_Womens Golf WINTER 2024 Issue 40 DIGITAL

Georgia Hall

HYPER FAST SOFT CORE

For faster ball speeds and ultimately longer distance.

SEAMLESS TOUR AERO

For ultra-consistent flight and trajectory on every shot.

TOUR URETHANE SOFT COVER

For more consistent wedge control and feel.

ALL eyes are on women’s golf and for good reason – I thoroughly enjoyed reading our US correspondent, Jess McAllister’s report on the game’s surge in popularity and its significance in modern sports culture. Be sure to check it out on page 12 and create your take on it.

In other exciting news, the UK’s Georgia Hall was a delight to interview and we wish her all the best at the upcoming 2024 AIG Women’s British Open. Does she have a home-ground advantage at St. Andrews? Yes! Is she mentally prepped? You bet! There’s a detailed event preview of the Open arguably one of, if not the most coveted Major titles to win in women’s golf) in this issue too. Flip to page 8. to read the tournament rundown and learn about its rich history.

Our equipment guide is all about wedges – so if you’re keen to geek out on the when, where and why of these guys, you’ll certainly enjoy

this piece. This conveniently ties in well with the ‘mastering pitch shots’ article too, thanks to PGA teaching pro Katelyn Must’s expert tips and training techniques.

Winter is the best time of year to make the fairway your runway. Agree or disagree? Either way, if you’re looking for cool golf outfit ideas, the fashion feature on page 44 has you covered, quite literally.

PSA: we love receiving feedback from our readers, so if you want to share any community golf news, and/or have a unique story idea please get in touch at connect@ womensgolfmagazine.com

Until next time, have fun playing the game and living the lifestyle.

Publisher and Commercial Manager Nicci Herrera nicci@womensgolfmagazine.com.au 02 9063 9500

Editor Roxanne Andrews editor@womensgolfmagazine.com.au

Art Director Melinda Leu info@leucreative.com.au

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Nicci Herrera nicci@womensgolfmagazine.com.au

Roxanne Andrews Editor

AROUND THE WORLD WITH THE AUSSIE GIRLS

WKAREN LUNN CEO WPGA of Australasia

HILE many golfers here in Australia dread the winter months, our Aussie Women Professionals have by now headed north to catch the summer sunshine, competing on the major women’s golf tours, the US LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour, and the LET Access Tour.

In the early season events in 2024, our women have done us proud, with West Australian star Hannah Green the star so far capturing two LPGA titles, Grace Kim, Gabi Ruffels, and Minjee Lee featuring regularly on leaderboards, and the rest of the Aussie LPGA crew playing some solid golf against the world’s best players.

On the LPGA’s pathway tour, the Epson Tour, Queenslander Cassie Porter got her big breakthrough by winning the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship and has put herself in prime position to be elevated to the LPGA Tour in 2025.

Across the Atlantic, two Athena champions –our 2022 champion Kirsten Rudgeley, and our reigning champ Kelsey Bennett, have been stringing together some solid performances on the Ladies European Tour, with Kelsey and Steph Bunque also posting strong finishes on the LET Access Tour.

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For those of you who enjoy following the women’s professional game, we have an action-packed few months coming up! It’s exciting to see that HANNAH GREEN AND MINJEE LEE ARE REPRESENTING AUSTRALIA AT THE PARIS OLYMPICS and we have the final two women’s major championships of the year, The Evian Championship and the AIG Women’s Open, which will be held at the home of golf at St Andrews, all happening in July and August.

Make sure you follow all of the action at wpga.org.au

Karen Lunn CEO WPGA of Australasia

Winter 2024 Issue

LOOKING FOR AN EASIER WAY TO GET YOUR STEPS UP?

Get into the game for life with our introductory golf program for adults: Get Into Golf. Run by PGA Professionals and Community Instructors Australiawide, programs consist of one session per week over several consecutive weeks, with women’s only programs available.

Our small group sessions are social, interactive and there’s plenty of hitting! Participants learn new skills and build confidence to hit the golf course.

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS

RICK WOELFEL – WOMEN’S GOLF CORRESPONDENT

Rick has covered golf and other sports for print, broadcast, and digital outlets for over 3 decades.

Much of his focus has been on the LPGA Tour; he covered his first LPGA event in 1986 and has observed the evolution and growth of the organization ever since. In addition to tournament coverage, Rick regularly profiles WPGA players and skilfully interviews club professionals (recognizing their contributions to the industry). Rick enjoys writing about golf history and is the host of the Women’s Golf Report podcast. He plays golf “well enough to have fun with it,” and embraces the tee it forward concept.

ADRIANA DONNOLA –BEAUTY EDITOR

Adriana has over 25 years’ experience writing fashion, beauty and lifestyle on women’s magazines including New Idea, Who and InStyle. Having interviewed the world’s top celebrity makeup artists, skincare specialists and hairstylists, she loves sharing this knowledge to help women become a more beautiful version of themselves, www.shopwithabeautyeditor.com

KATE ALLMAN –SPORTS JOURNALIST

Kate Allman is a sports journalist, commentator, TV presenter and travel writer who covers a range of sports and destinations, fitting a round of golf in wherever she can. Her byline appears regularly in the sport sections of The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The Guardian, ABC Sport and more. She is a commentator and play-by-play caller on TV broadcasts of the A-League Women and Hockey One. She also co-founded a campaign advocating equal pay and prize money for women in sport, known as Equal Pay for Equal Play.

SCARLETT THOMAS –FASHION EDITOR

Scarlett is a professional creative writer and copywriter with a wealth of international experience. Contributing feature articles and short stories for both online and print publications, Scarlett creates engaging content within the sphere of politics, culture, fashion, art and sports.

JENNY JONES –CONTRIBUTING EXPERT

Jenny has been a professional golfer for 30 years. When Jenny first turned pro, she claims she would have been voted the “player least likely to succeed.” In fact, she heard on the golfing grapevine that a leading amateur golf administrator stated that she would never make a cent from professional golf!

Over her debut year on the LET, she proved those doubters to be right. However, not long after that tough time, Jenny discovered something that would change the way she played the game and lived her life. Just 7 years later, Jenny had accumulated 9 x professional wins, was No. 1 on the ALPG rankings, received an Order of Merit in 1991 and was awarded the Australian Golf Digest’s Australian Woman Golfer of the Year in 1992. Her personal profile showed she had earned more than $3 million dollars from the game. Jenny shares the tools and techniques she used to turn her life and career around, which can and will help any golfer at any level.

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

ANNE-LISE BIDOU

LPGA Tour Physiotherapist

REANNA BLAKE

PGA Certified & WPGA Golf Professional

JACQUI BROWNSON

Drummond Golf Taren Point, Franchisee

GRACE LENNON

PGA Teaching Professional

CLAUDIA LIM

PGA Teaching Professional

KATELYN MUST – PGA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL

Katelyn is a PGA and WPGA Professional offering a modern, holistic approach to golf improvement and learning. With three tour victories under her belt, she passionately shares her experiences and expertise, aiming to inspire and educate others in the game she has dedicated over two decades to. A pinnacle moment for Katelyn was representing the PGA of Australia in the 2022 Women’s PGA Cup held in America.

JESS MCALISTER –CONTRIBUTING EXPERT

Jess is a seasoned sports marketer, entrepreneur, talent rep and brand development strategist with many years of crossindustry expertise under her belt. She is hyper-focused on the golf industry in both talent management and brand consulting. As founder of CATALYST9, Jess is actively driving golf forward. She is also involved in female-focused growth platforms to support tools, resources, access, and education within women’s golf and sports as a passion project.

JIMMY EMANUEL –

JOURNALIST

Jimmy is a freelance golf media consultant, who has been covering the game in various ways for nearly a decade following his previous roles in the golf industry. A former club fitter and club builder, Jimmy is a writer, podcaster and television commentator across tournaments, participation, equipment and his much-loved topic of public golf. A semi-regular caddie on the various men’s and women’s Tours in Australia, the stories of his own playing abilities seem to paint a better picture the further removed he is from his time dreaming of and working towards a career as a Tour professional following high school.

Guide to the AIG WOMEN’S OPEN 2024

It’s known as the birthplace of golf. People have hit, chipped and putted what is thought to be the world’s first links course at St Andrews, Scotland, for no less than six centuries.

Only twice in its 600-year history has St Andrews hosted the AIG Women’s Open. This year, the world’s best players will descend on the iconic Old Course for a third time. Between 21-25 August, women will make a play at the final major trophy of 2024.

Read on for your ultimate guide to the AIG Women’s Open.

St Andrews earned a reputation as the birthplace of golf because people began hitting pebbles over its sand dunes using a bent stick or club in the 1400s. The first golf club in history, Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, was officially founded in 1754. The first men’s Open Championship was staged on the Old Course in 1873, and St Andrews has held the event more often than any other course in the world.

Women have a vexing history with St Andrews. Legend says the first woman to play on the Old Course was Mary Stuart, Queen of

Scots, in the mid-1500s. However, for centuries only men were allowed to become members of the Royal and Ancient (R&A) club. Wives and sisters of the men were consistently agitating to play the Old Course, so in 1867 they formed their own Ladies Putting Club of St Andrews. They putted on a mini golf links laid out nearby. It took until 2014 for the golf club to vote to allow women to join, and another five years for R&A to build a women’s changeroom on site (previously women had to use facilities 100 metres away in a separate building, Forgan House).

The first Women’s British Open Championship was held at St Andrews in 2007 and won by Mexican Lorena Ochoa. America Stacy Lewis was the victor in 2013, closing with back-to-back birdies to close with a lead of eight-under-par.

In the lead up to this year’s event, English LPGA and LET player Georgia Hall emphasised how having the Open at St Andrews was “extra special”.

“I think that the course as it’s set up is a great test for us, and I just love the atmosphere of being here, being at the home of golf and having the support of the home crowd,” she said.

“Being at St Andrews, I think it’s one that everyone wants to win a little bit more.”

WORDS

KATE ALLMAN

THE HISTORY OF ST ANDREWS

I think that the attention on the Women’s Open will be like it never has been before. I think it’s going to be a massive, massive event

KAREN LUNN, WPGA CEO

EVENT

COURSE GUIDE

Nineteen different venues have hosted the AIG Women’s Open since its inception in 1976 but perhaps none more revered than the links at St Andrews. It’s characterised by enormous sweeping fairways over supremely manicured dunes, framed by the dramatic Scottish coastline and castle-like buildings in the background.

Players have the luxury of targeting some of the widest fairways in golf; the first hole is famous for this. But even those fairways can be ruthless in the howling coastal wind of Scotland.

“It’s all about the weather there,” CEO of the WPGA Karen Lunn told

Women’s Golf. “On a benign day it’s very scorable. When there’s no wind you can really shoot long, the women can score around 63s and 64s even. But if you get a really windy game, it can be a really tough test.”

The two most famous holes are the 17th and 18th. Both par-4s, the 17th is regarded by many as the toughest par-4 in golf, requiring a brave tee shot be fired over the corner of the Old Course Hotel to find fairway. The 18th is named after Old Tom Morris, a Scotsman and local to St Andrews who was four times an Open Champion in the 1800s. Here, the “Valley of Sin” just short of the putting surface is a common collection point for under-hit approaches, while three-

putts are almost unavoidable on a huge undulating green.

If St Andrews is the home of golf, the Old Course is the home of the pot bunker – with 112 sand traps scattered throughout the course. The fairway of the 6th is studded with infamous “coffin” bunkers, while hole14 is renowned for the “hell” bunker about 100 metres from the green.

There are only two par-5s – at hole 5 and hole 14. Hole 5 offers a supreme opportunity for birdies. Many pros will get to the green in two shots, then find a putting surface that is an enormous 100 yards long.

Hole 8 is the first of two par-3s on the Old Course, and is one of the trickiest to read when playing in wind. The 11th hole is a par-3 but jokingly referred to as the “shortest par-5 in golf”. The many bunkers, steep run-offs and angled greens are all much harder to play in the Scottish wind of St Andrews.

AUSTRALIANS AT THE OPEN

Australian women have teed off to enormous success in the AIG Women’s Open in the past. Karrie Webb won three victories across her career, winning on debut in 1995 and following up in1997 and 2002. Now-CEO of the WPGA of Australia, Karen Lunn, claimed a win at in 1993. In that year when the event was held at Duke’s Course, Woburn, in England, she had the third-largest margin of victory of any Women’s Open, putting eight strokes between her and the next player.

“That win changed my life and gave me the belief that I could beat the best players on my day,” Karen Lunn told Women’s Golf

AUSTRALIANS AT ST ANDREWS

The first time the Open was held at St Andrews in 2007, Karrie Webb was expected to top the placings but drew a late tee time and was cruelly hampered by wind. Karen Lunn missed the cut in 2007 by one place and didn’t get to play the Open, but managed to play a couple of practice rounds as an alternate. Australian Joanne Mills was the best finisher, placing equal sixth with one under par.

In 2013, Katherine Hull-Kirk was the best finisher by placing 22nd with three over par.

“Having the Women’s Open at St Andrews is hugely significant,” said Lunn. “It’s such an iconic venue. It’s the home of golf and we have made a lot of a lot of progress in gender equality since the R&A took over the Open. They’re really elevating it to another level in terms of the TV production, prize money and visibility.”

The total prize fund for this year’s Women’s Open is $9m which is equal to 2023. Last year’s winner, Lilia Vu, picked up $1.35m.

2024 CONTENDERS

NELLY KORDA

This American is considered the dominant force on the LPGA tour, having won 14 events and reached number one on the Women’s World Golf Rankings. Nelly Korda will head into the AIG Women’s Open in 2024 after winning five straight LPGA events between January and April. She placed 11th in the 2023 AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath and will look to drop her score further this time.

From an Australian perspective, we have some really good chances. We've obviously got Hannah and Minjee.

Gabi Ruffles has really come out on the LPGA Tour with all guns blazing. We’ve got Grace Kim, Steph Kyriacou and Kempy. ...The Aussies have always got a good chance on a links course because they grow up playing a different type of golf.

Karen Lunn, WPGA CEO

HANNAH GREEN

The 30-year-old West Australian has been playing in career-best form in 2024. Green was the victor at the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore in March, and recently claimed the JM Eagle LA Championship in April. She also has an element of a “home ground” advantage, being born to a Scottish mother and with family in Aberdeen. She won the Women’s Scottish Open in 2017.

LILIA VU

Vu is the defending champion at the AIG Women’s Open when it was held at Walton Heath last year. This year, she is battling an ongoing back injury and pulled out of two major championships when it flared up in April and May 2024. Currently ranked second in the world, Vu will need to find form quickly before heading to Scotland.

CHARLEY HULL

Englishwoman, Charley Hull, finished the 2023 Open as runner-up to Vu. Although she has three LET wins and two on the LPGA, she has never hoisted the trophy at a major. She will no doubt be looking to break into that elusive winners’ circle.

CELINE BOUTIER

The French winner of the 2023 Scottish Open at Dundonald Links knows how to play in the wind and execute in tricky conditions. At the time of writing, Boutier is ranked third in the world. While she is yet to find a win in 2024, she is consistently in the top 10 and one to watch at St Andrews.

MINJEE LEE

Australian favourite, Lee had a slow start to 2023 but turned her results around to finish with two wins at the Kroger Queen City Championship and BMW Ladies Championship, plus a runner-up and two top-10 finishes.

GABRIELA RUFFELS

Aussies love a dark horse, and Florida-born Australian rookie, Gabi Ruffels, could be exactly that at St Andrews. Ruffels is a former professional tennis player who earned her first LPGA Tour card in 2023. She has already placed third in three LPGA tournaments during her first year on tour and collected a cool half million dollars (US) in prize money. Just 24 years old, Ruffels is a star on the rise and could sneak into the winners’ circle at any moment.

ALL EYES ON

WOMEN’S GOLF

WOMEN’S golf isn’t new; however, in the last year, the sport for women has grown significantly not only in general participation and consumerism, but in purse sizes and corporate investments, airtime, ticket sales, merchandise and fandom. It’s about time.

From world number 1, Nelly Korda winning her first 6 out of 7 starts of the season and smashing records comparable to the historical icons who inspire us today, the impact transcends beyond the sport of golf. In 2024, women’s sports is set to surpass a $1billion revenue mark for the first time in history (*Deloitte). What does this mean for women’s golf – for professionals, brands, consumers, and enthusiasts?

The Growing Popularity and Its Significance in Modern Sports Culture

This year’s U.S. Women’s Open is a true example of ‘growing the game’.

WORDS

JESS

Mc ALISTER

Founder & CEO, CATALYST9

The purse has tripled in size in the last three years, and thanks to its new presenting sponsor, Ally Financial, it’s now at $12 million; the largest of all women’s golf. The USGA has been prominently forthcoming in providing world-class venues for the women’s championships over the years, and you’re starting to see that impact the stage for these players across other organisations as well. With the 79th U.S. Women’s Open being the 2nd major of the season, it hails 156 of the best players in the world from over 27 countries from championship winners, juniors, Olympians to amateur players- this championship is an equalizer and incredibly fun to watch year after year.

The difference in sponsorships and investments in women’s golf today is that there’s more intentionality. Just a few years ago, women’s golf was simply an afterthought or a minimal investment to check a box. Today, brands and organisations want to be involved proactively, support, engage, and drive these women forward because, well, all eyes are quite literally on women’s golf! Today, it holds true to still being the fastest growing segment in women’s sports in the U.S. by a huge margin- with a 15% increase between 2020-2022 alone and, since the pandemic, 40% of new golfers are women with a 30% growth increase in girls’ junior golf.

These significant changes in how the world views women’s golf today not only provide undeniable positive facts but showcase and create broader opportunities to increase this side of the game on a global scale.

As golfers know, golf consumers are unlike any other consumer in the world – across sports or general trends, or novelty. The golfer can play the same course, wear the same brands or styles, travel to the same destinations, use the same brand of clubs, technology and more – which makes the sport all the more intimate when it comes to being connected to it. How does this impact the growth of the colossal increase in female participation?

Women globally lead the charge when it comes to consumer spending, and in the U.S., upwards of 80%.

Worldwide, women spend almost $35trillion on consumer goods, the equivalent of 50% of the global consumer spending (Capital One research & statistics 2024). When women want to participate or engage, especially in a newfound passion, they will spend the money to do so, whether they feel like they need something new to support their passion or they simply want to through fashion, the latest and greatest in accessories, a golf trip, trends, access, you name it. With more women entering the game of golf, naturally, there’s a powerful uptick in consumer spending across all categories – why wouldn’t brands and the golf industry not want to support this growth?

With the boom in the women’s golf sector on the professional side of things, not only are all eyes on women’s golf, but all eyes are on the next generation. With the sudden announcement of retirement from global phenom, Lexi Thompson at the young age of 29, with 11 career wins under her belt including one major and being one of the youngest to win on tour, this is the end of an era. This begs the question, who’s next? From Nelly vanquishing wins to Rose Zhang breaking out of her 2023 rookie year now at two wins at 21 years old, to high school freshman, Asterisk Talley, who’s only 15 years old competing on the world stage at the U.S. Women’s Open, the future of women’s golf is as bright as ever.

