy), lists fashion as a hobby.

“I helped manage a store for two years when I wasn’t playing golf (she took a short break from the game until 2016). I love working with clothes, and styling and all that.”

In addition, Montana is an ambassador for Concourse Golf, which manufactures The CBM3, an innovative, ultra-portable golf buggy that attaches to the golf bag, as well as the new Smart Wheels set to launch in December.

“Everyone in the Concourse team is lovely. It’s great to be involved with a team that cares so much about their designs.

The product is great as well. I use The CBM2 every time I play. It’s easy to put together and pack away. You can take it anywhere, and it saves me a lot of money as well because when I travel overseas I can put it in my travel bag with my golf clubs, and I don’t need to pay for a buggy. I’ve been lucky enough to try samples of their Smart Wheels, and they’re amazing. I can’t wait to see people’s reaction when they come out in December”.

In the short term, Montana will be doing plenty of practice as she prepares for some events this summer, including the Vic Open. Longer term, she hasn’t yet decided if/when she will turn professional.

“I’m debating whether to go to the European Tour School at the end of this year, or go for the ALPG in August next year, but I haven’t figured that out just yet.”

In the meantime, watch this space, and remember the name Montana Strauss.

FOOTNOTE: An interesting tidbit about Montana’s potential: her lowest-ever round was 9-under at The National (Moonah Course) after starting with a double-bogey and finishing with a bogey. Meaning she shot an incredible 12-under-par for the middle 16 holes of a very difficult layout! Not too bad! •

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Tee up a game with a legend T

HE Australian PGA Ladbrokes Legends Tour will rev up in NSW this month with some of Australia’s most-famous international senior pros chasing more than $150,000 in prizemoney on some of the state’s best courses.

beer tent next to the green which makes for a fun finish and a great atmosphere. If you get to St George’s Basin early, the cocktail party the night before can be detrimental to one’s score.

“On Friday and Saturday (October 20 and 21) the NSW PGA Legends Championship will be staged at the magnificent Mollymook Golf Club. With top-class undulating greens and plenty of enormous gum trees, Mollymook would be in my top 20 of golf courses in NSW.

And if you have a Golf Australia handicap, you are invited to enter and possibly tee it up right alongside over-50 superstars such as Peter Senior, Rodger Davis, Mike Harwood or Peter Fowler on tournament conditioned courses around Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the South Coast.

“The Legends then will head to the Sapphire Coast and enjoy two days of quality golf at Bermagui. Just a 10-minute drive off the Princes Highway, not enough golfers make the effort to travel to Bermagui but once you play it, you’ll be back for more.

The popular Legends Tour has myriad personable stars from yesteryear to greet you on the tee including the genial David Merriman, who has the best short game in Australia and a great trick shot show as well, or the leader of the 2017 Legends Order of Merit Tim Elliott, one of the best putters to play the game.

Steve Aisbett, the General Manager of Sydney’s Thornleigh Golf Centre and a regular competitor on the Legends Tour, has provided Inside Golf with the following engrossing insight of the Legends Tour and a unique preview of the eight events to be played in October: “Our first pro-am on Thursday October 12 is at the wonderful Springwood Golf Club in the Blue Mountains, which provides a very challenging layout with small quick greens.

The inclusive golf day at Springwood always provides a great welcome to the pros and amateurs and always there is a superb meal to follow.

“The next day, Friday October 13, we will take on the ‘Augusta of the Blue Mountains’, the scenic Blackheath Golf Club. With Blackheath’s masses of Azaleas in full bloom,

“In our final South Coast game we will play Batemans Bay. This will be our fourth year straight there. We always play off the deck, even one year after an inch of rain and you never get a bad lie or mud on your ball . . . it’s always in great condition.

Steve Aisbett and Ian Baker-Finch at the Eagle Ridge pro-am early this year.

here you will hit the ball a club further due to the altitude and at the very least that will make you feel better about your game.

“The following Monday (October 16) we will play the vastly improved Wallacia Golf Club, in Sydney’s Golden West. Wallacia is changing its fairways to couch and the greens have improved out of sight. The club offers legendary great midweek deals of 18 holes of golf in a cart for $30 and this is a very welcoming social club.

“The next day (Tuesday October 17) we will travel to the excellent Bankstown Golf Club, which, I believe, week in and week out provides the best greens in Sydney, together with tight fairways. Bankstown is one of Sydney golf’s best-kept secrets.

“On Wednesday, October 18, the Legends Tour will swing down the picturesque NSW South Coast to tackle St Georges Basin, a very enjoyable course with hundreds of kangaroos. The last hole is a par-five, with a

“After playing all these events and getting lessons and plenty of tips from our great Legend players you should be ready to play the $100,000 NSW Senior Open at Thurgoona. This is a 54-hole event that Golf NSW has fully supported, to give Australia’s best amateurs a chance to test themselves alongside the pros.

“So if you would like to play some great courses in tip-top condition and, like myself, get to play with one of your golf heroes, simply contact the Pro Shop at any of these clubs and reserve a spot in the field.”

For more information click www.pga.org.au/legendstour •

Roseville Golf Club Enquiries - www.rosevillegolf.com.au or telephone (02) 8467 1800

Everything old is new again

Join us for one of the most delightful and enjoyable golf experiences in Sydney

Play in the 2017 Gold Mashie and ladies Pro aM Only $60 per player includes lunch & snacks & great prizes Jaguar and Yamaha Hole in One prizes

ladies day noveMber 10th | Mens day noveMber 11th

Be a part of 90 years of tradition A great golf course complemented by a modern contemporary clubhouse and the friendliest environment you could wish to have The event supports Cromehurst Special School Sponsor logos

THE MP-18 SERIES. REFINED BY OUR YORO MASTER CRAFTSMEN.

Club of the month

36

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

CLUB OF THE MONTH >

Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club David Newbery

david@insidegolf.com.au

A

FTER enduring years of red ink, Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club at Point Cook west of Melbourne is close to returning to the black.

The club’s chairman Craig Kennedy has forecast a bright future for the club thanks to a number of smart manoeuvres that has resulted in clearing much of the substantial debt They include the sale of parcels of land and the retention of the driving range, which is now a significant income-producing asset.

“We were in a dire financial position,” Kennedy admitted.

“In June 2013, the developer handed the course over to the members along with a $4.2m debt.

“At the time, it was also incurring over $1m in operating losses per annum so we didn’t have much time to turn things around. Literally everything in the club was outsourced – club management, marketing, pro shop, hospitality, teaching academy, etc.

“It was a difficult starting point and we were under pressure to repay debt and dramatically improve the club’s operating bottom line,” Kennedy added.

“Four years on, the board reported at the AGM that for the first time in the club’s history we are debt free and within striking distance of getting into the black.

“In 2013, we lost over $1m in operations. This year that figure is likely to be reduced to well below $100K and we have considerable free cash flow coming through from the remainder of our property sales.

“As a golf lover and local resident I wanted to do whatever I could to prevent this from happening,” he said. “How could we truly want to be regarded as a championship club and course without a driving range facility?

“Whilst I do believe the potential to reduce the course to nine holes was never anything more than rumour it became apparent the outgoing developer was keen to turn the driving range into further residential development to pay back the debt.”

But the board moved quickly and put in place a strategic plan to save the facility – one of Victoria’s first residential development-style golf estates.

“We have managed to keep the driving range and turn it into a significant incomeproducing asset,” Kennedy added. “We have grown membership when the industry seems to be contracting in member numbers.

“We are not afraid to innovate. We looked at the intermediate membership category and (ages 21-30) and said we would bring them on board for $1000 a year because we want young people playing golf and in the club for our future.

“Our fees are $2700 including subs, which is unaffordable for a lot of younger golfers.

“How do you sustain the club long term when the average age of the members is 50+?”

Well, in the space of 12 months the club attracted close to 100 intermediate members.

“We are not another exclusive private club,” Kennedy said. “We are open for business and welcome golfers and visitors of all persuasions.”

The club has a veterans’ membership competition every Monday and is growing its women and junior membership base.

“The club is now in the best financial position it has been in its short history.”

Another growth area is corporate membership.

Four years ago, Kennedy was troubled when he heard rumours the driving range was going to be sold and the Greg Norman-designed links-style course reduced to nine holes.

“Three years ago we had zero corporate members and now we have approximately 20 corporate members and sponsors,” Kennedy said.

The approach to Sanctuary Lakes’ 16th green.

“We established a corporate invitational and bi-monthly invite them to the facility to play golf and be involved in the networking opportunities.

“They can bring a client or colleague and that has generated more members.”

Sanctuary Lakes has not been afraid to advertise golf at $49 a week.

“We break it down so people can see it’s affordable,” Kennedy added.

“No one big thing has got us into this improved position. It’s been a number of individual things.

“We have strived to improve member experience, improve the golf course and improved the way we communicate with various groups in the community.

“It’s no secret that golf club membership, for the purists, is in decline.

“Whilst we highly value this member segment we also want to capture the social golfer who cannot commit to week-in, weekout golf.

“We introduced $400 social golf packages where a person can join the club and call

Sanctuary Lakes his or her home club, play a certain number of rounds and then pay the member/guest rate.

“You don’t have to commit to week-in, weekout golf.”

Still, the driving range is the club’s boon asset.

“The growth in the driving range has been phenomenal and I’m blown away by its potential,” Kennedy said.

“In time, I believe the range can produce $250,000 annually.

“I guess our key message to people is ‘we have a bright future’.

“We are young in history, keen to innovate and open for business to golfers of all persuasions.

“We also believe we offer great value for money for a course that is currently ranked 31 in Australia for public access courses.

Sanctuary Lakes offers members and visitors a comfortable clubhouse facility that includes a members lounge, restaurant, bar, 200-seat function room and pro shop not to mention the championship golf course.

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

37

Club of the month

> Love is in the air SEVEN-TIME Australian Open winner Gary Player once told me the greatest word in the dictionary was “love”.

very pleased with everything she brings to the table,” Crews said.

Well, the word is spreading because plenty of love has been injected into Sanctuary Lakes golf course and the driving range.

“Jacqui and the golf operations staff are providing excellent service and doing a wonderful job for members, guests and visitors.”

“Part of bringing the golf operations back in-house has allowed us to put a lot more love into the facility,” Sanctuary Lakes general manager Ian Crews said.

THE COURSE: Ian Crews said the Greg Norman-designed links-style layout continued to improve and climb in the national golf rankings.

“We have refurbished the driving range facility and have brand-new TaylorMade range golf balls. We have more upmarket distance targets and the surrounds of the target greens are highlighted.”

Mind you, the golf course, ranked in the top-50 public access courses, is not for the faint-hearted.

Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club boasts eight undercover hitting bays, while the grass tee area can accommodate up to 30 players.

“The chipping green has been renovated and there is a huge practice bunker for the members and guests to utilise,” Crews said.

TEACHING ACADEMY: British PGA professional Chris Andrews heads up a strong team of teaching professionals that includes Clint Rice, who was nominated in the teacher of the year category at the Golf Victoria Awards recently.

“They are our two primary teaching pros at the academy,” Crews said.

“In addition, we have Asian Tour professional Marcus Both available to give lessons when he’s not playing.”

At the professionals’ fingertips is TrackMan and Boditrak technology, which is helping golfers improve their skills much faster.

And in a coup for Sanctuary Lakes Club, Jacqui Flinn has come on board as the club’s golf operational manager.

“Jacqui has had extensive experience at Royal Sydney and at Yarra Bend and we are

While it caters for players of all levels, golfers should leave their egos in the locker room.

Off the black tees the Slope rating is 136, blue tees 133, white 132 and red men 127.

For women, the Slope rating from the pink tees is 135 and the red tees 133.

Sanctuary Lakes is a fair test of golf as Norman has provided bailout areas for shorter hitters.

Still, there are plenty of opportunities for birdies.

Perhaps the biggest talking point is the three finishing holes, which Crews describes as “our own Amen Corner”.

“The finishing holes are what we pride ourselves on,” he said.

“We have the 523m (black tees) par-5 16th, a challenging 202m par-3 17th (155m off the white tees) and the signature hole 18th – a 414m (346m white tees) gem.”

The signature hole is devoid of fairway bunkers but it features an undulating island green, a fairway flanked with a lake and more of Greg Norman’s superb greenside bunkers – two on the left and a large trap on the right.

The par-3s are excellent.

The driving range is proving to be a winner.

Likened to Augusta National’s famous par3s (12 and 16) that have water in front of the greens, the par-3 sixth hole at Sanctuary Lakes (136m-156m) is a beauty. Club selection is vital especially if the invisible hazard is in play – wind.

Golfers can choose to walk the course or take a cart. Sanctuary Lakes Club has a fleet of 36 carts with 15 new carts arriving in November.

In addition, golfers can also choose to stayand-play with Quest Sanctuary Lakes located next door – a two-minute walk from the clubhouse.

The clubhouse has all the facilities golfers expected – locker room, restaurant and bar, Caddyshack espresso bar and boardroom and function room. For those who still feel

energetic after a round, there are tennis courts, a gym and a swimming pool.

“We are excited about what we have to offer and how the club is going on numerous fronts,” Crews added.

“The opportunities for members, guests and visitors to experience what we have to offer have never held it better stead.”

Sanctuary Lakes Club Greg Norman Drive Sanctuary Lakes Victoria 3030 T: (03) 9395-2888 E: club@sanctuarylakesclub.com.au www.sanctuarylakesclub.com.au www.sanctuarylakesclubrange.com.au

Sanctuary Lakes Club features a Greg Norman designed championship course which is rated amongst Australia’s top 100 courses.

A number of membership categories are available, from our premium Platinum package through to 7 day Junior memberships.

The Sanctuary Lakes Club Range is located just 20 minutes from the Melbourne CBD within the Greg Norman designed Sanctuary Lakes Club golf course.

Sanctuary Lakes Club Range is open to public 7 days a week and offers: • Full length, distance marked, grassed and undercover range • Short game practice areas including chipping green and practice bunker • Extended opening hours with newly installed lighting • Tuition available from a number of qualified coaches • Quote Reference: SLCIG to receive a free bucket of balls during October

Sanctuary Lakes Club, Greg Norman Drive, Sanctuary Lakes, VIC 3030 | T: 03 9394 9444 E: club@sanctuarylakesclub.com.au | www.sanctuarylakesclub.com.au | The Range: www.sanctuarylakesclubrange.com.au

LINKS LIVING

38

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

A fairway life: Avid golf fans choose retirement living next to championship course

Bathurst seals signature events The NSW Mid-Amateur Championship and the NSW Country Championship will be returning to the Bathurst region from 2018.

Bathurst Golf Club will host the Men’s and Women’s NSW Mid-Amateur Championship in May 2018, while from 2019 to 2021, the time-honoured NSW Country Championship will return to the City.

Bathurst Golf Club president Ray Stapley was excited to see both tournaments come to the city.

A

vid golfers and new residents of Cranbrook Residences, Ros and Ross Hogan, are living the dream, having just moved into their luxury apartment adjacent to the exclusive par-72 Castle Hill Country Club championship golf course.

While Ross has been playing for more than a decade, Ros is a relative newcomer to the sport with two years on the course, and many more planned now the pair has rolling fairways as their new neighbour.

“When we were looking to downsize, one of our priorities was proximity to great golf, finding a community purpose-built for those over 55 and choosing an apartment with high-quality finishes and plenty of room,” said Ross Hogan.

Spacious apartments – the three-bedroom residence enjoyed by the Hogan extends to 205 square metres of living space and looks out over the sixth green and seventh hole – feature an abundance of natural light, huge windows and designated indoor-outdoor

living zones, explained Cranbrook Care CEO Ms Kerry Mann.

bathrooms with double vanities, imported stone tiles and walk-in showers.

Cranbrook Residences was developed in response to demand from a new generation of Australians, with discerning hopes of retirement living and a strong desire to maintain their quality of life during the next phase of their lives, explained Ms Kerry Mann, CEO, Cranbrook Care.

Beyond the adjacent golf course, Cranbrook Residences’ lifestyle amenities include a centrally-located contemporary café – with panoramic golf course views of course – outdoor BBQ and entertaining areas ideal for socialising with family and friends, and a state-of-the-art wellness centre, Reflections.

The Hogans were the first residents to move in to Cranbrook Residences, which is setting a new benchmark in exclusive retirement living in the tranquil Hills Shire, where every architecturally-designed apartment boasts wall-to-wall designer details and premium inclusions.

“Reflections is home to a hair and beauty salon, hydrotherapy pool, a gym for physio, visiting doctor’s consultation suite and a soon-to-be completed fitness centre offering yoga, pilates and personal training,” said Ms Mann.

In every apartment, residents enjoy contemporary interiors designed by Pike Withers and exclusive features, such as Caesarstone worktops, Miele appliances, bespoke joinery and oak timber flooring.

Bedrooms feature wool-blend carpets, integrated wardrobes and elegant ensuite

Cranbrook Residences is situated close to pristine parkland, medical facilities and the future Norwest Train Station, and is a short drive from the bustling Castle Hill shopping precinct.

More information: www.cranbrookresidences.com.au •

“Golf is very strong in the Central West and we’re very lucky that our club is in a very strong position,” he said. “The course is in good condition, by the time these champs come around the course will be spick and span.”

Golf NSW General Manager - Golf, Mr Graeme Phillipson, was thrilled to make the announcement. “It’s wonderful to see two of Golf NSW’s signature events being conducted on one of Australia’s finest inland golf courses.”

“Bathurst Golf Club has hosted the NSW Open, the NSW Senior Amateur and The Country Championship before. We know that competitors will be challenged by this wonderful layout,” Mr Phillipson said.

The tournaments are expected to pump almost one million dollars over the four-year term of the agreement into the town’s economy, a figure Bathurst’s Mayor Cr Graeme Hangar was pleased to hear.

“Sporting tourism is growing throughout NSW and Australia. We’ve got great facilities here. Golfers bring their families to our town, they stay in our accommodation, and spend money in our shops.”

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NEW GEAR

42

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

>NEWGEAR One Iron Golf

Founded in 1997, One Iron Golf is the oldest and largest manufacturer of singlelength golf clubs and the 1 Iron line has been the #1 selling brand of custom fitted single length irons world-wide for two decades.

