National Club Golfer October 2013 Issue

NCG Cover Oct 13 23/08/2013 13:54 Page 3

WINTER SUN SPECIAL DON’T MISS OUR 20-PAGE LONG-HAUL TRAVEL GUIDE

PUTTERS TEST 60 MODELS RATED BY OUR TEAM

These big names all played in it.

So who will be the next superstar to emerge from the latest edition of the

WALKER CUP? IN OUR PREVIEW OF 2013’S GB&I v USA MATCH

n The captain’s verdict on Team GB&I n Max Homa – America’s new sensation n 2007: Was this the greatest ever match? n McEvoy’s guide to winning in America n GB&I’s Sea Island heroes reflect on 2001

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NCG pp 4 Ed Comm 23/08/2013 15:03 Page 4

WINTER SUN SPECIAL DON’T MISS OUR 20-PAGE LONG-HAUL TRAVEL GUIDE

PUTTERS TEST 60 MODELS RATED BY OUR TEAM

These big names all played in it.

So who will be the next superstar to emerge from the latest edition of the

WALKER CUP? IN OUR PREVIEW OF 2013’S GB&I v USA MATCH

n The captain’s verdict on Team GB&I n Max Homa – America’s new sensation n 2007: Was this the greatest ever match? n McEvoy’s guide to winning in America n GB&I’s Sea Island heroes reflect on 2001

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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Dan Murphy DEPUTY EDITOR Mark Townsend STAFF WRITERS James Tompkinson Joe Whitley CONTRIBUTORS Chris Bertram Colin Callander PHOTOGRAPHY Getty Images Thinkstock CHIEF DESIGNER Andrew Kenworthy DESIGNER & WEBMASTER Daniel Cooper PUBLISHER Tom Irwin SALES EXECUTIVES Neil Braddish Tom Lenton Jamie Miles DIGITAL MARKETING EXECUTIVE Eve Burton FINANCE & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Will Shucksmith (ACA) ACCOUNTS Emma Abbott CHAIRMAN Peter Burgess PRINT/REPRO Precision Colour Printing, Telford SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: 0113 289 3979 12 issues including P&P: UK £42; Europe £48; World £58 SPORTS PUBLICATIONS LTD Unit 2, Arena Park, Tarn Lane, Scarcroft, West Yorkshire LS17 9BF, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0) 113 289 3979 e-mail: editorial@sportspub.co.uk ISSN 1354 2532 Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for omissions and errors. Readers are advised to check pricing and details of availability before making any journeys. All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. The views expressed in National Club Golfer do not necessarily represent the views of the company or the editor. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from participation in any offer, competition or advertising contained within National Club Golfer.

Editor’s comment REAT Britain and Ireland’s 10 best amateur players are on their way to the Unites States to take part in the 44th Walker Cup. Some of them may well go on to win Majors and tour events and take part in Ryder Cups. For others, probably the majority, their week at the National Golf Links in New York will be the highlight of their golfing career. Not that any of our team will be thinking that way at the moment.

The Walker Cup – and the ladies’ equivalent, the Curtis Cup, for that matter – is very much seen as the final stepping stone on the journey from amateur to professional. Of this year’s team only Rhys Pugh played at Royal Aberdeen two years ago and he was only 17 at the time. Come the next instalment at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2015, there will most likely be 10 new players.

The purists among us would urge a promising young player to stay amateur long enough to have the chance of playing in a Walker Cup. The pragmatists would insist that if you are ready, and in form, and opportunities have presented themselves, then why wait.

Having a Walker Cup appearance on your CV does not, of course, earn you any money or give you any advantage in the professional game beyond maybe encouraging the occasional event organiser to hand you a sponsor’s exemption. Yet being considered to be one of the best 10 amateurs in these isles is clearly worth something.

As Andrew Coltart, himself a Walker Cup player back in 1991 at Portmarnock, said when reflecting on the absence of any Scottish players in this year’s team and their prospects of becoming successful tour players: “If they are not ranked inside the top 12 amateurs in Britain, what are their chances to cut it in the professional world?”

It reminded me of a conversation I had earlier in

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the summer with Graham Walker, England Golf’s men’s lead coach. He NCG is a month ly magazine distri spoke about the buted to the go lf clubs of Grea standards required of t Britain.

Written specific a young amateur ally for you, the serious golfe r, we aim to before they should provide an insigh tful even consider and trustworthy guide to all turning pro. What aspects of the game worried him was the attitude of those players who believed that weaknesses could be eradicated and games raised while out on tour – after turning professional. Walker believes that your game needs to be of the required standard before you think about playing for money.

The seven Englishmen, two Irishmen and one Welshman who will represent us in America may or may not go on to be the next Rory McIlroy or Luke Donald. But they certainly have a chance to do so.

Good luck, boys, both next week and beyond.

NE thing I am very much hoping not to see at National is the disrespectful action of walking off a green before your opponent has finished putting. I saw it from both teams at the Curtis Cup and from Michelle Wie at the Solheim Cup (though she did apologise afterwards). No matter what level you are playing at or what the state of the match is, common courtesy dictates you wait until a hole is finished before walking on to the next one.

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TWO HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ISSUE...

P16: COUNTDOWN TO GLENEAGLES The qualifying has begun and we are just a year away from the next instalment of the Ryder Cup. So what better time to have a go at predicting Europe’s 12 to take on Tom Watson’s Americans.

WALKER CUP

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PRIDE

Europe on n The leading four members on the European Points List Sunday August 31, 2014 on n The leading five members the World Points List

Mark Townse nd sets the scene for the match at National Golf Links of America speaking with by GB&I captain Nigel Edward s

n Three captain’s picks

United States on the n The leading nine players qualification list n Three captain’s picks n Qualification begins 7 2013

on October

TEAM AMERICA

the 24 players Ryder Cup. We name underway for the 2014 Qualification is now and Tom Watson’s teams way on to Paul McGinley we think will make their Name: G McDowell Record: W5 H2 L5 Streaky winner who will have no problems in making the team for a fourth time.

Current holder of the Volvo Match Play.

Name: J Rose Record: W6 H0 L3 Chances: Expect to see Rose and Poulter out on the first morning of Gleneagles. Will again be a stalwart on the team.

Name: S Garcia Record: W16 H4 L8 Chances: Not the season he would have wanted in 2013 but he is back on an upward curve and nobody loves this week more.

Name: Ian Poulter Record: W12 HO L3 Chances: The only question is whether Poulter will play four or five matches. Mr Ryder Cup has won his last seven matches.

Name: L Donald Record: W10 H1 L4 Chances: Donald’s form has dipped and his Major form is yet to happen but he will be back soon enough.

Superb record.

Name: M Manassero Record: Debut Chances: Still only 20 but has already won four times including this year’s PGA. Getting longer with every season.

.com | www.nationalclubgolfer 16 OCTOBER 2013

Name: L Westwood Record: W18 H6 L13 Chances: Will be 41 at Gleneagles but showing no signs of slowing down. Another Florida winter will prove beneficial.

Name: R McIlroy Record: W4 H2 L3 Chances: A year to forget, so far, but things will settle and he will soon be back winning multiple times next season.

Name: M Kaymer Record: W3 H0 L2 Chances: Was the poor relation going to Medinah, now he is putting together some high finishes and some low scores.

who

Name: F Molinari Record: W0 H2 L4 Chances: Is yet to win a match but grabbed a half with Tiger in 2012.

Too solid not to play his way on and putting is improving.

Name: H Stenson Record: W2 H2 L3 Chances: Will be like having a rookie after a six-year absence. His worst Major finish this year was T21.

2nd at Open, 3rd at the PGA. Name: C Wood Record: Debut Chances: Always good to roll the dice and we like the 25year-old. Won in Qatar and edging towards world’s top 50.

PREVIEW

National

HOW QUALIFICATION

THE RACE TO GLENEAGLES

4 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

P34: WALKER CUP COVER STARS In case you were wondering, the players are: Top row – Duval, Woods, Montgomerie, Mickelson. 2nd row – Dougherty, Rose. 3rd row – McIlroy, McDowell. Bottom row – Casey, Nicklaus, Harrington, Donald.

1. Name: Jason Dufner Record: W3 H0 L1 2. Name: Tiger Woods Record: W13 H3 L17

WOL STEN ON EDW HOLME His dedica ARDS tion is extraor dinary and incredi bly compe he is some titive; we great had still a brillianmatches and he is t player probab and ly capabl e of still organis playing ed like Peter McEvo . Very well the R&A y and, back up, with then winnin g combin you have a ation.

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N Nigel Edwards we have one of the really good guys.

The Welshman will always find time for a chat and then intersperse it with a few laughs. His attention to detail is also extraordinary of our conversation , in the course I mention a friend been on, to put who will have it kindly, the outer fringes of Edwards’ England squad. He then listed where and when he had seen him hit balls on a practice range.

“He didn’t know I was watching him, but I was.”

Two years ago the four-time player played part in Great a huge Britain & Ireland’s first win since Not many gave 2003. his side belief never waivered. much of a chance, Edwards’ “I had had a quiet look at the things said and written, people had but I told the boys from the that they did not outset need worry about anyone else. All they needed to do was focus on themselves and are very special they and they proved that. They did great credit for a themselves and their families their countries.” and After a few minutes in his company want to play for anyone would Edwards, something hopefully, become that apparent this month. should, How hard was it to decide on the final team?

The four selectors agreed at the European Championships Team on at least seven, if not eight, very probables on the team.

The reserves will be very disappointed for them. Greg and I feel Eason was a first-team college player All American and clearly plays well over there.

Evans has come Ryan such a England’s development long way, last winter he was in squad and last won the South summer he of England, then this year he was second in the St Andrews Links, won the Berkshire and Biarritz Open, tied second at the South of England and won five out of six at the Home Internationals.

You would love to have 12 players on the team.

There are no Scots in the squad, obviously there is no room for sentiment?

You have to pick the best team, simple as that.

I took the job When I said I don’t mind if we have 10 10 Irish, 10 Welsh Scots, or 10 English, as long as we get the job done.

We’re not looking for sentiment, want players who we are performing.

3. Name: Phil Mickelson Record: W14 H6 L18 4. Name: Brandt Snedeker Record: W1 H0 L2 5. Name: Hunter Mahan Record: W3 H3 L2 6. Name: Matt Kuchar Record: W3 H2 L2 7. Name: Dustin Johnson Record: W3 H0 L3 8. Name: Keegan Bradley Record: W3 H0 L1 9. Name: Webb Simpson Record: W2 H0 L2 10. Name: Bubba Watson Record: W3 H0 L5 11. Name: Zach Johnson Record: W6 H1 L4 12. Name: Jordan Spieth Record: Debut Image courtesy

of Tony Edgeworth

How much of a boost Amateur champion is it to have the new US Matt Fitzpatrick It is tremendous. in there?

Two years ago Jack Senior got the semi-finals to and Neil Raymond was the medalist in qualifying this year and Matt Fitzpatrick’s performance was outstanding. Having team adds a real him on the bit of gold dust there.

I didn’t know whether to ring him during the Amateur but did US and rang on the Friday night and knew straightaway I that I had done the right thing.

He had the semi-final the next day but calm and was he was very delighted at the news. He was going to be in always the team whether he won or lost.

This year the squad didn’t meet up beforehand,

NCG pp 6-7 MOTM 23/08/2013 10:13 Page 6

ON THE TEE Your essential guide to the world of golf – including competitions, quick tips, interviews and new gear

6 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 6-7 MOTM 23/08/2013 10:13 Page 7

MOMENT OF THE MONTH

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HE Major year finished as it began; with a player finding redemption soon after blowing his first opportunity to land one of the game’s most sought-after prizes.

While it took Adam Scott just nine months to exorcise his demons at the Masters, Jason Dufner had to wait a little longer.

At the PGA Championship of 2011, the American stood on the 15th tee with a four-shot lead over his nearest challenger – the nowforgotten Anders Hansen. Keegan Bradley was a further shot behind.

But Dufner found water and made bogey, then sand off the next tee and made bogey then found the green in regulation at the 17th but still made bogey.

Bradley, meanwhile, dug deep for two closing birdies then beat his compatriot in a play-off. Dufner had proved Norman-esque in his ability to locate defeat where only victory seemed within grasp.

Two years on and in the lead going into the final round, he was paired alongside exactly the man he would have selected to play with; Jim Furyk. The veteran was not going to intimidate him in any respect and, with a brittle chasing pack each with their own issues, Dufner must have known that if he could maintain the ball striking which had so impressed everyone for three, he would have a very good chance of landing the PGA. Of course, he has his own blind spot. Not the five and sixfooters which dog men like Watson, Couples and Garcia, but the two-footers which most Tour players knock in almost unconsciously. Dufner deliberates over them at such length that he is bound to miss the odd one.

But those behind him either failed to mount a serious challenge or – in the case of Henrik Stenson – fell away just when they looked to be ready to pounce. With Dufner’s long game notably imperious, those short, short putts were struck without debilitating pressure.

The result was a two-shot victory for one of the players on tour it is easy to like.

If 2014 follows 2013’s lead, it means Dustin Johnson is in line for the Masters next April...

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 7

NCG pp 8-9 WRBP Saunton 23/08/2013 15:48 Page 8

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WE’D RATHER BE PLAYING...

SAUNTON (EAST) This south west of England links is good enough to host The Open

Saunton love Expect a classic links experience in Braunton

8 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

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NCG pp 8-9 WRBP Saunton 23/08/2013 15:48 Page 9

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any believe that were the R&A ever looking for a 10th venue on the current Open circuit their search should begin and end here in North Devon.

With the seaside town of Barnstaple nearby, and the M5 passing within 30 miles, it is an opinion that extends far beyond the locals whose privilege it is to be able to choose on a Saturday morning which of the club’s two fabulous courses to tackle. While St Enodoc, a couple of hours even further south and west in Cornwall, possesses the unpredictability and charm of seaside golf at its best, it is Saunton that presents the kind of honest, relentless challenge guaranteed to identify a true champion. Leaving aside the merits of the almost equally fine West for a moment, it is the East that is billed as Saunton’s championship course.

THE HISTORY Although it is believed a course existed in Braunton Burrows in the early 1890s, Saunton was not formed until May 1897. It was originally a 9-hole course but was extended to 12 holes by 1906 and to 18 holes in 1908. The East as we know it today was redesigned in 1919 by Herbert Fowler, the man behind such inland gems as Walton Heath.

CONTACT DETAILS For furthe

r informatio n or to book your tee time, vi sit sauntongol f.co.uk or call 01271 812 436

THE COURSE Much like Royal Birkdale, holes here tend to run between, rather than across, the dunes and blind shots – for those who believe they carry a negative connotation – are few and far between. And just as at Birkdale, the East is a course that eschews the spectacular in favour of presenting one hole after the other of fair and demanding character. This is not a course for clifftop thrills and tee shots demanding carries over the ocean. But what it does offer is something courses of the above type so rarely can – namely the maintaining of an excellent standard from first to last.

THE DEAL Green fees are £79 (£99 a day during the week and Sunday and £105 all day Saturday). £40 after 4pm (£45 on a Saturday).

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 9

NCG pp 10-11 Change Your Game 23/08/2013 10:19 Page 10

ON THE TEE

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THIS WILL CHANGE YOUR GAME

TAYLORMADE SLDR DRIVER The market leaders in drivers have taken adjustability to new levels - again ALL-N

TAYLOR EW MADE

DRIVER

Key facts and figures SLIDING DOORS The SLDR features an innovative weight slider that allows you to finetune your ball flight by pushing a 20gramme weight alone a rail. One side promotes a fade, the other a draw.

INSTANT TOUR SUCCESS The SLDR has been put into play by Justin Rose, Martin Kaymer and Luke Donald, as well as Brandt Snedeker, who won the Canadian Open with it for it first PGA Tour title.

10 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NO MORE WHITE Say goodbye to the white crown - the SLDR has a gorgeous charcoal-grey finish that will suit traditionalists and modern players alike. The blue and silver colour scheme is very striking.

LOFTS: 9.5, 10.5 & 12° SHAFT: Fujikura Speeder 57 (Fujikura Speeder Tour Spec 6.3 on TP model) SRP: £349 (TP £399) AVAILABLE: Now

NCG pp 10-11 Change Your Game 23/08/2013 10:19 Page 11

THE LONGEST TAYLORMADE

DRIVER EVER? Dan Murphy explains how a centre of gravity position change is key to speed

PLAYER FEEDBACK ON TWITTER Some of TaylorMade’s Tour staffers have sung the SLDR’s praises on the social networking site Twitter. Here are some of the best comments.

• Justin Rose (@JustinRose99): “It’s Solid.

Great acoustics and Hot Flight” • Darren Clarke (DarrenClarke60): “It goes like a dream” • Joel Sjoholm (@SwedishTORO): “Amazed by this new driver #musthave” • Ken Duke (@DukePGA): “I love this driver”

TaylorMade’s new SLDR driver features a weight that slides along a rail on the sole of the club.

The SLDR (pronounced ‘slider’) takes the market-leading company’s Movable Weight Technology (MWT) to new levels and is engineered to launch the ball high, fast and long.

Key to the leap in distance is a lower and more forward centre of gravity (CG) that promotes a hotter launch, low spin and faster ball speed. Similar to the impact the “Speed Pocket” had on the performance of the RocketBallz fairway, TaylorMade engineers believe SLDR’s low and forward CG will redefine driver distance.

“Without a doubt, this is the longest driver we have created,” said TaylorMade’s chief technical officer Benoit Vincent.

The SLDR features a blue, 20g weight that slides on a track located on the front of the sole.

Movable weight shifts the clubhead’s CG horizontally toward either the heel, to promote a draw, or toward the toe, to promote a fade. It delivers 6mm of movement – that’s 50 per cent more than R1 – promoting a shotdispersion range of up to 30 yards. The SLDR weight slides on a 21-point track system located on the sole of the club.

To position the weight in any one of them simply loosen the screw, slide the weight to the point selected, then tighten the screw.

Golfers can adjust for a “draw” or “fade” by sliding the weight across the slider track into the appropriate position in as little as 10 seconds.

The company believes SLDR’s new weight system is a significant leap forward in its quest to engineer a driver that offers outstanding performance with simple and intuitive technology.

SLDR also incorporates TaylorMade’s Loft-sleeve Technology, which allows the golfer to adjust the loft easily.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 11

NCG pp 12-13 Captured On Film 23/08/2013 10:19 Page 12

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CAPTURED ON FILM

JUNE 29, 1956 Sam Snead and son prepare for the Canada Cup at Wentworth

12 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 12-13 Captured On Film 23/08/2013 10:19 Page 13

THE BACKGROUND The World Cup is comfortably the World Golf Championship event with the most pedigree. It was founded in 1953 by Canadian industrialist John Jay Hopkins, who hoped it would promote international goodwill through golf.

Back then it was known as the Canada Cup – taking its name from Hopkins’ nationality as well as the fact the first two events were staged in that country – before evolving into the World Cup in 1967. In its first 20 years, with tour golf still yet to resemble anything like today’s versions, it was regarded as one of the key events on the golf calendar. As the circuits in America and especially Europe became more organised, its status was reduced; indeed, it was not staged in 1981 or 1986.

But back in the day, all the big names played in the Canada Cup.

THE ACTION Few Canada Cups attracted bigger names than the 1956 version (although Jack and Arnie together in four events in the 60s, which must have been quite some sight). Pictured is Sam Snead, practising for the event alongside his son Jack. He was partnered

by Ben Hogan. This can safely be termed a stellar pairing, and it is little wonder this star-studded American side triumphed, with Hogan also claiming the individual award.

The runners-up were hardly alsorans though; South Africa were represented by Gary Player and Bobby Locke.

SNEAD AND THE CUP The hay day of the Canada Cup coincided with Snead’s final years as a leading player. He had won all but won of his Majors prior to its foundation but it was to provide several highlights in the twilight of his career: ‘Slammin’ Sam’ won the Canada Cup four times with three different partners (Palmer and Jimmy Demaret as well as Hogan) including three in a row from 1960; he won the individual award in 1961 in Puerto Rico; and he was runner-up twice, alongside Demaret in 1957 in Tokyo and Cary Middlecoff two years later in Melbourne – on both occasions losing to the home side.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 13

TAKE THE CHALLENGE TODAY!

Sam Torrance OBE John Letters’ Brand Ambasador

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Take the challenge at our authorised stockist and custom specialist Direct Golf UK. To find your nearest store visit www.direct-golf.co.uk/stores John Letters Golf Ltd, 9 Albany Place, North Street, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, KY16 9HH. The Home of Golf

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NCG pp 15 OTT Quick Tip 23/08/2013 10:20 Page 15

ON THE TEE

Analysis by Gary Alliss, pro at Ladbrook Park. The ‘King of the Swing’ has twice captained the PGA Cup side. w: ladbrookparkgolf.co.uk

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HOW TO KEEP THE CLUBFACE SQUARE

LIKE KEN DUKE What the less supple can learn from this 44-year-old PGA Tour winner

A QUIET ROTATION Ken has nowhere near as great an angle of separation between his shoulders and hips at impact as other players. His shoulders are square to target and his hips just 45˚ open (many players have closer to a 90˚). But he’s accurate – because he maintains the consistency of the clubface angle through the hitting area. There is no hinging of his left wrist, merely a quiet rotation of the forearms which allows the clubface to remain square to fractionally closing.

SWING THE CLUB Duke suffered scoliosis as a child, which demanded a rod be inserted down his spine. He works with legendary 86-yearold coach Bob Toski and he taught Duke to swing the club and not lash at it. Duke is one of a few winners to be using graphite-shafted irons which help generate good clubhead speed. As an older player Duke certainly does not have the flexibility to turn through the shot as easily as younger players.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 15

NCG pp 16 OTT RC Gleneagles 23/08/2013 13:49 Page 16

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HOW QUALIFICATION

WORKS IN 2014 Europe n The leading four members on the European Points List on Sunday August 31, 2014 n The leading five members on the World Points List n Three captain’s picks

United States n The leading nine players on the qualification list n Three captain’s picks n Qualification begins on October 7 2013

TEAM AMERICA

THE RACE TO GLENEAGLES Qualification is now underway for the 2014 Ryder Cup. We name the 24 players who we think will make their way on to Paul McGinley and Tom Watson’s teams Name: G McDowell Record: W5 H2 L5 Streaky winner who will have no problems in making the team for a fourth time.

Current holder of the Volvo Match Play.

Name: Ian Poulter Record: W12 HO L3 Chances: The only question is whether Poulter will play four or five matches. Mr Ryder Cup has won his last seven matches.

Name: L Westwood Record: W18 H6 L13 Chances: Will be 41 at Gleneagles but showing no signs of slowing down. Another Florida winter will prove beneficial.

Name: F Molinari Record: W0 H2 L4 Chances: Is yet to win a match but grabbed a half with Tiger in 2012.

Too solid not to play his way on and putting is improving.

Name: J Rose Record: W6 H0 L3 Chances: Expect to see Rose and Poulter out on the first morning of Gleneagles. Will again be a stalwart on the team.

Name: L Donald Record: W10 H1 L4 Chances: Donald’s form has dipped and his Major form is yet to happen but he will be back soon enough.

Superb record.

Name: R McIlroy Record: W4 H2 L3 Chances: A year to forget, so far, but things will settle and he will soon be back winning multiple times next season.

Name: H Stenson Record: W2 H2 L3 Chances: Will be like having a rookie after a six-year absence. His worst Major finish this year was T21.

2nd at Open, 3rd at the PGA.

Name: S Garcia Record: W16 H4 L8 Chances: Not the season he would have wanted in 2013 but he is back on an upward curve and nobody loves this week more.

Name: M Manassero Record: Debut Chances: Still only 20 but has already won four times including this year’s PGA. Getting longer with every season.

Name: M Kaymer Record: W3 H0 L2 Chances: Was the poor relation going to Medinah, now he is putting together some high finishes and some low scores.

Name: C Wood Record: Debut Chances: Always good to roll the dice and we like the 25year-old. Won in Qatar and edging towards world’s top 50.

16 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

1. Name: Jason Dufner Record: W3 H0 L1 2. Name: Tiger Woods Record: W13 H3 L17 3. Name: Phil Mickelson Record: W14 H6 L18 4. Name: Brandt Snedeker Record: W1 H0 L2 5. Name: Hunter Mahan Record: W3 H3 L2 6. Name: Matt Kuchar Record: W3 H2 L2 7. Name: Dustin Johnson Record: W3 H0 L3 8. Name: Keegan Bradley Record: W3 H0 L1 9. Name: Webb Simpson Record: W2 H0 L2 10. Name: Bubba Watson Record: W3 H0 L5 11. Name: Zach Johnson Record: W6 H1 L4 12. Name: Jordan Spieth Record: Debut

THE PGA CENTENARY COURSE DESIGN: JACK NICKLAUS, 1993 6,815 YARDS

TEE TIME AT GLENEAGLES FOR £340 Gleneagles is proud to be The Host Venue for The 2014 Ryder Cup. We want you to experience the magic before it all unfolds.

Come and play the Jack Nicklaus designed PGA Centenary Course for only £340 for up to four golfers - a saving of up to £300.

Valid from 2pm onwards, Sunday to Thursday inclusive, until 31 October 2013.

Tee time offer also available on The King's and Queen's Courses.

Call the Resort Sales team on 0800 169 2984 and quote “NCG” or visit www.gleneagles.com/golf for further information

THE KING’S COURSE DESIGN: JAMES BRAID, 1919 6,471 YARDS

THE QUEEN’S COURSE DESIGN: JAMES BRAID, 1919 5,965 YARDS

The Gleneagles Hotel Email: resort.sales@gleneagles.com Internet: www.gleneagles.com ® The GLENEAGLES word and the EAGLE Device are trade marks.

NCG pp 18-19 OTT Carnoustie, ProQuip Comp 23/08/2013 10:24 Page 18

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NCG FASHION FOOTJOY CONTOUR CASUAL MYJOYS SRP: £140

FootJoy have added the trainer-style spikeless Contour Casual shoe to their MyJoys programme.

A whopping 1.6 million different colour and style combinations are available, including changing the saddle, the accent panels on the side, and the laces. You can pick from several different leather types, including shiny patent, and even add logos and your initials. Log on to www.myjo ys.co.uk and get designing – it’s great fun!

CHERVO MILLEN JACKET SRP: £175

The best thing about this jacket is how quiet it is throughout the swing while allowing maximum flexibility. huge bonus. The aqua-block technology protects you from both wind and rain, but the garment is also light enough to wear through the autumn – containing laser-tech technology which reduces the temperature of the direct sun radiation. There is plenty of room in the pockets to keep all manner of course essentials to hand and the colour is good for the current season.

Review: James Tompkinson

SIGN UP NOW FOR CARNOUSTIE COUNTRY CLASSIC Enter now for next year’s Carnoustie Country Classic, which will take place over a quartet of stellar links courses in Angus from May 18 to 22.

The tournament is played across four of the finest links courses on Scotland’s east coast – Montrose Medal, Panmure, Monifieth Medal and the legendary Carnoustie Championship (pictured).

Over the last decade, the Carnoustie Country Classic has gained a reputation as one of golf’s friendliest amateur

tournaments, with golfers travelling to Carnoustie Country from across the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA to compete in the 72-hole Stableford competition.

The tournament is open to men and women (maximum handicap of 24 for men, 36 for women), with daily prizes and

GOLFBOO CAN HELP WITH HOLIDAYS An innovative new website has been launched to help golfers make more informed decisions when booking a golf holiday. www.golfboo.com is a new online community and powerful search engine designed to connect golfers and help them tailor a perfect golf break.

With thousands of packages and experiences readily available to view online, all of which are easy to search by price, rating and availability, this revolutionary digital golf travel portal is a mustvisit for any golf traveller.

“GolfBoo enables golfers to access great information relating

18 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

to their golf experience,” said cofounder Fabio Peral. “Society has become accustomed to using search engines for a variety of necessities and we believe the golf industry is ready for a search engine of its own,” he added.

GolfBoo will enter the first 1,000 profile sign-ups into a draw to win a trip to a five-star resort.

social events including a welcome reception, quiz evening and prize giving dinner.

Costs start at £399 for golf and social events or £599 for golf, social events and accommodation at Carnoustie Golf Hotel.

For more information visit www.carnoustiecountry.com.

VETERAN GOLFER MAKES 19TH ACE Royal Ashdown Forest member Bob Deakin scored his 19th holein-one to help him win the Sussex Veterans’ Championship at Piltdown.

Playing the 158-yard 15th, the 86year-old found the cup with a 5 iron from the tee. “The ball took a hop and slowed down before hanging over the lip and, while my playing partner turned away to get his club, it fell gently into the hole,” said Deakin, whose first ace was in 1952 at Sidcup. “On one of them, to a raised green, we couldn’t find the ball before looking in the hole.”

NCG pp 18-19 OTT Carnoustie, ProQuip Comp 23/08/2013 10:25 Page 19

WIN A WEATHERBEATING WARDROBE FROM PROQUIP With winter looming, we have over £1,000 of fantastic waterproof and windproof clothing to give away

TOTAL PRIZE VALUE:

over £1,000!

To enter this fantastic competition visit

www.nationalclubgolfer.com and click on Competitions.

It is FREE to enter

W

E have teamed up with weather-wear specialists ProQuip to give readers the chance to win a complete weather-beating golf wardrobe, including a rain suit designed for use by the 2012 European Ryder Cup team.

The prize includes ProQuip’s Trophy Suit, which is made from exactly the same exclusively developed fabric technology used by the players at Medinah.

In addition to this, the winner will also receive products from ProQuip’s pioneering water repellent knitwear range – jumpers that can withstand 24 hours of continual exposure to water, and its ultra-lightweight stretchy TourFlex Wind 360 top.

The full prize includes: n ProQuip Trophy suit (£329) n TourFlex Wind 360 top (£59) n A water repellent lined half-zip lambswool jumper (£79) n A water repellent Merino v-neck jumper (£59) n Two ProQuip performance

technical polo shirts with UV protection and moisture wicking (£30 each) n A ProQuip performance base layer top (£35) Two runners-up will also receive a ProQuip Aquastorm Pro rain suit worth £129. This a stylish contemporary mid-range suit with a three-year waterproof guarantee and an ultra-lightweight satin soft finish. Runners up will also receive a polo shirt worth £30.

Go to www.proquipgolf.com for more on the brand’s 2013 collection, which is its biggest ever range.

How to enter Entry is completely free, just head to NationalClubGolfer.com and click on Competitions.

Simply answer a quick question, fill in your details (so we can contact you if you win!) and you’re entered.

You have until September 30 to give yourself a chance of winning this superb prize.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 19

NCG pp 20 Glenbrae & Fantasy Golf 23/08/2013 10:51 Page 20

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Andrew Junor and Robbie McKenzie after a charity medal

GLENBRAE WINNERS RELISH NEW KNITWEAR! IN our April issue we teamed up with knitwear specialists Glenbrae to offer a club team the chance to win a full set of matching jumpers and polo shirts – complete with an embroidered club crest. The winners were Hilton Park Golf Club in central Scotland – the club where PGA Tour star Martin Laird is an honorary member.

As a group and as individuals, the gents have represented Hilton Park in the club’s various teams wearing the new branded gear.

FANTASY GOLF

EXCITING CLIMAX TO FANTASY GOLF...

Daniel Narog bags himself a set of custom-fit TaylorMade driver and irons!