With the boom in the women’s golf sector on the professional side of things, not only are all eyes on women’s golf, but all eyes are on the next generation.

On the recreational side of women’s golf, there’s been a notable trend across the globe on a social media scale of women coming together and creating micro communities to get together and golf – no matter the level turning online into offline real connections. With what is traditionally deemed as intimidating, the point of entry for golf is not all that great for women and girls of all ages. From brands, local communities and courses, and individuals creating welcoming platforms and experiential opportunities to connect, there’s a growing number of women and girls getting together both locally and traveling for these unique experiences to pursue their passions collectively.

I’ll end with this as a signature. Golf is not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle and I'm looking forward to what the future will bring for women's golf, both recreationally and professionally.

THEY can be lauded in one breath and cursed in the next, especially after an indifferent round or when a good shot results in a bad break. Without good course designers or architects though, a round would be a lot less memorable.

“You need to be knowledgeable and not just in golf,” explains Cynthia Dye, the 68-year-old founder of Dye Designs Group (DDG), adding, “My cousin would tell you, if you like to play golf, go sell cars and play a lot of golf. That's not why you become a golf course architect.”

WORDS JUSTINE MOSS

As a member of the legendary Dye family, who are golfing royalty when it comes to course design and architecture, Cynthia’s designs and vision stretch from the United States of America through to various countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the South Pacific. Born in Ohio in 1956, Cynthia was introduced to traditional golf course design by her father Roy Anderson Dye, and her uncle, the celebrated golf course architect Pete Dye, who, it is documented, could simply walk a piece of land until a course routing and the holes

came into his head. Her aunt Alice was an American amateur golfer and golf course designer known as the ‘First Lady’ of golf architecture in the United States, and her late cousin Perry built over 80 courses in his career.

Time after school would see Cynthia colouring maps and hand drawing golf course layouts before going on to study Horticulture and Landscape Architecture in Arizona, Irish literature and golf in Ireland and then a diploma in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Analysis at Harvard University.

The DESIGN FILES

SPOTLIGHT ON GOLF COURSE ARCHITECT EXTRADONIARE

CYTHNIA DYE

After starting her career in building landscape design, it seemed only natural for her to join the family business and travel the world as a design consultant, a role which led her to experience many different terrains and climates in Europe, Asia and South America.

In 2001, the mother of five started Denver-based DDG with her husband O’Brien McGarey. Her third son Matthew, 42, is very much an integral part of the business, helping Cynthia out, especially with golf course remodelling which, according to Cynthia, is an area of the business that he really loves. “When he was young Matthew always said he wanted to be a golf course architect because he wanted to build great golf courses like his mother does.”

One design that was a labour of love for them both was West Cliffs Golf Links in Portugal which opened in June 2017. It took years to gain government approval but, when completed, the awardwinning layout which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean was also the first course in Continental Europe to be certified by the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf. “A lot of people put a lot of effort into that golf course to have it what it is today. It’s absolutely beautiful,” she says proudly.

Another highlight has been the development of Dreamland Golf Club. Located in Baku, it is Azerbaijan’s first and only 18hole championship golf course that includes a Dye course, a golf teaching academy and a golf hotel. It also has a junior golf programme which has introduced the game of golf to over 300 local youths.

Cynthia was introduced to traditional golf course design by her father Roy Anderson Dye, and her uncle, the celebrated golf course architect Pete Dye, who, it is documented, could simply walk a piece of land until a course routing and the holes came into his head.

Opposite page top to bottom: Marking future grass lines for the 7th hole at West Cliff s; 10th hole, West Cliff s Golf Links, Obidos, Portugal

This page top to bottom: 5th hole CTS

Tycoon Country Club, Shenzhen, China; 8th hole at The Wolf Course, Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada; Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort, Boreal, New Caledonia

Another source of pride has been the design of the only current golf course in Iraq. Nine holes have opened at Erbil Hills Golf Club in the north of the country – totally grass – with the second nine due to be finished at the end of 2024.

And she has started work in Saudi Arabia which is an experience that

she loves. “I like the challenge and you’re working with the best. It’s a challenge environmentally and sustainably but you can do it in the desert, you know? I find it very interesting to work with these really incredible minds and to see what they actually can do and to be part of that. That's what interests me. So, I find that's why I like it so much. Plus, the terrain is incredible. I love the desert; I love all the different landforms. Saudi landforms are so unique and change, especially where I'm working. It's beautiful.”

While Cynthia’s designs seamlessly blend aesthetics, functionality, and environmental considerations, she sees shorter golf courses being built in the future. “Land is valuable, resources are valuable. People don't have that much time and it also has to be more inclusive,” explaining that the layouts still have to be a challenge for all different levels and made family-friendly.

“I think that challenge is important to everybody and, as my aunt Alice would say, with women's tees they don't just want to putt it down – they like to have a little challenge themselves.”

The 18-handicapper, who wishes she plays more – “I see more dirt than green grass” – reveals that there are many scientific disciplines that go into making a great golf course architect, adding that one has to be not so much an expert but have the knowledge of what one can tap into. Somebody who really understands, wants to look at the site and try to clue in on all the features that a site has to offer.

“I always say it's a big puzzle and every golf course is a different puzzle. You never get the same one. You can't just blueprint your designs. I wouldn't even want to. What I love about golf architecture is being able to take aside all the different factors that go into a site, even the clients, you know, what they want, what's their budget, it's all those pieces of the puzzle.” She adds, “You know, there's a lot of stuff that you don't see on the golf course that people don't understand but that's what I think makes a great

golf course architect. They can see the site for what it is and take all the other disciplines and mould them into what it is.”

Working in a male-dominated industry, Cynthia is also very mindful of the small number of women golf course architects there are around the world. As a member of the Women in the Golf Industry organisation, which consists of women who have careers spanning all aspects of the golf industry, Cythnia is keen to promote more inclusion of women in golf course architecture.

...there are many scientific disciplines that go into making a great golf course architect...

Above: During site clearing – pre construction, 4th hole at West Cliffs; Cynthia hitting a drive on the 18th at West Cliffs

“My aunt Alice said the way to get new golfers is to go to the colleges and I agree. We have to go to colleges more often. We have to go to our alumni and talk to the landscape architects and try to involve more women.”

She continues, “There are guys who are starting to hire women, specifically to help promote women and golf. It's a slow change, but we're meeting, we're trying everything we can to get more people involved in it.”

When asked for one tip that she would pass on to a woman who wants to enter the industry. “Don't be intimidated by male dominance,” she answers with a smile.

...Land is valuable, resources are valuable. People don’t have that much time and it also has to be more inclusive...

MyGolf is Australia’s beginner golf program that introduces kids to golf through games-based activities in a safe and friendly environment. Participants learn new skills, make new friends and most importantly, have fun!

Sessions are run by PGA Professionals and Community Instructors Australia-wide.

Scan to find a program.

mygolf.org.au

Brooke M. Henderson of Canada plays her second shot on the 2nd hole during the pro-am prior to the AIG Women's Open at Walton Heath Golf Club on August 09, 2023 in Tadworth, England.

WALTON HEATH GOLF CLUB

Lilia Vu of the United States won her second Major of the year at the 2023 AIG Women’s Open, hosted by Walton Heath Golf Club and organised by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A). The Old Course at Walton Heath has featured in the World’s Top 100 rankings every year since its inception in 1938 and was a stunning backdrop to the event. As the preferred photographic agency of the R&A, the Getty Images team is given exclusive access to capture the world-class golfers up close – with the purple heath in full bloom bringing extra colour to the action.

KATE McSHANE

UK PHOTO FEATURE

ENVILLE GOLF

Enville Golf Club hosted the 2023 R&A Girls U16 Amateur Championship and was another venue that provided brilliant pops of colour that really brought the imagery to life. This was matched by the clothing choices of some players, which I loved – the athletes and course together as one.

As a female photographer in sport, I feel a responsibility to capture imagery of women in the game so more young girls can get inspired and see that there is space for them to thrive. This event was introduced in 2018, as part of The R&A’s drive to

boost the girls’ game. Over the past two years, I’ve been honored to have followed the girls’ amateur careers from behind the lens as they enter the world of competitive golf.

On the third day, I had noticed Ellie Lichtenhein wearing yellow and had hoped to capture an image of her against the green of the course.

I had initially taken some shots of her in the practice area. However, the seventh tee provided a beautiful spot, as the rapeseed fields provided a bright yellow backdrop. I was so pleased when she teed up to be able to create this ‘half and half’ effect with her shirt and the background.

Eleanor Lichtenhein of Buckinghamshire warms up in the practice area on Day Three of the R&A Girls U16 Amateur Championship at Enville Golf Club on April 30, 2023 in Stourbridge, England.

The sixth hole was a great spot to pick up clean imagery of second shots. Sitting on the outer edge of the course ensured there were no background distractions – ropes, towers, signage etc. The dark trees allow us to bring the players to the forefront of the image with the heath and florals providing a burst of colour in the foreground.

Considering the time of day is also important in golf photography, as spots on the course can become more or less desirable to capture depending on where the sunlight sits. The second hole worked well in the early hours of the day, illuminating the players and heath whilst sending the background into darkness.

Amy Yang of South Korea plays her second shot on the 6th hole on Day Three of the AIG Women's Open at Walton Heath Golf Club on August 12, 2023 in Tadworth, England.

Eleanor Lichtenhein of Buckinghamshire tees off on the 7th hole on Day Three of the R&A Girls U16 Amateur Championship at Enville Golf Club on April 30, 2023 in Stourbridge, England.

BIO:

Kate McShane is a UK-based social golfer & Getty Images

Sports Photographer

THE BELFRY

I have been fortunate to visit the Belfry on multiple occasions. Every time I step into the course I am immediately excited to shoot –especially knowing the venue is the home of the British Masters and four-time host of the Ryder Cup. I photographed two events here, the Betfred British Masters and a ‘Ryder Cup’-style event for an online community, Far From Par (@farfrompargolf).

of informality with the winning professional brings a sense of fun. As a photographer, it is great to be able to shoot something a little different.

CLEEVE HILL GOLF CLUB

You truly feel on top of the world at Cleeve Hill. Sitting in the Cotswolds, it looks out across Cheltenham with fantastic views, particularly across the back nine. The Nomad Golf Collective (@nomad_golf_collective) is an online community with a golfing mindset where everyone is welcome. They hosted their first event of 2024 at Cleeve Hill, bringing together golfers from across the country. This course and the team behind it, open its arms to all abilities, making it an awesome place to photograph. I truly believe all golfers, regardless of ability or level, should be captured in action and Cleeve Hill is a stunning venue to do so.

The beauty of Cleeve Hill is that it’s simply so clean to photograph. The open space allows you to work with undisturbed backgrounds in almost any direction. The course’s height also allows you to shoot across into the sky, without any buildings or disruptions, which feels like a winning combination as a photographer. It also means that as the evening sun comes down, there is nothing to block the golden light falling across the course, allowing you to take in its true beauty.

Covering these gave me another reason to fall in love with the game and photograph it. Both amateurs and professionals have access to the same venues and courses, which is not something you witness in many sports setups.

The winner’s imagery at the Betfred British Masters was great fun to capture. It was an opportunity to photograph the victorious golfer in a Union Jack armchair – bringing the event’s character to the course and giving it a British feel. After shooting official posed imagery with flash, having this moment

The small nods to the British theme throughout the course made for some lovely picture spots at this event. The elevation around the tenth green allows you to look down towards the Union Jack bridge, leading players to the green. As in the other courses I’ve mentioned, I always love to find a pop of colour in imagery to bring something different in the image against the green we see throughout every course. The trees surrounding the green bring shadows across adding some further shape and interest.

In contrast, the Far From Par event played in October 2022, brought us the warm colours of autumn. This was beautiful to shoot, whether open and wide shots, or tight around the player, the oranges and yellows brought the imagery to life. Even approaching winter, the Belfry provides great opportunities photographically.

Daniel Hillier of New Zealand celebrates with The Betfred British Masters trophy following victory in the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo 2023 at The Belfry on July 02, 2023 in United Kingdom.

Antoine Rozner of France walks to the 10th green during Day Three of the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo 2023 at The Belfry on July 01, 2023 in United Kingdom.

WENTWORTH GOLF CLUB

For many years, Getty Images has provided extensive coverage of all events on the DP World Tour as its official photography partner, including The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. This event truly offers a fantastic spectator experience and the surrounding BMW design touches provide a suave feel. The West course is played in this championship and is easy to appreciate photographically – kept in pristine condition and welcoming

all with the iconic clubhouse sitting behind the first tee, a reminder of the rich history of the club.

The first tee provides a great spot photographically, as the crowds gather and the clubhouse creates an elegant backdrop to the modern event. During the BMW PGA Championship, a temporary stand is built for spectator viewing, that allows us to work from an elevated position and capture moments that can’t be seen anywhere else. This works well shooting wide, capturing the prestige of the event, with crowds looking on as players begin their round.

It’s always exciting to have the opportunity to photograph worldclass players such as Rory McIlroy. Another element of the game that I find fascinating is the closeness of spectators and athletes in professional tournaments. Large crowds draw in and can experience a closeness to their favourite golfers that we don’t witness in other sports. Working from the opposite side of the fairway, on a long lens, allows us to capture both the athlete and spectator expression.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his second shot on the 1st hole during Day Four of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club on September 17, 2023 in Virginia Water, England.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland tees off the 1st hole during Day Two of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club on September 20, 2019 in Virginia Water, United Kingdom.

A general view of the clubhouse prior to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club on September 11, 2023 in Virginia Water, England.

GOLF PERFORMANCE MEETS OFF-COURSE VERSATILITY.

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Nike React Performance

Versatile Grip

Nike React technology is a lightweight, durable foam that delivers a smooth, responsive ride. The integrated traction pattern is created from flexible rubber which increases comfort while you walk, while still delivering the grip you need on the course.

FANNY Sunesson holds a significant place in golf history as the first woman to win a men’s major championship as a caddie. However, the now retired looper always saw herself as a caddie first, rather than a pioneer.

A promising amateur player as a teenager in her homeland of Sweden, Sunesson’s legendary caddying career began in earnest when the DP World Tour (then European Tour) came to town, and she volunteered to work for one of the pros.

Standing alongside two other volunteers who would make names for themselves in professional golf, Annika and Charlotta Sorenstam, Sunesson picked up the bag of Brazilian, Jaime Gonzalez, and that eventually led to a job with Englishman, Howard Clark.

In late 1989, Sunesson’s career would take a monumental shift when hired by Sir Nick Faldo to begin work in 1990, including his defence of his title at The Masters at Augusta National.

The Sunesson/Faldo combination would successfully keep the green jacket on the Englishman’s shoulders for another year, before the pair added The Open Championship and Claret Jug later in the same year, as well as two more major titles.

Clearly talented at far more than the traditional “show up, keep up and shut up” caddie mantra, some unfairly saw a female caddie as a novelty, whereas Sunesson saw herself simply as another of the vitally important loopers in the world of professional golf.

“I was just doing my job. I was a colleague. Most of the caddies were guys and I just did the same thing as they did but I was a girl. That was the only difference,” Sunesson said.

“I never thought of it as me being a pioneer. Of course, there were a few things that I noticed, such as not being able to go into the locker room.

“I might not be able to do certain things, but most of the time, I never thought of it. I was just me doing a job that I love.”

WORDS JIMMY EMANUEL

That job that she loved was one that Sunesson proved exceptional at.

From caddie to coach, the career of

SUNESSON Fanny

I love caddying. I love coaching. I wouldn't want to choose between the two...

Spending nearly the entire 1990s working for Faldo, the pair were regular fixtures at the majors, in the Ryder Cup and around the world, with the six-time major winner known at the time as one of the hardest workers on Tour.

While that may lead people to believe such a caddie role would be less than ideal, it was quite the opposite for Sunesson, who displayed an exceptional work ethic with a legendary dedication to preparation.

“I think that all the players I worked with worked hard,” she said. “Nick was obviously one of the best players around, and he was unbelievably impressive and a perfectionist. To work together with him was amazing.

“We worked well together because we were both perfectionists and I never thought of it as I worked long days. I walked the course beforehand. I checked the pins. I had every number in the book. I worked very hard, but I never thought of it. I just wanted to do it because I loved it.

“Caddying is easier today in one way because now the books are fantastic. You buy a book and you can go out and trust the book. You can see on a photograph what line the runout is. We had nothing like that. I made my own book because the book that you could buy didn't have all the information.”

Believing that working for a player who is struggling can be harder than a player on top of the world, Sunesson would go on to work for numerous other top players after finishing with the former World No. 1, Faldo, in 1999.

There was a brief stint with Sergio Garcia, a Players Championship victory with compatriot Henrik Stenson and time with Aussie Mark Hensby among others before Sunesson retired from full time caddying in 2011 due to a back injury, with a return alongside Adam Scott at the 2018 Open Championship.

Understandably, given her career spanned more than 30 years, 750 tournaments and 91 majors, picking favourite moments can prove difficult, yet much like the players she helped, it is the big events that stand out to Sunesson.

“Augusta is extremely special to me. I just love being there,” Sunesson said. “First time I was there in 1990, Nick's defending and we ended up winning it, that was very special.

“Later in the year, St. Andrews, The Home of Golf, I was sitting talking to two caddies who unfortunately are no longer with us (Greg Rita and Bruce Edwards), about this place, how magical it was, and imagine being the caddie of the winner.

“Little did I know that I was going to be the one. So those two are special, and then when we won the Ryder Cup in America (1995 at Oak Hill), and then I've got to say The Players with Henrik.”

Although her work with Faldo is perhaps what Sunesson is best known for, her mention of Stenson offers a window into the relationship of the pair who now run a junior golf tournament together at home in Sweden.

Sunesson’s work with the 2016 Open Champion later in her caddying career preceded her current role as a mental and performance coach.

Working with players like Martin Kaymer during his run to World No.1, Sunesson’s coaching is not limited to golfers, or even elite players. The retired caddie is also regularly engaged by football teams, and this year was a part of the BMW Golf Cup World Final in South Africa.

Played by amateurs from around the world, the BMW Golf Cup allows contestants to experience the atmosphere and infrastructure of a professional event, with Sunesson’s insights from years inside the ropes a truly once in a lifetime experience.

“I often get the question, do you only coach professionals or do I only want to coach elite players? No, is the answer. I want to coach someone who wants to enjoy their golf more, or have more fun or become a better golfer,” she said at Fancourt in South Africa that week.

“The other day I had a person come to my class and tell me, ‘Oh God, I’ve got to just tell you, I tried what I learned from you yesterday and it was much better and it worked’.

“I'm so grateful to be able to help someone like that. It's a very special week.”

In late 1989, Sunesson’s career would take a monumental shift when hired by Sir Nick Faldo to begin work in 1990, including his defence of his title at The Masters at Augusta National. The Sunesson/ Faldo combination would successfully keep the green jacket on the Englishman’s shoulders for another year, before the pair added The Open Championship and Claret Jug later in the same year, as well as two more major titles.

Caddying for nine-time major winner, Gary Player, during a clinic that week was also memorable. The variation between the physically demanding job of caddying as opposed to the brain powered work of coaching might seem vastly different; however, the caddie to coach transition makes a great deal of sense to Sunesson.