Conventional golf clubs are built in 1/2 inch length increments with varying clubhead lie angles throughout a set. This means that besides the driver and putter you carry 12 clubs having 12 different lengths and 12 different lie angles.

Consequently, in order to develop your full ball striking potential with conventional golf equipment you have to learn and master 12 different swings with 12 different swing postures, 12 different swing planes, and 12 different ball positions.

Since all of the irons in a set of 1 Irons are the same length (custom fitted), weight, flex, and lie angle you can eliminate all of those extra unnecessary swings that you are now using and concentrate on just one

swing and ball position. From that point on you are ingraining your one true fluid and powerful swing deeper and deeper with every shot you hit. This produces a stunning increase in consistent ball striking, distance, and accuracy for golfers of all skill levels.

POWAKADDY COMPACT C2 Whether at home or the car, create more space and downsize to the new PowaKaddy Compact C2. The C2 has a simple two-fold system that allows the buggy to be both set up and packed away in just two simple folds. Folded dimensions 514h x 349w x 560d, making it a breeze to fit in the car.

The handle adjusts to three heights (good news for taller golfers), and the integrated grip makes it easy to carry. A full-colour display incorporates a Power Gauge, Battery Indicator, USB Port, and the ADF feature allows the buggy to be sent 15, 30 or 45 meters; very handy for sending the buggy to the next tee. The handle compartment is ideal for storing accessories and has a builtin scorecard holder. Included is the unique 18h Plug & Play Lithium Battery with Full five-year warranty, the Buggy a three-year warranty. All PowaKaddy Buggies can now be purchased direct, ensuring the world’s best buggies are at the world’s best price.

For sales enquiries contact 03 9795 1743, or www.powakaddy.com.au

RRP $1,399.00

Phone: (US) 419-662-9336 www.1irongolf.com sales@1irongolf.com

Air Series, Golf GPS by Sureshotgps Know the distance with innovation from the leaders in golf GPS, Sureshotgps. Built on an Android operating system, the new Sureshotgps Air Series is engineered to be their best golf GPS yet.

Featuring Wi-Fi connectivity, access satellite images, download courses and updates, from anywhere using Wi-Fi. You can even hot spot from your mobile phone, making it a thing of the past to use your computer to update a golf course. The extremely light, slimline design is easy for one-handed use, and convenient to keep in your pocket or bag.

Plus, the large high brightness LCD Touch screen allows for considerably large font sizes and is very easier to read.

The new Sureshotgps Air series is available in three models Air 1, Air 2 and Air 3 each with unique features to improve your golf game. The flagship being the Sureshotgps Air 3 with access to actual course satellite views, adjust angles viewed, plus customise the distances you want, hole by hole. All models are designed to inspire your game so you can play your best, relaxed, calm and in control.

Contact your local Retailer or Golf Professional, and Live Chat Sureshotgps at www.sureshotgps.com for more product information. Phone 1300 644 523 or +61 3 8872 6700 or email info@sureshotgps.com

A fitted set of Mizuno irons

Inside Golf and Mizuno are giving one lucky reader a custom-fitted set of Mizuno irons!

Up for grabs is a fitted set of seven irons, either the new MP18 or current JPX900 (prize depends on which model suits the winner best.) Prize includes shafts and grips offered in Mizuno’s custom fitting range. Prize value: between $1,393.00 - $1,813.00.

To enter, simply visit our website: www.insidegolf.com.au/competitions Entries close Oct 31st.

MGI Zip Navigator

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Play shots under less fatigue with the new MGI Zip Navigator, as you walk free around the course while your buggy does all the work. Featuring MGI’s renowned full directional remote control, roam free and experience the ease in which this motorised buggy moves around the course. Control the speed remotely while the automatic downhill speed control feature effortlessly takes control down any hilly terrain. The most significant technological triumph on the Zip Navigator is what lies within. Traverse across the toughest of terrain and watch as the Patented Gyroscope automatically tracks the buggy on a straight course.

The newly engineered Zip fold is the ultimate space saver being 25% smaller and 12% lighter. The 24v electronic system is super-efficient and has been developed with the addition of smaller more intelligent Lithium batteries. Now you can Click and Go with a lighter, easier to handle Lithium battery.

Contact your local retailer or golf professional, and visit www.mgigolf.com for more product information.

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MGI Zip X5 MGI Zip X3 Packed full of desirable features, the MGI Zip X3 will turn heads with its stylish look, modernistic design whilst being effortless in its operation. For effortless play, the MGI Zip X3 is built on a platform of signature MGI features like a Controlled Distance Function, a swivelling & lockable front wheel and allterrain tread wheels. To help improve your game and feel in control, the advanced digital electronics will provide valuable statistics, like distances walked and longest drive.

Make it a level playing field with the MGI Zip X5 motorised golf buggy with the ingenious advantage of Downhill Speed Control and an Electronic Park Brake. The downhill speed control eliminates the need for the golfer to manually adjust the speed control when walking downhill creating an effortless, weightless transition on all downhill terrains.

Such a feature allows the golfer to focus only on the next shot, leading to lower scores and increased satisfaction. Plus, park on any incline by activating the electronic brake at the press of a button.

The Newly engineered Zip fold, three-wheel design is 12% lighter and 25% smaller for absolute space saving. The new Click and Go battery system is lighter, easier to handle and offers Lithium batteries in your choice of a 18-hole or 36 hole capacity.

Alongside these state-of-the-art innovations, the MGI X5 Zip inherits renowned MGI signature features such as swivelling and lockable front wheel, and an abundance of accessories to customise your buggy. MGI continues its commitment to golfers globally by offering a two-year warranty and a network of service support for the life your MGI.

Contact your local retailer or golf professional, and visit www.mgigolf.com for more product information.

Phone 1300 644 523 or (03) 8872 6700 or email sales@mgigolf.com

Contact your local retailer or golf professional, and visit www.mgigolf.com for more product information.

Phone 1300 644 523 or (03) 8872 6700 or email sales@mgigolf.com

RRP FROM $1,299.00 RRP FROM $1,399.00

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

43

NEW GEAR

WE TRIED IT!>

SEEING RED: THE NEW ODYSSEY O-WORKS RED PUTTERS Richard Fellner

Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

Last month, Odyssey introduced an extension of red putters to its pioneering O-Works line. You may recall the original O-Works models from earlier in the year, as the line incorporated Odyssey’s revolutionary “Microhinge” technology via an insert on the putter’s face. Following feedback from Callaway Staff Professionals, who had put prototype models into play on Tour, the new O-Works Red Putters made their Major debut at The Open earlier this year, and they began turning heads immediately.

In case you missed out on all the excitement about “microhinge”, it’s basically a series of small stainless steel, hinge-shaped objects which are co-moulded into a Thermoplastic Elastomer “Feel Layer”. The technology makes the putter face more flexible, so that when contact is made with the golf ball, the hinges essentially lift up the back of the ball, and impart a forward roll (i.e. more topspin), which helps reduce skidding and thus get the ball rolling sooner (which helps improve accuracy, etc).

We always love Odyssey gear, so the moment we heard about the new line, we immediately got ahold of a demo (we were given the 2-ball model) and raced to the course to test it out.

The first thing we noticed is the rich, striking colour. The deep red (in

RRP $349.99 each

a soft, matte finish) looked great at address, and in concert with the twoball alignment aid, really imparted confidence in setup. Balance and weight were also standouts in this model, as it quickly felt like a natural extension of our arms. Not too heavy, not too light, Goldilocks would love this putter.

Of course, look and feel are only a small part of a putter, as performance is where the rubber meets the road. And here, the O-Works Red really shines.

In the first few putts, we noticed how quiet the putter was at impact. This was a bit disconcerting at first, as we didn’t hear the customary “click” of the ball shooting off the face. We chalked up the softer sound to the microhinges going about their business to get the ball rolling. And as putt after putt rolled straight into the cup—with a perfect speed and control, we quickly got used to the soft sound. And as we drained more putts throughout the round, we began to love it. And I mean REALLY love it.

There is an oft-used phrase in golf that says “Let the club do the work”.

Well, with Odyssey’s new O-Works Red, you can do just that, as it almost

feels like the putter is doing all the work for you.

This was one of the best putters we’ve used in a long time, and it has quickly shot to the top of our “Must Try” list. So if you’re looking for a new “magic wand” around the greens, then get your hands on one of these immediately.

Odyssey O-Works Red Putters feature a variety of Tour-proven shapes – including the iconic 2-Ball, #7, R-Line, V-Line Fang – and a new #7S model (This short slant neck version of the #7 provides more toe hang, which is a popular setup for professionals). www.odysseygolf.com.au

Sureshot Laser PinLoc 5000 series

Sureshot Pinloc 5000 Series of Laser rangefinders is loaded with features for those wanting to make better decisions with greater accuracy on the course.

Weighing in at a light 173 grams, this unit fits comfortably in the hand promoting ease of use when locking in distances from all positions. It’s built to last with shock resistant casing and water resistant for all golfing conditions. Three luxury colours represent the three models available, each designed to improve your game.

SureshotLaser 5000i with highly intelligent software boasts an array of game changing features to help improve your score. Using pin-point precision accuracy, simply hold down the trigger, aim and fire.

SureshotLaser PINLOC 5000IP is loaded with intelligent software plus extra confidence with the addition of Pulse technology. Once locked onto your desired target a confidence boosting PULSE can be felt.

SureshotLaser 5000IPS is loaded with intelligence and Pulse, and for those wanting to make better decisions with greater accuracy, Slope mode. Never guess again when gradients are in play. Slope mode intelligently measures exact shot distances to the pin whether on an uphill or downhill slope.

Contact your local Retailer or Golf Professional, and Live Chat Sureshotgps at www.sureshotgps.com for more product information. Phone 1300 644 523 or +61 3 8872 6700 or email info@sureshotgps.com

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October 2017

>on Fashion the Fairways www.insidegolf.com.au

45

FASHION ON THE FAIRWAYS

From the early days of the plus-fours and ruffled cravats, to today’s bright colours and plaid ensembles, golf and fashion have long been intertwined.

Scallop Long Sleeve Mock, Lotus, XS-XXL $89.99 Scallop Golf Skort, Lotus Pixel XS-XXL $99.99

Looking good both on and off the course is becoming easier and easier these days, with a massive variety of styles on offer. Here are some of Australia’s top products, services and shops to help you get your wardrobe looking top notch!

DUNNING In 2001, Dunning revolutionized the golf industry by launching the very first golf apparel line comprised exclusively of performance fabrics.

JOFIT

Left: Piped Long Sleeve Mock, Papaya, XS-XXL $89.99. Belted Golf Short, White, XS-XXL $104.99.

Right: Pocket Cutaway Polo, Papaya, XS-XXL $79.99. Mina Skort Long, Bow Print, XS-XXL $79.99. Available March 18.

From fitness to fun, Jofit is a clothing and accessories company that is designed to fit your life. Combining comfort and style, every garment is meticulously engineered to flatter all shapes and sizes. Built for performance, the fabric packs perfectly so busy women can look polished during sport and leisure. Jofit is a premium brand for women who demand style mixed with comfort, work hard, but don’t take themselves too seriously.

The Sangria range, available from November, combines energetic motion and movement with futuristic colours, styles and prints.

1800 656 968 / www.wsports.com.au/pages/nancy-lopez / info@wsports.com.au

Online shopping for Great Golf Gear is so Easy

Golf clothing is no longer boring!

www.vanityfairways.com.au or phone for Personal Service

0418 754 717 ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Nivo Daily Sport Birdee Sport Haley Bette & Court Jo Fit Jamie Sadock Cutter & Buck Robbie Brown Sligo Menswear Greg Norman Golf Accessories & Gifts

Today’s active lifestyles demand clothing that performs; Dunning delivers unsurpassed quality, year-round versatility and timeless styling, making it ideal for golf, travel and leisure.

Engineered specifically for golf, the Natural Hand Polo has a luxury drape and Premium Performance.

RRP $89.95 For stockists call Sporte Leisure on (02) 9693 5777 or www.sl.com.au

...also e xclus McLeo d Coun ively at try Golf Club

FASHION ON THE FAIRWAYS

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Vanity Fairways Vanity Fairways has been operating for almost 11 years and is still Queensland’s only dedicated retailer of women’s golf apparel and accessories. Not only do they have an online business, but for the past 18 months Vanity Fairways has been the exclusive supplier for the McLeod Country Golf Club in Brisbane’s western suburbs at Mt Ommaney. Supplying not only ladies but also men’s and junior golf apparel and accessories.

Deborah is always sourcing different brands and options for Vanity Fairways customers, so if you’re looking for something a bit different that you aren’t going to see in every Pro Shop then visit Vanity Fairways. Vanity Fairways pride themselves on the strength of customer service. They value their customers and always do their utmost to ensure that you are more than happy with your new gear.

For online customers and to help you in your size selections, they have done the size conversions for you, so if the item you are looking at is from an American label in US sizes, Vanity Fairways have done the conversion to Australian sizes for you; meaning a lot less hassle and expense for everyone by avoiding unnecessary returns and delays with postage. If you are not sure of any of the items on the website, or need some advice with sizes etc, contact them before you make your purchase and they will ensure you get the great golf gear you deserve. www.vanityfairways.com.au

GOLF LADIES FIRST - AN ONLINE SHOP EXCLUSIVELY FOR LADIES Since launching their unique concept last October, Golf Ladies First has branched out from a small section of the Port Macquarie Pro Shop into a major force in the online retail market, supplying lady golfers all over Australia from Tasmania to Christmas Island with beautiful, stylish golf fashion.

Their unrivalled range of clothing, shoes, bags, clubs and accessories are of the finest brands known to golf, including Callaway, Cobra, Ping, Corsican Golf, Nivo, Annika and many more.

Their search for the best products in ladies golf results in an ever-growing variety for women to enjoy, evolving new designs and changing the fashion on Australia’s fairways.

This year Corsican Golf has exciting bright colours ranging from subtle, soft patterns to bold, beautiful designs. Look out for this summer’s stylish and classic collection from Birdee Golf, or the exciting and fresh designs from Cutter & Buck and Annika. www.golfladiesfirst.com.au Tel: 0431 248847 or 0401 726598 E-mail: info@golfladiesfirst.com.au

NEW Summer Collection Proudly Distributed by Sporte Leisure

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October 2017

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FASHION ON THE FAIRWAYS

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FASHION ON THE FAIRWAYS

48

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

TravisMathew

ZERO FRICTION

GREG NORMAN

The latest collection from TravisMathew has all the technical fabrications and classic styling that make their clothes so unique, but also has subtle hints of the Monte Carlo lifestyle. Look closely, and you’ll see designs inspired by the excitement of the Formula One raceway, the sophistication and elegance of the Hotel de Paris, and the colours of Monaco’s most radiant casinos. It’s time to add some James Bond-like panache to your style, throw a handsome smirk on your face and a confident pop in your step. The new line is sharp and electrifying. Act accordingly.

Greg Norman Solar XP™ is a new Weatherknit collection offering chemical-free 50+ extreme sun protection with PlayDry® performance. This collection is built on ultra-fine denier UV blocking yarns for a fantastic lightweight technical hand feel and high performance. For classic and timeless style you can wear on and off the course.

RRP $99.95

www.sl.com.au

Zero Friction is all about the colour and universal fit. One size molds to your hand. The ZF Glove Golf Synthetic features elite performance material, Cabretta palm and compression fittechnology.

RRP $19.95 Contact Sporte Leisure for stockists (02) 9693 5777

Polos from $79.99, Shorts from $84.99, Pants $99.99, Caps from $34.99, Belts from $44.99 Phone: 1800 656 968 www.wsports.com.au/pages/travismathew info@wsports.com.au

IceRays UV Protective and Cooling Armsleeves If you hate messy sunscreen but don’t want to wear hot, long sleeve shirts, then IceRays are the perfect answer.

No more hot, sticky arms; just cool comfort. With 50+ UV protection and no uncomfortable seams, they are the only Armsleeve tested by the Government body ARPANSA to be totally UV protective to 50+. A great option to keep you cool and protected, Icerays are available in lots of different colours and one size fits all.

Polo: Greg Eddie, Heather Cyber Yellow, S-XXL $104.99

Polo: The Brock, Blue Nights, S-XXL $79.99

Shorts: Hefner, Dark Grey, XS-XXXL $84.99

Pants: Hough, Dawn Blue Grey, S-XXXL $99.99

Just $32.95 including free delivery anywhere in Australia.

Email: enquiries@icerays.com.au or call 1300 025 939 www.icerays.com.au

Golf in Style!

GLF - Exclusively ladies online golf store - Explore the latest equipment and fashion for women - Hot new summer stock!

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Ocean Drive, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 | Tel: 0431 248847 or 0401726598 E-Mail: info@golfladiesfirst.com.au | Web: www.golfladiesfirst.com.au | www.facebook.com/golfladiesfirst.com.au

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

NIBLICK Niblick is a name as old as golf.

Australian since 1884, Niblick has always been the name synonymous with comfort, style and fit at an affordable price.

The brand which has been aligned with the most famous names in golf is committed to comfort technology for avid golfers.

Niblick is the preferred golfing shoe for fit, stability and weather protection. With over 100 years’ experience working to perfect the golf shoe, Niblick has now also expanded into golf hardware. www.niblick.com.au

LADIES FAIRLIGHT • Lightweight easycare Microfibre upper ladies shoe.

• Wide-fitting last.

• Lightweight rubber / phylon sole for greater traction and comfort.

• Superior “Blackwidow” cleats by Softspikes • 6 month waterproof guarantee.

• Ortholite® Comfort from the inside out. Ortholite insole open-cell foam technology delivers a combination of benefits unmatched by any other insole manufacturer.

Long-term cushioning, High level breathability, Moisture management, Antimicrobial function and is lightweight.

SIZE 5-9 RRP $109.95

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FASHION ON THE FAIRWAYS

MENS TURNBURY • Soft leather upper • Wide-fitting for superior fit and comfort.

• A softer foot-bed and Ortholite innersole designed for extra comfort • A twin pod phylon / TPU sole gives maximum support.