ABOUT GLENBRAE Glenbrae are the British knitwear company which supplies many of the best venues throughout the golf world. The all-important Glenbrae yarns are spun in their Yorkshire mill, which dates back to 1907.

The most significant result from this group in the season to date, has been Graham Waddell (top right), who won the Hilton Park Golf Club Handicap Championship.

THE NCG Fantasy Golf season ended in dramatic style after Jason Dufner won the PGA Championship.

After 26 events, the summer Fantasy Golf winner was Daniel Narog with a staggering total

20 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

In the picture above right, Graham Waddell, Bob Balloch, (front, L-R) Stuart Baker and John Junor, are seen proudly holding a small but very important trophy. It is known as the ‘Baker Trophy’ and was won last year when the gents played a team of ladies, including Graham and Stuart’s wives. The gents will defend the trophy wearing their new Glenbrae sweaters in September.

Junor said: “The team headed into this year’s competition with

score of 22,096 points.

Daniel has won a fully custom-fitted set of TaylorMade RocketBladez irons and an R1 driver.

If you missed out on winning this summer then our winter

Fantasy Golf league starts at the end of October, with registration open from October 1.

See next month’s magazine for more details.

READER O F

FER Hilton Park are so plea sed with their G lenbrae jum pers that any NCG re ader can ge t 50 per cent off gree n fees until October 31, 2013 (s ubject to te e times).

Quote ‘NCG /Glenbrae’ offer when you book.

the confidence of not only playing well but looking even better in our Glenbrae jumpers and polo shirts.”

FULL LIST OF WINNERS Winner: Daniel Narog - TaylorMade R1 driver & RocketBladez irons Runner-up: Simon Miller RocketBladez irons Third place: David Hyde Highest score in April: Victor Hundeboll Highest score in May: Alex Johnson Highest score in June: Ian Gaskell Highest score in July: Yowie Roberts Highest score in August: Gianni Vallesi (All received R1 driver) Overall mini-league winner: Machrihanish Blues - Adizero Tour Shoes

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NCG pp 22 The Main Course Headingley 23/08/2013 13:48 Page 22

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WHERE IS IT? Founded in 1892 Headingley is the oldest golf club in Leeds, and is actually set in the pretty suburb of Adel, a few yards off the A660 five miles north of the centre of Leeds.

MUCH HISTORY? The course was laid out and shaped in the early 20th Century by a number of eminent architects including Dr Alister MacKenzie and Harry Colt. Located in a completely rural setting, the course enjoys many wonderful views and boasts several memorable holes which make full use of the varied and dramatic terrain.

DID YOU KNOW...

Headingley’s World Championship In 1923, 90 years ago this year, legendary the American pair of Gene Sarazen and Walter Hagen took part in a special match at Headlingley that was dubbed the 1st World Championship of Golf. The two men won 18 Majors between them.

HOW’S THE COURSE?

Fine all-rounder The 17th green, the 1st (below left) and 3rd.

Well presented and never less than challenging. Beginning with a lovely downhill par 4 from a newly elevated tee, the real challenge at this mature parkland and moorland layout is to survive a tricky opening stretch that can damage your card beyind repair.

Having crossed the road after the 3rd with its awkwardly cambered fairway, you gradually climb to the highest point of the 6th before tackling the longest hole on the course, extended a few years ago. Five here is a great score.

The back nine is arguably more attractive and the closing stretch is fantastic. The pick is the downhill 16th with its incredible green complex and the sensational par 3 which follows to a putting surface ringed by sand.

VISITORS WELCOME?

THE MAIN COURSE

HEADINGLEY

This bustling North Leeds club has recently invested in its facilities 22 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Yes, and there is a fantastic offer available for the month of October.

To commemorate the 90th anniversary of Hagen and Sarazen’s match, a fourball can play for just £90. Simply quote ‘NCG 90th’.

CONTACT www.headingleygolfclub.co.uk 0113 267 9573

NCG pp 23 PGA Five Things 23/08/2013 10:24 Page 23

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THINGS WE LEARNED AT THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP FIVE

Joe Whitley reflects on the year’s final Major at Oak Hill...

DUFNER HAS WHAT IT TAKES Two years ago Jason Dufner had one hand on the Wanamaker Trophy. He led by four shots with as many holes to play at Atlanta before three successive bogeys and a rampaging finish by Keegan Bradley set up a play-off that the latter won.

At a largely uninspiring Oak Hill, Dufner outlasted Jim Furyk to record a three-shot victory thanks to a final round of 68 and a total of 270, 10 under par.

TIGER STUCK ON 14

THE RETURN OF RORY

Yet another Major year rolls by and, with it, Tiger Woods’ quest to catch Jack Nicklaus loses momentum.

It certainly has not been a poor year for the World No 1, who has five wins under his belt in 2013.

But after failing to convert two realistic chances at the Masters and Open, and struggling with injury, his Major-less streak now spans 18 championships. At Oak Hill, his start was bright and he was under par quickly. However, more putting problems saw him drift out of contention as early as the second round. He seems confident his game is in the right place to lead an assault in 2014, but time is starting to be against him chasing down Nicklaus’s haul of 18 unless a breakthrough comes very soon.

There were signs at Oak Hill that Rory McIlroy may be coming out of his awful slump.

The Northern Irishman showcased trademark ball striking throughout the week and went out in the fourth-to-final group on Sunday thanks to a third-round 67. A strong start, which included a birdie at the tough 3rd hinted at a chance of Major number three, but a small error in judgement on the 5th put pay to that. A solid 9 iron into the par 4 landed inches short of perfection and instead spun backwards, riding the shaved slope into water. The result was a triple-bogey seven which put him out of the running.

In full flow, his swing was as graceful as ever, so expect big things towards the end of 2013.

WESTWOOD STILL CAN’T FIND HIS PUTTING TOUCH

HENRIK STENSON BACK INTO WORLD’S TOP 10

Based on ball striking alone, Lee Westwood would have won several Majors by now.

Unfortunately, there is more to the game than that and, unfortunately, the Englishman continues to struggle getting the ball in the hole. The former World No 1, who is now ranked just inside the top 15, started the final round at Oak Hill with yet another chance of Major glory but went out in 41 (+6) after several missed short putts and some uncharacteristically wayward drives and irons, presumably a result of the frustration. He drifted into a tie for 33rd and proceeded to lash out at Twitter trolls who were taunting him.

He later apologised to both his fans and sponsors.

In early 2012, Henrik Stenson was ranked 230th in the world.

Following his fourth consecutive top-five finish (a run that includes two Majors and a WGC), he is now back into the top 10 – a position he has spent over 90 weeks in since 2007. The secret to the Swede’s success seems to be his mix of serious power and ability to hole key putts.

Indeed, in the final round at Oak Hill he made eagle on the long par-5 4th that got him within striking distance of the leaders.

However, he bogeyed the easy 14th after finding a fairway divot, and dropped another at the 17th, eventually finishing three off Dufner’s pace. A win surely isn’t be far away and the Ryder Cup will definitely be on his mind.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 23

NCG pp 24 OTT Di Meets…Tim Henman 23/08/2013 10:23 Page 24

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How long have you been playing golf and who introduced you to the game?

I started playing golf aged 5 on holiday in Portugal with my family.

How is your golf at the moment and what is your handicap?

My handicap is +1.

Where do you play?

I am a member at Sunningdale, Queenwood and Huntercombe.

You have had a busy summer commentating on tennis.

Which tennis player is the best golfer?

The best tennis player turned golfer is definitely Scott Draper.

He got his card twice on the Australasian Tour and won an event shooting 64,64 on the weekend!!

Which game do you prefer to play now, tennis or golf?!

Given the choice of a game of tennis or a game of golf, now I would definitely choose golf!!

DI MEETS... TIM HENMAN What are the strengths to your game?

My favourite club is my driver. I would like to improve my putting.

Do you prefer inland or seaside courses and which is your favourite course?

My favourite courses would be Sunningdale Old course, Kingsbarns and Pine Valley.

What was your best round of golf?

My best round is 66 at Sunningdale.

Who is your favourite player?

My favourite player to watch is

“GIVEN THE CHOICE, I WOULD DEFINITELY CHOOSE A GAME OF GOLF OVER TENNIS THESE DAYS” Di chats to Tim Henman who is almost as handy with a wood as he used to be with a racket Justin Rose.... probably because I bet on him to win the US Open!

Justin is a great guy so many congratulations to him.

Who is the most well-dressed golfer in your opinion?

Adam Scott is pretty well turned out on the course.

8th at Sunningdale Old

24 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Why is golf such a great game?

Golf is such a good game because it’s a stationary ball and just you and the course.

One day you can hit the ball well and the next you have no idea where it’s going!

How do the nerves in golf compare to your tennis playing days?

I definitely am a bit nervous when I am on the 1st tee at the Dunhill Links in Scotland. It’s the best golfing week in my year.

Finally, will Europe win the next Ryder Cup at Gleneagles?

Europe are dominating the Ryder Cup and Paul McGinley is definitely going to keep the trophy at Gleneagles.

DI TEAMS UP WITH LYNX “I became the ambassador for Lynx last year and the brand is growing from strength to strength. We all remember Ernie Els and Fred Couples winning Majors with Lynx equipment, the company are building on that heritage and are keen to remember their history in today’s modern market. The company also recognises the importance of the women’s Tour and is very keen to support female British golfers. Design, style and performance are key for Lynx and their innovative ideas are clear to see in their new ranges.” lynxgolf.co.uk

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power, proved to consistently hit further and straighter than any other driver. * Don’t let them use it for anything else.

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*Boom-Boom 2 tested as 9 degree stiff by RoboGolf 11/09/2012 hitting 288.6 metres; on average 6.6 metres further than nearest competitor club. Dispersion rates equalled the lowest of other brands at 3.3.

NCG pp 26 OTT Stromberg 23/08/2013 13:46 Page 26

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DOUBLE AGENT We talk to Chris Hanson about his dual role as a Challenge Tour player and the star of Stromberg’s catalogue What do you think of Stromberg’s clothes and the brand’s history and heritage?

They are absolutely fantastic.

Stromberg been very supportive with me and it’s great to use a product that does exactly what it says on the tin.

The brand is comfortable, it’s fashionable and it has gone from strength to strength over the last eight years.

They introduced their funky range back in 2006/07, proving they move with the times and are one of the market leaders.

I’m from Huddersfield so it’s nice to be supported by someone local as well.

People always comment on how good the garments are and now Stromberg have gone into shirts and jumpers, it’s great to be kitted out in full attire from one company.

What is it like to be the showcase player for the Stromberg catalogue?

I’ve taken a little bit of stick over the years for it, but only friendly banter!

It’s great to be able to do it and it’s certainly an added bonus to be able to get myself out there and increase my reputation and my website.

It’s good fun and Stromberg have provided great support.

The Challenge Tour star sporting a striking pair of red Strombergs

to iron them, which is a huge bonus when you are travelling! The new shirts are really good in the heat, much better than the old style cotton shirts.

Stromberg have such a massive variety of trousers, and are probably the STROMBERG’S HERITAGE only company who have a collection Drawing on a wealth of experience in the that suits all people’s tastes and sizes, textile industry, Stromberg is a company as well as all weathers. which prides itself on producing the highest quality goods. Based in the heart of Yorkshire, the company produces all their goods in Europe using locally sourced fabrics. Stromberg began as a clothing manufacturer in 1977 and supplied textile goods to many leading brands. In the late 1990s they started to produce their own golf range, applying knowledge and experience to produce a trouser range which offered style, comfort and performance to players.

One of the unique aspects of Stromberg’s products is that they offer a true fit, meaning that the products accurately represent the size that the label states. With many high street shops offering sizes that do not reflect the measurements that a tape measure would give, Stromberg’s true fit sizing means you have complete fitting clarity when making a purchase.

You play all over the world, so do the clothes stand up equally as well when it’s freezing cold in Scotland and in the sweltering Dubai heat?

Yeah they’re great. The new shirts are fantastic, and you don’t have

How important is fashion to you as a professional player?

The old fashioned phrase is that if you look good and feel good then you’ll play good, and that’s probably the case.

You have to be comfortable with what you wear.

I’m not the sort of person who is going to go out wearing loudmouth trousers or anything bright, but with Stromberg I get to wear whichever items I want so I feel comfortable when I’m playing.

It gives you confidence in yourself and I think Stromberg is a great image to have.

Which is harder – doing some modelling or holing a key putt in a tournament?

Modelling is definitely more tiring!

When you’re not the supplest of people then standing still and holding a pose is quite painful after about five minutes!

To see Chris modelling more of Stromberg’s latest range, log on to www.stromberggolf.com

NCG pp 27 Amateur Five Things 23/08/2013 10:21 Page 27

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ENGLAND’S MATT FITZPATRICK LANDS THE US AMATEUR James Tompkinson rounds up the action

DID YOU KNOW? The last Englishman to win the US Amateur trophy was Harold Hilton back in 1911. Hilton was a four-time British Amateur champion who had won the Open twice before his US Amateur victory at The Apawamis Club, New York. This year’s US Amateur was also the first in the tournament’s history not to have a US player in the final.

HISTORIC VICTORY FOR HALLAMSHIRE’S FINEST

ENGLAND WIN HOME INTERNATIONALS

SHINKWIN WINS ENGLISH AMATEUR

SUCCESS FOR CULVERWELL AND BUSH

Sheffield’s Matthew Fitzpatrick became the first Englishman in over 100 years to win the US Amateur Championship after a stunning performance at Brookline.

The 18-year-old beat Australian Oliver Goss in the 36-hole final and joins an illustrious list of winners which includes Tiger Woods, Phil Micklelson, Matt Kuchar and Jack Nicklaus.

The victory means that Fitzpatrick, who finished as the leading amateur at Muirfield, will now play in the Masters, Open and US Open next year.

“It's absolutely amazing. I can't really describe how I'm feeling.

That's sort of what everyone wants in golf, wants to achieve, and nice to go down in the history books.”

England secured a comprehensive win in the Home Internationals at Ganton, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.

After an opening day win against the Irish, Terry Casey's team produced an excellent comeback against Wales on day two, winning the singles matches 9-1 after falling behind in the morning foursomes games.

After another tense morning on the final day against Scotland, big wins from Ben Stow and Paul Howard helped the home side to a 9-6 singles win which secured the trophy.

Ireland ended in second place, Scotland finished third and Wales ended the event in last place after failing to record a win.

Callum Shinkwin is the new English Amateur champion after he secured a 4&3 victory over new US Amateur champion Matthew Fitzpatrick in the 36-hole matchplay final at Frilford Heath.

The Moor Park player became the first Hertfordshire player to win the tournament since Sir Nick Faldo’s victory in 1975.

Shinkwin began the final with a blistering round of 68 to open up a three-shot advantage heading into the final afternoon, and confirmed victory on the 32nd hole.

“This win means a lot because it means my name is there alongside some famous ones,” said Shinkwin.

“I played so well in the morning with a bogey-free 68.”

Dunbar’s Alex Culverwell won the Scottish Amateur Championship at Blairgowrie, and Merthyr’s Jack Bush clinched the Welsh Amateur title at Ashburnham.

Culverwell beat James White 2&1 in the 36-hole final over an immaculately presented Landsdowne course, and joins an impressive set of champions which includes Stephen Gallacher and Colin Montgomerie.

“I’m ecstatic, I didn’t expect to do this at the start of the week but I knew I could potentially do it.

Meanwhile Bush secured an impressive 9&8 win over US based student Mike Hearne having knocked out former champion Ben Westgate in the semi-finals.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 27

NCG pp 28 Columnist CC 23/08/2013 10:20 Page 28

COLIN CALLANDER The Walker Cup began for me at the Old Course in 1971 HE first time I watched a Walker Cup was as an excited 13-year-old when my father took me to the last day of the 1971 match over the Old Course at St Andrews.

I had been looking forward to watching the likes of Hugh Stuart, Warren Humphreys, Charlie Green, Roddy Carr, George MacGregor and David Marsh for weeks but, little did I know, that all six of those Great Britain & Ireland players were to win on that fateful final afternoon.

And that Marsh was to hit one of the finest shots I have seen to this day.

That shot came on the Old Course’s infamous 17th Road Hole and it was all-themore memorable because Marsh executed it at a crucial moment in a match in which GB&I were about to win for only the second time in nearly 50 years.

Marsh was playing in the penultimate singles against the formidable Bill Hyndman III and by the time he reached the 17th he knew that if he could beat his opponent he would secure GB&I’s first victory since the 1938 match over the same course.

His drive was solid but nowhere near as memorable as a sublime 3-iron second shot which soared through the air and came to rest no more than 15 feet from the hole.

That set up a winning par 4 and 10 minutes later he halved the 18th to confirm a hitherto almost unimaginable 13-11 scoreline in favour of the home side.

GB&I’s surprise victory led to wild celebrations within the Home of Golf but, unfortunately for British supporters, it did not signal the advent of a new era of parity between the two sides.

The victory came after a run of 12 straight American successes and there would be a further eight more straight after the upset of 1971.

Two years later the US team gained revenge when it won at Brookline and then in 1975, arguably the strongest side the US has ever assembled, claimed a 15 ½ - 8 ½ victory, again back at the Home of Golf.

I was fortunate enough also to be at St Andrews for that match and it was obvious even to a largely inexperienced 17-year-old that the US squad was something special.

Class of 71 GB&I's winning team at St Andrews

T

28 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

‘What I can forecast is that this year’s match will be close’ It included Jerry Pate, Craig Stadler and Curtis Strange who would all go on to win Major titles; future PGA Tour winners in the shape of George Burns, Jay Haas and Gary Koch; plus career amateurs Vinnie Giles, Dick Siderowf and Bill Campbell all of whom won either the British or American amateur titles.

There was also the diminutive John Grace.

He was a largely unheralded figure but he won both his singles during that match and returned across the Atlantic many years later to become a popular winner on the Senior Tour.

Most of my earliest Walker Cup memories involve US victories. Some, like the 1983 match at Hoylake, were relatively close but others, most memorably the 16 ½ - 7 ½ defeat at Sunningdale in 1987 and the 19-5 trouncing at Interlachen in 1993, were embarrassingly lop-sided and resulted in a media clamour to extend the GB&I team to include the top continental players.

I was one of those writers who led the call for change but, fortunately, such a move was resisted and then, in relatively quick succession GB&I won at Royal Porthcawl, Nairn, Ocean Forest and Ganton.

The Americans battled back with victories of their own at Chicago, Royal County Down and Merion but, just when it seemed the bad old days of the Walkover Cup were reemerging, Nigel Edwards’ team defied the odds to win at Royal Aberdeen in 2011 and set up a humdinger of a match back at the National Golf Links of America, where the inaugural Walker Cup was staged in 1922.

I would not be foolish enough to predict what the outcome might be when the teams return to Southampton, New York, this month but what I can forecast is that the match will be close.

Two points or less have separated the sides in four out of five of the most recent matches and there is no reason to doubt that it will be any different this time round.

• Colin Callander is a former editor of Golf Monthly and this year celebrates his 30th anniversary working as a golf writer

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NCG Subs Offer 23/08/2013 12:49 Page 2

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NCG pp 33 Lead to Walker Cup 23/08/2013 10:19 Page 33

THE 2013 WALKER

CUP Your ultimate guide to the showpiece of the amateur game

IN OUR PREVIEW 34 Setting the scene 38 Meet Team GB&I’s 40 USA’s Max Homa 48 The class of 2001

NCG pp 34-36 WC Scenesetter 23/08/2013 13:44 Page 34

WALKER CUP PREVIEW

National

PRIDE Mark Townsend sets the scene for the match at National Golf Links of America by speaking with GB&I captain Nigel Edwards

Image courtesy of Tony Edgeworth

NCG pp 34-36 WC Scenesetter 23/08/2013 13:44 Page 35

WOLST ENHOL ME ON EDW ARDS His dedica tion is extraordinar y and he is incredibly competitiv e; we had some grea t matches and he is still a brillia nt player an d probably ca pable of st ill playing. organised Very well like Peter M cEvoy and, the R&A ba with ck up, then you have a winning co mbination.

N Nigel Edwards we have one of the really good guys. The Welshman will always find time for a chat and then intersperse it with a few laughs. His attention to detail is also extraordinary, in the course of our conversation I mention a friend who will have been on, to put it kindly, the outer fringes of Edwards’ England squad. He then listed where and when he had seen him hit balls on a practice range.

“He didn’t know I was watching him, but I was.”

I

Two years ago the four-time player played a huge part in Great Britain & Ireland’s first win since 2003.

Not many gave his side much of a chance, Edwards’ belief never waivered.

“I had had a quiet look at the things people had said and written, but I told the boys from the outset that they did not need worry about anyone else. All they needed to do was focus on themselves and they are very special and they proved that. They did a great credit for themselves and their families and their countries.”

After a few minutes in his company anyone would want to play for Edwards, something that should, hopefully, become apparent this month.

How hard was it to decide on the final team?

The four selectors agreed at the European Team Championships on at least seven, if not eight, very probables on the team.

The reserves will be very disappointed and I feel for them. Greg Eason was a first-team All American college player and clearly plays well over there. Ryan Evans has come such a long way, last winter he was in England’s development squad and last summer he won the South of England, then this year he was second in the St Andrews Links, won the Berkshire and Biarritz Open, tied second at the South of England and won five out of six at the Home Internationals.

You would love to have 12 players on the team.

There are no Scots in the squad, obviously there is no room for sentiment?

You have to pick the best team, simple as that. When I took the job I said I don’t mind if we have 10 Scots, 10 Irish, 10 Welsh or 10 English, as long as we get the job done. We’re not looking for sentiment, we want players who are performing.

How much of a boost is it to have the new US Amateur champion Matt Fitzpatrick in there?

It is tremendous. Two years ago Jack Senior got to the semi-finals and Neil Raymond was the medalist in qualifying this year and Matt Fitzpatrick’s performance was outstanding. Having him on the team adds a real bit of gold dust there.

I didn’t know whether to ring him during the US Amateur but did and rang on the Friday night and I knew straightaway that I had done the right thing.

He had the semi-final the next day but he was very calm and was delighted at the news. He was always going to be in the team whether he won or lost.

This year the squad didn’t meet up beforehand, ➤

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how has that affected your preparations?

Basically all the players were all over the place with tournaments.

We did think about taking them to America but the only free week was Open Championship week.

We’ll go on August 29 and we’ll be having a special few days as we’re going to Pine Valley, Bayonne in New York Harbour and also Shinnecock before getting to the National Links.

What particular events do you pay close attention to?

All the major British amateur events so that’s the Lytham Trophy, all the national amateur titles, St Andrews Links, British Amateur, European Team Championships, the European individual, the US Amateur and finally the Home Internationals.

You are also looking at the St Andrews Trophy team from last year and the other events from last year and you’re looking for players with great attitudes and great short games. And those who, when they get the chance, can win.

In all team events everyone talks about holing putts as being the key, will you be focusing on this particularly?

I can’t stress enough how much attention we’ll pay to the short game and the greens there will be

that much quicker. A lot of our players will have played in the US Amateur so that will help.

Have you got an idea in your head about pairings?

You are looking for partnerships that have worked well before and players who get on well together.

In 2011 Rhys Pugh ended up with James Byrne and they are very different characters and that worked really well so it’s not a science. I will ask all the players who they might not want to play with and that will go no further.

A lot of them say I don’t mind but you try and squeeze a bit more out of them.

You played on four Walker Cup teams and are a career amateur.

Will you make sure your players are all aware of the great history of this event?

It’s very important to get over the profile and history of the competition. You saw last time how many hours the last matches had on the BBC and it’s a great opportunity for them to be part of the history.

The Walker Cup is a great event; look at the 2011 matches where the Americans had Harrison English, Russell Henley and Jordan Spieth and they have all now won on the PGA Tour.

The players need to understand

36 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

2011 STARS ON EDWARDS Jack Senior: The preparation was unbelievable. He just makes you feel so special, and makes you want to go out there and win for him.

That’s how it makes you feel.

You don’t want to go out there and win for yourself, you want to go out and win for your team. It’s an unbelievable experience.

Michael Stewart: We have the respect for Nigel, he’s played in this event and he’s done so well. We hang on every word he says really.

The motivation in the team room was great. It was just a pleasure playing with him as a captain.

and respect the competition, and they do, and they understand it’s being a part of a winning team.

How easy is it to go from being a player to being the captain?

I haven’t got to hit a shot! My role is to help create an atmosphere to get the most out of the players. It is very easy to get caught up in what is going on as it is so different to any other week.

I feel like I’ve got a close enough relationship with the players without being too close as, ultimately, I’ve got to pick a team.

For the first three parts of the match two players will be rested so

you have to manage that and the different personalities.

How tough is that?

I try and let them know that there are some things that they need to buy into and that any decision has been made for the benefit of the team. It was difficult not to pick Rhys Pugh and James Byrne for the first series of foursomes in Aberdeen and they proved why that was but they always got behind the team. If they’re not a team then we won’t win.

The ideal is to get everyone out on the first day, players haven’t got on the team to sit on the sidelines.

What do you know of the course and the opposition?

It is a second-shot course, the greens are slopey and quick so approach shots need to be very accurate. It is not a massively long course and there should be plenty of birdies.

It didn’t play like a links when I was there but I suspect the greens will be firm and it’s a great venue.

We can’t control what the Americans are doing and, if we look after ourselves, then we’ll be just fine out there. It will be a huge challenge but we have the makings of an excellent team. It was great that England and Scotland were in the final of the European Team championships.

NCG pp 38-39 WC Team GB&I 23/08/2013 13:42 Page 38

WALKER CUP PREVIEW

Meet

Team GB&I

Our captain Nigel Edwards on the men charged with retaining the cup MATTHEW FITZPATRICK

NEIL RAYMOND

CLUB: HALLAMSHIRE AGE: 18 HIGHLIGHT: 2013 US AMATEUR

CLUB: CORHAMPTON AGE: 27 HIGHLIGHT: 2013 ST ANDREWS LINKS TROPHY CHAMPION Raymond held off Walker Cup teammates Nathan Kimsey and Max Orrin at St Andrews in June, adding the Links Trophy to the back-to-back Brabazon titles he won in 2011 and 2012.

He missed out on the squad last time around and at 27 is the oldest member of the team by a fair margin.

Raymond burst onto the international amateur scene at a later age than many of the other squad members.

CHAMPION

Fitzpatrick won the Silver Medal as the leading amateur at the Open Championship at Muirfield and became the first Englishman since 1911 to win the US Amateur Championship with a 4&3 victory over Australian Oliver Goss in the 36hole final.

The 2012 Boys Amateur champion reached the final of the English Amateur where he lost to fellow Walker Cup team-mate Callum Shinkwin.

Fitzpatrick will play collegiate golf at Northwestern University in Chicago from September.

CAPTAIN’S NOTE: Matt is really composed and is a great putter. He will bring a lot to the team room in his own quiet way and I’m sure the confidence he has gained this summer will resonate throughout the entire team. Very calm and focused.

CAPTAIN’S NOTE: He has been desperate to get on this team and has won two Brabazons and then the St Andrews Links Trophy this year.

He proved his matchplay pedigree by reaching the quarters of the Australian Amateur, the final of the Spanish and the quarters of the US Amateur. He has a lot of credentials, is a great man in foursomes and a lovely chipper. A solid guy and good lad.

GARRICK PORTEOUS

CALLUM SHINKWIN

CLUB: BAMBURGH CASTLE AGE: 23 HIGHLIGHT: 2013 BRITISH AMATEUR

CLUB: MOOR PARK AGE: 20 HIGHLIGHT: 2013 ENGLISH AMATEUR

CHAMPION

CHAMPION

Images courtesy of the R&A and Getty

Porteous won the Amateur Championship at Royal Cinque Ports, Deal in June and secured a place in the Open Championship at Muirfield, a place in next year’s US Open at Pinehurst and the traditional invitation to the Masters.

He also won the Scottish Stroke Play Championship at Southerness and was runner-up in the Welsh Amateur Stroke Play.

CAPTAIN’S NOTE: Garrick has really improved his putting this year and made a big effort over the winter with Graham Walker and Phil Kenyon on his short game which paid off with wins in the Amateur Championship and Scottish Stroke Play. He is a good ball striker and long off the tee and was another member of the winning team at the Europeans. Quite a quiet guy and goes about things in his own way. He is also a talented photographer and artist.

38 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Shinkwin beat GB&I team-mate and newly crowned US Amateur champion Matthew Fitzpatrick in the 36-hole final to win the English Amateur in August.

He was a member of the winning English team in both the European Team Championships and the Home Internationals.

The Hertfordshire player also beat players from around the world to win in Columbia at the start of the year.

CAPTAIN’S NOTE: Probably the most explosive player on the team, Callum has that gold dust spark. He won the South American Amateur in January and he has continued that great form with a victory in the English Amateur at Frilford Heath. He hits a lot of great shots that most could only dream of, plays with a smile on his face, is very positive and a great character.

NCG pp 38-39 WC Team GB&I 23/08/2013 13:42 Page 39

Coltart has little sympathy for Scots

GAVIN MOYNIHAN

MAX ORRIN

CLUB: THE ISLAND (IRELAND) AGE: 18 HIGHLIGHT: 2012 IRISH STROKEPLAY WINNER

CLUB: NORTH FORELAND AGE: 19 HIGHLIGHT: 2013 BRITISH AMATEUR SEMI-FINALIST

CAPTAIN’S NOTE: I have known Gavin for a number of years and he is a great competitor and match player. He won the Irish Strokeplay last year and then lost in a play-off this year. Has been finishing exams but has had a couple of good weeks since at the European Amateur in Barcelona and the Home Internationals where he won all his singles. A good putter and solid team member.

CAPTAIN’S NOTE: I can’t sing his praises enough, he has really come of age this year reaching the semi-finals of both the English Amateur Championship and the British Amateur Championship.

Max qualified into the matchplay stages of the US Amateur and has generally, along with Nathan Kimsey, been very consistent throughout the season.

KEVIN PHELAN

RHYS PUGH

CLUB: WATERFORD CASTLE (IRELAND) AGE: 22 HIGHLIGHT: PLAYED IN TWO US OPENS

CLUB: PONTYPRIDD AGE: 19 HIGHLIGHT: WON ALL THREE MATCHES AT

2011 WALKER CUP

CAPTAIN’S NOTE: Kevin has been on the scene since 2010 and has already played in two US Open championships. He has won the on the US college circuit this year and is inside the top 10 on the NCAAs. Kevin is another good putter and will be a great guy to have on the team. He knows the National Golf Links well as he has a friend up at Long Island. A solid performer under pressure.

CAPTAIN’S NOTE: Dependable and knows how to win, which he has done from a very young age by winning men’s events at the age of 13. Rhys has won some big events and will be the only player from the winning team in Aberdeen where he won all three of his matches. He played for Wales when he was 15 with his firstever partner in the Home Internatioanls – a bloke called Nigel Edwards!

JORDAN SMITH

NATHAN KIMSEY

CLUB: BOWOOD AGE: 20 HIGHLIGHT: WINNER OF THE 2013 BRABAZON TROPHY

CLUB: WOODHALL SPA AGE: 20 HIGHLIGHT: RUNNER UP IN ST ANDREWS LINKS TROPHY

CAPTAIN’S NOTE: Jordan is a very dependable lad who first got into the English team last year after reaching the semis of the English Amateur at Silloth-on-Solway. Won four out of four matches playing for England against Spain and topped then off with the Brabazon Trophy success at Formby.

He also has a good record in both foursomes and singles.