“I love caddying. I love coaching. I wouldn't want to choose between the two,” she said.

“Coaching, I think it's very rewarding when you find something for that person, if it's a golf player or a football player, and that person can use that for the rest of their career and something clicks, that's really cool.

“When you're caddying, you are coaching. It's just you are coaching right there, right now.”

And for those pondering following the footsteps of Sunesson ‘the caddie’, her words as Sunesson ‘the coach’ provide an insight to her success at both.

“It's a good opportunity to see the world and it's a great job. You're outside and you’re involved in a sport that you love. I believe you've got to love it if you're going to be involved in it.”

Susan Pikitch

LEADING THE WAY FORWARD AS THE NEW CHAIR OF THE LPGA FOUNDATION BOARD

IT’S fair to say that Susan Pikitch came to the golf industry later than some since she started out working in the financial sector of corporate America.

At the time, one of the companies she worked for had a big golfing culture. She recalls coming came home from a planning session where they had organised a golf outing and immediately thought, “I’m missing out on all this great fun, networking and spending time out with people I wouldn’t otherwise have access to. I’m going to take up golf.”

When she first picked up a golf club over three decades ago, Susan had no idea that her newfound interest would eventually become her career. For the past nine years,

Pikitch has served as the United States Golf Association’s first-ever CFO (Chief Financial Officer), bringing with her three decades of experience in the financial sector.

In 2017, she joined the LPGA Foundation’s Board of Directors and in March 2024 was named chair. Pikitch is committed to the Foundation’s mission of increasing the involvement of women in golf. Her passion stems from her early experiences with the game in the mid-1990s.

“At that time, it really wasn’t a very welcoming place for me as a woman playing golf,” she said. “I played mostly at public courses. I would show up on the tee and if there were men in the foursome I would get switched to another group.

“Moments like that stuck in my head and I leaned toward playing golf with my husband instead. I knew from the outset. that a woman’s experience playing golf needed to be improved.”

Today, the ongoing mission of the LPGA Foundation is to increase female participation in the sport and the primary vehicle for this is LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. Fact: Since 1989, the program has served over one million girls aged 6-17!

Pikitch feels the time is right for girls' and women’s golf to experience a growth spurt.

“The time is right for women’s sports to soar in general and you’re certainly seeing the excitement building with the WNBA right now.

“In golf, we have Nelly Korda and her impressive winning streak turning heads globally.”

Pikitch points out that Korda and her peers on the LPGA Tour are an inspiration to young girls with an interest in the sport.

“It starts at the top with [girls] being inspired by exceptional female golfers,” she said. “It starts at a young age by getting young girls exposed to the sport and that’s where the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program comes in because that is a funnel for a lot of our future female golfers.”

WORDS RICK WOELFEL

The program serves more than 100,000 participants each year in more than 600 chapters in 27 countries.

Pikitch says the key to the program’s success is that allows girls to learn the game in a comfortable setting.

“We get young girls of all different ages to take up the sport, but learn it in a very welcoming, encouraging, girl-friendly, unintimidating environment. Girls at that age feel more comfortable with other girls. It’s a great program and a great feeder for future golfers. It’s not competitive. It’s not about who’s the best at X, Y, and Z. It’s a fun environment.”

As part of its effort to increase participation in the game, the Foundation offers the LPGA Amateur Golf Association (formerly the Executive Women’s Golf Association) for adults.

“We want to grow the number of females playing the game,” Pikitch said. “For the LPGA that’s at a professional level, but for the Foundation, it's recreational. That’s where my experience fits in. I know I’ll never be on the [Legends Tour] but there are still many playing opportunities. There are about 17,000 women my age who play in different chapters. Some are competitive, and there are opportunities for non-competitive play as well. For someone like me, who likes the challenge of a little competition, that’s a great part of the LPGA Foundation.”

The Foundation’s efforts go beyond the golf course through LPGA Leadership Academies. Five two-day seminars are scheduled around the U.S. from June through August of this year. Each will include 40 girls who are graduates of USGA Girls Golf.

Today, the ongoing mission of the LPGA Foundation is to increase female participation in the sport...

“They’re going on to schools and college and ultimately starting careers. It’s all about teaching leadership through golf. And I’ve seen the transformation of these young girls, sitting by themselves at a table not knowing anybody. By the end of the week, they’re singing and dancing and hugging each other.”

Pikitch notes that the skills girls and young women acquire through LPGA*USGA Girls Golf and the leadership academies will serve them well throughout their lives, on and off the golf course.

“Through the game of golf, they’re learning fundamental life skills. It’s more than just learning golf – it’s learning how to build confidence, how to build teamwork and how to feel empowered. Overall, this gives the youth the confidence needed to succeed, not only in golf but in life.”

PROFESSIONAL golfers on tours around the globe often reach a critical juncture in their lives when they realise that sustaining a livelihood solely from the game they've cherished since childhood might not be feasible.

It's a period of reflection and tough decisions and a time when they must confront the reality that their competitive playing days may be coming to an end.

This transition can be both daunting and uncertain as they grapple with the question of what comes next.

Personally, I find it confusing when individuals choose to step away from the golfing industry altogether. Given my deep-seated love for the game, I often wonder why everyone doesn't share this same passion.

Golf is about much more than playing 18 or nine holes or trying to make a cut to earn a pay cheque or win a tournament.

Countless opportunities exist within the golfing industry –opportunities that can lead to a fulfilling “next chapter” beyond competitive play.

From my own journey and observations, I know that priorities can shift over time, particularly with the responsibilities and joys that come with starting a family.

ToGO PRO OR NO

WORDS

STACEY PETERS

FEMALE

PATHWAY

MANAGER AT GOLF AUSTRALIA

Countless opportunities exist within the golfing industry –opportunities that can lead to a fulfilling “next chapter” beyond competitive play.

However, at the core of it all, our initial attraction to golf almost always stemmed from a profound love for the sport –a love that continues to drive us, even as we explore new avenues within the industry.

One popular career path is moving into the media, which has undergone an evolution, especially in the realm of social media, over the past decade. The different range of platforms, player trackers, and engaging video content has created a dynamic landscape with roles within roles.

Many former players find themselves drawn to roles in commentary and analysis, leveraging their first-hand experiences on the course to provide viewers with unique insights and a deeper understanding of the game.

Writing is another avenue that allows individuals to stay connected to the sport they grew up loving. Whether it's covering major events, profiling players, or delving into industry news, writing offers a platform to share stories and perspectives that captivate readers and inspire the next generation of golf enthusiasts.

On-ground interviews add another dimension to golf coverage, offering behind-the-scenes insights and personal anecdotes that resonate with readers and viewers alike. These intimate glimpses into the lives of players and industry insiders can spark curiosity and passion in newcomers to the game, fueling a desire to pick up a club and experience the joy of golf firsthand.

Podcasts have also emerged as a popular medium, providing an accessible and engaging platform for discussions about all things golf.

Commercial avenues within golf also abound, from securing sponsorships to managing partnerships and developing strategic commercial strategies.

For those looking to explore careers beyond competitive play, hosting or participating in golf-themed podcasts offers a seamless transition into the world of media and content creation.

Transitioning to roles within golf clubs is yet another pathway for former players to stay connected to the sport. Whether it's managing clubhouse operations, organising club competitions, or overseeing course maintenance, these roles provide a hands-on opportunity to contribute to the golfing community. The meticulous work of superintendents and their teams ensures that the course remains in top condition, appealing to those with a passion for the outdoors and a keen eye for detail.

Whether it's through media, writing, podcasting, retail or club operations, there's a place for every professional golfer to continue their golf journey away from Tour life...

Let's think about the events you used to play, whether it be amateur or professional, someone is required to run these events. Having experience in what you would like at events can only add to the event. There are so many roles within running golf events around the globe.

Commercial avenues within golf also abound, from securing sponsorships to managing partnerships and developing strategic commercial strategies.

Fitness and therapy roles tailored to golfers' needs also offer avenues for individuals passionate about both fitness and golf to merge their interests into a fulfilling career.

And then there’s the retail side of the game – working in golf retail stores or pro shops, assisting customers with equipment fitting, providing product knowledge, processing sales and managing inventory.

In essence, the world of golf offers a countless number of career pathways for those who have opted out of competitive play.

Each option presents its own set of challenges and rewards but, at its core, every role is fueled by a shared love and appreciation for the game.

Whether it's through media, writing, podcasting, retail or club operations, there's a place for every professional golfer to continue their golf journey away from Tour life and make a meaningful impact within the industry they hold dear.

GEMMA

THERE are players like Rose Zhang and Lydia Ko who joined the LPGA Tour amidst an abundance of fanfare and fireworks, but their stories are atypical. Gemma Dryburgh’s journey through the world of professional golf is much closer to the norm.

A native of Aberdeen Scotland, Dryburgh was introduced to the game at age four by her father John, an ardent golfer. It’s noted that as passionate as she was about golf, Dryburgh was also passionate about football.

Indeed, had the opportunity presented itself, Dryburgh (an avid fan of Manchester United), might have become a professional footballer.

“Back then I enjoyed playing football more than golf. I loved golf as well, but football was always my passion. Looking back on it I was probably better at golf than football so maybe it was for the best, but at the time if there were more opportunities for women in football, I think might have gone down that road. In hindsight, I think I made a good decision though.”

THE EARLY YEARS

Dryburgh played college golf at Tulane University and was a member of the 2014 Curtis Cup. She turned professional in 2015 and embarked on a journey that saw her spend time on the LET Access Tour, the ALPG Tour, and the Epson/Symetra Tour. It was not a glamorous existence!

“It’s not easy travelling out of a suitcase. You drive from event to event and you stay with host families in unfamiliar surroundings. At one stage I was living out of a suitcase for four months straight. You have to remember why you’re doing it! But I always felt like I was improving every year and I feel like I’m still doing that, still improving. That’s always been my goal – to keep getting better and better each year.”

DRYBURGH

GREAT SCOTT

Winning an LPGA event has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember

WORDS

RICK WOELFEL

STEPPING UP

Dryburgh earned a place on the LET in 2016 and gained LPGA status the following year.

Her first professional win came at the ALPG’s Oatlands Ladies ProAm in January 2017. It was a pivotal moment in her career.

“It was a really big thing for me at the time,” Dryburgh said. “Looking back at it now it was a very small event but for me, at that time in my career, it was a huge deal, just knowing I could win in a professional setting was a big thing”.

As she matured as a player, Dryburgh grew to rely on her instincts rather than take cues from other players.

“When I first got on tour, I watched what other players did and I kind of

did what they were doing instead of asking, ‘What works for me?’

“Nowadays, I realise that everyone is different and I’ve become comfortable doing things for myself.”

Dryburgh claimed her first LPGA win in November of 2022 at the Toto Japan Classic. Apart from the financial rewards and security it gave her, her triumph validated the sacrifices she had made to reach the pinnacle of her profession.

“I felt like I belonged on tour already but when I won, that cemented it. Winning an LPGA event has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. And when I did that, I knew it was where I was meant to be.”

TEAM EUROPE

The win helped Dryburgh earn a place on the European Solheim Cup team in 2023; Europe retained the Cup when the matches ended in a 14-14 draw. Dryburgh herself, with partner Madelene Sagstrom, finished all square in their fourball match against Rose Zhang and Megan Khang. Her singles match against Cheyenne Knight also ended in a tie.

It was Dryburgh’s first Solheim Cup and the experience whetted her appetite for more.

“I hadn’t played in a team event since the Curtis Cup, so it was great with the match play format and getting to be in a team again. The bond you experience in a team room and playing for each other is solid. After Solheim I knew I wanted to play in it every year. I don’t want to miss it! Going to a normal event after that was a bit of an adrenaline killer. The adrenaline you get from playing in that event is incredible. It's why we want to practice and why we want to do well to get into those events again. It’s just so special.”

THE 2024 BRITISH OPEN

Come August, Dryburgh will tee it up in the AIG Women’s Open, which will be played at the Old Course at St. Andrews (it will be the third time women have competed at the event there). Ironically Dryburgh, who counts the Old Course Hotel as a sponsor, is the only Scot on the LPGA Tour.

“I’m hoping some other girl will join me soon. Catriona Matthew retired and I kind of picked up the banner after her.”

“Golf is pretty much in your blood when you grow up in Scotland. It certainly was in my family, my dad especially. He loves golf and it's always been a part of our lives.”

When Dryburgh is announced on the first tee to begin her opening round, her father and her mother Marjory are sure to be on hand and there promises to be an abundance of emotion in the air.

“I’m glad it’s a very wide fairway. I’ll be nervous, obviously, but it will be a very proud moment. I’m sure my family will be emotional. There might even be a tear in the eye. I’ll be doing some mental preparation for that moment, just like I did for the Solheim. I know I’ll be ready to compete in the Open and it’s going to feel amazing!”

Golf is pretty much in your blood when you grow up in Scotland. It certainly was in my family...

Hannah Hunger for Success GREGG’S

IT might have taken a little while for Hannah Gregg’s competitive golfing prowess to be recognised but that’s all changed now.

A talented all-round sportswoman, Gregg (30) has actively pursued a professional career in golf for quite some time, but the pandemic years halted her dreams, as it did many. Temporarily that is! Nowadays she’s committed to life on the LET and the Epsom Tour and documents the highs and lows of it to her dedicated social media audience.

Originally hailing from California, Hannah proudly states that the area around Sacramento has produced many professional golfers and names PGA players, Austin Smotherman and Cameron Champ, as junior golfers she teed off with back in the day.

Women’s Golf spoke with Hannah to discover her strategy for success and to get to know the whipsmart woman we’ve come to watch and love.

WORDS ROXANNE ANDREWS

What did you think of the Australian LET/WPGA events earlier this year?

They were a lot of fun! I played at Magenta Shores, which is a gorgeous golf course right on the coast! I was pretty lucky because it wasn't as windy during the actual tournament as it was during the practice round. I had already played two qualifying events, so I was feeling very adjusted to the grass, the different time zones and all that.

And you got engaged in Sydney! Yeah, it was pretty crazy. Fred had been planning it, but I knew nothing. It was a total surprise.

Ed’s note: Fredrik Lindblom is a Swedish Pro Golfer, Hannah’s longterm partner and part-time caddie and oh so conveniently a short-game coaching specialist.

Did you always want to be a pro golfer?

No, I was a late starter and wanted to be a professional rock climber early on. What even is that? I was also into ballet and practised for many years. Plus, I was always riding horses, playing basketball, just about every sport that wasn’t golf! It wasn’t until I was around 13 that I started taking golf a little bit more seriously.

Sounds like you're a talented sportswoman all around. Thank you. I was around golf growing up because my dad loved the game, but ultimately it was good to be an all-around athlete before I solely focused on golf.

Do you have any mindset tips for professional athletes?

I recently started focusing on meditating and prepping my mental state before tournaments.

I was talking to a good friend of ours, Scott Faucet, who created Decade Golf, a Tour-proven course management system to shoot lower scores. It's a great program! Anyway, I was telling him I felt like I wasn't getting hot fast enough, as in, I would par the first six or seven holes when I needed to be under par. Scott asked what I was doing mentally to prepare. And I was like, nothing. What do you mean? Then he gave me some great tips and now I meditate nearly every night. I have a special meditation program that I do on the day of tournaments to get me ready to perform.

Meditation is great for day-today life, not just for golf, and for me it’s about being mindful of your breathing and practising mindfulness.

I have a special meditation program that I do on the day of tournaments to get me ready to perform

Are you an equipment geek?

Yes, definitely. I'm sponsored by Golf Tech in the US (a huge clubfitting brand and they do instruction as well). Trust me when I say I have nerded out on every piece of equipment in my bag.

Your golf content on social media is really popular. What topics get the most engagement?

My tournament and tour life posts get quite a bit of attention. Not many female players are publicising what life is really like on tour.

I think I’m only one of the three or four doing it. Any posts I create that show a proper look behind the scenes of Tour life rate highly. Many people don't understand or even realise that we cover all of those travel/tour expenses ourselves so, whenever I share truths about the cost of being a professional golfer, it can be pretty shocking. Anything unique might trend too. I played in the World Sand Green Championship at Walcha Golf Club in Australia. That got plenty of engagement since sand greens don't really exist at home in the US.

How does it feel to be part of the next generation of women golfers?

It's been a great experience. Women's golf still has a way to go, but it's in the best place it's ever been right now. The fact that I can play golf, own a short game training aids company and that golf is booming right now is huge. Being able to do it all and promote it all on socials… I mean, it's the perfect storm for me and I wouldn't change a thing.

What events do you have scheduled next?

I'm not too sure how many events I'll get into with the reshuffle, but if I play as many as I think I can, there will be lots happening around the world. I began the year in Australia, before heading to South Africa. Next up is Korea and then I’ll be all over Europe. I'm very excited to go to Sweden because my boyfriend, sorry, my fiancé, (still getting used to that), is from Sweden. It's nice to play a tournament close to a home base.

Many people don't understand or even realise that we cover all of those travel/tour expenses ourselves...

What about golf fashion trends?

Do you have any favourite pieces you like to wear?

I'm partnered up with Dunning Golf who are mine and Fredrik’s apparel sponsors. They really take any feedback I give them on board and use it to help design the future. Dunning has done an incredible job of producing golf clothes that are still edgy and trendy, but timeless and clean. I love their pants and I recommend them to every woman I meet because it can be so difficult to find good golf pants. They're called the Dunning ‘player pant’ and they have four pockets, a super stretchy fabric and are so comfortable.

Player, COACH AND MENTOR

Meet Virginia Irwin

GOLF has been at the centre of Virginia Irwin’s life for more than three decades, first as a championship-winning player and then as a professional coach and mentor.

She’s helped nurture youngsters like Cam Smith through highperformance junior golf programs, coached state and national junior and amateur teams that have included Hannah Green and Grace Kim, worked with Golf Queensland on increasing women’s and girls’ participation in the game, and delivered clinics and lessons to golfers of all ages and skill levels –including newbies like me.

I first met Virginia two years ago when I signed up for a beginners’ clinic at Brisbane’s Victoria Park Golf Club. Her smile was as broad as her obvious knowledge and passion for the game.

Her teaching philosophy, as she outlined it, is simple: “To share the joy of golf through curiosity and inspire others to do the same.

WORDS

KAREN MILLINER

Inset: Virginia caddying for in the 2019 Australian Interstate Teams Matches at Royal Hobart Golf Club, pictured with Cassie Porter (WPGA Tour of Australasia Member). Now a Touring Professional on the Epson Tour in the USA

However technically you swing a golf club, I want you to have fun and to keep playing and enjoying the game. If I can achieve that, then I have done my job.”

Her passion for golf was first ignited when she was 15 and living in the country Queensland town of Toowoomba. On a whim, feeling bored after stopping competitive swimming, she grabbed a golf club and began smacking balls on unused acreage next door to her parents’ home.

The then Virginia Speers took to the game like the proverbial duck to water. From a handicap of 30 and club competitions she progressed to playing off scratch, was selected in state and national junior and amateur teams and won the Queensland Amateur Championship three times (1995, 1997 and 2001).

