Women's Golf Australia Summer 2025

DANIELLE KANG READY ACTION

WELCOME 2

025 is shaping up to be a wonderful year for women who play golf. Why? Well, for starters, the majority of Australian golf clubs have evolved (finally) to become a highly welcoming environment for us gals and female membership numbers are evidently on the increase.

Secondly, the women’s professional golf fan base is growing massively and the player's prize purses are also trending up, although the money is still no match for the men competing in PGA and/or LIV events. Nevertheless, times are changing and a recognisable commitment to our game by way of global sports brands supporting us, golf travel destinations catering to the female market (read Jess McAlister’s piece on page 44 to learn more about the booming golf travel industry) and for me, it’s super obvious that golf is definitely in its cool era, a trajectory unlikely to fade quickly or at all (why would it?). In any case, the dedicated masses and new converts to the game tend to agree.

Whether you’re a beginner golfer, intermediate, or playing at an expert level, this magazine is designed to share the best golfing tips and techniques. We’ll continue to profile women in the golf industry making boss moves, bringing you handy equipment guides and new product launch news. Plus, epic golf resort/ golf course ‘stay & play’ reviews and naturally we vow to feature fantastic players from all over the world – from the next-gen to the top 10.

A huge thank you goes to Danielle Kang for being this issue’s cover star! DK is one of our favourite professional golfers of all time and the WG team can’t wait to see how her 2025 season goes!

Roxanne Andrews Editor

2025 WILL BE A MASSIVE YEAR FOR AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S GOLF

KAREN LUNN CEO WPGA OF AUSTRALASIA

We are well and truly into the 2024-25 Australian Summer of Golf and have some super exciting events coming up on our schedule over the next month!

The Webex Players Series Events held in early 2025 have been super competitive and with The Athena coming up on the first weekend in March at the magnificent Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club, followed by the Australian WPGA Championship the following week at Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club held alongside the inaugural Gold Coast Festival of Golf on Queensland’s Gold Coast, fans are in for a real treat!

The Australian Women’s Classic at Coffs Harbour Golf Club and the NSW Open at Wollongong Golf Club will round off a threeweek swing of co-sanctioned tournaments in Australia on the Ladies European Tour, which is so exciting for golf fans in Australia.

Make sure you keep an eye out for our Aussie stars as they get into their 2025 LPGA Tour season, Hannah Green will be fresh to go after some well-deserved family time off in Perth, while Minjee Lee will be hoping to bounce back after a disappointing 2024.

Nicci Herrera nicci@womensgolfmagazine.com.au 02 9063 9500

EDITOR

Roxanne Andrews editor@womensgolfmagazine.com.au

ART

SUBSCRIPTIONS subscribe@womensgolfmagazine.com.au

Minjee Lee has made some changes in preparation for this year, she has a new caddie in Mikey Paterson who carried Karrie’s clubs for a big chunk of her career, and she has ditched the short putter for a broomstick model which will hopefully see her regain her confidence after a couple of years where those knee tremblers have been her Achilles heel.

2025 will be a massive year for Australian Women’s Golf, I look forward to connecting with you again soon!

Karen Lunn CEO WPGA of Australasia

& TRAINING

EQUIPMENT

Your Best Skin Now (and Forever)

Global Trends – Fresh Golf Fashion for the Green

COMPETITION

62 WIN! A Hamilton Island Golf Getaway, a year’s supply of Mizuno Golf Balls, a Birds of Condor accessories pack, or a pair of Women’s ECCO golf shoes!

Gold Coast Festival of

The LPGA 2025 Tournament

TRAVEL

HEALTH & FITNESS

How to Eat Out and Benefit

No Excuse for Abuse. Mindset Coaching with Jenny

The Power of Breathing. Golf

with Ann-Lise Bidou

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

EMMA CARPENTER –SPORTS JOURNALIST

Emma Carpenter is a dynamic sports broadcaster, media personality, and content creator.