• Traction ridges combined with light soft ‘fluid cleats’ give superior traction and stability.

• S uperior “Blackwidow” cleats by Softspikes •1 2 month waterproof guarantee •O rtholite® Comfort from the inside out. Ortholite insole open-cell foam technology delivers a combination of benefits unmatched by any other insole manufacturer. Long-term cushioning, High level breathability, Moisture management, Antimicrobial function & its Light weight.

SIZE 7-12 RRP $119.95

MENS RETRO

LADIES MERION

The RETRO model shoe is a retro-style casual walker with a grass sport rubber sole. New microfibre upper with heavily padded tongue collar and Ortholite insole makes this shoe comfortable for all occasions. The rubber /EVA sole with a stitched-down welt is designed to provide stability and is perfect on hard or soft surfaces. The insole is an Ortholite insole open-cell foam technology which delivers a combination of benefits unmatched by any other insole manufacturer. Long-term cushioning, High level breathability, Moisture management, Antimicrobial function and is lightweight. Ortholite® Comfort from the inside out. Available in Australian-wide fit. 6 month waterproof guarantee.

SIZE 7-11 & 12 RRP $109.95

The Merion model ladies shoe is a retro-style casual walker with a grass sport rubber sole. New microfibre upper with heavily padded tongue collar and Ortholite insole makes this shoe comfortable for all occasions. The rubber /EVA sole with a stitched-down welt is designed to provide stability and is perfect on hard or soft surfaces. It also has Ortholite® Comfort from the inside out. Available in Australian-wide fit. 6 month waterproof guarantee.

Ortholite insole open-cell foam technology delivers a combination of benefits unmatched by any other insole manufacturer. Long-term cushioning, High level breathability, Moisture management, Antimicrobial function and is lightweight.

SIZE 5-9 RRP $109.95

FASHION ON THE FAIRWAYS

50

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Sandy Short Style – Moss Vale Sandy Short Style is delighted to announce the opening of Sandy Short Sports at the Moss Vale Golf Club, 38 Arthur St, Moss Vale, NSW. Expect to find all your favourite brands for women and men—including Daily Sports, Jamie Saddock, Nivo, Bette + Court, Calvin Klein Sport, Abacus, Green Lamb and Peter Millar.

You’ll love browsing their range of quality apparel in a relaxed, reinvigorated space, overlooking the beautiful course. Open seven days, so you can golf in style any day of the week.

For more information, call (02) 4861 3338.

SPORTE LEISURE Australia’s No. 1 Golf Apparel Brand, Sporte Leisure has created a sophisticated lifestyle apparel collection for Summer 2017/18.

Joining the latest style trends with performance properties to make the collection for men and women a must-have for the summer months. These stylish polos incorporate all the technical properties of their popular performance polos. The moisture-wicking and Anti-bacterial attributes helps you stay dry and comfortable in all Aussie conditions.

RRP Ladies Butterfly Polo: $75.00 Men’s Club Polo: $79.95 For stockists call Sporte Leisure on (02) 9693 5777 or www.sl.com.au

That’s My Ball and Tin Cup The Rules of Golf state that every golfer should put an identification mark on their golf ball.

That’s My Ball offers golfers quick and easy ball identification tools. TMB ID stamps are highly durable and allow you to quickly and easily identify your ball.

They also stock Tin Cups, stainless steel stencils direct from the USA. Give a purposeful and long-lasting gift this Christmas and present a friend or family member with an ID stamp or Tin Cup. RRP from $14.95 (ID stamp stock designs) or $25.95 (Tin Cup stock designs) + postage. www.thatsmyball.com.au (03) 9434 6770 or 1300 445 054

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

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FASHION ON THE FAIRWAYS

FASHION ON THE FAIRWAYS

52

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Callaway Footwear

NANCY LOPEZ GOLF

Callaway Golf introduces their 2017 Footwear Collection. The new range blends performance-enhancing design features with a host of innovative styles and striking colours. Featuring a variety of different shoe styles and colour combinations, the 2017 family is split into distinctive and technologically advanced sub-collections designed to give the golfer a perfect platform from which to build their game.

Nancy Lopez is one of the most famous and recognisable women in golf. The women’s game has benefited immensely from Nancy’s superstar performance and personality. At the core of Nancy Lopez Golf is a commitment to provide choice to the woman golfer in the selection of golf apparel. Nancy Lopez Golf provides the woman golfer with a broad range of performance golf apparel including shirts, shorts, skorts, vests and jackets.

Apart from a broad colour palette and choice of styling options, the key feature with the Nancy Lopez apparel range is the breadth of sizing: from size XS to XL with an additional three plus sizes available in most styles. There is literally something for everyone’s taste and size. This season’s range, Transcendent, features powerful organic inspired prints and a bold athletic design.

1800 656 968 www.wsports.com.au/pages/nancy-lopez info@wsports.com.au

The XFER Fusion

La Jolla

The XFER Fusion features Xfer ground control directional traction lungs, Garment soft full-grain leather upper, New hybrid last, Ortholite comfort insert with 3D cushioning, Opti-Soft energy return midsole, OptiVent mesh liner for breathability and heat management, Fusion 4X4 TPU outsole and Xfer lateral Power Wall. Comes with a oneyear limited waterproof warranty and 30-day comfort guarantee.

The new La Jolla shoe features a 60% Polyurethane / 40% Nylon composition, Water-resistant Opti-Repel microfiber leather upper, Opti-Soft EVA midsole for natural ground feel and comfort, Opti-Vent mesh liner for breathability and heat management, DuraRubber outsole for maximum stability and control, 5mm molded EVA sockliner and seven removable SLIM-Lok PiviX cleats. Comes with a two-year limited waterproof warranty.

Available in White/Peacoat, or Black/Grey/ Silver, Sizes: 8-13, Medium widths RRP: $179.99 inc. GST

Available in White or Black, Sizes: 8-13, Wide widths RRP: $169.99 inc. GST

...

F O ING N E OP

Short Sleeve Polo: Luster, Tangerine, Sizes: XS-XL, Lopez Plus: 1X, 2X, 3X $54.99 Skort: Glory, Hot Pink, Sizes: XS- 3XL $74.99

SaNdy ShOrt SPOrt – MOSS ValE

Sleeveless Polo: Geo, Black Multi, Sizes: XS-XL, Lopez Plus: 1X, 2X, 3X $79.99

Short Sleeve Polo: Sporty Blue Bird/White, Sizes: XS-XL, Lopez Plus: 1X, 2X, 3X $74.99 Skort: Charming, White, Sizes: 2-22 $89.99

TOO BUSY PLAYING GOLF TO WORRY ABOUT SUNSCREEN? PROTECT YOUR ARmS FROm ThE SUN WIThOUT ThE hASSLE OF SUNSCREEN OR hOT LONG SLEEvES Fully tested and certified to be 50+ UV, One size fits all.

More and more golf pro’s are wearing them now and Anne Rollo from Anne Rollo Golf schools has been wearing them for over 2 years and loves them...

All the favourite brands for women and men: • Daily Sports • Jamie Saddock • Nivo • Bette + Court • Calvin Klein Sport • Abacus • Green Lamb • Peter Millar Open seven days | Moss Vale Golf Club, 38 Arthur St, Moss Vale, NSW Phone (02) 4861 3338

”I recommend them to all my students, I don’t have to wear sunscreen on my arms anymore and they are surprisingly cool on the skin, I love them” Go to www.icerays.com.au to order and have yours to wear in a few days.

Or call us on 1300 025 939 or email enquiries@icerays.com.au to order yours now.

54

Amateurs

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Golf fans to be ‘Bowl-ed’ over A

USTRALIA has some of the best amateur golfers on the planet and many of them will be on show when Keperra Country Golf Club in Brisbane hosts the 72-hole Keperra Bowl from October 10-13.

You never know, but you just might spy the next Marc Leishman.

Australia’s leading player on the European Tour, Andrew Dodt, too won the internationally-recognised Keperra Bowl.

“I had few expectations at the beginning of the week,” Flitcroft said.

“However, when we were met with firm greens and strong winds during Round One I was excited by the challenge. I prefer conditions to be tough and enjoy thinking my way around golf courses. The Bungool layout definitely requires good course management and the swirling winds just made you second guess yourself a lot.”

Well, it’s on again and there is going to be fireworks as the best amateurs go head-tohead around one of Queensland’s best layouts.

“It’s the primary national ranking event in Queensland,” said Golf Queensland manager golf operations Luke Bates.

“You will see a strong field of elite players because of the number one ranking.”

“There is always great feedback from the players on the quality of the greens,” he said.

“They are true and there are plenty of birdies on offer.

“You have to make a good score to win and every year we see the players shooting some good numbers.”

Yes, it’s not uncommon for players to shoot 15-20-under par, which is exactly what golf fans want – plenty of birdies and eagles.

Mind you, the course is no pushover.

Currently Queensland Open champion Brett Coletta has played in the Bowl and liked what he saw.

Manly Golf Club’s Will Flitcroft is the 2017 Yamaha NSW/ACT PGA Trainee Champion, following a turbulent final round at Riverside Oaks Golf Resort.

Flitcroft shot a final-round 8 over par (80) to edge 2016 Champion Robbie Hogan (74), Concord’s Jordan Widdicombe (71) and Terrey Hill’s Andrew Thompson (78) by one stroke on a three round total of 304 (+16).

You see, Leishman won the inaugural Keperra Bowl in 2005 and that helped launch his international career with multiple PGA Tour victories and earnings of more than $21m.

Bates said the players enjoyed the challenges Keperra offered.

Flitcroft crowned Yamaha NSW/ACT PGA Trainee Champion

A young Marc Leishman shows off the inaugural Keperra Bowl as Mark Butler looks on.

“I played it in 2014 and it was one of my first experiences playing in Queensland so I had no idea about grain on the green coming from Melbourne,” he said.

“I think I finished top-15, but I remember the first hole – a par-5.

“It’s a good hole and I got the impression that was what the golf course was going to be like, but I sort of went backwards from there.”

Don’t worry Brett, golfers of the calibre of Jason Day and Cameron Smith tried to win the Bowl but didn’t.

The tournament won’t be won on the first hole, but it mostly likely will be won coming down the stretch as Keperra boasts four of the best finishing holes in golf.

It’s here where the action really hots up.

Players have to negotiate the demanding dogleg 15th (361m), the 397m 16th hole, the challenging 191m water carry par-3 17th and then the 376m 18th.

A lapse in concentration on the approach to the tricky two-tier green could end in tears for someone with one hand on the trophy.

Yes, it’s going to be another riveting event so if you want to see some of the world’s best amateurs, head for Duggan Street in Keperra later this month. Entry is free.

Some of the names might be unfamiliar but these players are worth watching. See you there! •

A recent catch-up with coach Dave Saunders helped Flitcroft iron out a few swing issues and find some confidence.

“I have not played a lot this year and kind of lost my motivation to play golf for awhile. Dave helped get the rust out and re-energize things for me. I have to credit some of this win to Dave and the hard work he has put in with me over the years”.

2016 Champion, Robbie Hogan finished the tournament strongly with a 2 over par 74 to complete a commendable defense of his title. The round of the day was shot

by Concord Trainee Professional Jordan Widdicombe with a 1 under par 71.

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56

Amateurs

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Qld Open fans in for a treat David Newbery

david@insidegolf.com.au

G

OLF fans attending the Isuzu Queensland Open are in for a treat and some members of the gallery just might be “freaked out” watching defending champion Brett Coletta fire his rocket-launchers around The Brisbane Golf Club layout from October 26-29.

“It’s $35 to play nine holes at Brisbane and there would be people that wouldn’t normally get a chance to get on the course,” Bates said.

“The winners (two men and two women) will receive an all-expenses trip to play in a nine-hole competition in the lead-up to the Australian Open at the Australian GC.

“I’m not the biggest guy out there but I can keep up with the bigger guys, length-wise. I have always had that x-factor, but sometimes I still freak myself out.”

IN ADDITION, organisers are focussing on a Family Sunday Fun Day on the final day of the Isuzu Queensland Open.

Brett Coletta.

That’s because Coletta stops the scales at 65kgs and stands just 5’10’ (177.8cm). Still, that doesn’t restrict him launching 300-plus yard drives.

Coletta was an amateur when he lifted the TB Hunter Cup last year to join the who’s who of Australian golf including major winners Greg Norman, Ian Baker-Finch, David Graham and Kel Nagle.

Other notables like Peter Senior, Bruce Devlin, Stuart Appleby, Graham Marsh, Norman von Nida, Ossie Pickworth and Jim Ferrier too have won the prestigious tournament that dates back to 1925.

“These young kids, they’ll be just as good as the Days and Scotts of the world,” the Shark said. “Technically, they’re all really good.”

“I definitely will defend my title,” said Coletta, who has an intimate knowledge of the Brisbane layout.

Coletta, 21, says his victory last year has opened doors including status on the PGA Tour Canada.

“We played the interstate series there last year and I played eight rounds in six days so I know the course.”

“So far it’s my career highlight,” he said. “Any professional win while playing as an amateur shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Then there was the Queensland Open proam and another four tournament rounds.

For the record, Coletta carded rounds of 6769-67-70 for a 273 total – one of the lowest winning totals in the tournament’s history.

“Winning the Queensland Open was massive because a couple of weeks before that I had a good opportunity to close out the Asian Amateur and I let that slip through my fingers.”

Coletta joined the play-for-pay ranks this year and is just one of a number of new breed of young Australians taking on the world.

That cost him a spot in the US Masters, but he learned much from the experience.

The Melburnian, along with newly-minted Aussie professionals Curtis Luck and Ryan Ruffels, have even caught the eye of Greg Norman who believes the trio are stars of the future.

“Knowing I was playing well enough to capitalise on what I had been working towards and getting another opportunity so quickly and be able to close it out did wonders for my confidence,” he added.

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ISUZU Queensland Open tournament director Luke Bates told Inside Golf a ninehole competition would be played in the lead-up to the main event at The Brisbane Golf Club.

“It’ll be on Sunday, October 22 and is open to all club golfers,” he said.

“I sometimes freak myself out how far I can hit it (golf ball),” Coletta told Inside Golf without a hint of arrogance.

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A star player of the future, Coletta’s goal is to join his idol Adam Scott on the US PGA Tour but first he has another assignment – to win the Isuzu Queensland Open as a professional.

Get out to The Brisbane Golf Club and watch Coletta and a host of other leading professionals and amateurs.

Just stand well back and don’t get between the head of Coletta’s driver and his golf ball. •

“We will have activities like jumping castles, petting zoo and food vans,” Bates said.

“That’s going to be great for golfers and their young families, who can come along, have a good time and see some good golf.”

$250,000 HOLE-IN-ONE The players will shoot for a $250,000 holein-one prize on the final two days of the tournament.

The first player to ace the 190m 11th hole will pick up a cheque for $125,000 with the balance going to the event’s charity – the Queensland Golf Foundation.

In other news, the first hole has been shortened by 100m to 330m.

Now the players will virtually tee off in front of the practice putting green and clubhouse making it more accessible for golf fans.

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Seniors

58

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

SENIOR Amateur WRAP

With Denis Dale ed@insidegolf.com.au

John Davey wins the South Australian Seniors

Results from Sandbelt Week in Victoria Every year senior golfers from across Australia look forward to playing a series of rounds on some of the best courses in the world. Known as “Sandbelt Week” it now covers almost two weeks of golf.

It’s on again in 2018 when players need to get their entries in early and then cross their fingers for a start. Everyone should make at least one trip South for this fabulous week.

Below are the results from 2017:

Yarra Yarra Seniors Josie Ryan and John Davey - winners of the 2017 SA Seniors Championship.

J

ohn Davey (Tea Tree Gully) capped his first year of retirement, a year-long campaign of senior golf and recently turning 60 to win a cold, wet and windy SA Senior Championship at Tanunda Pines in the heart of the beautiful Barossa Valley.

Davey’s win broke a drought of some 12 years since a local has won his home state title.

It was cold each day with 40k freezing south westerlies, constant rain squalls, some hail late on day one and heavy overnight rain. It certainly was a major factor for all players and very disappointing for the staff and volunteers at Tanunda Pines.

However, the tricky greens held up well with some squeegeeing on the odd hole and lift, clean and replace initiated for days two and three.

Round one saw John Davey with 78 sharing the lead with a pair of NSW seniors, Chris Gordon and Greg Ellis. Geoff Cranfield (NSW), Wayne Buick (ACT) and Stephen Musgrave (NSW) were one shot back. Defending champion Greg Rhodes returned 82 while Stefan Albinski and David Hannah had 80 but they were not out of it. Local favourite Norm Cordina’s 85 had set him a task.

Round two saw Davey return 79 to total 157 with Rhodes equalling his 36-hole score with an excellent 75. However Geoff Cranfield’s classy round of 76 saw him take a 2-shot lead into the final day with Albinski, Buick and Ken Brewer (Concord) ready to pounce should the leaders fail.

Davey was up to the challenge and his 74 in round three was the tournament’s best. He needed to be at his best as Rhodes closed with a very good round of 76. It was a gallant effort

by Rhodes to defend his title but at the end Davey was the only player to break 80 in all three rounds and thoroughly deserved his win.

Greg Rhodes finished second and will want to forget the closing holes in round one.

Rhodes dropped six shots in five holes in a very uncharacteristic few holes for Australia’s leading senior golfer.

Third place went to Australian team mates Ken Brewer and Geoff Cranfield. Brewer finished well after a bad start while Cranfield slipped a little in his closing round.

In the Women’s Senior Championship, Josie Ryan (Headland, Queensland) was a model

of consistency with rounds of 84, 85 and 84 to win comfortably from Glenys Ferguson (Waneroo, West Australia).

The event was very well organised by Golf South Australia who advised that next year’s event will be held in Loxton in the SA Riverland.

Greg Rhodes too good at the Grange/Kooyonga Seniors In the tradition started by the late Tony Mazzone, a strong field of 90 players participated at Grange East and Kooyonga.

Both courses were superbly presented with hard, fast greens and a strong northerly breeze adding to the challenge. The sun shone and temperatures reached into the 20’s as spring arrived at last.