By then living in Brisbane following a stint working in a golf club shop on Bribie Island on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she decided to turn pro. Her plan was to

head overseas to join the European Tour but illness and injuries thwarted that.

“I was ready to go but I got pneumonia and tore intercostal cartilage in seven ribs. I had to stop playing golf for about 18 months and struggled recovery-wise. It was a tricky time.

“Now, as a coach myself and thanks to technology, we are more aware of body motion and movement and the impact a sport like golf has on the body. Managing it back then was more difficult, so I didn’t end up going to Europe and that was shattering.’’

Virginia put her professional playing dreams aside and, with her husband Neil Irwin, got on with the business of day-to-day living and starting a family.

She didn’t give up on the game though. At Brisbane’s Indooroopilly Golf Club where she was a member, she watched Ian Triggs, a respected coach of champions including Karrie Webb and John Senden, in action.

Above: Virginia Irwin at Keperra Country Golf Club

“I approached Ian to see if he would mentor me in a coaching capacity and I found myself being able to deliver some programs with him and some women’s programs for the club. I loved it.

“I found a new passion to see joy in other golfers, whether it was someone new to the game or someone who had experience and wanted to excel. Seeing them achieve what they wanted to achieve was invigorating for me every day.”

Virginia was determined to become the best teacher she could be. She learned from Australia’s top coaches, studied and became a Certified PGA ProfessionalAdvanced in Coaching.

Among her many achievements is leading the Australian women’s team to victory in the 2015 Astor Trophy (formerly the Commonwealth Trophy) and coaching Australian teams in several Queen Sirikit Cups.

“I have been fortunate that coaching has taken me around the world. I’ve travelled a lot through Asia, Mexico and the United States a couple of times. I’ve seen some amazing golf courses, worked with incredible golfers and been lucky enough to learn from some of the world’s best coaches.”

Not long after I met Virginia, she had to take a step back from coaching to support her husband Neil through cancer treatment. She moved from Victoria Park to the Keperra Country Golf Club, which was closer to home, and ran clinics and lessons when she could.

It was a tough time, but with Neil on the road to recovery and back playing social golf, and their two kids Nicholas and Charlotte now young adults, Virginia is busier than ever.

As well as being one of Keperra’s teaching professionals she’s joined the Golf Australia Queensland Participation Team full-time. Over the past year, she’s travelled the state's length and breadth, delivering workshops and clinics.

“I’d previously been involved with Golf Australia for about 15 years in different capacities. Essentially in my role now I’m responsible for providing opportunities and exposing golf to more people throughout Queensland, whether they’re junior or adult golfers.

There is a perception that if you live in a regional area you won’t be recognised for your abilities or have access to high-level opportunities. We’re working to change that thinking. We want to make sure golfers don’t miss out on opportunities simply because of where they live.

“One of my roles is to support, educate and upskill community instructors who are looking to establish junior or adult programs at their clubs where they may not have a teaching professional.

“We also deliver two-day Regional Junior Development Camps, with face-to-face coaching from myself and the professional in that district.

“There is a perception that if you live in a regional area you won’t be recognised for your abilities or have access to high-level opportunities. We’re working to

WOMEN IN GOLF

change that thinking. We want to make sure golfers don’t miss out on opportunities simply because of where they live.”

Virginia has long been active in increasing women’s and girls’ engagement with golf, and remains so. In part, her work is fuelled by ensuring no one else has the initial negative experience in a club that she did – a talented female who didn’t feel welcome in a maledominated environment.

Fortunately, times have changed, but she says there is still work to do.

“At the professional level, it’s fantastic to see women’s golf recognised internationally and held at a higher standing than it’s ever been and to see that filtering down.

“At club level, the national average of membership is still about 80 percent men and 20 percent women, so there’s underrepresentation there.

“We know from research that women consume their golf differently, that the traditional 18hole club competition model doesn’t necessarily suit, particularly in the younger demographic.

“So it’s about showing that golf is not a stale sport, that it’s fun and exciting and there are lots of potential avenues to enjoy the game and to upskill, whether it’s clinics at a club, or at a driving range, using a golf simulator, or playing in three- or six-hole competitions.

“It’s exciting to see how golf is adapting and changing and to be part of being able to offer female golfers more opportunities.”

Right: Virginia with the Astor Trophy winning team in 2015

Below: Virginia delivering a ‘sip and chip’’ introduction to golf clinic on International Women’s Day this year

glow

SGETTER

THE LOWDOWN ON COLLAGEN

WORDS ADRIANA DONNOLA

KINCARE companies have built an entire industry focussed on ramping up the production of collagen. You’ll find a plethora of ingestibles, creams, serums as well as devices and in-salon treatments on offer, but what do we really need to be using for efficacy?

Collagen is a hot topic in the beauty world right now because it keeps your skin plump and firm, and your joints healthy. Unfortunately, when you enter your thirties, your body starts to decrease production of the necessary protein. But a thoughtful daily routine can help with retaining and boosting it— without resorting to the needle.

The latest research suggests what we eat could be just as important to boosting collagen as any other line of treatment, regardless of whether or not you’re in your “collagen banking” prime (a term coined to suggest we should preserve it before it declines). While collagen molecules are too large to penetrate skin on their own via creams and serums, what you need is a carrier – like peptides – to do so. Also, look for products containing antioxidant Vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production and keeps existing collagen healthy, and skin renewer retinol which exfoliates and stimulates collagen production.

1

CURRENTBODY Skin LED

Light Therapy Face Mask, $585, using a combination of red and near infra-red light, LED light therapy is a painless at-home treatment that triggers your skin’s natural healing abilities to calm redness and promote collagen production, reducing the look of wrinkles. Wear it for 10 mins, 3 – 5 times per week for clinically-proven, visible results. As a bonus, light therapy is mood-boosting too..

2

LANCÔME Absolue Soft

Cream, $575, helps to promote skin surface cell renewal and leaves skin feeling much softer, supple and comfortable with visible results after three weeks of regular use.

3

5 favourite collagen-boosting products:

SISLEY PARIS Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Âge Fresh Gel , $725, clinically proven results on firmness and wrinkle smoothing, with a fresh gel feel and shine-free finish.

TO BOOST COLLAGEN NATURALLY, OPT FOR A PROTEIN-RICH DIET THAT’S LOW IN SUGAR TO PRESERVE WHAT COLLAGEN YOU HAVE IN YOUR SKIN, AND STIMULATE PRODUCTION BY EATING:

TREATMENTS

1 FISH – especially with the skin on. The collagen from fish is mainly in the bones, skin and scales making sardines [tinned or fresh] a great choice. Leave the skin on omega-3 rich salmon to eat, and next time you dine Japanese, order a side of the crispy salmon skins.

2 BONE BROTH (AKA STOCK) – not only immune-boosting but having a teacup a day is a collagen-boosting powerhouse drink.

3 NUTS – in particular almonds, cashews, pistachios and hazelnuts, as well as the omega-3 fatty acid rich walnut.

LASER, ULTRASOUND, CHEMICAL PEELS AND MICRONEEDLING ARE IN-SALON PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS THAT CAN STIMULATE COLLAGEN PRODUCTION; HOWEVER, THESE ARE INVASIVE AND REQUIRE DOWN TIME SO PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

SUPPLEMENTS

THE JURY IS STILL OUT ON THEIR LONG-TERM EFFICACY BUT IF YOU WANT TO TRY THEN OPT FOR ONE THAT’S BEEN CLINICALLY-TRIALLED LIKE THE BEAUTY CHEF PLUMPERS, $45. THESE ARE MADE WITH HYDROLYSED BOVINE COLLAGEN PEPTIDES, HYALURONIC ACID AND THE SKIN-HEALING POSTBIOTIC LACTOBACILLUS, TO ENCOURAGE HEALTHIER LOOKING SKIN. CHEW ONE A DAY, IN A CHOICE OF CHOCOLATE, KAKADU PLUM & BERRY AND ORANGE & TURMERIC FLAVOURS.

6

NATIO TREATMENTS Plant Peptide Line & Wrinkle Serum, $24.95, uses collagen boosting plant peptides and skin-protective ceramides to restore and smooth the skin barrier.

DR LEWINN'S Ultra R4

5

EMINENCE Marine Flower Peptide Concentrate, $153, naturally derived botanical peptides help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles in this lightweight formula that’s layers easily under your moisturiser and sunscreen.

4 , $74.95,

Restorative Day Cream works on collagen depletion with skin brightening Vitamin C, skin essential vitamin Niacinamide, that helps improve skin elasticity, evens out skin tone and protects against environmental ageing aggressors, plus a peptide and ceramide blend to smooth out lines and wrinkles.

7

DR LEWINN'S Marine

Collagen+ Peptide Inner Beauty Powder, $60, These sachets are sugar-free and packed with marine collagen peptides and antioxidants to boost not only your skin but improve nails and hair. Pop one in your drink bottle before you hit the course.

WHERE FASHION MEETS FUNCTION ON THE FAIRWAY Älskar

GOLF

PASSION FOR FASHION

Kim’s journey into the world of fashion started at a young age, nurtured by her grandmother and mother who taught her the intricacies of sewing and crafting personal garments. These skills, combined with a robust education in sustainability during her formative years, imbued her with a deep respect for eco-friendly practices –a theme that strongly resonates within Älskar Golf.

In the vibrant world of golf apparel, where tradition often tees off against modernity, one brand stands above the rest for blending impeccable style, undeniable comfort and peerless performance – Älskar Golf. At the heart of this innovative brand is its founder, 30-year-old Kim Tapper, whose unique vision and personal journey through the world of fashion and sustainability have driven Älskar Golf to the forefront of the golf fashion scene.

STOCKHOLM BEGINNINGS TO GLOBAL GREENS

Kim’s story begins in Stockholm, Sweden, where she grew up mere steps away from a golf course. While the sport initially seemed mundane, reserved for older generations, it was the versatility of her childhood playground — transforming from a golf course to a cross-country ski track — that sparked her love for diverse sports and outdoor activities. Ironically, it wasn’t until her adult years, after extensive global travels and a transformative stay in Jakarta, that Kim discovered her passion for golf. These greens provided not just a sanctuary from the urban sprawl but a canvas for her creativity. Here, Kim’s vision for Älskar Golf began to take shape, marrying her love for the outdoors with her flair for design.

Her professional stint at the Swedish sportswear brand Houdini wasn’t just a job; it was a formative experience where she absorbed essential knowledge about sustainable fashion.

“My years at Houdini really opened my eyes to what fashion could be if it’s done right — sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking,” Kim explains. This foundation would later underpin the ethos of her own brand, striving to create garments that not only look good but also cause less harm to the planet.

CHALLENGES ON THE FAIRWAY

Kim’s journey wasn’t without its fair share of hurdles. Her initial forays into golf were met with restrictive dress codes that often-sidelined women’s fashion needs on the course. It was a personal experience with an ill-fitting men’s polo shirt during a competition in Jakarta that crystallised her resolve to change how women were outfitted for golf. “I wore a modern Women’s Nike Golf shirt with a Mandarin collar but was told it didn’t meet the strict dress code,” Kim explains. “I was forced to buy a men’s polo from the pro shop, which didn’t fit my lean frame.” This incident not only highlighted the practical challenges women faced but also the larger, often overlooked, market demand for fashionable and functional women’s golf apparel.

ÄLSKAR GOLF IS BORN

The creation of Älskar Golf stemmed from Kim’s struggle to find golf apparel that catered to younger, style-conscious women. The market offerings seemed stale and uninviting, aimed at an older demographic. With the encouragement of her partner Sam, who became a pivotal figure in turning her vision into reality, Älskar Golf was born. Together, they invested not just capital but heart and soul into creating a brand that stands for both style and sustainability. They named the brand Älskar Golf, meaning Love Golf in Swedish to represent their love for the game, a love they hope to share through the brand.

COUTURE ON THE COURSE

Kim’s approach to Älskar Golf is deeply influenced by her love for high fashion. Each piece in the Älskar line reflects a meticulous design process where golf attire meets runway elegance. The Michelle Polo, inspired by the sophisticated French Toile De Jouy, and the Bebe Cardigan, reminiscent of a vintage Chanel, stand out as exemplars of how the brand melds historical elegance with contemporary trends.

This high-end fashion influence is not just about aesthetics but also about functionality and comfort, allowing players to look and feel their best on the course. Älskar Golf uses only the finest fabrics, aiming to eventually use 100% sustainable materials while ensuring that each garment is as conscious as it is stylish.

SUSTAINABLE SWINGS

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for Kim; it’s a guiding principle for Älskar Golf. The brand prides itself on its commitment to eco-friendly practices, utilising OEKO-TEX and Amfori BSCI certified factories. Design philosophy is focused around crafting enduring, highquality designs that go beyond seasonal trends. Small unique collections are designed to ensure no over production or waste, with emphasis on quality over quantity. This dedication ensures that the production process respects both the environment and the workers behind the garments.

COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

Kim’s hands-on approach as creative director and marketer has helped forge a genuine connection with Älskar Golf’s audience. She shares not just the products but the stories behind them, engaging with her community through social media, where she showcases the lifestyle Älskar Golf promotes.

THE DRIVE TO SUCCEED

Transitioning from a budding designer to a business owner, Kim’s resilience has been key to Älskar Golf’s success. Moving to Australia and collaborating with her partner Sam, who is a co-owner and major supporter of the brand, Kim’s personal life has seamlessly intertwined with her professional ambitions. “Launching Älskar Golf was like teeing off into the unknown — exciting, challenging, and ultimately rewarding,” she shares. Now, as they prepare to welcome their first child, Kim looks forward to introducing her designs to more women, helping them feel confident and chic on and off the golf course.

A CALL TO THE FAIRWAYS

Kim’s Älskar Golf invites women golfers to embrace their love for the game with a touch of elegance. It’s more than just playing golf; it’s about celebrating every swing in style. As Älskar Golf clothes the modern woman golfer, it also carves a niche in the intersection of sport and fashion, encouraging players to “love golf” and to love how they feel while playing it.

“Our goal is to empower women to feel confident and beautiful in their sporting environment,” Kim says.

In the end, Älskar Golf is not just a brand; it’s a movement, championed by Kim, to transform how women dress for the game –making each golf course a showcase of fashion-forward thinking and performance. For Kim, this is just the beginning of redefining the course of women’s golf apparel. alskargolf.com

THE ARGYLE JUMPER

The classic argyle golf jumper will be at the forefront of your winter wardrobe, on and off the green. Popularised by the British brand Pringle in the early 20th century, it’s safe to say that this knit is timeless, making a comeback time and time again. So, we are here to confirm, once again, it’s back!

Miu Miu Argyle Cashmere Sweater, $2,422 mytheresa.com

Pringle Monogram Jacquard Cardigan Jumper, $775 pringlescotland.com

Burberry Argyle Jacquard Cardigan Jumper, $2,950 net-a-porter.com

CALLING ALL CLASSICS

Winter ready pieces that will integrate

effortlessly with your golf wardrobe

We are taking heritage chic to a whole new dimension this winter, looking to early Pringle, Burberry and Ralph Lauren for inspiration. You’ll have your golf buddies wondering if you have a luncheon at the Royal Family’s estate or a date with your clubs.

QUILTED JACKETS

The quilted jacket has long been at the forefront of the classic British wardrobe – it’s warm, elegant and screams royalty. We’re choosing muted tones for our puffers and keeping rugged up this winter.

The North Face Padded Quilted Recycled-Ripstop Jacket, $401 net-a-porter.com

Lululemon Water-Resistant

Insulated Hooded Jacket, $249 lululemon.com.au

Burberry Corduroy-trimmed quilted shell jacket, $2,190 net-a-porter.com

Moncler Ribbed quilted hooded wool-trimmed shell down jacket, $2,100 moncler.com.au

SOFT TAILORING

This season, we’re matching our slacks to our puffer jackets. Unconventional? Yes, but we are in for a cold winter and with our bold argyle sweaters being the eye-catching focal point of our golf fits this season – we are contrasting print with tonal hues and soft tailored silhouettes.

Ralph Lauren Burgundy Stretch Twill Five-Pocket Pant, $349 ralphlauren.com.au

Tory Burch Twill Trousers, $495 toryburch.com.au

MATTEAU + NET SUSTAIN

organic cotton-blend twill straight-leg pants, $934 net-a-porter.com

WE NORWEGIANS

Lyngen cotton straightleg pants, $519 wenorwegians.com

FINISHING TOUCHES

Brixton is bringing the old school golf hat back and we are so here for it. Pick the colourway that matches your outfit and step out of the 60s and onto the green.

Brixton Brood Snap Cap, $59.95 brixton.com

IN LOVE WITH LOAFERS

aren’t too many occasions, when

We adore a loafer, it’s the hero of versatility and like the argyle jumper – it’s timeless. There really aren’t too many occasions, when the loafer isn’t the appropriate shoe. These elegant shoes combine sophistication with comfort, allowing you to focus on your game while looking effortlessly fabulous.

Dr Martens Adrian Leather Tassel , $339.99 drmartens.com.au

allowing you to focus on your game Loafers

Tod’s Embellished Suede Loafers, $1,330 net-a-porter.com

Civardi Golf Tassel Loafers, $489.50 civardi-shoes.com

Ocean Dunes Golf Club, King Island, Tasmania

PHOTO CREDIT TOURISM AUSTRALIA

History in the Making

WORDS

ROXANNE

ANDREWS

Georgia Hall

ENGLAND’S Georgia Hall is a Major champion (winner of the 2018 Women’s British Open) whose standout professional career (hello, multiple victories) on the LPGA and LET Tour has earned her tonnes of fans from all over the world. Us included!

that hosts the Masters. As a past British Amateur Champion who represented team Europe in The PING Junior Solheim Cup before turning professional in 2014, it’s unanimously agreed in the global golf community that Georgia enjoyed a stellar amateur career.

...THE OPEN IS MY HOME EVENT AND HOPEFULLY I’LL HAVE LOADS OF SUPPORT FROM THE CROWDS.

In 2019, Hall was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to golf and we believe it is a deserving title bestowed upon one of Britain’s most hyped golfers of the modern day. Georgia is only 28, and yet her influence on the United Kingdom’s next generation of athletes is palpable. Here is a sportswoman revered for both her on-course performance and her affable approach to the dedicated people who support her (friendly, family and fans alike).

She began playing golf at age seven when her father took her to a local driving range in Dorset and hasn’t looked back since. Fun fact: she is named after the US state

More recently, in 2023 Georgia secured two runner-up finishes at the LPGA Drive On Championship and the DIO Implant LA Open: and recorded three additional top-10 tour results. Hall has clocked up four Solheim Cup appearances – 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023 and is a firm crowd favourite for camp Team Europe. We wish Georgia the best of luck in the upcoming AIG Women’s British Open (flick to page 8 to read our detailed event preview). It would be truly wonderful to see this English golfing great hoist the trophy at St. Andrews – the home of golf and the home of Georgia too. So, without further ado please enjoy this exclusive interview.