CAPTAIN’S NOTE: Nathan has really stepped up this summer and is a real hard worker. He will be a very strong part of the team and was great at the European Team Championships. There has barely been a tournament this year where he hasn’t performed. He has won in America so knows how to get over the line as well as being very consistent.

FOR the first time since 1949, there will be no Scottish players in the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team.

The 2013 squad is only the second in the history of the event not to contain a single Scot, and former Ryder and Walker Cup player Andrew Coltart (pictured) had little sympathy with the omitted players.

In an interview with The Scotsman, Coltart questioned the application levels shown by the top Scottish amateurs.

“Glimpses of a quality golfer isn’t enough to merit selection,” said Coltart.

“Sadly, a lot of great opportunities have been ignored and things taken for granted. Instead of looking for excuses, they should be looking in the mirror. Being a professional golfer takes a lot of hard work and dedication.

There are many who don’t make it. So, it didn’t surprise me that Scotland didn’t have anyone picked on this team,” he added.

“Some don’t take notes in their yardage books when they play practice or competitive rounds. I find this bizarre, inexcusable even!

“What is it about some of these amateurs that they think they can get away without doing these basics? Are they that good? The answer seems simple I’m afraid.”

Only one Scottish player, James Ross, ended the season inside the top 100 of the World Amateur Golf Rankings, with a further four placed inside the top 200. Comparatively, England have 16 players inside the top 100, nine of which failed to make the Walker Cup squad, and Ireland have four players rated higher than Ross.

So, there are currently 20 GB&I players rated higher than the highest-ranked Scotsman.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 39

NCG pp 40-41 WC Max Homa 23/08/2013 15:17 Page 40

WALKER CUP PREVIEW

THE VIEW FROM AMERICA

HOMA’S ODYSSEY

American writer Judd Spicer offers an insight into the youngster he expects to shine for Team USA AX HOMA is no stranger to the feeling of disappointment on a golf course. Yet once the recent Cal-Berkley grad got a taste of the winner’s circle, his appetite for eminence has become insatiable.

In early May of this year, Homa play-off at US Open sectional earned his first outright collegiate qualifying in Southern California victory with a dominating, wire-to- to punch a ticket to the US Open wire win at the Pac-12 Conference Championship at Merion.

Championships in which he And though Homa would opened with a course-record 61 at follow an opening-round 73 with a Los Angeles Country Club before Friday 78 that found him missing outlasting the field by five shots. the Open cut line by three shots, Four weeks later, Homa would the 22-year-old was nonetheless claim individual medalist honors at able to hang a cap on outscoring the stroke play NCAA Division-I the likes of Keegan Bradley, Championships with a three-shot Graeme McDowell, Jordan Spieth, edge over six runners-up at the Angel Cabrera and Jim Furyk.

Capitol City Club outside of “Winning that first Atlanta. The following week, tournament, the Pac-12 Homa emerged from a two-hole Championship, just gave me that

M

MICHAEL KIM

THREE OTHER AMERICANS TO LOOK OUT FOR...

One has a famous surname, another has bags of tour experience and the final hot-shot is out for revenge.

40 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Homa’s former Cal team-mate authored a sterling sophomore season with four individual titles and a slew of awards that included the Golfweek/Sagarin Player of the Year, the Jack Nicklaus Award as top player in NCAA Division-I golf and the Fred Haskins Award as national collegiate player of the year. At the US Open, Kim was low amateur by five shots, eventually earning a tie for 17th.

JUSTIN THOMAS Two months after leading Alabama to the D-I title (a leading event on the college golf circuit), Thomas announced his intention to turn professional following the Walker Cup. The decision seems apt considering that Thomas has already appeared in four PGA Tour events, making three cuts. At the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship in June, he finished T-30.

NCG pp 40-41 WC Max Homa 23/08/2013 15:17 Page 41

bit of confidence I didn’t have before,” Homa said in late July while prepping for an appearance among a cache of collegiate AllAmericans at the Web.com Tour’s Mylan Classic.

“My head is in a good spot.

I’ve started to feel very comfortable in regard to outcomes and calmer about my finishes. I knew I could win out there. I’d racked-up something like 10 or 12 second-place finishes in college.

But never getting that [outright] win . . . it’s not like it haunted me, but it bugged me. It started to become a weight on my back.

Now, I just feel freed-up.”

The lure of off-course green accompanied Homa’s spring and summer sizzle, with opportunities for professional exemptions at PGA Tour events such as the FedEx St Jude Classic, the Travelers Championship and the RBC Canadian Open.

“Obviously, the money that presents itself is a bonus and you can kinda start making money quick, but I don’t think that was for me at the time,” said Homa.

The reward for staving off temptation and remaining a gentleman amateur was validated in mid July when Homa was one of five players initially named to the American team for the 44th playing of the Walker Cup match at the National Golf Links of America.

With plans to turn pro directly

Image courtesy of the USGA

after the Walker, the opportunity for one last amateur salvo was too much to walk away from.

“It was really a tough decision,” Homa added of passing on the tour exemptions.

“But making the Walker Cup team in our country with so many good golfers, I just didn’t want to turn down the challenge and the opportunity to make this team.

“Looking back, it’s probably one of the better decisions I’ve ever made.”

Now seeking to segue his summer sizzle into an autumn fall of the Cup-holding Great Britain

PATRICK RODGERS Part of America’s losing 2011 Walker Cup squad, Rodgers will be driven to readily improve on his 0-2-1 showing two years ago. A five-time individual medalist in his two seasons at Stanford (Tiger Woods and Michelle Wie’s alma mater), the junior-to-be claimed a T-15 finish at the Tour’s John Deere Classic in mid-July. A highly regarded prospect.

& Ireland squad, Homa is able to employ the lessons of his recent run to further his confidence heading to the Walker battle grounds for the September showdown.

“The first couple of days at the (US) Open were really intimidating, but looking back on it now, that was the biggest thing I had to get over,” Homa detailed.

“But if people had told me that one over would have won the event, I probably would’ve done a lot better; at least told you that I could’ve shot one over.

“But you get so nervous and it’s

scary to think that you’re going to try to beat your idols. Now, looking back, it was kinda silly of me to focus on who I was playing with instead of the course.

“But I think that’s what the setting did. There’s just a lot going on that week and you just have to focus on the golf.

“What I learned, mostly, is that I can play out there.”

With introductory practice rounds at the National Golf Links played in early August, Homa admits that the windy, links-style grounds may serve as comfort turf to the visitors.

“I’m sure it might make them feel at home, or at ease, but I know that we’ve all had our experiences with links-style golf,” he said.

“So it should be good. It should level everything out nicely for both sides.”

Ultimately, Homa aims to help influence said level toward an American side that hasn’t lost a Cup on domestic soil since 2001.

“I’d love to be on a team that re-acquires the Cup,” he concluded. “I think that just adds a bigger bonus to it.

“What gets me going is getting to represent the Red, White and Blue. To wear the colors; I don’t think it’s something that happens to a lot of people.

“And it’s something I’m extremely proud of – that’s the biggest thing for me, that’s what excites me the most.”

THE AMERICAN VERDICT To conclude his lowdown on what Team USA will offer at National Links, our American correspondent Judd Spicer considers all the factors and offers his conclusion on where the 2013 Walker Cup match will be decided...

Revisiting the National Golf layout, a battle-tested US bunch has Links of America for the enough experience on such stages to first time since the Walker reclaim the Cup in what will prove a taut Cup’s inaugural match in match to the end.

1922 is significant for Bobby Jones, Francis Ouimet, Chick everyone associated with this latest Evans and Robert Gardner were all part instalment in the history of the event. of an American team that handled the And it will prove too steep a visitors 8 to 4 back in ‘22, and their mountain of history for even a talented luminary spirits will oversee a close collection of visitors to climb. victory by the hosts.

Although the GB&I team should no Spicer’s prediction: doubt be well-served by the links-style America 14-12 GB&I

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 41

NCG pp 42-45 WC The Greatest Match 23/08/2013 13:34 Page 42

WALKER CUP PREVIEW

THE

GREATEST MATCH

Dan Murphy recalls the 2007 Walker Cup at Royal County Down when a host of now household names introduced themselves to the golfing world

42 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 42-45 WC The Greatest Match 23/08/2013 13:34 Page 43

HERE are no guarantees that playing in the Walker Cup will lead to a successful professional career. Yet it remains the case that even in this age of the best young players considering the Walker Cup as a stepping stone rather than the final destination that almost all the best British, Irish and American players play in the amateur game's showpiece before joining the paid ranks.

And for the best possible example, you only need to look at the cast list from the 2007 Walker Cup at magnificent Royal County Down in Northern Ireland.

The match finished in a narrow American victory but more intriguingly a series of sub-plots begun as a host of soon-to-be world-class young players made their first acquaintances with each other.

In summary, since that memorable early-September

T

“The star then, as now, was home hero McIlroy” weekend six years ago, two of the players have gone on to become Major champions while a further nine have won titles on either the PGA or European Tours.

Four have already gone on to play in the Ryder Cup with more likely to follow them in the years ahead.

Then, as now, the star was Rory McIlroy, aged 17 and playing in what was effectively his own back garden.

Irish crowds of 10,000 per day marched the fairways and the vast majority made a beeline for the local teenager with the world at his feet.

Yet what the spectators that week did not know was just how much talent there was on the American team.

One of the most fascinating aspects of spectating at a Walker Cup is trying to work out which of the players on view will go on to great things. It is not always as obvious as you might think.

The word on the street surrounding this American team when they arrived in Ireland, ➤

NCG pp 42-45 WC The Greatest Match 23/08/2013 13:34 Page 44

WALKER CUP PREVIEW

1

3

6

44 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

2

4

5

7

1 Can you spot Dustin and Rickie?

2 Rickie and Colt Knost celebrate 3 Rhys Davies and Lloyd Saltman 4 David Horsey and John Parry 5 Danny Willett holes a putt 6 Webb Simpson with the trophy 7 Royal County Down bites back

NCG pp 42-45 WC The Greatest Match 23/08/2013 13:34 Page 45

believe it or not, was that it was lacking in star quality. How erroneous that assessment has proved to be.

The team contained the likes of the 2012 US Open champion Webb Simpson, but he was only able to take half a point from his three games and was twice beaten in singles on the final green by Cheshire’s David Horsey.

Dustin Johnson, then little known, was tanked 5&4 in the first day's singles by the impressive Rhys Davies – though he did at least win one and halve the other of his two foursomes alongside Colt Knost, the team's most celebrated player at the time.

Johnson, who has gone on to play on two Ryder Cups and contend in several Majors, was benched for the final series of foursomes.

It was a much happier weekend for two more PGA Tour stars of the future, Rickie Fowler and Billy Horschel, who teamed up for emphatic foursomes wins against first Davies and Lloyd Saltman, then the the prize scalp of McIlroy and his countryman Jonathan Caldwell.

McIlroy was also beaten by Horschel in a tight singles game on the Saturday afternoon. So by lunchtime on the second and final day, the home hero was visibly riled, complaining about perceived gamesmanship and Horschel's irritating habit of running ahead of him.

If the Holywood hero had until that point given the impression of treating the weekend as the same kind of exhibition he memorably claimed the Ryder Cup to be ahead of his debut at Celtic Manor, his mood changed markedly.

Wouldn't you just know that the two were matched up for a third time in the Sunday singles in the top match.

Finally, McIlroy had some revenge, in the shape of a 4&2 triumph. Yet his record of one win and a half from four games was hardly what captain Colin Dalgleish was hoping for from his star man.

In two Ryder Cups to date, McIlroy's record is no better than ordinary (W4 H2 L3) and you wonder if a trend was set before he

GB&I

AMERICA

Jonathan Caldwell – On and off the Challenge Tour and European Tour since turning pro in 2008

Rickie Fowler – Played in the 2010 Ryder Cup and now a bona fide PGA Tour star

Rhys Davies – Won the Trophee Hassan in 2010 and nearly made the Ryder Cup team that year

Billy Horschel – Won the PGA Tour's Zurich Classic earlier this year after several near misses

Nigel Edwards – Now director of coaching at England Golf, Edwards is also GB&I's Walker Cup captain

Dustin Johnson – Won seven PGA Tour titles since turning pro after the Walker Cup

David Horsey – Two wins and an established figure on the European Tour

Chris Kirk – Won the Viking Classic two years ago on the PGA Tour and going well in 2013

Rory McIlroy – Won the 2011 US Open and last year's PGA Championship

Colt Knost – Has a PGA Tour card this year. Best finish on tour is third (twice)

Llewellyn Matthews – Played mainly on satellite tours without notable success

Trip Kuehne – Career amateur who knocked out Tiger Woods in the 1994 US Amateur

Jamie Moul – Earned European Tour card last year after winning on Challenge Tour

Jamie Lovemark – Back injury caused two years out. Better now and won on Web.com Tour recently

John Parry – Won the Vivendi Cup in 2010. 5th in the Scottish Open recently

Jonathan Moore – Earned winning point at RCD. Now playing mainly in Asia

Lloyd Saltman – Plays mainly on the Challenge Tour. Had a top 5 this season

Webb Simpson – Won the US Open at Olympic last year and played in the Ryder Cup

Danny Willett Finally won his maiden European Tour event, the BMW International, last year

Kyle Stanley – Won the Phoenix Open last year – a week after losing a playoff to Snedeker at Torrey Pines

HOW THEY’VE FARED SINCE 2007 even turned pro.

Nor was it the kind of week the team's other star name had hoped for.

Lloyd Saltman had finished even higher in the 2005 Open, at St Andrews (T-15th), than McIlroy did at Carnoustie earlier in 2007 (T-42nd). But the Scot played so poorly on the first day that he was omitted from the Sunday foursomes.

The Americans actually outplayed a very talented home side in three of the four series and the eventual final scoreline was closer than it probably ought to have been.

Much of GB&I's play up until the final singles session was uninspired. Only Danny Willett broke par in the Saturday singles – and even that was not good enough to win his game.

The Americans may have been

flattered by their 4-0 whitewash in the Sunday foursomes but not by the overall 10-6 lead that accurately reflected their superiority to that point.

Then came a brave fightback, and a level of play unrecognisable from the day before. Cumulatively, GB&I were an estimated 27 over par in the Saturday singles.

On Sunday they were two under.

Leading the way was Wales’ Davies. Playing in his second Walker Cup, the then 24-year-old had just graduated from East Tennessee State University and had clearly benefitted from his time in the States. He was the one home player who looked to have the beating of every single American opponent.

Two one-sided singles games illustrated that and when he shook hands with Fowler, to that point

boasting three wins from three games, on the 16th green, his back nine scorecard read: 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 3.

Davies began his professional career in some style and came close to making Colin Montgomerie’s side in his home country in 2010.

His form has dipped since then but he remains a joy to watch with his old-fashioned putter.

England's David Horsey won three of his four games to be GB&I's top points scorer while much credit was also due to the whole-hearted Daniel Willett, who was nowhere near making the side at the start of the season.

Unlucky enough to draw the redoubtable Knost, reigning US Amateur champion, in the singles both days, the then teenager was undaunted, taking his illustrious opponent down the 18th on Saturday and securing a half 24 hours later despite being expected before the match to be little more than a bit-part player.

Despite such heroics – former player, captain and chairman of selectors Peter McEvoy declared he had "never seen such naked courage on a golf course" – the truth is that GB&I had simply left themselves too much to do.

They were unable to prevent the USA repeating their 12 1⁄2 11 1⁄2 win at Chicago in the previous instalment.

The decisive and sublime blow came from America’s Jonathan Moore, playing against GB&I’s much-respected captain this year, Nigel Edwards.

From 252 yards, his 4 iron approach to the final green from the semi rough left the blade like a guided missile.

His tap-in eagle ensured the cup was America's.

Six years on, and Moore is playing mainly in Asia. Which is a sobering reminder to show that for every McIlroy, Simpson, Fowler and Johnson, there are others yet to make their mark on the professional game.

Nevertheless, if you watch closely at National Golf Links there will almost certainly be several players on display who will go on to be household names.

See if you can spot them first in the Walker Cup.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 45

NCG pp 46-47 WC McEvoy 23/08/2013 10:14 Page 46

WALKER CUP PREVIEW

NCG pp 46-47 WC McEvoy 23/08/2013 10:14 Page 47

ACK in 1977 Peter McEvoy made his debut alongside another rookie, Sandy Lyle, at Shinnecock Hills.

The pair wore synthetic blue trousers which heated up in the sun. They would go on to lose their opening match 4&3 and neither would contribute as much as half a point in a 16-8 reversal.

Since then McEvoy has been as pivotal as anyone in the amateur game in reinvigorating the Great Britain & Ireland outfit and his two stints as captain, in 1999 and 2001, resulted in a pair of crushing 15-9 victories.

B

You often talk about the stat of home teams winning two thirds of their matches – how do you change that thinking when playing away?

You use the same statistics. You illustrate the two thirds at home and you explain that that can only be because of what is going on in your mind.

All the other things are constant so it shows the power of the mind.

Is it key to drum the favourites tag into the players?

It is very important. When I first took over as captain we had lost 33 of 37 matches and it was important to change the expectation level.

We had had a good run, we had won the Eisenhower Trophy in 1998, we had the No 1 amateur in the world (Luke Donald) and we had players wining college events so that was hugely emphasised.

I copied something that the Lions had done with Willie John McBride when handing out the jerseys and he always said a few lines.

I remember handing out the cashmere sweaters and just relating the records of all the players in front of each other and, by the time you had gone through half a dozen players, the atmosphere in the room was very much like one of a team of winners, How much are the American crowds a factor?

As soon as we had won over there, an hour and a half before the end, everyone had gone home.

American crowds are as violently

HOW TO

WIN IN

AMERICA

By Peter McEvoy, 2001 GB&I captain

Mark Townsend picks the brain of the astute Walker Cup legend

patriotic as any crowd but, again, you can control that in your mind.

How important is it to keep things fresh and not to overprepare with practice rounds on the same course?

In 1977 in my first match we went very early to Shinnecock and we were sick of the sight of the place by the time the matches started.

The Americans did the same in 2001 and went very early and overpractised.

I only allowed our team twoand-a-half practice days at the course.

Everyone was desperate to get on the course so the more I could make them feel like that the better.

The Americans would be going out on buggies by themselves to practise a shot that they hadn’t practised and they were getting into over-thinking things.

The course was still fresh and exciting to us.

If you look at a Major the pros will have two days’ practice. They might go the week before to have a bit of privacy but two days is basically enough.

How good a judge of character do you have to be given that you have 10 individuals as part of your team?

It is common sense really, people like Gary Wolstenholme and Luke Donald don’t need any cajoling or motivation and they have their own agendas.

There is no better team man than someone who is trying to win a point for themselves.

Then there are some players who might feel a bit uncomfortable or overawed and you just have to build them up as best you can.

How would you pick Gary Wolstenholme’s brains?

Gary was obsessed with winning a point so if you asked him who he would like to play with in foursomes then that would give you a good idea of who he considered was

playing best.

As far as he was concerned that was his pecking order of merit of the players. It wouldn’t necessarily be right but it gave you some extra information.

How would you generally go about your foursomes and singles order?

There is a momentum thing in team golf, you want to be saying to matches three and four that matches one and two are ahead. So I tended to stick out my best players in the foursomes.

At Nairn I put Casey and Donald out together and they won both matches.

For different reasons, I put Graeme Rankin out early but that was only because he was the only Scot in the side and I wanted him to get the crowds going.

It worked very well.

You played at Peachtree in 1989 when GB&I won for the first time overseas. What were some of the keys to that win?

That really was groundbreaking, nobody had done it before and we had a good team and we were better than they were.

It was very hot and we only just staggered over the line.

If we had played at home I think we would have killed them, and the conditions made it as close as it was.

You get belief from achievements and I think it had a minor effect on achievements.

Given their win was away was the 2001 side slightly better than 1999?

There wasn’t a lot in it, if they played a match it would be very close but, given the fact that they won away, maybe 2001 would slightly edge it.

How much of an advantage was it to have players out there playing in the States?

In those days it was quite important, it was the early days of our team realising we weren’t inferior.

The players now play a lot internationally and with the Ryder Cups and other team competitions the illusion that American golf is superior has now gone.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 47

NCG pp 48-53 WC The Story Of 2001 23/08/2013 16:23 Page 48

WALKER CUP PREVIEW

Left to right: Nigel Edwards, Marc Warren, Steven O’Hara, Graeme McDowell, Jamie Elson, Luke Donald, Peter McEvoy, Richard McEvoy, Nick Dougherty, Gary Wolstenholme and Michael Hoey

WHEN WE WERE

NCG pp 48-53 WC The Story Of 2001 23/08/2013 16:23 Page 49

KINGS

Mark Townsend speaks to three members of GB&I’s star-studded, record-breaking 2001 side

NCG pp 48-53 WC The Story Of 2001 23/08/2013 16:23 Page 50

WALKER CUP PREVIEW NLY once had Great Britian & Ireland triumphed on American soil, back at Peachtree, Georgia, in 1989.

Now, 12 years later and back in Georgia, the visitors were the holders after a resounding 15-9 triumph at Nairn in Scotland.

Only two members of that team were still in place, World No 1 amateur Luke Donald and Gary Wolstenholme, but so was the captain Peter McEvoy.

Any inferiority complexes over being the weaker team or there to simply make up the numbers were no longer part of the GB&I makeup thanks to McEvoy and it showed over the two days at Sea Island. McEvoy’s men retained the Walker Cup for the first time ever and by the exact same 15-9 margin. We spoke to three members of the team; Marc Warren (MW), Michael Hoey (MH) and Gary Wolstenholme (GW) about their memories of this historic match.

O

DAY 1 FOURSOMES GW: I remember Steven O’Hara being a bit nervous and we were out in the first match so I hit the first tee shot. There was water left and trees right, I hit driver down the middle, twirled the club and gave him a wink - and all of a sudden he was smiling.

I always say the key to team success is to laugh a lot, it takes the pressure off immediately. On the team bus at Porthcawl we had Billy Connolly on the team bus.

At Nairn we played Caddyshack in the team room; Luke Donald knows every word and Simon Dyson and I were like kids anyway and we just laughed all the time.

MH: Peter McEvoy was very good, he was different and a bit eccentric maybe. He used a lot of psychology. Luke was the No 1 amateur in the world and was turning pro the week after the matches and Graeme was starting to get extremely good at college. I was behind those guys but I had just won the Amateur at Prestwick.

What really helped me was an 11th-place finish in the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond after a best-of-the-day 64 on the Sunday.

So my confidence was higher. He didn’t tell me I was playing with Graeme McDowell. We thought we would be playing together but he said we would be playing with other people, so we were more excited when he only told us the night before. Graeme was very positive, if I could hit him to 30 feet there was a good chance that he would hole it and you could feed off his positivity.

Results: Green & Trahan lost to O’Hara & Wolstenholme 5&3 Cassini & Glover beat Donald & Dougherty 4&3 Eger & Molder halved with Elson & R McEvoy Driscoll & Quinney lost to McDowell & Hoey 3&1 USA 1 ½ GB&I 2 ½

DAY 1 SINGLES MW: I was disappointed not to play the morning but totally understood the pairings and looking back it was quite a good way to ease my way into it, supporting my team-mates and knowing I was playing in the

50 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

...ON LUKE DONALD MW: Donald was not the most vocal in the team but his stature in the amateur game spoke for itself.

Steven O’Hara and I played a lot of practice rounds with Luke and Nick Dougherty and got to know him quite a bit when we had a training camp at La Manga. Nigel Edwads and Gary had the experience and their advice was always available – I had lots of questions, the only Major I had been to was the Open so I asked Gary about the 1st tee.

GW: Luke and Paul Casey were the most confident players we have ever had in a Walker Cup. Luke is like Bernhard Langer, he does everything right. He is very bright and analytical, he maybe lacks the extrovert nature that might win him a Major but who knows. afternoon. In the singles against John Harris I remember standing on the 1st and thinking it was one of the toughest tee shots I had ever seen. It was only a 2 iron but there was water down the left and trees down the right and grandstands everywhere else. He had never

been defeated in singles before but I managed to pull through.

MH: Lucas Glover beat me in the singles and he was solid. Luke was seven under the following day to win 3&2 on a very tough course.

GW: I lost to Erik Compton in the top match. We had a great match but the crowd got a bit too vociferous and a bit over the top.

Results: Compton beat Wolstenholme 3&2

Trahan beat O’Hara 2&1 Driscoll lost to Dougherty 2&1 Cassini beat Edwards 5&4 Harris lost to Warren 5&4 Quinney lost to Donald 3&2 Molder beat McDowell 2&1 Glover beat Hoey 1 hole USA 6 ½ GB&I 5 ½

DAY 2 FOURSOMES MH: On the second day we had to wear a darker colour of trousers.

Peter McEvoy told us there was no difference in heat absorption rates – it was 104˚ but he didn’t want it to get in our heads.

GW: Peter then decided to rest

NCG pp 48-53 WC The Story Of 2001 23/08/2013 16:24 Page 51

me in the foursomes which was a stupid idea and Marc Warren played with Steven, they lost by a big margin and it could have jeopardised the whole match.

MW: It was obvious we were going to get beaten so we tried to try and enjoy the rest of it and find something for the afternoon. As soon we finished we ate then went to the range; we know each other’s game well and gave each other a couple of thoughts and won our singles. It was one of those matches where if we made par they made birdie and if we made bogey they made par so the score was quite heavy but they deserved to win. Our pride was hurt but it was just one point and it made us even more determined to win the singles.

Results: Compton & Harris lost to Donald & Dougherty 3&2 Cassini & Glover lost to McDowell & Hoey 2&1 Eger & Molder beat O’Hara & Warren 7&6 Green & Trahan lost to Elson & R McEvoy 1 hole USA 7 ½ GB&I 8 ½

AN ALL-STAR CAST BOTH teams from 2001 have contributed one US Open winner apiece in Graeme McDowell and Lucas Glover.

Other than Nigel Edwards, all of the GB&I side turned pro, although Wolstenholme not until 2008. Warren, Donald, McDowell, Dougherty and Hoey have all won on the European Tour. The biggest surprise is three-time winner Dougherty’s drop in form in recent years.

DAY 2 SINGLES MW: I was confident, I was a good long iron player and the conditions suited me. On the Sunday I had a 3 iron late on which I held off against the wind and it came off just right.

To defend the trophy for the first time and to hole the winning

putt just made it all the more special. We were always confident that we would win but maybe not by that margin over there. We had so much quality in the side.

It is hard to judge these things but maybe it was the strongest team we’ve had.

MH: You could see the scores on the board and I had to focus on my game. I wasn’t playing a very strong player in Danny Green, he was an older guy on a course that was a bit too tough for him but he was still three up after five holes.

Nobody told me we had won though there was a sense that we were close.

GW: I liked to play at the top or the bottom which was normally where the pressure is.

My first Walker Cup I went off number eight against Tiger and that worked out really well.

I played Nick Cassini who was rated one of their best players and it worked out pretty good and I won at the 15th. It also meant that I was the first player to be on three different winning GB&I teams.

...ON GRAEME McDOWELL MH: His swing was more underneath and his work with Pete Cowen over the last few years has helped him to cover the ball more.

Even then he had four wedges in his bag which was quite advanced thinking then as most of us would have three at the most.

MW: I had never met him before, he would hit a high slinging hook then off the tee, now he can hit it both ways but looks comfortable hitting it right to left.

I got quite a shock when I played with him years later to see how he has totally changed his game. But even then he was a very good putter and wedge player.

Results: Glover lost to Donald 3&2 Harris lost to O’Hara 4&3 Trahan lost to Dougherty 1 hole Driscoll lost to Warren 2&1 Molder beat McDowell 1 hole Green lost to Hoey 1 hole E Compton halved with J Elson Cassini lost to Wolstenholme 4&3 USA 9 GB&I 15

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 51

NCG pp 48-53 WC The Story Of 2001 23/08/2013 16:24 Page 52

WALKER CUP PREVIEW

THE CAPTAIN’S REPORT

GB&I PLAYERS GIVE THEIR VERDICT ON McEVOY... AND AMERICA’S SKIPPER REFLECTS Peter McEvoy has been heralded as one of the greatest captains in Walker Cup history.

Here, three of his charges reflect on his strengths...

MW: His attention to detail was incredible and he was very thorough and professional. His team talks were very much about not being overawed and stargazing the Americans. We were mentally fully prepared for the challenge ahead.

Gary was older but was a kid at heart. He could hit a 3 wood as

close as most people would hit a short iron and the course suited him as it was quite tight.

GW: Peter was probably the greatest tactician and he had this amazing manmanagement ability, he would recognise players’ strengths and weaknesses as an individual. He wouldn’t use the same words for everyone.

In a team situation in golf it is very unusual as normally it is a very individual sport and it

52 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

is one of the reasons why the Americans haven’t been successful as they are very individually motivated. You would see him coming towards you and I would say to my partner ‘you are going to get a funny comment in 5-4-3-2-1

seconds’ and he would ask how we were doing?

We would say we were one up, he would reply ‘I’m sure I said I wanted you to be two up by this point, I’ll give you a couple of holes and I’ll be back’.

He would always come up with a funny comment, he would watch the opponent swing, pull an odd face and say ‘you’ll be fine, I’ll leave you to it’.

MH: Peter was very clever; he would introduce us to the crowd as Luke Donald, No 1 college player, and then list his victories.

So he also mentioned my finish in Scotland and it gave us all so much confidence before the matches had got under way.

NCG pp 48-53 WC The Story Of 2001 23/08/2013 16:24 Page 53

“When you shake hands you look them in the eye with a firm shake” - Gary Wolstenholme GARY Wolstenholme played on six Walker Cup teams from 1995-2005 and won four of them.

In that period he beat none other than Tiger Woods on his debut at Royal Porthcawl as well as Matt Kuchar, Bill Haas, Anthony Kim and Casey Wittenberg.

Here he shares his memories of how he tried, and often succeeded, in getting one over the Americans.

Danny Yates Junior was only the second American captain to lose on home soil. This is how he reflects on the week...

“I knew they had a great team; that we were really, really going to have to play well. On the first day I think we had them down in seven matches early in the afternoon, but I really didn't think that was going to last because they were too good.

I was hoping for maybe a split in the foursomes, and then see what happened in the afternoon, but they got off to a good start, and we really didn't.

“I guess a couple of our guys did, but they put the pressure on early. They made birdies and got us down and kept us down, and we came back. We had a fighting

chance, but we just made more mistakes and they played better.

They played really well.

“That's why I wanted to see what kind of scores they were shooting.

“I know Lucas Glover was under par and lost to Luke Donald on 16 and he made a lot of birdies.

We just didn't get the job done and they played very well. I like the way it matched up but they just outplayed us.

“We have a world amateur team and a Walker Cup team, and they do it a little more often; that's not an excuse, but they are good at it. A lot of their guys were raised to play on these teams and they play, obviously, great team matchplay.”

“I was phoned up a couple of weeks before the 2003 matches at Ganton by Mark Reason of the Daily Telegraph and he asked what my tactics were for matchplay.

I said that Peter McEvoy had given me some good tips and that you should try and dominate the match from the 1st tee so you get your golf ball and say ‘Titleist 1’. So if he is using the same ball then the onus is on him to change ball.

“When you shake hands you look them in the eye with a firm shake. Then it is always big swishes like Olazabal does, like you really mean it.

“I would always try and walk quickly so the opponent is always looking at my back and you are in charge. On the greens just say ‘repair any pitchmarks, you don’t need to ask’ so, again, you are in control.

