Tee Times Golf Magazine, March 2015 by Tee Times Golf Magazines

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ISSUE 166 MARCH 2015 Tel: 01329 834360 Email: peter.teetimes@gmail.com www.teetimesgolfmagazine.com WWW.121GOLFSHOP.COM 01794 329344 - NEW VENUE OPEN SEE PAGES 38 & 39

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MARCH 2015

Darren Clarke to captain Europe in the next Ryder Cup IN the end, the choice was both easy and predictable for the five-man panel which selected the next captain to lead Europe’s defence of the Ryder Cup next year. Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke, 46, a monumental figure in recent versions of the old conflict again the United States, had the credentials to be picked ahead of Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Bjorn of Denmark. It helped his case that high-profile players Rory McIlroy, and Lee Westwood - all probable contenders for a place on the Europe team - had backed him as captain. So it’s next stop Hazeltine for the man who has won the tournament four times as a player - the most memorable and emotional in 2006 at the K Club near Dublin, when he delivered three points out of three just a month after the death of his wife Heather. He was a non-playing vicecaptain for wins in 2010 and 2012. The winner of the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St George’s has lost just once in seven times he has been

The easy Ryder choice involved in the Ryder Cup, the Brookline defeat in 1999. Clarke said after the announcement of his captaincy: ‘The Ryder Cup has been a massive part of my life and my career, so to have the chance to lead Europe next year is a huge honour.

‘I am lucky to have played and worked under some fantastic captains in my seven Ryder Cups to date and I look forward to the challenge of trying to follow in their footsteps and help Europe to a fourth consecutive Ryder Cup victory.’

BBC LOSES OPEN RIGHTS LIVE coverage of The Open Championship will no longer be available to BBC TV viewers from next year. The sport’s ruling body, the R&A, has done a £10million a year deal with Sky Sports for the exclusive live rights of the flagship event after the 2016 tournament at Royal Troon. The BBC’s ownership of the rights goes back 59 years, and Lee

Westwood and Rory McIlroy, who were both inspired to play by BBC coverage of The Open, were among those who criticized the move as ‘a disgrace’. The R&A, supposedly guardians of the sport, had been money-driven and deprived millions of working class golfers who cannot afford Sky, said Westwood. • Stars’ sadness over the deal: see Page 4

TEE TIMES 3

Where does Tiger go from here? WE have become used to not seeing the best of Tiger Woods. But after the once-invincible 14-time Major winner announced he is taking an indefinite break from the sport, we have to wonder with sadness: Have we seen the last of him? Woods, 39, said he was stepping back because his game is ‘unacceptable for tournament play’.

Clarke succeeds Paul McGinley, at Gleneagles in 2014, and said his first task would be to consult his fellow Irishman and other former skippers about the key factors they built in to create the right teamwork in the European camp.

He began his break from golf at Beaver Creek in Colorado, where he was supporting girlfriend Lindsey Vonn in the Alpine Skiing World Championships.

Torrid

Clarke helped successive captains Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal achieve success, including Ollie’s so-called Miracle of Medina, when Europe fought back from 10-6 down going into the final day’s singles to win 14½-13½ on U.S. soil.

His announcement came after a torrid few months during which he missed the cut at the Phoenix Open with an 11-over 82, the worst round of his professional career, finishing last in a field of 132.

And it seems likely that Clarke will not change for the sake of it, adopting the philosophy that If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix it.

Then he withdrew from Torrey pines after just 12 holes with a back problem, the latest in a string of injuries.

Montgomerie and Olazabal were both on the European Tour’s five-man selection panel, which also included McGinley, tour chief executive George O’Grady and former Ryder Cup player David Howell.

‘I need a lot of work on my game,’ he said, ‘and to spend time with people that are important to me.’

Montgomerie said the decision to appoint Clarke had been unanimous, adding on Sky Sports News: ‘We have selected a captain that I am convinced will retain the Ryder Cup and bring it home. It’s an unenviable task; America want it back badly and he will have all our support.’

BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss said: ‘You never know, he might find a guru somewhere. Tiger might go to India like the Beatles and discover something magical.

‘He’d be a huge miss. He’s been a giant in a land of Lilliputians for years.’

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FLYING SAUCERS SIGHTED ON GOLF COURSES Learning to fly: Children getting to grips with the basics with the Disc Golf Association

THROWING and catching a Frisbee has been a favourite for family fun on beaches and in parks for many a year, and now flying plastic discs are making their mark in the growing sport of disc golf. The sport was formalised in the 1970s and the game is played in about 40 countries, with the number of disc golf courses doubling between 2000 and 2008. The Professional Disc Golf Association, with a member base of more than 50,000, is the governing body for the sport, sanctioning competitive events for men and women with a professional tour and national championships.

New courses are being opened regularly, such as the one at Ashton Court, Bristol, which was established in 2011 and was upgraded to 13 baskets in 2013. British interest is likely to have been further raised following a recent special feature on disc golf in Basingstoke by Mike Bushell of BBC TV’s Breakfast programme.

Target So, what exactly is disc golf? It is played much like traditional golf, but instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc, or Frisbee, the object being to

complete each hole in the fewest strokes (in the case of disc golf, throws). A set of discs, each with different flight characteristics for different types and distance of shots, cost around £20 for a starter kit. This usually consists of a distance driver, fairway driver, a mid-range and a ‘putter’. Discs are thrown from a tee area towards a target which is the ‘hole’, a common design being an elevated metal basket. As players progress down the fairway, they make consecutive throws from the spot where the previous one has landed.

Stars’ sorrow over TV switch of The Open PETER Alliss, the BBC’s voice of golf, has joined other golfing personalities expressing their sadness at the prospect of live coverage of The Open Championship switching from the corporation to Sky. Alliss, who has worked for the BBC since 1961, told Daily Mail golf correspondent, Derek Lawrenson: ‘I just feel sorry for all those who have enjoyed live golf on the BBC over many years and all those millions who can’t afford Sky.

‘In one sense it seems to me it’s like playing poker against Donald Trump: the BBC can’t compete against Sky’s bottomless pockets of money. ‘You can’t deny Sky do a fantastic job. You might be annoyed at the adverts but they go to faraway places and cover these events even though there might be only eight people watching on a Thursday. Their commitment to show everything is extraordinary. ‘But hand on heart, I can’t not criticise the BBC. They are far and away the R&A’s biggest television client, so why haven’t they said to them: We’re struggling against the financial might of Sky but why don’t we also cover other events you run, like the Amateur Championship and the Boys Championship and the Walker Cup?

As usual in golf, trees, shrubs, and terrain changes provide obstacles (although any bunkers are likely to be easier to escape from, and passing dogs may see it as a fun game invented for them, and run off with the equipment). A nine-hole disc golf course can be established on as little as five acres of land, and a championship 18-hole course on 30 to 40 acres. Many disc golf courses coexist with existing park facilities and activity areas. For more information, the British Disc Golf Association is online.

Allenby: I was kidnap victim

Allenby healing - and how he looked earlier

Peter Allis: ‘I feel sorry’

‘Free-to-air is important’

ROBERT Allenby says police are continuing to investigate his claim that he was kidnapped, robbed, beaten and dumped in a park in Hawaii. The Australian said he had been abducted from a wine bar after missing the cut at the the previous day. Allenby, 43, says he cannot remember a two-and-a-half-hour period from the night when he suffered facial injuries.

‘A sad day’

‘Really surprised’

‘We used to do those events years ago, so why not again?

support Andy Murray receives that’s largely because Wimbledon is still on the Beeb.’

At one point we covered 18 events.’

Stephen Gallacher said superstars such as Rory McIlroy, Ian Woosnam and Sir Nick Faldo came from the sort of working-class households who struggle to afford Sky: ‘I think the decision is going to have a big impact on British golf in general.’

Former Open champion Tony Jacklin, who worked alongside Alliss for many years said it was a sad day to see the prospect of The Open no longer aired live on free-to-air TV: ‘It was wonderful to work for the BBC when they were fully committed to golf.’ Hampshire’s Justin Rose said: ‘Having golf coverage on free channels is important to the game. You see it through the massive

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Ernie Els: ‘I am really surprised and can only conclude that Sky must be offering big bucks for the R&A to consider it. Everyone has got the BBC but not everybody is going to pay to watch Sky.’

Allenby has said that a homeless woman spotted him being dumped from a car several miles away from his alleged abduction. Allenby admits there has been ‘a lot of confusion’ about the incident. The four-time PGA Tour winner said: ‘I have no memory in my brain. I have nothing.’ U.S. press reports later claimed the woman said had given conflicting details, saying she found Allenby just one block away from the bar where he had been drinking. Allenby said: ‘I can’t tell you how frustrating that is. But there’s no way in the world that what I drank could do what was done to me, not a chance in the world.’

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FLOWER BLOSSOMS WITH WHATS HOT OR NOT BOSS WATCHES H1 CLUB’S in the World of Ladies Golf FIRST PAR-FOUR ACE OF 2015 Your Monthly Blog by Claire Kane

ARE YOU A DAWDLER?

We’re an impatient lot these days. We hit the ESC button if webpages don’t appear within seconds and if we have to queue for more than 6 minutes in a shop then the majority of us will abandon our basket and walk out. So, it’s puzzling why there’s an epidemic of slow play with the average round of golf now taking between four and four and a half hours – much longer than the R&A guideline of three to three and a half hours. It’s even more baffling when you consider the number of courses that have been dumbed down to keep traffic flowing. Of course, no one ever admits to being slow – it always someone else, or the group in front! So, are you ‘fast down the fairway’ or a ‘dawdler with lots of down time’? Here are some traits of a slow golfer: • Perfectionist – waits for their distance measuring device to settle for an accurate reading despite rarely ever hitting the green • Ditherer – stands over the ball agonising which club to take (the opposite of a ‘hit and hoper’) • Diva - has a pre-shot routine Tiger Woods would be proud of • Dreamer – constantly looking back at the fairway trying to remember how many shots they’ve taken • Chatterer – ambles down the fairway alongside their mates for a good têteà-tête

• Authors – group together on the tee to write down their scores in unison, although it looks more like they’re writing their memoirs rather than jotting down a couple of numbers • Thrifty – insists on searching for the full 5 minutes for a lost ball despite being 150 yards from the pin and only one shot left • Oblivious – have absolutely no idea where their ball has gone • Volunteer – always helps to find someone else’s ball before they even think of locating theirs • Off Piste - tends to play more ‘hunt the ball’ than golf • Misplaced – constantly leaves their trolley 20 feet back down the fairway • Finisher – loves to hear the ball drop into the cup even when they can’t score So what’s the rule of thumb when it comes to slow play? Well, if you’re not hitting your ball, ready to take your shot or moving down the course then you could be considered slow but if the group in front of you are already in the Clubhouse and tucking into cheesy chips and you’re still on the 18th, then you’re definitely slow!

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The exclusive BOSS Watches H1Club has rewarded more than 4,700 golfers with a limited-edition timepiece for scoring a hole-in-one during a club competition – but David Flower is the first to do so on a par-four this year.

The scheme is open to any golfer whose club uses HowDidiDo – a free-to-use, web-based social network for golfers – and anybody playing in official club competitions will be eligible. Currently, more than 1,800 clubs use the website.

Flower, 52, from Manchester, achieved his monster ace – and maiden hole-in-one – with a driver on the 260-yard, par-four fourth on the Blackwater Course at Wellow GC, and the eight-handicapper was rewarded with membership of the exclusive BOSS Watches H1 Club and a specially-commissioned, commemorative timepiece.

Stephen Brydon, commercial director for MGS Distribution, the official licenced UK distributor for BOSS Watches, said: “Congratulations to David on achieving golf’s Holy Grail of a hole-in-one. And, what’s more, achieving it on a par-four – an amazing feat!

Flower celebrates the double achievement of not only being one of the lucky few members of the BOSS Watches H1 Club to have scored on a par-four, but also being the first and, so far, only golfer to have done so this year. He said: “I was three quarters of the way through a poor round – topping and threeputting a lot – and stood on the 13th tee and said out loud, ‘come on, at least hit one good drive today.”

“After a good drive, my two playing partners said, ‘good shot, three-putts for a par’. Approaching the green, we couldn’t see my ball, so after a few swear words I went behind the green looking for it.” “After a couple of minutes one of my partners looked in the hole and shouted, ‘yes! Mine’s a pint!’ – and a £126 bar bill later …” The luxury German brand has pledged to reward club golfers with an exclusive watch for every hole-in-one recorded during a club competition.