The Open is the biggest game in women’s golf. How do you mentally prepare for the event? Good question. I think just prepare a schedule as good as you possibly can. I’ve done my schedule quite well this year and have made sure that I am mentally ready and fresh for the Open – I won’t be playing too much leading up to it. You have to try and treat it like any other event and not put too much pressure on yourself because if you do, in my experience, you don’t play good golf. Having my friends and family there will be extra special. I get a lot of support from them because this is my home event and that alone will put me in a great head space to go out and play great. I’m obviously really excited to be at St. Andrews too.

The Open crowds are expected to be huge. Do you feed off the fan energy or tune it out to focus better?

I definitely feed off it. I play on the LPGA Tour a lot and being from the UK, I don’t get too much fan support. But the Open is my home event and hopefully I’ll have loads of support from the crowds. I’m so excited to have people cheer me on and I want to give them a good reason to come and watch.

What does your role as an ambassador for the R&A entail?

I’ve been an R&A ambassador for five years now, so quite a long time. I’ve met some really cool people since I first became involved. I’ve also worked with the Women in Golf Charter and met a lot of youngsters at St. Andrews too. As an R&A ambassador, my aim is to help grow the game. My primary focus is to encourage the younger generation to get into golf by trying to my best to help inspire them.

St. Andrews is a public course. Do you have any local tips for an average golfer like me? Platform from off the greens, keep the ball as low as possible running because it is quite firm and it can get quite windy. The number one thing to remember at St. Andrews is to always keep the ball as low as possible.

Are you a golf geek? Do you nerd out on your equipment?

Definitely not! I don’t even know what my shafts are. I’m a ‘feel golfer’. It has to feel natural when I’m hitting. I do like to see feedback from the ball flight, but I don’t get too involved with the tech side of things. I work with experts in that department and let them handle all that.

You received an MBE from the British Royal Family. What does that title mean to you?

For me, it is especially the recognition of what my Open win did for women’s golf. That’s essentially why I received an MBE. It was also for representing my country proudly on the world stage but mostly it was for winning a major. It was a fantastic experience meeting the Queen. I had a nice time. My mum and my nan came along, so it was nice for them. Nan is really into the royal family.

You’re a big fan of links golf. Why so?

and mentally. That’s when sponsors come into it, a supportive sponsor helps launch and nurture your career. Life on tour costs quite a lot. The last thing you want is to be out there playing and worrying that if you don’t make it, you won’t have any money coming in. Overall, it is important to have a strong team behind you.

Tell me a bit about Röhnisch, your apparel sponsor

It’s a Swedish brand and I really like their golf clothing line. Röhnisch has a lot of options for women whereas other brands tend to offer less in that sector. I love to change my look up a little bit and I think the material is very comfortable which is so important when I’m playing in different weather conditions. Obviously, the fabrics are flexible and quite stretchy too which is good because when I’m bending down or reading a putt, I want to be comfortable. It’s smart to wear golf clothes that are a great fit and that you enjoy wearing.

Links golf fits my game the most. Unfortunately, I don’t get to play it that much, since we don’t have many events on links golf courses. A lot of the time, seaside weather can be tough and you need to think a lot more about different shots which is something I have a fairly good imagination with. And most of the time when I play on a links golf course, it means that I’m close to home. I enjoy playing close to home because I have to fly so far for most of the year on tour. That’s a few reasons for you and then obviously me winning and coming first, second and third in British Opens, pretty much proves why I love playing in those types of events.

AS AN R&A AMBASSADOR, MY AIM IS TO HELP GROW THE GAME.

What advice would you give to an amateur golfer wanting to turn pro?

It’s a completely different kind of experience being professional to amateur. It is a lot harder in different ways. All of a sudden, it’s your job and you’re playing for your living. My advice is to be patient with it, especially when you start because it can be hard, financially

The clubhouse at St. Andrews recently underwent extensive renovations. What are you eating and drinking up there? Probably a Coke because I don’t drink alcohol. So yeah, just a Coke and a tasty chicken and vegetable dish. I’m a bit of a boring eater but I’m trying to eat better these days. The new clubhouse updates look great and I must say (I actually just told my manager the same thing) that they have the best set-up in there. The locker rooms and everything that I’ve seen are terrific. They’ve done a fantastic job the way they have kind of merged the history of the clubhouse with modern renovations. It looks really cool and I think all the players will enjoy using the facilities.

Who are your sporting heroes? Tiger Woods is up there in the number one position; I was lucky enough to meet him once. I enjoy watching tennis too, so you can put Federer and Serena Williams on the list too. When I’d watch them on the court, I could see the fight in their eyes – it was so awesome.

As a previous winner of The Open, what do you most remember about the experience?

The crowd! I’d never seen so many people turn out to watch me play before. I was overwhelmed when I got to the first tee and saw that all these fans had come out to support me because I was the only British one in contention. I knew that they were watching me closely and it was an unbelievable feeling. I felt like I wanted to win it for them as well and didn’t want to let them down.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t change yourself and don’t try to copy other people. I mean this regarding sports and life in general. Everyone is different and everyone does things a bit differently. It’s easy to fall into the trap of looking at what other people are doing and thinking that you should be doing the same, but you need to do what suits you best.

You’re chasing the sun on a golf holiday. Where are you going?

100% Dubai. It’s only seven hours from the UK, so it’s the closest place that has guaranteed sunshine and really good golf courses.

I’m a ‘feel golfer’. It has to feel natural when I’m hitting.

subscription $65 (4 x issues inc. GST + postage).

TRAVEL WINTER 2024

STAY & PLAY IN HAWAII

Ko Olina, Turtle Bay & the Kona Coast

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Make Adelaide your next golf holiday

TASMANIA

Barnbougle & King Island’s Ocean Dunes

May we present you with the best Hawaiian golf getaways for women including the iconic TURTLE BAY Golf Course on the North Shore, tee time at MAUNA LANI on the Big Island (base yourself at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel for easy course access) and a fab ‘stay & play’ pairing at the Four Seasons Oahu and the adjacent KO OLINA Golf Course.

We also visit the world-famous BARNBOUGLE DUNES and THE LOST FARM on the northeast coast of Tasmania. And in more news from Australia’s southern state, we are eagerly awaiting the opening of 7 MILE BEACH Golf Course in Hobart (late 2024). Until then, flip the page for a taste of King Island’s epic OCEAN DUNES – it’s fashioned after Scotland’s great links courses and hugs a spectacular coastline with endless ocean views and the bump’n’run of undulating fairways.

Plus, its South Australia’s time to shine. Please enjoy our detailed Adelaide golf travel guide, including recommendations for superb Barossa Valley wineries. Chip and sip ladies, chip and sip!

HAWAI‘I is famous for its array of outstanding golf courses, dramatic scenery, brilliant weather and welcoming vibes. We would love to share all of the fantastic Hawaiian courses with you but that would mean dedicating an entire issue to the Aloha State!

So, for now, let’s focus on three of our favourite Hawaiian golf courses: Ko Olina, Turtle Bay and Mauna Lani.

KO OLINA GOLF CLUB

First up is the always impressive Ko Olina Golf Club. This makes for a great stay-and-play destination with the fabulous Four Season O‘ahu conveniently located across the street and right on the beach.

This challenging 18-hole course was built in 1990 by renowned golf course architect Ted Robinson. Typical of his designs, Ko Olina Golf Course course boasts exceptional water features, multi-tiered greens, large landing areas and moderate length – making it perfect for beginners and experts alike.

HAWAII

Golf Guide

ALOHA VIBES ALL DAY AT KO OLINA, MAUNA LANI & TURTLE BAY

THE LEGEND OF THE LADY BUG

“Legend says that if she lands on your shoulder, sweet talk her to your finger and with a gentle breath, send her off. Lady Luck will lead you to the cup”.

CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

From 1990 – 1995, the Ko Olina Golf Club hosted the LPGA’s Hawaiian Ladies Open, the Ko Olina Senior PGA Invitational in 1992 and, from 2006 – 2008, the Fields Open in Hawai‘i LPGA event. Most recently, Ko Olina Golf Club hosted the LPGA LOTTE Championship from 2012 – 2019. Noted LPGA star Michelle Wie West, who grew up in Honolulu, developed her championship-calibre game here at Ko Olina Golf Club. NOTE: the pro shop is fully stocked with excellent women’s golf equipment and on-trend sports fashion brands like Lululemon, J.Linderberg and Travis Matthew. Oh, and be sure to swing by Roy’s (the restaurant at the clubhouse) after your game and enjoy a Mai Tai or two.

THE FOUR SEASONS O‘AHU

The Four Seasons O‘ahu is a sanctuary (with a private beach on the Pacific, thank you kindly) for travellers seeking a 5-star resort experience. Upon arrival, we were pleased to see several stylish golfing women milling in the opulent foyer, anticipating their upcoming tee time at Ko Olina.

The fine dining offerings at Noe restaurant (Southern Italian cuisine) were outstanding. We’re still obsessing over their signature dish, a silky tagliatelle flavoured with seasonal truffles and mushrooms. Word of advice, take your server’s lead when it comes to wine pairing suggestions here. A bottle of the finest cab sav from the Nappa Valley went down perfectly!

If a relaxed beachfront atmosphere and elevated seafood cuisine (still abiding by a traditional Hawaiian fish house theme) are more to your taste, go directly to Mina’s Fish House to sample crowd favourites from their raw fish bar menu and devour sensational surf and turf meals.

Ready for some post-golf pamper time? The Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre at the Four Seasons O‘ahu offers tailored treatments and inspiring therapies crafted from local botanicals and traditional Hawaiian techniques. Yes, please! Other resort activities include pickleball and tennis courts, sunset sailing charters, guided nature hikes, horseriding, snorkel tours and much, much more.

TRAVEL HINT: as with all Four Seasons properties, guests can expect flawless service from a team of happy and dedicated staff 24-7.

TURTLE BAY GOLF COURSE & RESORT

While you’re on the island of O‘ahu, do not miss out on playing a couple of rounds at the iconic Turtle Bay Resort and settle in for a few luxurious nights at this esteemed movie star-worthy hotel. Nestled in the tropical enclave of the famed North Shore, guests can enjoy access to two championship courses, the Arnold Palmer Course and the George Fazio Course.

Golfers of all skill levels will have an unforgettable time on both courses as they weave through stunning oceanfront holes and tropical tee boxes. FACT: both courses are designed to challenge and delight golfers with their unique features and magical scenery.

The wildlife out here is mesmerising too. We were fortunate enough to see a migrating albatross nesting just off the 15th and an endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal sunbaking on the beach by the 17th. Lucky us! Be sure to maintain a safe distance and not disrupt any of the majestic creatures you may encounter on the golf courses, please.

Meanwhile, back at the resort, there are plenty of non-golfing activities to enjoy such as joining the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience, horseriding on the beach, turtle tours, Blue Hawaiian helicopter adventures, etc.

Turtle Bay Resort

Now it’s time to jet off with Hawaiian Airlines (direct from Honolulu to Kona on the Big Island) and discover a world-class golfing hub on the Kohala Coast. Playing golf at the picturesque Mauna Lani (North & South Courses) is quite frankly, a dream turned reality!

The South Course snakes through the rugged a’a lava of the prehistoric Kaniku lava flow, and offers panorama views of the mountain and ocean. The Volcano goddess, Pele, reigns supreme on this course. If she favours you, balls hit into the lava will miraculously bounce back into the fairway. If not, kiss them goodbye!

The Volcano goddess, Pele, reigns supreme on this course. If she favours you, balls hit into the lava will miraculously bounce back into the fairway. If not, kiss them goodbye!

The North Course represents the quintessential Hawai‘i golf experience, as it is built on a lava bed. The signature hole on the North Course is No. 17, a par three tucked into a natural lava amphitheatre. The otherworldy landscape is distractingly spectacular so try to keep your focus on the game! And last but not least, they also have the Wikiwiki Course: a fun, quick (wikiwiki) game of golf every skill level can enjoy. This 9-hole walking course is designed so you can play a round in about an hour.

FUN FACT: Mauna Lani’s South Course is home to Hole #15, one of the most photographed over-thewater golf course holes in the world.

MAUNA LANI GOLF CLUB

Stay

THE FAIRMONT ORCHID

This elegant beachfront resort sits regally alongside 45 holes of championship golf at Mauna Lani. It’s a luxury oasis with exceptional amenities such as the open-air Spa Without Walls, an immaculate swimming pool (although you do have a postcard-perfect private beach directly in front of you) and a range of standout dining options onsite.

Our favourite dinner spot is Brown’s Beach House – it’s one of the best restaurants on the Big Island. Eat here and enjoy their exquisite Hawai‘i Island-inspired cuisine and spectacular oceanfront views. The live music sessions at sunset are super cool too.

Meanwhile, over at Binchotan Bar & Grill, you can taste the longrunning creative culinary exchange between Hawai‘i and Japan firsthand at its traditional northern Japanese

grill. It’s called robatayaki: the centuries-old practice of fireside cooking. Delicious!

THINGS TO DO: explore the serenity of the Fairmont Orchids tropical gardens (I spy a semihidden jacuzzi), hire snorkel equipment and/or a stand-up paddle board and go turtle spotting in the lagoon, stretch it out at morning yoga session or take a self-guided hike through the petroglyph fields adjacent to the resort.

We highly recommend experiencing the local culture at a Hawaiiloa Luau event where you can watch beautiful hula performances tell the story of the Hawaiian Islands. The Fairmont Orchid is located within a scenic land precinct known as Kalāhuipua‘a – it’s an area steeped in history and tradition and is known as a gathering place for ali‘i (royalty) and special visitors.

Getting There

Hawaiian Airlines regularly flies direct from Sydney to Honolulu and the flight time is approx. 9.5 hours. It’s an enjoyable route with plenty of entertainment options, spacious seating configurations (in premium economy or business) and tasty meal offerings.

The friendly cabin crew members are the epitome of the aloha spirit – smiling, welcoming and attentive to your needs and make flying with Hawaiian Airlines a joy.

IMPORTANT: if you’re travelling with your own set of golf clubs, Hawaiian Airlines will take great care of them too.

Once you’ve arrived in Hawai‘i there are plenty of domestic inter-island flights to popular golf destinations like Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Book online at www.hawaiianairlines.com or via your travel agent.

Women’s Golf Magazine loves a self-drive itinerary when travelling overseas but note that all of the hotels/resorts mentioned offer an airport transfer service for guests. Mahalo!

SOUTH AUSTRALIAgolf guide ADELAIDE,

Adelaide is one of the hottest destinations for golfing holidays thanks to the LIV Golf Tour hitting the city every April. While shoeys on the “watering hole” are not everyone’s scene, golf in this city has plenty more sophistication to offer women teeing up their next getaway. In fact, South Australia has more than 40 golf clubs. Pristine fairways lie adjacent to stunning vineyards, distilleries, restaurants and rolling hills surrounding Adelaide. If you like your game with a side of the nation’s best food and wine in a stunning setting, you’ve come to the right place.

PLAY

THE GRANGE

The host venue for LIV Golf is situated just 15 minutes’ drive from Adelaide airport. You can fly in, play a round, and fly out on the same day if you choose to. The club combines two internationally rated 18-hole golf courses next to each other. While some championship courses can be intimidating, the Grange is surprisingly friendly for amateur golfers with its wide playing corridors. Smooth fairways allow your ball to run if you top it off the tee. The “rough” is barely so, and there are no water features. The toughest features are deep and steep bunkers, plus large tree sections and dog legs to navigate.

KOOYONGA GOLF CLUB

Kooyonga has played host to multiple Australian Opens, and many consider it the second-best course in the city. With narrower playing corridors set across a rolling dunescape, you’re more likely to lose a couple of balls in the rough edges. There are also water features and some tricky bunkers to navigate, all surrounded by thick gum trees. But land on the centre of the fairway and you’ll be blessed by some of the finest manicured grass in Adelaide.

ROYAL ADELAIDE

Rated among the top 10 courses in the country, Royal Adelaide has stood in its current location since 1905. Very playable and women-friendly, it offers a “Women’s Pathway Program” designed to introduce new and budding golfers to the game. Beautifully trim fairways roll over sand dunes covered in fir trees, less than two kilometres from the beach, mark this iconic course.

MOUNT OSMOND

Just 15 minutes from Adelaide CBD, Mt Osmond boasts some of the most stunning views in South Australia. It overlooks the city from the leafy heights of Adelaide Hills, peering toward the Mount Lofty Ranges. On a clear day you can see all the way to the coast. Playing this course is a lovely experience, quiet most of the time with incredible views in bushy surroundings.

STAY

SEQUOIA, ADELAIDE HILLS

Multi-award-winning luxury lodge Sequoia can turn a simple weekend golf getaway into an extraordinary memory. Nestled in the Adelaide Hills on the edge of a national park, it’s a 14-suite, adults-only property just 30 minutes’ drive from most CBD courses (15 minutes from Mt Osmond) yet feels worlds away from the urban jungle. Suites include a sunken lounge and fireplace, with private balcony plus floor to ceiling views over Piccadilly Valley. Expect all the bells and whistles, including automated lighting at different times of day, a “wellness shower” with multiple different spray options, plus all-inclusive minibar treats. Soak your tired golf limbs in Sequoia’s ancient artesian thermal springs after a big day walking the course. Dip into the infinity pool or cosy up by the roaring fireplace with the kitchen’s incredibly moreish homemade chocolate chip cookies. E-bikes are free for guests to borrow. Staying in is a pleasure but venturing out leads you to South Australia’s highest-altitude vineyards right nearby.

WORDS KATE ALLMAN

HOTEL INDIGO

For those looking to stay in town, Hotel Indigo is a modern and inexpensive option conveniently located at the heart of Adelaide’s Market Precinct. It’s just a short walk from historic Adelaide Central Market and Victoria Square.

Colourful wall art, vibrant copper fixtures and innovative use of space make Hotel Indigo stand out from the rest. There’s a rooftop pool and modern gym, plus Nespresso machine in every room.

EAT AND DRINK

TASTING AUSTRALIA FESTIVAL

Every year in May, Adelaide comes alive with this bustling festival centred around events in Victoria Square, under the lights of Adelaide CBD. Grab dinner from one of the smoky grills operated by South Australia’s best food vendors before the after-work crowds descend on the dance floor under a canvas canopy.

HARDY’S VERANDAH RESTAURANT

For foodies looking to treat themselves, this is a three-chefhatted gem in the scenic realm of Mount Lofty Estate. As you can expect from a restaurant of its class, the plates look like something out of Masterchef. However, the experience is refreshingly accessible while being delicious and satisfying, cleverly heroing outstanding produce while executing each element to perfection.

URAIDLA HOTEL

An iconic 150-year-old pub in the quaint village of Uraidla in the Adelaide Hills. Deliberately quirky décor includes a mix of antique pieces and vintage lamps, plus open beer kegs for urinals (yes, I peeked) and crawling vines. The kitchen notoriously turns out some of the best pub meals you can order in South Australia, with Uraidla Brewery beers on tap to wash them down.

AFRICOLA

If you like spice, you can’t miss this colourful East End restaurant with a big open-plan kitchen and wood-fire oven at the centre. The menu is African-inspired and features grilled and smoked meats, peri peri, hummus and pickles. Dipping, rolling and sopping up all the punchy sauces with Africola’s moreish flatbread is highly encouraged; it’s all far too good to leave on the plate.