“The Americans were in the male changing rooms and they had pictures of me turned upside down. In the matches they would do all these things that I had said so I then walked very slowly and they would be looking back to see where I was.

“Against Wittenberg in the

second-day singles as soon as I had broken his focus at the 8th I knew I had him. He was one up and had hit a decent tee shot and his intensity had gone slightly and then I really started to irritate him by winning the next two, the second with an eagle. He then took a massive divot out of the green at the 10th and I had him. It is super critical to hit fairways and greens in the first few holes, you think you have to raise your game but the main thing is to keep hitting fairways and greens.

“The breakfast at Quaker Ridge in 1997 was dire, it was all sweet and sugary. We need low-fat yoghurts and fruit and oatbased cereals.

They brought out doughnuts and Graeme Rankin is troughing these down, everyone was. They tasted great but they are the worst things you could have.

“I could tell pretty quickly how good a putter my opponent was, I would test them on the first couple of holes and, if I thought there was a risk that they would miss one then I would leave it for a few, and then make them hole it.

When they looked at me I would totally ignore them, I would be doing my own thing. If they then have to ask then you know there is an issue. At Nairn David Gossett had a putt to win the hole at 17 and he knocked it three foot past, he said ‘even I wouldn’t give myself that’.

Of course I didn’t but, to his credit, he did hole it.”

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NCG pp 54-55 WC Where Are They Now? 23/08/2013 11:15 Page 54

WALKER CUP PREVIEW

THE CLASS OF 2011: MICHAEL STEWART Stewart turned professional following the Walker Cup in 2011 and has played events on the European Tour, the EuroPro Tour and the Alps Rising Stars Tour. The 22-year-old signed with International Sports Management.

JACK SENIOR Senior now plays on the Challenge Tour, but has had a disappointing year and missed eight successive cuts.

His best performance was tied fourth in the 2012 Kazakhstan Open.

PAUL CUTLER Cutler played in the 2012 Irish Open, but that remains his only European Tour appearance to date. He currently plays on the EuroPro Tour and has several top-10 finishes this year.

RHYS PUGH Pugh is still an amateur and played in his first Open Championship at Muirfield this year after winning the Welsh Open at Royal Porthcawl. He will be making his second Walker Cup appearance.

STEVEN BROWN Brown turned professional following the Walker Cup and played in a handful of events on the European Challenge Tour with little success. His best finish was T14th in the 2012 Norwegian Challenge.

STIGGY HODGSON Hodgson turned professional in 2012 and finished as the joint winner of Alps Tour Final Qualifying School. He finished third in the EuroPro Tour qualifying this year and plays regular events on this circuit.

54 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

ALAN DUNBAR Dunbar remained an amateur after the match and went on to win the 2012 Amateur at Troon. He played in the 2012 Open and 2013 Masters before turning pro.

JAMES BYRNE Byrne turned pro shortly after the match and plays most of his golf on the Asian Tour. He has also played a few European Tour events including the Scottish Open and the Johnnie Walker Championship.

TOM LEWIS Finished tied 10th in his first European Tour event before winning the Portugal Masters in October 2011.

Was the European Tour’s 2011 Rookie of the Year but had a modest 2012 season and also, so far, 2013.

ANDY SULLIVAN Sullivan is currently enjoying a successful period on the European Tour. Although he is yet to win, he has posted several top-10 finishes, including tied third at the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

NCG pp 54-55 WC Where Are They Now? 23/08/2013 11:15 Page 55

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? PATRICK RODGERS Remains an amateur and will make his second appearance for the US. He is currently completing his study at Stanford University in California.

NATHAN SMITH Still an amateur and works as an investment advisor.

Played in 2013 Masters following several strong performances in amateur events last year.

PETER UIHLEIN Turned pro in 2011 and began life on the Challenge Tour. He won the Maderia Islands Open in May and now plays on the European Tour where he has enjoyed several high finishes.

HARRIS ENGLISH Earned a 2012 PGA Tour card and made 22 out of 27 cuts, earning over $1.8m and keeping his tour card.

Gained his first PGA Tour win at the FedEx St. Jude Classic in Memphis.

JORDAN SPIETH Turned pro in December 2012 and now plays on the PGA Tour. Gained first tour win by beating David Hearn and Zach Johnson in a playoff at John Deere Classic.

CHRIS WILLIAMS Remained an amateur until June this year when he turned pro ahead of the Travelers Championship.

Won lots of amateur titles after the 2011 matches.

Played in 2013 US Open.

PATRICK CANTLAY Cantlay holds the record for the most consecutive weeks at world number one in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. Turned pro in 2012 and gained his first win in March 2013 at Colombia Championship.

RUSSELL HENLEY Started pro career on the Web.com Tour after Royal Aberdeen and progressed to the PGA Tour at the end of 2012. Won 2013 Sony Open in Hawaii to qualify for the Masters and PGA Championship.

BLAYNE BARBER Attempted to make it through PGA Tour Q School in December 2012, but disqualified himself for signing an incorrect scorecard. Has played in a few events on the PGA Tour and Web.com Tour this year.

KELLY KRAFT After his win in the 2011 US Amateur and the Walker Cup match, he remained an amateur to play in the 2012 Masters. Turned pro following Augusta and currently plays on the Web.com Tour.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 55

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NCG pp 57 Equipment Lead 23/08/2013 14:14 Page 57

EQUIPMENT Comprehensive and objective gear tests | The latest releases | Competitions | Fashion | Accessories

FORGIVENESS AND FINESSE This new Mizuno iron is designed to offer everything a lowhandicapper could ask for.

Generally speaking, the reason most professionals do not use cavity-back irons is they feel they lose a bit of finesse, both in terms of looks and performance.

Mizuno have spotted a gap in the

market and released an iron set designed to offer the best of both worlds – the forgiveness of a cavity, with the looks, feel and finesse of a players’ iron.

Mizuno say the forged MP-54 iron was built to ‘awaken the shotmaker in players needing just a little forgiveness’ and features a

milled pocket cavity in the long and mid irons to help minimise the effect of mis-hits. A heavily bevelled sole reduces interaction with turf and improves workability while a stylish head shape, which was designed on a computer and fine-tuned by hand, will suit all players. Expect to pay £100 per iron.

GO TO NATIONAL CL GOLFER.C UB OM TO SEE TH E REST OF MIZUN O’S NEW RAN GE

MIZUNO MP-54s SRP: £100 per iron STANDARD SHAFT: Dynamic Gold STANDARD GRIP: Golf Pride Tour Velvet LOFT: 6 iron 30˚; PW 46˚ CUSTOM OPTIONS? Yes LH OPTION? Yes IN SHOPS: Now

Our tests suggest Benross’s 2013 kit is their best ever.

So what happened when we got three readers to do a

CUSTOM-FIT

LONG-TERM TEST?

BEN CAMPBELL

MIKE GOODMAN

ALAN TOBIAS

HANDICAP: 2

HANDICAP: 18

HANDICAP: 14

His game: I’m someone used to playing blades and really traditional clubs First impressions: The head shapes are really nice – I was amazed by how good these looked.

I’ve never used a hybrid before but I think I will now. The irons are fantastic even for me, it’s really opened my eyes.

Benross spec: Rip Speed driver (10˚). Rip Speed 14˚ fairway. Rip Speed 20˚ hybrid (all X flex). Rip irons (4-P). Zip It 52 & 58˚ wedges (all with Dynamic Gold S300 shafts).

What Scott thought: I’d be happy to let Ben choose himself whether he wants to go stiff or X in his woods. He’s a good enough player to make up his own mind. I think stiff of all day but it’s up to him. What a striker this boy is – when he collects the ball it’s just royale with cheese!

Long-term verdict: It’s nice to use the technology rather than fight it with blades like I have been doing. I have found the rescue club to be a great addition to my bag. It offers another option off the tee as well as being something I can attack par 5s with.

His game: I knew my set was a bit of a mish mash and suspected they weren’t working well together so I was looking forward to seeing what the expert said.

First impressions: I can see there’s now a balance to the set. The fitting was brilliant.

Benross spec: Max Speed driver (14˚). Max Speed 18 & 22˚ fairways. Max Speed 32˚ hybrid.

Max Speed irons 7-SW (shafts: regular graphite) What Scott thought: I was thrilled with Mike’s new driver. His old one, which had 10.5˚ was miles off. He’s now carrying it 179 and running out to 195, which is a total gain of 25 yards! This set might look unusual but as a fitter all I am concerned with is plugging the distance gaps.

Long-term verdict: I’ve been really pleased with the whole range. The driver is probably the best I’ve ever had and it is going 25 yards further than before. The fairway woods are much straighter, and I’ve ditched the old 3 wood that I used to carry. The hybrid is a new club for me, but I used to find it really hard to hit a consistent 5 iron so it has added a better option.

His game: I was off 8 but then had a quadruple heart bypass. I retired in 2010 – I was a scientist working in the nuclear power industry so I’m comfortable with technology.

First impressions: Long irons are the weakest part of my game so I’m delighted to get rid!

Benross spec: Hot Speed driver (12˚). Hot Speed 16 & 20˚ fairways. Hot Speed 22 & 25˚ hybrids.

Hot Speed 7-P irons. Zip It 48 and 56˚ wedges (all with regular shaft) What Scott thought: Alan hit the clubs fantastically well. His existing driver had 12˚ so that was good but he was struggling with his 3 wood and long irons so we’ve made that a lot easier for him.

Long-term verdict: The new set took a little while to get used to because of the graphite shafts, but I’m consistently hitting my driver much further which is excellent. I really like the feel of the lob wedge, and since the fitting I have invested in a gap wedge which is really helping with short approaches. I’m still not convinced by the hybrids. Overall I’m very happy with the clubs.

HOW BENROSS’S SPEED RANGE WORKS

ABOUT THE TEST

T

We invited three readers of varying handicaps to be custom-fitted for a full set of Benross clubs by the company’s technical expert Scott Nightingale at Moor Allerton Golf Club in north Leeds.

Benross built the clubs to their specifications and sent them out to our panel. We then spoke to the readers once they had had the chance to test the new clubs thoroughly both on the practice ground and out on the course.

HIS year’s range from Benross is headlined by the Rip, Hot and Max Speed drivers, which are a real treat.

Each has a different head and Aldila shaft and one is guaranteed to match your game. The Rip Speed is designed for powerful players with 10˚ of loft, a deep face, traditional pear-shaped profile and will give a low to mid launch for power and control.

The Hot Speed has 12˚ of loft,

a more modern head design, dual crown technology and a highMOI head while the Max Speed has 14˚, a wider, shallower head shape and offers maximum forgiveness on mis-hits.

Exactly the same theory is applied throughout the fairways, hybrids and irons. The Rip range is aimed at the powerful, more traditional player, the Hot offers extra forgiveness and playability while the Max range is the easiest

to use and flight.

It means you can easily identify the best range for you.

Learn more by logging on to benrossgolf.co.uk

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 67

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READERS TRY OUT A BENROSS CUSTOM FITTING

75

THE TESTING PANEL Rigorous test James looking at the Covert in great detail

THE FORMER TOUR PLAYER

DANNY DENISON Handicap: Professional Current putter: Nike Method 001 Likes: Pretty simple looks – heel-toe weighted and a traditional Anser-style shape is what I’ve always used.

BLADE LOVER

JAMES WHITAKER Handicap: Professional Current putter: Nike Method 001 Likes: Putting is all about feel for me so it’s got to be something simple and compact that doesn’t get in my way.

MALLET MAN

DAN MURPHY Handicap: 3 Current putter: Ping Redwood Piper S Likes: I’ve used mallet-style putters for so long now that it would be hard to change to anything else. I like a compact head with a clean but lowkey alignment aid.

THE MODERNIST

TOM LENTON Handicap: 2 Current putter: Odyssey 2-Ball Likes: I prefer something that helps you line up short putts – hence I’ve used the 2-Ball for a while now. I don’t like anything too soft in terms of an insert.

EXPERT ANALYSIS We speak to the top men from Odyssey – the leading brand in putters

THE MAN AT THE TOP

CHRIS KOSKE Odyssey’s global director THE ENGINEER

AUSTIE ROLLINSON Odyssey’s principle designer

THE NCG PROMISE We pride ourselves on offering unbiased, independent reviews

ABOUT THE TEST

ODYSSEY IDEAS

CONFIDENCE IS KEY

INSERT APPLICABLE?

HOW WE DID IT AND OUR METHODOLOGY Choosing a putter is a very different process to any other club in the bag and so we adjusted our methodology. While we believe there is certainly a role for putter fitting and using technology, it remains the case that putters are the most individual clubs in the bag and you must be comfortable with what you are looking down on. Accordingly we assembled a test team of pros and low handicappers to spend a day on the putting green getting to know our putters. We didn’t want to tell you that one putter was better than the next but we did want these experienced golfers to tell us us what they saw and felt when trying putters that suited their eye and preference. There are no medals for this test, but instead a series of insights and observations.

What has been Odyssey’s greatest innovation so far?

CK: We judge everything we do on its success in the marketplace, so with that as our barometer, the 2-Ball would have to be the most successful. It represented 50 per cent of the market within its first year at retail and we’ve sold about 5 million of them in the last 10 years. What made it successful was its innovative alignment system. It was one of the first putters in the market where the bold alignment feature defined and worked well with the shape of the putter.

Initially, it was designed with beginner golfers in mind. It helped these golfers align square to the target line which is essential in making putts. However, tour players around the world immediately saw the advantage to having such a bold and simple alignment feature on a putter.

What makes a good putter?

AR: It needs to inspire confidence.

That is the most important quality.

We do this by ensuring that the shape is the head is pleasing to the eye down to the smallest detail.

The shape needs to be balanced so that it is easy for the golfer to align the shape to the target. The putter needs to have loft to ensure that the ball is launched enough to get on top of the grass with a minimum amount of bounce. The putter must also feel great to the golfer. Feel means different things to different golfers. Basically, it is what the golfer can hear, see, and feel with his hands. When we design putters we pay very close attention to the sound the impact with the golf ball makes as this helps the golfer judge distance. We also work very hard to select the right face materials to ensure good ball speed off the face.

Are you for or against putter face inserts?

AR: I strongly believe in putter inserts. We design our inserts to be very lightweight.

Whether it is using man-made urethanes or a combination of aluminum and urethane like on our Metal-X putters we strive to remove as much weight from the face in order to reposition it low and deep in the putter head to increase forgiveness and improve roll and therefore give our customers more consistency.

Inserts are also great tools for us to change the sound and feel of impact. We can change the hardness and stiffness of the face material in order to tune both the sound at impact and the ball speed off the face to ensure we make a putter strong across the board.

It is more difficult to do that with an all metal putter.

76 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

DESIGN OF THE TANK How Odyssey’s new heavy putter was born AR: The genesis of the idea came from the Japan LPGA tour. The Odyssey Team there started getting requests from players to make shorter and heavier putters using Belly heads (400g) with a heavy putter shaft (150g) and an oversized grip (110g).

They really found that this design helped smooth out their strokes and made them putt more consistently. The Tank uses inertia to stabilise the putter during the stroke instead of anchoring. We use a counter-balance weight under the grip.

CAST OR FORGED? Which method is best for making putters?

AR: We do both. All of our machined putters are forged and CNC milled. CNC milling a putter is an expensive way to make a putter. We like to forge our blanks because it reduces the amount of wasted during the process. This makes the milling time faster. The forging process does help to retain the nice uniform grain structure of the metal. This will help to ensure the sound of the each head is very consistent. When you are making a non-inserted and machined putter it is a great way to start.

Casting is a fantastic way to mass produce a product because you can make a lot of parts very fast.

However, during the casting process the grain structure of the metal is very different and more random than in a forged part.

THE #1 SHAFT

IN GOLF 30 YEARS OF TOUR SUCCESS

PUTTERS: OUR REVIEW OF THE NEWEST MODELS

ADIDAS Three-Stripe £44.99

ABACUS Fringe £19.99

DRUH Players Collection £44.95

FOOTJOY Belt £60

FASHION

BELTS

Buckle up and make a style statement with these great options

IJP Signature Buckle £15.95 Luxe leather belt in white £54.95

PING Maximo £34.99

GALVIN GREEN West £65

NIKE Square Perforated Reversible £50

TOMMY HILFIGER Trophy £50

GOLFINO Cotton £39.95

PUMA High Shine £40

82

FASHION: A SHOWCASE OF THE LATEST GOLF BELTS

NCG pp 58-59 UGT Adams 23/08/2013 12:16 Page 58

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

ADAMS

TIGHT LIES FAIRWAY WOOD LIGHT IN THE HAND A lightweight shaft and head give the club a slight feeling in the hand, allowing you to swing much faster and hit the ball a lot further

LOW PROFILE FACE An ultra-thin face depth allows you to get perfect contact from any lie. Think of it as a hybrid but with extreme power

SLOT MACHINE Two velocity slots carved into the head makes the face behave like a trampoline for maximum ball speed and lots of distance

SRP: £149 LOFTS: 14, 16, 19 & 22º SHAFT: Mitsubishi Bassara (55-gramme)

THE RETURN OF A CLASSIC Adams have brought their famous Tight Lies fairway woods back to life – and given them a modern twist.

The brand say the market is saturated with woods designed for driving and that there is a real need for a club that can be used off the deck as well as the tee.

That’s where the Tight Lies come in, with their ultra-lowprofile faces that make them perfect for use from the short grass.

“The marketplace is filled with 43 1/2-inch, 180cc fairway woods with super-deep faces. We’re in a world again where no one can hit their fairway woods. We hear all the time that players don’t hit their fairway woods off the deck any more, they hit them off the tee. So this is the perfect time to relaunch Tight Lies,” said Adams’ Mike Fox. At address, the Tight Lies looks like a stretched-out hybrid and the sound is very similar. In keeping

58 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

with the rest of the Adams wood range, velocity slots are chiselled out of the crown and sole to improve ball speed.

Don’t expect the same off-thetee distance as one of their meatier fairway woods, but from the fairway they should launch higher with optimal spin and therefore carry further with a softer landing.

Adams believe there is a real need for a club that can be used off the deck as well as the tee.

“We’re going after distance in a

different way than a lot of other fairway woods,” said Justin Honea, Adams’ R&D head.

“I’m not going to say that it’s going to win a driving contest, but it’s going to win a contest off the fairway for guys who need help getting the ball airborne, who don’t create enough spin and who want to land it on the green.

“It’s also going to give you the best ability to hit the ball off the fairway, and it glides through thick rough with ease.”

NCG pp 58-59 UGT Adams 23/08/2013 12:17 Page 59

NCG VERDICT

THE RETURN O F THE LEGENDAR Y LOW- PROFILE FAIRWAY WOO D

MEMORIES OF THE ORIGINAL NCG’s Dan Murphy recalls the day he put the original in the bag – longer ago than he might care to admit...

"Back in the 1990s there were two new kids on the block when it came to fairway woods.

“One was Orlimar and the other was Adams, with their arresting Tight Lies model.

“It was a real eye-opener because it looked so different. If you think 3 woods are hard to hit off the deck now then you obviously

never tried 20 years ago. Back then, when drivers were small and best left to the experts, a 3 wood was very much for use off the tee.

The 5 wood was the club most of us relied on for fairway shots.

“Suddenly, with the Tight Lies, you had a club you could sit behind the ball that looked like it might propel it upwards as well as forwards.

“My abiding memory of this club was the sheer excitement of being able to hit a 3 wood off the deck.” www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 59

True Temper 23/08/2013 11:55 Page 1

THE #1 SHAFT

IN GOLF

30 YEARS OF TOUR SUCCESS

NCG pp 61 Equipment Grafalloy 23/08/2013 11:47 Page 61

ow much does a shaft weigh? Well, in the case of True Temper’s groundbreaking new Project X PXv 39 driver shaft, not very much at all.

In fact, less than five £1 coins.

And yet this is a shaft capable of withstanding the force of a 460cc head swinging on the end of it at speeds of up to 120mph.

“The PXv 39’s lightweight properties produce an incredible increase in ball speed,” say True Temper. “Project X engineers incorporated the most advanced materials available in the industry to ensure that golfers get the control they need.”

It stands to reason that if a shaft is lighter then you will be able to swing it more quickly and with less effort. But what a lighter shaft gains you in speed it can take back – and more – in terms of dispersion and quality of strike. If you can’t ‘feel’ the head then you will be less consistent on terms of direction and you will miss the centre of the face more often. Having tested the PXv 39 in a Ping

H

INTRODUCING THE SHAFT

THAT WEIGHS

LESS THAN FIVE

£1 COINS True Temper have made a major breakthrough with the introduction of the first sub-40g shaft, says Dan Murphy

NUMBER CRUNCH The PXv weighs 39g. A £1 coin weighs just over 9g

Anser driver head, what is remarkable is the consistency.

And all this in a shaft that is lighter than just about anything we’ve seen previously. Your average driver shaft these days in the latest model of a top driver weighs around 55g. A steel True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft comes in at almost 130g.

So you might expect to lose some control with the PXv – not according to our testing. In terms of flexes in this shaft, 5.5 is roughly equivalent to a regular, 6.0 to a stiff and 6.5 to an X. As ever with shafts, a good fitting is crucial to optimise performance – to find ones that interact with your swing characteristics and the head.

As well as the PXv 39, True Temper are also making the Grafalloy BiMatrx Tour Prototype available in six custom colour options. This shaft was famously used by Bubba Watson (in pink) when he won the Masters last year. n Expect to pay around £225 for a Pxv39 and £79 for BiMatrx. grafalloy.com pxshaft.com

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 61

NCG pp 62-63 Titleist AP 23/08/2013 10:56 Page 62

Raise me up A higher centre of gravity in the short irons combined with strong lofts makes them easier to flight

Lived in A ‘pre-worn’ leading edge design with added camber reduces digging at impact and controls divot depth

High MOI A thin upper cavity in the long irons plus a Dual Cavity and tungsten weight improves forgiveness

Smooth entry A narrower sole in the short irons helps the head enter and exit turf.

Long irons are wider for more forgiveness Solid feel Different centre of gravity position with forged construction and medallion in back of head gives solid feel

Dual cavity New structure features perimeter weighting and a tungsten weight for improved forgiveness and feel

Moment of inertia The large heads have special weighting that promotes more speed on mis-hits for consistent distances

62 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Launch pad The long irons are designed to launch high and land soft, while the short irons have a flatter flight

NCG pp 62-63 Titleist AP 23/08/2013 10:57 Page 63

TITLEIST LAUNCH

WORTH THE WAIT Dan Murphy says patience has been rewarded with the latest range of Titleist irons, which offer great feel, forgiveness and a desirable flight HILE most major equipment companies are currently releasing new products more often than ever before, Titleist devotees have had to wait two years for the latest (and fourth) incarnation of the stylish AP irons.

Having seen, being fitted, and tested the new clubs I can say with confidence that their patience will be rewarded.

“The reason we have two-year life cycles is important to us,” says Titleist’s brand director Matt Johnson.

“It is different to other brands.

The reason is because we have a proven R&D process that includes taking feedback from tour and golfers of all abilities. Once they've got that, they go into the development stage then into the validation process through Tour, which happened with these irons since June and culminated in a great win for Jason Dufner at the PGA. “To make something that is considerably better than the previous generation takes us that long,” he said.

Like most things with Titleist, the improvements are subtle but significant. There may well be other, more eye-catching products on the market but any golfer with an eye for classic head shapes and proportions will be drawn to the AP range.

Better news still for those of us whose ball striking is not always of, shall we say, tour standard, these are the most playable irons the brand have ever brought to market. The really clever bit, though, is not just making

W

forgiving irons – it is doing so while retaining timeless looks and proportions.

To my eye, the 714 AP2s look sleeker and shinier than their predecessors. I suspect that there will be some Titleist fans who have previously played CBs now tempted to make the switch to

AP1

AP2. You get a very similar look at address but are DON’T likely to find the long FORGET THE NEW MBS AND irons fly that little bit CBS The former is Tit higher and go further leist’s outand-out blade an on off-centre hits. d is an iron of great tra dition and The short irons have beauty. The CBs offer been carefully

AP2

pocket cavities on the longer irons for that little bit of extra forgiveness.

WHY TITLEIST’S IRON APPEAL IS GROWING Titleist’s brand director Matt Johnson on the new AP models What’s changed with the new APs? The differences are feel, flight and forgiveness. You will notice it more with AP1, we have made a big effort to make this product more appealing to more people. If we get this product in golfers’ hands they’ll be surprised.

Is it fair to say the new AP2 looks more like a CB than before?

I wouldn’t say that is true from my perspective. They certainly don’t phase me and I’m no elite golfer. If it appeared to be a difficult iron to hit it would phase me but it didn’t.

How does AP1 look compared to the last generation?

Personally I noticed a big difference in feel. It has a big top line compared to the AP2 but people will be surprised how good it feels.

Is there now a bigger gap between AP1 and AP2?

As a business we are putting more focus on AP1 – we want more people to be playing this iron. The current AP2 is more forgiving than the original AP1 – that’s how the technology has come on. I have only been at Titleist a year and before that had bought into the myth that Titleist only made hardto-hit products. I was surprised as it is not only easy to hit but also offers great performance.

refined in terms of shape, with a little height taken off the blade, and also design, to ensure no ballooning and that flat flight we all like from clubs at that end of the set.

The more forgiving AP1s just look that little bit more credible to the serious player in search of greater playability.

“We don't stray too far from our blade length and certainly we have a look that works very well, but there is a lot of technology under the hood, particularly more feel and forgiveness,” says Johnson.

“On the shelf, you’ll notice the back of the club is a bit more appealing. Those are the two main differences. Personally I noticed a big difference in feel. When people hit it, it has a big top line compared to the AP2 but people will be surprised how good it feels.

“Many golfers who might have felt they were unsuited to Titleist irons will look at these and realise that here is an iron for them.”

Titleist expect sales to be roughly equal between the two irons, perhaps with AP1 just shading it.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 63

NCG pp 64-65 Galvin Green 23/08/2013 15:02 Page 64

Alex GoreTex jacket SRP: £299

Acton GoreTex Paclite jacket SRP: £269

Alf Gore-Tex trousers SRP: £229

Brett Windstopper jacket SRP: £169

Dawson Insula pullover SRP: £109

Dexter Insula pullover SRP: £99

Mike Ventil8 shirt SRP: £69

Miller Ventil8 shirt SRP: £89

East thermal base layer SRP: £55

WINDSTOPPERS STAR IN NEW GALVIN GREEN RANGE Gear up for the autumn – the industry leaders have revealed a striking new line f you buy one piece of outerwear for the winter ahead then can we respectfully suggest it is a Galvin Green Windstopper.

The new Brett, available in five different colour combinations, is arguably the highlight of the latest Galvin Green range and this is a jacket that you will find yourself wearing every time you play.

That’s because it’s warm, comfortable to swing in, stylish, easy to look after and showerproof.

I

In short, perfect for British conditions.

The new flagship Gore-Tex jacket is the Alex, and if you prefer an ultralight Paclite then go for the Acton.

The Alf trousers are available in a remarkable 26 different sizes.

Insula pullovers are also ideal for playing in the winter months – choose from the half-zip Dexter or full-zip Dawson.

New shirt designs include the body-mapping Miller and the polyester/cotton Mike.

64 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

GALVIN’S RYDER CUP RANGE Galvin have created five luxury garments for next year’s Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. The stylish look is based on black and gunmetal with yellow and blue detailing and incorporates the trophy itself rather than the official logo. You can buy the exclusively licensed range from February.

Excitingly, Galvin are also introducing a new thermal base layer. The East is a long-sleeved crew-neck vest specially developed for warmth when playing in cold weather.

All of the collection is available now in the shops, with lots of different colour combinations available.

Galvin Green gear is certainly not cheap but you can rely on their products to perform for years to come and the fit is nothing short of exceptional.

NCG pp 64-65 Galvin Green 23/08/2013 15:02 Page 65

‘FJ’ GO COLOURFUL WITH GLOVES Market leaders FootJoy introduce Spectrum range FootJoy have added a splash of colour to their glove line with the introduction of their new Spectrum model.

The premium cabretta leather offering, which features highperformance FibreSof material, comes in six vibrant colour options. Designed to perfectly master grip and maximise durability, this performanceinfused glove has been precision engineered and constructed from the very best materials to deliver optimum benefit to the golfer.

The Spectrum utilises Premium Cabretta leather on the palm and index finger for an extremely soft feel along with added perspiration resistance for a durable, consistent grip. Highperformance digital FiberSof material features on the upper of the grip and sets new standards in proven, comfortable and consistent fit.

NCG VERDICT A WELCOME SPLASH OF COLOUR IT is a strange rule of golf gloves that premium ones are white and all-weather ones black, writes Dan Murphy.

You can get colourful trousers, shoes and even grips these days – so why not gloves? As golfers continue to welcome the chance to add colour to their gear the Spectrum range is sure to go down well.

“FJ Spectrum is an exciting addition to our market-leading golf glove collection and I have no doubt the assortment of vivid colours along with our proven performance technologies will strike a chord with all ages,” said FootJoy’s Russell Lawes.

“More and more we are seeing golfers co-ordinate all aspects of their on-course wardrobes, so why not round that outfit off with a pop of colour on you hand.”

The FJ Spectrum is now in the shops with a retail price of £16.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 65

NCG pp 66-67 Benross Reader Test 23/08/2013 10:59 Page 66

Our tests suggest Benross’s 2013 kit is their best ever.

So what happened when we got three readers to do a

CUSTOM-FIT

LONG-TERM TEST?

NCG pp 66-67 Benross Reader Test 23/08/2013 11:00 Page 67

BEN CAMPBELL

MIKE GOODMAN

ALAN TOBIAS

HANDICAP: 2

HANDICAP: 18

HANDICAP: 14

His game: I’m someone used to playing blades and really traditional clubs First impressions: The head shapes are really nice – I was amazed by how good these looked.

I’ve never used a hybrid before but I think I will now. The irons are fantastic even for me, it’s really opened my eyes.

Benross spec: Rip Speed driver (10˚). Rip Speed 14˚ fairway. Rip Speed 20˚ hybrid (all X flex). Rip irons (4-P). Zip It 52 & 58˚ wedges (all with Dynamic Gold S300 shafts).

What Scott thought: I’d be happy to let Ben choose himself whether he wants to go stiff or X in his woods. He’s a good enough player to make up his own mind. I think stiff of all day but it’s up to him. What a striker this boy is – when he collects the ball it’s just royale with cheese!

Long-term verdict: It’s nice to use the technology rather than fight it with blades like I have been doing. I have found the rescue club to be a great addition to my bag. It offers another option off the tee as well as being something I can attack par 5s with.

His game: I knew my set was a bit of a mish mash and suspected they weren’t working well together so I was looking forward to seeing what the expert said.

First impressions: I can see there’s now a balance to the set. The fitting was brilliant.

Benross spec: Max Speed driver (14˚). Max Speed 18 & 22˚ fairways. Max Speed 32˚ hybrid.

Max Speed irons 7-SW (shafts: regular graphite) What Scott thought: I was thrilled with Mike’s new driver. His old one, which had 10.5˚ was miles off. He’s now carrying it 179 and running out to 195, which is a total gain of 25 yards! This set might look unusual but as a fitter all I am concerned with is plugging the distance gaps.

Long-term verdict: I’ve been really pleased with the whole range. The driver is probably the best I’ve ever had and it is going 25 yards further than before. The fairway woods are much straighter, and I’ve ditched the old 3 wood that I used to carry. The hybrid is a new club for me, but I used to find it really hard to hit a consistent 5 iron so it has added a better option.