“To the majority of amateur golfers, recording a hole-in-one will be the most memorable thing they achieve in golf – a once-in-a-lifetime experience probably – and we want to ensure they have much better memories than merely a dent in their bank balance after buying drinks in the clubhouse.” “The exclusive BOSS watch is available only to golfers who record a hole-in-one. It will provide a constant reminder of the achievement and also help to ensure they’re never late for a tee-time again.” In addition to the limited-edition watch, Flower is also awarded membership of the exclusive BOSS Watches H1 Club which offers its members access to exclusive benefits and merchandise. No extra registration is required to participate in the BOSS Watches promotion as all official club competitions are recorded on the HowDidiDo system, so holes-in-one will be noted and automatically ratified by the golfer’s club. www.bosswatches.co.uk

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TEE TIMES 7

MEON VALLEY HOSTS THE TRILBY TOUR

MEON VALLEY HOSTS THE TRILBY TOUR The prestigious Trilby Tour 2015 amateur golf tournament, now in it’s 9th year will be hosting series of Regional Championships REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF aHAMPSHIRE across the UK with Meon Valley chosen as the venue for the Hampshire Regional Final for the 2nd year running. Entry to the Trilby Tour is highly sought after and we will be hosting a number of qualifying rounds where the winner from each day will then secure a place at the Regional Championship hosted at Meon Valley on Tuesday 2nd June. Qualifying rounds will be charged at £18.00 per person to include coffee on arrival. These will be held on Friday 17th & 24th April with tee times between 10.30am and 12.00pm. The format for the event is 18 holes individual Stableford from the white tees with full handicap allowance. Please send a completed entry form to Christine keal at the address below along with payment by the 31st March 2015. MEON VALLEY HOSTS THE TRILBY TOUR Entry forms for the Trilby Tour qualifier and other forthcoming events can be downloaded from www.golfempire.co.uk

TRILBY TOUR QUALIFYING ROUND ENTRY FORM

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF HAMPSHIRE

Qualifying Rounds

TRILBY TOUR QUALIFYING ROUND ENTRY FORM Name:........................................................................................................................................................................................... Address: ....................................................................................................................................................................................... To register your interest please call the Golf Shop on 01329 836 868. Email:........................................................................................................................................................................................... Contact Telephone Number:......................................................................................................................................................... Qualifying Rounds CDH Handicap max 18:............................................................................................................................................................... A Marriott Hotel & Country Clubframe (not guaranteed): Tee times are betweenMeon 10.30Valley, & 12.00 please tick preferred time

10.30 – 11.00

11.00 – 11.30

11.30 - 12.00

Qualifying Round – Please requested date: please call the Golf Shop on 01329 836 868. Totick register your interest Friday 17th April 2015 £18.00 per person

Friday 24th April 2015 £18.00 per person

Please make cheques payable to ‘Meon Valley Marriott Hotel & Country Club’ Meon Valley Marriott Hotel & Country Club Sandy Lane, Shedfield, Hampshire, SO32 Meon 2HQ Valley, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club t: 01329 833 455 MarriottMeonValley.co.uk

Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. All bookings must be pre paid and are non refundable. Only one winner will receive a place from each of the qualifying rounds. The winner must be available on Tuesday 2nd June. All players must have a CDH Handicap max of 18.

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Ryder Cup star Johnson: I have issues, but it’s not drugs UNITED States Dustin Johnson, eighttime PGA Tour winner, has denied having a problem with cocaine.

Dustin Johnson: ‘When I drank, it was a little too much’

briefly

BRANDEN’S SIX OF THE BEST SOUTH African Branden Grace captured his sixth European Tour title with a one-shot win at the Qatar Masters in Doha. The 26-year-old eagled the 16th during a flawless round - he did not drop a shot in his 66 to finish on 19-under. Scotsman Marc Warren, another of four joint leaders going into the last day, had eight birdies in a 67 but missed a 20-foot putt to force a play-off. World number two Henrik Stenson birdied the final four holes in a 66 and shared 13th along with Hampshire’s Justin Rose. Grace added to his growing reputation as a great frontrunners. He has now won all six of his European Tour titles when he was leading or sharing the lead at the start of the final round.

Victory on a desert links DARREN Fichardt produced a classy display in blustery conditions to win the 2015 Abu Dhabi Invitational at Yas Links. The 2003 Qatar Masters winner was in top form as he rattled off nine birdies on his way to an 8-under 64, which was good enough to win the individual professional section of the event by a stroke from Thongchai Jaidee, Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Ross McGowan. The South African, a four-time winner on The European Tour, won prize money of US$100,000, of which US$50,000 of which is being distributed to charity through the Tournament Players Foundation. World No.1 Rory McIlroy, predictably drew the biggest crowds of the day playing alongside Dad Gerry, Stephen Gallacher, and tournament co-host Mohammed Farooq.

In July, the 30-year-old said he was taking time out from the game ‘to confront personal challenges’, and he missed last year’s Ryder Cup. With a perfect record of three victories in the previous version in 2012, he had

appeared to be a shoe-in. ‘I did not have a problem,’ he told a golf magazine which recently asked specifically about drugs. ‘I have issues. But that’s not the issue.’ Johnson said he had occasionally drunk too much vodka. and struggled to handle stress. He has hired a team of experts to help, including a life

New partnership says English guilty of resting on laurels

Tourism drive to promote England’s green and pleasant golfing GOLF Tourism England, the recently-formed body charged with generating more visitor income for English golf courses from tourism, has announced the formation of a strategic partnership with England Golf. The agreement signals England Golf’s support for the membership body, which intends to unite the stakeholders within golf tourism in one of the sport’s most developed markets. Since its launch in July 2014, almost 100 golf properties and tour operators have enlisted as GTE members, with further support for the initiative already having been offered by Visit England, the national tourist board. GTE founder and CEO, Andrew Cooke, said: ‘We are delighted that England Golf has given its backing to Golf Tourism England and I believe that this partnership will allow us to establish stronger working relationships between the many individual bodies which have a stake in English golf tourism at present. Our job is to identify opportunities for these groups to work together and create cross-marketing strategies in order for tour operators to create outstanding bespoke packages to benefit the all-round tourism experience.

Prominent ‘In recent times, England has been guilty of resting on its laurels, while others around us, particularly our neighbours in Scotland and Ireland, have greatly benefitted from a joinedup approach, which has yielded excellent returns in terms of inbound tourism. With six Open Championship venues past and present, some of the world’s best links courses, parkland, heathland and cliff-top golf, as well as vibrant cities and endless

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Golf Tourism England, recently-formed body with aim of generating more visitor income for English golf courses from tourism

miles of beautiful natural countryside, we are confident that a similar approach can establish England as a prominent destination for golfers worldwide.’ The partnership supports the aim of England Golf to create a brighter future for the sport. Its strategy, ‘Raising Our Game’, was launched last summer to create stronger clubs, increase the number of regular golfers and to halt the decline in club membership. England Golf chief executive David Joy said: ‘England Golf is working at the heart of a network of partners to build stronger golf clubs. This new partnership offers an excellent opportunity to support and educate clubs to promote themselves to tourists from home and abroad and increase their visitor income. It will also encourage local partnerships, with groups of clubs working alongside tour operators and accommodation providers for the benefit of themselves and their communities. We will be working closely with Andrew and his team in the coming months to encourage clubs to join GTE and benefit from a more harmonised approach to golf tourism.’

coach and several clinicians. ‘I don’t miss waking up with a hangover and I didn’t drink very often,’ he said.

‘It was just when I did it was a little too much.’ Johnson was aiming to return to playing after fiancee Paulina Gretzky had given birth to their first child.

Chef Michael has the recipe for success A CHEF from St Andrews found the golfing recipe for success as he secured the overall title in the Titleist Order of Merit. Michael de Vries, 24, pictured below, returned to playing golf just two years ago, but he turned up the heat on his rivals as his handicap dropped during the year from three to plus one - a hugely impressive reduction at such a high level. In addition to the trophy he won a full Titleist 714 iron fitting, a year’s supply of Titleist balls, a bag and a luxury golf break after his best five nett scores saw him top of the order of merit, powered by HowDidiDo.

Dedicated For the last couple of years, de Vries - a member of the New Golf Club in St Andrews - has split his time working in St Andrews in the summer and the French Alps in winter. But when he arrived back home in 2014 he decided to dedicate more time to his golf. During 2014, de Vries - whose mother Fiona has represented Scotland - won his club’s Victory Cup and fired a bogey-free gross 65 on the New Course. HowDidiDo holds in excess of 21 million rounds of golf along with the handicaps, results and scores of more than 1,300,000 UK golf club members, with more than 460,000 golfers currently using the website.

To find out more about Golf Tourism England and for membership enquiries, visit www.golftourismengland.com.

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TEE TIMES 9

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Senior Men's 2015 Open Championship at Meon Valley Hotel & Country Club on Tuesday 28th July 2015 Sponsored by

18 Hole Individual Stableford

Handicap – Full allowance off ‘Tee of the day’ – max. of 24 (25 Handicap and above may enter but will play off 24) • Live entertainment from Adger Brown • Extensive Prize Table • Entry ONLY £36 per player • Inclusive of coffee on arrival, buffet lunch and FREE use of the 9-hole Valley course

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PLEASE SEND ALL ENTRIES TO: The Golf Secretary, Meon Valley Hotel & Country Club,Sandy Lane, Shedfield, Southampton, Hants, SO32 2HQ Telephone: 01329 836868 (Entries to be received no later than Tuesday June 30th 2015) Entry forms and other forthcoming events can be downloaded from www.golfempire.co.uk

E N T RY F O R M Please enter me for the

TEE TIMES SENIOR MEN’S 2015 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP at the Meon Valley Hotel & Country Club on Tuesday 28th July 2015 Name:...………..………………………………………… Club:…………………………………………………. Tel No: …………………………………………. Address:…………………………………………………………………....…………………………....…………………………....…………………………....…..… …………………....………………..…………………………....………………..………………....…………………………....…………………………....………… ………………....…………………………...………………....…………………………....…………………………....………… Postcode:……………….……...… Email:…………...………….….………….………………………… Handicap: …………….......…. Age:.…………… Date of Birth:.……..……..……………… I enclose my £36 entry fee, Cheque made payable to: Marriott Meon Valley Hotel

Print Name:………………………….……………….…….......... Signed:..……………….………………………………… Date:………...……….………………

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Be Driven...

Summer golf days

DOWNSHIRE GOLF COMPLEX

Prices frozen from 2014

Summer golf days for 12 people or more starting from just £18.50 for seniors (senior 62+) and £26.50 per person (adults) 1 in every 15 players goes FREE and every player will receive a Free small bucket of balls for use on the range. Call the office on 01344 302030 for availability and prices. Downshire Golf Complex Easthampstead Park, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 3DH Tel: 01344 302030 Fax: 01344 301020 Email: downshiregc@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Web: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/downshiregolf Facebook: www.facebook.com/downshiregolf

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Club Team 1970

Lord Mountbatten Prize Presenttation

ROMSEY GO HUMBLE BEGINNINGS â&#x20AC;˘ The year was 1900, the start of a new century, already the nation had enjoyed sixty three years of the reign of Queen Victoria, Empress of India, and ruler of the greatest empire the world had seen. A time when Britain was truly Great Britain, the most powerful trading nation in the world, and had been the source of the greatest engineering advances, social evolution and improvement yet seen. The coming of the railways had altered the face of the land and the lives of the people.

Original Romsey Golf Club

First Match Card

This was the year that golf also had significant events, the sport had enjoyed a decade of boom, the Open Championship had been played in England for the very first time, many new golf clubs had been opened, and the County of Hampshire could boast eleven clubs of its own. The enterprising business community of the prosperous market town of Romsey, were eager to participate in the emerging sport that had taken such a hold. 1900, was a special year, Harry Vardon had won the Open Championship, gate money had been charged for those attending for the very first time, and golf was played in the Olympic Games held in Paris. Into this vibrant developing sport came several new golf clubs, and among them was the new club at Romsey. Not on the site of the present course, but much closer to the town, since travel facilities would have been far more important at that time, horse and carriage being the popular mode.

First tractor

Old clubhouse & Veranda

The first Romsey course was located at Halterworth to the South East of the town. It first appeared as a club in the record books in The Golf Year Book in 1900. It was a nine hole course, much in common with courses laid out at that time, and it had simply been created on a stretch of farmland, and was supported by a small number of members of the business gentry from the town. It was the era of expansion for golf clubs, and golf was the fashionable recreation for the well -heeled. Little is known about the course, but it was described as a simple layout. From farmland it was born and to farmland it returned, for when the founder, Captain Maurice Suckling RN died in 1924, his heirs decided it would be more profitable to return the land to farming, and so it happened, leaving the golfers of Romsey without a course. As in most situations of this nature, the future depends on the enthusiasm of a few dedicated souls unwilling to give up, two brothers, members of the Guard family searched for an alternative site for the club. It so happened that golf had also been played as early as 1863, on land which was part of the Broadlands Estate,

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home of Colonel W W Ashley. That name may not immediately ring bells, but he was later given the title of Lord Mount Temple, better known as Lord Palmerston. He agreed to be the clubs benefactor, and allowed his estate manager to lease the land to the homeless club. Stoneham Professional, George Kirkby and the Stoneham, Secretary Colonel Waddle were commissioned to design the new nine hole course. An old army hut was acquired for the clubhouse, and thus the club continued in existence. For many years the existence of the first club was not known , but after extensive research in the 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the facts were duly confirmed by the R&A and the records amended to show the correct date of formation. The Broadlands Estate which owned the land, and which had been home to Lord Palmerston in later years became the family home of Earl Mountbatten of Burma, with the resultant visits of many members of the Royal family. Lord Mountbatten later became President of the golf club and for many years was actively involved in club activities until his tragic death in 1979. The links with famous individuals continued, for John Atlee, who was the cousin of Labour Leader Clement Atlee, he was Lord Mayor of Romsey, and was also Captain of the golf club in 1938 and was able to recollect the early days at the original site in Halterworth., and gave many insights into the history of the club before he passed away at the age of 92. Club minutes of 1934 gave first evidence of improvement work on the course, with approval given to the Captain, Mr Nichols to procure soil from Millbrook and arrange cartage to the club. The first motorised greens equipment was a modified Fordson Van which was driven by green keeper Dick Dunsford. Then came the Second World War, and golf along with many other facets of life changed dramatically. Men went off to war, and golf clubs were left to survive as best they could with fewer members and even fewer people to work at the club.