NON-GOLFING ACTIVITIES

WINE TASTING

Adelaide is known by some as the wine capital of Australia, surrounded by some of the best producing regions in the country including the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale. However, the Adelaide Hills are the closest and an overlooked gem for wine tasting just 30 minutes from the CBD. Wander through the breathtaking green hills and sip on cool climate grapes on the same day you hit 18 holes. The Lane Vineyard is stunning, with an acclaimed tasting room, it sells pre-packed picnics you can take with you to meander through the vines and enjoy. Shaw and Smith have one of the most memorable pinot noirs in the country, while Bird In Hand is a popular family-owned label.

LOCAL PRODUCE

Not a fan of wine? No problem – duck under the gum trees of Adelaide Hills into Ambleside Distillers to try one of Australia’s most awarded gins. The distillers utilise home-grown botanicals from their own garden, and their tasting experience offers a wealth of information on how to pair certain types of gin with additions like jalapenos or coffee beans for the best gin and tonic. For cheese fans, Udder Delights is the place to sample world-famous local cheeses, fresh bread and moreish quince paste. At Beerenberg Farm, home to the acclaimed jam, you can pick sweet strawberries straight off the vines and fill a box to take home. Visit Jurlique Farm to see exactly where the premium beauty products are made from organic earth-grown materials.

E-BIKING

Electric bikes offer the wellness benefits of cycling outdoors with a little extra “go” to cover longer distances. Bikeabout rents e-bikes around Adelaide for you to explore the city on a non-golf day. Alternatively, try a tour of the surrounding Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Langhorne Creek and McLaren Vale. Bikeabout’s gourmet food and wine tour through Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills takes you through many local gems mentioned above, via glorious farmland with stunning views at every stop.

WHAT does ‘destination golfing’ mean precisely? The term gets bandied about a bit but if you want to see the perfect example of it, put Barnbougle on your must-play list.

When Barnbougle first opened back in 2004 it almost immediately launched Tasmania into the stratosphere of the eagle-eyed global golfing community. Today it remains one of Australia’s most coveted golfing destinations and sits diligently high on the list of ‘best golf courses in the world’ rankings.

Barnbougle is the fruition of founder, Richard Sattle’s (who rightfully anticipated a great golf course to be constructed on a sandy coastal patch amid his 5200ha farm near Bridport, Tasmania) long-term vision.

There are two superb courses here, The Dunes and The Lost Farm and both will test what you thought you understood about your golfing strategies. Yep, a trip to Barnbougle can be a mindblowing game-changer that’s both enticing and exciting.

TRAVEL TIP: stay a few days and make time to play the shorter, Bougle Run layout too. It’s a fun but decidedly tricky course that warrants the attention of golfers of all abilities’.

The Dunes is an 18-hole championship course that’s testing enough to challenge gifted golfers, yet fair enough to be enjoyed by the average player.

BARNBOUGLE DUNES

This famous links course layout, designed by renowned modern golf architect Tom Doak and Australia ex-European tour pro and course designer Mike Clayton, meanders over and between massive coastal dunes and serves up sensational views, along with a few intimidating tee boxes mind you. The Dunes is an 18-hole championship course that’s testing enough to challenge gifted golfers, yet fair enough to be enjoyed by the average player. Remember that my friends!

I was inclined to take my club selection and shot selection much more seriously from the edge of the roaring forties because even if the winds are favourable and the weather Gods play nice, the multiple challenges (e.g. the biggest bunker I’ve seen in my life) of the Dunes course is undeniable. But as the saying goes, ‘no risk, no reward’ and I was proud, and quite surprised, to finish my round with two pars. This is now a story I will regale to anyone who will listen. I mean The Dunes was hard and to come away with a decent scorecard is worthy of recognition.

Unsurprisingly (the people love it!), during my stay at Barnbougle, I encountered several repeat guests and was informed it’s wise to book well ahead to secure your tee times and accommodation here.

Diehard golfers were visiting Barnbougle from mainland Australia but there was also a decent percentage of casual golfers winging in from the US, Europe and some trans-Tasman friends from New Zealand.

TASMANIA’S

BARNBOUGLE

Adjacent to Barnbougle Dunes, the Lost Farm resembles some of the most dramatic British Open courses with spectacular holes that wind along the Bass Strait coast and turn inland. The Lost Farm looks as though it’s been part of the landscape forever, so ensconced is it in its surroundings.

This 20-hole course (TIP: bring snacks from the pro shop or look for the food cart) has magical greens that play hide-and-seek among the dunes. The fairways are wide, the greens are undulating, and the challenge is unrelenting. In saying that, it’s a lot more forgiving than its mate the Dunes and I welcome its much wider fairways with glee.

Being at the Lost Farm feels quite surreal! Such is the appeal of one of Australia’s, and the world’s, finest courses. Keep an eye on other players as they traverse a series of stunning holes and note the common facial expressions abound. HINT: it’s that of astounded wonder in action.

BARNBOUGLE LOST FARM

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

After a long day on the course, I chose to either retire to my lovely room overlooking the Bass Strait, enjoy a fine dining experience at The Lost Farm Restaurant, or wind down at the sports bar with a pizza where the spirit of the Barnbougle golfing comradery is palpable.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be enjoyed daily at the Dunes Clubhouse too. HINT: a local scallop-based seafood chowder by

the fireplace and a glass of whisky goes down quite nicely.

There are numerous accommodation options on-site to cater to group sizes and all budget requirements. So, have a look at their website and see what suits you best.

• The Dunes Cottages

• Lost Farm Lodge

• Ocean View Villas

• Bunker Villas

Fly to Launceston and Bridport is approx. a 1 hour drive. The team at Luxury Golf & Scenic Tours Tasmania is ace for private transfers and tailored tours too.

TO DO: stop for a sparkling wine and cheese tasting at Clover Hill on your way to Barnbougle. www.luxurytourstas.com.au

Tips for playing in wet conditions

A2

S golfers, we will no doubt encounter difficult weather conditions out on the course at some stage so here are a few hints for playing golf in the rain!

1

BE PREPARED

With rainy conditions come more receptive greens. I recommend you take an extra club to start with for your approach shots and help keep your tempo in check.

• Less run (distance) off the tee means you can take more club on holes where you may normally hold back.

Sure, some people describe themselves as fair-weather golfers but we must also remember golf is an outdoor sport. When you embrace the elements, are prepared for your round and have the correct approach you can have just as much fun!

FACT: playing in difficult conditions helps expand your skill set!

If you are brave enough to face trickier conditions, try these tips to enjoy your game. Rain, hail, or shine! Oh and if there’s any lighting about be sure to abort mission.

Ensure you have a sturdy umbrella (a must-have), a weatherproof cover for your clubs and an extra towel. Rain gloves are handy to have too.

Dress in quality waterproof gear. I like lightweight fabrics that are easy to swing in and made from material that keeps you dry.

It’s a long trip around the golf course and you want to stay dry! That extra towel is to help keep your hands and the clubs dry too. It is also important to clean the ball before your putt (mud is not fun) –meaning an extra towel will come in handy.

3 CLUB UP

• In the wet, approach shots are likely to stop dead on landing.

• Chips and pitches are more inclined to grab in the wet too. To compensate – hit it harder or play more loft shots.

NOTE: when playing a ball on wet grass in the rough you’re going to need more oomph! Keep everything a bit firmer (to stop the grass grabbing your club) as you swing for impact.

TIP: spiked golf shoes offer extra grip when the ground is soft.

Note the local golf course rules regarding playing in wet conditions e.g. carts and buggies should stick to the path, so fairways aren’t damaged, etc. Avoid boggy terrain and puddles.

BE MENTALLY RESILIENT

Remember – playing in the rain can be tougher than your average round. Try to stay positive in less-thanideal conditions and adapt your game accordingly. Accept that your score won’t be as good as usual and note that everyone else is likely to be struggling a bit more too.

It’s probably wise to take a spare scorecard in case the one you have gets wet/damaged.

@Grace Lennon Golf

Playing golf in all conditions is going to challenge you but you will have fun so long as you’re prepared both mentally and physically!

Booking link for coaching www.albertparkdrivingrange.com.au/ golf-coaches/grace-lennon

WORDS GRACE LENNON

THE MANHATTAN REVENANT

• 60ml Buffalo Vales Spirit Revenant

• 30ml sweet vermouth

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Garnish: brandied cherry (or lemon twist, if preferred)

GLASSWARE: NICK & NORA GLASS OR COUPE GLASS

1. In a mixing glass, combine Buffalo Vales Spirit Revenant, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters with ice.

2. Stir until well-chilled.

3. Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora or coupe glass.

4. Garnish with a brandied cherry or a lemon twist, as preferred.

FLAVOUR DESCRIPTION

The Manhattan Revenant pays homage to classic cocktail craftsmanship with a twist of Buffalo Vales Spirit Revenant, a spirit known for its bold character and depth. The robust rye whiskey pairs elegantly with sweet vermouth, creating a rich and balanced base. Angostura bitters add complexity and a subtle spice, enhancing the layers of flavor. Served in a chilled Nick & Nora or coupe glass, this cocktail is a testament to sophistication and taste. Whether garnished with a brandied cherry for a sweet finish or a lemon twist for a citrusy note, The Manhattan Revenant is perfect for savoring moments of refined enjoyment.

• 60ml gin

• 22.5ml orange curaçao

• 15ml lime juice, freshly squeezed

• 1 dash Angostura bitters

• 1 dash orange bitters

GLASSWARE: COCKTAIL GLASS

RHUBARB VODKA DELIGHT PEGU CLUB

1. In a shaker, combine gin, orange curaçao, lime juice, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters with ice.

2. Shake until well-chilled.

3. Double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

FLAVOUR DESCRIPTION

The Pegu Club is a sophisticated cocktail that delivers a harmonious blend of citrusy and botanical flavors. The robust gin provides a solid foundation, while the orange curaçao adds a sweet, tangy note. Freshly squeezed lime juice injects a zesty brightness, balanced perfectly by the aromatic complexity of both Angostura and orange bitters. Served in a chilled cocktail glass, this drink is smooth, refreshing, and layered with flavors that dance on the palate. The Pegu Club is a refined choice for any elegant gathering, offering a delightful and memorable sipping experience. Cheers!

POMEGRANATE LEMON RAKIJA

• 60ml DNA Distillery

Classic Rakija

• 30ml Pomegranate juice

• 20ml Lemon juice

• Soda water (to fill glass)

• Mint leaves

• Lemon slice (for garnish)

GLASSWARE: HIGHBALL GLASS

1. In a highball glass, add ice.

2. Pour in DNA Distillery Classic Rakija, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice.

3. Fill the glass with soda water.

4. Stir gently to combine.

FOR THE RHUBARB SYRUP:

• 85g caster sugar

• 300g chopped rhubarb

FOR THE COCKTAIL:

• 100ml vodka

• 100ml rhubarb syrup (see above)

• 1 length rhubarb

• 30ml advocaat

• 75ml lemonade

GLASSWARE: COCKTAIL GLASS

1. Make the rhubarb syrup:

o Combine sugar and 75ml water in a saucepan, heat gently to dissolve.

o Add rhubarb, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes until tender.

o Strain into a bowl, return liquid to the pan, and boil until syrupy. Cool completely.

2. Prepare the cocktail:

5. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint.

6. Serve and enjoy.

FLAVOUR DESCRIPTION

The Pomegranate Lemon Rakija is the ideal companion for poolside relaxation or entertaining guests. Light and fruity, this cocktail combines the robust character of DNA Distillery Classic Rakija with the vibrant tang of pomegranate and lemon juices. The soda water adds a refreshing effervescence, making each sip crisp and invigorating. Mint leaves contribute a subtle aromatic note, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Garnished with a lemon slice, this drink is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Sip on it by the pool or mix it up for a gathering –trust us, your guests will love it. Cheers to a refreshing and delightful drink that’s perfect for any occasion!

o Chill 4 cocktail glasses.

o Shake vodka and rhubarb syrup with ice until chilled.

o Shred rhubarb with a peeler and place in iced water.

3. Assemble the cocktail:

o Whisk advocaat and lemonade with ice.

o Strain vodka mixture into glasses.

o Float advocaat mixture on top using an upside-down spoon.

o Garnish with rhubarb shreds.

FLAVOUR DESCRIPTION

The Rhubarb Vodka Delight is a refreshing cocktail that perfectly balances tart and sweet flavors. The homemade rhubarb syrup infuses the drink with a distinctive tang, complemented by the smooth kick of vodka. Advocado and lemonade add a creamy and fizzy layer, creating a delightful contrast. Garnished with elegant curls of rhubarb, this cocktail is not only visually stunning but also a delicious treat for your taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, the Rhubarb Vodka Delight promises a unique and enjoyable drinking experience.

1

Set-Up Basics 5

2

Grip

Strong lead hand position. For righthanded golfers, this is left hand. For left handers, it is the right hand.

A basic guide is keeping your left thumb on right hand side of grip ensuring we see 2 knuckles (our index and middle finder knuckles). This is a strong lead hand grip which allows us to hinge and lever the club head back in the right position. Our trail hand (right hand) should rest either interlocking or overlapping our fingers with our right thumb resting on the grip pointing in line with our right shoulder (for left handers this is the opposite). Maintaining a strong grip at set-up helps the overall centeredness of the strike. If you’re hitting shots right and left, check your lead hand grip position.

Stance

Ensure your stance at set-up is no wider than shoulder width apart. We can get away with having a narrow stance as this helps assist with our lower body turn. However, if we are too wide at set up, this will cause any golfer to become off balance and creates lower body sway back and shifts our weight in the incorrect manner.

Aim

4 5 3 6

At set-up, address the club to the ball where you wish to aim. Once we have our club face pointing at our target, check your feet are aiming at the intended target. A great tip is our feet need to be parallel to our target. You can check your alignment at set-up using your club resting at knees and aim to your target; shuffle feet when required.

Knee Flex

Correct knee flex helps the lower body turn and improves a player’s centeredness of strike. It also helps your pelvis be in the right position at set up. We want our pelvis to be tucked under to avoid getting steep in our downswing. The rule of thumb is to bend your knees enough to be over the middle of your shoe laces. If a player cannot see their feet, it means there is too much knee bend and this may impact one’s ability to make good contact with the ball.

Distance From The Ball

Our distance from the ball can vary depending on the height of golfer. Key is the butt of the grip should be in line with your toes, sitting in front of our belly button and pelvis. f our hands are tucked in too close to our body, it affects our club head release and turn through the ball.

Posture

Maintaining posture at set up is vital for our golf swing. We must avoid getting into a C posture shape at set up. If we are, our swing can become too shallow and we lose overall depth in our swing. A great tip for maintaining posture is to squeeze your shoulder blades together once you address the ball.

Help Australians face cancer with confidence this September

Host a golf day, ladies lunch, or other fundraising activity throughout Feel Better Month to help us provide our confidence-boosting program to all Australians undergoing treatment for cancer.

Scan the QR code below for details on getting involved.

Strengthen Your Immune System naturally

TO keep yourself on course and performing at your best during winter, we need to look after our immune system. A strong immune system can help reduce the risk and the severity of colds and flus, meaning more time on the green and less time feeling green.

Our immune system is a complex network of organs, cells and proteins that defend the body against infection, protect cells and keep a record of microbes it has come in contact with so it can quickly defend again.

If the immune system is overactive, it can be damaging to our body, so we don’t want to ‘boost’ it, which is talked about, we just need it to be working at its best.

Our diet is an important part of supporting our immune system. So, what should we eat to maximise our chance of playing every round of golf at our peak during winter?

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ARE KEY

We all know that fruit and vegetables are good for us, but why are they key to supporting our immune system?

To start with, they have plenty of vitamins, minerals and compounds called phytonutrients and antioxidants that help support our body’s immune system. By eating a variety of different fruits, vegetables and all sorts of plant foods (such as nuts, seeds, herbs, legumes and wholegrains… you get the picture!), we are likely to get a good range of all of these. This means variety is key rather than loading up on one particular one. We need vitamin A, B group, C and E vitamins and iron, zinc and selenium minerals to name a few.

Although the immune system is quite complicated and there are many ‘players’ that each need to perform their role, our diet doesn’t need to be complicated to obtain all the nutrients we need. This is a bonus as less time in the kitchen can mean more time on the green.

How can you hit your recommended targets?

Keep it simple and aim for the Australian Dietary Guidelines: 2 fruit and 5 serves of vegetables a day (a handful of nuts is a good one, too!) – that is a good start.

Unlike in golf, a higher score is better when it comes to how many serves of vegetables you have per day. The Living Healthy Report 2024 shows the average Australian is only purchasing around half the recommended serves of vegetables per day – approximately 2.5 serves –so making changes to hit this target will be beneficial to keeping you well.

Here are a few examples of how a variety of fruit and vegetables in the diet can provide the key nutrients you need.

• beta-carotene – pumpkin, mangoes, apricots, carrots, spinach and parsley

• flavonoids – tea, green tea, citrus fruits, red wine, onion and apples

• lycopene – tomatoes, apricots, pink grapefruit and watermelon

• vitamin C – oranges, blackcurrants, kiwifruit, mangoes, broccoli, spinach, capsicum and strawberries

• vitamin E – vegetable oils (such as wheatgerm oil), avocados, nuts, seeds and whole grains

• zinc – seafood, lean meat, milk and nuts

It might sound like being in primary school; however, one of the easiest things to remember is to ‘eat a rainbow’ of different coloured fruits and vegetables because it is the different polyphenols (natural chemicals that are a type of antioxidant) and vitamins that each give them their varying vibrant colours.

For example, orange vegetables like carrots and pumpkins get their colour from beta carotene which is turned into vitamin A, and the bright red in berries is from a group of natural chemicals called anthocyanins.

How to prepare tasty vegetables

Make eating more vegetables easier by making them tasty:

• Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over vegetables, sprinkle some herbs and spices and roast or sauté to bring out the sweet flavours. Cooking extra servings allows you to add them into sandwiches to refuel when on course and to have ready for when you get home after a round.

• Pan fried mushrooms and tomatoes with wholegrain toast for breakfast

• Cherry tomatoes and baby cucumbers cut up for a mid-round snack

• A bowl of soup with veg for lunch or in a thermos to sip during the cold winter months halfway during an 18 hole round

• Vegetables on the barbeque with meat or fish for a recovery dinner

• Grated zucchini or a can of brown lentils in a meat sauce

GOOD GUT HEALTH MATTERS

Research is showing us that a healthy gut microbiota (gut bacteria, fungi and viruses living in our gut,) can influence the health of our immune system. One way is by signalling to the immune system with the short chain fatty acids (gases such as butyrate) they produce.

The bacteria produce these gases when they ferment ‘food’ from our diet. You may have heard of prebiotic fibre. This is their food to ferment. It is found in a range of plant foods such as onions, garlic, legumes, almonds, pistachios, blackberries, asparagus and oats to name a few.

Polyphenols, found in fruits and vegetables, also promote the growth of good gut bacteria when they are metabolised by the gut bacteria.

How can you add more prebiotic fibre to your diet?

• More legumes – add a can of chickpeas to a curry

• A handful a day of nuts – a great snack for your next round

• Overnight soaked oats or reheated porridge for breakfast before a round

• Asparagus, particularly delicious grilled or on the BBQ Vitamin D is also important for our immune system. That means every game of golf in winter where you are getting a little bit of sunshine will also help!