With a B.A in Journalism and an M.A. in Marketing from the University of Minnesota, Emma is a recent graduate who has built a career that bridges her passion for sports and storytelling. A former Division 1 golfer, Emma played for the women’s golf team at the University of Minnesota and has been playing competitive golf for 11 years. Her dedication to her sports media craft has earned her numerous accolades. Currently, Emma serves as a playby-play host for PGA Tour LIVE, as a play-by-play host for the Golfzon Simulator World Tour, and as an ambassador and media personality.

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

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

ANNE-LISE BIDOU

LPGA Tour Physiotherapist

REANNA BLAKE

PGA Certified & WPGA

Golf Professional

GRACE LENNON

PGA Teaching Professional

ANDREW CROCKETT

Journalist

KAREN MILLINER

Journalist

RICK WOELFE – 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 (recognising 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.

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.

JESS MCALISTER –CONTRIBUTING EXPERT

Jess is a seasoned sports marketer, entrepreneur, talent rep and brand development strategist with many years of cross industry 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.

SCARLETT

THOMAS

–FASHION EDITOR

Scarlett is an experienced 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.

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.

Exciting

WOMEN’S GOLF TOURNAMENTS TO ATTEND IN 2025

RICK WOELFEL

Want to witness a women’s golf tournament in person? Which event will give you the truest sense of our game and its history? Where can you see the world's best female golfers competing aka living out their dream? Which tour stop offers the biggest prize purse in 2025? And, which host town/city gives fans the biggest welcome? All will be revealed, right here. WORDS

HSBC WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore. Feb 27 to March 2

First played in 2008, this event is part of the LPGA’s early-season swing through Asia. Hannah Green is confirmed to play and defend her 2024 title; she and her peers will be competing for 2.4 million USD; a 400,000 USD increase over last year. Past winners include Inbee Park (twice), Jin-young Ko (twice) Lorena Ochoa, Ai Miyazato, Karrie Webb, Angela Stanford, Paula Creamer and Michelle Wie West.

Sentosa Golf Club hosts a terrific tournament with plenty of action on and off the course for spectators to enjoy. Players often interact with fans during onsite activations and golf brands such as ECCO, Titleist and Tumi effectively showcase their wares for fans to inspect/test.

The HSBC Women’s World Championship is ‘unofficially’ but colloquially known as Asia’s Major. Make sure you allow time to explore the vibrant city of Singapore!

KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco, Texas. June 19-22

The PGA of America took over this tournament from the LPGA in 2015 and this year’s championship is being staged at the PGA’s new headquarters. The PGA’s involvement has resulted in bigger purses – a whopping 10.4 million USD in 2025 and provided the top female golfers in the world with access to venues such as Sahalee, Aronimink, Congressional, Baltusrol and the Atlanta Athletic Club among others. Defending champion Amy Yang heads this year’s field. The list of past champions includes the biggest names in the sport. Mickey Wright captured this championship four times and six other players have won it three times each including Annika Sorenstam, Kathy Whitworth, Nancy Lopez, Patty Sheehan, Se Ri Pak and Inbee Park. Giddy up and get set for a huge Texan golfing event!

The Tanjong 18th and Clubhouse

CHEVRON CHAMPIONSHIP

The Club at Carlton Woods, The Woodlands, Texas. April 24-27

It once was ‘The Dinah’ and with the venue change it has lost some of its luster but it’s still the LPGA’s signature event. Most importantly, this tournament’s history endures and the list of winners, which includes the likes of Annika Sorenstam, Betsy King, and Amy Alcott (three times each), Karrie Webb, Juli Inkster, Brittany Lincicome and Dottie Pepper (twice each), along with Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park, and Lydia Ko, is impressive.

The pros will play for 7.9 million USD at the Chevron Championship with Nelly Korda defending her title and hoping to host the Dinah trophy high.

Spectator passes start at $40 for single-day admission. Under 17s enter free. Seeking an elevated spectator experience? Opt for an all-inclusive (food and beverages) ticket to St. Luke’s Health Pavilion with premium course views and all the special guest trimmings. Lovely!

U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN

Erin Hills, Erin, Wisc. May 29-June 1

The U.S. Women’s Open is indisputably the most significant event on our golfing calendar. It has achieved that distinction over the past two decades as its purse has increased 400 percent; from 3 million USD in 2002 to 12 million USD in 2024 and again this year. The US Women’s Open is the oldest of the LPGA’s major championships, it was first played in 1946, four years before the LPGA was founded.