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Old 6th hole

Sir Henry Cotton

TEE TIMES 13

OLF GLUB • AFTER THE WAR Returning from the war was a salutary experience for the majority of the troops, but the golfers at Romsey were encouraged by the form of Club Professional Reg Horne, whose efforts put the club on the map. He won the PGA Championship and narrowly missed winning the Open Championship, finishing one shot behind winner Fred Daly in 1947 and so qualified for the Ryder Cup team to travel to the USA . Reg subsequently left to settle at Hendon Golf Club, where he stayed until he retired. For years after the conflict, clubs struggled to re-establish their membership, it was a time of austerity, and the club was reduced to forty or fifty players, there was no plan other than survival for several years. However with the coming of the sixties and seventies, the nation was beginning to prosper, and a positive interest in golf was revived. One man in particular was the driving force is extending the existing course, his name was Charlie Wills. As a result of his influence it was decided to extend the course to eighteen holes. Although the costs were huge for the club, £36,000 in total, however, compared with many it was done cheaply, and as a consequence improvements had to be made over the years that elapsed. Some members felt that the course would be diminished by the changes, as several good nines had become lesser eighteen hole courses, but the new layout was eventually opened in 1974, the opening ceremony was performed by the Mayor of Romsey and the club President Lord Louis Mountbatten. The new course instantly attracted more members, and the need for a larger clubhouse was the outcome. The old tin shed known by golfers throughout Hampshire was inadequate, so an extension was built. It was here above all that foresight was shown by the Committee, because they built the new bar and changing rooms with excellent foundations that would be able to support a second storey when the clubhouse was built years in the future. Difficulties resulting from the new holes were used to create good club spirit, as working parties were organised to pick stones from the fairways. The heart of any association of sportsmen is the spirit generated by the characters who are members. The club was blessed with many during this time, times of sing song around the piano with RAF war hero and artist Spike Harrison, events organised by club steward John Saunders, Club Secretaries George Biles and Phil Hargreaves, who had retired as Colonel in Chief of the Army Physical Training Corps. He proved to be a great addition to the club, and a very worthy organiser and motivator, giving stability for many years.

In the early 1990’s there was an unexpected bonus for all private golf clubs, when an EEC ruling meant that private sports clubs could reclaim a substantial amount of the Vat that had been paid over the preceding years. Many clubs had heated debates how the money should be dissipated. The members at Romsey, after an Extraordinary General Meeting, supported the use of the money to extend the clubhouse and build upstairs offices and new changing rooms. These improvements helped to obtain a new lease from the Estate to run well into the new millennium. After the News Year’s Eve party in the clubhouse in 1993 the bulldozers came in, and the next morning work started on the demolition of the old veranda, and the project to build the new clubhouse began in earnest. Everything ran according to plan, and the new clubhouse duly opened in July of 1994. Fully constructed and furnished within seven months and without borrowing one penny, a fortunate state indeed. Reg Horne

The successes of the club, and the healthy waiting list encouraged the club to embark on changes for the long term benefit of the membership. The method of appointing club Presidents changed from a honorary post to the appointment of Past Captains to the role, to nuture involvement and capitalise on the experience gained from their year in office. It was also a time to plan essential long term course improvements, with the installation of sprinkler systems, and a substantial fund was utilised to instal drainage systems to improve the course for both winter and summer play. With a new clubhouse, investment in the golf course and plans for celebrating the Club Centenary, the membership could look forward to the new millennium full of confidence. • Turn over to see how this all came about

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Earl Mountbatten of Burma

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Ecobunker Finishing work

Ecobunker Foundations

ON THE COURSE It is fifteen years since the start of the new millennium and the celebration of the club centenary, years that have not always been easy for members clubs, declining numbers and economic pressure have added to the demands on the sport. This has meant that club management has had to be up to the task of advancing the club and providing a course and other facilities that meet the expectations of existing and potential new members. Romsey has been very fortunate that in the latter years it has been able to attract and now retain a very competent and forward thinking team which has been well versed in the needs of the industry and the club in particular, and been able to programme both a short term plan and a long term strategy to achieve those objectives. The club has never been reticent to seek the best advice, and it although it has been many years since Sir Henry Cotton came to visit the club and advise on the long term course strategy, the pearls of wisdom which he left behind are still pertinent to the future.

General Manager Marc Cole

Certain comments help to define the corporate health of a golf club, and the magic words which greeted me on my visit to the club â&#x20AC;&#x153;the course is the best it has ever beenâ&#x20AC;? are music to the ears of any golf management team. It has been evident for some time that the management team, led by General Manager Marc Cole, who was

Ecobunker Groundworks

recruited in 2012, are shaping the future of the club. Plans that can only be successfully implemented with the full support and backing of the Board of Directors and indeed the members themselves. Marc came to the club with extensive experience gained in the sports and leisure industry, and more latterly in proprietary golf club management. Skills gained in a tough environment, and which are being used to lead the development of club and the course. This has led to changes in personnel, but the significant and obvious impact is through the greens staff, and the arrival of new Head Greenkeeper Steve Gibbs has yielded excellent results, fully justifying the views of the members about the course conditions. Steve and his team are not only ensuring the course in maintained in first class condition throughout the year, but are also tackling many of the major projects in house. Ask any golfer what are the priorities for a good golf course and they will usually respond, prime condition in the main season, and playable in the winter. They will want good greens, then bunkers, fairways, in that order. Romsey has always had good greens, and it is investing in the very latest bunker technology, to improve the aesthetic appeal of the bunkers, better playing characteristics, and at the same time provide less maintenance for the greens staff, the most time consuming element of the job. Ecobunkers were invented by Richard Allen, combining engineering principles, art and

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agronomy. He has designed a system of deep preparation and drainage, sound base and riveted faces, a method which is proving highly successful. Two bunkers have been styled in this manner so far, and the greens staff at the club have been trained to implement the system around the course. It will take time, but be a hugely beneficial project, and at the forefront of course technology. The photographs graphically depict the extent of the work required to achieve the very best results. In the 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the club tackled the problems of drainage that had plagued the course since it had been extended to eighteen holes. Large sums were committed to providing extensive herring bone drainage systems around the course which radically improved the situation. Like all systems they need upkeep and modernisation, and the latest project for the team to tackle is the updating of the drainage. With advice taken and plans established for the long term programme, the prospects are very sound for the provision of that ideal golf course that everyone expects. In the current climate the golfer has a wide choice of where to spend his leisure time and money, whether as a member or a visitor to the club. The venues which create the best combination will be the ones that succeed and advance in the future. There is evidence all around that the team at Romsey are fully equipped to meet those challenges, which have never been tougher.

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TODAY AND TOMORROW There is nothing more satisfying than to return to the clubhouse after a game of golf, whether winter or summer and be greeted with a welcome and a smile. It is the sign of the friendly environment which permeates the club, and has always been part of the Romsey philosophy. The bar is operated by the club, but the catering is franchised to Bluebell Cuisine, owned and operated by talented Chef Paul Bascombe. Paul is well versed in the special requirements of golf club catering, and meeting the needs of members and visiting organisations, whether they play golf or utilise the conference facilities at the club. The response to any social events held at the club is instant and they are always sold out. From the Black Tie event in January through the year to Christmas and New Year, the attendances are such that it is necessary to book early to be sure of inclusion. Testament to the quality of the food and the service given. Sunday lunch is always popular, and the introduction of Friday Supper Nights has been an instant success. If the clubhouse ends the round then the Pro Shop inevitably precedes it, and once again a good team makes the day, Head Professional Heath Teschner and his Assistant James Fairlie have settled well at the club, and are well ensconced into their roles. Heath and James were the team in house at Dunwood Manor prior to the closure of that course, and whilst there Heath qualified as a Neurolinguistic Programming Practitioner, for those who need an explanation of that, it is in depth golf psychology. Over the years the team have been very successful coaching the best amateurs through the transition to the pro ranks, and their methods have also produced several International players. The latest state of the art equipment is available for lessons covering all aspects of the game. With a comprehensive service for all equipment and clothing, there is everything golfers need, and teaching from both is first

class. Junior group lessons are held every Saturday, with two groups each weekend to cater for the demand. The link with Southampton Academy, which includes use of facilities and special green fees, also brings benefit to members and to both organisations. There is always a feel that the concept of the total package is uppermost in the operating of each aspect of the club. A very important facet is the benefit of reciprocal golf, whereby members of the club can play at any one of the twenty four affiliated golf clubs, stretching across the South of England from Bridport in Dorset to Crowborough Beacon in Sussex, and also covering clubs on the Isle of Wight. For a very nominal fee, golf can be played at some of the best courses in the South. Romsey has always been a popular venue for visiting golfers and Societies, they are welcome any weekday, and the needs of the group will try to be accommodated by the club, with the caveat that the interests of the members are always taken into consideration. The membership is close to being full at the present time, but the commencement of the new financial year in April will inevitably create a few openings for new members, male, female and junior, in either five day or seven day categories. So what does Romsey Golf Club offer to the discerning golfer?

James Fairlie and Heath Teschner

• Responsive management team • Financial stability A list that ticks all the boxes, whether one is considering the club for membership, a visit, or simply to make use of the very good conference facilities or for that special family or social celebratory event. Michael Rees For more information about any aspects of the Romsey Golf Club, visit the club website: www.romseygolfclub.com Or telephone the club on 02380 734637

• A fine course all year round • A comfortable clubhouse, with good food and TV entertainment. • First class professional shop. • Competitions throughout the year, both individual and club representation • Reciprocal arrangements with Twenty four golf clubs • Convenient location • A very good Social calendar

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The Disabled Golf Association unveils exciting line-up for 2015 The Disabled Golf Association has unveiled an exciting event line-up for 2015 at some top venues around the country. Highlights include the 'Race to Burhill' playing at 7 BGL courses, the first 3 in each will qualify for the final at the prestigious Burhill Golf Club in Surrey, a visit to Brocket Hall in June and the Golf Trust Open at the Shire in July. We are delighted to have Mark James as our Patron. Graeme Robertson, events co-ordinator "Our main focus is on golf as a therapy and for rehabilitation, but that's not to say there isn't some stiff competition. We had a very successful 2014, our sincere thanks have to go for the support from Captains Charities around the country, so we can carry out providing an opportunity for all kinds of disabled people to enjoy golf for competition, and the all important 19th hole. Going to clubs who are genuinely interested in what we do makes a world of difference. We will be running an order of merit with places up for grabs for Team England to play for The Oldfield Trophy against Wales at The Vale in September."

CALUM IS DRIVING GOLF IN HAMPSHIRE

Above, Patron Mark James with group of disabled golfers at Rudding Park in Yorkshire. Below Stan Bembenek, CEO for DGA who lost a leg to bone cancer.

EVENTS 2015 (confirmed) - more to come! ENGLAND (BGL - Race to Burhill) Friday 6th March - Hurtmore, Surrey hurtmore-golf.co.uk Friday 13th March - Bondhay, Notts www.bondhaygolfclub.com Friday 20th March - Birchwood Park Kent (BGL) www.birchwoodparkgc.co.uk Friday 27th March - Thornbury, Bristol (BGL) www.thornburygc.co.uk Friday 10th April - Mid Yorks, Yorkshire www.midyorkshiregolfclub.com Monday 13th April - Denton, Manchester www.dentongolfclub.com Friday 24th April - The Bristol www.bristolgolfclub.co.uk Thursday 30th April - Oulton Hall, Yorks www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/oulton-hall/golf Friday 1st May - Cams Hall, Hampshire www.camshallgolf.co.uk Friday 8th May - The Shropshire (BGL) www.theshropshire.co.uk Thurs 14th May - South Bucks, Bucks www.thesouthbuckinghamshire.co.uk Friday 15th May - Thorne, South Yorks www.thornegolf.co.uk Thursday 21st May - Canons Brook, Essex www.canonsbrook.com Friday 29th May - Glen Gorse, Leicestershire www.glengorsegolfclub.co.uk Monday 1st June - Brocket Hall, Herts www.brocket-hall.co.uk/golf Friday 12th June - Tytherington, Cheshire www.thetytheringtonclub.com Friday 12th June - Cobtree Manor, Kent www.mytimeactive.co.uk/golf/centres/cobtree-manor-park Thursday 18th June - Abbey Hill, Bucks (BGL) www.abbeyhillgc.co.uk

Changing the face of the Landscape at The Dorset Golf Resort! Near Wareham

5 Star British Tourist Board Venue

GOLF G OLF & CO COUNT NTRY CLUB C

While the vast majority of the golfers have been hibernating over the winter the on-course team at The Dorset Golf Resort has been busy making key alterations for the 2015 season lying in wait. Many new paths and walkways have been created to take the typical wear the course experiences during the year. More trees have been planted to change the shape of a good few holes with many areas opened up improving the views and scenery around the course. The combination of these improvements really has changed the face of the Landscape at The Dorset Golf Resort for the better. Another item on top of their list was some extra drainage work. This was done to ensure The Dorset will continue to stay open all year round as it has done for the past 2 years. Amazingly it hasn’t closed for a single day due to bad weather! The work combined with last years investment of over £125,000 on a brand new buggy park & fleet has taken the Resort to a whole new level.