Under these conditions, the best players tend to rise to the top and this was very much the case with Australia’s number one, Greg Rhodes shooting a superb even par 72 at Grange from the highly credentialed, Lester Peterson (76) and Ken Brewer and Wayne Buick both with 77s – a clean sweep for the interstate visitors in round one.

Round two was at Kooyonga Golf Club and with the DSR at 77 only four of the seniors managed to break 80. Rhodes was one of these and after a real battle with Lester Peterson he was the winner. Rhodes had scores of 72 and 77 to total 149 while Peterson had very consistent rounds of 76 and 75 for a total of 151.

Third place went to John Davey after rounds of 82 and 76. He finished just ahead of ACT Senior Wayne Buick with rounds of 77 and 84 and local champion Norm Cordina 82 and 79.

In Super Seniors, Ian McPherson made the long trip from WA worthwhile with rounds of 83 and 84 and he was a deserved winner of the trophy for the over 65s. Runner up prize went to Bill Winslow after rounds of 85 and 85. Overall Nett prizes went to Peter Shaw and Gary Evans.

Yarra Yarra was once again the first of six August Senior Amateur events across the Melbourne Sandbelt.

Gordon Claney (Kingston Heath GC) has defended his title after shooting an impressive 74 in trying conditions to claim the Yarra Yarra ‘Ray Barned’ Senior Amateur, named after the late Ray Barned.

handicap of 9. Runner-up in the event was Bob Krekelberg (Traralgon GC) with a nett 72 off a daily handicap of 20.

Players enjoyed impressive hospitality from the Yarra Yarra Golf Club and enjoyed a world-class golf course.

Kingston Heath Seniors Despite the occasional shower, players enjoyed still conditions at Kingston Heath Golf Club and the course was in immaculate condition.

John Owen (Barwon Heads GC) played steady golf all day and recorded a gross score of 73 to claim the 2017 Kingston Heath Senior Amateur.

The runner-up was Mark Limon from The National GC who shot a 76 off the stick.

It has been almost three years since the Victorian golfing community were saddened by the passing of Ray Barned who contributed greatly to the game. Barned was a former Captain of the Yarra Yarra Golf Club and was elected to the VGA Council in 1994.

Claney was in a winning mood and added the Golf-Fore-A-Cause nearest the pin prize on the 4th hole to his collection. John Neeson (Catalina GC) recorded the next best score in the gross competition with 76.

In the nett competition, Stephen Pettyfor (Eastwood GC) shot a nett 70 off a daily

Mervyn Same and John Owen - Kingston Heath.

PresCare Queensland Senior Order of Merit winners for 2017 The PresCare Queensland Senior Order of Merit for 2016-17 finished with the Queensland Senior Amateur Championship in July this year.

Winner Men’s Scratch: Mario La Chuisa 1315 points Runner Up Men’s Scratch: Stephen Toyne 1255 points Winner Men’s Nett: Ray Harvey 1300 points Runner Up Men’s Nett: Paranjit Singh 1190 points Winner Men’s Super Senior: Trevor Box 1070 points Runner Up Men’s Super Senior: Phillip Towle 1010 points Winner Women’s Scratch: Wendy O’Connell 1800 points Runner Up Women’s Scratch: Cheryl Sternberg 1440 points

Mario LaChiusa -winner of the Queensland Senior Order of Merit.

Winner Women’s Nett: Adrienne Naismith 1145 points Runner Up Women’s Nett: Judy Logan 1110 points

Winner Women’s Super Senior: Helen Gray 1140 points Runner Up Women’s Super Senior: Margaret Emerson 1085 points

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

In the nett competition, Mervyn Same from Huntingdale GC finished with a fantastic nett score of 70 off a daily handicap of 14 to claim first prize.

on a countback with a nett score of 67 from a daily handicap of 14. Runner-up was one of 10 players from Yowani (ACT) Geoffrey Besgrove, also with 67 nett off a 10 handicap.

Runner-Up in this event was Ian Henry (RACV) who finished with nett 71 off a daily handicap of 17.

In the gross championship, John Kelly from Metropolitan was victorious after shooting an even-par round of 71 to win by three shots from second places Kim Johnson (The National).

Commonwealth Seniors 83 competitors from throughout Victoria and interstate teed it up in this years’ edition of the Commonwealth Senior Amateur, forming the third event of the ‘August Senior Sand Belt’ series.

A sunny start to the morning progressively changed in typical Melbourne fashion, with the afternoon overcast and chilly, following suit from the last few days’ weather.

This created a challenge for all who took to the fairways of the par-73 layout, which again was presented in beautiful condition.

In the end it was hot favourite Gordon Claney (Kingston Heath) who won his second event for the week after firing the round of the day 73. Gordon finished three shots ahead of Trafalgar member Jeff Hasthorpe.

The handicap section honours were taken out by a New South Welshman contingent, in first place Rowan Easterbrook (Oatlands) with a nett 70 (from a 4 handicap), narrowly defeating Andrew Pritchard-Davies (Monash) with a nett 71 (from a 12 handicap.)

Victoria Seniors The fourth leg of the 2017 August Senior sandbelt week of golf took place in blustery conditions as the spotlight for 89 senior golfers turned to Victoria GC. The par 71 layout, one of the country’s finest, always provides a stern test for golfers of all levels and this day was no different.

In the nett event, Coomealla’s Peter Duscher recorded the day’s finest nett round winning

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Seniors

Runner-up in this event was John Kelly (Metropolitan) who also recorded an excellent score of 3-over for the tournament.

In the men’s nett competition, Gerard O’Sullivan (Bendigo GC) took advantage of his local knowledge and recorded a nett 140 from 36-holes.

Mick Kaufman (Melton Valley GC) fell just short but claimed the nett runner-up prize with nett 141.

Metropolitan Senior Plate The Metropolitan Plate was played in beautiful sunshine for the strong field of senior male golfers. The event is in its 12th year and is the fifth event on the August Senior Sandbelt calendar.

Adam Charleston and Stuart Allen -Royal Melbourne.

In the women’s scratch stableford event, Helen Pascoe (Buninyong GC) was too good in round two and finished with 62 points after 36-holes. Helen Leech (Neangar Park GC) also had a great tournament and finished with 53 points to finish runner-up.

Tight pins and signature bunkers cut into slick rolling greens proved to be a challenge for the field and was reflected in the overall scoring for the day.

Adam Charleston (Lonsdale GC) played the tricky conditions better than his fellow competitors and returned the best score of the day with 78.

In the women’s stableford competition, Elizabeth Alston (Winchelsea GC) recorded a total of 70 points to win on a countback to Anna Castles (Yarrawonga Mulwala GC).

Ian Frost of Rich River GC came in with the best round of the day, shooting a 1 over par 72 to finish two shots ahead of Gordon Claney (Kingston Heath GC) and John Wheeler (The National GC).

In his speech, Frost labelled The Metropolitan Golf Club one of the best in the world and said the course was presented in magnificent condition.

The nett section was won by Paul Fink (RACV Cape Schank), who also heaped praise on the condition the course was presented in.

Fink finished with nett 71 off a handicap of 12.

Leigh Bull (The Metropolitan Golf Club) claimed the nett runner-up prize on a countback, finishing with nett 72 off a handicap of 4.

Royal Melbourne Seniors The August Senior Sandbelt week concluded with a windy day at Royal Melbourne.

Fortunately the rain stayed away for the most part and players returned to the clubhouse in a dry state.

Gordon Claney (Kingston Heath GC) claimed the runner-up prize from Kim Johnson (The National GC), Stephen Valentine (Kew GC) and Mark Abeyaratne (Peninsula-Kingswood GC) on a countback, rounding out a successful week for him.

The nett section was won on a countback

by Stuart Allen of Peninsula-Kingswood Golf Club. The 11-marker posted a nett 73 to edge past Sam Gabriele (Northern GC).

All six host clubs and Golf Victoria would like to thank Victorian participants and interstate visitors for supporting the week of events on the sandbelt.

Bendigo Seniors Once the sun came out players were treated to another glorious day on the Bendigo Golf Course for round two of the Bendigo Seniors.

Chris Tatt (Buninyong GC) blitzed the field after shooting a five under 67 in round two to finish a total of six under overall and claim first prize in the men’s gross competition.

Western Australia selects their team for the Australian Seniors Monday 14th August was a day of gale force winds and intermittent rain squalls, but Mandurah senior member John Wanless overcame these tough conditions to win the Mandurah Senior Amateur with an exceptional one-over-par 72.

Runner-up was Martin Minogue 73 with John Banting third overall on 74.

Mandurah was the season-ending event after which the leading four players are selected to represent WA at the interstate teams’ event during the Australian Seniors in October .

The team to represent WA is John Banting, Paul Chappell, Trevor Hughes and Michael Dunsmore.

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JUNIORS

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Young Hunter making his mark on signing up the most talented juniors – even eight-year olds.

David Newbery

david@insidegolf.com.au

“We arrived back and Hunter was offered a scholarship to an academy in South Carolina,” Andrew said.

A

level.

N eight-year-old Perth boy has given up a promising cricket career to pursue his dream of playing golf at the highest

“He’s only eight and his ambition is to go to college in America, but we will re-evaluate things if he is still progressing at the same level when he is 14 or 15.”

Hunter Woodley-Page swapped his cricket bat for a set of golf clubs two years ago and is wowing them on the fairways.

Young Hunter played his first season of junior pennants (under-18) this year and performed well winning one match and taking most of his rivals to the 16th or 17th hole.

He has recorded multiple tournament victories on the US Kids Golf Tour (WA) and the Golf WA Junior Golf Tour.

In 2016, he represented Australia at the US Kids Golf Trans-Tasman Cup and received a priority invitation to compete at the US Kids Golf World Championship at Pinehurst, North Carolina USA. In 2017, Hunter represented Royal Perth Golf Club in under-18s pennants competition and finished sixth in the world at the IMG Junior World Golf Championship in San Diego.

Then he claimed victory at the World Stars of Junior Golf Tournament in Las Vegas.

“Hunter started playing golf just before his sixth birthday,” proud dad Andrew said.

In that time, he has reduced his handicap to 18.3.

“He’s a natural ball-striker and he has a phenomenal short game,” Andrew said.

“He was a potential superstar on the cricket field, but he came home one evening and said ‘dad, I’ve wanted to tell you this for a while’.

“I said ‘what is it’ and he said ‘I want to play golf’.

Hunter shows off the spoils of victory.

It didn’t take Hunter long to start turning heads winning his age group for the US Kids Tour in WA that included setting a US Kids scoring record for seven-year olds.

“At Secret Harbour, he shot a 33 with five birdies and two bogeys,” Andrew said.

“He prefers 18-hole events, which is why he wanted to go to the IMG Junior World Championship in America.

“I couldn’t believe it. All age groups play 18 holes and it was like watching a PGA Tour event.

“He just loves playing competitions, is very good under pressure and is relatively unaffected,” Andrew said.

“Hunter is known in the community as a compassionate little boy and has a strong social conscience.”

Hunter isn’t shy and doesn’t mind working on his short game beside the likes of professionals Brett Rumford and Jason Scrivener at Royal Perth.

“He is lucky because he has terrific role models in Brett and Jason,” Andrew added.

“That inspires Hunter because he see how well Brett and Jason conduct themselves.

“They set a terrific example for the young boys and girls. That is what’s terrific about golf.”

Hunter finished sixth, but can count himself unlucky because he had 13 lip-outs in 54 holes.

Hunter’s coach Emma Liebenau, who works out of Mt Lawley Golf Club, said the youngster had the potential to reach the highest level in the game.

“He changed his putting strategy when he went to Las Vegas for the World Stars of Junior Golf Tournament.

“He has an excellent work ethic and it all comes from within, not from me or his dad.

“Hunter had seen kids playing golf in the US and wanted to play there as well.

“I stayed out of it because I can’t read putts like he can. Generally, I just push the trolley,” Andrew laughed.

“I told him he had some work to do because you have to qualify for these events.”

Well, Hunter won the tournament and that attracted the attention of college scouts keen

“He has an excellent short game and his pitching from inside 30 metres is unbelievable,” she said.

“I’m proud of his achievements and it’s great to work with him because he’s really driven.”

IS there no stopping Yeppoon junior Ben Swaffield?

Last month Inside Golf reported Swaffield won the Miriam Vale Junior Open, Gladstone Junior Open and the inaugural Golf Queensland Junior Points Challenge.

He didn’t stop there.

The youngster then went out and captured the Rockhampton Junior Open.

Swaffield returned a two-over par round of 74 to take the title by four strokes from Capricorn Resort’s Ben Scott.

Gladstone’s Declan Corke shot an 86 to win the B grade by three shots from Gracemere’s Jye Goltz 90. Yeppoon’s Isac Alexander (98) won the boys C grade from Boyne Island’s Joel Paulson (100).

Blackwater’s Rae Weiki carded an 83 to win the girls event.

Rockhampton’s Caitlyn Cox (107) took out the B grade and Gladstone Kiana Cartwright (131) the C grade.

In the other divisions, Yeppoon’s Harry Veach survived a playoff to win the boys 13-hole division from club-mate Riley Jensen. Both players returned 77s.

In a sudden-death playoff, Boyne Island’s Tayla Colley (83) won the girls event from Boyne’s Charlize Murphey.

The nett A grade was won by Jake Swaffield (73) from Isaak Jensen (77).

In B grade, Aiden Scott (77) edged out Rockhampton’s Nathan Beauchamp (80) and in C grade Harrison Rogers (80) was successful over Broc Taylor (81).

Remember the name – Hunter Woodley-Page.

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Volunteers help grow junior golf S

OME might say those who cannot swim and dive into a pool without floats are not looking to find positive outcomes.

A few years back a group of members got together and focused on growing junior golf at the club.

Fast forward two years and two very passionate volunteers, along with their husbands pushed for a junior open.

Some 10 volunteer members and the club support them behind the scenes.

Following discussions on approach and plans with Mark Ingrey the club had a very successful first tournament.

“Recently single-day junior tournaments average 30 players, the numbers are low due to demands on parents across the state and fewer junior players in certain areas, however the girls were keen to give it a go, and with their drive we embarked on a mission,” said Ingrey.

Junior big guns bound for Cypress IT’S almost that time of the year again!

Time for the biggest event on the Jack Newton Junior Golf Calendar, the Jack Newton International Junior and Sub Junior Classic.

The tournament is the brainchild of Australian golfing stalwart, Jack Newton, and provides a competitive environment for the most promising talent from right around the globe.

Throw in some of the best players Australia wide from every state and territory outside of NSW and the ACT, and it’s fair to say the tournament is one of the strongest junior events in Australia.

Following a community instructor course with JNJG Territory Manager Mark Ingrey the club and volunteers were ready to roll.

Through this they put together a fund-raising campaign and proceeded to build the club a children’s play area complete with slides, tunnels, swings and so on, the result of this is a more family friendly club, various kids birthday functions and a jump in junior clinic participants.

JUNIORS

While the majority of the 320-plus field will be made up of NSW/ACT JNJG members, coming from every corner of state and territory, the tournament has a distinct international flavour to it with players from Canada, New Zealand, Hawaii, China, South Africa and Japan making their way to the Hunter Valley to participate in the tournament.

That is definitely not the case for a passionate team of volunteers at Singleton Golf Club in the Hunter Valley.

Kicking off with regular junior clinics the volunteers soon built up a great foundation of youngsters to help and support the club.

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“Mel, Chad, Jo, Garry are extremely passionate, they have established a Junior on the Move program for the region in recent months and already have 40 players, the Junior Open exceeded 40 players and more importantly there were great numbers in the nine-hole divisions, while girls’ numbers were also up.

“They also have regular weekly clinics with up to 25 juniors attending.

“They found a major sponsor in Monadelphous, who were amazing providing signage, first tee announcements and prizes.

“They got Asian Tour Player and local hero Kurt Barnes to attend the presentation, which was another great buzz for the kids.

“It’s this type of passion that supports and develops the junior game, these girls and guys should be extremely proud of themselves for what they have done at the club and now in the region.”

To find out more about Singleton Junior Golf visit their Facebook page.

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The tournament is a permanent fixture on the junior golfing calendar, holding both Australian Ranking and World Amateur Ranking status.

This year JNJG has the support of Callaway, who have come on board as the new major sponsor for the event.

The annual Long Drive competition, that is a popular part of the overall tournament, will be renamed the Callaway Epic Long Drive Competition, with the sponsor showcasing their new and innovative driver.

The 2017 Jack Newton International Junior and Sub-Junior Classic begins at Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club and Cessnock Golf Club on Tuesday, October 3 and will run through to Friday, October 6.

Players 15 years and over will play the 72-hole event at Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club while the 14 years and under will complete their four rounds at Cessnock Golf Club.

More: www.jnjg.com.au or phone 02 9567 7736.

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

5 key areas of focus to improve your golf easier to have more of those positive days which reflect in consistency and great scores.

As we are all different it can be a difficult discipline to learn so I often recommend using a professional mind-coaching product such as the powerful Pro Golf IQ audio program before attending a school or combining with physical lessons. (www.progolfiq.com/insidegolf)

With Terry Price

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L

ast month I spoke about my experience in the Senior British Open in July and how I noted the key strategies put in place by the top three on the leaderboard, Bernhard Langer, Corey Pavin and Fred Couples.

So, all told, although I didn’t set the world alight in the UK this year, I was absolutely thrilled to learn more from the abovementioned characters and be able to pass on this information to my students.

What I witnessed has further refined 5 key areas which I work on with my students at my golf schools on the Gold Coast.

1. By using feedback from our online questionnaire we identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses prior to arrival and begin the course with comprehensive bio mechanical assessments. From this I can see a golfer’s current limitations and with the assistance of TrackMan, work on swing tactics individual to each student to gradually improve their angle of attack and ball striking and flight.

The results can often be miraculous with extra distance and accuracy never previously thought possible in a short space of time.

We then implement the same principles into the short game coaching to obtain more satisfaction from those important shots from within 100 metres to ensure proximity to the hole.