Defending champion Yuka Sasso will be trying to win her third Women’s Open title and add her name to a list that includes four-time winners Betsy Rawls and Mickey Wright and three-time champions Babe Zaharias Annika Sorenstam, Hollis Stacy, and Susie Maxwell Berning.

Over the last decade, the championship has been staged at some remarkable venues including Pinehurst #2, Pine Needles, Champions Golf Club, the Olympic Club, Pebble Beach and Lancaster Country Club (twice).

JM EAGLE LA CHAMPIONSHIP

Presented by Plastpro - El Caballero Country Club, Los Angeles. April 17-20

This is a fairly new event on the LPGA schedule. Played for the first time in 2023 at the Wilshire Country Club (currently under renovation) it has now moved to the prestigious El Caballero Country Club in 2025. We expect to see the world’s best players here to compete and Californian fans out in force to support this exciting tournament!

Defending AIG Women’s Open champion

Lydia Ko heads a field that will compete for a purse worth 9.5 million USD.

AIG WOMEN’S OPEN

Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, Porthcawl, Wales. July 31-August 3

This celebrated tournament (and one of the most covetable wins on tour) has been around in some form or fashion since 1976 and now it’s Wales’s turn to host the AIG Women’s Open. Over the past quarter century, the event has been held on some of the United Kingdom’s most esteemed golf courses such as St. Andrews twice, Royal Birkdale twice, Royal Lytham and St. Annes, twice, Carnoustie, twice, and Muirfield, Turnberry, and Royal Troon once each.

Fact: watching a Major championship in person at a historic venue is a bucket list experience.

Defending AIG Women’s Open champion Lydia Ko heads a field that will compete for a purse worth 9.5 million USD.

El Caballero Country Club host of the JM Eagle LPGA event

The Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales

Is a European summer holiday calling? Why not link your travel dates to attend a women’s Major Championship in France?

AMUNDI EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France, July 10-13

Is a European summer holiday calling? Why not link your travel dates to attend a women’s Major Championship in France? Book your ticket to France and witness all the exciting action of the Amundi Evian Championship. Defending champion, Japan’s Ayaka Furue heads a field competing for an 8 million USD purse. The golf course isn’t as long as some others the LPGA visits, but the views are truly spectacular with epic scenes of Lake Geneva and the Alpine summits abound. Travel tip: stay at the fabulous Evian Resort for easy access to the tournament.

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BennettBEATING HER OWN PATH TO THE BIGGEST STAGE

In many respects, Kelsey Bennett is a fairly typical 24-year-old from the South Coast of New South Wales. The Mollymook product loves to surf, jump on a motorbike and drives a 4-wheel drive that can only be described as imposing when you see it roll into a car park.

WORDS

JIMMY EMANUEL

However, unlike many of her fellow action sport-loving 20-somethings, Bennett possesses an immense talent for golf that has seen her travel the world.

The hugely popular WPGA Tour of Australasia player continuing her climb up the ladders of the professional game this year when she will play a full schedule on the Ladies European Tour (LET) for the first time after a 2024 campaign that included multiple victories and qualifying school success.

Starting the game at Mollymook Golf Club with her grandparents, her “Nan” still very much earning a spot in her dream foursome alongside Ash Barty and Chris Hemsworth, Bennett realised her talent for the game in her teens.

The former amateur standout climbing through the ranks to represent her country, an eye always on Europe once she was ready to play for a living.

“I definitely had Europe on my mind from when I was quite young, so that was my goal was to get on the European Tour,” Bennett said.

“It was obviously a lot tougher than what I expected it to be. I played a few of the LET events last year and it makes you really work a lot harder to not be on LET Access Series anymore.”

The Access Series Bennett mentions sits below the main LET circuit as a feeder for the main Tour, which only sits underneath the US-based LPGA Tour in the pyramid of importance for women’s golf globally.