His game: I was off 8 but then had a quadruple heart bypass. I retired in 2010 – I was a scientist working in the nuclear power industry so I’m comfortable with technology.

First impressions: Long irons are the weakest part of my game so I’m delighted to get rid!

Benross spec: Hot Speed driver (12˚). Hot Speed 16 & 20˚ fairways. Hot Speed 22 & 25˚ hybrids.

Hot Speed 7-P irons. Zip It 48 and 56˚ wedges (all with regular shaft) What Scott thought: Alan hit the clubs fantastically well. His existing driver had 12˚ so that was good but he was struggling with his 3 wood and long irons so we’ve made that a lot easier for him.

Long-term verdict: The new set took a little while to get used to because of the graphite shafts, but I’m consistently hitting my driver much further which is excellent. I really like the feel of the lob wedge, and since the fitting I have invested in a gap wedge which is really helping with short approaches. I’m still not convinced by the hybrids. Overall I’m very happy with the clubs.

HOW BENROSS’S SPEED RANGE WORKS

ABOUT THE TEST

T

We invited three readers of varying handicaps to be custom-fitted for a full set of Benross clubs by the company’s technical expert Scott Nightingale at Moor Allerton Golf Club in north Leeds.

Benross built the clubs to their specifications and sent them out to our panel. We then spoke to the readers once they had had the chance to test the new clubs thoroughly both on the practice ground and out on the course.

HIS year’s range from Benross is headlined by the Rip, Hot and Max Speed drivers, which are a real treat.

Each has a different head and Aldila shaft and one is guaranteed to match your game. The Rip Speed is designed for powerful players with 10˚ of loft, a deep face, traditional pear-shaped profile and will give a low to mid launch for power and control.

The Hot Speed has 12˚ of loft,

a more modern head design, dual crown technology and a highMOI head while the Max Speed has 14˚, a wider, shallower head shape and offers maximum forgiveness on mis-hits.

Exactly the same theory is applied throughout the fairways, hybrids and irons. The Rip range is aimed at the powerful, more traditional player, the Hot offers extra forgiveness and playability while the Max range is the easiest

to use and flight.

It means you can easily identify the best range for you.

Learn more by logging on to benrossgolf.co.uk

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 67

NCG pp 68 Golf 121 23/08/2013 11:01 Page 68

GET A PRO IN YOUR POCKET! The cheap and easy way to get personal lessons by PGA professionals on your iPhone

In last month’s issue, we examined various different training aids on the market – and Golf121’s new, cutting-edge mobile app was a big hit with our team.

This free application acts as a PGA pro in your pocket. Being on your iPhone, one of the beauties of the app is that the fact it is a constant reminder – it can improve your game anywhere, either at home, in the office or out playing.

As golfers we all struggle with time constraints, but it’s so simple and convenient with the Golf121app.

FOUR REASONS TO DOWNLOAD THE APP: n It’s the first app to deliver personalised swing video analysis via a smartphone n PGA coaching professionals hand-picked to deliver top-quality analysis n Over 34,000 courses within the App, including a stats tracking feature and GPS Range Finder n Full HD drills and skills games sent to the user with each analysis

So if you are frustrated with your game, but have no time or lack the finance for expensive lessons – and then forget what the pro says anyway – download Golf121’s superb app now.

It can lower the scores of any golfer...

SPECIAL OFFER: NCG and Golf121 would like to offer every reader an introductory half-price lesson which normally retails at £9.99: Download and use half-price lesson code: NCG121.

The advantages of Golf121 n It gets round the issue of time constraints; most golfers only have enough time to get out and play – they don’t have time for golf tuition n Lessons are expensive – and Golf121 clearly offers superb value for money n The main benefit? It might just be that Golf121 gives the golfer simple advice and coaching and these clear instructions continue through bespoke drills and games n Having the ability to call back every lesson, practice drill and game ensure you don’t forget what you are taught

68 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 69 Equipment Footjoy, Cobra 23/08/2013 11:49 Page 69

LONG-TERM REVIEW

NIKE TW 14 SHOES Our conclusions after two months of rigorous use

These just might be the best golf shoes I have ever had the pleasure of wearing. I was not immedaitely taken by the thick sole at the back, which looked a touch built up. But in terms of performance and comfort, you genuinely can’t go wrong.

They are based on Nike’s famous running shoe – the Free – at the request of Tiger Woods, who exercises in them regularly. The world No 1 said: “I love training in it, running in it, lifting in it. So I asked, why can’t I play golf in it?”

Nike’s designers got to work on adapting it into a golf shoe while still maintaining the flexibility, comfort, light weight and support. They have most certainly succeeded. The shoe is seriously comfortable and flexible, yet remains stable throughout the swing. It’s also waterproof. I’ve walked 36 holes in them twice now and not once have I had an issue with discomfort or blisters.

Every step feels effortless – the sole flexes with your foot and the light materials make it feel like you’re wearing slippers. The best way to describe them is as a perfect middle ground between spikeless and traditional shoes.

They have the athletic fit, styling and comfort of the former with the stability and grip of the latter.

I suppose some would argue that there are other shoes in the shops that are easier on the eye but I sincerely doubt they perform as well as this.

SRP: £150 By Joe Whitley

PREPARE FOR THE BRITISH WINTER WITH THE NEW Innovation, performance and style

FOOTJOY RANGE The collection is spearheaded by three new outerwear garments - the fully-waterproof DryJoys Tour XP, HydroLite, which is designed for warmweather rain, and the thermal, water-resistant FJ Softshell. “This high-performance, seasonal collection is the result of years of intensive testing and research, representing what I believe is the most visually-striking and golf-performance infused outerwear range on the market,” said FootJoy’s Russell Lawes. “We have received tremendous

are the driving force behind Footjoy’s new-season line

feedback towards what is our most stylish and hightech offering to date and I am confident we have a range that will see our market share grow.”

All the new garments combine high-performance fabrics with contemporary colours, ensuring optimum style.

SRP: DryJoys Tour XP (jacket £200, rain shirt £175, trousers £155); HydroLite (jacket £130, 1/2 zip rain shirt £125, short-sleeve rain shirt £115, trousers £90); Softshell (jacket £100, vest £85)

COBRA LAUNCH LOW-HANDICAP WEDGE

THE TOUR TRUSTY

Features heavy input from tour professionals...

The Tour Trusty, which is an extension of the Trusty Rusty range currently on the market, blends a gorgeous shape with an innovative grind and grooves to offer maximum versatility and spin. The head is compact and features no offset, while a new KGrind provides heel and toe relief that allows you to open the face on almost any lie and keep the leading edge flat. A new milling process

- called Variable Feed Rate offers two depths of cut in the grooves to maximise spin even on chips and pitches.

A rough surface texture bolsters spin further, while a straight leading edge improves both alignment and visual appeal.

Cast from top-end carbon steel, the Tour Trusty is available in two matt finishes - satin or black.

SRP: £99

PING TO LAUNCH

NEW DRIVING IRON? Ping have created a prototype 17˚ driving iron that has been used by some of their Tour staff this year.

The Rapture is designed to offer a low-spinning, low-flying option off the tee. It is cast from stainless steel. Heel-toe weighting places the centre of gravity low and at the perimeter of the clubhead to increase resistance to twisting and produce a flat trajectory. The club is ideal for playing in the wind.

Whether or not this will materialise into a release remains to be seen.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 69

ProQuip_NationalClubGolferMagazine_Ads_Layout 1 20/08/2013 09:30 Page 1

ENGINEERED TO KEEP YOUR GAME ON COURSE SUIT UP WITH THE AQUASTORM PRO

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NCG pp 71-73 Waterproofs 23/08/2013 11:53 Page 71

lNfTeIArL o G ESSE NATIONAL

CLUB

TO GUIDEROOFS RP WATE you need to know ing t suits Everyth e newes u abo t th

EQUIPMENT INSIGHT

THE

DRYING GAME

Dan Murphy has over 30 years’ experience in testing waterproofs. Here he offers his opinions on the latest suits on the market...

NCG pp 71-73 Waterproofs 23/08/2013 11:54 Page 72

HOW WATERPROOFS HAVE CHANGED THE RULES From gear akin to that worn by a fisherman to hi-tech fashion garments – this is how waterproofs have developed SKED which part of equipment has changed the most over the last 20 years the vast majority of golfers would point towards the ball, and the way in which Titleist’s Pro V1 has redefined the category, or the advent of giant-headed titanium drivers.

Yet just as dramatic has been the transformation of waterproof suits from the kind of thing you would expect to see a deep-sea trawlerman wearing to the ultralight, ultra-breathable and highly stylish outerwear you can see on the opposite page.

Back in the day, and we are talking about as recently as 20 years ago and the early 1990s here, your average waterproof suit was heavy, gathered weight the wetter it got, quickly acquired a stale aroma, was difficult to swing in and was strictly for use in emergencies.

It is never much fun to play in

A

heavy rain but back then it was much, much worse. You were also looking at a product that was of use for one thing only – golf in the rain. How things have changed. In this country at least, one company have led the way – Swedish brand Galvin Green. They have singlehandedly it seems invented an entirely new price category and it is evident that British golfers have been happy to pay £500 or more for a suit in the knowledge that it was the best performing on the market and would last for years.

These days, we do not put on our Galvin Greens as a last resort – we are delighted to wear them both on and off the course.

In recent years the attitude from rival brands seems to have been that they could not compete with Galvin at the super-premium price point but it looks like that is all about to change this winter if notable new releases from Adidas, Nike and Abacus are anything to go by.

72 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

The key areas where these manufacturers will be hoping to entice us consumers:

suit is designed to be ‘quiet’ in comparison to a Gore-Tex suit and boasts impressive stretching properties.

WATERPROOFNESS Galvin Green and Gore-Tex have become synonymous in golf waterproofs.

The fabric dates back to the 1970s yet, astonishingly, it still seems to be the best available option. That much is apparent from Adidas’s decision to use the material in their flagship new suit.

By contrast, Abacus and Nike are both using their own materials.

Abacus’s StretchLite is, they say, both light and quiet.

Nike are this year introducing Hyperadapt which they claim combines flexibility and waterproof performance.

FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT Very much the key to Nike’s new suit – they claim it allows you to swing in a completely unimpeded fashion. Similarly Abacus’s Pitch

CHOICE OF SIZES Galvin Green have the edge here – you but their trousers in the way you would a pair of regular ones.

So whether you are tall and thin, tall and broad, small and wiry or small and stocky, you will be able to find a pair of trousers that fit just the way you want them Nike say their Hyperadapt will allow you to wear your normal size without feeling restricted.

LIGHTWEIGHT Galvin’s Paclite is the established market leader in this area while Adidas say their new suit will keep you dry without weighing you down.

A Galvin Paclite suit weighs less than a 500ml bottle of water – and will barely take up more space in your bag.

NCG pp 71-73 Waterproofs 23/08/2013 11:54 Page 73

GALVIN GREEN

ABACUS

Jacket £269; Trousers £229 One of the most popular Galvin Green rainwear outfits is the Gore-Tex Paclite jacket and trouser combination – such as the new Acton full-zip Shell layer jacket with stretch function and matching August trousers.

The Paclite jacket weighs less than four golf balls. The stretch function makes it very flexible, while the clean front panel keeps it streamlined for a smooth swing. It has a water-repellent zipper, plus an adjustable bottom edge and elasticated cuffs.

SRP: Jacket £299; Trousers £119 The abacus Pitch StretchLite jacket is the ultimate all-round waterproof and represents a complete new performance standard in technical golfwear.

The jacket is made from a two-layer, unlined, highperformance stretch fabric that is both featherweight and feathersoft, making it quiet and supremely comfortable.

Abacus Sportswear was among the first companies to introduce lightweight stretch waterproof fabrics to golf 10 years ago. Its latest StretchLite technology represents a major step forward for golf weatherwear, with extraordinary levels of elasticity.

ACTON JACKET/AUGUST TROUSERS

NIKE

HYPERDAPT STORM-FIT

LOO FOR OU K OUT R TEST O SPECIAL HYPER F THE OUR DEADAPT IN CEM ISSUE BER

Half Zip jacket £199.99; Full Zip jacket £210; Trousers £169.99 The new Nike Hyperadapt Storm-Fit jacket gives comfort, mobility and protection against the elements. Paul Casey experienced instant success while winning the Irish Open in winds gusting up to 35 mph and heavy showers combined with sunshine.

Combining flexibility and waterproof protection, it is the only golf performance rain jacket of its kind. With sweater-like stretch and an impenetrable outer layer, this jacket combines the benefits of both without sacrificing performance.

With no-sew technology throughout the inner layer, designers minimised chaffing.

PITCH STRETCHLITE

ADIDAS

GORE-TEX TWO-LAYER SRP: Jacket £224.99; Trousers £174.99 Offering lightweight protection without sacrificing performance, this two-layer Gore-Tex rain jacket is engineered to allow moisture vapour to escape and keep heavy wind and rain out – guaranteed. Designed to allow freedom of movement throughout your swing, you stay dry, comfortable even when the weather takes a turn for the worse. It is fully-seam sealed, has articulation at the elbows for added comfort and has a double-secure centrefront storm flap with zipper and Velcro enclosure.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 73

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NCG pp 75-77 Putters Test Intro 23/08/2013 12:01 Page 75

Golfer |TESTS...

NATIONAL

CLUB

PUTTERS Our team put over 60 of the latest models through their paces

NCG pp 75-77 Putters Test Intro 23/08/2013 12:02 Page 76

THE TESTING PANEL THE FORMER TOUR PLAYER

DANNY DENISON Handicap: Professional Current putter: Nike Method 001 Likes: Pretty simple looks – heel-toe weighted and a traditional Anser-style shape is what I’ve always used.

BLADE LOVER

JAMES WHITAKER Handicap: Professional Current putter: Nike Method 001 Likes: Putting is all about feel for me so it’s got to be something simple and compact that doesn’t get in my way.

MALLET MAN

DAN MURPHY Handicap: 3 Current putter: Ping Redwood Piper S Likes: I’ve used mallet-style putters for so long now that it would be hard to change to anything else. I like a compact head with a clean but lowkey alignment aid.

THE MODERNIST

TOM LENTON Handicap: 2 Current putter: Odyssey 2-Ball Likes: I prefer something that helps you line up short putts – hence I’ve used the 2-Ball for a while now. I don’t like anything too soft in terms of an insert.

EXPERT ANALYSIS We speak to the top men from Odyssey – the leading brand in putters

THE MAN AT THE TOP

CHRIS KOSKE Odyssey’s global director THE ENGINEER

AUSTIE ROLLINSON Odyssey’s principle designer

THE NCG PROMISE We pride ourselves on offering unbiased, independent reviews

ABOUT THE TEST

ODYSSEY IDEAS

CONFIDENCE IS KEY

HOW WE DID IT AND OUR METHODOLOGY Choosing a putter is a very different process to any other club in the bag and so we adjusted our methodology. While we believe there is certainly a role for putter fitting and using technology, it remains the case that putters are the most individual clubs in the bag and you must be comfortable with what you are looking down on. Accordingly we assembled a test team of pros and low handicappers to spend a day on the putting green getting to know our putters. We didn’t want to tell you that one putter was better than the next but we did want these experienced golfers to tell us us what they saw and felt when trying putters that suited their eye and preference. There are no medals for this test, but instead a series of insights and observations.

What has been Odyssey’s greatest innovation so far?

CK: We judge everything we do on its success in the marketplace, so with that as our barometer, the 2-Ball would have to be the most successful. It represented 50 per cent of the market within its first year at retail and we’ve sold about 5 million of them in the last 10 years. What made it successful was its innovative alignment system. It was one of the first putters in the market where the bold alignment feature defined and worked well with the shape of the putter.

Initially, it was designed with beginner golfers in mind. It helped these golfers align square to the target line which is essential in making putts. However, tour players around the world immediately saw the advantage to having such a bold and simple alignment feature on a putter.

What makes a good putter?

AR: It needs to inspire confidence.

That is the most important quality.

We do this by ensuring that the shape is the head is pleasing to the eye down to the smallest detail.

The shape needs to be balanced so that it is easy for the golfer to align the shape to the target. The putter needs to have loft to ensure that the ball is launched enough to get on top of the grass with a minimum amount of bounce. The putter must also feel great to the golfer. Feel means different things to different golfers. Basically, it is what the golfer can hear, see, and feel with his hands. When we design putters we pay very close attention to the sound the impact with the golf ball makes as this helps the golfer judge distance. We also work very hard to select the right face materials to ensure good ball speed off the face.

76 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 75-77 Putters Test Intro 23/08/2013 12:02 Page 77

Rigorous test James looking at the Covert in great detail

INSERT APPLICABLE? Are you for or against putter face inserts?

AR: I strongly believe in putter inserts. We design our inserts to be very lightweight.

Whether it is using man-made urethanes or a combination of aluminum and urethane like on our Metal-X putters we strive to remove as much weight from the face in order to reposition it low and deep in the putter head to increase forgiveness and improve roll and therefore give our customers more consistency.

Inserts are also great tools for us to change the sound and feel of impact. We can change the hardness and stiffness of the face material in order to tune both the sound at impact and the ball speed off the face to ensure we make a putter strong across the board.

It is more difficult to do that with an all metal putter.

DESIGN OF THE TANK How Odyssey’s new heavy putter was born AR: The genesis of the idea came from the Japan LPGA tour. The Odyssey Team there started getting requests from players to make shorter and heavier putters using Belly heads (400g) with a heavy putter shaft (150g) and an oversized grip (110g).

They really found that this design helped smooth out their strokes and made them putt more consistently. The Tank uses inertia to stabilise the putter during the stroke instead of anchoring. We use a counter-balance weight under the grip.

CAST OR FORGED? Which method is best for making putters?

AR: We do both. All of our machined putters are forged and CNC milled. CNC milling a putter is an expensive way to make a putter. We like to forge our blanks because it reduces the amount of wasted during the process. This makes the milling time faster. The forging process does help to retain the nice uniform grain structure of the metal. This will help to ensure the sound of the each head is very consistent. When you are making a non-inserted and machined putter it is a great way to start.

Casting is a fantastic way to mass produce a product because you can make a lot of parts very fast.

However, during the casting process the grain structure of the metal is very different and more random than in a forged part.

THE #1 SHAFT

IN GOLF 30 YEARS OF TOUR SUCCESS

NCG pp 78-80 Putter Test 23/08/2013 14:01 Page 78

ALSO TESTED Read more about all these putters and more now at

TRADITIONAL MODELS If you like your putter to be plain and simple then check out these

nationalclubgolfer.com BENROSS Casino Rummy

SCOTTY CAMERON SELECT NEWPORT 2

SRP: £69.99

SRP: £278

PING Scottsdale TR Anser No 2 SRP: £129

PING Scottsdale TR ZBS SRP: £129

PING Scottsdale TR Senita SRP: £129

PING Scottsdale TR Tatum SRP: £129

RIFE Vault 001 Iconic Z

TLS S E B A N IO IT D TRA

SRP: £124.99

NIKE Method Core 01w

DM: Such a nice shape – this is the putter I wish I could use but in practice I struggle for consistency.

TL: I absolutely love this on the shelf.

But when I get over it on short putts it doesn’t inspire confidence. I struggle with consistency of strike and felt like I was getting a few out of the bottom.

JW: Very traditional. I love the looks when it’s on the shelf. It’s my favourite Scotty Cameron shape.

There’s too much loft on it for my eye, which makes the toe looks like it is in front of the heel.

SRP: £109.99

WILSON STAFF 8882 SRP: £79.99

WILSON STAFF 8881 SRP: £79.99

WILSON STAFF 8883 SRP: £79.99

SCOTTY CAMERON Select Newport SRP: £278

TAYLORMADE Ghost Tour SE-62

RAA CGT BLADE

ODYSSEY PROTYPE #2

SRP: £199

SRP: £209

DM: The Raa is not as pretty as some but I was really impressed by both the feel off the face and the roll I got. Well worth a look and with Raa’s custom-fitting expertise you will definitely get a putter that works well for you and performs.

TL: This really worked for me. I got used to the looks very quickly.

JW: I don’t like the flare of the shaft into the head.

But it rolls very well. I like the weighting. It performs better than I was expecting – very good.

DD: It’s a great look with the black shaft – stealth like. I like the alignment line.

It gives good soft feel. It looks great on the shelf. I could put this straight in the bag without a doubt brilliant if you like this shape.

JW: I love the alignment aid on the back and the way the putter swings. The grip is good as well.

TL: This is very nice. It sits naturally slightly forward which is just where I want it. Comes off the face really nicely.

SRP: £119

YES! i4 Tech Cally SRP: £119

ODYSSEY Versa 1 SRP: £119 DM: I think Versa is well-suited to those who putt with a square-tosquare stroke

BENROSS Casino Joker SRP: £69.99 DM: A nice simple shape and the fat grip feels great.

78 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 78-80 Putter Test 23/08/2013 14:01 Page 79

MALLETS

ALSO TESTED Read more about all these putters and more now at

If you like stability in a compact head then check these out

nationalclubgolfer.com ODYSSEY WHITE HOT PRO V LINE

WILSON STAFF 8885 SRP: £79.99

SRP: £129

ODYSSEY Protype Tour Series 7 DD: This is easy to line up with the three lines on the back. Putter sits really square.

If you struggle with your alignment a great option. Nice soft feel off the insert.

JW: Lovely. A really good putter and a dead-simple mallet. Rolls really well. I like everything about this. I much prefer mallets that are uncomplicated to look down on like this one.

DM: I’m a big fan of this – I could groove a low and smooth stroke that gave me lots of confidence. Because of the flat sole I was able to slide the putter away from the ball and back again very easily.

SRP: £209

RAA CGT Mallet SRP: £199 TL: If you like to line your ball up this will really help you and it performs well.

SCOTTY CAMERON Select GoLo SRP: £278 DM: Love the flowing nature of the shape – it’s a gorgeous design.

ODYSSEY White Hot Pro 5 SRP: £109 DM: I prefer the alignment lines on this one to the equivalent Protype version.

BEST

MALLETS

YES! i4 Tech Stephanie SRP: £119 JW: I like the ‘rusty’ style look. A really nice putter.

SCOTTY CAMERON California Fastback SRP: £278 JW: Beautiful. Lovely roll off the face.

SCOTTY CAMERON California Del Mar

PING SCOTTSDALE TR SHEA

RIFE VAULT PRODIGY

SRP: £129

SRP: £149.99

DM: This, to my eye, is what a mallet should look like in terms of proportions and the way it sits.

With this range, you get the added benefit of being able to adjust the length, which I think is a brilliant way of letting you experiement to find what works best for you. With putting being so much about feel, it’s great that you can adjust it, take it out for 9 holes and then decide if it’s right for you.

TL: Very nice to line up. Would suit someone going from blade to their first mallet. Very nice.

SRP: £278 DD: I like all the weight being in the toe as it promotes an arc which helps me.

SCOTTY CAMERON Select GoLo

DD: I wasn’t so keen on the look with the twotone colour. But I actually liked the feel and the roll and the deep face helped me keep the putter nice and low.

TL: This feels really good. Quite easy to line up.

Forgiving on long putts. And springy off the face.

DM: I really like the sound. Nice and solid. The shape is very appealing though personally I had to hit a few putts to get past the two-tone aspect which I found unnecessarily distracting.

SRP: £278 DD: I really like the shape and proportions of this head.

TAYLORMADE Spider Mallet 72 SRP: £159 JW: I really like this. I can’t say why but it works!

BENROSS Casino Spades SRP: £69.99 DM: I like the shape – it’s just the kind of thing that suits my eye.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 79

NCG pp 78-80 Putter Test 23/08/2013 14:02 Page 80

ALSO TESTED Read more about all these putters and more now at

MODERN Utilise the benefits of modern technology with one of these shapes

nationalclubgolfer.com BENROSS Casino Shooter SRP: £69.99 JW: It just sits behind the ball in a very stable way. Really good and extremely easy to use.

ODYSSEY Versa 7 SRP: £119 TL: I don’t like the colours but I do like the feel off the face, it is very easy to line up.

PING Scottsdale TR Greyhawk SRP: £129 JW: For me the chunky grip was fine with this type of putter. Good alignment aid.

SCOTTY CAMERON FUTURA X SRP: £278

TL: I love the hollow feel off the face. One of my two favourites. I like this shape of putter. I’d prefer it if there was one line down the line of the ball for alignment.

DM: I thought it was light – surprisingly so, given the size. I totally get the idea – it is incredibly stable.

JW: First impressions are it’s very big. The two red dots catch my eye and it’s all I can see. The more I used it the better the results.

DD: As someone used to a blade, it’s like a spaceship! But it swings very nicely and I can see the theory.

RIFE Vault Hero SRP: £149.99 JW: It looks quite funky but I must say it rolls the ball really well. Good if you can get past that.

T BEDS ERN MO

NIKE Method Core Drone 2.0 SRP: £125 JW: Quite a striking head – there’s a lot going on.

ODYSSEY Tank #7 SRP: £139 TL: Really good on short putts. It helps you be smooth and you can build up loads of confidence.

ODYSSEY White Hot Pro Dart SRP: £109 JW: I like this. The alignment aid helps me feel like I’ve got the right line.

TAYLORMADE SPIDER S

ODYSSEY VERSA 2-BALL

SRP: £149

SRP: £169

JW: This is just so easy. It’s my favourite from the range. Everything is simple and it really wants to roll off the face. Simply swing it back and then through again and it doesn’t want to veer offline.

TL: It doesn’t feel like you’re hitting it but it comes off really nicely – it’s quite springy, which I really like. There’s nothing worse than a dead insert and this certainly gives you some speed at impact. I like this a lot.

DM: I wouldn’t normally go for a putter that is this big and busy but I agree with the other testers – it works!

JW: I like the contrast. It made it simple to go straight back and through and get a pendulum stroke. These are selling well and I’m not surprised – they’re brilliant DM: I personally don’t get on with 2-Balls and I’m afraid this was no exception. I do think that the Versa concept works well on this style though – it’s visually very strong and extremely easy to line up and see throughout the stroke.

TL: I think the insert is a touch too firm for my liking. The black does help you line up though, alignment is not an issue.

ODYSSEY White Hot Pro 2-Ball SRP: £109 TL: Still the original and best for my money. I would pick this every day of the week. Utter class.

BURTON Custom (Blue) JW: The sound is very arresting.

There’s too much going on with head. Hard to argue with the quality though and the feel is nice when you get it out of the small sweetspot. One for good putters.

80 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 81 Putters WWL 23/08/2013 12:05 Page 81

WHAT WE LEARNED Some conclusions from a day testing dozens of putters

@ Moor Allerton Golf Club, Leeds

For the best in

CUSTOM FITTING

FEEL, FEEL, FEEL We firmly believe in using technology and custom fitting when it comes to golf equipment.

And there's no doubt an expert can help suggest some good areas to look at when it comes to a new putter. But we've concluded that, in putters, feel trumps everything.

If you believe a putter is for you then you've got a chance. If it doesn't look or feel right then no matter how much it suits your stroke or has a great insert or alignment aid then you are always going to struggle.

TRY LONG AND SHORT PUTTS Where do you struggle most?

Holing out or to judge distance from long range? If it's the former then you should at least experiment with a modern design.

These putters are amazingly stable and can help take any twitches out of your stroke.

If it's the latter then you might find a smaller head is easier to control when making a longer

stroke. Then again, if you are missing the sweet spot more often than not then a model with a bit more forgiveness could well help.

The key is to experiment and make sure you are as happy with your new putter when tickling in a downhill three-footer as when clubbing one from the fringe of a slow green.

WEIGHTY MATTERS Don't confuse a large head with a heavy one, or a minimalist blade with a light one. It doesn't necessarily work like that. In our experience, the opposite is often the case. Some people like a bit of weight in the head. Others find they are more smooth with a light head. Again, it's crucial to try putters before buying.

GROOVES REALLY WORK When you hit thousands of putts with different clubs the difference in roll from putter to putter becomes noticeable. And generally speaking grooved putters created

the quickest and effective roll.

That’s not to say flat inserts and normal faces don’t roll it nicely.

We use Trackman for the ultimate in accuracy Authorised fitting centre for

SOFT MIGHT NOT BE GOOD Some of the more expensive putters on test are milled or forged from soft steel and, although this feels fantastic at impact, it comes off the blade slowly and makes getting the ball to the hole quite difficult. It also exaggerates your mis-hits as the toe and heel are both much firmer than the soft centre and this can affect distance control when you miss the sweet spot. If you play fast greens, there is nothing better.

NECKS MATTER Where the shaft enters the clubhead is arguably one of the most important things to consider aesthetically.

Heads of the same shape look dramatically different with different neck types, so make sure you try out a few and get the one that best suits your eye.

www.jwgolf.co.uk

0113 266 5209 QUOTE ‘NCG’ for a free fitting

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 81

NCG pp 82 Fashion 23/08/2013 11:57 Page 82

ADIDAS Three-Stripe £44.99

ABACUS Fringe £19.99

DRUH Players Collection £44.95

FOOTJOY Belt £60

FASHION

BELTS

Buckle up and make a style statement with these great options

IJP Signature Buckle £15.95 Luxe leather belt in white £54.95

PING Maximo £34.99

GALVIN GREEN West £65

NIKE Square Perforated Reversible £50

TOMMY HILFIGER Trophy £50

GOLFINO Cotton £39.95

PUMA High Shine £40

NCG pp 83-86 Equipment Directory Ads 23/08/2013 10:27 Page 83

EQUIPMENT DIRECTORY

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www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 83

NCG pp 83-86 Equipment Directory Ads 23/08/2013 10:27 Page 84

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nationalclubgolfer.com 84 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 83-86 Equipment Directory Ads 23/08/2013 10:27 Page 85

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NCG pp 83-86 Equipment Directory Ads 23/08/2013 10:28 Page 86

EQUIPMENT DIRECTORY

86 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 87 Instruction Lead 23/08/2013 14:12 Page 87

Instruction section in association with

The UK’s Largest Golf Retail Group

YOUR GAME Hit it further and straighter | Hole more putts | Sharpen your short game | Golf psychology | Fitness tips

BETTER BALL STRIKING...

CORRECTION

IN AN INSTANT

This is an amen ded version from ou r September issu e.

We apologise fo r any confusion

I have many players come to see me who really struggle with consistency in striking the ball and also the direction that they start the ball. A common cause of this is the club going off plane during the backswing with many players dropping it on the inside or picking it up too quickly.

The following drill will help you to set the club into a good position, allowing you to complete the backswing properly and from there make a better and more consistent strike.

THE DRILL When performing the drill place a club or alignment stick pointing out at 45˚, then take the club halfway back, setting it in a direct line over the club on the ground.

Once you have checked you are in the correct position complete your shoulder turn and hit the shot.

Repeat this four or five times before introducing a ball in order to train the muscle to make this new move.

James Whitaker is head pro at Moor Allerton. www.magc.co.uk 0113 266 5209

THE UK’S LARGEST GOLF RETAIL GROUP WWW.FOREMOSTGOLF.COM

SAND &

THE UK’S LARGEST GOLF RETAIL GROUP WWW.FOREMOSTGOLF.COM

UNDERSTAND

YOUR SLICE

DELIVER

How your hips can help you finally lose your big miss

Why landing in a fairway bunker doesn’t necessarily mean dropping shots

SLICING is a problem that can haunt most people when the driver is pulled from the bag.