There’s a new face behind the drive to get more people playing and staying in golf in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands. Calum Drummond has just become the Hampshire County Development Officer (CDO) and he’ll be working with golf clubs and county organisations to help bring more people into the game and to become club members. Among the initiatives Calum will be promoting is the Get into golf campaign, which inspires more people to play the sport and offers great value coaching with PGA professionals. “I’ve got a huge passion for golf and a background in sports development so this is a perfect match,” said Calum. “I come from a golfing family, I enjoy everything about the sport and I want to get more people playing the game. It’s the perfect way to keep active, to make friends, to enjoy being outdoors and to take part in a great sport.” Calum, 25, lives in Southampton and is currently easing himself back into the game after a break forced by a dislocated shoulder. “I’m hitting balls at Hedge End Driving Range and getting back into it, slowly but surely. I’m really keen to get playing again,” he said. Initially, Calum is shadowing Beverly Huke, the outgoing CDO who retires from the post at the end of March, and he is making contacts with the county’s clubs and ranges. “I’m enjoying meeting everyone involved with golf in the county and looking forward to working with then,” he said. Calum has a degree in Sports Development and Coaching Sciences from Bournemouth University and extensive experience in his profession. He has worked in Chelsea Football Club’s grass roots foundation and in sports development with Winchester City Council, the Hampshire County Sports Partnership and a private leisure centre.

The result of this hard work has meant aesthetically the course has never looked or played better at this time of year.

Andy Willems, England Golf’s Senior Regional Manager, commented: “I am sure Calum will be a tremendous asset to the county and he’ll continue to help and support the clubs to increase participation and club membership.”

Contact the Resort on 01929 472244 www.dorsetgolfresort.com

For more information about England Golf visit www.englandgolf.org.

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antastic opportunity to stay at the NEW prestigious Sueno Deluxe 5* Hotel and attend the 2015 Turkish Open at the Montgomerie Golf Club Belek Turkey includes 3 rounds of competition golf with a great prize table that includes 2 FREE places for next years tournament

L NE W SU EN O DE LU XE RE SO RT 5* HOTEK 2015 TURKISH OPEN COMPETITION WEE Arrival date 29th & 30th October 2015 • 7 nights Ultra All-Inclusive • FREE room upgrade guaranteed for first 10 rooms booked • 3 rounds Sueno Golf Pines and Dunes • 3 competition days

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MARCH 2015

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TUDOR PARK HOSTS THE 2015 TRILBY TOUR KENT REGIONAL FINAL.

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marriot_condensed_medium_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆΔ˚¬μ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒÂ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" €

Tudor Park, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club will host the Trilby Tour Kent regional qualifiers and final for the 2nd year running. Winners from the qualifying rounds will

marriot_condensed_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬μ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒÂ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚÆ¯˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" €

secure a place at the Regional Championship on Thursday 30th July 2015. Qualifying rounds are 18 holes individual Stableford from the white tees with full handicap allowance at £30 pp. TUDOR PARK, A MARRIOTT HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB Ashford Road, Bearsted,Maidstone, Kent, ME14 4NQ 01622 734334 MarriottTudorPark.co.uk

TRILBY TOUR QUALIFYING ROUND ENTRY FORM

CDH Handicap max 18:............................................................................................................................................................... Tee times are between 11.00 & 12.00 Friday 22nd May. Please circle preferred time frame (not guaranteed): 11.00 – 11.30

11.30 – 12.00

12.00 - 12.30

Tee times are between 11.00 & 12.00 Saturday 6th June. Please circle preferred time frame (not guaranteed): 11.00 – 11.30

11.30 – 12.00

12.00 - 12.30

Tee times are between 9.30 & 10.30 Sunday 5th July. Please circle preferred time frame (not guaranteed): 9.30 – 10.00

10.00 – 10.30

10.30 - 11.00

Tee times are between 9.30 & 10.30 Wednesday 29th July. Please circle preferred time frame (not guaranteed): 9.30 – 10.00

10.00 – 10.30

10.30 - 11.00

Qualifying Round – £30 per person include: tea, coffee and bacon roll on arrival Please send a completed entry form to Billie Mckenna with payment by 30th April 2015. Please make cheques payable to ‘Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club’ Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club

TUDOR PARK, A MARRIOTT HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB Ashford Road, Bearsted,Maidstone, Kent, ME14 4NQ 01622 734334 MarriottTudorPark.co.uk

Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. All bookings must be pre paid and are non refundable. Only one winner will receive a place from each of the qualifying rounds. The winner must be available on Thursday 30th July. All players must have a CDH Handicap max of 18.

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NEW VENUE OPEN SEE PAGES 38 & 39

MARCH 2015

TEE TIMES 19

Swing into Spring A April pril O Offer ffer Tea, Coffee and Bacon Bap Free use of Golf Simulators 18 Holes of Championship Golf Free use of Snooker/Pool Tables r/Pool T ables £19.95 Midweek

Two Championship Designed Courses set in The Heart of the Vale Glamorgan Cottrell Park was one of only 5 clubs to be nominated in the recent Welsh Golf Club of the year and been pipped to the post, they were delighted to finish a runner up.

Min 8 players

Terms and conditions apply

Golf Breaks available from £69

Cottrell Park Golf RESORT

Tel: 01446 - 781781 Email: events@cottrellpark.com www.cottrellpark.com Keep up to date with the latest news, offers and events.

@CottrellParkLtd

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CottrellParkLtd

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20 TEE TIMES

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MARCH 2015

THE JURASSIC COAST he south Dorset coast is famed for the discoveries of fossils made over the years, it is also famed for the unique geographical cliff formations fabulous beaches and scenery enjoyed by so many. In recent times it has hit the headlines thanks to the TV programme Broadchurch which is filmed at West Bay. In addition to all of those very valid reasons, it is also home to some excellent golf courses, which will reward the visiting golfer and which will provide a rich source of information about the courses and the famed golfers associated with them, a genuine pleasure.

We were extremely fortunate to discover a delightful hotel for our stay in the region, called the Bridgewater Hotel in Beaminster, a picturesque village just five miles inland from the coast. It is a family owned hotel three star boutique hotel with just fourteen rooms, but everything about it ticks all the boxes. The buildings are 700 years old and were originally a priest’s house, and it was occupied by the Royal Army Medical Corps during World War 11, finally being converted into a hotel some twenty years ago. It is very, very comfortable, with well-appointed and roomy accommodation, cosy public rooms and bar, fabulous food and best of all, superb staff. Nothing too much trouble, and all accomplished with a smile. It is to quote the book and film title “Far from the madding crowd”. Wherever you stay along this unique coastal strip there are places to visit and scenery to marvel at. From Weymouth following the coast to Bridport and Lyme Regis with a hinterland that is just as rewarding. In one of my favourite golfing reference books entitled “Golf in Hardy Country” by L C Jenkins the narrative is informative and tempting; I hope that I can replicate the

experience in describing the courses I would recommend to the visiting golfer. Certainly not links style, but cliff top golf with some of the best views anywhere in the land. Golf did not arrive in Dorset until the last decade of the 19th century, but it has some truly delightful clubs originating from that era. The Bournemouth district stretching down to the Purbeck Hills is well known to the golfing fraternity, so I will commence my tale a little further West. On my way to the town of Weymouth I would always include a visit to Came Down Golf Club, designed by Open Champion J H Taylor, who opened the course in 1904 by playing an exhibition match against James Braid. The course was substantially redesigned by Harry S Colt in 1927, and has changed very little since that date. It is situated on the 400 feet high Ridgeway, and enjoys every single aspect of the British climate, especially the wind. Renowned for the connections with the three Whitcombe Brothers. The next port of call is Weymouth Golf Club, set near the town. Situated high with panoramic views west to the Chesil Beach and the Jurassic Coast. It is a pleasant parkland course, none too taxing and it is

Golf Academy

claimed to be the first spot where golf was played in the County, stimulated by Royal connections and the arrival of the railway in 1857. Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club is located at West Bay, high on the cliff tops with exceptional views along this most spectacular of coastlines. Officially the oldest incorporated club in Dorset it dates back to 1891. The course is characterised by dry stone walls, and it can boast one of the best and most memorable holes on this coast. The 13th Port Coombe hole lies some ninety feet down from a cliff top tee, where a sunken green, well-guarded by natural hazards and a ring of bunkers, lies in wait. End the round with a call into the modern clubhouse where the food and selection of ales is first class. Lyme Regis is the most westerly of the Dorset courses, on the cliff top downs, and the work of local architect Major D R Nichols. The glorious views from the elevated 11th tee will demand time to savour, and the 15th is one of the most spectacular in the country, 600 feet above the sea, with an aerial view of Lyme Regis and the bay. After a succession of fine seaside courses it is time

to turn inland and perhaps sample the trout fishing at Amherst Lodge or Mangerton Mill. For the more active enthusiast, there is a great day out to be had visiting the Hayes International Motor Museum just off the A303 near Yeovil. It houses exhibits from the dawn of motoring to the latest Formula 1 and includes motor cycles and supercars. Much to see and much to do, and of course the ultimate experience on this coast is to wonder the beaches below the cliffs and collect fossils and ammonites which abound in the area. You can even take in the fossil shop on the Charmouth beach front and glimpse at the simply fantastic fossilised ichthyosaurus discovered after a landslip as recently as the year 2000. The Jurassic Coast is spectacular, whatever your interests happen to be, and for the golfer plenty of options, particularly if like me, you like to sample the courses that are a little bit off the normal golfing circuit. They have one important thing in common, a warm and very Michael Rees friendly reception.

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TT March Issue 166_Layout 1 21/02/2015 14:53 Page 21

NEW VENUE OPEN SEE PAGES 38 & 39

MARCH 2015

2 Day Golf Breaks from £89.00

TEE TIMES 21

GOLF CLUBS AND DRIVING RANGES

BALL STOP FENCING

VISUALLY APPEALING

JB Corrie & Co Ltd Frenchmans Road Petersfield Hampshire GU32 3AP 01730 237100 info@jbcorrie.co.uk www.jbcorrie.co.uk JB Corrie & Co Ltd Signal Box Road Blairgowrie Scotland PH10 6ER 01250 873989 jbcscotland@jbcorrie.co.uk www.jbcorrie.co.uk

Corrie Fore Golf Fencing Corrie Fore The Corrie Fore fencing system has been developed for golf clubs to protect their employees, members, guests and their vehicles. Comprising of hollow section posts braced with a top rail and clad with 25mm x 25mm golf ball netting.

SUMMER GOLF BREAKS IN CORNWALL Situated just off the A30, in the beautiful county of Cornwall, Trethorne offers a p y challenging and picturesque 18-holes with friendlyy and relaxed Cornish hospitality.

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast PLUS Unlimited Golf! 2 Day Break £89.00pp 3 Day Break £169.00pp 4 Day Break £219.00pp

Trethorne Golf Club T Kennards House, Launceston K Cornwall PL15 8QE

1 in 12 players go 01566 86903 FREE

www.trethornegolfclub.com ww For further information, please call Club Reception on 01566-86903 or email: reservations@trethornegolfclub.com

• Cost effective • Installed by our experienced fitters • Golf ball stop netting • Hollow Section posts • Visually appealing • Protect people and cars from stray golf balls

Alresford Golf Club ‘enjoyable golf & a great deal more’

F? WET WEATHER ALREADY EFFECTING YOUR GOL SHIP? R MEMBER DO YOU GET REAL VALUE FOR MONEY FROM YOU and play Come and see our facilities for yourself the area. one of the best free draining courses in JOIN IN MARCH for ONLY £1025 (7 Day Membership) NOTHING more to pay until 01/01/2016 (terms and conditions apply) • Highly regarded and well presented free draining course • Members discount for bar and catering purchases • No booking system for tee times necessary • Superb practice facilities • Regular competitions and ‘roll up’s’ • Reciprocal golf at 6 other private members clubs Cheriton Road, Tichborne Down, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 0PN Tel : 01962 733746 Email:secretary@alresfordgolf.co.uk

www.alresfordgolf.co.uk Golf Academy

www.jbcorrie.co.uk BELEK

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MARCH 2015

Beverly’s BIG Secrets

Hampshire Ladies Golf HAMPSHIRE GIRLS ACADEMY - FREE FUN ASSESSMENT DAY

– Beverly Huke I have been getting a lot of good feedback recently from players who I have introduced to The Orange Whip Trainer. romoted by Bernard Gallacher (former European Ryder Cup Captain and Player) it is a great tool for both feeling some really important areas of the golf swing and giving gentle but effective toning to your golfing muscles.

Good for improving your balance, tempo and timing in a way you will not get from just swinging a standard golf club. Get into the habit of using it for just 10 minutes a day and watch your fitness and golf swing improve. Junior County March week team 2014

Available online from www.perfectmygolf.co.uk or in the best golf shops.

Hampshire’s Girls Golf Academy are pleased to announce the continued support of England Golf and have put together an improved programme for the coming year.

If you would like me to help you find your best golf swing please call 07973 307880 or email info@beverlyhukegolf.com

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01329 834360

The Academy proved very successful when it was launched in 2014. The addition of Paulton’s Park, Southampton as a golf centre brings the total to 4 golf centres on mainland Hampshire and IOW. These excellent facilities accommodate golfers of all standards from beginners starting out to the County elite players aged 7 to 18. The programme is very much aimed towards fun and enjoyment and they will run throughout Spring and Summer.