Considered by many in the game as one of the toughest Tour’s to play, male or female,

for its constant travel and expense

prizemoney earnings, the Access Series along with a number of LET starts saw Bennett play in 13 countries in 2024, amassing nine top 10s and a victory on her way to 10th place on the Order of Merit.

Not quite enough to achieve the LET status she had in her sights since her amateur days, Bennett faced every professional golfer’s most dreaded prospect, a Tour qualifying school where it is all or nothing to earn a job the following season.

Headed for a five round slog in Morocco immediately after finishing in a share of seventh at the ISPS HANDA Australian Open, Bennett recovered from a midtournament 76 to finish T19 and earn her main Tour playing rights for this year, when she will join close friend Kirsten Rudgeley on the LET as one of Australia’s brightest lights.

“It’s honestly ridiculous because it all just comes down to one week of the year to play your best golf. I mean, you’ve got nothing to lose,” she said of the experience.

“You’re trying to get on the Tour, you don’t know whether to play safe or play aggressive. So, I feel like it comes down to planning

everything as well as you can to utilise your time there and do what you can do.”

Achieving her next goal of the LET as she closed out a year of positive steps forward, Bennett’s confidence, and bank account, had grown significantly earlier in the year at The Athena on her home Tour.

Mixing skills challenges and match play at Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club, The Athena allows players like Bennett to not only show off their significant golfing skills but also their personalities which means Australian fans get in their corner.

“Definitely gave me a massive confidence boost,” Bennett says of the event.

“Obviously going overseas, I knew I had the potential to play some bigger events, so having that little different kind of win under the belt was really big.

“I enjoyed the format of it and all that stuff and I’m sad I can’t play it again. But yeah, no, it was massive. It was really good. Financially it helped hugely too.”

Those benefits kickstarted a year that included another victory when Bennett triumphed at the Hauts de France Pas de Calais Golf Open on the Access Series amidst plenty of learning for the John Serhan coached player, both on and off the golf course.

“I mean it can be quite draining, especially if you have delayed flights and all that sort of stuff,” she said of the travel and planning a schedule that saw her play 22 world ranking counting events around the globe.

“Trying to make claims to get money back from having to book a new flight and all that sort of shit, that side of things can be a lot quite draining. The first year I played, I had a lot of that, so making no money and literally cancelled flights every week, it was pretty rough.

“My ultimate goal is obviously to have a long, successful career on the LPGA”

“I mean, it’s well worth it. Once you get to the event, you get into your accommodation, then you start your prep and all that stuff, you just sort of forget about it.”

Attempting to mix in some of the sightseeing opportunities that others her age do in Europe throughout the northern summer, Bennett has eyes beyond the LET, with many good judges certain she will follow the footsteps of some of her compatriots to the biggest stage in the women’s game.

“My ultimate goal is obviously to have a long, successful career on the LPGA, but yeah, this is only my third year out as a pro,” she said.

“Go through the stages of it and the learning curves and stuff I think is massively important to be the best to what you can be.”

Set to start her maiden LET campaign on home soil after multiple Webex Players Series events and the Vic Open, Bennett will be hoping for some good results as the WPGA and LET co-sanction a trio of Australian events.

The Australian WPGA Championship, Australian Women’s Classic and Ford Women’s NSW Open offer a chance to not only bank some money and Order of Merit points but also enjoy her beloved own wheels before facing the challenge of small European hire cars.

“Lydia Hall and Amy Walsh, they have a four-wheel drive as well, and when they come out to us, they travel around in that. So unfortunately, I’m not the only one,” she joked when asked if she was the only LET player to drive a “truck” at home.

Adding on hire car challenges overseas: “Honestly Shocking. You’re trying to fit, trying to fit three travel covers, three suitcases if you’re travelling with other people into this tiny little car.”

“It’s not fun, but we make it work.”

Her parting words are perhaps a description of her qualifying success and attitude to the game that bodes well for a long and successful career around the world.

GRACE KIM LOCKED IN FOR 2025 AUSTRALIAN WPGA CHAMPIONSHIP

LPGA Tour winner Grace Kim will headline the 2025 Australian WPGA Championship on the Gold Coast from March 6-9.