You must understand what controls the curvature of the ball.

The path is the main contributory factor that controls this and for most players their path can be

S

aggressively out to in.

Even if the clubface is bullet straight to the target at impact, the ball can still curve if the path is across the ball.

So this is what we need to address.

By getting the player to hit more out at the ball and not across it we will having you hitting draws in no time.

THE UK’S LARGEST GOLF RETAIL GROUP WWW.FOREMOSTGOLF.COM

THE SLICER

LESS IS

MORE The biggest slicers have the following at impact: hips the least forward, weight the least forward and the club handle is low and

back behind the clubhead These make the path go across the ball and allow the club to come steeper into the ball.

ALSO INSIDE n FAIRWAY TRAPS P89 How to escape in style n SLICE OF LIFE P91 Get rid for good n BE SMOOTH P93 Great tip to hit more greens

A great tip that should help you to hit more greens...

THE DRAWER F you want to hit more greens with your irons, I suggest improving your rhythm. To do this, take more club and hold down the grip. Swing slower to improve both control and balance. I can understand average players trying to squeeze 10 more yards out of the driver, but getting more out of your irons is the kiss of death. If you can resist the tendency to swing more than 80 percent, you’ll have better balance and rhythm. Take a solid 6 iron instead of trying to belt a 7 iron and watch the flight, distance and spin improve. Your mechanics will be better, and you’ll find the sweet spot more often. Get down the range and practice a controlled iron shot swing, seek out a professional with a launch monitor and dial in those distances.

I

F you are one of these people who is still unconvinced by the benefits of a hybrid over a long iron then the one shot that probably highlights the advantages of the hybrid most is the fairway bunker shot.

Most amateurs will get the ball out

I

but they rarely produce the correct contact, trajectory or energy to get to the intended target.

Obviously the features of the hybrid head don’t change from longer grass to sand, however their benefit in helping you successfully execute the shot in hand certainly do.

The biggest drawers have the following at impact: the hips, weight and the handle the most forward of the clubhead and the

Let’s start with that sole width. When the ball is in thicker grass that sole helps cut through the ground to get to the ball, however this time in the sand that sole design will stop the club digging too deep into the sand meaning you don’t have to be as precise with your contact.

Given the difficulty of the shot it is very reassuring to know that you don’t have to hit it perfectly.

The lower-profile face and distribution of head weight will always encourage the ball to pop up with a higher initial launch angle than a similar long iron meaning you can escape over the high bunker lip without sacrificing the overall distance you are trying to hit, This will help you visualise the ball coming out high and clean, which will reduce you helping the ball up that I see all too often with golfers.

Shot on location at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club

So we need to set up with the hips pushed forward as above, not letting the head go forward of the hips. This will close off the shoulders and put more weight on the left. Then push the handle forward and raise the handle height up (above right). These are your impact alignments. So when swinging the club you must feel the handle height raise more as you move through the ball. This combined with maintaining straight arms through impact will ensure you have the draw ball flight you have always dreamed of.

The key to any bunker shot remember starts with good sound footing!

So remember to shuffle your feet into the sand to help retain stability and counter balance the fact that you`ve lowered yourself to the ball by gripping slightly down the club.

Now make sure that you maintain your height throughout the shot and swing normally – and trust the club’s benefits.

Stuart Wilson is the professional at Eastwood GC near Glasgow. He is one of over 1,000 Foremost pros from all over the UK to give tuition.www.stuartwilsonpro.co.uk

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 89

Shot on location at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club

90 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

highest through the ball.

These make the path go out at the ball more as they allow the club to descend shallower into the ball.

THE DRILL

Graeme Bell is head professional at Linlithgow GC. He is one of over 1,000 Foremost pros from all over the UK. For more visit www.foremostgolf.com and www.graemebellgolf.com

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 91

Peter Myers is head professional at Hainsworth Park near Hull. He is one of over 1,000 Foremost pros from all over the UK to give tuition.

More: www.petermyersgolf.co.uk

NCG pp 88-89 Wilson Foremost 23/08/2013 10:12 Page 88

SAND &

DELIVER Why landing in a fairway bunker doesn’t necessarily mean dropping shots

F you are one of these people who is still unconvinced by the benefits of a hybrid over a long iron then the one shot that probably highlights the advantages of the hybrid most is the fairway bunker shot.

Most amateurs will get the ball out

I

but they rarely produce the correct contact, trajectory or energy to get to the intended target.

Obviously the features of the hybrid head don’t change from longer grass to sand, however their benefit in helping you successfully execute the shot in hand certainly do.

NCG pp 88-89 Wilson Foremost 23/08/2013 10:12 Page 89

THE UK’S LARGEST GOLF RETAIL GROUP WWW.FOREMOSTGOLF.COM

Let’s start with that sole width. When the ball is in thicker grass that sole helps cut through the ground to get to the ball, however this time in the sand that sole design will stop the club digging too deep into the sand meaning you don’t have to be as precise with your contact.

Given the difficulty of the shot it is very reassuring to know that you don’t have to hit it perfectly.

The lower-profile face and distribution of head weight will always encourage the ball to pop up with a higher initial launch angle than a similar long iron meaning you can escape over the high bunker lip without sacrificing the overall distance you are trying to hit, This will help you visualise the ball coming out high and clean, which will reduce you helping the ball up that I see all too often with golfers.

Shot on location at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club

The key to any bunker shot remember starts with good sound footing!

So remember to shuffle your feet into the sand to help retain stability and counter balance the fact that you`ve lowered yourself to the ball by gripping slightly down the club.

Now make sure that you maintain your height throughout the shot and swing normally – and trust the club’s benefits.

Stuart Wilson is the professional at Eastwood GC near Glasgow. He is one of over 1,000 Foremost pros from all over the UK to give tuition.www.stuartwilsonpro.co.uk

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 89

NCG pp 90-91 Bell Foremost 23/08/2013 14:04 Page 90

UNDERSTAND

YOUR SLICE How your hips can help you finally lose your big miss

90 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp 90-91 Bell Foremost 23/08/2013 14:04 Page 91

THE UK’S LARGEST GOLF RETAIL GROUP WWW.FOREMOSTGOLF.COM SLICING is a problem that can haunt most people when the driver is pulled from the bag.

You must understand what controls the curvature of the ball.

The path is the main contributory factor that controls this and for most players their path can be

S

aggressively out to in.

Even if the clubface is bullet straight to the target at impact, the ball can still curve if the path is across the ball.

So this is what we need to address.

By getting the player to hit more out at the ball and not across it we will having you hitting draws in no time.

THE SLICER

The biggest slicers have the following at impact: hips the least forward, weight the least forward and the club handle is low and

back behind the clubhead These make the path go across the ball and allow the club to come steeper into the ball.

THE DRAWER

The biggest drawers have the following at impact: the hips, weight and the handle the most forward of the clubhead and the So we need to set up with the hips pushed forward as above, not letting the head go forward of the hips. This will close off the shoulders and put more weight on the left. Then push the handle forward and raise the handle height up (above right). These are your impact alignments. So when swinging the club you must feel the handle height raise more as you move through the ball. This combined with maintaining straight arms through impact will ensure you have the draw ball flight you have always dreamed of.

Shot on location at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club

highest through the ball.

These make the path go out at the ball more as they allow the club to descend shallower into the ball.

THE DRILL

Graeme Bell is head professional at Linlithgow GC. He is one of over 1,000 Foremost pros from all over the UK. For more visit www.foremostgolf.com and www.graemebellgolf.com

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 91

Foremost Golf 23/08/2013 11:58 Page 1

NCG pp 93 Myers Foremost 23/08/2013 13:35 Page 93

THE UK’S LARGEST GOLF RETAIL GROUP WWW.FOREMOSTGOLF.COM

LESS IS

MORE A great tip that should help you to hit more greens...

F you want to hit more greens with your irons, I suggest improving your rhythm. To do this, take more club and hold down the grip. Swing slower to improve both control and balance. I can understand average players trying to squeeze 10 more yards out of the driver, but getting more out of your irons is the kiss of death. If you can resist the tendency to swing more than 80 percent, you’ll have better balance and rhythm. Take a solid 6 iron instead of trying to belt a 7 iron and watch the flight, distance and spin improve. Your mechanics will be better, and you’ll find the sweet spot more often. Get down the range and practice a controlled iron shot swing, seek out a professional with a launch monitor and dial in those distances.

I

Peter Myers is head professional at Hainsworth Park near Hull. He is one of over 1,000 Foremost pros from all over the UK to give tuition.

More: www.petermyersgolf.co.uk

NCG pp 94-95 Fitness 7 23/08/2013 12:14 Page 94

LIFT WEIGHTS

TO IMPROVE

YOUR GAME These golf-specific exercises offer great advantages

94 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

The final instalment in the series will focus on improving strength and balance for your golf swing through resistance training.

It requires that you are either a member of a gym or that you have access, at the very least, to some dumbells or weights.

Without having either of these, it is very difficult to recreate the exercises I refer to.

What I would say is that doing a bit of resitance training is beneficial for everyone – whether they are a golfer or not.

Lifting weights burns fat quicker

than running and the effects last long after your workout. An hour two to three times a week doing these golf-specific exercises will really benefit your game and take you to the next level.

John Sheehy is a personal trainer and Herbalife coach, based in Leeds. He is also a golf professional. Call 07988 449936 for further details.

NCG pp 94-95 Fitness 7 23/08/2013 12:14 Page 95

STRONG THROUGH IMPACT This mimics the throughswing and strengthens your back/shoulders and hips. You don’t need much weight to feel the effect. Starting at the top of the backswing, work the arms and hips to impact position and repeat. Rhythm and timing are key; use momentum to help get you going. Do four sets of 20 reps and feel the body working.

POWER AND BALANCED BACKSWING In your golf address position and two dumbells/kettlebells clutched to your chest as shown, turn your upper body as you would on a shot, keeping your lower body solid – knees flexed and hips turned. Hold for five seconds and repeat. Do four sets of 15 reps.

A MORE DYNAMIC TRANSITION AND FINISH Place one dumbell/kettlebell in your right hand with your knuckles ‘looking’ at the ceiling and elbows bent. Rotate your body to the left, mimicking the swing finish and simultaneously push the weight towards the ceiling. Hold finish for three seconds. Repeat. Complete four sets of 12 reps and benefit from a more balanced finish position.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 95

NCG.com 23/08/2013 11:58 Page 1

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Follow us @NCGmagazine Become a fan facebook.com/ nationalclubgolfermagazine

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NCG pp 97 Columnist KM 23/08/2013 13:34 Page 97

GOLF PSYCHOLOGY

KARL MORRIS Can golf make us look and feel younger?

HAD the great pleasure during the Open Championship to meet the great Gary Player back at the scene of one of his many Major victories.

If I had never played golf before and somebody had asked me to guess the age of this diminutive character, with a sharp twinkle in his eyes and a palpable energy about his whole being, I would have said late fifties.

But I did know who it was and, at the first opportunity I had, the smartphone was engaged and the question was put into Google. The instant answer came back – Gary Player, golfer, South Africa, born November 1 1935 aged SEVENTY SEVEN! If ever there was a man who embodied the epitome of ‘walking his talk’ and living as he preached, here he was. Still beating his age by numerous shots on a regular basis, still incredibly enthusiastic, very opinionated, sometimes controversial but, above all, I got the impression of the man in front of me who was someone who was very much alive.

It got me thinking about the link with golf and wondered do we take our eye off the ball in trying to keep older people playing or even the seemingly far-out idea of getting older people involved in the game for the first time?

I honestly believe golf can be a life enhancer if not a life saver. Could golf also help us to ‘think ourselves young?’

The legendary Harvard psychologist Ellen Langer conducted an experiment many years ago that is both exciting and profoundly important for all of us as we get inevitably older. Professor Langer recruited a group of elderly men in their late 70s or 80s for what she described as ‘a week of reminiscence’. The participants were not told they were taking part in an experiment. Langer wanted to know what would happen to the bodies of the men as they were taken back 20 years in time. The group was basically placed in an environment which was essentially a time-warp capsule. They watched films from the 1950s, they listened to music from the era, had discussions about Castro marching on Havana and the latest NASA satellite launch, all in the present tense, for a whole week.

Prior to the experiment Langer had taken physiological measurements of all the participants. The stunning results afterwards

Ever happy Player still looks and feels great

I

‘Golf affords us the opportunity to mix with younger people’ showed clearly across the board how the men had improved gait, dexterity, arthritis, speed of movement, cognitive abilities and their memories had all measurably improved. By thinking younger, they had become younger!

The great beauty of golf is it affords us the opportunity to mix with younger people, to think younger, to have goals of improvement, the opportunity to travel, to socialise. We are a social animal and, if we stop playing the game, the opportunity for numerous social interactions can be taken away from us.

Also, the game requires a certain level of fitness but it also gives us a reason to be fit.

Player is that living breathing example of the

benefits of staying fit but science is telling us that just because you are over 45, you don’t have to begin the slide into decrepitude.

According to a study resistance training can enhance muscle mass and function even in 90year-old subjects (McComas 2005). Individuals over 90 have been shown to make significant gains on a weight-training programme. Elderly (ages 67-97) who participated in a free weight programme reported a decreased fear of falling in addition to increased functional performance (Brill, et. al. 1998).

Golf needs to look at how we can get more youngsters involved for sure because that is vital to the future of the game but we don’t want to miss the opportunity of keeping older golfers involved. n Come and experience an extraordinary three days at the Mind Factor Certification course for coaches and players with Karl. The course will be held in Manchester on November 16–18. www.themindfactor.com

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 97

NCG Insert Travel Guide Cover 23/08/2013 10:12 Page 1

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NCG pp 99 Travel | Contents 23/08/2013 14:19 Page 1

TRAVEL SPECIAL

CONTENTS 100

NORTH AMERICA Play some of the most famous names in golf, from Pebble Beach to Pinehurst...

105

TURKEY Why the fastest-growing golf destination simply keeps getting better

108

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Desert golf on a five-star and grand scale in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

112

MAURITIUS The archetypal paradise island has a myriad options to choose from

114

NORTH AFRICA Tunisia and Morocco are now very serious about attracting travelling golfers LOOK OUT FOR CLIVE with his top tips for our destinations

116

THAILAND Why this is rapidly becoming the world’s most popular golfing destination

NCG pp100-102 Travel | USA 23/08/2013 14:42 Page 100

TRAVEL SPECIAL | North America

North America For the experience of a lifetime, head to the States on your next trip – it can offer everything you could possibly desire

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100 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp100-102 Travel | USA 23/08/2013 14:42 Page 101

MERICA is home to over half the world’s golf courses, and many of its finest.

Beyond this, the attractions for UK golfers are manifold: English is spoken, direct flights are common, there’s warm weather year round and even with the

A

pound languishing against the dollar, it still offers good value for money.

British citizens holding 10year passports can travel to the US for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Programme, but must still apply to enter via the ESTA process

(Electronic System for Travel Authorization) which costs £10.

Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry. The Department of Homeland Security is addressing its reputation for, let’s say, sternness at border controls, but once through customs nowhere

on earth will give you a warmer welcome.

The sheer scale of America makes fly/drive holidays a particularly good option, especially if you are hoping to visit a few courses. Roads are excellent – wide and well signed – car rental is easy and good ➤

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 101

NCG pp100-102 Travel | USA 23/08/2013 14:42 Page 102

TRAVEL SPECIAL | North America

value, plus petrol costs around 75 per cent less than in the UK. You must be over 25 to rent a car and will need both parts of your driving licence. Note that Sat Nav doesn’t come as standard and is worth the extra investment if you’re planning a road trip. With such diversity and a glut of courses across the country it’s difficult to narrow recommendations down, but we have chosen four distinct destinations of note.

CALIFORNIA The state of California is almost 800 miles long, ranging from the cool, forested north bordering Oregon, to the hot, hip, laid-back south where San Diego meets Mexico. The Pacific Coast Highway runs almost the length of the state, hugging the coast, and is surely one of the world’s greatest road trips. Fly into San Francisco and head south on PCH to Santa Cruz and Pasatiempo Golf Club, designed by the great Dr Alister MacKenzie. Or keep on straight to the Monterrey Peninsula, home to Cypress Point, another MacKenzie masterpiece and candidate for the

title of greatest golf course in the world – although you’ll need serious connections to get on here.

Not to worry though, a stone’s throw away on scenic 17 Mile Drive is Pebble Beach, Jack Nicklaus’ favourite course, routed along craggy headlands overlooking Carmel Bay. Playing Pebble is a rite of passage for many, but isn’t cheap.

If you baulk at the $495 green fee, try neighbouring Spyglass Hill, arguably the toughest course on the Peninsula, with an army of fans who’ll swear it’s also the best.

If there’s still gas in your tank, continue south, past Los Angeles and its uber-exclusive country clubs towards San Diego and hit Pacific-pounded Torrey Pines – frequent PGA Tour fixture, two of the best municipal courses in the US (the North and South) and Tiger’s playground.

Flight Time: 11 hours ARIZONA Arizona – and specifically the area around Scottsdale to the north east of Phoenix – is synonymous with desert golf, dramatic landscapes

102 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

and mild winter climates. It is also possible to combine a trip to Arizona with Palm Springs and Las Vegas for a multi-centre holiday. For quintessential targetstyle desert golf, try the Cholla course at the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, or play the undulating, boulder-strewn Pinnacle course at Troon North GC, overlooking the eponymous peak, and feel like John Wayne.

Flight Time: 11 hours FLORIDA Florida is the home of resort golf.

Fly direct to Orlando and you can be teeing off the same day. Disney is king in these parts and the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is the jewel in its crown; a classic country club course that has hosted the PGA Tour.

The Magnolia Course is a true test of length for serious players and the nine-hole Oak Trail features junior tees and the chance the play with the whole family. If Mickey’s not your thing, Florida has world-class courses in Sawgrass (Jacksonville), Doral (Miami) and the Pine Barrens

course at World Woods GC. Flight Time: 9 hours THE CAROLINAS The Carolinas share both the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Range, and a meandering, unspoilt coastline where you can spot wild horses and eat shrimp and grits, served with a huge dollop of southern hospitality.

Most famous is North Carolina’s Pinehurst, the spiritual home of American golf. The No. 2 course is the 2014 US Open venue, although stay at Pinehurst and you can pick any of its eight courses to suit your level. A close second is Kiawah Island, home to five championship courses with the pick being the Ocean Course and its panoramic Atlantic views (and winds). If your golf relies on finesse rather than strength, head for Harbour Town Golf Links at the Sea Pines Resort, or if you want to stay in one place, Myrtle Beach is the Mother Lode; you could stay for two months and not play the same course twice.

Flight Time: 9 hours

Turkish Golf Cornelia 23/08/2013 14:02 Page 1

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NCG pp105 Travel | Turkey 23/08/2013 11:31 Page 105

TRAVEL SPECIAL | Turkey

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www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 105

NCG pp106 Travel | Turkey 23/08/2013 11:32 Page 106

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106 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

N a word: convenience.

That's why British golfers started flocking to Turkey a few years ago and have been returning ever since. Winter Sun, for many golfers, needs to be simple. We've only got five days, or a long weekend, to get our fix and want to spend as much time as possible on the golf course and be able to enjoy ourselves afterwards.

Well, I am here to tell you that golf in Turkey is very, very relaxing. The flight into Antalya Airport is around the four-hour mark and from there it is all plain sailing.

If you haven't yet been to Turkey then you will probably just accept there is going to be some sort of travel from one course to the next when on a golfing holiday – it’s the price you pay for wanting to play at different places. But not here in Turkey. Unless you go to play at Lykia Links, which is still within half an hour of most hotels, you’ll be in transit for just 10 minutes; often less.

The stretch of land extending west from Antalya, which is on Turkey's south coast, stretches for miles and includes little that is not either a luxury resort or a golf course. All these resorts offer transfers to the other courses and it means you can be on the 1st tee within minutes of leaving your hotel reception.

Once you're finished, simply wander into the clubhouse or sit outside and enjoy a relaxing drink – you won't need a designated driver as a minibus will whisk you and your merry crew back to your resort once you're ready.

Golf is a very new sport in Turkey and they have several factors in their favour. One is certainly the economic factor of not being in the Euro. Iberian resorts simply can’t or won’t compete on price. Another is the wonderful yearround climate that the south-coast region of Belek enjoys.

More than anything else, though, the golf is excellent. The land is perfectly suited to our sport. Many of the 14 courses in the Belek golfing hotspot (in fact, there are only 20 courses in the whole of Turkey) are quite literally built on sand – and that’s one reason why they play so well. Quick-draining and firm, the conditioning is generally excellent so you can anticipate some crisp iron striking and putting on some quick and true surfaces.

In my experience, the conditioning of the courses in Turkey is outstanding – and that is something that cannot always be said in the Algarve, for example.

I

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NCG pp108-109 Travel | UAE 23/08/2013 11:37 Page 108

TRAVEL SPECIAL | The UAE

United Arab Emirates Why Abu Dhabi is now the place to go for golf in the Arabian Gulf

108 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp108-109 Travel | UAE 23/08/2013 11:37 Page 109

OU wouldn't think the pictured course was in the heart of the Arabian desert, would you? And 50 years ago you would've been right. Back then, the UAE was home to less than 100,000 people and was essentially a desolate block of blistering sand.

The discovery of oil in 1962 changed all that. With monumental revenues piling up through exportation of crude oil,

Y

the government sought to improve the lives of its people and invested heavily.

The world watched spellbound as billionaire Emiratis built megastructure after megastructure, seducing slackjawed tourists and expats with everything from the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab to sensational souks, and sprawling tax-free shopping centres. The bustling metropolis that exists now is characterised by its dredged islands, man-made

“Test your mettle on the world’s fastest rollercoaster” waterways, opulent hotels, and an array of top class golf courses, like this one on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, which was designed by Gary Player. Saadiyat Beach is one of three Abu Dhabi courses in Golf Digest's Middle East topfour, so it makes sense to start

your Emirati journey here. The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi has slowly become the cultural heart of the country. For a while, it seemed nothing could halt the steaming locomotive that was Dubai, but the global financial meltdown put pay to countless property projects. Abu Dhabi, with its larger oil reserves, escaped relatively unscathed.

The city is now leading the way in tourism and is at the centre of most of the new architecture ➤

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 109

NCG pp110 Travel | UAE 23/08/2013 11:35 Page 110

TRAVEL SPECIAL | The UAE investment. Indeed, two new galleries - the Louvre and Guggenheim - are set to open in the next few years, while Ferrari World, a theme park home to the world's fastest rollercoaster, is located opposite the city's F1 track, which has a Grand Prix every year.

It goes without saying that off the course you are spoilt for choice. And although there are only three recognised grass courses in the city, they are all superb. The Player-designed Saadiyat Beach is the first course

in the Middle East to be located on the sea front. Visually stunning, it is a serious examination paper which can measure a whopping 7,806 yards.

The holes are littered with bunkers and water hazards, too.

Although extremely enjoyable and respected, Saadiyat is arguably the quirkiest of Abu Dhabi's offerings. Abu Dhabi GC, on the other hand, is relatively traditional. The eponymous host of the city's annual Tour event is one of the strongest on the circuit. It is

“You are spoilt for choice both on and off the course” slightly resort in style but very difficult and interesting. The greens are lightning quick, and the fairways and tees like carpets.

If Saadiyat is the fast-paced thrill ride, and Abu Dhabi GC is the technically-sound resort layout, Yas Links is a perfect middle ground. Renowned architect Kyle Phillips (Kingsbarns and

The Grove) has sculpted what can only be described as the best example of links golf in a hot climate I’ve seen.

Long fescue grass, rippling fairways and mountainous dunes give the impression you’re in Scotland, just with much better weather. And no deep-fried mars bars. It is fair to say that Abu Dhabi GC is possibly the best all-round course in the city.

Saadiyat Beach and Yas Links are stunning in their own right, but you could argue a lot less playable everything being equal.

CLIVE’S ADVICE

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110 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

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NCG pp112-113 Travel | Mauritius 23/08/2013 14:17 Page 112

TRAVEL SPECIAL | Mauritius

Mauritius

Does the archetypal beach and golf resort holiday better than anywhere else on earth

PERFECT PACKAGE Supertravel Golf is one of the UK’s largest golf tour operators, offering worldwide breaks. Mauritius is their premier long-haul destination.

The deal: A 14-night half-board stay in a junior suite at five-star Prince Maurice Hotel from £2,845pp. Includes free daily golf on the two championship courses (Belle Mare’s Links and Legend) along with buggies, premium club hire, free transfers and direct flights from London (regional airports available on request). supertravel.co.uk • 0207 962 9494

112 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

CERTAINLY can’t improve on the description Mark Twain gave to Mauritius. “You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven was copied after Mauritius,” wrote the fabled American author.

Clear the grounds of the airport – a gloriously hasslefree experience in itself, despite it having echoes of a bygone age with a feeling or good-natured chaos – and you are immediately surrounded by breathtaking scenes, whether classic beach views or lush green forests inland.

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Dotted within this idyllic landscape are a collection of luxury hotels which, square mile for square mile, must rival anywhere else in the world. Grouped in little pockets at various points on the island’s coast, at times you cannot travel for more than a minute without driving past an entrance to a chic resort.

British holidaymakers make up a good proportion of visitors to Mauritius, returning year after year (estimated at 100,000 annually) to enjoy more hot sun, crystal-clear sea, gorgeous white sand and firstclass service. The latter is an

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under-rated aspect of the island’s attractions; its multicultural mix – Indian, Creoles, Chinese and French – combines to give the Mauritians the perfect temperament for hotel staff, being easy going, friendly and achingly keen to help in any respect.

The British have come to Mauritius for centuries and remnants of the colonial era remain in the tea plantations and the reassuring law which sees driving on the left.

The link extends to golf. In 1902 Royal Navy officers formed the Gymkhana Golf Club. It remains today and their course not surprisingly offers the best-

value on the island. You also get to lap up the atmosphere of their clubhouse, which is amusingly reminiscent of a British pub. It’s certainly worth a tour inland to play (it’s near Vacoas) and break up the regular fun you will be having on your resort’s course.

Le Touessrok is the most famous resort, and with good reason. It boasts a stunning island course as well as one of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’.

Not a bad combination.

The course is reached via a small boat from a jetty next to the hotel and straightaway there is something special about the experience. Once on ‘Ile aux

Cerfs’ – island of deer – you play a course combining predictably sensational ocean views with some serious woodland action.

The density of trees means you must hit it straight – it was designed by Bernhard Langer – to thoroughly enjoy the round; this is no time for bravado.

Back on the mainland, fivestar Le Touessrok is frequented by celebrities and the rich but is by no means unaccessible to you or I. Shop around for deals – and consider going outside of our winter when the weather is actually more settled, and you can enjoy the holiday of a lifetime.

Like the golf course, the layout of

the hotel is pretty special, with a central hub spreading out into the ocean through a series of bridges and paths. It is here the bedrooms are found, perched on the edge of the crystal clear Indian Ocean...

There are lots of alternatives too, starting with Belle Mare Plage, which has two courses, the Legend and the Links. Or try the Ernie Els course (on a peninsula jutting into the ocean) at Four Seasons Anahita or the quirky nine-holer at Le Telfair. Paradis on Le Morne Peninsula is special and Tamarina offers fabulous mountain and sea views. Finally, Golf du Château’s inland course at the Heritage Resort is terrific.

CLIV KEY ADE’S VICE Le

Touessrok has a new chic h otel, Long Beach, and it is ideal fo r younger co uples or groups of g olfers. It’s also a bit c heaper too.

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NCG pp114-115 Travel | North Africa 23/08/2013 14:18 Page 114

TRAVEL SPECIAL | North Africa

North Africa

Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco offer great winter sun options

MAZAGAN, MOROCCO

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NCG pp114-115 Travel | North Africa 23/08/2013 14:18 Page 115

YASMINE VALLEY

MAZAGAN, MOROCCO

ITH the game very much on the up in this part of the world more and more of us are taking advantage of the short flight south for affordable golf played under bright skies.

Fifteen years ago you might be able to name a handful of courses in Morocco; now there are six in the bustling city of Marrakech alone – all within a short drive of wherever you are staying and, by the year 2015, the country should boast as many as 40 courses.

At the Royal Golf Club you will be following in the footsteps (or divots) of Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower while the Amelkis, played under the gaze of the magnificent Atlas Mountains, has already hosted men’s and women’s European Tour events and has three loops of nine.

Slightly further afield an hour from Casablanca is arguably the country’s premier resort, Mazagan.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and set in magnificent landscaped gardens, it has a five-star hotel,

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exclusive casino, an invigorating health and beauty centre and a links course designed by the legendary Gary Player.

From the back tees it is the longest course in the country though there are plenty of options and some magnificent facilities, managed by Troon Golf, to work on your game in the sunshine.

“There are six courses in the city of Marrakech” Agadir is also well catered for with resort courses but if you are looking for something a little bit more romantic then try the Agadir Royal. There are nine holes here that were laid out by a ‘mysterious Scotsman known only as Mr Wilson’.

Tunisia is the most northern country on the continent with a sandy coastline of over 700 miles.

The first course, Carthage, was opened in the 1920s but it took 50 years for others to follow.

Yasmine Valley, in Hammamet, is played over rolling landscape and between pine and olive groves.

It is considered to be one of the best in the country while nearby Citrus has two great courses.

In the Kantaoui part of the country there are two layouts at Port El Kantaoui – the Sea and the Panorama. The former hosted the European Tour the first time it moved outside of Europe.

Palm Links, in Monastir, is another of the best in Tunisia with some links-style holes Hidden away in the north west by the border with Algeria is Tabarka, where the Challenge Tour has visited. American Ron Fream, a leading figure in Tunisia’s rise in the game, designed the course which cuts through, firstly, sand dunes before moving away from the coast.

On to Egypt. Not surprisingly Cairo boasts the most amount of choice and, on the outskirts of the capital, lies Allegria.

This is Greg Norman’s first design venture in the continent

and it has already received rave reviews with creeks and water hazards a feature of the course.

Kateyama Dunes, east of Cairo, is a 27-hole project of Sir Nick Faldo. Here a barren desert has been transformed into a lush oasis.

A popular destination with overseas visitors is the resort of Taba Heights on the east coast between the Sinai mountains and the Red Sea. The fairways reside as islands in among the desert and, along with a variety of bunkers, you can expect to play a lot of shots from sand.

CLIV KEY ADE’S VICE Hea

d here in w inter.

With a journ ey which flies by in th e company of a couple of G &Ts, North Africa offer s fantastic winter sun options.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 115

NCG pp116-117 Travel | Thailand 23/08/2013 11:28 Page 116

TRAVEL SPECIAL | Thailand

Thailand

Head east for delicious food, attentive caddies, bags of culture, hot weather and top-class courses

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NCG pp116-117 Travel | Thailand 23/08/2013 11:29 Page 117

VEN if there was no golf on offer, Thailand would still be a sensational country to visit. Here you find stunning cities, a thousand years of culture, terrific communications, delicious food and one of the friendliest races on earth.

Factor in some terrific golf courses and it becomes one of the very best long-haul golf destinations available anywhere.

The only downside is that the country can be either blisteringly hot or else soaking wet, so the best time to go is during the cool season from November to February, where fine, sunny days – like the very best of a British June – are the norm.

We shall start, as so many visitors do, in Bangkok, the country’s capital straddling the great Chao Phraya River.