Email peter.teetimes@gmail.com

The Academy fully supports all golf club coaching and with the participation fun programme proving very popular a number of golfing friendships have been made.

The Hampshire Girls Academy Centres that are promoting these programmes are Alresford Golf Club, Tournerbury Golf Centre, Paulton’s Park and in partnership with Hampshire Golf Union Westridge Golf Centre, IOW. SO WHY NOT GIVE IT A GO!!!! There is a free fun assessment day on Saturday 28 March at Alresford GC. This is particularly aimed at girls with an interest in golf keen to give it a go. All will be welcome whatever golfing experience and whether you are members of a golf club or not with or without a handicap. For further details contact either lead coach, Kevin Flynn on 02392462266, Academy Co-ordinator Jane Shergold on 01428 717036 jane.shergold@btinternet.com) or County Junior Organiser Elke Jackson on 01256 473049 jacksonElke@aol.com.

£26 £26

Academy Girls 2014

m 01329 834360 Email: peter.teetimes@gmail.co ISSUE 124 SEPTEMBER 2011 Tel:

££ a yefor Jo ££ ar on in on an ly £1 ra d 0 10th ANNIVERSARY ISSUE ng sa e ve ba lls

Golf Academy

MAY 2011

Tel: 01329 834360 www.teetimesgolfmagazine.com

Established 2001

GREEN FEES TWILIGHT (after 4pm any day)

www.chandlersfordgolfacademy.co.uk

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GREEN FEE £32YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL GOLF MAGAZINE WITH SUNDAY (after 11am)

£23

13)TOTAL PACKAGE OF NEWS, VIEWS AND ADVICE advert on page A / 733998 - (See our main

Bookings 01962 733746 SO24 0PN Call to check availablity Down, Alresford, Hampshire ALRESFORD GOLF CLUB Cheriton Road, Tichborne Cheriton Road, Tichborne Down, ALRESFORD GOLF CLUB, m W

PARLEY GOLF CENTRE The Perfect Place to Start

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ROYAL ASHDOWN FOREST GOLF CLUB Forest Row, East Sussex

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on the centre spread - pages

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Awarded a GOLD AWARD 5 STAR by Visit Britain

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Alresford, Hampshire SO24 0PN ONLY £32pp (after 11am from 3 April) (See our main advert on page 53) on 7 ni th gh ly GREAT VALUE 2011 MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE WITH EASY PAYMENT OPTIONS ts for — pl 2 SP m at ea EC on Co se IAL th rnel ta ke ia 12 ly — Diam on pa ge ple on e! three-page report INSIDE: Special dpu as ll-ou e ta pg 29

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Cut out and send this form to: PGL Services Limited, Shedfield House Dairy, Unit 3, Shedfield, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2HQ. Please make all cheques payable to PGL Services Limited.

Great Golf in the New Forest, Online Tee Bookings www.brokenhurst-manor.org.uk Weekend Societies

Golf Academy

Malcolm Scott

Kevin Flynn

Chris Geary

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TT March Issue 166_Layout 1 21/02/2015 14:54 Page 23

NEW VENUE OPEN SEE PAGES 38 & 39

MARCH 2015

GET AROUND FOR YEARS TO COME

TEE TIMES 23

atterson roducts

www.patterson.co.uk

The Eventer and the TRIO Golf Cart help you enjoy a full 18 holed of golf a day. Sit back and relax in the sprung seat, as you drive between holes, conserving your energy for when you really need it - playing your shot.

www.golfbuggy.org

Forward and reverse gears give manoeuvrability. TRIO is stable, virtually maintenance free, and assembled in under 2 minutes. Proudly manufactured in the UK. We are so confident in the quality of our workmanship that we guarantee our chassis for as long as you own the buggy.

The Eventer

PHONE US TODAY!

The TRIO

PATTERSON PRODUCTS Unit 6, Fordwater Trading Estate, Ford Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8HG Tel: 01932 570016 Fax: 01932 570084

WATERLOOVILLE GOLF CLUB Southampton

GOLF SOCIETIES at chilworth golf centre Start your day with steaming hot Coffee and a fresh Bacon Roll Loosen up on the floodlit driving range with a Bucket of balls

SPECIAL OFFER No Joining Fee - (normally £995)

18 Holes of Golf

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20 Players or moreOrganiser goes free

Join 1st April and get 15 months for the price of 12 (Finance available) WATERLOOVILLE GOLF CLUB Cherry Tree Avenue, Cowplain Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO8 8AP. Email: Secretary@waterloovillegolfclub.co.uk

023 8074 0544 info@chilworthgolfclub.com www.chilworthgolfclub.com

Tel.No. 02392 263388 w w w. w a t e r l o o v i l l e g o l f cl u b . c o . u k

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24 TEE TIMES

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MARCH 2015

NEW MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES For golfers who are weighing up that important membership decision Caversham Heath has much to offer. Members know that they can play the course throughout the year, the natural gravel and chalk subsoil providing incredible drainage on the fairways while the USGA greens also ensure conditions remain not just playable, but remarkably good whatever the weather. To encourage more members to join and enjoy the Caversham Heath experience, several new membership options have been added for this year. You can see these on the opposite page. When you consider the quality of the course, and all round facilities the membership fees are extremely attractive and have been frozen for this season. Member benefits Members enjoy exclusivity at weekends, with no visitor bookings taken before 12pm. As membership grows this time will be further extended. A generous 15% discount is provided to members on their beverage purchases and 10% discount is available on food. Existing members can look forward to another full year of competitions, over 100 members play in the weekend

events. They also have reciprocal arrangements with other quality courses, such as Royal Ascot and Pinner Hill. For the competitive golfers the Club are represented in the Inter County Scratch League, Central 7s and Concorde League. Well run Senior & Ladies roll ups provide regular social games for the midweek member. Caversham Heath is a true championship course, some golfers (incorrectly) might feel nervous of the challenge. But don’t be put off joining, the Club have members in their 80’s who are still playing three times a week. Proof that golf is also good for your health! Part of a great team 2014 has been a busy year for the Club, they have recruited; a new General Manager, Matt Ackerman a new PGA

Head Professional, Darren Bartlett and a new Head Chef, Gary Lowerson. They join Course Manager, Jon Scoones and Food & Beverage Manager, Kerry Ronan to form one of the strongest management teams in the region. All boast extensive experience in their field and, together with the dedicated staff already in place, are rapidly driving the club forwards. With support from the extensive Mapledurham Estate, this is most definitely a Club destined for a bright and exciting future.

programme, beginning in February will please members and shows the commitment to provide ongoing improvement.

Year on year investment 2014 also saw significant investment in key projects. The club installed a downstairs spike bar which should work perfectly in the summer, and enjoys views over the patio, 1st and 18th holes.

Appeal to all ages and abilities The Club, via Head Professional Darren Bartlett, are setting up a range of academies to help beginners, of any age, learn and enjoy the game.

The course clearly remains the primary asset and a Bunker renovation

Work will also shortly commence to refurbish the main bar area. Further evidence that the team are committed to driving the Club forwards to benefit the members, while also allowing the incredibly busy function business to flourish.

It’s an exciting time at the Club, making it the perfect time to join, or take those first steps to learn the wonderful game of golf.

Caversham Heath Golf Club, Chazey Heath, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7UT Tel: 0118 947 8600 Fax: 0118 947 8700 Email: info@cavershamgolf.co.uk www. cavershamgolf.co.uk

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p l r n hi ia fe joi rs ec of n be sp ry ca 3* m a cto rs of y me As du mbe rice da 5 tro e p r in w m the full o ne or to

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NEW Spike Bar – NEW Bunker investment – NEW Clubhouse refurbishment – Weʼd love to be Your NEW Club for 2015.

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Caversham Heath Golf Club, Chazey Heath, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7UT Tel: 0118 947 8600 Fax: 0118 947 8700 Email: info@cavershamgolf.co.uk www. cavershamgolf.co.uk

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MARCH 2015

(Courtesy of Pau Golf Club)

Michael Rees

A combination of travel and golfing history is the story for this month. The town of Pau, lying in the shadow of the Pyrenees, is less than an hour’s drive from the beautiful golf courses of Biarritz, Seignosse and Moliets, but more than a hundred years in golfing history.

HAVE CLUBS WILL TRAVEL VICTORIAN ART IN PAU

A visit to the golf club will surprise many, unless they are aware of the importance and history of Pau. One of the real delights is viewing the wonderful paintings in evidence in the clubhouse, many of them done by British artist Allen Culpepper Seale (18501927) in the late 1890’s. Seale did much of his painting in France, but he is recognised far more for his very special portrayals of other sporting activities. His paintings of horses and horse racing are prized by collectors, with similar admiration for his hunting scenes and delightful works with hunting dogs. The pictures on this page show the skills of the artist and depict quite graphically how the game was played in the 1890’s, very genteel and positively upper class. They are most likely painted in the springtime , as the snow can be clearly seen on the Pyrenees in the distant background. Pau Golf Club is the oldest golf club in France, in fact anywhere on the continent. It was formed in 1856, by the mainly English and Scottish community resident there at the time. From 1814, in response to numerous Napoleonic campaigns, Wellington’s militia remained in Pau, and many became permanent residents. Many more British arrived to settle, after Dr Taylor publicised articles promoting the benefits of the climate. It became a quasi British colony, and many among them were Scots, and so they

Joe Lloyd

Pau Clubhouse

inevitable began to look for somewhere to play golf. In 1856 the first nine holes, with a simple wooden cabin were constructed at Billere, just outside the town. By 1879 the course had been extended to 18 holes, the standard by then accepted as the norm. The following year the shack was replaced by the clubhouse, which remains to this day. Although it has been somewhat improved and extended, the character of the building remains; in the locker rooms, the toilets still bear the original brass plates, “Ladies and Gents”. The dining room appears unchanged, oak pillars support the ceiling, and are surrounded by wonderful old clubs, long nosed woods and rut irons, and the walls are adorned with large paintings of the Victorian

era. The whole clubhouse is full of fascinating pictures, photographs and memorabilia, to delight any golf aficionado. The artefacts are not the only claim to fame, Joe Lloyd, was the early professional at the club, he was the professional from 1857 to 1902. During this time he had won the US Open Championship in 1897, and so was able to attract the most famous visiting professionals such as Harry Vardon and Sandy Herd, who came to the club for matches, evidenced by the pictures on the walls. Our visit was enhanced by the most friendly and hospitable reception from the Director of Golf, and the members, obviously proud of the club’s heritage and status as the oldest club in France. The golf course was designed by Willie Dunn Snr, it is tree-lined parkland, very English in styling, set out on a plain running alongside the river, La Gave de Pau, which it seems to meander alongside the course. The front nine, one loop, then out for the holes from 10 to 14, and finally a mini loop comprising holes 15 to 18, a sort figure of eight layout with an inset of the last holes. Not overly long at 5314 metres, but in fine condition, and the real delight is the atmosphere of playing the course after absorbing the history in the clubhouse. Certainly a special pleasure to play. Pau Golf Club is twinned with the second oldest club in France, Dinard Golf Club in

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Brittany, formed in 1890, having played both, it is good to report that both clubs have managed to retain the atmosphere and traditions despite the many changes in the game. For non-golfers, there is plenty to see and enjoy in the town of Pau. Described as one of the Treasures of the South West, it is the capital of the Bearn region It owes its importance to Henri IV, the first protestant King of France. It was called “La Ville Anglaise”. In addition to golf, fox hunting and the race course, there are many other British activities in evidence. There is much to see, The Chateau de Pau, containing the Bearneas Museum, Boulevarde Des Pyrenees (the 1.5 kilometre road along the cliffs giving fabulous views of the Pyrenees), and Le Ravin de Hedas, the old quarter where the houses have been superbly restored. There is another eighteen hole golf course in Pau, Golf Club D’Artiguelouve, sadly there was no time to visit or to play, perhaps an excuse for another trip if one was needed. The South West of France is a long way to travel by ferry and road, we took the excellent Britanny Ferries overnight service to Santander and then drove via Biarritz, but there are other options, including a regular flights to Pau Airport and to nearby Biarritz. However you get there, it will be well worth the effort.

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Round-up of ladies’ golf news from round the globe

Lydia, 17, is youngest world No.1 in golf history NEW Zealander Lydia Ko has romped past Tiger Woods’ age record as the world’s number one golfer, male or female. The South Korea-born Kiwi made the historic mark by reaching the top of the women’s rankings aged 17 - eclipsing Woods, who was 21 when he topped the men’s rankings in 1997. South Korean Jiyai Shin had been the youngest player to top the women’s rankings in 2010, aged 22. Lydia secured the number one ranking by finishing in a tie for second at the in Florida.‘It’s amazing,’ she said. ‘It’s a huge honour to be in that ranking. All I was focused on was trying to play my best.’

She took the record despite surrendering a four-stroke overnight lead in the opening LPGA event of the season, which was won by South Korean Na-Yeon Choi. But she still gained enough ranking points to move past South Korea’s Inbee Park in the rankings. Lydia is in the habit of beating age marks - she was the youngest winner of an LPGA Tour event with victory in the Canadian Women’s Open in August 2012 at the age of 15. She turned professional in October 2013 and has won five times on the LPGA Tour and once on the European Tour. ‘I’m just going to just focus on my golf, not think about the rankings,’ she said. ‘The rankings always come after the results.’