2. The great players over the years have always had full control over their ball from the tee, which was certainly evident by Langer, Pavin and Couples. Once again, by utilising the TrackMan technology and its detailed analysis we build a high level in the student’s confidence of their abilities leading 1_4_final_A.pdf 1 14/10/2016 4:55:42 PM to consistent, fairway-splitting drives.

3. Once on the green, no-one likes the thought of three-putting so we work very hard on this often neglected practice of an amateur’s game. The data provided by TrackMan coupled with my many years of reading greens and alignment, offers the opportunity to seriously reduce the number of putts in a round.

4. At the Senior British Open I was able to share some time with Tom Watson and talk about his longevity and how he approaches his game at almost 70 years of age. He is still very competitive alongside players 20 years younger by staying golf fit. The simple activity of playing golf at any level keeps the body moving and mobile as we get older.

students of all ages to ensure they are in the best possible condition as part of their pregame routine.

5. During the atrocious weather on the first two days in Royal Porthcawl it was the unflappable mental strength of Langer which allowed him to race ahead of the field. In everyday life the way we think is important to achieving happiness and results. If we are thinking negative thoughts that’s when we mess up and have a bad day...golf is no different.

We’ve all had days on the course where we are buzzing with confidence and focus, feeling relaxed and having a great game. But the next day that feeling has gone as poor shots creep in, leading to frustration and anxiety.

With this in mind I have further developed our focus on some new exercises and stretches to increase my students’ range of motion and flexibility. This doesn’t involve hours in the gym but can be replicated at home, in the office or the locker room before playing.

To address this situation I teach the importance of course management and visualisation of every stroke. By using your imagination to picture the exact shot you need to reach your target, your brain then sends signals to the body to execute perfection.

There’s nothing worse than feeling stiff and tight muscles on the first tee so I encourage

Many pros say that 80% of the game is mental, so by developing strong mind skills it becomes

IT’S FREE!

Terry Price has been a PGA Tour player since 1986 playing in Australasia, Europe and USA. In 2012 he joined the European Seniors Tour and currently plays domestically in the Legends tournaments as well as hosting golf schools at Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club on the Gold Coast. www.terrypricegolfschools.com.au Tel: (07) 3535 0610

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64

Instruction

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Say ‘Ayyyy’ to better pitching with ‘The Fonzie’ drill

Mike Adams/ BioSwing Dynamics coming to Australia There are many questions that golfers face if they want to improve: Is the Teacher going to change my swing completely? How long will it take to see improvement for my efforts? How many lessons will I need before I arrive at a level that I will be happy with?

How much practice / training will I need to do before I can develop a Natural Game?

Enter Mike Adams and Bioswing Dynamics. Using the BioSwing Dynamics Measurement System, Mike Adams (the 2016 US PGA Teacher of the year) can promise the Teacher and the Student better compression, more clubhead speed, and less strain on your back.

10 STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR PITCHING

Brent German

brent@brentgermancorporategolf.com

F

or those of you who want to improve their pitching either at work or at home, this drill is for you. You don’t even need a golf club to practice this.

What I notice in plenty of golf lessons is that a lot of my clients after, they hit the ball, they have too much pressure on their back foot and do not pivot through. With this the ball either goes along the ground or slices and many other bad shots occur; not to mention the sore back you will have the following morning.

If you have a cushion to put under your back foot that is great, otherwise you can improvise and pretend you have a cushion under your back foot or at work put a stapler under there.

1) Start with your feet 12 inches apart 2) Have 60-70% pressure on your front leg in set up (i.e. Start position) 3) Set up position is hitting or impact condition which highlights the importance of starting in the correct position

thumbs pointing to ground (post-impact position).

10) Swing through to finish position. Again, thumbs to sky or ceiling (“Ayyyyyyy”, knees are touching and all pressure is on your front leg.)

4) Hands together and thumbs facing the ground

In order to create permanent change, do this 15 times per day, 21 days in a row with a success rate of 75% (.ie. If you do this 3 out of 4 times correctly you will improve).

5) Thumbs pointing in front of the middle of your feet (i.e./ pretend ball)

Check out my You Tube Video ‘Brent German Fonzie Drill’.

6) No weight shift when going back 7) Thumbs point to ceiling (For those of you who remember the TV show Happy Days, just imitate Fonzie’s trademark “Ayyyyyy”).

8) Left arm should be straight and relaxed 9) Swing back down (hands to be in line with front left leg or left foot and

Happy Golfing.

Brent German is a PGA Teaching professional at Albert Park Golf Course in Melbourne.

Contact Brent at 0412 533 555, brent@ brentgermancorporategolf.com or visit www.brentgermancorporategolf.com

OPEN FOR FREE

Entry and Entertainment 26 – 29 OCTOBER 2017 THE BRISBANE GOLF CLUB

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Play

Australian teaching professional and coach Peter Croker was so impressed with Mike’s methods, that he is backing Mike’s trip to Australia to deliver a 3 and/ or 5 Day School at Moonah Links on November 6-10, 2017 “I attended 3 “Teach the Teacher Schools” and sat in on the Lesson Tee at The Medallist, Hobe Sound, Florida, and Hamilton Farms, New Jersey for more than 20 hours to witness these stellar results and to see the smiles on all the students’ faces at completion,” Peter says.

“Mike and his BioSwing Dynamics Team is right up there with my Paul Runyan, Tom Tomasello, and Golfing Machine learning experiences.”

There are 5 spaces available for Teachers and the Serious Amateur Student of Golf to attend the Australian classes. For information: www.pushgolf. com/bioswing-workshop-mike-adams, or ring Peter Croker on 0415292549.

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FITNESS

66

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Train your swing at home Nick Randall

nickr@gravityfit.com

T

his article is co-authored with Tony Meyer. Tony is a Golf Australia National Coach and head of high performance for Golf Queensland. Tony specialized in skill acquisition and movement pattern training.

Many of us struggle to make changes to our swings whilst also playing competitive golf. Improving our movement efficiency and making a positive change can be tricky when trying to play. This is because breaking down old patterns and building new ones is largely incongruent with being target focused and practicing to play and score.

Doing specific exercises at home is a great way to separate movement patterns from on-course outcome and really focus on the quality of movement and ingraining better habits. If done well, once you get on course again, everything should be less conscious and more automatic, allowing you to focus on scoring as opposed to swinging.

Whilst coaching at the Australian Institute of Sport golf program, Tony would regularly take players into a netted indoor area to make significant changes to movement patterns.

“I liked to do that with the players because I found they tended to react to ball flight and direction too much on the range. They would unconsciously adapt their movement patterns to make the ball do what they wanted, even if it was the exact opposite of what we were trying to achieve for long-term progress.”

“If you remove the outcome, the player can become totally focused on changing the pattern, this also helps with buyin or compliance with the change. The worst thing that can happen is for a player to be shown a new movement pattern only to see the ball going sideways as a result. Belief in the process of change goes out of the window and regression to old movement patterns is the inevitable result.”

“Getting feedback from an external source on the quality of movement is very important and can really help speed up the learning process of a new swing pattern. I like to use training tools and constraints that give the player a strong of idea of how they are supposed to move. In the Golf Australia and Golf Queensland programs we use the GravityFit TPro to train posture and movement patterns relating the individual to try and optimize the efficiency of movement.”

Together with GravityFit I have filmed an extensive range of videos using the TPro that you can use to guide your home swing exercises. Simply jump on the GravityFit website, get in contact and mention this article to get access. We can also

put you in contact with a coach in your area that is trained in GravityFit techniques and uses the TPro in their teaching method. •

Nick is a Strength and Conditioning Coach, Presenter, Rehab Expert and Massage Therapist contracted by PGA Tour Players and Golf Australia to provide his services in the United States and across the globe. He is also the GravityFit Golf Guy! 1300 142 146 nickr@gravityfit.com www.gravityfit.com/golf

How can Pilates help your golf game? compensate on your follow-through with knees or back, causing wear and tear on muscles, and possibly ending up with injuries.

Belinda Kranz

belinda@pilatesforgolfers.com.au

O

SHOULDER MOBILITY AND STRENGTH: Good muscles engagement and joint mobility will ensure you hit the right positions in the back swing without causing wear and tear on the shoulder joint.

kay, hands up if you have ever had a stiff low back after golf? Many people accept that this goes handin-hand with golf. But with some focus on the right deep muscles using good quality Pilates techniques, you can reduce or eliminate this and many other common strains on the body that are associated with golf.

DEEP CORE MUSCLES: By strengthening these lower abdominal muscles you will take the pressure off the low back and reduce stiffness and pain. It will also allow for improved posture at address.

SPINE MOBILITY: A long and flexible spine allows you to rotate further on the back swing without jeopardising your lower body balance and strength. And the more flexibility you have, the more power you can put into your swing.

STABILISE YOUR PELVIS: So what does a stable pelvis have to do with improving your golf swing? You are more inclined to hold your lower body strength when rotating into the back swing and a balanced and stable lower body combined with increased flexibility means you can coil more efficiently in your back swing.

INCREASED PROPRIOCEPTION: Improvements in proprioception (where your body is in space) will enable you to move your body how you want it to move, giving you control over body.

HIP MOBILITY AND ROTATION: Without good hip rotation (both internal and external) using correct muscles, you will

What is Pilates?

Balance your body. Keeping hamstrings flexible in conjunction with strengthening glutes, will take the pressure off your hips during golf.

Pilates is a method of movement taught by qualified instructors that can open up a whole new world of movement to people. It connects your body and mind, teaches correct muscles recruitment and how to activate deep muscles giving you back control over your body.

And in doing so can help prevent common strains often associated with golf.

The Pilates for Golfers program is running at Kingston Heath Golf Club and will be launching at more golf clubs in 2018.

In the Pilates for Golfers program you will learn how to properly engage muscles and use them for specific movements that relate directly to the golf swing.

Alternatively, contact your local Pilates studio to get started.

Belinda Kranz is a highly qualified Pilates Instructor (APMA) with over 6 years experience working with Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and Myotherapists.

E - belinda@pilatesforgolfers.com.au

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

67

EVENTS

Bumper tournament at Yarrawonga Mulwala R

unning since 1965, the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort’s September Tournament didn’t disappoint entrants this year. The tournament attracted a 25% increase of entrants from last year and the superb spring weather along with the magnificent fairways and greens provided perfect playing conditions. The introduction of a 36-hole Stableford Championship in conjunction with the other events over the week proved very popular with locals Terry O’Sullivan and Karen Droop, taking out the men’s and ladies section, respectively.

Local Bill Lynch managed to scoop the pool with impressive wins at Monday and Wednesday events.

Thinking of heading to Yarrawonga Mulwala in 2018? Then lock

in one of the two major tournaments; 14 – 18 May and 10 -14 September 2018. Come alone, bring a partner or enter a team.

For those living within 100kms of Yarrawonga Mulwala and thinking of joining as a member, you can join as a full member during October 2017 for only $495 and receive 16 months’ membership. In addition, the $130 entrance fee will be waived, $100 Yarra Rewards points will be added to your membership card and a free golf lesson provided by one of the Club’s expert golf professionals will be thrown in. The Club also offers affordable Country membership or Social memberships to ensure you can enjoy all the facilities the Club has to offer. www.yarragolf.com.au

Become an official golf champion IT might not be the Australian PGA Championship, even though it’s played at exactly the same time.

with a welcome cocktail party on Thursday, November 30 from 5pm to 6pm, and a presentation on the Sunday afternoon.

But it’s clearly the second-biggest tournament in Queensland on the first weekend in December – and much easier to win.

For those wishing to stay at Noosa Springs for the event, a series of accommodation packages have been offered, starting at $90 per person per night (quad share), including breakfast.

The Calvin Klein A, B & C Grade Golf Championships are played each year at the beautiful Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort, just 3km from Noosa’s famous Hastings Street.

They are open to amateur golfers who have a registered A, B or C grade handicap – and you don’t have to be a club champion to enter.

The 54-hole championships are played from Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 3,

Playing in the championships costs $339 (for visitors), $144 for Noosa Springs members and $279 for Links Hope Island members.

To book your accommodation package, phone (07) 5440-3333 or email resort@ noosasprings.com.au. To book your spot for golf, call (07) 5440-3333.

Handiskins

www.handiskins.com.au Handiskins the ultimate game of skins for club golfers. Handiskins is a five-qualifying-round stableford competition. A player’s best three rounds count towards their final score.

Players don’t have to play all five qualifying rounds if their scores are good enough.

The top four players with the best scores at the end of the qualifying rounds go into the ‘skins’ format final and have the opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Northern Golf Club 97 Glenroy Road, Glenroy VIC 3046 5th Qualifying Round 21st October 2017 Final 9th December 2017 Nelson Bay Golf Club Dowling Street, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 5th Qualifying Round 21st October 2017 Final 25th November 2017 Pacific Dunes Golf Club Championship Drive, Medowie NSW 2318 5th Qualifying Round 11th November 2017 Final 25th November 2017 Northbridge Golf Club Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge NSW 2063 Final 11th November 2017 Kiama Golf Club Oxley Avenue, Kiama Downs NSW 2533 Final 22nd October 2017 Wentworth Falls Country Club 206-220 Blaxland Road, Wentworth Falls NSW 2782 Final 8th October 2017 Bayview Golf Club 1825 Pittwater Road, Mona Vale NSW 2103 Final 14th October 2017

Bribie Island Golf Club Links Court, Woorim QLD 4507 3rd Qualifying Round 21st October 2017 4th Qualifying Round 28th October 2017 5th Qualifying Round 11th November 2017 Final 9th December 2017 Hurstville Golf Club Lorraine Street, Peakhurst NSW 2210 Final 28th October 2017 Rosebud Country Club 207 Boneo Road, Rosebud VIC 3939 3rd Qualifying Round 28th October 2017 4th Qualifying Round 11th November 2017 5th Qualifying Round 25th November 2017 Final 9th December 2017 Ryde Parramatta Golf Club 1156 Victoria Road, West Ryde NSW 2114 5th Qualifying Round 7th October 2017 Final 14th October 2017 Berwick Montuna Golf Club 335 Beaconsfield- Emerald Road, Guys Hill VIC 3807 4th Qualifying Round 14th October 2017 5th Qualifying Round 4th November 2017 Final 12th November 2017

calendar

NOVEMBER

LIONS CLUB OF MOORABBIN 42nd ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF DAY

WHEN: Tuesday the 28th of November WHERE: Kingston Heath Golf Club There will be a morning (7:30AM) and an afternoon (12:30PM) field. Each field will have an individual stableford competition. The morning field will receive a breakfast and a light lunch while the afternoon field will receive a light lunch and post game snacks. Many rounds of golf at top rated courses will be auctioned at both the morning and the afternoon prize presentation ceremonies. There will be a hole-in-one competition on each Par-3 with $1,000 up for grabs on each of these holes. Event Partnerships and Hole Sponsorships are available. All proceeds for this golf day go toward local hospitals and charities and other Lions community based projects.

More www.golfdays.com.au/lions, or email garymci50@gmail.com or ring mobile 0417 055 731.

Queens Park Golf Club 150 Queens Park Road, Highton VIC 3216 4th Qualifying Round 4th November 2017 5th Qualifying Round 11th November 2017 Final 2nd December 2017 Burleigh Golf Club Cnr Albion & Bardon Avenue, Miami QLD 4220 3rd Qualifying Round 7th October 2017 4th Qualifying Round 14th October 2017 5th Qualifying Round 28th October 2017 Final 11th November 2017 Sandhurst Golf Club 75 Sandhurst Blvd, Sandhurst VIC 3977 2nd Qualifying Round 12th October 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 19th October 2017 4th Qualifying Round 26th October 2017 5th Qualifying Round 9th November 2017 Final 16th November 2017 Box Hill Golf Club 202 Station Street, Box Hill VIC 3128 1st Qualifying Round 5th October 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 19th October 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 26th October 2017 4th Qualifying Round 16th November 2017 5th Qualifying Round 23rd November 2017 Final 7th December 2017 Commercial Club Albury Golf Resort 530 North Street, Albury NSW 2640 1st Qualifying Round 7th October 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 14th October 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 21st October 2017 4th Qualifying Round 28th October 2017 5th Qualifying Round 4th November 2017 Final 18th December 2017 Georges River Golf Club 255 Henry Lawson Dr, Georges Hall NSW 2198 1st Qualifying Round 7th October 2017

2nd Qualifying Round 14th October 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 21st October 2017 4th Qualifying Round 28th October 2017 5th Qualifying Round 4th November 2017 Final 25th November 2017 Devilbend Golf Club Loders Road, Moorooduc VIC 3933 1st Qualifying Round 7th October 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 14th October 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 28th October 2017 4th Qualifying Round 18th November 2017 5th Qualifying Round 25th November 2017 Final 9th December 2017 Wodonga Golf Club 10 Clubhouse Place, Wodonga VIC 3690 1st Qualifying Round 14th October 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 21st October 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 28th October 2017 4th Qualifying Round 4th November 2017 5th Qualifying Round 11th November 2017 Final 19th November 2017 Lynwood Country Club 253 Pitt Town Bottoms Rd, Pitt Town NSW 2756 1st Qualifying Round 28th October 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 11th November 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 18th November 2017 4th Qualifying Round 25th November 2017 5th Qualifying Round 2nd December 2017 Final 16th December 2017 Macquarie Link International Golf Club Macquarie Links Drive, Macquarie Links NSW 2565 1st Qualifying Round 4th November 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 11th November 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 18th November 2017 4th Qualifying Round 25th November 2017 5th Qualifying Round 2nd December 2017 Final 16th December 2017

golf new south wales 68

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Doon delight at Apperly crown

Hale & Greaves take out the 2017 NSW Sand & Grass Greens Championship Mudgee’s Mark Hale and Dunedoo’s Chantell Greaves prevailed in the final round of the 2017 Sand & Grass Greens Championships to win the Men’s & Women’s events at Grenfell CC and Forbes GC. Hale had a tough task ahead of him trailing Forbes local John Betland by one going into a final round on Betland’s home course but was able to beat Betland by two shots at Forbes to win the Championship by a single point. Greaves went into the final round equal for the lead with Coleambally’s Margaret Naseby, but was too strong and won the Women’s Championship comfortably by five points.