Take time out to enjoy the sights before heading off to golf as this vast sprawling city has some of the world’s most beautiful and fascinating landmarks.

The Temple of Wat Arun and the Grand Palace are must sees and do take a fast water taxi to your destinations as traffic and

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noise in the city can be overpowering.

The best golf is between 20 minutes to an hour away. Courses in Thailand tend to be of the

“Bawdy Pattaya has Thailand’s finest courses” stadium variety with big, raised greens and lots of sand and water.

Navatanee is typical of the best and only 20 minutes outside Bangkok. A mature Robert Trent Jones Jr design that does not get too crowded, do try to get a round in here as well as the beautiful Thai Country Club, host to four Volvo Masters events.

The noise and the heat of the capital persuade many wealthy Thais to move north to Chiang Mai and we should do likewise.

Chiang Mai is a mini Bangkok, but without the pollution. Stay and play at Chiangmai Highlands golf and spa resort. Set amid cool and peaceful wooded hillsides, this Schmidt-Curley design is a joy to play, especially in the still of the morning.

Moving south, the resort town

of Pattaya could not be more different to Chiang Mai. Raucous, bawdy and unsophisticated it nonetheless boasts some of Thailand’s best courses with the Siam Country Club probably the pick of the bunch with immaculate greens, perilous creeks and lakes, plus 101 sand traps.

And if the bar girls and vulgarity of downtown Pattaya get all too much we can always stay here instead.

Continuing south from Pattaya we reach Phuket, Thailand’s largest island. This is real beach resort territory with palm trees, golden sands and some great golf courses. Play and stay at the exclusive Banyan Tree resort if you are feeling rich but also try and get to the Red Mountain golf club, possibly Thailand’s most dramatic course with soaring elevations in the heart of Phuket’s wooded highlands created from an old quarry. Like so much of Thailand it is totally different.

One final tip to those of you who can get a bit uptight on the links: don’t shout angrily if you hit a bad shot – to the Thais, nearly all Buddhists, to raise one’s voice in anger is the height of ignorance.

CLIV KEY ADE’S VICE Tip

your caddie generously if she does her job wel l. Most cou rses use female caddies, w ho are both kn owledgeab le and good fu n.

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NCG pp118 Twilight Golf Ads 23/08/2013 10:42 Page 118

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118 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp119 Lead to Club Golf 23/08/2013 13:40 Page 119

CLUB GOLF section in association with

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CLUB GOLF Tackling the issues that matter to you Inclusive golf Tournament winner Billy McAllister with the trophy.

THIS MONTH’S TOP STORY Success for first Disabled Open The first pan-disability golf open to be played in the UK took place at The Shire London with great success.

The Golf Trust UK Disabled Open was the first organised competition to unite competitors from several different disabled golf organisations in the same event.

Sixty players with a range of disabilities, including lost limbs, MS, learning difficulties and blindness took part in the tournament, won by blind golfer Billy McAllister.

“This was a significant day for golf, and it sends out a strong message about how inclusive this great sport can be,” said the Golf Trust’s Cae Menai Davis. “It has been a huge effort to make this day a reality,” he added.

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News | Personalities | Club focus |Greenkeeping | Secret Secretary | Must Plays | Area guides

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European success for region’s youngsters

Hampshire duo fail at Frilford Heath Hampshire’s Neil Raymond and Harry Ellis failed to qualify for the matchplay stage at the English Amateur after poor performances at Frilford Heath.

Ellis entered the tournament as defending champion following his victory at Silloth-onSolway last year, while

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Raymond is a twice Brabazon Trophy winner and the St Andrews Links Trophy champion.

The pair were widely expected to perform well, but Raymond could only manage a score of three over in qualifying, and Ellis slipped to nine over after two poor rounds at the Oxfordshire venue.

London club builds FootGolf course Addington Court has become the latest UK club to build a FootGolf course.

FootGolf involves players kicking a football into a large golf hole in the fewest kicks possible. The sport began in the USA and is becoming increasingly popular here.

Three players from the South East region helped England to team victory at the European Young Masters in Hamburg, Germany.

Marco Penge (Sussex), Alice Hewson (Hertfordshire) and Sophie Madden (Essex) helped England post a collective total score of 12 under to comprehensively take the team title by six shots from nearest rivals and runners-up Spain.

England also secured a second win in the event as Bradley Moore won the boys’ championship in Europe’s premier Under-16s tournament.

West Lancashire junior Eloise Healy recorded a crucially comprehensive win to help England U16 girls defeat Switzerland in a new match between the teams.

She won her game 5up, cancelling out Harriet Allsebrook’s five hole defeat and helping England record a slender two hole overall win.

Lancashire lad helps England to victory Lancashire’s Paul Howard helped England to a final day Home Internationals win, recording a sensational 7&6 victory over Scotland’s Ewan Scott.

About Brampton is a fantastic James Braid layout that is worth visiting when travelling up the M6 to Scotland or visiting fellow Cumbrian favourite Silloth-on-Solway.

The club is located just outside the town of Brampton next to Talkin Tarn Country Park.

Great views of the Tarn can be seen along the 13th fairway, 14th green and 15th tee.

The Course Measuring over 6,400 yards from the back tees, the course is an undulating heathland layout set in rolling fell country.

The challenging nature of the course is complemented by unspoilt panoramic views of the Lake District, Pennines and Scotland.

Braid’s excellent design features superb drainage, making it playable throughout the year.

Delamere Forest junior Lewis George secured both the Cheshire Boys and Cheshire Junior Championships in the space of seven days. He set a course record at his home club (pictuerd) on the way to the boys title.

Card Wrecker The 462-yard par-4 11th is a similarly testing hole. It features a sharp dogleg and a downhill approach to the putting surface.

Investment in Worsley Park

Charnock Richard closed by Wigan FC

Manchester club Worsley Park has announced that it will invest £175,000 in a course improvement programme.

The club will use the money to improve both drainage facilities and machinery, and the investment means that around a third of a million pounds will have been spent on the venue since 2011.

Worsley Park is also a Marriott Hotel and Country Club venue.

Academy programme extended Double win for George

Top Hole The par-4 3rd is a great early test.

It will play longer than the 414 yards on the card, especially if you choose a safer line away from the railway line and out of bounds.

A new coaching scheme is being rolled out in Cheshire as the county further extends its academy scheme.

The programme will be used to help players under the age of 14 develop their golf skills and knowledge.

Players will receive coaching from seven PGA

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professionals throughout the coming year.

Commenting on the scheme, Cheshire County Academy coordinator Iain Seath said: “The teenage years are important for anyone looking to develop their golfing skills. We believe that we can offer a pathway for players to develop their game.”

New development officer in North West England Golf have announced the appointment of a new regional development officer for the Lancashire and Cheshire regions.

Sean Hammill will take up the post having previously been county development officer for Staffordshire since 2011.

Charnock Richard GC in Lancashire has been closed down by new owners Wigan Athletic FC with immediate effect.

The club was bought with the intention of using the land for football training facilities, but Wigan Athletic had assured Charnock Richard members that the club would run as normal until the end of the current golf season.

However, with £30,000 of machinery needing to be replaced, the new owners have now decided to close the club to the dismay of staff and members.

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All the latest news and course reviews from the Principality

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County Champion: Brampton, Cumbria

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Card Wrecker The long par-5 14th is the hardest hole on the course, measuring 562 yards from the back tees. Birdie chances are rarely entertained here.

Juniors play with Poulter Two junior golfers were handed the chance of a lifetime as they won the opportunity to play with Ian Poulter at his junior invitational event at Woburn.

Basingstoke’s Eddie Hamilton and Cliddesden’s Tara O’Herlihy played at the July tournament and received one-on-one time with Poulter as he toured the course.

“I’m passionate about providing juniors with a platform to develop,” said Poulter.

South East: Juniors play with Poulter

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Top Hole The 200-yard par-3 13th is the best of the lot. Coming directly before the hardest hole on the course, a long club is needed to reach the green in one blow.

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Singapore-based Charlotte Thomas has won the English Women’s Open MidAmateur championship at John O’Gaunt, Bedfordshire. She beat Braintree’s Chloe Rogers 4&3 in the final.

The Course The course was subjected to a complete redesign in 2003 and now stands at over 7,000 yards from the back tees. However, there are five different tee positions to choose from, so the course sets up well for all levels of player. The mature trees and large undulating greens are the main features of this terrific parkland layout. There are also several excellent long par 3s.

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Healy stars for England

News & Reviews

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Ladies’ Day a success Ladies once again enjoyed outstanding hospitaility on the third day of the Wales Open at Celtic Manor.

The club had made Saturday ‘Ladies’ Day’ for the second year running.

Dewstow celebrates Dewstow is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The Monmouthshire club will host a series of special events and have offers running until the end of the year to mark the occasion.

Caernarfon golfer makes history Royal Town Caernarfon golfer David Duckworth made history at his club by becoming the first player to break the net60 barrier in 30 years.

Duckworth, a 13handicap player, shot the gross 72 in a recent club championship event.

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English mid-am win for Singapore star

About The Rotherwick Course at Tylney Park is set in over 200 acres of Hampshire countryside and is one of the best inland courses in the region.

The area is protected by English Heritage and the surrounding landscape provides stunning views.

The course is situated next to Tylney Hall Hotel and is close to both Basingstoke and Farnham.

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Boulden wins English Strokeplay title Curtis Cup star Amy Boulden secured the English Women’s Open Strokeplay Championship at Mannings Heath, Sussex. She adds the title to the Welsh Strokeplay that she won earlier this year.

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Award for Hoebridge Hoebridge Golf Centre in Surrey has been awarded a global environmental award.

The pay-and-play facility has been given GEO certification, which rewards ecofriendly work in golf.

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NORTH WEST Cheshire | Cumbria | Lancashire | Merseyside

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New clubhouse at Richmond Park Richmond Park has opened a new £2.5 million clubhouse. The building, located in London’s largest royal park, features an ecoroof made from acid grassland - the largest eco-roof in the capital.

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County Champion: Tylney Park, Hampshire

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Green light for new golf facility in Oldham Oldham Council have approved plans for a new facility at Grains Bar. The current ninehole course will be revamped, with new features such as a driving range and cafe included in the plans.

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Dusk Deals: Discounted late season packages

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PENNARD

news page See our Wales more.

(P142) for Play after Special offer: for just £25pp October 30 and £35 (weekdays) (weekends)

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French youngster wins at North Hants French junior Antoine Kouch won the English Boys Under-14 Championship by five strokes at North Hants.

The victory means that only one English player has gained the trophy since 2008 - Bradley Moore in 2011.

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County Champion: Pennard, Swansea About Pennard is living proof that the modern game need not exclusively rely on long and tedious 7,000-yard layouts to provide a contemporary test to even the very best players.

The village is located on the Gower Peninsula, an area of stunning natural beauty that is gloriously under-appreciated and therefore unspoilt, within a halfhour drive of Swansea.

The Course Measuring under 6,300 yards from the tips, time and again this delightful course provides holes of modest length that confound the thoughtless and careless golfer.

There are dramatic undulations and being on the wrong side of the hole can be disastrous for your score.

Top Hole The signature hole is the 16th,

which forms the first of two truly excellent par 5s. The fairway turns sharply to the right towards a green which is attractively perched on top of the cliffs.

Card Wrecker Immediately following the 16th is the trickiest hole on the course which is played among a sea of gorse. This par 5 doglegs to the left and uphill to a distant green.

Youngster breaks record for victory

Get the Gower experience Three courses on the Gower Peninsula have teamed up to offer visitors to the area an outstanding stay-and-play deal.

Based at the newly opened four-star Somerfield Lodge for two nights, guests can enjoy a full dinner, bed and breakfast package plus the opportunity to play the courses at Clyne, Langland and Pennard for just £199 per person. Call 01792 401989 for further information.

Woosnam: Welsh talent is fading Former Masters champion and 2006 European Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam has warned that golfing talent in Wales has faded since the 2010 Ryder Cup was held at the Celtic Manor Resort.

Woosnam was particularly critical of the lack of Welsh players currently playing on the

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European Tour - of which there are currently just two, Jamie Donaldson and Phillip Price.

"We used to have five, six or seven players on the tour," said Woosnam.

"It's just fading away again so we need to get some sort of infrastructure in place to get the players playing,” he added.

Amateur Champ visits Priskilly Forest British Amateur Champion and Walker Cup player Garrick Porteous recently visited Priskilly Forest. Porteous won his first ever competition at the venue, which is a charming nine hole course with attached five-star accommodation in a historic manor house.

Cottrell Park youngster Kyle Harman broke a course record to win the 2013 Welsh Boys’ Championship at Glamorganshire GC. The 16-year-old was the leading qualifier from the strokeplay stage of the tournament following a course record round of 62, and went on to win the matchplay final by a single hole.

“I had felt a good round was coming as I came into the competition, but to score 62 in the strokeplay stages still was not something I expected. That was a nice feeling,” he said.

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Wales: Why you must play at Pennard

NCG pp120 Twilight Golf Ads 23/08/2013 12:14 Page 120

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Package includes:

Package includes:

Coffee & Bacon Roll, Coffee & Bacon Roll, 9 Holes, Soup & Sandwich, 18 Holes 18 Holes of Golf, of Golf, 3 Course 2 Course Meal Evening Meal

£48.50

To book call us now on 01926 858517 or visit us at www.kenilworthgolfclub.co.uk

BOWOOD PARK HOTEL

2 Day Golf Break to include:

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For bookings of 20 or more players, the organiser goes absolutely free!

1 Nights Bed & Breakfast • 1, Three Course Evening meal • 2 Rounds of Golf September: £89pp October: £79pp November: £65pp December: £59pp

RESIDENTIAL GOLF BREAKS 2013 2012 U

£57.50

Available midweek or weekends

3 Day Golf Break to include: 2 Nights Bed & Breakfast • 2, Three Course Evening Meals • 3 Rounds of Golf September: £149pp October: £134pp November: £105pp December: £99pp

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4 Day Golf Break to include: 3 Nights Bed & Breakfast • 3, Three Course Evening Meals • 4 Rounds of Golf September: £209pp October: £189pp Prices November: £145pp December: £139pp

frozen for 2014

Additional golf break benefits in 2013: Organiser FREE OF CHARGE for groups of 16 and above

Available midweek or weekends • All package tariffs above are based on 2 people sharing a twin/double room.

• Single room upgrades may incur a per night supplement.

• Superior room upgrades incur a supplement of £10 per person per night.

• Buggy hire is available at £22 per round or £33 per day.

Advanced booking is advisable.

BOOKING HOTLINE

01840 213017 Bowood Park Hotel & Golf Club, Lanteglos, Camelford, Cornwall PL32 9RF For further information please visit us at www.bowood-park.co.uk or contact us at golf@bowood-park.co.uk or 01840 213017

Follow us on

@bowoodparkgolf

FOR INSIGHT AND OPINION ON THE GAME OF GOLF, THERE'S ONLY ONE PLACE TO LOOK...

nationalclubgolfer.com 122 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

NCG pp123 Twilight Golf 23/08/2013 13:00 Page 123

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ABERSOCH

ALRESFORD

BOWOOD PARK

Situated in north-west Wales this links/parkland hybrid course offers stunning views across the bay towards the Snowdonia mountain range.

Thirteen holes play like a traditional seaside links, with the remaining five having a more parkland feel.

The holes that run alongside the main beach at Abersoch are simply stunning.

Built on sandy soil, the course had excellent drainage and as such is a great late season option.

It is also well protected from the elements by the nearby mountain range and the Llyn peninsula.

Special offer: Flat £25 green fee rate from October

Created in 1890, but extended to its current layout in 1993, Alresford is establishing a reputation as a ‘must play’ course in the south of England.

Set on rolling downland on the slopes of Tichborne Down, the course is an interesting and challenging layout with tree-lined fairways and a variety of cleverly positioned bunkers.

This location not only offers some superb views of the surrounding Hampshire countryside, but also ensures any excess moisture is easily absorbed by the natural chalk underfoot, making the course playable throughout the year.

Special offer: Sunday fourball visitors rate - £100 after 1pm

Set in the heart of North Cornwall in 230 acres of rolling hills and woodland, Bowood Park once formed part of a 13th-century deer park.

It is now home to a luxury hotel, award-winning restaurant and an immaculate 18-hole parkland course.

The par-72 layout measures 6,735yards from the back sticks and features superb greens, no less than 26 ponds and plenty of sand to catch wayward shots.

The 600-yard 7th certainly needs three of your best hits to reach the putting surface, and the signature 12th is a challenging par 4 with an island green.

Special offer: One night bed, breakfast and dinner with two rounds for £89.

BROCKET HALL

CLYNE

CRAIL GOLFING SOCIETY

This 18th century estate boasts two championship courses, which are named after the two prime ministers who once resided at Brocket Hall - Lord Palmerston and Lord Melbourne.

The Melbourne course was opened in 1992 having been designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark, while the Palmerston course showcases some of Donald Steel’s finest work and opened shortly after its neighbour.

The club’s new ambassador programme features European Tour star Simon Khan and 2010 world long driving champion Joe Miller.

Special offer: Visitor twilight rates from £85 in September and £60 in October

Situated on the Gower Peninsula, this Harry Colt-designed course boasts a rich history dating back to the 1920s.

The course offers commanding views on all sides, overlooking Swansea to the east, the Bristol Channel and Mumbles to the south, the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons to the north, with the Gower’s Cefn Bryn to the west.

Many top names have been associated with the club, including Percy Alliss, father of Peter, who was the first club professional. More recently, Clyne hosted the 2011 Welsh Youths Open.

Special offer: Stay-and-play for £79pp including two rounds of golf. See website for details.

This Scottish gem is the seventh oldest club in the world and boasts two superb designs - one historic and one modern.

Legendary designer Old Tom Morris laid out the Balcomie course in 1895, and the Craighead Links was added to the club’s excellent course portfolio in 1998.

A combination of stunning coastal views, centuries of history and hugely enjoyable golf is what makes the Balcomie Links one of Scotland’s most finely polished courses, while its cliff-top neighbour is wonderfully designed, offering spectacular coastal views.

Special offer: £120 for a fourball after 1.30 when booking two rounds at a Links with History course.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 123

NCG pp124 Twilight Golf Ads 23/08/2013 12:27 Page 124

TWILIGHT GOLF Near Wareham 5 Star British Tourist Board Venue

GOLF G OLF & CO COUNT NTRY C CLUB

(including food)

New 28 bay Driving Range

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Torwoodlee Golf Course

Societies welcome through out 2013/14 Golf Packages from £22.50pp

Edinburgh Road, Galashiels, Scottish Borders TD1 2NE

Wassell Grove Lane, Hagley, West Midlands DY9 9JW

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A challenging 18 hole, 6021 yds SSS 69/70 parkland course set adjacent to the River Gala, 2 miles North of Galashiels on the A7 & 30 miles South of Edinburgh.

Close to Poole & Bournemouth • 27 Holes of Championship Golf • Dinner, Bed, Breakfast & Free Golf from £67.95pppn

12 Luxury Detached Log Homes to rent.

Min 2night, sleeps 8, sauna, log stoves.

You won’t be disappointed!

CALL TODAY 01929 472 244

For bookings contact the Society Co-ordinator Tel: 01562 883701 www.hagleygolfandcountryclub.co.uk

GREEN FEES £32 round, £42 day - Weekdays & Weekends New GPS Buggies & online booking available Special offer - 4x ball - £80 (£100 inc. buggies)

Phone: 01896 752260 (Option 3) www.torwoodleegolfclub.co.uk Email: torwoodleegolfclub@btconnect.com

SEPTEMBER SOCIETY OFFER £39.50pp

GOLF BREAKS from £72pp DBB & 2 Rounds

Mon to Fri and after 11 weekends.

Full English Breakfast, 18 holes and Twice cooked Belly of Pork

MAIDSTONE ROAD, HEADCORN, KENT TN27 9PT

01622 890866 www.weald-of-kent.co.uk

St Anne’s OLD LINKS

Highbury Road East, Lytham St Anne’s, Lancashire, FY8 2LD

Hosted the Final Qualifying event for the 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham Venue for the Girl’s Home Internationals in August 2013 FOURBALL SPECIAL AVAILABLE FOR JUST £208 INCLUDING LUNCH WINTER GREEN FEES FROM £40 PER PERSON Quality Winter Golf - no temporary greens or mats

Ampleforth College Golf Club A lovely 9 holes of parkland golf in the grounds of Gilling Castle GREEN FEES Enjoy a full day for £15 or £10 for 9 holes Full Membership for just £265!

Contact 01439 788274 • sec@ampleforthgolf.co.uk

www.ampleforthgolf.co.uk 124 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

For any further information or to book a memorable day, please don’t hesitate to contact us

Tel: 01253 723 597 www.stannesoldlinks.com

NCG pp125 Twilight Golf 23/08/2013 12:59 Page 125

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DEWSTOW

DONNINGTON VALLEY

DORSET G&CC

This stunning 36-hole complex is set in the heart of the Monmouthshire countryside in South East Wales.

The club is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, meaning that there has never been a better time to visit Dewstow and sample the superb golf.

The Valley course is the original layout and is designed around the natural meadowlands of the Dewlands estate.

The newer Park course opened in 1993 and winds around the Monmouthshire hills. It also features the only par-6 hole in the UK – measuring a staggering 690 yards.

Special offer: Play as many holes as you can after 6pm for £16.

This Berkshire club is located minutes from Highclere Castle – which is where Downton Abbey was filmed.

The club has hosted many events to celebrate its 25th anniversary, and will continue to so do for the rest of the year.

The Victorian Grade II-listed clubhouse perches at the top of the entranceway and offers views over the 9th and 18th greens.

Donnington Valley also contains an outstanding spa and hotel which makes it perfect for golf breaks.

Special offer: Play for £15 after 2pm midweek and £20 weekends after 1pm throughout September and October 2013 quoting ‘NCG’.

Offering 27 holes of challenging golf and a large leisure complex, Dorset is one of the finest clubs in the region.

The three nine-hole loops – Woodland, Lakeland and Parkland – were designed by renowned architect Martin Hawtree and conform to full USGA specifications. They are also extremely well maintained and the club has hosted many professional and amateur championships.

The Lakeland and Parkland combination is the most popular 18-hole choice, but the par-33 Woodland course should not be ignored either.

Special offer: Dinner, bed, breakfast and free golf from £67.95pppn.

FULFORD

GULLANE

IRVINE

Fulford used to be home to the Benson & Hedges Cup - one of the most popular events on the European Tour calendar.

This York course is also famous for the image of a young Bernhard Langer perched in the ash tree at the side of the 17th green after his approach became lodged in its branches.

The dense population of trees around this heathland course, which was designed by Major Charles Mackenzie, shape the fairways.

Fulford still hosts many county, national and international events.

Special offer: Visit the website and book online to take advantage of various last minute and late-season deals.

With three outstanding courses located on Scotland’s Golf Coast, Gullane is quite simply a golfer’s paradise.

No 1 is regarded as the best of the bunch, climbing up to the crest of Gullane Hill before a succession of outstanding holes tumble downwards.

The course then rises gently again for the final drop from the 17th tee, with the walk towards the town up the last fairway undoubtedly providing one of the definitive experiences in golf.

No 2 is also a fine track in its own right, with No 3 offering fun golf for beginners and juniors.

Special offer: Play No1 from just £50 after October 1st with selected tee times.

Irvine is not quite a seaside course, but the land is close enough to the coast for the turf to boast that sandy texture that is such a delight to strike the ball from.

Established in 1887, the club has hosted many international tournaments such as the Amateur Championship and the Open Final Qualifying.

Its great strength is the variety of the holes, which are quirky in places and very solid in others. So while the 4th is under 300 yards with a green bordered by the railway and a wall, the 9th measures 456 yards and is well bunkered.

Special offer: Winter ticket currently available. Contact the club on 01294 275979 for more details.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 125

LINKS WITH HISTORY A4 ADVERT IN VS GUIDE_Layout 1 26/06/2013 16:40 Page 1

Links with History A unique opportunity to play five of the world´s most historic championship golf courses

Play 5 golfing jewels Crail golfing society ~ 1786 ~

Scotscraig golfclub ~ 1817 ~

set in the Kingdom of Fife Links with History is a unique golf pass offering the opportunity to play top quality championship golf at great value. Developed by four of Scotland´s leading golf clubs, the pass provides a ‘one stop-shop’ to book and play rounds of golf at special rate green fees on these historic venues.

Links with History brings together Crail Golfing Society, Ladybank, Lundin and Scotscraig golf clubs, three of which have been Open Championship Final Qualifying venues. These clubs are among the oldest in the world and enjoy a rich golfing heritage.

They are all within a short driving distance of the Home of Golf at St Andrews making the pass the ideal way to experience playing on some true golfing treasures.

The Links with History golf pass offers:

Lundin golfclub ~ 1868 ~

Four historic golf clubs offering five top class championship golf courses to choose from Special green fee rates Short travelling distance between the courses Maximum convenience when planning your golfing break Professional advice and assistance

Get social

Ladybank

To keep up to speed with our latest news and offers or to share your feedback, thoughts, pictures and comments follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

golfclub ~ 1879 ~ Links with History Bookings | t: +44 (0) 1592 649660 | e: bookings@linkswithhistory.com | online www.linkswithhistory.com © Copyright Links with History. All rights reserved

NCG pp127 Twilight Golf 23/08/2013 12:57 Page 127

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KENILWORTH

LADYBANK

LUNDIN

Founded in 1889 in the heart of Warwickshire, Kenilworth boasts an excellent 18-hole parkland course.

Measuring 6,308 yards, the layout starts with a selection of difficult holes.

This tough start culminates in the 5th, which is the toughest on the course.

Known as ‘Devil’s Elbow’ the 443yard stroke index one par 4 requires a precise long iron or fairway wood from the tee to set up a long approach up to a narrow, tricky green.

The club lies between Kenilworth and Coventry and is easily accessible from the A452 or A46.

Special offer: Tee off any time after 3pm for just £27.50.

Ladybank, located less than 45 minutes from Edinburgh airport and 30 minutes from Dundee in the heart of Fife, is a championship heathland set among heather, pine trees and silver birch.

It measures a stiff 6,754 yards from back tees and plays in two loops of nine.

Visitors may be wise to play off the blue tees at 6,299 yards. One of our favourite holes is the par-5 2nd where plenty of precision is required.

Ladybank has hosted Local Final Qualifying for the Open on seven occasions since 1978.

Special offer: £120 for a fourball after 1.30 when booking two rounds at a Links with History course.

The original Tom Morris design at Lundin was reworked by five-time Open champion and renowned designer James Braid in 1909, and what stands today is a historic links of the highest quality.

The course has a complex layout, with open burns creating natural hazards, an old railway line forming an internal out of bounds area and strategic bunkering ensuring a tough test on each hole.

If you are looking for a course which is full of character in the heart of one of the world’s best golfing regions, then Lundin would prove an excellent choice.

Special offer: £120 for a fourball after 1.30 when booking two rounds at a Links with History course.

MANOR HOUSE AND ASHBURY RESORT

MARSDEN PARK

MOOR PARK

Marsden Park is a delightful parkland layout offering stunning views over East Lancashire and Pendle Hill.

The course is crafted into nearly 6,000 yards of attractive semi-parkland and boasts a well-varied set of holes.

Take the signature 17th for instance.

Also the toughest on the course, the 363yard par 4 features a drive over mature trees as well as a sloping fairway and out of bounds stretch.

Other notable holes include the 16th, which is known as Cardiac Hill due to the severity of the slope on the fairway.

Special offer: Society packages available from just £20 when booked before the end of October.

Set amidst 300 acres of mature woodland and fine Hertfordshire parkland, Moor Park features two championship golf courses, the High and the West.

Designed by Harry Colt to blend into the grounds of the estate, the course is minutes from London and can even be accessed from Moor Park underground station on the Metropolitan Line.

The High course has hosted key tournaments, including the English Seniors Open and the Carris Trophy, which attracts Europe’s best youngsters and has been won by the likes of Sandy Lyle, Ken Brown and Justin Rose.

Special offer: £150 for a fourball with selected tee times through September.

Nestled in the foothills of the Dartmoor National Park on a 600-acre complex are the Manor House and Ashbury Hotels.

With golf on offer over 99 holes along with many other sport, leisure and craft facilities, this is a unique place for a golf holiday or short break. A range of offers are available throughout the year.

The courses occupy a light woodland and parkland setting with many natural and strategically-placed hazards. Many of the holes have purpose-built alternative greens, offering year-round play.

Special offer: September breaks from £59pppn, free golf on stays after September 23.

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 127

a true test of

championship golf the true spirit of

hospitality

With no fewer than 7 courses in the UK & Ireland Top 100, including 3 Open Championship venues, the quality and concentration of golf within England’s Golf Coast is second to none.

With a wide choice of accommodation, exciting tourist attractions and breath taking coastline, the fun doesn’t stop on the 18th green. You can take it easy on The Wirral, enjoy England’s Classic Resort in Southport or live it up in Liverpool, the home of The Beatles, the choice is yours!

WORLD CLASS LINKS / Royal Birkdale / Royal Lytham & St. Annes / Royal Liverpool / Hillside / Formby / Southport & Ainsdale / West Lancashire / Caldy / Formby Ladies / Royal Liverpool 12th hole

Royal Birkdale

Hesketh / Wallasey

Royal Lytham & St. Annes

Liverpool Waterfront

Hillbark Hotel, Wirral

Come and visit www.englandsgolfcoast.com EUROPEAN UNION Investing in Your Future

European Regional Development Fund 2007-13

NCG pp129 Twilight Golf 23/08/2013 12:56 Page 129

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PINE RIDGE This all-encompassing golf centre in Surrey opened in 1993 and its unique combination of golf and other leisure facilities make it an excellent venue.

Measuring 6,458 yards from the Championship tees, the course weaves through a mature pine forest over sandy soil, which provides fast-draining turf and makes ball striking a real delight.

The course ranks amongst the best public courses in the country and has a wonderful scenic backdrop.

The club also boasts a full academy, bar, restaurant, a 36-hole driving range and a 10-pin bowling facility.

Special offer: Play after 4pm from just £17 and after 6pm for £10.

ROYAL ASHDOWN FOREST – WEST COURSE

SCOTSCRAIG

Few clubs can boast two adjacent courses that vary so much in their settings and challenge despite their proximity.

Royal Ashdown’s West Course was first constructed as a 9-hole course in 1889. It was transformed to 18 holes in 1932 in time to host the English Ladies’ Championship, the same year that the Ladies’ Golf Club was given royal status.

While the Old Course glories in its heathland setting, the West Course is surrounded by lovely woodland layout, albeit with ample heather, and tests accuracy rather than power.

Special offer: Twilight rate (after 4pm) £17 weekdays, £20 weekends.

Conveniently located just 15 minutes from St Andrews, Scotscraig is used as a final qualifying venue when the Open visits the famous old town.

The links and heathland hybrid layout does not sit flush to the nearby coastline but the sea breeze more than often adds an extra dimension to any round here.

Top-quality players such as Ian BakerFinch, Brian Barnes, Justin Rose, Mark Mouland, Duffy Waldorf and Sam Torrance are only a few of the famous players to have graced this renowned classic Fife course.

Special offer: £120 for a fourball after 1.30 when booking two rounds at a Links with History course.

TORWOODLEE

TRETHORNE

WEALD OF KENT

The course at Torwoodlee is a picturesque 6,021 yard par-69 parkland steeped in over 100 years of history.