LOW FODMAP HUMMUS

Who said low FODMAP meant no hummus? This recipe is simple yet full of flavour and creamy – the way a hummus should be! It’s the perfect dip for veggies and crackers, and is also great to add into sandwiches or wraps. Never buy store-bought again with this super easy recipe.

PREP TIME 5 mins SERVES 5

3 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp chilli powder

2 tbsp unhulled tahini

1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

2-3 tsp garlic infused extra virgin olive oil 400g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

3 tbsp water salt and pepper, to taste

Vitamin D is also important for our immune system. That means every game of golf in winter where you are getting a little bit of sunshine will also help!

1. Blitz all the ingredients together in a blender until smooth and well combined.

2. Serve with plain rice crackers and cucumber and carrot sticks.

Carbs 11.7g

CRISPY SPICED CHICKPEAS

This recipe is from the Back to Basics app by Lyndi Cohen

Get ready to spice up your snack game with our Crispy Spiced Chickpeas! The ultimate flavour-packed, poppable delights. These little powerhouses of crispy goodness are about to become your new addiction. Enjoy them on their own or add to your favourite salads for some extra crunch!

PREP TIME 5 mins

COOK TIME 25 mins SERVES 6

1.2kg tin chickpeas

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tsp paprika

¼ tsp salt

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).

2. Drain the chickpeas well and pat them dry with paper towel or tea towel.

3. Place dried chickpeas on a lined baking tray and drizzle with olive oil.

4. Season with paprika and salt.

5. Cook in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

6. Allow the chickpeas to cool before storing them in an airtight container.

BAKED SALMON WITH ZINGY GINGER SAUCE

Eating the rainbow is easy with this salmon recipe. It’s perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or as a nutritious and delicious work from home lunch option. Packed full of variety and flavour thanks to our zingy ginger sauce we think this once will be on high rotation.

PREP TIME 5 mins

COOK TIME 20 mins SERVES 2

FOR THE SALMON extra virgin olive oil

2 pieces of salmon (approx. 120 – 150g per piece)

2 cups kale slaw

1/₃ cup chickpeas (less than ¹/₄ is low FODMAP friendly)

½ cup cherry tomatoes, sliced up

½ cup cucumber, diced up ½ lemon, juiced

1 tbsp of zingy ginger sauce (recipe below)

FOR THE ZINGY GINGER SAUCE

3cm green spring onion (finely chopped)

1cm ginger (grated)

2 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp coconut sugar juice of ½ lemon

1 tbsp tamari

2 tsp sesame seeds

1. Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced. Place a large frying pan over high heat.

2. Rub extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper on both sides of each salmon.

3. When the pan is hot, place salmon skin-side down for 30-60 seconds. Turn onto all sides for 30 to 60 seconds each side.

4. Place on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. While the salmon is baking, prepare the salad.

5. In a large bowl, combine the kale slaw, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes and cucumber. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Divide between two bowls.

6. When salmon is cooked, place it on top of the salad. In a small bowl, combine all the zingy ginger sauce ingredients. Drizzle on top of the salmon to serve.

MASTERING DISTANCE CONTROL WITH

Pitch Shots

I’m keen to share my key secrets to making great contact with a wedge shot and mastering consistency with distance with my go-to wedge system. You can use this to hit the ball with more confidence and on the green every time.

WHAT is a pitch shot?

A pitch shot is a short approach shot typically played from a distance of 20 to 60 meters from the green and can be up to 100 meters for stronger swingers. It involves a higher, softer trajectory than a chip shot, allowing the ball to land softly and stop quickly on the green.

Pitch shots are usually played with wedges, such as a pitching wedge or sand wedge, and occasionally a lob wedge for trickier shots with less green between you and the flag. The shot is designed to help golfers get close to the pin from short distances, especially when there’s an obstacle, like a bunker, between the ball and the hole. Now, what if you were to get just a little better in this area? Let’s dive into some eye-opening general statistics on why you should focus on shots between 20 and 60 meters. Improving in this range and taking fewer shots can seriously slice your score.

Below are the average “attempts” it takes for a golfing averaging a score below to hit the green from this range:

GOLFERS AVERAGING 110 –2 to 3 attempts

GOLFERS AVERAGING 100 –2 attempts

GOLFERS AVERAGING 90 –1 to 2 attempts

GOLFERS AVERAGING 80 –1 to 1.5 attempts

GOLFERS AVERAGING 70 –usually 1 attempt

Your setup for success – keep it simple

Starting from 20 meters from the hole, your feet should be about one club head apart. As you move further back, gradually widen your stance to provide a more stable base for a larger swing. For a full wedge swing, your feet should be no more than hip-width apart. A stance that is too wide can encourage an overly large swing and increase the risk of hitting the ground before the ball. Conversely, a stance that is too narrow might restrict your swing, resulting in a lack of power to get the ball to the hole.

A pitch shot... involves a higher, softer trajectory than a chip shot, allowing the ball to land softly and stop quickly on the green.

Positioning of the ball should be in the middle of your stance, to ensure the low point of your swing is directly under the ball. Your hands should hang in the middle of your body with no excessive shaft lean backward or forwards.

Alignment is key for this shot! Make sure your feet and shoulders are both pointing towards the target and position the clubface neutral (bottom leading edge is straight). This setup creates parallel lines between your body and the direction the club is pointing. This allows you to “just swing” and let the ball get in the way of the club, flying straight to your target!

The Body Parts System

The three swings in the system are: hips, ribs, and shoulders. For each swing, you swing back to the designated body part and follow through to the same body part on the other side. This keeps your tempo and speed consistent, varying only the carry distance of each shot. It also ensures the club shaft stays neutral while preserving the loft of the club, creating consistent shots.

HIP SWING: Swing the club back to your hip level and follow through to the same height on the other side. This is great for short, controlled shots.

I’ve used this system for years... it uses the body as a reference for swing length.

RIBS SWING: Swing the club back to your rib level and follow through to the same height on the other side. This provides a medium-distance shot with a bit more power.

SHOULDERS SWING: Swing the club back to your shoulder level and follow through to the same height on the other side. This is your longest pitch shot, offering the most carry distance.

Practice and Measurement

Once you’ve picked your favourite club and practised all three swings, the next step is to measure your distances. Head to a park, a short game area, the course, or even an indoor facility. For each swing (Hips, Ribs, Shoulders), hit five balls and note the carry distance of each shot. Write down the distances for each swing. Delete the longest and shortest distances, then average the three middle distances. This gives you a reliable average carry distance for each swing.

Build Your Distance Chart

After a month of using your favourite club on the course, repeat the measurement process with your other wedges. This way, you’ll have a comprehensive chart of distances for each swing with different clubs. Create your own palm-sized chart, laminate it, and keep it in your golf bag for quick reference on the course to fine-tune your pitch swings.

By following the Body Parts System, you’ll develop a reliable short game, that’s repeatable and allows you to approach each shot with confidence and precision. Enjoy the process of improvement and watch your scores improve as you master these techniques.

THE ROLE OF THE SPINE IN THE GOLF SWING

IN the world of golf, swinging the club isn’t just about hitting the ball, it’s a stable equilibrium between your body and the club. Understanding how the body segments work and interact together is the key. In essence, what truly makes a swing great isn’t how the club looks at the top of the backswing, but rather how it responds to and works with the body’s action.

Right from the start, how you address the ball, the perception of the swing and the intention you have, set the stage for an efficient and high-level swing. A primary assessment is to determine if there are any imbalances in your posture that directly affect the quality of your swing and, most importantly, help prevent potential injuries.

Despite the attention to detail in swing mechanics, one oftenoverlooked element is the role of the spine at address and during the swing. The spine serves as the literal backbone of a golfer’s swing, orchestrating a symphony of movement that can spell the difference between success and frustration on the course.

WORDS

DAVIDE BERTOLI

BIO

Owner & Director of Instruction at DB Golf Center, Singapore

Tour Coach:

• Consulted more than 30 Tour Players

• Certified over 200 Coaches Worldwide

• Grip Pressure Research Pioneer in Wedge –World Congress of Golf 2024

• Founder of the Force’s Effect & Wedge Zone Certification

Ambassador: Swing Catalyst & Puma Cobra Golf

Instagram: @db.golfcoach

Despite the attention to detail in swing mechanics, one often-overlooked element is the role of the spine at address and during the swing.

A very basic assessment of your overall posture without delving into specific details, is to make sure the pelvis, ribcage and head are aligned together. The best way to do that is from behind and laterally. This is what I refer to as ‘the Barrel Check/Drill’

Next, let’s outline two postures from address to the top, each bearing its own ramifications for the golf motion (PHOTO 2). The left posture tends to lead to imbalances at address and throughout the swing, often requiring compensatory movements and limiting mechanics,

(PHOTO 1), emphasizing a balanced posture between the left and right sides (Male). Lastly, ensure that in the lumbar area (Female), your posture has a minimal curve. This preliminary step sets the stage for a fluid ‘free motion pain movement’.

which affects performance. Conversely, the right posture demonstrates balanced alignment and connectivity, providing a solid foundation for efficient movement. Proper alignment of the NeckSpine-Pelvis creates a cohesive axis, enabling a fluid spiral motion.

Immerse yourself in the imagery of a tornado to better understand proper loading: the narrowest part at the bottom symbolizes minimal load on the lumbar spine, while as you ascend, the widening vortex indicates increasing rotation and load (PHOTO 3).

To master spine rotation (PHOTO 5), position your left hand on your chest and your right hand at belly height. Avoid placing the right hand at pelvis height to prevent any lumbar spine rotation. Rotate your left hand while keeping the right stable, stretching from the left internal obliques to the right external oblique and along the left lat from the right glute. Visualize it like a double rubber band: more stretch, faster recoil. Then, focus on your hips during the spine’s spiral movement to support the lumbar spine in the backswing. Limited hip rotation raises the risk of lower back pain, so it’s crucial to move them!

Let’s now dig more into the ROLE OF THE SPINE

Traditionally in golf, maximising separation between the lower body (pelvis) and upper body (ribcage) during the backswing, known as the ‘X-factor’, was believed to enhance power. However, this limited pelvis motion, stresses the lumbar spine and leads to issues like degenerative disc disease. As biomechanics evolves, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of integrating full-body movement in the swing rather than isolating restricted areas. On the contrary, the “X-factor recoil” part of the “X-factor stretch” is crucial for generating speed. It measures how rapidly the separation between the pelvis and thorax returns to its original position after the transition phase.

Feeling restricted or compressed in any part of the swing likely stems from inadequate pelvis participation. To activate the lower body during the backswing, gradually extend the right leg while engaging the right hip to move up and around, with the left hip slightly moving downwards. Use a simple rubber band to feel the stretch in your right hip and keep your body mass centred, enhancing connection and ground reaction forces (PHOTO 7).

SUMMARY

The spine, responsible for supporting the head and trunk, plays a crucial role in a powerful golf swing. To understand which parts of the spine to move and how, let’s identify the main sections: the CTL – Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar. The cervical spine allows for around 90 degrees of rotation, the thoracic spine about 35 degrees, and the lumbar spine approximately 12 degrees in total (PHOTO 4). This range of motion clarifies how the spine should load during the backswing, with the cervical and thoracic spine contributing to the load, while the lumbar spine stabilizes the movement.

A final check involves evaluating how effectively you reached the top of the swing and impact. Ideally, a 3D analysis would provide comprehensive insights, but a quick review from a down-the-line view will suffice. Two swing samples from female golfers (PHOTO 6) illustrate the journey of our left female golfer, starting from a poor address position. This initial posture demonstrates how the spine needs to adapt to reach the top of the swing, adding lateral flexion due to poor pelvis interaction as well. In contrast, the address position of the right female golfer is more solid and connected, helping to maintain the ‘barrel concept’ and ensuring a healthier spine action.

Contrary to the common belief held, the most effective approach isn’t to immediately intervene where the swing fault is. Instead, it’s beneficial to take a moment to step back and examine the underlying cause of the problem and develop targeted solutions. Comprehending your physical limitations, recognizing the potential risks associated with maintaining the current state, understanding causes and consequences, and addressing imbalances and muscle involvement during the movement can significantly enhance your ability to generate faster club head speed while promoting a healthy, sustainable movement.

Photo 3

Photo 5

Photo 6

Photo 7

Photo 4

Dimple configuration 272 AXIALFLOW dimple

THE WEDGE GUIDE

ONCE you’re getting closer to the green there are a lot of club choices to help you get the ball close to the pin and (if you’re lucky, in the hole!).

Why are there so many types of wedges and what are they for?

Here’s a brief overview of the main wedges people have in their golf bags and what they are used for. Important – most of the time the wedges are the scoring shots.

WORDS JACQUI BROWNSON FRANCHISEE, DRUMMOND GOLF AT TAREN POINT, NSW

When, where and why?

WEDGE GLOSSARY

1. PW stands for PIT CHING WEDGE . A pitching wedge usually has a loft of between 44 and 46 degrees. It is a very versatile wedge and is usually used from about 65-75 metres out from the green on average for most women. You can manufacture many shots with a PW – meaning bump and run type shots and also full higher shots with spin.

2. SW stands for SAND WEDGE . A sand wedge has a loft of between 54 and 56 degrees. With much more loft than a pitching wedge, the ball takes off at a greater height. That’s why it’s used to get out of a bunker – considering bunkers normally have a high lip to get over.

3. GW or AW stands for GAP WEDGE . A gap wedge splits the gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge and is between 50 and 52 degrees of loft. Many golfers purchase a gap wedge so that they can be more accurate in their shots to the green on full shots, for example when the PW will go too far and the SW not far enough.

4. LB stands for LOB WEDGE

A lob wedge has a loft of between 58 and 60 degrees and is designed for the ball to go straight up into the air and come down from a higher point, therefore landing a lot softer and not running too far. This is a great club to use when you need to get up and over a bunker and you need to get the ball to stop on landing.

Many golfers purchase a gap wedge so that they can be more accurate in their shots to the green on full shots, for example when the PW will go too far and the SW not far enough.

Why are there so many wedges on the market?

To simplify it, wedges come in many different lofts and bounces, usually from 44 degrees to 64 degrees, and bounces between 4 degrees and 14 degrees.

The loft of a wedge is the angle created between the face of the wedge and an imaginary vertical line. The more loft on the wedge, the more elevation on your shot, resulting in a higher ball flight and less distance.

When you buy a pitching wedge in a standard set, they are normally 44 degrees and the sand wedge is normally 56 degrees. As you can see there is a big gap of 12 degrees between those two wedges. If you wish to fill that gap, you can get a 52-degree wedge. Wedges in most leading brands are available in every 2 degrees of loft.

Most professional golfers carry three or four wedges to offer variation and selection to their short game. The key is to make sure there are no big gaps in your lofts.

The other option to wedges is bounce. The bounce of a wedge is the area of the club that hits the turf, and then bounces the club through the surface under the ball at impact. Bounce is the name used in the sole

design. Low-bounce wedges are normally used on harder surfaces around the green and higher-bounce wedges are used in sand and softer turf conditions.

Wedges with little bounce are usually better suited to players who sweep the ball, taking a shallower divot, and firmer turf conditions.

There are, of course, mid-bounce wedges which are a more versatile option, suited to a wider range of conditions and swing types.

Then we come to the grind and finish of the club. This is best explained with the picture below showing three different grinds.

A heel grind will remove material from the heel of the sole to allow the face to sit lower to the ground –so it is easier to open the club face at address.

Wedges also come in different finishes. Most of the wedges you see will have a chrome finish however lately there are a lot of raw finishes. The latter are designed to wear and rust over time, which can improve friction and lead to improved spin.

Now that we have explained all about wedges, here is a review of the latest and greatest on the market today.

PXG 0311 SUGAR DADDY II WEDGES

PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II wedges

PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II wedges are engineered for optimal bounce, insane accuracy and stopping power.

These wedges are 100% milled and full-face grooves. The design really you get out of a milled wedge is

full-face grooves. The design really helps your short game and the feel

TITLEIST SM10 VOKEY WEDGES

The all-new SM10 wedges are the most widely used on the PGA tour and have a fantastic feel. The loft and bounce and grind combinations are huge.

MIZUNO T24 WEDGES

The Mizuno T24 wedges are all-grain flow forged to ensure precise shaping and a really soft touch around the greens. Every wedge has quad-cut grooves which help to get that ball to stop.

CALLAWAY JAWS RAW WEDGES

Callaway wedges, under the banner name of Jaws Raw, are selling unreal. All of my customers love the look and feel of a Callaway Jaws Raw wedge. You can see from the picture below that these wedges are available in lots of different grinds – be sure to check with your local Drummond Golf store which grind is best for you.

TABATA TRAINING

The Secret to Powering up Your Golf Game

HWORDS BRON HADLEY

Incorporating Tabata into your fitness regimen will noticeably boost your endurance on the golf course.

EY ladies! Ever find yourself feeling a bit sluggish on the back nine? Let’s talk about a little secret that could change your game dramatically. Tabata training is a type of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that’s perfect for golfers looking to up their energy and stamina without spending hours at the gym.

WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT INTERVAL TRAINING?

Interval training isn’t just for the pros; it’s for golfers like us who need to keep our energy levels high from the first tee to the last putt. This method involves alternating between short, intense bursts of exercise and less intense recovery periods. Imagine doing a quick sprint for 20 seconds, then walking for a bit, and repeating. Not only is this great for boosting both your aerobic and anaerobic fitness, but it also fits perfectly into our busy lives. Who doesn’t want to get the most out of every minute?

THE MAGIC OF TABATA

Developed by a clever scientist named Dr. Izumi Tabata, this quick routine consists of 20 seconds of giving it your all, followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated eight times. That’s just four minutes, girls! In that short time, you’ll fire up your metabolism, enhance your heart and lung health, and build the endurance you need for a long day on the course. Plus, Tabata’s great for those of us who need a fast and effective workout that can be squeezed into a hectic schedule.

WHY TABATA IS A GOLFER’S BEST FRIEND

Think about our game: golf isn’t all about the big swings; it’s also about staying focused and walking that course with confidence. Tabata boosts your heart rate and gets your blood pumping, which not only helps with long-term stamina but also keeps you mentally sharp.

FITNESS

...this quick routine consists of 20 seconds of giving it your all, followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated eight times. That’s just four minutes, girls!

INCORPORATING TABATA INTO YOUR ROUTINE

Starting is simple: try one or two Tabata sessions a week and see how you feel. Always warm up first to sidestep any injuries. Remember, this workout is intense, so if anything feels off, take a break. Keep your workouts fresh by mixing up the exercises, and maybe grab a Tabata timer app (or download a Tabata Music Album) to keep track without fuss.