A winner on the world’s premier women’s circuit in 2023, Kim will be one of the stars of the show when the contest for the Karrie Webb Cup is played for the first time at the renowned Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club.

Hailing from Sydney, the 24-year-old claimed her maiden title, the Lotte Championship in Hawaii, in just the third start of her debut year on the LPGA Tour.

She backed up her strong rookie season with a runner-up finish at the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give, making 22 cuts from 28 starts overall and finishing inside the top-25 on eight occasions.

WHAT'S ON

The WPGA Championship and the Gold Coast Festival of Golf at Sanctuary Cove promise an exciting blend of live music, pop-up bars, participation zones, interactive experiences, and lifestyle displays showcasing the latest in golf. Attendees can enjoy activities such as the Callaway Putt Putt, the Superyacht Chipping Challenge, and golf simulators featuring longest drive and nearest-to-the-pin competitions.

“It’s always so special to come back home to Australia and play in front of family, friends and a home crowd”

Kim is excited to tee it up in her home nation and hoping to go one better than when the Australian WPGA Championship debuted at Royal Queensland and the Avondale Golf Club product finished runner-up to Su Oh as a newly minted professional.

“It’s always so special to come back home to Australia and play in front of family, friends and a home crowd,” Kim said.

“I’m looking forward to the return of the WPGA Championship, especially this year with the Ladies European Tour (LET) part of the event meaning the Aussies can show their skills against some of the best in the world.”

It is also fitting that this new standalone women’s golf event will take place on International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8.

On Saturday, 8 March, the tournament will celebrate International Women’s Day, with all proceeds from general admission tickets supporting women’s charities in Southeast Queensland. To celebrate the day, the International Women’s Day Charity Luncheon will be held at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, bringing together influential women from across the golf industry and beyond. Attendees will enjoy a gourmet dining experience while hearing from female leaders who are shaping the future of sport and business.

For those seeking a premium experience, the Champions Lounge, located overlooking the 18th green, offers the best view of the action along with quality food and beverages, live music, and a fantastic atmosphere to watch players tackle the final hole.

SECURE YOUR TICKETS NOW

Tickets for the 2025 Australian WPGA Championship are now available via Ticketek with tickets starting at just $15 for adults and $10 for concessions, while Kids 17 and under are free.

Family tickets are also available from $30, while hospitality offerings at the Champions Lounge are also now available.

Sanctuary Cove residents and Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club members go free and can also access a hospitality discount.

The 2025 WPGA Championships is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.

1 – 2 March, 2025

Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club

1 – 2 March, 2025

20 – 23 March, 2025 Wollongong Golf Club

6 – 9 March, 2025

AUSTRALIAN

Sanctuary

6 – 9 March, 2025

Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S

13 – 16 March, 2025

27 – 29 March, 2025

Binalong Golf Club

AUSTRALIAN

Coffs Harbour Golf Club

13 – 16 March, 2025 Coffs

TEEING UP CHANGE

HOW SAM SQUIERS FOUND HER DRIVE

For Fox Sports News journalist and presenter Sam Squiers, the decision to pick up a golf club was initially a business one.

Squiers was a rising star in TV sports news, working as a reporter and presenter for Nine News in Brisbane, having built an impressive portfolio after moving north from WIN News in Wollongong. Yet she was missing important, semiregular opportunities to grow her network and career. Those were when colleagues in the sports department were receiving invitations to play golf at media events. The women – who were assumed to not play – missed out.

“Me being me, I would crack the shits,” she laughs, reflecting.

“I thought, bugger this, I’m going to lean into it. You’re not going to exclude me just for the fact I’m female. I am going to get good at this game and make them invite me. So, in a disruptive sort of way, I got into golf … But then I absolutely fell in love with it.”

Squiers had played every sport including softball and cricket as a child. Natural hand-

WORDS

KATE ALLMAN

I love that feeling of cracking a ball, of being able to drive it as far as possible.

eye coordination put her a swing ahead of most newbies. Defiantly confident, she turned up to the driving range at Golf Central in Brisbane and quickly stunned the locals with her booming drive.