Flanked by the River Gala and set amongst a mix of mature woodland and rolling parkland, it is one of the most challenging courses in the Borders.

Although not the longest course, there are only two par 5s which ensures a tight and demanding test.

For a predominantly parkland venue, Torwoodlee utilises the natural contours of the land exquisitely and boasts some stunning views over the surrounding countryside landscape.

Special offer: £15 per round after 3.30pm and £10 per round after 6pm.

Offering a challenging and beautifully maintained course, Trethorne is the perfect place to escape to for either a single round or a golf break.

The club is set in the picturesque Cornish countryside on the border between Devon and Cornwall, conveniently located just off the A30 and just half an hour’s drive away from both the north and south coast.

The course is a challenging par 71 which contains lots of water and many trees. The layout has been subjected to careful redesign over the last six years, and the benefits are clear for all to see.

Special offer: 10% discount on autumn golf breaks from September 23.

This beautifully-maintained parkland layout is set in the rolling Kent countryside and offers far-reaching views over the surrounding area.

Just a short drive from both Maidstone and Ashford, the course contains many elevations, lakes and other hazards along with perfectly manicured greens and fairways. It opened in 1991 and has matured wonderfully since.

The addition of a 19-room lodge style hotel which sits just 100 metres from the clubhouse makes the venue perfect for golf breaks and society days.

Special offer: September Society offer £39.50 (includes full English breakfast, 18 holes, pork belly meal).

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NCG pp130 Club Golf SW 23/08/2013 12:58 Page 130

CLUB GOLF News & Reviews

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SOUTH WEST Channel Is | Cornwall | Devon | Dorset | Glos | Somerset | Wilts

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M Wiltshire’s Ben Amor won the Carris Trophy at West Lancashire after a thrilling play-off. The Marlborough youngster beat Italy’s Renato Paratore and Bath’s Jamie Li on the second sudden-death hole.

Mullen impresses at Home Internationals Royal North Devon’s Jimmy Mullen performed well for England at the recent Home Internationals.

Having proved his talents at the Open Championship in July, Mullen won singles matches against Wales and Ireland to contribute two points.

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Amor wins Carris Trophy

NT

Devon’s Golf Development Officer has completed Macmillan’s Longest Golf Day Challenge.

Craig Townsend played 72 holes over four courses and raised over £1800 for the charity.

CONTACT

t: 01837 5 3053 manorhou sehotel .co.uk p: EX20 4N A

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Successful longest day

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Golfers win Masters trip A group of Bristol golfers have won a trip to the 2014 Masters at Augusta National after winning a competition run by golfbreaks.com.

The competition marked the company’s 15th birthday.

County Champion: Manor House, Devon About The golf courses here are set in over 600 acres of beautiful countryside, offering stunning views of Dartmoor and across the rolling Devon countryside.

The complex offers designs which utilise the natural features of the landscape – making the most of mature trees, hedgerows and ponds.

The Courses

This unique complex offers three full-length 18-hole courses (the Kigbeare, Beeches and Oakwood), three 18-hole loops made from perming two of the Pines, Forest and Beeches nines and a further 18hole par-3 course, the Willows.

In other words, that's 99 holes on the same site, something that no other British venue can rival – 27 holes of golf are also included when you book an overnight stay.

Top Hole The Kigbeare is the newest and grandest of the courses and the 3rd is stunning. From the tee it drops 50 feet to the green, and you must also carry Hookmoor Brook.

Card Wrecker The 8th on the Forest is flanked by pines, oak, sycamore and ashes, so the tee shot is intimidating. Water also guards the approach here.

Willis wins Fuller’s London Pride medal

New scheme at Trethorne Trethorne have formed an innovative new partnership with two other local clubs in a bid to boost membership numbers.

The Cornwall club will link with Boringdon Park and Lostwithiel, offering the opportunity to join one club and automatically gain full membership rights at the other two for free.

“This package offers total value for money,” said Trethorne’s Jon Standing.

Keech wins English girls’ title Dorset’s Sophie Keech secured her second national title of the season by winning the English Girls’ Open at Oake Manor, Somerset.

Having already won the English Schools’ Championship earlier this year, 17-year-old Keech finished the 72-hole event on level par, five shots

130 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

clear of nearest rival Annabel Dimmock.

Commenting on the win, she said: “Winning this tournament makes this year my best ever.

“I tried to keep in front the whole time. I didn’t want to drop back and then have to attack, I wanted the others to chase me,” she added.

Dorset clubs back ‘Get Into Golf’ Five clubs in Dorset have become new ‘Get Into Golf’ centres.

Bridport & West Dorset, Canford Magna, Crane Valley, Sturminster Marshall and Yeovil will encourage more beginners and disabled people to play golf through reduced price coaching offers.

Mark Willis won the Fuller’s London Prize Gold Medal at Woodhall Spa following the closest finish in the event’s 17-year history.

The Kendleshire 34year-old returned a score of 34 Stableford points over the Hotchkin course to take victory in the popular event for club golfers.

“I’m very surprised but also proud to have won,” Willis said.

“I’m surprised because my game has not been good coming into the event so I didn’t think I’d be in the hunt.

I think the course and the wind helped me and hindered others.”

NCG pp131 Club Golf SW Ads 23/08/2013 12:10 Page 131

CLUB GOLF

10% discount on all Autumn Golf Breaks Valid from 23rd Sept 2013

Golfer NATIONAL

CLUB

CLUBGOLF

Are you a South West club?

For our latest Links play and stay packages please call us on 01841 520208

Want to appear in our new regional directory?

• Attract new members • Attract societies from nearby clubs • Attract visiting parties fromfurther afield

Call 0113 289 3979 or email info@sportspub.co.uk

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NCG pp132 Club Golf SE 23/08/2013 13:31 Page 132

CLUB GOLF News & Reviews

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SOUTH EAST Beds | Berks | Bucks | Essex | Hants | Herts | Kent | Middx | Surrey | Sussex

French youngster wins at North Hants

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t: 01256 7 62079 tylneypark .co.uk p: RG27 9 AY

M Hoebridge Golf Centre in Surrey has been awarded a global environmental award.

The pay-and-play facility has been given GEO certification, which rewards ecofriendly work in golf.

© Leaderboard

English mid-am win for Singapore star Singapore-based Charlotte Thomas has won the English Women’s Open MidAmateur championship at John O’Gaunt, Bedfordshire. She beat Braintree’s Chloe Rogers 4&3 in the final.

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Award for Hoebridge

CONTACT

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Richmond Park has opened a new £2.5 million clubhouse. The building, located in London’s largest royal park, features an ecoroof made from acid grassland - the largest eco-roof in the capital.

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New clubhouse at Richmond Park

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French junior Antoine Kouch won the English Boys Under-14 Championship by five strokes at North Hants.

The victory means that only one English player has gained the trophy since 2008 - Bradley Moore in 2011.

County Champion: Tylney Park, Hampshire About The Rotherwick Course at Tylney Park is set in over 200 acres of Hampshire countryside and is one of the best inland courses in the region.

The area is protected by English Heritage and the surrounding landscape provides stunning views.

The course is situated next to Tylney Hall Hotel and is close to both Basingstoke and Farnham.

The Course The course was subjected to a complete redesign in 2003 and now stands at over 7,000 yards from the back tees. However, there are five different tee positions to choose from, so the course sets up well for all levels of player. The mature trees and large undulating greens are the main features of this terrific parkland layout. There are also several excellent long par 3s.

Top Hole The 200-yard par-3 13th is the best of the lot. Coming directly before the hardest hole on the course, a long club is needed to reach the green in one blow.

Card Wrecker The long par-5 14th is the hardest hole on the course, measuring 562 yards from the back tees. Birdie chances are rarely entertained here.

Juniors play with Poulter

European success for region’s youngsters

Two junior golfers were handed the chance of a lifetime as they won the opportunity to play with Ian Poulter at his junior invitational event at Woburn.

Basingstoke’s Eddie Hamilton and Cliddesden’s Tara O’Herlihy played at the July tournament and received one-on-one time with Poulter as he toured the course.

“I’m passionate about providing juniors with a platform to develop,” said Poulter.

Hampshire duo fail at Frilford Heath Hampshire’s Neil Raymond and Harry Ellis failed to qualify for the matchplay stage at the English Amateur after poor performances at Frilford Heath.

Ellis entered the tournament as defending champion following his victory at Silloth-onSolway last year, while

132 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Raymond is a twice Brabazon Trophy winner and the St Andrews Links Trophy champion.

The pair were widely expected to perform well, but Raymond could only manage a score of three over in qualifying, and Ellis slipped to nine over after two poor rounds at the Oxfordshire venue.

London club builds FootGolf course Addington Court has become the latest UK club to build a FootGolf course.

FootGolf involves players kicking a football into a large golf hole in the fewest kicks possible. The sport began in the USA and is becoming increasingly popular here.

Three players from the South East region helped England to team victory at the European Young Masters in Hamburg, Germany.

Marco Penge (Sussex), Alice Hewson (Hertfordshire) and Sophie Madden (Essex) helped England post a collective total score of 12 under to comprehensively take the team title by six shots from nearest rivals and runners-up Spain.

England also secured a second win in the event as Bradley Moore won the boys’ championship in Europe’s premier Under-16s tournament.

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NORTH EAST Cleveland | Durham | North’land | Tyne & Wear | Yorkshire

US college star sets new Hickleton record

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The York player beat Kings Lynn’s Jack Yule in the 36-hole final over the famous venue’s Eden and Jubilee courses.

Progress continues The presence of rare newts at Ramside Hall has not stopped progress at its new £15m golf development site.

Parent company Ramside Estates Ltd is currently building the only new golf course under construction in northern England.

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Alison Knowles has set a new course record at Hickleton. The 20-yearold broke her previous record with a round of 66 over the Doncaster course. Knowles is based in the USA and plays in many college events.

County Champion: Howley Hall,Yorkshire About Howley Hall dates back to the early 1900s and the course is renowned as one of the best in the area.

The club is less than eight miles from Leeds city centre but enjoys a fine location. This parkland and woodland gem looks out over the Calder Valley, with the best views seen from the 16th and 18th tees.

A modern clubhouse tops off the impressive facilities on offer.

The Course Howley is by no means long and placement the key when attempting to counter the sharp doglegs.

In its 110-year history, the layout has been tweaked a number of times, most notably by Dr Alister MacKenzie in 1913.

Top Hole Enjoy the panoramic view from the tee before taking on the stunning

par-5 16th. The approach shot is played blind up to a green guarded by a ditch. If you go for the green in two there is a srong chance of falling foul of the hazard.

Card Wrecker The long par-4 7th is the trickiest hole to negotiate. With out of bounds to the left, the drive must be precise to set up a second shot into a long, narrow green.

Success for Rudding Park youngster

Westwood opens new courses The first Lee Westwood courses have been opened at Close House, Northumberland.

Ryder Cup star Westwood has been closely involved with the redesign of the two courses – the Filly and the Colt – at the venue where he is the attached tour professional and he visited in July.

“The enhancements that are currently underway will make the course even more attractive and challenging,” he said.

Hexham youngster gains Masters win

Durham starter centres

Hexham youngster Matty Lamb secured victory in the prestigious Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters at Nizels in Kent.

The 15-year-old carded a score of six under over four rounds, finishing two shots clear of runnerup Adam Chapman from Windermere, Cumbria.

The tournament is

Two new golf starter centres have opened in Durham to increase accessibility for adults.

The centres at Bishop Auckland and Chester-le Street join six established starter centres in the area.

They will support the national ‘Get Into Golf’ campaign and will offer discounted coaching.

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considered to be one of the most important junior tournaments, and is designated as a ‘major’ by the R&A. This means that it acts as a qualifying event for national squads.

Past winners include current European Tour players Chris Wood and Joost Luiten.

A graduate of the Rudding Park Golf Scholarship has enjoyed a season of unprecedented success.

Alice Boothroyd, 20, triumphed over more experienced players to win the Harrogate District Union Ladies Scratch Championship at Bedale.

She is also the new Ladies’ club champion at Rudding Park and has led her US college team to back-to-back North East conference championships.

“I have had many successes over the years, and it has been great to represent Rudding Park,” she said.

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NORTH WEST Cheshire | Cumbria | Lancashire | Merseyside

Green light for new golf facility in Oldham

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County Champion: Brampton, Cumbria About Brampton is a fantastic James Braid layout that is worth visiting when travelling up the M6 to Scotland or visiting fellow Cumbrian favourite Silloth-on-Solway.

The club is located just outside the town of Brampton next to Talkin Tarn Country Park.

Great views of the Tarn can be seen along the 13th fairway, 14th green and 15th tee.

The Course Measuring over 6,400 yards from the back tees, the course is an undulating heathland layout set in rolling fell country.

The challenging nature of the course is complemented by unspoilt panoramic views of the Lake District, Pennines and Scotland.

Braid’s excellent design features superb drainage, making it playable throughout the year.

Delamere Forest junior Lewis George secured both the Cheshire Boys and Cheshire Junior Championships in the space of seven days. He set a course record at his home club (pictuerd) on the way to the boys title.

Top Hole The par-4 3rd is a great early test.

It will play longer than the 414 yards on the card, especially if you choose a safer line away from the railway line and out of bounds.

Card Wrecker The 462-yard par-4 11th is a similarly testing hole. It features a sharp dogleg and a downhill approach to the putting surface.

Charnock Richard closed by Wigan FC

Investment in Worsley Park Manchester club Worsley Park has announced that it will invest £175,000 in a course improvement programme.

The club will use the money to improve both drainage facilities and machinery, and the investment means that around a third of a million pounds will have been spent on the venue since 2011.

Worsley Park is also a Marriott Hotel and Country Club venue.

Academy programme extended Double win for George

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West Lancashire junior Eloise Healy recorded a crucially comprehensive win to help England U16 girls defeat Switzerland in a new match between the teams.

She won her game 5up, cancelling out Harriet Allsebrook’s five hole defeat and helping England record a slender two hole overall win.

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Oldham Council have approved plans for a new facility at Grains Bar. The current ninehole course will be revamped, with new features such as a driving range and cafe included in the plans.

A new coaching scheme is being rolled out in Cheshire as the county further extends its academy scheme.

The programme will be used to help players under the age of 14 develop their golf skills and knowledge.

Players will receive coaching from seven PGA

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professionals throughout the coming year.

Commenting on the scheme, Cheshire County Academy coordinator Iain Seath said: “The teenage years are important for anyone looking to develop their golfing skills. We believe that we can offer a pathway for players to develop their game.”

New development officer in North West England Golf have announced the appointment of a new regional development officer for the Lancashire and Cheshire regions.

Sean Hammill will take up the post having previously been county development officer for Staffordshire since 2011.

Charnock Richard GC in Lancashire has been closed down by new owners Wigan Athletic FC with immediate effect.

The club was bought with the intention of using the land for football training facilities, but Wigan Athletic had assured Charnock Richard members that the club would run as normal until the end of the current golf season.

However, with £30,000 of machinery needing to be replaced, the new owners have now decided to close the club to the dismay of staff and members.

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EAST MIDLANDS Derb | N’ants | Notts | Leics | Lincs | Cambs | N’folk | Suffolk

Course record broken

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Stoke Rochford defeated Market Rasen in the third place play-off.

Hollis wins Boys Strokeplay Wollaton Park’s James Hollis won the Nottinghamshire Boys’ Amateur Strokeplay Championship at Sherwood Forest. He won by a single shot from fellow Nottinghamshire youngster Jacob Walker.

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The former captain and president-elect of Sleaford has been banned from the club for three years. Richard Tacey was accused of cheating in club competitions.

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A youngster has broken the course record at Great Yarmouth GC. Alex Fellas shot 63 in a club competition to beat the previous record by a shot. He is currently preparing to travel to the USA for college.

County Champion: Ullesthorpe Court, Leics About Ullesthorpe Court Hotel and Golf Club is located in the heart of England and sits in an enviable location close to many of Britain's top tourist attractions.

The venue is nestled in the Leicestershire countryside, and when playing there it is sometimes hard to believe just how close you are to the M1 and the nearby towns of Leicester, Rugby and Coventry.

The Course The championship length 18hole course features challenging contours on the greens and fairways along with several water features.

The 6662-yard par-72 is only 34 years old but looks and feels surprisingly mature.

Ullesthorpe will host its annual anniversary week from September 30 to October 4, with many open competitions taking place.

Top Hole The long 549-yard par-5 18th provides a perfect end to your round. Rated as the fourth hardest this is a terrific closing hole.

Card wrecker Ullesthorpe opens with a long par 5 of considerable difficulty. Three solid shots will be required to ensure that you set off with a respectable score here.

Young Norfolk player wins Abraham Trophy

Charity golf is a hit in Ipswich Local celebrities and sports stars took part in a golf day in Ipswich to raise money for a national stillbirth charity.

The event at Purdis Heath marked the launch of the JB Amateur Tour, formed by the Jude Brady Foundation.

Scott and Rachel Drummond, Ross McFarlane and Jamie Moul all took part.

The charity has raised over £100,000 for sick children since it was founded in 2008.

European Young Masters joy for Moore Kedleston Park youngster Bradley Moore won the boys’ championship at the European Young Masters in Germany.

The 15-year-old was locked in a gripping final battle with Portugal’s Pedro Almeida until the final hole of the 54-hole event, but a birdie on the last for Moore ensured the

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victory by a two-shot margin after Almeida could only manage to make a bogey.

Better still, Moore’s score combined with those from his England teammates Marco Penge, Sophie Madden and Alice Hewson gave a total of -12 which was enough to secure the team title.

National success for Derbyshire youngsters Young golfers from Derbyshire club Marriott Breadsall Priory finished third in the English Junior Champion Club event at Woodhall Spa. Junior captain Matt Steels led the team, playing alongside Will Davidson and Sam Capewell.

Norfolk’s Jasmine Campbell claimed the title of England’s most improved girl golfer with a three-shot win in the Abraham Trophy.

The 13-year-old from Royal Norwich scored a net 70 at Tiverton in Devon, finishing three clear of Hertfordshire’s Rebecca Earl and her Norfolk colleague Amelia Williamson.

The tournament recognises junior players who have significantly cut their handicap over the last year.

Since July 2012, Jasmine’s handicap has more than halved, tumbling from 34 to 15.

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WEST MIDLANDS Staffs | Shrops | Herefords | Worcs | West Mids | Warks | Oxon

Pash is seniors champ

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M Fleetwood wins Par 3 European Tour player Tommy Fleetwood has won the British Par-3 Championship at Nailcote Hall.

Fleetwood managed to pull away from the rest of the field to win the coveted title by a single shot and take home the £25,000 prize money.

County Champion: Draycote Hotel, Warks About Situated in the heart of Shakespeare country, Draycote Hotel is the perfect location for a stay-and-play golfing break.

The hotel offers 49 luxurious rooms, all of which are equipped with wireless internet connection and freeview television.

The venue is situated just outside Rugby and can be easily reached from the M45.

The Course The main attraction at Draycote is undoubtedly the Whitefields championship course. Measuring 6,289 yards, the par-71 design can also be enjoyed as a nine-hole layout, making it accessible to golfers of all abilities.

Top Hole It is crucial to keep your tee shot going right on the 435-yard par

Brocket Hall have reintroduced their Preview Membership package, offering the chance to experience the two championship courses at the venue.

Visit www.brockethall.co.uk or call 01707 368700 for more details.

four, as anything left will leave a blind second shot to the devilishly tricky sloping green.

Card wrecker Watch out for the 450-yard parfour seventh. Known as “White’s Walk”, the hole has a stroke index of one and features a fairway bunker that will catch any wayward tee shots. Two more sand traps flank the large green.

Chesters wins European Amateur

South Staffs salutes Vardon The South Staffordshire GC is preparing to host its annual Vardon Bowl Trophy - a tournament created to celebrate the Harry Vardon-designed course at the club.

The event was created in 2008 to mark 100 years of the Vardon design.

Entry forms for the September event are available either from the club’s website or from the manager. Call 01902 751065 for more details.

Blind golfer one of six to shoot ace Experience Brocket Hall

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Worcester G&CC’s Harry Pugsley has won the County Under-14s Championship at Little Lakes. The youngster shot a gross round of 74 to win the event by a single shot.

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Sandwell Park’s Dougie Pash has won the Staffordshire Seniors’ Championship at his home club. Trentham’s Steve Wild finished in second place with Roger Humphreyson of South Staffordshire in third.

A blind golfer was one of six players to score a holein-one at Cleobury Mortimer in the space of just two weeks.

Arthur Aston was playing with a guide when he discovered he had achieved the rare feat.

Golf director David Pain said: “We normally get a couple of people

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who get a hole-in-one every year - but to have six in such a short space of time is unheard of!

“When Arthur came to play we were delighted to accommodate him. We had never had a blind golfer play here before, and when he got a holein-one we were astounded,” he added.

Region’s football clubs to help boost local golf Premier League football clubs from the West Midlands will work with golf clubs and schools to promote the golfing opportunities in local communities. West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa will deploy a golf coordinator to work in the Birmingham area.

Hawkstone Park’s Ashley Chesters won the European Men’s Amateur Championship at Real Golf Club El Prat, Spain.

The 23-year-old became the first English winner of the tournament for nine years, and joins an illustrious set of former winners which includes the likes of Ryder Cup stars Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia.

Despite a final round of 76, an outstanding 65 in the second round left Chesters four shots clear heading into the last day - a margin good enough to see off the rest of the field and take the title.

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WALES All the latest news and course reviews from the Principality

Boulden wins English Strokeplay title

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M Dewstow celebrates Dewstow is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The Monmouthshire club will host a series of special events and have offers running until the end of the year to mark the occasion.

Caernarfon golfer makes history Royal Town Caernarfon golfer David Duckworth made history at his club by becoming the first player to break the net60 barrier in 30 years.

Duckworth, a 13handicap player, shot the gross 72 in a recent club championship event.

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Ladies once again enjoyed outstanding hospitaility on the third day of the Wales Open at Celtic Manor.

The club had made Saturday ‘Ladies’ Day’ for the second year running.

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Curtis Cup star Amy Boulden secured the English Women’s Open Strokeplay Championship at Mannings Heath, Sussex. She adds the title to the Welsh Strokeplay that she won earlier this year.

County Champion: Pennard, Swansea About Pennard is living proof that the modern game need not exclusively rely on long and tedious 7,000-yard layouts to provide a contemporary test to even the very best players.

The village is located on the Gower Peninsula, an area of stunning natural beauty that is gloriously under-appreciated and therefore unspoilt, within a halfhour drive of Swansea.

The Course Measuring under 6,300 yards from the tips, time and again this delightful course provides holes of modest length that confound the thoughtless and careless golfer.

There are dramatic undulations and being on the wrong side of the hole can be disastrous for your score.

Top Hole The signature hole is the 16th,

which forms the first of two truly excellent par 5s. The fairway turns sharply to the right towards a green which is attractively perched on top of the cliffs.

Card Wrecker Immediately following the 16th is the trickiest hole on the course which is played among a sea of gorse. This par 5 doglegs to the left and uphill to a distant green.

Youngster breaks record for victory

Get the Gower experience Three courses on the Gower Peninsula have teamed up to offer visitors to the area an outstanding stay-and-play deal.

Based at the newly opened four-star Somerfield Lodge for two nights, guests can enjoy a full dinner, bed and breakfast package plus the opportunity to play the courses at Clyne, Langland and Pennard for just £199 per person. Call 01792 401989 for further information.

Woosnam: Welsh talent is fading Former Masters champion and 2006 European Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam has warned that golfing talent in Wales has faded since the 2010 Ryder Cup was held at the Celtic Manor Resort.

Woosnam was particularly critical of the lack of Welsh players currently playing on the

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European Tour - of which there are currently just two, Jamie Donaldson and Phillip Price.

"We used to have five, six or seven players on the tour," said Woosnam.

"It's just fading away again so we need to get some sort of infrastructure in place to get the players playing,” he added.

Amateur Champ visits Priskilly Forest British Amateur Champion and Walker Cup player Garrick Porteous recently visited Priskilly Forest. Porteous won his first ever competition at the venue, which is a charming nine hole course with attached five-star accommodation in a historic manor house.

Cottrell Park youngster Kyle Harman broke a course record to win the 2013 Welsh Boys’ Championship at Glamorganshire GC. The 16-year-old was the leading qualifier from the strokeplay stage of the tournament following a course record round of 62, and went on to win the matchplay final by a single hole.

“I had felt a good round was coming as I came into the competition, but to score 62 in the strokeplay stages still was not something I expected. That was a nice feeling,” he said.

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PENNARD GOLF LINKS ON GOWER A spectacular place to play golf, only eight miles from Swansea. Pennard has cliff top fairways with views over Three Cliffs Bay and beyond. Negotiate the 7th hole between a Norman castle and the ruins of a church.

We welcome visitors to our “Links in the Sky” experience.

One of the oldest courses in Wales with a new traditional club house offering modern facilities.

Regularly placed in the top 5 in Wales and 100 in the UK, with four tees located on every hole to suit golfers good and not so good.

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Tel. 01792 233131 www.pennardgolfclub.com

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SCOTLAND News and course reviews from the Home of Golf

New campaign launched

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Twenty girl club golfers visited the range at St Andrews to receive swing tips and help.

County Champion: Murrayshall, Perthshire About Home to two outstanding courses and a superb hotel which boasts 41 rooms, Murrayshall is a participating hotel for the 2014 Ryder Cup, located just 30 minutes away from Gleneagles. The venue is an hour away from the championship courses at St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie, making for the perfect place to base a Scottish golf escape.

The Course The Murrayshall championship course was designed by Hamilton J Stutt and is laid out on a mature woodland estate. The course meanders through tree-lined fairways and contains several natural burns which protect the greens. It has hosted many prestigious events, including the Scottish Schools Championships and Sky Sports Trilby Tour.

The Carrick on Loch Lomond has transformed a former riverboat into a new halfway house. ‘The Highland Laddie’ was unveiled between the 9th green and 10th tee, offering stunning Highlands views.

Top Hole The par-3 4th can require anything from a 6-iron to a 9-iron and plays over a large pond to a green protected by bunkers. Real precision is needed to avoid the tricky hazards here.

Card Wrecker Rated Stroke Index one, the long par-4 13th can be especially tough when played into the wind.

Ferguson scoops Boys Amateur title

New facility at Kings Links Aberdeen FC manager Derek McInnes took part in a custom-fitting experience at Kings Links to mark the opening of the club’s new custom-fit studio.

The largest independent golf retailer in the north east of Scotland has invested £25,000 into the new facility, which offers individual fitting on a wide range of brands, including TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, Ping, Wilson, Nike and Cobra.

Edinburgh clubs unite to boost game New halfway house

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Glencruitten’s Robert MacIntyre stormed to a nine-shot victory in the Stephen Gallacher Foundation Scottish Boys Stroke Play Championship at The Roxburghe.

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The Scottish Golf Union have launched a new campaign to encourage people to start playing golf.

The new marketing campaign will highlight the relative benefits of golf compared to other popular sports such as football and fishing.

A group of clubs in Edinburgh have joined forces to help promote golf in the capital.

Baberton, Broomieknowe, Craigmillar Park, Duddingston, Kingsknowe, Liberton, Lothianburn, Merchants, Musselburgh, Prestonfield, Ratho Park,

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Swanston New and Turnhouse have pooled resources to improve membership retention and attract visitors.

“The calibre of people we have on board with the project is fantastic. We feel we have the right people to make this work,” said Kingsknowe captain Bill Buchan.

Coach Developers set to boost clubs Four PGA professionals will deliver help and advice to volunteer coaches across Scotland as they take up new positions as Coach Developers. The professionals will provide tips to ClubGolf coaches, providing a boost to the national junior coaching programme.

Ewen Ferguson secured victory in the Boys Amateur Championship at Royal Liverpool.

The Bearsden youngster became the first Scot to win the event in almost a decade, and joins a roll of honour that includes Ryder Cup stars Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia.

“This is absolutely amazing,” said Ferguson, who beat Germany’s Michael Hirmer 10&9 in the 36hole final at Hoylake.

“I’ve worked hard over the last two years and this has made it all worthwhile,” the new champion added.

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www.nationalclubgolfer.com | OCTOBER 2013 145

NCG pp146 Columnist MT 23/08/2013 13:23 Page 146

MARK TOWNSEND Unkempt, uncool and unathletic - just three reasons why I love Jason Dufner T has been a good year for the Majors; good guys finished first in all four and, at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill, we had someone who looks like an extra from One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest winning his first Major. Here’s why an overweight 36-year-old, who looks like he has just been woken up, is my hero in life.

The Duff Not your everyday hero

I

1 He looks like he has just rolled out of bed When you talk to golfers close up there is generally an uncomfortable level going on around their self preening. Hair is styled with a load of ‘product’, the odd eyebrow has even been plucked and there is a strange waxy complexion after too much time in the sun.

Dufner has an explosion of hair, which mostly nestles underneath his Titleist cap, and you would imagine (and hope) that he only bothers to visit his ‘stylist’ once every three months.

2 He has the perfect paunch Age can be unkind to gentlemen of a certain age. Once we hit the big 4-0 our waistline can expand on an annual basis as exercise becomes less and appetite (and alcohol intake) remains on a consistent level.

Our tobacco-chewing friend has gone early on us. He is just 36 but already has an ideal paunch in place that sits comfortably over his belt. In an age of an awful lot of talk over core stability and flexibility we haven’t heard too much of our hero’s training programme. He has already worked out that you can fit 43 beers in the Wanamaker Trophy, the prize for the PGA (the trophy, not the beers).

3 The waggle Sometimes as few as five, often as many as double figures. This is a tip of the hat to the legends of yesteryear having watched endless videos of the likes of Sam Snead and Ben Hogan. Modern-day players have advanced routines for settling the nerves and to help ‘switch on’ the process. Dufner just keeps waggling until he feels ready to go.

4 Dufnering In March Dufner visited a school in Texas.

While the children appear content and engaged

146 OCTOBER 2013 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

the star visitor is slumped against the wall, with his arms by his sides and a comatose stare.

Within a few days the picture had gone viral with McIlroy, Donald, Fowler, Bradley, Creamer and, this month, Gary Player all doing their best impressions.

Instead of offering up some rubbish excuse Dufner explained: “It just caught me at a perfect time,. The funny thing about it is the photo taken represents how I act all the time.

“They were talking about focusing and relaxation. They have some big test coming up on ways to relax and concentrate. And I guess I took it to another level.”

5 He sees golf for what it is Some golfers, you might think given their arrogant behaviour, are world leaders. In an ever-more fawning world it is easy to get carried away with yourself but don’t expect Dufner to go down this route.

After his PGA victory Dufner appeared on ‘shock jock’ Howard Stern’s radio show.

This is what was said..

HS: Do you hate golf sometimes?

JD: Yes, definitely.

HS: There’s guys you dislike.

JD: It’s like anything else.

HS: What do they do that gets under your skin?

JD: Guys are just jerks sometimes.

HS: How does that play out?

JD: Most of the time nothing plays out because guys are pretty soft. Golf is pretty soft. I’ve seen guys do stuff that if it happened in an NFL locker room there’d be fists thrown.

HS: What do they do?

JD: Just the way they treat people and how they interact with people and things they say.

HS: Are they obnoxious?

JD: Yeah.

HS: Are they trying to get under other golfers’ skins so they can win?

JD: No, I think they’re just jerks.

Follow @JasonDufner on Twitter

• Mark Townsend is NCG’s deputy editor. He now plays off 8 after a slow start and middle to the year

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