Warming up for Olympics golf

Wentworth’s Annabel steps up to the pro ranks

SEVERAL prominent figures behind golf’s eagerly-awaited return to the Olympic Games joined forces with Major champions Graeme McDowell and Suzann Pettersen in Florida to provide an upbeat assessment of the hopes for Rio de Janeiro. Peter Dawson and Ty Votaw, respectively the President and VicePresident of the International Golf Federation – the body charged with the responsibility of bringing golf back into the Olympics – took to the stage at the IGF Olympic Golf Forum. A delegation of IGF Board members recently visited the course in Rio, and Mr Dawson told the Trade Show visitors: ‘Excitement is really mounting’.

ANNABEL Dimmock, the top-ranked female amateur golfer in Great Britain and Ireland, has turned professional and joined the Ladies European Tour.

USA, Annabel represented Europe in the Junior Ryder Cup in Scotland. She was selected to represent Team GB at the Summer Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China.

The 18-year-old Scholar of Wentworth Club reached No 10 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking and won the GB&I Order of Merit in 2014.

Annabel said: ‘I am very excited. ‘My first year is all about learning and trying to gain my full card.

McDowell said: ‘I think the Olympic Games is the pinnacle of sport. It’s the ultimate achievement for a sportsman and athlete. Nothing will internationalize the game more than golf being part of the Olympics and bringing the game to underdeveloped parts of the world, bringing golfers to this great sport that we all love.

She produced a string of excellent results including sinking a 30ft putt to win the Sunningdale Foursomes and also clinched the Helen Holm Scottish Open trophy after her Stateside win at the Jones Doherty Cup. She was also runner-up at the Welsh Open Stroke Play, the Spanish Amateur and South Atlantic Ladies’ Amateur.

‘I am passionate to be part of it.’

The youngest member of the Great Britain & Ireland Curtis Cup Team at St Louis in the

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‘It has been great to see Charley Hull and Amy Boulden both winning the LET’s Rookie of the year awards and this has really inspired me.’ On her ambitions for her first season as a professional, she added: ‘I like to set myself regular small achievable goals and work hard at it. I’m lucky to have a great coach in Lawrence Farmer and personal trainer in Mark Alcock, who are both passionate about their jobs.’

HERE COME THE GIRLS? ROYAL Troon Golf Club is to review its male-only membership policy. Troon, which is one of three clubs on the The Open Championship rota with a singlesex policy, made the announcement after last September’s decision by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews to end its exclusive rule. Meanwhile, Muirfield is reviewing its membership criteria with a report to be completed this month, while Royal St George’s is ‘considering its position’ on the matter. Troon has also announced it will share responsibility for hosting the 2016 Open Championship with the Ladies’ Golf Club, Troon, by forming a joint championship committee. The 2016 Open will be the ninth to be played at the Ayrshire course.

Learning time for the rookies THE Ladies European Tour Rookie Class of 2015 gathered at the Denia Marriott La Sella Golf Resort and Spa for the inaugural Rookie Orientation Days. Players from across the globe travelled to Spain to hear about the organisation’s ‘More than a Tour’ vision, life as a touring professional and the workings of the LET. Mike Round, Director of Development and Membership, commented: ‘It’s really important to give rookies the right information and support at the start of the year so that their introduction to Tour life is as troublefree as possible.’ One of the highlights was a speech by former LET Professional and coach Marta Figueras-Dotti, pictured opposite. Rookie Anne van Dam Anne said: ‘Marta’s speech was an inspiration. She emphasised the importance of the love of the game, the passion for golf and staying focused.’

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In September 2014, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews balloted the 2400 worldwide members on the question of the rule to allow lady members into the club. The majority responded and voted overwhelmingly to approve the motion for the first time in Michael Rees the 260 year history of the club. The outcome of that decision has been followed by the announcement by the Secretary of the club, Mr Peter Dawson, on 10th February 2015 that the first Honorary Lady members have all been delighted to accept their invitations into the club.

HISTORIC ANNOUNCEMENT BY R&A

George Macgregor OBE Captain of the club said “It is an honour and a privilege for the R&A to welcome these remarkable women as honorary members”. Six of the seven new members are golfers, and the other is a renowned sportswoman in her own right. Princess Anne, The Princess Royal joins other members of the Royal Household, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke of York and the Duke of Kent. Princess Anne competed in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal; she is a member of the International Olympic Committee, a member of the 2012 Olympics Committee and a Patron of the Scottish Rugby Union. The other new lady honorary members are: Dame Laura Davies, widely regarded as Britain’s greatest female golfer, with four major titles and seventy nine wins around the world. She played in every Solheim Cup match from 1990 to 2011, and is leading alltime points scorer. She was world number one and the first non-American to top the LPGA money list, and in 2015 she will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Renee Powell played in more than 250 events on the LPGA where she played from 1967 to 1979. After leaving the tour she developed inner city youth golf programmes in the USA, and in 1995 became the first African American Class A member of the PGA. She received the First Lady of Golf Award, and later the inaugural Rolex Love of the Game Award. In 2008 she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) by the University of St Andrews. Belle Robertson the great Scottish Amateur golfer won the British Ladies Amateur Championship in 1981, and the Scottish

Ladies on seven occasions. She represented G B & I in seven Curtis Cups, and Captained the team twice. She was voted Scottish Sportswoman of the Year four times, and Woman Golfer of the Year thrice. She was awarded the MBE in 1973. Lally Segard (nee Vagliano) is one of France’s greatest golfers. She won the British Girls Championship in 1937 as Vicomtesse de Saint-Sauveur, added fourteen international titles including the British Ladies in 1950. She was President of the International Golf Federation, and helped found the Espirito Santo Trophy. She is an Officer of France’s National Order of Merit, and a Commander of the Order of Sporting Merit. Annika Sorenstam needs no introduction to the golfing world. A World Number One, winner of 89 events worldwide, including ten major championships. She was Rolex Player of the Year on eight occasions, represented Europe in the Solheim Cup eight times, before serving as Vice Captain for the winning side in 2011 and again in 2013. She was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003. Louise Suggs, co-founder and President of the LPGA Tour, won the US Women’s Amateur in 1947, and the British Ladies in 1948, before turning professional. She won fifty eight events including eleven majors. The inaugural inductee into the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1967, she was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. In 2007 she

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received the Bob Jones Award given by the USGA in recognition of great sportsmanship in golf. In addition to the Honorary members, a number of women, including Diane DunlopHeber, Past President of Golf Canada, believed to be seven in total, have been admitted as members of the club, and eight more are set to be fast tracked in during the next few years. The new honorary members join a very exclusive band, which also includes US President George Bush, Peter Alliss, Sir Michael Bonallack OBE, Tony Jacklin CBE, John Jacobs OBE, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Peter Thomson CBE, Lee Trevino, Roberto de Vicenzo and Tom Watson. Her Majesty The Queen is Patron of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, which remains as a private golf club with a worldwide membership. The duties of administration of the rules of golf, the running of The Open Championship and other key events were divested into a newly formed group of companies known as The R&A in 2004. After a very successful and eventful period in office, which included defending the recent decision about the BBC losing rights to broadcast The Open Championship, current Secretary and Chief Executive Peter Dawson who took over from Sir Michael Bonallack in 1999, will himself be handing over the reins to new appointee Martin Slumbers in the near future.

Princess Anne Courtesy of Anthony Harvey/Stringer

Dame Laura Davies Courtesy of Getty Images – Andrew Redington

Annika Sorenstam Courtesy of Getty Images – Scott Halleran

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MARCH 2015

Golfing pioneer Charlie Sifford dies aged 92 CHARLES “Charlie” Sifford, the first African-American to play on the PGA Tour, has died aged 92. Once a caddie, Sifford became the first black player in PGA-sanctioned events in 1961 when a caucasian-only membership clause was dropped. Tiger Woods, who called him ‘the grandpa I never had’, said: ‘It’s not an exaggeration to say that without Charlie, and the other pioneers who fought to play, I may not be playing golf. My pop likely wouldn’t have picked up the sport, and maybe I wouldn’t have either.’

CLEARING THE DECKS McIlroy settles out of court as Augusta beckons THERE was an estimated cost to Rory McIlroy of about £570,000 per word in the short legal statement read outside Dublin’s High Court. In just 35 words, a line was drawn under a legal wrangle that threatened to tie up the world’s number one golfer in a court case lasting eight weeks - a process that would surely have diverted him from his next monumental milestone: going for the career Grand Slam of Majors at the Masters next month. His senior counsel, Paul Gallacher, read the simple document: ‘The legal dispute between Rory McIlroy and Horizon Sports Management has been settled to the satisfaction of both parties who wish each other well for the future. The parties will be making no further comment.’ McIlroy had settled at a cost estimated to be £20million including costs.

Charlie Sifford: Groundbreaking African-American

Sifford won PGA Tour events in 1967 and 1969, but had many victories in the period before his official admission. He won the 1975 PGA Seniors’ Championship, five years before the current Champions Tour was established. Last November he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the highest civilian award in the United States - by President Obama, and was only the third golfer to receive the award after Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. In 2004, Sifford became the first AfricanAmerican to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. South Africa’s Gary Player, winner of nine Major titles, said: ‘One of the great honours ever bestowed upon me was an African-American asking a white South African to induct him into the Hall of Fame.

‘We had very similar careers, they wanted to kill me for years, I wasn’t allowed to play in a lot of countries because of my country’s policies, so Charlie and I were denied the privilege of playing in a lot of tournaments. ‘He never ever gave up - it was in his nature to keep fighting. When he was given an honorary degree in Scotland I cannot tell you what it meant to him. ‘He said: “Laddie, can you imagine that at the home of golf Charlie Sifford will be receiving this honour?”. It was just marvellous.’

The world’s number one golfer had claimed that Horizon charged excessive fees and the Dublin firm counter-sued for outstanding

Death of Major star Casper, 83 BILLY Casper, three-time Major winner and former U.S. Ryder Cup captain, has died at the age of 83.

McIlroy at court: £20million bill to end legal dispute

fees. The period under dispute coincided with McIlroy’s sponsorship deal with Nike, said to be worth about £66m.

Casper won the U.S. Open in 1959 and 1966, and the Masters in 1970. He took 51 titles on the USPGA Tour in 20 years from 1956. The PGA Tour said Casper suffered a heart attack and died at his home in Springview, Utah.

The Irishman will have to stump up about the equivalent of probably six months’ income, But that has to be considered alongside a career that could well last 30 years - with the promise of further untold riches to delight his bank manager. The 25-year-old, from Holywood, County Down, won the Dubai Desert Classic a few days before the court case, bringing his tally to four wins and three runner-up finishes in his last seven European Tour events. The settlement of the dispute left him free to jet off to the United States to practise for the first of three events in preparation for what will be the next defining moment of a stellar career: a huge week at Augusta, aiming to win his third Major in a row.

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Jack Nicklaus was among the first to pay tribute to the ‘underrated” star: ‘Those who did compete against him knew how special he was.’

Gary Player also paid tribute to his former rival: ‘I played a lot with Billy, and I always thought Billy had a wonderful short game. He was always a thorough gentleman.’

The caddies for Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are reported as ‘supportive’ but not part of the group of 81. The lawsuit claims several grievances against the Tour, including being treated ‘as second-class participants of the game’ who during tournaments have to use portable lavatories that lack running water. The caddies also contend that, apart from being unpaid walking advertisements, they have been denied access to healthcare and pension plans and have never agreed to the Tour using their images or likenesses for promotional material.

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Gene Egdorf, the caddies’ lawyer, said: ‘This lawsuit is intended to protect the rights of caddies who are required to endorse tour sponsors with zero compensation from the PGA Tour. Any working professional deserves to be paid based on the income they generate, but that’s not happening on the PGA Tour.’ The Tour has declined to comment in response, although a key issue is expected to be that caddies are employed by individual golfers rather than any tour.

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GOLF caddies in America have launched a lawsuit against the PGA Tour to claim a share of the millions earned from the sponsored bibs they wear during tournaments.

Mike Hicks, caddie for the late when he won his last US Open in 1999, and Kenny Harms, who caddies for 31-year-old Kevin Na, have been named as two of the representatives in the collective action.

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Tributes: Billy Casper in his prime and, below, in later years

Nicklaus, now 75 a winner of a record 18 Major titles in his career, added: ‘When I looked up at a leaderboard, I wasn’t just looking to see where a Palmer or a Player or a Trevino was. I was also checking to see where Billy Casper was.’

Walking advert: A caddie bib carries sponsorship details

The Ou

54 Brid

Caddies sue over ads on their bibs More than 80 caddies have joined in a class action to claim a share of an estimated £33million income from bib sponsorship.

Casper was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1978 and sits seventh on the PGA Tour’s all-time victories list.

Wales Junior dates THE Principality Junior Wales Open returns this spring with the addition of a new qualifying venue at the Vale Resort, which has played host to European Senior Tour and Challenge Tour events. The Vale will stage one of five Easter holiday qualifiers on its scenic Lake Course on April 7. Wales’ premier open junior golf tournament will feature four other regional qualifiers at Builth Wells (March 31), Vale of Llangollen (April 1), Celtic Manor Roman Road (April 2) and Langland Bay (April 8).

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MARCH 2015

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Winter Warmer

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The Burley Golf Club ‘in the heart of the New Forest’

Left to Right are Alan Vincent (Club Captain), Titia O'Riordan (Ladies Captain) and Club Member Steve Middleton. They were attending a fundraiser in aid of club charity, The Amelia Grace Rainbow Fund.