Incorporating Tabata into your fitness regimen will noticeably boost your endurance on the golf course. You’ll find yourself zipping through the course with energy to spare and keeping your shots steady and strong all day. So why not give it a whirl? It’s a quick, fun way to shake up your routine and see real results in your game. Let’s make our next golf day the best one yet!

quick Tabata workout to get you started:

1. BODYWEIGHT SQUATS (work 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds)

2. ON-THE-SPOT SPRINTS (work 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds)

3. PUSH-UPS (work 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds)

4. JUMPING JACKS (work 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds)

5. LEG LUNGES (RIGHT LEG) (work 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds)

6. SQUAT JUMPS (work 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds)

7. LEG LUNGES (LEFT LEG) (work 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds)

8. SKATERS (work 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds)

This lineup will keep you moving and target all the muscle groups we use in our game. Feel free to swap in any exercises you love.

On the spot sprints

Squat Jumps Start

Pushups

Squat Jumps Finish

golf changed my

AN INSPIRING STORY OF AUSTRALIA’S NO.1 FEMALE (under 17) ALL-ABILITIES GOLFER

WHEN I first met Natascha Tennent it was not glaringly evident that she was a disabled golfer. She is a beautifullooking young girl with a happy disposition. Playing off a handicap of 7 with a swing, many the average golfer would admire; no one would be aware of the physical, let alone the psychological and emotional battle this young woman faced getting into the sport.

Natascha’s life had difficulties from a young age firstly losing her dad when she was only four years old. Her dad died from a genetic heart condition that she too has inherited.

Sport was physically challenging due to her condition of ligamentous laxity that affects her ankles and knees and makes her weak. Interaction with her peers and friends at school was difficult due to her Autism Spectrum Disorder and Tourette’s. Things we naturally take for granted such as speech, communication and playful socialising were a struggle for young Natascha. She was a nervous wreck in noisy everyday situations that a young child is expected to cope with. With the encouragement of her mum and stepdad at around the age of eight, Natascha agreed to give golf a try. From that first moment when she got her first golf ball airborne, seeing that ball soaring down the driving range, Tash was hooked. As golfers, we all know that feeling. It’s a feeling of joy and accomplishment and we long for more. This was the start of Tash finding some joy in life and a sport she loved.

SCAN FOR MORE TIPS

Golf is much more than a sport for many of us. Whether you are an eight-year-old with physical and mental disorders, a stressed-out businessman, or a lonely or busy female, golf has so many benefits.

For more information contact Jenny via email at mindfulgolfcoaching @gmail.com Follow her on Instagram, join the Facebook group and/or buy the book! Instagram @mindful_golf_ coaching Facebook @mindfulgolf coaching

Golf is a game that can help improve an individual’s confidence, self-esteem, anxiety and stress levels. It provides a beautiful place to connect with nature and like-minded people.

WORDS

JENNY JONES

life

Golf is a game that can help improve an individual’s confidence, self-esteem, anxiety and stress levels. It provides a beautiful place to connect with nature and like-minded people. It is a holistic sport that provides a natural space for meditation. It teaches one to hopefully focus just on the game and forget about the outside world for a while and slow down in this fast-paced world. The challenges and accomplishments one experiences help build a natural high or therapy. I have worked with several disability golfers and I remember one man saying to me – when I go to golf, I love it so much I forget for a while that I am that guy with the brain injury.

Golf has been therapy for Natasha Tennent. She believes it has relieved her of her Tourette’s, helped with her anxiety levels and given her a newfound confidence and purpose. Working on her mental and emotional game has made a big difference, not only to her golf but to her life in general. My coaching, although directed at improving people’s golf game, has side effects that flow into their everyday lives and how they feel about themselves. Using the same mindful tools she has learned hitting a golf ball in front of hundreds of people at last year’s Australian Open, Tash recently made an amazing speech at the Channel 7 Young People’s Awards in front of hundreds of people, where she won Young Achiever of the Year for Sporting Achievements while overcoming adversity.

Tash says, “Golf has changed my life”. Her Instagram statement reads: “I want to advocate that golf is for all abilities.” It’s her passion to inspire others and give herself the best opportunity to become the best golfer she can be.

Next time you are having a tough day take yourself to golf or the driving range to get a dose of its natural remedy for stress. Be mindful and grateful to be ablebodied to enjoy this great game even with its challenges at times.

Be inspired by this young woman who, even with the horrible cards life has dealt her, she is taking it in her stride and along the way achieving amazing things.

IN NATASCHA’S SHORT GOLFING CAREER, SHE HAS ACCOMPLISHED:

• Winning the Gold Medal at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in 2023

• Winning the Nett division at the EDGA Algarve Masters in Portugal in 2024

• Played in The 2023 Australian Open, one of only 12 players invited, in the all-abilities division

• Current handicap 7

• No. 1 female Australian under 17 all abilities golfer

• No. 22 in the WORLD female all-abilities golfer

I coach and encourage all my golfers to chase their dreams and goals and as adidas says: Impossible is nothing. To achieve these goals, we need a plan and a strategy, a good attitude and mindful awareness of the battle of negative thinking and feeling sorry for ourselves.

Golf has been therapy for Natasha Tennent.

If you need help with your golf game.

I would love to help and support you too.

I am sure Natasha has had many a day when her thoughts and feelings have been on a downward slide, and one might say … who wouldn’t have those days with the difficulties she has faced in her young life? However, I am pulling her in the direction to go after her goals. She hopes after completing Year 12 this year she can continue to pursue those goals.

Tash wants to compete and inspire other golfers all over the world by playing in as many allabilities tournaments as she can. She is going to be brave enough to tee it up in the Australia WebEx Series against professionals, elite amateur players and not feel like she doesn’t belong anymore. One day Natascha Tennent wants to have a career in the golf industry. Right now, her family is faced with the financial challenge to help these dreams become a possibility. As a retired professional golfer who was lucky enough to find many sponsors and inspire others myself, I am on a quest to find Natasha some companies to support this incredible young woman. She has the face of Taylor Swift, the humility of Mother Teressa and the fun personality of the cutest Disney character. Surely that is a combination of corporate alignment. If you know someone who would be willing to sponsor this young girl, then please reach out to me.

jenny@mindfulgolfcoaching.com

balance

GIN GOLF

Stabilise your Swing for Consistent Performance

OLF is a game of precision and finesse, and that demands a unique mastery of balance.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF BALANCE IN GOLF?

Balance is foundational in golf – it underpins every aspect of a golfer’s game, from driving off the tee to sinking that critical putt. In essence, balance in golf refers to the ability to maintain a stable and controlled position throughout the swing, ensuring optimal power, accuracy and consistency. Moreover, balance extends beyond the swing. It affects every aspect of the game – from navigating undulating terrain to adapting to adverse weather conditions.

Here are a few key elements about the importance of balance in golf:

1. Swing Stability: Maintaining balance throughout your swing is essential for generating power and accuracy. A balanced stance allows you to transfer energy efficiently from your body to the club, resulting in more consistent and controlled shots.

2. Consistenc y: Good balance leads to more consistent ball striking. When you’re in balance, you’re better able to repeat your swing mechanics, which translates to more predictable outcomes on the course.

3. Power Generation: Balance enables you to generate maximum clubhead speed. When your weight is properly distributed and you’re stable throughout your swing, you can unleash more power without sacrificing control.

4. Impact Alignment: Balance helps ensure that your body and club are properly aligned at impact. This is possibly the most important part of your swing – to achieve the desired ball flight and minimising mis-hits.

5. Short Game Control: In the short game, such as chipping and putting, balance is equally important. Take a slow breath in – then a slow breath out. Maintaining stability during these delicate shots enhances your ability to control distance and direction.

6. Injury prevention: Golf involves repetitive motions that can lead to overuse injuries if not performed with proper technique and balance. By improving your balance, you can distribute the workload more evenly among muscle groups and reduce the likelihood of overuse injuries. Also, when you have good balance, you distribute the forces of your swing more evenly across your body, reducing the risk of acute/ really bad injuries!

Are you now convinced that it would be very beneficial to work on your balance?

Okay. It’s time to get straight to the point. Let’s perform some single leg exercises!

Single-leg balance exercises help strengthen the stabilising muscles in the legs, ankles, and hips, which are crucial for maintaining balance throughout the swing. Weaknesses or imbalances in the lower body can increase the risk of injury, particularly in the knees, hips, and lower back. By strengthening the muscles around these vulnerable areas, golfers can reduce the likelihood of common golf-related injuries and enjoy a longer, painfree playing career.

In addition, the core plays a crucial role in stabilising the body and transferring energy from the lower body to the upper body during the golf swing. Single-leg balance exercises engage the core muscles to maintain balance and stability, thus improving core strength and co-ordination. A strong core enables golfers to generate more rotational power and maintain a consistent swing plane, leading to improved performance and distance control. Here is a series of exercises, that you can incorporate into a golf fitness program to help you improve your balance, stability and overall performance on the course. Aim to incorporate single-leg balance exercises into your training regimen and gradually increase the difficulty as you progress.

ANNE-LISE

BIDOU is a golf physiotherapist on the LPGA Tour. Connect; Instagram @physio4golf www.physio4golf. com.au

QUADRUPED POSITION SINGLE ARM PULL WITH THORACIC ROTATION

3 sets, 8-12 reps

Stand side onto a bench or machine that you can attach a band onto. Attach the band then place the other end around your outside ankle. Stand tall and lift your outside leg up slowly, bending at the hip and bringing the knee towards your chest against the resistance of the band or cable, while maintaining your posture. Hold this position for a moment, then slowly lower the leg back down to the starting position. Repeat the movement 8-12 times on each leg.

Balance is foundational in golf –it underpins every aspect of a golfer’s game, from driving off the tee to sinking that critical putt.

SINGLE LEG SIT-TO-STAND

3 sets, 8-10 reps

Stand on one leg in front of a bench or a sturdy chair. Slowly lower yourself into a seated position on the bench or chair behind you. Keep your chest lifted, and avoid rounding your back. Then, press through the heel of your supporting foot and push yourself back up to a standing position. Maintain a slow and controlled pace throughout the movement to maximise muscle engagement and balance challenge.

WORDS & PHOTOS

SIDE LUNGE TO SINGLE LEG STANCE WITH DUMBBELL

3 sets, 8-10 reps

Stand on one leg, holding a dumbbell in the hand on the supporting side. Keep your core engaged and your shoulders pulled back. Take a wide step to the side with the foot opposite to the hand holding the dumbbell. As you step out, shift your body weight towards the lunging side, bending the knee and pushing your hips back to lower into a side lunge. Keep the opposite

4

leg straight and the foot flat on the ground. As you lower into the side lunge, let the dumbbell hang down towards the ground, maintaining a neutral grip on the handle. Push through the heel of the lunging foot to return to the starting position. Hold the single-leg stance for a moment, maintaining your balance and stability. Then, repeat the movement.

SINGLE LEG ROMANIAN DEADLIFT (RDL) WITH SHOULDER PRESS

3 sets, 8-10 reps

Stand on one leg while holding a dumbbell in the opposite hand. Begin the movement by hinging forward at the hips while simultaneously extending the lifted leg straight back behind you. Keep your back flat, and maintain a slight bend in the standing leg to help with balance. Lower the dumbbell towards the ground, keeping it close to your body. Continue hinging forward until your torso is parallel to the ground or until

you feel a stretch in your hamstrings. Keep your hips square and avoid rotating them as you lower the dumbbell. Once you reach the bottom of the RDL, begin to straighten your standing leg and simultaneously press the dumbbell overhead into a shoulder press. Fully extend your arm overhead, keeping your core engaged and your spine neutral. Slowly lower the dumbbell back down to the starting position.

5

SINGLE LEG PALLOF PRESS

3 sets, 6 reps – medium resistance

Attach a resistance band to a stationary anchor point at mid-chest height or use a cable machine. Stand on one leg, closest to the cable machine or band and hold onto the band or handle of a cable machine. Both hands are holding the resistance band or handle and placed against your torso. Your hip, knee and ankle are at 90 degrees flexion on your non-bearing leg. Slowly extend your elbows out in front of you while maintaining your body upright, your trunk and pelvis aligned square to the band. Hold the outstretched position for five seconds. Focus on resisting rotation and keeping your torso stable despite the resistance pulling you toward the anchor point. Control the movement as you return to the starting position. Repeat the movement six times on each leg.

6

SIDE SKATER

3 sets, 10-15 reps per side

Stand on one leg with your arms by your side. Take a lateral (sideways) hop, landing softly on the foot that you’ve shifted your weight onto. Keep the opposite foot slightly elevated off the ground, with the knee bent. As you hop to the side, swing your arms diagonally across your body in the direction of the jump to help generate momentum and balance. Upon landing on the side, bend your knee to absorb the impact and maintain stability. Keep your chest up and your back straight. Immediately push off the foot you landed on and hop laterally to the opposite side, swinging your arms in the opposite direction to maintain momentum and balance. Continue alternating sides with a fluid, rhythmic motion, hopping from side to side while maintaining control and balance.

FULL CIRCLE

AT the tender age of six on a Saturday morning back in 1999, something special began for Tahnia (Ravnjak) Stalker.

Watching her dad head out for golf each weekend, she finally asked, “Can I go too?”

The next weekend her mum took her to the driving range at Port Kembla to take part in a kids’ clinic.

“That’s where it all started for me,” she recalls fondly.

Fast forward 25 years, and Tahnia now works at Golf NSW, the state’s peak representative body. The sport has been a constant presence in her life since that first visit to the driving range.

Growing up, Tahnia dabbled in gymnastics, swimming, soccer, tennis, and surf lifesaving, but it was golf that stole her heart.

She got her first club membership at Port Kembla Golf Club on her eighth birthday, and by twelve, she was competing locally and taking the game seriously.

“I played in the junior comp at Port Kembla every Saturday. We would play nine holes and compete for pro shop vouchers, Mars Bars, and B51 golf balls – the good old days.”

Tahnia participated in Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) events and state competitions, even making the NSW Junior State team. Her talent earned her a scholarship to the Australian Golf Club’s Junior Foundation Program at 17, where she played Division 1 Pennant in Women’s Grade.

Going to college in the USA was always on Tahnia’s bucket list, but figuring it all out was a challenge.

“At the time, there weren’t many Aussies who I could seek guidance from. I had to do a lot of researching, reading, and emailing to figure out if this was something I really wanted. Education was important to me as well as playing golf.”

WORDS KASS ROGAN

Her hard work paid off with a full academic and sporting scholarship to Campbell University in North Carolina. There, she balanced her studies and golf, earning a degree in Sports Management.

“I got to play some of the best courses in the USA, travelling to over 25 states and competing against the best amateurs in the world,” she says.

“Once I graduated in May 2016, I stayed on for an extra year and was the Assistant Coach at Campbell University. I loved my time there, and I had so many unforgettable experiences.”

Tahnia’s pivot from player to golf industry professional allows her to share her expertise and experiences to benefit others.

In December 2017, she turned professional, a milestone she had worked tirelessly towards.

“I still remember the feeling I got when my membership status came through. This was something I had worked so hard towards, and turning professional had been a lifelong goal of mine,” she recalls with pride.

Tahnia joined the ALPG Tour (now The WPGA Tour of Australasia) and quickly made her mark internationally, winning the China LPGA Tour Qualifying School and securing full playing rights. She spent the next three years competing on both the WPGA and China LPGA Tours, embracing every moment.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty to many professional athletes, including Tahnia. With travel restrictions and tournament cancellations, she decided to make a change, applying for an Events Coordinator role at Golf NSW.

“This was the start of my career on the other side of the ropes,” she adds.

After three years in events, Tahnia jumped at the chance to become a Regional Manager for Golf NSW.

“I am now the Regional Manager for the Illawarra, and I love being in this role as I have gone full circle to where I started as a junior and back in my hometown,” she says, reflecting on her journey.

Tahnia’s pivot from player to golf industry professional allows her to share her expertise and experiences to benefit others.

“Golf is second nature to me, making my transition into the golf industry after playing feels like a seamless fit,” she notes.

Her involvement extends beyond her job. She mentors young players and serves as an assistant coach for the Illawarra Academy of Sport. She has also been the team manager for the NSW Junior and Senior State Teams, roles she finds incredibly rewarding.

“Ultimately, my greatest satisfaction comes from helping others, and if I can achieve that, I consider it a fulfilling initiative,” Tahnia says.

Golf has given her countless opportunities and experiences, and she’s dedicated to giving back to the community that has given her so much.

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TEEtime

TEE TIME is a regular feature where you will find a selection of social shots submitted by you (the reader). Feel free to email your favourite golf and lifestyle images with accompanying caption, players name, location etc. to connect@womensgolfmagazine.com.au

CHARITY GOLF DAY

EMPOWER GOLF RAFFLE WINNER

JENNY LIM FROM EASTWOOD GOLF CLUB IN VICTORIA

pictured with her gorgeous 2nd prize, a Percy Marks white gold and diamond necklace with a pretty pendant shaped like a golf ball. Jenny saw the competition promoted at her local Drummond Golf store and bought a few tickets. Congrats!

Spotlight on BREE Laughlin

YOU might recognise Bree’s beaming smile from your screens as the co-host

My Golf TV. She has carved out an exciting career in the golf broadcast media space over the years and her entertaining enthusiasm for our sport is a real joy to see.

What are the top 3 perks of being a TV host on ‘How Good Is Golf’?

That’s difficult to narrow down because there are so many great things about working on the show. I love travelling around Australia and playing different golf courses that I haven’t played before. I really enjoy working with Gowie (co-host Paul Gow) because we get along so well and we do take the mickey out of each other quite a bit! And one of the most rewarding parts of the show is when viewers tell me they took up golf after watching our show – I love that.

Do you enjoy playing at regional courses? If so, where and why?

I often play in different parts of regional Victoria because I am from Kerang and I have also lived in both Bendigo and Geelong. I find getting away and playing regional courses is a nice change and a different kind of challenge. I also enjoy playing with friends and family that live regionally.

You’re quite the fashionista. What are your on-course outfit accessory must-haves?

Hahaha funny – I do love my golf fashion and fashion in general, it’s always been a big part of my life. For these cooler months I like to wear a Golph beanie peak – it is the cross between a beanie and a visor. I also created a hand cream for post round as part of the Golph collection and I always have that with me!

What does your role with Genesis Motors entail?

What were the highlights of your Masters experience?

Genesis have been a great partner of ‘How Good is Golf’ over several years and their vehicles really are beautiful to drive. I have worked closely as a friend of the brand and was fortunate enough to play in the Genesis Invitational at Quail Hollow following the President’s Cup in 2022.

So many highlights … I felt very lucky to go this tournament. Walking the course and seeing iconic holes and aspects I grew up watching on TV was really special. I also have been involved in many sporting events in my career, both working and as a patron, and to experience such an exceptional event with beyond belief attention to detail was very much appreciated.

...the most rewarding parts of the show is when viewers tell me they took up golf after watching our show...

Have you ever been starstruck? Not really, I don’t think?! Meeting some of the players over the years who I grew up idolising has been exciting. I think if I ever met Tiger… I may have a different answer to this question!

Golf has become a ‘cool’ sport on a global scale. Why do you think that is?

Golf seems to be evolving, particularly in Australia. I think perhaps the stereotype of a Professional Golfer has shifted a bit over the years – they are ‘cooler’, appear more athletic, there is more diversity, etc. – so it appeals more. I believe athletes from other sports and influencers also getting into golf has helped promote the sport and move it into more of a lifestyle space as well.

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