Bonnie Doon have overcome a twenty-year drought to lift the Eric Apperly shield with four matches to two victory over a gallant ACT-Monaro outfit at Lynwood Country Club.

In a keenly fought contest, the powerhouse side from Pagewood looked to be in control from the outset with their lower order players performing strongly.

Josh Bell and NSW boys team representative Jones Comerford grabbed early leads and held on to record comfortable wins of 4&3 and 5&4 over their opponents James Correll and Adam Thorp.

Mitch Gannon, Bonnie Doon’s captain, grabbed a 4&2 win over Robbie Furner to put the Sydney team within sight of their goal.

With things not looking good for the ACT team, they rallied. When Brett Levier grabbed a 2&1 win for the Canberra unit against Kurt Burns, they were on the board.

Then in a topsy-turvy contest, Josh Armstrong grabbed a vital second point for the team in the yellow shirts with a two up win over a plucky Jeremy Fuchs.

All eyes were then on the last match alive,

which had gone to extra holes after the ACT’s David Howard managed to conjure up an escape from two down with two to play.

Howard’s magical powers didn’t extend far enough, however, and when his par putt on the 20th hole slid by, his opponent, Andrew Cinelli, had grabbed the vital fourth point and with it, the 2017 Eric Apperly shield for Bonnie Doon.

Blake Ballinger, Bonnie Doon’s team manager, was ecstatic with the result.

“It’s very special for us. Mitch (Gannon) was there five years ago when we lost to the Australian, so this win has been quite a while in the making.”

The club is now looking forward with anticipation to the 2018 Metropolitan Major Pennant after a disappointing campaign this year.

“We got to debut a few players here that haven’t played Major Pennant, so this will act as a bit of a stepping-stone into the team next year.

The boys will take a lot of confidence out of this win,” Ballinger said.

In the nett competitions it was Peak Hill’s Paul Friend who blitzed the men’s

field by eight points from John Hockings (Grenfell) who had 70 points for 36-holes.

It was a closer affair in the women’s competition with Cowra getting first and second places with Helen Moriarty beating Christine Dolbel by a single points with scores of 70 and 69 points respectively.

The Grenfell team of Denis Smith, Jan Myers, Virginia Drogemuller and Grant Simpson won the teams event convincingly with an impressive total score of 201 points, which was seven points clear of their nearest competitor.

More:www.golfnsw.org.

Strong Senior Open field assembles Ian Baker-Finch headlines a strong list of entrants for the inaugural NSW Senior Open at Thurgoona Country Club Resort this November.

Baker-Finch, the 1991 Open Champion, will be joined by the likes of Michael Harwood, Roger Davis, Peter O’Malley, Craig Parry and Peter Senior who have already confirmed for the 54-hole event which starts on November 2.

A number of renown international golfers are expected to compete, including

America Scott Puzey, and Kiwis Martin Pettigrew, Davit Lavery, Bryce Mawhinney and Gary Watson.

Several of Australia’s leading senior amateur golfers are also expected to take part, including the reigning NSW Senior Amateur Champion Robert Payne of Duntryleague GC, Wayne Buick of Royal Canberra GC, Gordon Claney of Kingston Heath GC and Australian Senior Champion Kym Olsen of the National GC on the Mornington Peninsula.

2017 NSW FOURSOMES CHAMPIONSHIPS MEN’S, WOMEN’S AND MIXED WHEN: December 2nd–3rd, 2017 WHERE: Campbelltown Golf Club ENTRIES CLOSE: November 19th , 2017

Get a group together and take advantage of a special entry offer.

For the details, go to www.golfnsw.org

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

69

golf queensland

The Brisbane Golf Club to host Open number 20 Tony Durkin

W

hen the field in the 2017 Isuzu Queensland Open tees off on the morning of Thursday October 26 at The Brisbane Golf Club, it will be a record 20th time the Yeerongpilly course has hosted the prestigious tournament.

This year’s Open will be the 93rd staging of the event, which was originally named the Open and Amateur Championship Meeting of Queensland when it was first held – at The Brisbane Golf Club – in 1925. At 121 years young, Brisbane is the third-oldest golf club in Queensland behind Townsville and Toowoomba.

Royal Queensland, which alternated with TBGC in hosting the Open between 1925 until the outbreak of World War II, has been the next most prolific venue for tournament, with 16 events staged there.

The Brisbane Golf Club hosted the first three Queensland Opens – 1925-26-27 – before Royal Queensland took a turn in 1928. In 1946, after the war, the event returned to The Brisbane Golf Club, was deferred again in 1947, but was back at TBGC in 1948 and 1959, with Royal Queensland again accommodating the event in 1949.

However in 1960 that rotation system involving TBGC GC and RQ, which had been in existence since 1928, ended and the event has since been hosted by numerous clubs in southeast Queensland and even moved to northern NSW in the 1980s, staged at Coolangatta-Tweed Heads Golf Club for three successive years.

Since 1950, The Brisbane Golf Club has been host of the Queensland Open seven more times, the most recent last year when it returned after an absence of 25 years.

But despite the 92-year difference between the first Open at TBGC and the event this year, club historian Bruce Richter says much of the course layout has remained the same.

“Obviously there have been changes over the years to the boundaries, the alignment of the creeks, the alignment of the holes and the positioning of tees and greens, but the basic layout from those early days remains,” he said.

“Since 1925 possibly the major change has been the rerouting of the creeks within the course itself. And during World War II, when the Army took over part of the clubhouse and also housed soldiers in tents on the course, some land on our Fairfield Road boundary was resumed to aid troop movement.”

The other key change to the layout was in 2000 when what was a public-use nine-hole course on the western perimeter

Moss Vale Golf Club is a

Golfer’s Paradise

of the property was redeveloped, and the course converted to 21 holes.

“When I was on the committee I would always tell the greens staff that the condition of the course rated 7 from 10, because I wanted them to believe there was always room for improvement,” he said.

And then two years ago a major redevelopment was the installation of Ultra Dwarf Bermuda Champion greens. The new strain of grass on the TBGC comes under the wellknown US Champion Turf Farms umbrella, with more than 700 courses in America growing their product, including Pinehurst, the venue for the 2014 US Open.

“But I must say that it is now 9/10, and no doubt will be close to perfect condition when the Open kicks off in October.”

The greens offer a smoother, faster and more consistent ball roll and were recently lauded by Richard Backwell, winner of the Legends Tour Pro-Am at the club. After his victory he described the putting surface as ‘genuine championship greens’.

Backwell won with a par round, the highlight being his 29 putts. And he was in raptures over the trueness of the Champion greens.

“They are very, very true. When I picked a right line and hit it on that line, the ball stayed there,” he said.

“Yes, the greens at TBGC are fast, and yes they are firm. But they are also very true.”

Mr Richter, who has been a member of the club since 1972 and a committeeman from 1978 to 1990, said the current condition of the course was as good as he had ever seen it.

Stay anD Play PackaGe $290 per night for 2 people includes daily: Breakfast, Accommodation, $50 credit towards dinner, 18 holes* *Offer based on 2 persons per room in a standard room.

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For bookings at these exclusive rates quote Inside Golf

Ph: (02) 4868 1800 www.dormiehouse.com.au

However, despite his love for golf, his passion for the history of TBGC and his expectations on the condition of golf courses, Bruce has a simple theory when it comes to their upkeep.

“We must always be mindful that golf courses are merely holes in the ground into which we pour money,” he jested.

Winners of the Queensland Open events at The Brisbane Golf Club have been: 1925 Harry Sinclair (amateur); 1926 William Carr; 1927 Tommy Howard; 1929 Arthur Gazzard; 1931 Harry Sinclair; 1933 Jack Radcliffe (a); 1935 and 1937; Norman Von Nida; 1939 Jim Ferrier (a); 1946, 1948, 1950, 1956, Eric Cremin; 1959 Kel Nagle; 1969 Tim Woolbank; 1975 Ian Stanley; 1978 Bob Risch (USA): 1991 Stuart Appleby (a); 2016 Brett Coletta (a) *The Queensland Open was not played from 1941 to 1945, during World War II For further information, visit www.qldopen.com.au

2 Day Golf School at MoSS Vale Golf club Receive expert tuition in all facets of the game, while staying on course at the beautiful Dormie House.

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*Group sizes are limited to 8 people

70

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

CHIPS AND SHANKS

With David Newbery

 david@insidegolf.com.au

WEBB A DOTING DAD TOOWOOMBA’S City Golf Club golf operations manager Andrew Webb and his wife Ashleigh welcomed their first child into the world on August 1.

The happy couple have named their son Fletcher Eric Webb.

Young Fletcher weighed in at 3.195kg or seven pounds and one ounce in the old language.

“I’m a very proud dad,” Webb told Inside Golf. “It’s been a big year and it’s exciting times that’s for sure.

“There have been sleepless nights, but that’s all part and parcel of being a parent.”

Webb said he was happy (not sure if that’s the right word) to do his fair share of nappy changing.

“I’ve done a few of them,” he laughed.

“Now that I’m a dad I’ll probably play less golf.

“I wasn’t playing much golf to start with, but I did sneak away to have a hit with the members the other week.

“That was my first game in about five weeks.”

O’HERN PENS BOOK Everyone remembers Nick O’Hern, the gritty left-hander from West Australia who twice took down Tiger Woods in matchplay tournaments when the American was world number one.

Resort in North Carolina, USA and went to check in to our accommodation,” said John, a proud member of Keperra Golf and Country Club in Brisbane.

“The first question to me was ‘where have you come from’.

“I informed the staff we had come from Australia and we were staying for seven days.

“Yes, I said. “We have been driving for a week and are very tired.

“We sold the cows and bought a pre-war Army bulldozer,” Lynn recalled.

3. Which club will host this year’s Australian Open? (2 pts)

“That must have struck a chord because we received an upgrade to our room.”

“Bill learned to drive it and dad (Jack Howard, who played for the Wallabies) went behind with a tractor dragging railways sleepers to smooth out the land.

4. In which Australian state or territory will you find Toompine Golf Club? (3 pts)

“I picked up the sticks in an old cane pram because we didn’t have enough money for a wheelbarrow.

6. Can you solve the following anagram – a crimes month? (He’s a Queenslander on the PGA Tour). (2 pts)

“When the pram was full, I took the sticks to tree stumps around the property where mum (Kath) was burning off.”

7. A player accidentally moves a loose impediment in a hazard. Does the player incur a penalty? (2 pts)

As former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser said, “life wasn’t meant to be easy”.

8. What nationality is Jon Rahm? (2 pts)

John had been doing some research of passport holders in America and discovered only 5.6 per cent of Americans had passports. (My editor has a passport).

“So, I decided not to enlighten the lady behind the desk any further that there was a vast difference between the two countries and their location,” John said.

By the way, John does not have exclusivity when it comes to sending Inside Golf unusual or humorous snippets. If you have something of interest for this column, email david@insidegolf.com.au or call (07) 3300-4688.

Today, it’s $18 (midweek) and $22 (weekends and public holidays). Little wonder more than 40,000 golfers frequent the 27-hole layout annually.

“When we decided to build the golf course all those years ago we never dreamt it would be such a success,” Lynn said.

FOOTNOTE: The golf course’s name came from a combination of the surnames of the original owners – Howard (Jack and Kath) and the Westons (Bill and Lynn). Oh, did I mention Bill also drove a frontend loader, a truck, delivered beer around the area (thank heaven) was a timber cutter and sang superbly in a band.

That’s the secret that allowed him to forge a successful career in a sport and it’s the secret he offers in the book.

FATHER’S DAY TRIP

What’s your pre-shot routine? How do you prepare for your next round of golf?

How should you practice and how do you beat first-tee nerves?

This one might amaze you, but maybe not.

“My wife and I arrived at Pinehurst

Howeston was just like topsy – it grew and grew – first from nine holes (in 1972) to 11 holes, then 12, then 18 in 1979. The third nine holes were unveiled in 2003.

In 1972, you had to have 70 cents or $1 (weekends) to gain access.

O’Hern proved one does not have to be the most physically gifted golfer to compete if you’re mentally tough.

THE stories keep coming from international golf traveller John Sellwood.

david@insidegolf.com.au

“The lady behind the desk replied: ‘Austria, it must have taken you a long time to drive here’.

The book takes readers inside the mind of a tour pro that lived, breathed and played golf at the highest level.

GEOGRAPHY LESSONS NEEDED

with David Newbery

1. Of the Australians, which player has earned the most money on this year’s PGA Tour? (2 pts)

The foreward is by Gary Player.

It’s a good, easy read and the principles of what he talks about can be relayed through the elite golfer or the day-to-day player.

THESE days, heavy earthmoving equipment does all the heavy lifting when it comes to the construction of a golf course.

THERE are 21 stableford points up for grabs on the front nine. How many can you get?

For Bill and Lynn Weston and family at Howeston Golf Course it was a different story when they decided 45 years ago to turn their dairy and strawberry farm into a golf course at Birkdale in the eastern suburbs of Brisbane.

Well, O’Hern, 45, no longer plays on the PGA Tour, but he has kept busy and recently released a book titled Tour Mentality – Inside the mind of a tour pro.

These are just some of the questions he answers to bring you inside the mind of a tour pro and learn the Tour Mentality.

HOWESTON’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

The quick nine quiz

EVERY year, without fail, as many as 28 golfers from Yamba Golf and Country Club head north to the Gold Coast around Father’s Day. Andrew and Ashleigh Webb show off young Fletcher Eric.

SORRY, WRONG NUMBER OOPS! It might be game over for the proofreader of a Sunshine State golf club.

The club’s president was a little miffed when he discovered an incorrect telephone number printed beside his name in the updated version of the club’s fixture book.

No, he didn’t order the fixture books be reprinted.

Feel sorry for the poor soul taking calls meant for the president.

Led by club president Tony Moran, the jovial club members pack their best shooting iron for a four-day visit.

“This time we played golf at Hope Island, the Palms at Sanctuary Cove and the Glades,” Tony said.

“Every year we play for the Father’s Day Cup and it’s been going longer than I’ve been involved in the club.”

Each player paid $580 for four days on the Glitter Strip, which included accommodation and three rounds of golf and three great golf courses.

“You can’t beat it,” Tony said.

This year, 21 members took part in the trip.

2. What is the name of the men’s European secondary tour? (3 pts)

5. How many majors has Tom Watson won – 6, 7, 8 or 9? (3 pts)

9.

Which Australian lost to Matthew Fitzpatrick in a playoff for the European Masters in Switzerland last month?

(2 pts)

ANSWERS: (1). Marc Leishman ; (2). European Challenge Tour; (3). The Australian; (4). Queensland (Quilpie); (5).

Eight; (6). Cameron Smith; (7). No, provided the loose impediment was not moved in making the backswing and the lie of the ball or area of the intended stance or swing was not improved; (8). Spanish; (9). Scott Hend.

19th Hole

What’s in the air (or hole) at Ocean Shores?

Kimberley Howard

Over the past twelve months there have been 19 aces at Ocean Shores. The club has 6 par 3s, with the shortest measuring 146m and the longest 189m, yet they are not pushovers. It’s a fact that if you play the par 3s well you will generally have a good score and the following players can certainly agree with this: Tom Sexton (8th), Dennis Ensor (15th), Bob Lofts (15th), James Linklater (8th), Ian Smith (8th), Bill Jordan (3rd), Ryan Polglase (6th), Phil Mansfield (3rd), Gary Le Beau (12th), Richard Brown (15th), Peter Geeves (3rd), Richard Koch (17th), Anthony Martin (3rd), Dinny Mandalis (3rd), Kimberley Howard (3rd & 6th), and three visitors, Brad Mott (17th), Deb Souter (15th) and Bruce Schumacher (8th).

October 2017

71

www.insidegolf.com.au

A spring in my step Larry Canning

ed@insidegolf.com.au

C

an you hear it, readers?

The rustle of the BBQ cover being removed...angry magpies test-piloting their swooping techniques... lawn mower cords being ripped out of their sockets (closely followed by a single swear word and a solid kick to the back right-hand wheel)...that most majestic of sounds, a stubby of Boags Premium when it’s nestling in beside another one in the bar fridge...and, finally, the excited roars from the gallery as Adam Scott sends another perfectly-struck driver straight down the centre of a fairway.

Its spring, folks, and that means we sports fans get the opportunity to watch “up close and sometimes personal” some of the best golfers in the world.

As a matter of fact, I find myself leaning back when a tour star walks behind his pill and takes one of those exaggerated swing rehearsals. I mean, you can read the loft on the head as it goes past. What about when you’re standing next to the tee watching the whole pre-shot routine thing, praccy swing, a moment of composure as the player peers down his intended line, the addressing of the ball then suddenly a voice appears from behind saying “Quiet Please!”Everyone spins around including the player and his always angry caddy to see why a bloke holding a sign, that says exactly that, needs to wait until its absolutely silent before he makes this point.

Jason Day is coming to Sydney! It’s been a while since all the stars have aligned and allowed our most recent major winner to return uninjured and unpregnant. His game is a mixture of brute force, deft short game and a coach (Col Swatton), who would throw himself in front of a Bubba Watson 2-iron for his man.

The two lads have worked on a routine where Jason shuts his eyes before a shot to maintain his positive image. I tried it once when playing against my mate Brooksy. I trod on my ball, knocked my stubby over and was penalized two shots.

Adam Scott. Well he’s just plain perfect isn’t he? Adam could change the oil in his car and walk out of the garage looking like Alex Perry.

Ever noticed how little time Scotty spends on the range before he plays? That’s because he uses up most his time with the PGA Tour makeup department.

Watching him practice leaves me in some kind of state of sublime awe. I feel like I should shave my head, don a maroon gown and sit on the ground chanting.

I grabbed one of his perfectly shallow, symmetrical divots once. I have it at home in a frame next to a photo of my three sons.

Sometimes when no-one is around I get it out and wear it on my head where my fringe used to be.