50 SHADES OF BURLEY The life and times of Burley Golf Club are indeed interesting. As the new committee settles in they find membership a key subject, something that wouldn’t have been a concern a few years ago when most clubs had waiting lists and large entry fees. These days the golf market has changed, austerity has had a massive effect and clubs are having to be ever more competitive with their offering just to survive. Sadly several have not made it. Burley have had a good look at themselves, what they have to offer and now go forward with a high degree of optimism. They have found a niche that sits between the very expensive elite clubs where you’d need to play several times per week to justify the outlay and the low cost public pay and play courses where six hour rounds are very frustrating and quite common. At Burley you get the benefit of a members club without the crazy prices. We have reciprocal

arrangements with ten other clubs essentially offering free golf at these venues, access to county cards, matches and competitions. The catering is rated outstanding and the social life plentiful. It’s essentially a 9 hole course with 18 tee positions that give it some variety on the back 9. It’s both challenging and picturesque with fast and true greens. There is a non-elitist character where everyone is welcome and happy to play golf with other members. This factor is a large contributor to the warm and friendly reputation of the club. Although 9holes might seem like half a job, Burley are finding an increasing demand for that format as it takes much less time than the full game which is a huge benefit for those with demanding jobs or young families. Similarly it is less strenuous for those with creaking joints. If you’d like to find out more why don’t you come along to one of our open days for a free game, hosted by one of our members.

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WINTER WARMERS Valid to 31st March 2015 (Min 4 players)

Weekdays: £23 per person Bacon roll & coffee plus 18 holes

OPEN DAYS FOR MEMBERSHIP Sun 8th Mar – all Adults and Juniors Mon 9th Mar – Gentlemen Seniors Picturesque course with fast and true greens FREE reciprocal golf at 10 other clubs Warm, family friendly clubhouse with first class catering Telephone or email assistantsecretary@burleygolfclub.co.uk Tel. 01425 402431 www.burleygolfclub.co.uk Cott Lane, Burley, nr. Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 4BB

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NEW FOR 2015: THE 121GOLF EXPERIENCE IN HAMPSHIRE The team from Chandlers Ford are moving to brand new premises in Romsey and embracing the latest golf technology to offer a cutting-edge golf performance studio and retail store. 121Golf is moving to new premises this spring, in order to be able to offer Hampshire golfers state-of the-art simulation technology along with their customary no-nonsense value, premier customer service levels, innovative coaching packages and more. New retail premises, same oldfashioned value The team are thrilled to be opening two neighbouring units at Basepoint, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey. Their new offering will comprise of a brand new retail store, fully stocked with leading brands and all the new latest releases for 2015, plus a full selection of ex-demo and previous model equipment, all at money saving prices. But that’s not all: State of the art simulation In a neighbouring unit, just a few meters from the pro shop, the team are proud to present what is sure to become the number

one indoor performance studio in Hampshire; offering a true game changing experience. Fitted with a full simulator, GC2 launch monitor and the cSwing 2 camera video coaching system, the 121golf performance studio will be offering a range of bespoke coaching packages as well as a full custom fit service, unlike anything available locally before. The indoor performance studio will allow golfers of all abilities to practice, develop and enjoy their game in perfect conditions. With the freedom to experience playing some of world’s best courses, including Sunningdale

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Country Club and Carnoustie Golf Links Championship Course the full simulation package at 121golf promises an unforgettable golfing experience for Hampshire golfers. What is the simulation experience? The simulator is a state-of-the-art system designed to provide an outstandingly realistic, better than-life sized indoor golf environment - where you interact with the big screen using the latest golf and movement technology - for coaching, fitting, playing and practice. And in case you were wondering, you do hit real golf balls!

Simulation lets you avoid wind, rain, losing sight of the golf ball mid-flight and takes the guess work out of your performance. You will always receive great feedback from fully trained PGA pros on duty, so you can walk away having practised with purpose. GC2 Launch Monitor Every hit of the ball will be recorded and analysed using the Foresight Sports GC2 – a device which has revolutionised club-fitting and teaching. Its unique design offers unrivalled launch stats accuracy and unprecedented data speed in a system that has been adopted by many of the world's leading club manufacturers including Cobra/Puma, Titleist, Callaway, Adams, PING and TaylorMade. The ultra-high-speed dual camera design records the most accurate ball flight statistics, and is able to directly measure ball flight and spin at club impact and launch, recording precise ball speed, spin (side, back and total), direction and launch angle, calculating carry and total distance in a split-second.

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cSwing Furthermore, the cSwing is the most comprehensive swing video analysis system available. Experienced 121golf PGA instructors are available for coaching, incorporating on-screen drawing tools, action replay, slow motion facility and multi camera capture. The simplest way to improve. Head Pro Mark Amey explains that 121golf are proud to be able to offer a range of services featuring the new golf technology, making sure there is a way for everyone to get involved, no matter what their playing standard, age or experience. These include: Coaching Sessions 121 coaching is a key part of the package, bringing simulation technology to all ages and abilities, with training sessions to include: • Detailed feedback in all aspects of performance. • Comprehensive swing video analysis, club data and ball data, leaving nothing to chance. • The option for coaching sessions to be recorded, saved and transmitted electronically, for golfers to review their performance after their session in the comfort of their own home.

MARCH 2015

calculating carry and total distance in a split-second. • A comparison of each club being tested – meaning golfers will be able to see on screen each club’s performance in their hands and check on length and lie. Private Practice Hire Golfers will also have the opportunity to book the performance studio for private practice sessions, incorporating: • Full feedback on their performance, for practise with purpose. • Yardage checks working out your average distance with each club so that you can start striking the ball with more confidence. • Each shot that you hit will be recorded to illustrate the consistency of your shot pattern; highlighting any faults and helping you to go down the correct path to change and improve your results. Experience World Class Courses It will even be possible to play complete rounds, from the first tee to the last green, with a playing time of under two hours for a 4-ball, with the benefit of receiving full data

feedback on each shot played. There is plenty of scope, with the chance to play one of 13 championship golf courses including: Brabazon Course, The Belfry, Warwickshire Carnoustie Golf Links Championship Course Cog Hill, Dubsdread Course Congressional Country Club Hazeltine National Golf Club Medinah Country Club, 2012 Ryder Cup Course Oakmont Country Club Royal Birkdale Royal Troon Sonoma Shores Sunningdale Country Club The Celtic Manor Resort 2010 Turnberry Resort, Ailsa Course Competitions Clients will have the opportunity to hire the swing studio to play simulated golf competitions with friends including: • Full rounds on one of the 13 Championship Golf Courses • Longest drive or nearest the pin • Unlimited players • DQ Shot for missed green or fairway • Overall leader board print out

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Corporate entertainment, team building and networking The performance studio will also be available for full private studio hire along with drinks and snacks, allowing patrons to play simulated golf competitions with customers, clients and colleagues, with events hosted by 121golf PGA professionals, incorporating free swing tips. The team will also be happy to discuss the possibility of full private studio hire to view a top sporting event in your own private group. Mark Amey and his team would like to warmly welcome Tee Times readers to the performance studio and retail store opening event, starting 31st January and running throughout February. A range of opening offers and events are planned, including a ‘nearest the pin’ competition with the chance to win a full custom fit set of new Cobra irons! For the latest information, hot opening offers and to be one of the first to try the new equipment, contact the 121 Golf Team on 01794 329 344. For the best deals daily, see www.121golfshop.com or check out their Ebay store.

A Full Custom Fit Service Golfers will benefit from a custom fit service which incorporates analysis intelligence including: • Precise ball speed, spin (side, back and total), direction and launch angle,

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LEGENDS OF THE GAME... THE AUSTRALIAN GENTLEMAN – KEL NAGLE In July 1960 The Open Championship returned to St Andrews, interest was boosted by the first visit of Arnold Palmer, who had already won both the Masters and the US Open Championship earlier in the year. It was the contest that would breathe new life into the Championship, but one that did not turn out according to the script, which predicted another win for the man from Latrobe. For once again one of the Commonwealth stars, Australian Kel Nagle, was to lift the coveted Claret Jug, holding off a famous Palmer charge to win by a single shot. It is also inspired Palmer to commit himself to return, and so to win the next two Open’s and add the old trophy to his personal list of triumphs. The Open Championship had been dominated by Australians and South Africans during the 1950’s, with the exception of 1953 when Ben Hogan won and in 1951 when Max Falkner provided a rare English victory. However, it was a new name that would be added at The Home of Golf. Kel Nagel had beaten the world number one over four rounds round the Old Course. He almost repeated his success in 1962, but this time he was edged out by Palmer who had held on to his title of Champion Golfer of the Year. Success at The Open Championship was no surprise to the golfers from down under, because Nagle had been a revelation since he started to play again after the Second World War. Having played as a teenager, he had been away from the game for over five years, but the talent had never left him. Kelvin David George Nagle was born in North Sidney Australia in December 1920. He turned professional in 1946 and his early successes were all in Australia, firstly in his home state of New South Wales, then in national events, where he had a reputation as a big hitter but only an average putter at best. During his first visit to the USA in 1951, he studied the way the Americans played, and as a result he changed his style, and with the changes came success, subsequently earning himself the nickname Mr Accuracy. He rose to prominence when playing in the Canada Cup, the world pair’s competition, in which he partnered another great Aussie, five times Open Champion Peter Thomson. They were to win the world title twice, in Canada in 1954, and again before home crowds at Royal Melbourne in 1959, where they held off the favourites USA, represented by Sam Snead and Cary Middlecoff.

His career was played for the most part in the Southern Hemisphere, where his popularity was as much for his personality and demeanour as for his golf, described as the perfect gentleman. His list of victories includes an Australian Open title, six Australian PGA’s, seven New Zealand Opens, and seven New Zealand PGA titles. He has the record for the most wins on the Australasian Tour, a total of 61 wins compared with second place Greg Norman who has 30 wins. After his win at St Andrews his confidence was at an all-time high, he went on to win the French and Swiss Open titles, and then went to America and won the Canadian Open, once again relegating Arnold Palmer to second place.

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He came close to winning his second major title when he finished tied with Gary Player in the 1965 US Open played at Bellerive Country Club in Missouri. Player was too strong in the play off, and in winning his first US Open he joined the very select list of golfers who have won all four of the major championships. Nagle was 39 years old when he won The Open, and continued to play great golf before joining the Seniors circuit, becoming twice World |Seniors Champion and three times European Seniors Champion, playing and performing well into his sixties. In 2007 he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, recognition indeed for the man who played most of his golf down under, to add to the membership of the Australian Hall

of Fame which honoured him in 1986, when his serious playing days came to an end. Kel Nagle passed away in January this year (2015) at the age of 94; the world’s golfing press were unanimous in their praise for the golfer who had won friends and admirers wherever he played. Fellow Australian golfer Bruce Devlin named his son after him, and said “I can honestly say I have never met anyone in my life that didn’t really like Kel Nagle”. A wonderful tribute to a sportsman who flourished later in life, one of the many who missed many years as a result of the Second World War, but returned to enhance the sport of golf, and so became a legend, not only in Australasia, but all around the world. Michael Rees

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MARCH 2015

A TRIP TO THE EMERALD ISLE WON'T BREAK THE BANK IRELAND is very much back on the golfing map these days. Scotland make a big thing about being the home of golf and rightly so, but having been a regular visitor to Ireland - north and south - for nearly 30 years, I can assure the quality of Irish courses are second to none. There's also been some much-needed realism recently with regard to green fees and a trip to the Emerald Isle won't break the bank. We sailed to Ireland from Holyhead to Dublin on the Ulysses and returned after a four-day trip on the high-speed Dublin Swift. Irish Ferries has four ships sailing between the UK and Ireland, with the new ferry Epsilon on the popular Holyhead to Dublin route increasing the choice of departure times, so that there are up to six sailings a day in each direction. The Isle of Inishmore also sails the Pembroke to Rosslare route, for golfers driving from the south. Cruise-ferry fares start at £79 each way for a car and driver, with no extra charges for carrying golf clubs or other baggage in the boot of the car. Irish Ferries Holidays can also package ferry crossings with selected hotels, B and B's and cottages to create great value self-drive golf holidays. We stayed in the excellent Tullamore Court Hotel which was more than handy for delights of the town which has it's own whisky distillery and some excellent pubs such as The Brewery Tap, Hugh Lynch's, Joe Lee's and Kelly's and if you have time on the way there call in at The Dew Drop Inn in Kill (I kid you not) in County Kildare. There are some wonderful courses among them Tullamore, a true championship course, designed by James Braid and upgraded by Paddy Merrigan in 1996. It is truly one of the best parkland courses in Ireland. Tree-lined, water comes into play on several holes, but the fairways are generous and while the rough is punishing, as it should be on a quality course, there are chances to

score. The fifth, a strong par four, will stick in the mind and there's a great run on the back nine starting at 13 and 14 with the signature hole 16th and a terrific par five to finish. Green fees are from 20 to 38 euros, really good value for money on what is a lovely, scenic course with an excellent clubhouse and there are special rates for societies, plus there is a ridiculously cheap three-course deal along with Esker Hills and Castle Barna for 70 euros (about £58-£60). See www.tullamoregolftriangle.ie. On the way back dinner at Giltrap's Pub in Kinnitty was a treat and the following day, it was off to Dunmurry Springs, a considerably younger course than Tullamore - it opened in 2005 - but it's surprisingly mature with some spectacular views and a number of testing holes. Water features on several holes but it's often not a card-killer and the sixth,seventh and eighth holes are reckoned to be their own Amen Corner and the approach to the 18th over water a fitting finale. A buggy is a good idea here. A visit to Tullamore is not complete without dinner in the Bridge House Hotel. It seemed most of the town was there when we were and that's not surprising as the food and drink is exceptional. Our third course, Dun Laoghaire hit the jackpot when their original course at

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Eglington Park was sold for millions of euros. The club upped sticks and moved a few kilometres south to Ballyman Glen on the border between the counties of Dublin and Wicklow. They built a superb new 27-hole course in a glorious valley with spectacular views and a clubhouse which compares with Riviera in the USA. Cleverly designed by Hawtree to allow different combinations of the three loops of nine with multiple teeing areas, it's the venue for the 2016 Curtis Cup which gives an idea of its standard. Because of the variety of tees it offers various degrees of difficulty - and ease - but it might be wise to take a buggy given the rolling terrain. The American-style bunkers may not suit purists but some of the water holes are fantastic and do offer chances to score if you're sensible rather than brave! The magnificent clubhouse on three levels seems a bit posh but it exudes the typical Irish hospitality and is really something. There's an academy with practice area, pro shop and splendid changing rooms and green fees won't break the bank at 70 euros with 240 euros for a fourball. Sadly, that was end of our golf in Ireland for another year but an overnight in the smart Maldron Hotel and Leisure Club in Dublin rounded off the trip before the return journey to Holyhead on the Dublin Swift.

FACTFILE: Irish Ferries: Visit www.irishferries.com or call 08717 300 400 Tourism Ireland: Visit discoverireland.com Tullamore Golf Club, Tullamore, Co Offaly +353 (0) 57 932 1439, tullamoregolfclub.ie Dunmurry Springs Golf Club, Kildare Town, Co Kildare 353 (0) 45 531 400, dunmurrysprings.ie Dun Laoghaire Golf Club, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow +353 (0) 1 272 1866, dunlaoghairegolfclub. ie Tullamore Court Hotel +353 (0) 57 934 6666, tullamorecourthotel.ie The Maldron Hotel & Leisure Club, Dublin + 353 (0) 643 9500, the maldronhotelcardifflane.ie The Dew Drop Inn, Kill, Co Kildare +353 (0) 45 877 755, dewdropinn.ie Giltrap’s Pub, Birr, Co Offaly +353 (0) 57 913 7076 Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore +353 (0) 57 032 5600, bridgehousehoteltullamore.ie by Alan Hedley

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Continuing the saga of a late-convert golfer’s search for glory on the greens. . . GENTLEMEN, our time has come. At last we bus-pass golfers are about to get the recognition we deserve – and about time too. Golf is in serious trouble. Tiger’s playing like me, The Open is going to Sky, but worse, much worse than that, players are deserting the sport in legions. For 10 years, the membership of golf clubs has been in steep decline. You must’ve seen the signs. Clubs which once had waiting-lists as long as a three-wood started putting up banners at the entrance to lure people in. And do you remember those clubs which were so exclusive that they questioned you closely about school, college and regiment before letting you in the clubhouse? Then they’d give you a test to make sure you could handle a knife and fork. Well, they’re so desperate that they’re plucking people off the streets in their search for new members. As long as you don’t punch the captain on the nose, you’re in.

OK, we creak. But we may be the saviours of golf. . .

DIARY OF A BUS-PASS GOLFER By Bob Evans They say that golf needs to modernize. That it takes too long and it’s too difficult. Like cricket, it has to become shorter and easier. All I can say to that is: it’s not our fault. While club memberships are declining right across the country, the seniors’ sections are (am I allowed a modest cough here?) increasing. Gentlemen who have successfully negotiated puberty and the mid-life crisis are the ones who are saving the sport from oblivion.

And those strapping young chaps with their 300-yard drives and 30-foot putts may now like to treat us with rather more respect.

on Monday morning, we’ll be here all week, tottering from hole to hole before slumping in the clubhouse to dream of Sylvia Peters. I saw this for myself the other day when a pal took me up to the Petersfield club. What a joy. Lovely well-kept course with just enough hills to make it interesting. Smart clubhouse. Helpful pro shop. Friendly members. A visitor – a retired miner from Cwmbran – who was proposing to play by himself was invited to join two members before he’d taken the cover off his driver. Now that’s friendly. Like most clubs, they need to raise thousands of pounds, so members are being invited to make loans of anything from £1,000 to £20,000.

We may, it’s true, be a little slow going uphill. We may fuss in pulling on our woolly hats… some of these heads lost their hair when Rory was still in his pram. We may talk a bit about implants and by-passes, and when we boast about new joints it has nothing to do with illegal cigarettes.

I don’t doubt they’ll get it. Petersfield shows every sign of being a well-run club that deserves success.

But just remember this. When all you weekenders go dashing back to your desks

Do Stannah make open-air stairlifts? If so, I for one don’t mind looking like Thora Hird.

Just one thing. Legs which could once do The Twist find that hill back up from the green on the fourth a bit hard on the knees.

HINDHEAD MEMBERS JUST LOSE OUT IN QUEST FOR PRESTIGIOUS TITLE competitions: singles, pairs, mixed pairs and senior pairs, for those aged 50 or more.

A pair of amateur golfers from Hindhead GC just missed out in their attempt to win the prestigious national pairs title at the grand final of the 2014 Morocco Matchplay, powered by HowDidiDo.

HowDidiDo's database now holds in excess of 21 million rounds of golf along with the handicaps, results and scores of more than 1,300,000 UK golf club members. It is now arguably the largest and most up-to-date database of golfers in Europe.

Jason Allocca, 45, a two-handicapper, from Fleet in Hampshire, and nine-handicapper Simon Collier, 35, from Farnham, played five rounds of matchplay golf in the grand final in Morocco, winning twice - and only a defeat on the last day denied them a chance of the title. Company director Allocca smiled: "We won two and lost three, but golf is the real winner … we've had a super week, it's been great. The Red and Blue courses, in particular, have been superb.

"Morocco's great - a nice culture and the weather, well, the weather's made it really. I hear from others that in previous years, in Portugal, it's been cooler. So to play golf here in February in shorts and polo shirts is terrific, a big bonus. It's probably the closest destination you can get to the UK where you can have this sort of weather. It's such a quick flight and it's got a lot going for it."

Collier, a management consultant, added: "This is an amazing competition, absolutely brilliant. The surprise for me was just how much tension there was in the middle of the week when you realise you may have a chance of winning. It's been really well organised and we've met some cracking people. I've really enjoyed it.

"If we were told the grand final was here in Morocco we'd enter again straight away, no doubt about it. It's been great." They enjoyed complimentary return flights to Morocco; six-nights' accommodation at the

Golf Academy

stunning, five-star L'Amphitrite Palace hotel, in Skhirat; and five rounds of golf, at both the prestigious Royal Golf Dar Essalam, which hosted the last Moroccan Open in 2001 and returns to the Tour in 2016, and the Tony Jacklin Casablanca. The trip to the grand final was reward for their efforts in battling through local rounds and a regional final during 2014, in a competition open to any golfer who is a member of an affiliated club with an officially recognised handicap. They were just two of 32 golfers from across the UK who qualified for the grand final, which featured four

What's more, the brand is also the driving force behind two of the best supported amateur golf events in the UK: the annual Titleist Order of Merit - the largest golf event of its kind in the country - and the Morocco Matchplay (formerly the HowDidiDo National Matchplay Championship). It is also currently engaged in a widespread campaign with the BOSS Watches H1 Club to reward all its registered golfers with a luxury timepiece should they record a hole-in-one during an official club competition. Since the programme launched in April 2013, more than 4,700 HowDidiDo golfers have received a limited-edition watch worth £225. www.howdidido.com | www.moroccomatchplay.co.uk

BELEK

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TT March Issue 166_Layout 1 21/02/2015 13:48 Page 46

FEBRUARY 2015

Monthly tuition to get you on top of your game by Advanced PGA Lady Professional, Katie Dawkins

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One fix or two

MARCH INTO SPRING TIME WITH A GREAT ATTITUDE ON THE COURSE Wouldn't you all like this year to be THE year for your golf? If you've just fist pumped the air (be it inside your head) and hissed "YEEES" through your teeth then ask yourself this... Are you getting in the way of maximising your potential out on that course? Odd question I hear you cry but in all honestly so many golfers are just too harsh on themselves in those medals and stablefords. Layering the pressure to play under your handicap on so thick that the performance you see is decidedly below par (and not in a good way). The more this happens the more you anticipate a poor round early on in the game. In a sort of "here we go again" mode you become gradually more negative as you plod your way round the course, reacting more to events you can't control such as poor bounces or Murray mint scoffing playing partners. Once you are feeling a touch irritated this reactive behaviour is hard to shake off and it begins to affect your usually crystal clear focus. Once you've decided to think too much about the final score or what made you miss that's at 3 footer. (By the way, that was just you that missed it, nobody else. Blaming other things will just waste mental energy.) you've switched off from focussing on the present. This happens all too

I hope you enjoyed last month’s article and that you are becoming better at analysing your shots. Just to recap - due to the gear effect, a ball hit from the toe with a wood will go low and hook and a ball hit from the heel will go high and slice. I have had the occasional pupil that has hit slices and hooks with pretty much the same swing, which sounds daft!

often with medal card in hand. Think back to all the fantastic rounds you've had (come on theirs always one or two), where the score has just happened. Usually these dream rounds occur when you weren't expecting to play well, after returning from holiday or injury for example. The key? You are relaxed and have not thought about final outcomes just shots in hand. This focus is maintained as the mind never drifts far from the present. There's no need for it to if you aren't counting. You are getting to your ball, seeing the shot in your minds eye and hitting it. No doubts or questions asked, you are just PLAYING. So attempt to head out on the coursewhatever the occasion or whatever the card has written in the competition box- with a clear and positive head on. I admit it's easier to stay in this light hearted frame of mind when you are moving at a good pace around the course. Golf takes too long and I think this affects a huge amount of people, myself included, so preoccupy yourself, if you are having to wait, with something other your lack of stablefords points or indeed how well you are doing. Instead do stretching, keep moving, do breathing exercises or simply have a chat to your playing partners about the footy. You'll find swinging two clubs together- if backs etc allow- will stop muscles from seizing up this time of year. If you can then stride don't plod. Skip don't dawdle, and most importantly as I mentioned last month. Enjoy it. You'll find in the right mindset you'll succeed. I am currently on maternity leave but will be back mid Summer for lessons. In the meantime visit my website for hints and tips and email me if you need help with your game. katiedawkinsgolf@hotmail.co.uk www.katiedawkinsgolf.co.uk

The reason being that the very inside attack that produces the hook can also cause the ball to be hit from the heel and go right with a slice. If this description fits you, try putting a little powder on the clubface when you hit balls, then you can see clearly which part of the club face the ball is struck from. In that way you won’t be mislead by the ball flight.

Take our friend in the earlier paragraph, his impact is too shallow. As a two fix he will have a really steep element in the backswing. It could be a very closed clubface, a hip sway or something else. He needs to fix the backswing before he tries to cure the shallow impact. If this golfer just tried to make his impact steeper without fixing the backswing first, his ball flight category would change completely. He would become very steep indeed. He could start digging holes in the ground, hitting low cuts and even sky shots with a driver. A two fix slicer would do completely the opposite, he would be doing something in the backswing that is way too shallow.

The example I mentioned in the last paragraph is a swing that has an impact which is too shallow and too much from the inside. This type of swing would tend to bottom out too early, hit lots of fats and thins as well as hooks and blocks. Yes the same swing fault can cause all these different shots, believe it or not. So what is the fix? Basically if the swing has an impact that is too shallow, you have to introduce a steepening element. Conversely, if the bottom of the swing is too steep then you have to introduce something that makes it shallower. For example, a golfer who has a flat swing and is hooking may benefit from bending more from the hips at address to create a steeper angle. Or a golfer with an upright swing who is cutting the ball a little too much might benefit from a more upright posture. There are many combinations. Unfortunately it’s not so simple for some. Some golfers need to change two things to get a neutral impact and hit solid shots. The golfer that needs two fixes is one that is over reacting to a fault in the backswing.

Golf Academy

Pictured is a golfer who many consider to be the greatest ball striker of all time, Ben Hogan, in a fantastic impact position. He had a One Plane swing which will be the subject of next month’s article. If you need any help with any department of your game, please don't hesitate to contact me either through my website: www.mbtourcoach.com or by telephone M: 07787 887578.

BELEK

Tee Times July06.indd 54

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Romsey Golf Club Welcomes you all

Romsey Golf Club is an oasis of beauty on the edge of Southampton. Described by a journalist as ‘A real woodland gem’ the course makes its way through undulating ground with tree lined fairways, raised greens and deep bunkers.

7 / 5 DAY MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE from £890 (7 Day) and £700 (5 Day) Members benefit from 27 reciprocal arrangements Successes for the club this year are: Ladies Stoneham Cup Winners Men's Kindred Club Winners for 3rd consecutive year National Junior Finalists of Men's Over 50's Carpet Barn Finalists

“We have had some of the best greens around over the past year and we continue to develop and improve the quality of the course” Romsey Golf Club, Romsey Road, Nursling, Southampton, SO16 0XW Telephone: 023 8073 4637 www.romseygolfclub.com

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