Jordan Spieth will be defending his Australian Open title, which he’s won twice from his three appearances. I haven’t seen another player with the ability to get his ball over the line first, no matter how well he is or isn’t playing. I know there have been a couple of other guys who weren’t bad at winning... named Nicklaus and Woods...but those two were possibly the best strikers of a ball the world’s ever seen. When you watch Jordan play it’s like “Yeah, he’s very good but he could be beaten”.

Then comes Sunday afternoon and you’re really glad no-one ever listens to you anyway.

Sergio Garcia will be making one of his rare appearances in Australia for the Aussie PGA. Unfortunately this year’s Masters Champion hasn’t been in the best of form since he claimed the title in April. I have a theory, though. I reckon his backswing has shortened considerably since he’s been trying to play with that bloody green jacket on. Seriously, I haven’t seen a single photo of him without that thing on since he waltzed out Butler Cabin six months ago! It’s starting to look like Steve Waugh’s Baggy Green!

Hey Serge, I know the Augusta committee said you could wear it around the world for a year before you have to bring it back, but they didn’t mean literally every day of the year.

Anywhoo folks, turn the barbie off, whack the mower away and get out and watch the tournaments…. I’ll see you out there!

Special Olympics a hit in Canberra

By Warren “Wazza” Gray To demonstrate that golf is a game for everyone, my club, Canberra International Pitch & Putt (CIPP) hosted the Special Olympic ACT (SOACT) golfers in a foursomes format event on Competitors at the SOACT hosted by Canberra International Pitch & Putt Sunday 10 September.

Perfect golfing weather was matched only went to David (partnered by Tony) with a by some good golf, much laughter, high 1-over 55. Silver went to Sam (partnered by fives, some oohs and aahs and, dare I say Eunice) with a 51.5 only to be pipped at the it, some sledging by the SOACT golfers. post for Gold by Tony (partnered by Ludy) by They took every opportunity to let us CIPP half a stroke with a 3-under 51. members know when we didn’t play our A great day and some great golf but, most of best shot. all, a fun day that was enjoyed by everyone I think the SOACT golfers enjoyed the day, as I know the CIPP members certainly did.

SOACT golfer won some nice prizes but, the much sought-after Gold, Silver and Bronze medals was a hard and close battle. Bronze

who played or just watched. I encourage other clubs to get out there and have events like this so that everyone can get the golfing bug and learn to love the game as much as this group does!

19th Hole

Crossword > 1

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ACROSS

DOWN

1 Kiwi winner on the Tour of China, ____ Geary (4) 3 Community events (7) 9 Australian winner of the 2016 Tasmanian Senior Open, Mike _______ (7) 10 Winner of the 1989 US Open Championship, Curtis ______ (7) 11 Mr Miguel ¡ngel JimÈnez, perhaps (5) 12 Aussie winner of the 2015 AT&T Byron Nelson, Steven ________ (8) 14 Star players (5) 16 A road leading up to a private house (8) 17 Sudden charge (8) 19-across & 7-down Aussie winner of the 2017 Fiji Open (5,6) 21 Fellow member who plays golf (8) 22 Involuntary muscular contraction (5) 25 Golfers (7) 26 US winner of the 2017 Lotte Championship on the LPGA Tour, _______ Kerr (7) 27 Guaranteed (7) 28 Those who play golf for a living (4)

1 Winner of The Open Championship in 2015, Zach _______ (7)

Answers: page 75

24 Completed (a hole) in one shot (4)

2 Warning device that may be sounded when lightning is about (5) 3 Team (4) 4 Made according to personal needs (10) 5 Cut short (7) 6 Bunkers (4,5) 7 See 19-across 8 Network (4) 13 Business that uses commercials to promote their products (10) 15 Winner of the 2017 WGC Bridgestone International, Hideki _________ (9) 18 Paid-up players in the clubhouse (7) 19 Winner of the 2017 PGA Championship, ______ Thomas (6) 20 Digits that represent a golfer’s score on each hole (7) 21 Casings that line holes on greens (4) 23 Later on (5)

Nine out of 10 ain’t bad, Nigel UP at City Golf Club on Queensland’s Darling Downs, Nigel Weldon lost the club’s matchplay championship final 5/3 when he ran into red-hot Matthew Chapman.

“So what?”, you say. There’s always a winner and a loser in a matchplay final.

What’s significant about the result is it was Weldon’s first loss in 10 matchplay final appearances.

Until this year, he had a nine wins from nine starts record in matchplay finals.

“Nigel has won everything here,” golf operations manager Andrew Webb said.

“He has won 12 of the last 18 stroke play championships, the foursomes

championship the last six years in a row and his matchplay record over the last 15 years has been outstanding – nine finals, nine wins.

“Well, now it’s 10 finals for nine wins.

Weldon, who works on the ground staff at City Golf Club, joined the club as a junior and has a trophy cabinet bulging with trophies.

Chapman is a relative newcomer to the club.

“Matt came to City Golf Club from Mackay Golf Club last year and has proved to be one of our top new players,” Webb said.

“He was also undefeated in the Darling Downs Golf Association pennant season.”

YOUR VOICE

72

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

This month’s winner!

This month’s Prize: 1 dozen Volvik Vibe balls

Time for our leaders to lead I have become very dismayed at the leadership of Golf NSW and Golf Australia. As a member of Warringah Golf Club, the future of our course has been threatened by Northern Beaches Council while under Administration. Other Council-owned courses such as Marrickville in Sydney are also under threat as Councils eye golf lands for residential sites or, as in the case at Warringah, conversion into playing fields and other recreational activities. There are probably many others under Council threat across the country.

Throughout Warringah’s 12-month fight with Council, Golf NSW and Golf Australia had to be dragged in to support our Members and public social players. We virtually had to beg both organisations to write submissions of support to Council. Neither body played an active public role and we were told by Golf NSW that “lobbying” state politicians was the best way to achieve results. Well, there has been, disappointingly, a total vacuum of feedback, consultation and concern from the powers that be. There has been no evidence that the “lobbying” at a state level has made one iota of difference. The club has been left to fend for itself, despite having 65,000 rounds of golf played per annum. Furthermore, neighbouring northern beaches clubs preferred to stick their heads in the sand while our course was the number one target of the Council Administrator. A united front to support a fellow club in need, perhaps? Forget about it.

We’ll just look after ourselves, thank you very much.

Make no mistake about it, the biggest single threat to golf in Australia is losing our playing lands to Councils and developers. Golf administrators won’t need to worry about Membership and social playing trends because players will leave the sport in droves if there are no local courses available to play. It’s about time they step up and are serious about protecting the game they are appointed to serve. It is time that all golf bodies - national, state and the PGA - develop a united and concerted approach to maintaining and retaining golf courses. There needs to be a cohesive strategy, with effective lobbying and with effective public leadership.

Once one course is lost or reduced to nine holes, dangerous precedents will be set, giving local politicians elsewhere the power to take away our most precious resource. So come on national and state officials, step up and show some leadership. The future of our game needs you!

Greg Campbell

Your Voice

Have you got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us via email at ed@insidegolf.com.au.

Tell an interesting story or something funny about golf and you could win a great prize, like this month’s one dozen Volvik Vibe balls!

Lost in the Woods...spot on!

Thank you for the editorial in the August edition (Starters Box, Lost in the Woods). You are spot on when you talk about the harsh reporting that goes on around celebrity lives.

We are currently seeing what happened to Lady Di in her life where she was hounded to death by the media.

The reason I do not buy newspapers or watch the serialised rubbish that is pumped out on TV under the guise of “News”, is that it digs deeply into the private lives of people and exposes those people to all sorts of damaging gossip and innuendo to the extent that the line between truth and fabrication is a blur. The media must forget that these people are just like us. They get hurt and emotionally damaged by the bullying which leads to further drug, alcohol and behavioural problems.

Tiger is still one of the most exciting World number 1 golfers that ever played the game.

When he stepped onto the first tee at any event, it was often a case of how many shots

would he win by and who would come second.

I miss seeing him play those exceptional fearless shots that defied gravity.

You have already said what he did for the game of golf. Like the great Arnold Palmer did in his day, putting golf in the media and on TV for millions to enjoy. Would all this talent be emerging from Asia and other countries in men’s and women’s golf, if it were not for the excitement people like Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Phil Mickelson, etc and people like the great Bobby Jones generated?

I hope to hell that Tiger finds a way to get back to playing, even if it is in the seniors one day. I hope he is healing and finding himself again and I hope he realises that he still has a lot of fans out in the broader community.

Thanks again for your article! And for the magazine. Keep up the great reporting on our beloved game!

Anthony Bremner

Can’t get no handicap satisfaction Many of your readers write about the handicap system. However nobody seems to talk about the elephant in the room – reduced incentive to enjoy golf.

Way back under the old handicap system I remember I used to play to or better than my handicap once in every 5 or 6 rounds. So I looked at my results over my most recent 167 rounds at my home course (over about 30 months) under the new systems(s), and I only played to or better than my handicap 15 times, or once in every 11 rounds. ‘Well that’s because you’re getting old and feeble’ I hear you say.

Fair enough, but why is my current handicap of 18 exactly the same as it was back then at the start of the 167 rounds? My point is that I’m rarely playing to my handicap but the current system doesn’t let me improve my chances by increasing my handicap accordingly. As a check, I looked at the results of all members at my course over the month of August. Over 17 competitions, in good and bad weather, a total of 117 out of 1211 members played to or

better than their handicaps. Again that’s about one round in every 10.3 rounds.

If you put aside the complexities of Slope and DSR the maths are pretty simple. Your handicap is based on the average of your best 8 scores in your last 20. That means the result is typically around your 4th or 5th best score in your last 20. If you then apply the 7% discount factor it takes off about 1.3 strokes (at my level) which brings it down to your 2nd or 3rd best score in your last 20. In fact, in my case, my current handicap is equal to my 2nd best score in my last 20 rounds. I have checked and it is the same for most of the people I play with.

Most of us can only dream about winning a competition so the only thing we can aim at to get satisfaction out of our round is to play to our handicap. I know they talk about your “potential” score but where is the incentive if you can only play to your handicap once in a blue moon? Is this one of the reasons why golf membership is declining in Australia?

Greg Murray

Slippery Slope a Slap in our faces Double-down on Double-Dipping I have just again read your excellent “Slippery Slope” article in July edition of Inside Golf.

I totally agree with your conclusions.

I am a member of Cromer Golf Club in Sydney. It is in my experience almost universally accepted by our members and members of other clubs who have experienced our course that it is far harder than it is rated.

I believe this is for a number of reasons that were not picked up by the assessors.

When I joined the club about 6 years ago I had a handicap of 12 from another country operating under the American system. I had played many rounds over many years to have this assessed handicap. I was not allowed to transfer the handicap and so started again. I found my handicap was, after 20 rounds or so, around 17. Since then the course has had various changes, notably improved lies in the rough without any changes to the Slope and my handicap is now 15. It has, however, not improved to 12 and I actually feel my game has improved over the last six years. I recently played at another club on a course for the first time in their Saturday comp and won with 42 Stableford points, a score I have never achieved at Cromer. My handicap was two higher there. We have a reciprocal

and the members there that I spoke to had played Cromer and agreed that Cromer is a more difficult course. This is, of course, just one example and I have played other courses without such a great result. Nevertheless it is another anecdotal example to back up your assertion.

Taking your point of the difficulty and accuracy of assessors walking around a course to assess its slope I wonder how they can assess such things as the difficulty of the greens and indeed different pin positions? I know at most clubs there tends to be two or three generally different pin positions used for each hole. The difficulty can be greatly increased with one position compared to another. I totally agree that, until one plays a course multiple times on different days in different conditions, one can’t assess its level of difficulty.

The only solution is the available scoring data to establish the course relative difficulty.

One can only think this logical approach is not adopted as would put certain influential people out of a job.

Currently I potentially gain from the present system but I still say it is clearly wrong.

Michael C Smith

I would like to add to the question of ‘Is Australian Golf double-dipping?’ (Your Voice – July and August). The simple answer to the question is, yes.

And I offer as proof.

A letter from the CEO, Golf Victoria. 2015: “We note your comments with regards to multiple affiliation fees being paid by golfers. This is something the board is very keen to rectify and is the main reason behind our current database cleanse.” This was part of GVs response to a plea from a 6-month operational club to have their affiliation fees reduced along with the golfer having to pay the affiliation fee yet again when joining a second club.

Pull the response apart. ‘multiple affiliation fees’ and ‘the board is very keen to rectify’.

That in itself is an admission of wrongdoing.

And yet again, ‘multiple affiliation fees paid by golfers.’ Paid by golfers? Strange that. From the CEO, Golf Victoria. October 2016. “As such, the insurance you mention is for cover of a set

number of members of that particular club.

It is actually the club who pays the affiliation fee, Obviously the club passes this charge on to individual members.”

For two years, GV has been allegedly trying to cleanse its database so that they can correct the wrong. Too slow. It is time both GA and GV were brought into the 21st century. Neither of these governing bodies of our sport have a clue how many actual golfers there are that they claim to represent. And they should.

I presume that GA just pays the insurance on a number given to them by GV who do not know how many actual golfers they have. The insurance company is definitely the winner.

A complete audit, along with a rewrite of what appears to be an obsolete constitution, would not go astray.

Would their double-dipping pass muster at Consumer Affairs?

K Daniells

Letters received by Inside Golf may be modified and edited for length and clarity. The opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of Inside Golf. (Except for the good ones – we really like those!)

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

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MIZUNO

Location

New South Wales / ACT Thornleigh Golf Centre * Manly GC * St Michaels Driving Range * Royal Sydney GC * ** Newcastle Golf Club * Belconnen GC * Queanbeyan GC * Royal Canberra GC * ** Goulburn GC * Moore Park GC - Expo * Maitland Golf Club * Drummond Golf - North Mead * Moore Park GC * Queensland Bargara Golf Club * Willows Golf Resort * Rowes Bay Golf Club * Cairns Golf Club Bribie Island Golf Club * Drummond Rockhampton Drummond Maroochydore Noosa Golf Club Headland Golf Club * Hog Hervey Bay * Victoria MGA Victoria Golf Club * Hog Ringwood Commonwealth GC * ** Growling Frog GC * Whittlesea GC * ** Howlong GC * Morack GC * Rossdale GC * ** Centenary Park GC * ** Kew GC * ** Ballarat GC * ** Neangar Park GC * ** Albert Park Driving Range * South Australia Mt Osmond GC * Tea Tree Gully * The Vines GC * West Lakes * Highercombe GC * Tasmania Mowbray Golf Club * Launceston Golf Club * Bryce Gorham Golf Centre * Devonport Golf Club * Tasmania Golf Club * Royal Hobart Golf Club * Seabrook Golf Club *

Day

Date Time

Wednesday Monday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Saturday Tuesday Thursday Friday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Thursday Friday Saturday Monday

October 04 October 09 October 11 October 12 October 12 October 13 October 14 October 17 October 19 October 20 October 25 October 26 October 26 October 26 October 27 October 28 October 13

Friday

October 13 1 - 5pm

Friday Saturday Thursday Friday Saturday

October 06 October 07 October 12 October 13 October 14

10am - 2pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 3pm 2 - 6pm

Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday

October 03 October 03 October 04 October 04 October 05 October 05 October 06

10am - 1pm 2 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 2 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 2 - 5pm 10.30am - 2pm

4 - 7pm 10am - 6pm 11am - 3pm 9.30am - 2pm 10am 2pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 12 - 6pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 1.30 - 5pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 2pm 11am - 3pm

www.wilson.com/en-au/golf/ | (03) 8586 6600 Day

Date Time

Friday Thursday Friday Thursday Wednesday Wednesday Friday

October 27 October 12 October 20 October 19 October 04 October 04 October 13

1 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 12 - 4pm 9am - 1pm 1 - 4pm 9am - 1pm

Saturday Wednesday Thursday

October 21 October 25 October 19

10am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 2 - 5pm

Friday Friday Friday

October 13 October 20 October 27

12 - 4m 1 - 4pm 12 - 4pm

Day

Date Time

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Saturday Friday Tuesday Thursday Tuesday

October 03 October 04 October 05 October 06 October 07 October 09 October 10 October 11 October 14 October 20 October 24 October 26 October 31

4 - 7pm 8am - 11pm 10am - 6pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 1 - 4pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 3pm 4 - 8pm 11am - 4pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7am

Thursday Wednesday Thursday Friday Wednesday Friday & Saturday Sunday Tuesday Thursday Friday

October 05 October 11 October 12 October 13 October 18 October 20 & 21 October 22 October 24 October 26 October 27

10am - 3pm 12 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 9.30am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 3pm

Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Thursday Friday Thursday

October 04 October 04 October 11 October 12 October 13 October 14 October 17 October 18 October 19 October 20 October 21 October 26 October 27 October 26

4 - 7pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 6pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 8pm

Saturday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday

October 07 October 19 October 20 October 30 October 31

9am - 4pm 10am - 4pm 3 - 7pm 2 - 7pm 2 - 7pm

Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

October 17 October 18 October 18 October 19 October 20 October 21 October 22

1 - 5pm 8am - 1pm 2 - 6pm 9am - 2pm 12 - 5pm 8am - 2pm 12 - 5pm

mizuno.com.au

golf directory

74

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

SINGLE-LENGTH FAIRWAY WOODS

3 Wood, 5 Wood, 7 Wood Graphite Shafts S, R, A and L flex

$150 each

Is this you?

• Not comfortable with your fairway woods?

• Wish they could be easier to play with?

• Seeking more consistency?

• Looking for a simpler, more predictable way to play the game?

MILFORD SINGLE LENGTH FAIRWAY WOODS COULD BE THE SOLUTION Our Fairway Woods were specifically developed to simplify the game and make it more enjoyable for golfers of all abilities. They, of course, complement the already popular Milford SL-7 single-length irons.

The set consists of 3 Wood, 5 Wood and 7 Wood, all the same length ; 42 inches standard for men and 41 inches for women. Lie-angle and swing-weigh are also identical across the set.

Benefits of Milford Single-Length Fairway Woods Simplicity Comfort Consistency Confidence Success Enjoyment

-

the three woods are equal in length and weight same stance, set-up ball position and swing for all three single swing plane, same feel and tempo more consistent ball striking more accurate, predictable shots greater success leads to more enjoyment

The R&A has ruled that these clubs conform to the rules of golf

* Presently only available in right hand.

IT’S TIME TO START ENJOYING YOUR GOLF.

“you give up things when you buy a Kahma Golf Bag” • clanging clubs • damaged irons • worn graphite shafts • frustration finding the right iron From the inventors oF the CaddyraCk

GET ORGANISED WITH

Contact Fred Stewart on 0412563977, at fred@milfordgolf.com.au or visit Milford Golf on Facebook

SIMPLE SYSTEM THAT WORKS

Patented Softgrip Technology

1300 738 557

www.kahmagolf.com

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Discount Coupon Code GOLF2017

Clearwater Noosa

Be part of Inside Golf’s community of vocal and loyal readers! Share your opinions on anything related to golf via our Facebook page.

WIN GREAT PRIZES

Our Facebook fans have won over $20,000 of prizes since 2016, including drivers, woods, irons, event tickets, laser rangefinders, shoes, golf holidays and more!

Your choice of resort and club courses.

• Noosa Springs • Twin Waters • Pelican Waters • Palmer Coolum • Mt Coolum • Noosa Golf Club • Maroochy River • Headland • Caloundra • Peregian Springs Some conditions apply

We offer a one stop shop for your Golf Vacation. No matter what size group, small or large, or your duration of stay we will tailor make your program to suit.

We will organise transfers, rental cars or vans and for larger groups buses.

Just a short iron to some of Noosa’s favourite restaurants and cafés.

www.facebook.com/insidegolf

October 2017

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golf directory

BEERWAH GOLF CLUB At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…

$100 GolFErS DEAl • 2 nights accommodation • Free transfers from Coffs Harbour Airport • Free transfers to and from the golf course of your choice • 1 main meal per golfer • 1 complimentary schooner per golfer on arrival • Max 16 golfers • Timeless Tuesday - Unlimited* Golf for ONLY $25 • Golf Equipment for Hire & Sale • Fully Licensed Clubhouse • Social Clubs & Corporate Days • No JoiNiNg Fees

Visitors pay only $25 to play in our competitions (Wed, Sat & Sun)

More social playing times now on a Monday & Thursday

Biondi Crescent, Beerwah (only 20 minutes from the Coast) 51-55 First Avenue Sawtell 2452 | 02 6653 1213 E: info@sawtellhotel.com | W: www.sawtellhotel.com

admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

Ph: (07) 5494 0630 Golf Shop (07) 5494 6611

Pacific Heights Apartments & Historic Munns Tower House

A room with a view! Great Golf PackaGes

per person

$250

♦ All golf courses within 20 minute drive ♦ Heated year round pool ♦ Free BBQ area ♦ 500m walk to restaurants ♦ FSC Apartments & Munn Tower House ♦ Sensational views of Village, Lake & Ocean

LET US QUOTE YOUR OWN PACKAGE 4 NIGHTS ACCOM. 5 NIGHTS ACCOM.

3 Rounds of golf + Carts, Breakfast each day FROM

$485

4 Rounds of golf + Carts, Breakfast each day

P/P Twin Share FROM

Conditions apply

Spectacular

Sapphire Coast Merimbula

$555

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

Mike McGuire & Yumi Yoshida 1-7 Oceanview Ave, Merimbula NSW P: 02 6495 2366 M: 0437 801 270 E: info@pacificheights.com.au W: www.pacificheights.com.au

Pambula merimbula GC • eden Gardens GC • beGa Country Club • tura beaCh Country Club

Crossword Answers J O H N S O N

C U P S

O S H S O I N I A R W O O D E R E E N O R B I A A M E S D R A V S T A M P E D S E R L U B M A T E Y B I L A Y E R S M R E A S S U R E

C U S T O M I S E D

I A B T R I W D G V E

L S A A N D I T R W A P J A S U S P A A T F C R I S T E N E D P R

M G E S C H

All golfers stay for

$50 per night including cooked breakfast (twin share) week days only ...minimum group of 10.

Rounds of golf not included

Play • Horizons • Kooindah Waters (Wyong) • Pacific Dunes • Cypress Lakes • Nelson Bay • Tanilba Bay • Hawks Nest • The Vintage • Newcastle • Muree Golf Club

Y O N U S M B I E R O S

*SPRING SPECIAL*

Other packages alsO available

• 3 Games Golf - Horizons, Nelson Bay and Tanilba Bay • 3 x $20 Dinner Vouchers • 3 Cooked Breakfasts • 3 Nights Accomodation (twin share) • Total Cost per person $300 (Arriving Sunday, Monday or Tuesday)

For reservations or additional information call Christine or Mike on

47 Meredith Ave, Lemon Tree Passage, NSW 2319

Phone (02) 4982 3300

www.lemontreemotel.com.au

Email: lemontreepassagemotel@idl.net.au

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Read Inside Golf FREE on iPads If you love your monthly fix of Inside Golf, but can’t always get your copy before they’re all snapped up, then we’ve got some great news: our new and improved Inside Golf Digital iPad app is now available on the App Store... and it’s absolutely FREE.

120

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Now, not only can you view current and back issues of your favourite golf magazine for free every month, but our new app includes the latest and breaking news across a variety of categories, tips and instruction, gear reviews, quizzes, puzzles, social media and more.

Plus, our unique Golf Map is updated each month with links to reviews and information about all courses featured in both the main magazine and Inside Golf Travel.

Download it today from the App store (search Inside Golf Magazine), or scan the QR Code. Alternately, get the link from our website or at http://goo.gl/ZAXaFD

http://goo.gl/ZAXaFD

Terry Price Golf Schools Join Terry Price For A Swing For A Lifetime Current Tour Player Terry Price invites you to a 1, 3 or 5 day golf school at the sensational Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club on the sunny Gold Coast.

Using his vast experience and state of the art TrackMan technology Terry will take your game to the next level with verified data showing an average of 30% improvement.

Perfect for golfers of all ages and standards.

Go to www.terrypricegolfschools.com.au or call Pete Nicholson (07) 3535 0610

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October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

pp $215 From share twin eek w mid

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golf directory

Benalla Golf Club

Three Day / Two Night Golf Package Includes: Unlimited golf, two nights accommodation, breakfast each morning, 2 x evening meals (vouchers up to the value of $20) • Fully Irrigated Greens & Fairways • Full Bar & Bistro Facilities • Abundant Wildlife including Kangaroos

www.benallagolfclub.com.au (03) 5762 1920 | benagolf@bigpond.net.au

For nine and 18 holes - $18 weekdays - $22 weekends and public holidays*

ORANGE GOLF & STAY PACKAGE $255pp

Port Stephens Golfing Holidays Golf & Accommodation from only $70 per day 9 16 Golf courses including Horizons, Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Muree, Tanilba, Cypress Lakes, Pacific Dunes, The Vintage, by boat to Hawks Nest & others 9 Play any day & with any number of people 9 Golf & accommodation from a choice of motels, hotels, units & resorts

www.facebook.com/golfpsgh

T: 02 4984 9618 | M: 0428 820 477 | info@psgh.com.au | www.psgh.com.au

Play a round at Duntryleague and Wentworth Courses and stay 2 nights.

Includes a golf cart, green fees and twin share accommodation.

MELVIEW GREENS Serviced Apartments 119 Ploughmans Lane (Opposite Wentworth Golf Course) Orange NSW PH (02) 6362 0955 or 1800 603 191 EMAIL welcome@melviewgreens.com.au

www.melviewgreens.com.au

SINGLE LENGTH IRONS

PW - 4 iron stainless steel shafts $499 PW - 4 iron graphite shafts $549

NOW AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA Is this you?

• Wish all your irons were as easy to hit as your 7 iron?

• Despair when hitting longer irons?

• Frustrated with lack of consistency in your iron play?

• Longing for an easier way to play the game?

JOIN THE MOVE TO MILFORD SINGLE LENGTH IRONS

Benefits of Milford single-length irons?

• Simplicity • Comfort • Consistency • Confidence • Success • Enjoyment

ONE LENGTH HYBRIDS now available from $100

- all irons equal in length, weight and lie-angle - same set-up, stance, ball position and swing - single swing plane and tempo - through consistent ball striking The R&A has ruled - more accurate shots that these clubs - greater success = more enjoyment conform to the rules of golf IT’S TIME TO START ENJOYING YOUR GOLF MORE For more information on Milford single length irons, including pricing of additional L, S and A wedges, please contact Fred Stewart on 0412 563 977, at fred@milfordgolf.com.au or Milford Golf on Facebook.

SIMPLE SYSTEM THAT WORKS

golf directory

78

October 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

If your golf club needs more copies of Australia’s Most Read Golf Magazine then please call Inside Golf on 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au TRUEMANS COTTAGES Mornington Peninsula

IS YOUR GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN? OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCREASE THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERIES?

In the heart of Mornington Peninsula golf country, 3 spacious self contained houses accommodating groups of 2-12 people with Foxtel, Wifi and BBQ areas. Golf Packages tailored to suit.

Stay 7 nights play 5 rounds

from

Need new batteries?

Don’t replace them, restore them with the Battery Reviver > Cleans the damaging sulphure build up on the lead plates. > Restores the voltage of the batteries. > Restores the sulphuric acid strength. > Restores the performance of the batteries.

Want to triple the life of your good batteries?

$675p/p

Increase the life of your batteries by up to three times by eliminating the main reasons the batteries fail, SULPHATION. If you eliminate the main reason your batteries fail, it must 30 DAY increase the life of SATISFACTION your batteries.

Choose from: The Dunes, Moonah Links, St Andrews, Portsea, Cape Schanck, Flinders, Sorrento or Rosebud CC.

GUARANTEE OR YOUR MONEY BACK

For more information, pricing and to order Phone 1300 852 433 or visit our website

P: (03) 5988 6540 | M: 0419 365 142 | www.truemanscottage.com.au

US MASTERS 2018 FROM

2,590

US$

2 NIGHTS 1 Day at Masters 3 NIGHTS 2 Days at Masters 6 NIGHTS 4 Days at Masters AMEN TOUR 2 Days at Masters Days MAGNOLIA TOUR 3-4at Masters

2,590 US$ 4,490 US$ 8,790 US$ 6,290 US$ 9,490 US$

• MASTERS BADGES • HOTEL • MERCHANDISE • PLAY TORREY PINES, AVIARA, FORREST HILLS & WOODSIDE PLANTATION • EXPERIENCED MASTERS TOUR REPS Prices twin share and valid at the time of publication

WWW.THEFANATICS.COM | 1300 326 284

Patent # 7374839

www.batteryreviver.com.au

STAY & PLAY

at Loxton Hotel one of SA’s great country pubs! at Loxton, acclaimed as one of SA’s best regional courses!

GOLF FACTORY PENRITH 269 High St, Penrith (near Officeworks) (02) 4722 8640 - Mail Order - 6 ½ Days info@penrithgolffactory.com.au

Callaway Super Soft Pink Balls Suitable for Men or Ladies Low Compression Durable Cover Superceded Model $30

$19

ACCOUNTS AVAILABLE

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN

www.thegolffactory.com.au

Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd

TO GOLF & COUNTRY CLUBS

Low Compression (Superceded Durable Cover Model) White

$150 6 DOZEN

Cooler pocket QUALITY BAG Broncos, Bulldogs, $399 Cowboys, Dragons, Knights, Panthers, Roosters, Storm, Sea Eagles, & Wests Tigers Eels - $249

Urethane Cover Normally Red Box

BRAND NEW

$151 $115

FOR 48 BALLS

White or Yellow Balls

Eagles & Birdies Cleveland Lady (2016 Fairway Metalwood Magnetic Pro Model) 15º - 3 Wood Graphite Shaft CG Model

$149

$89 Includes Cover

Right Hand Only

14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Tube Waterproof Bag Coverall Cooler Pocket Black Only

$399

4.5kg

$299

Srixon Glove Deals All Weather

CABRETTA Leather

Mens Left S, M, M-L, L, XL Mens Right M, M-L Black Only Ladies Left S, M, L Ladies Right Black Only

Mens Left S, M, M-L, L, XL Mens Right S, M + XL Ladies Left Medium + Large Tour Quality White Only 3

White or Black 5 Left Hand FOR

$40

$42

FOR

$7 Postage Anywhere in Australia

Optima Xtra Soft Feel Balls XSF Model Individually Boxed Great for Ball Comps

$180 for 144 Individually Boxed Balls

$16

TaylorMade Tour Preferred Balls

2016 TP X or TP Std

Standard, + 1/2 Inch or +1 Inch

$770 Right Hand

Callaway Apex Utility HALF Long Iron Length 39” 24º Easy Loft KBS Tour V110 Stiff Shaft Big Sweet Spot

$99

Right Hand

White Balls Individually Boxed Great for Ball Competitions

Model

$180 for 144 Individually Boxed Balls

$16 DOZEN

Chippers (Approach Putters) $39 Iron Covers - Eagles & Birdies Set of 9 - Black Fits Right/Left $35

$19

$45 $176

FOR 192 BALLS

Left Hand Only Specials

Srixon I-601 3 Iron NS - Pro Regular Flex Steel Shaft $39 Cleveland Smart Square Putter + Cover (Face Balanced) $79

Callaway Apex Forged Irons (7) XP True Temper 95 R300 Regular Flex Steel Shafts, 6, 7, 8, 9, Pitching, Gap & Sand Wedge $549 SET Callaway Mack Daddy 2 Forged 60° Lob Wedge $89

Srixon Z-Star or Z-Star XV Gold or Silver Box Urethane Cover Tour Ball 2015 White Balls MODEL

$38 Dozen

4 Irons & Sand Wedges Regular Flex Steel or Graphite Shafts

$59

Each Left Hand Steel Sand Wedge

Bridgestone E6 3 Piece Ball

$84 3 DOZEN FOR

Individually Boxed - White

Graphite Set Divided Bag Putter & Covers ‘Ready to Play’ Tour Special by Srixon

$599

$469

Srixon Deluxe Cart Bag 2016 14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Holder Waterproof Bag Coverall Cooler Pocket Black/Blue, Navy/White

$259

$199

Callaway X-Hot Pro Model Project X-Stiff Graphite 6.0 18º - 2 Hybrid Right Hand 13.5º - Strong 3 Right Hand Fairway Wood 9.5º - Left Hand Driver

$69

EA

Including Covers & Wrench (Driver)

3 - PW (8) Dynamic Gold $1100 Shafts Stiff S300 Regular R300

$1069

Ping G-Series

Great Prices Now Just been replaced

by G-400 Great Quality Ping Gear at Great Value!

$749

Right Hand Only

easy TO USE Model

TaylorMade Small Tour Bag Vinyl not Nylon

$399

$249

TaylorMade Premium Cleveland Custom 588 Driver (Right or Left Hand) Cart Bag 9º Loft Matrix Ozik 6Q3 Stiff Shaft Only Includes Wrench + Cover

$349

Black/Blue Black/Red Black/Charcoal Black/Green

$159 $199

Optima Balls Individually Boxed TS3 (3 Piece)

Z945 Forged Heads (2016)

Includes Cover & Wrench

Individually Boxed

8 Irons, 1 Hybrid Graphite 1 Titanium Driver 1 Fairway Graphite 1 14 Way Divided Bag Black/Red, Blue or Black Bag X-Series 2016

Heads Right Hand 9°, 10.5° & 12° Draw (SFT) Shafts - Regular, Stiff, Ladies & Soft Regular (Seniors)

$349

Doz

XR (2015) Mens Right

Srixon Blade Irons

Left Hand 9° Cleveland RTX 2.0 Wedges 46°, 48°, 50°, 52°, 54°, Regular 56°, 58°, 60° & 64° All Matching Tour Satin $59 EA or Stiff Only

$17

Callaway Set + Bag Package Deal

Ping G30 Driver Sale

$499

$149

Includes Cover & Wrench

Direction Adjustable

Srixon Distance Balls Ladies Graphite Set & Bag & Putter Package 2017

$20 Odyssey Jumbo Putter Grip $20 Callaway white Adjustable Visor $18

LESS THAN $1 A BALL

Kurokage Regular or Stiff Shaft

$249

TaylorMade Burner Soft Balls

Callaway Irons

PRICE

TaylorMade White (2016) Adjustable M1 Cap

16 Dozen Lady Pinnacle (Superceded)

Dozen

Stiff Ping CFS Shaft

Callaway Black Towel

Dozen

17º - 4 Wood 13º - 3 Strong

$199

TaylorMade Cart Bag New Loose (not boxed) Ping I25 Irons Black/Blue, Callaway Chrome Grey/Green, VALUE $199 Soft Superceded (2015) 4 - PW (7) GREAT & QUALITY Black/Red

23º - 9 Wood

Srixon Z F45 Fairway

NRL Bridgestone 14 Way Bag Callaway Super Soft Balls Individually Boxed Putter Tube GREAT

DOZEN

or Black/Charcoal 14 Dividers (Full Length) Oversize Putter Holder Cooler Pocket Current Model

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days

Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted $7 NSW, $9 VIC & QLD, $10 SA, TAS, NT & WA. Postage and handling any quantity

$24

DOZ

Lady (White)

$18

DOZ

Srixon Z H45 Hybrid (Right Hand) Regular or Stiff Flex $269 16º - 2 19º - 3 22º - 4 Kurokage Includes Cover Shaft

$139

Yellow Ball Sale

Tour Velvet Cord Golf Pride Grip Mens Standard Thickness White Only Full Cord

$8 Fitted

FOR 10

Laddie Mens Model Individually Boxed

$25

$15 DOZEN

Srixon Q-Star Balls CURRENT Model

$33 Doz

Callaway Hex Chrome 3 Piece Moderate Swing Speed $23 Doz

$50

Precept Balls

(Urethane Cover) Srixon Z-Star 3 Piece Tour Ball

$259

Individually Boxed White Only

$69 FOR 3 DOZEN

SOFT AND FAST CHANGED THE BALL FOREVER.

CHROME SOFT WITH DUAL SOFTFAST CORE GIVES YOU INCREDIBLE BALL SPEED AND BETTER FEEL. LEARN MORE AT CALLAWAYGOLF.COM.AU