“I just loved power-hitting. I love that feeling of cracking a ball, of being able to drive it as far as possible like I’m hitting a home run in softball. When it flies beautifully straight. There’s no greater feeling,” she says.

Squiers began practicing before and after work, receiving coaching advice from PGA golf professional Murray Lott. She has been receiving invitations to golf media days and Pro-Ams ever since. Most recently in November 2024, she was invited to play at the Australian Open Pro-Am.

PHOTOGRAPHY: RYAN GILLIN

(She said yes, even the fear of muffing a drive in front of other people still plagues her.)

Golf has been in Squiers’ life, geographically speaking, since she was very young. She grew up just a stone’s throw away from the renowned 18-hole championship golf course in Orange, Duntryleague. Her grandmother was a huge sports fan and would “watch golf all day” even when she was in her 90s. Yet it was not until Squiers started working as a journalist in local TV news in the Illawarra region of NSW that she noticed there weren’t too many women on the golf course or in sports generally.

“People would always tell me, ‘Oh girls don’t like sport, women don’t like sport,” she says.

“I would push for women’s sports stories and would get told, ‘No, our audience doesn’t watch women’s sport.’ I just thought that was ridiculous – plenty of women like me loved sports. I always read the paper from the back page first. I knew AFL memberships were close to 50 percent female. It made no sense.”

Squiers has made it her mission to showcase more women’s sports stories in the news. At first, she managed this by surreptitiously leaving out gender from her pitches to editors. They would later discover the rugby league player they had green-lighted for the interview was a female player.

In 2014, Squiers founded her own women in sport think tank, Sportette, and in 2020, she collaborated with ListSTNR to launch a podcast profiling female athletes called “On Her Game”. She has since published two children’s books Princesses Wear Sneakers and Running With Wings, which build visibility for young girls of women in sport and messages of inclusion. Now, as a presenter at Fox Sports News based in Sydney, she celebrates the fact that telling women’s sport stories is a normal part of the job.

“I do remember the moment years ago when I realised that I didn’t have to fight [for women’s sports coverage] anymore. I went in with another women’s sports story for my editor and news director, and they just said, ‘yep, cool, off you go’,” she says.

“I was prepared for a fight, I had 10 reasons why we should do the story and all my responses ready to what they might say. But they just said go ahead. I remember thinking how much things were shifting.”

I would push for women’s sports stories and would get told, ‘No, our audience doesn’t watch women’s sport.’ I just thought that was ridiculous – plenty of women like me loved sports. I always read the paper from the back page first.

Squiers reflects that while there is more visibility of women in golf at professional levels, there are still barriers preventing the growth of female participation at a grassroots level. In 2017 she joined the Board of the WPGA Tour and has been working hard to reduce those. She and her Board celebrated when recent numbers from Golf Australia reported an 84 percent jump in the number of women participating in Get Into Golf programs, and a significant rise in women’s golf participation at all levels.

There are still some tweaks she’d like to make the game more inclusive. Those include addressing longstanding rules about dress codes, perhaps by allowing activewear on courses, and alleviating the cost of equipment with club exchanges or libraries.

Squiers, who proudly doesn’t have a registered handicap, also wants to change the perception of golf as limited to a strict game played over 18 holes with every shot counted.

“I think it’s a really old school way of thinking, that the only way you can call yourself a golfer is to go out to a golf course. Because that doesn’t suit our modern-day lifestyle anymore,” she says.

“An average person may not have time to play 18 holes, but they can play nine holes and go to the range. We’re more likely to kind of be able to grow our community if we have more of an inclusive attitude for all aspects and ways of playing golf.”

SLOW PLAY IS KILLING OUR GREAT GAME AT EVERY LEVEL

Golf is a game steeped in tradition, precision, and patience. Yet, one of its most persistent and frustrating issues—slow play—is slowly but surely suffocating the sport at every level. From the polished fairways of world-class tournaments to the weekend hustle of club-level courses, the plague of slow play is impacting players, fans, and the game’s future. It’s time to face the facts: slow play is killing our great game.

WORDS STACEY PETERS

THE IMPACT ACROSS ALL LEVELS

This isn’t just a problem for women’s golf, men’s golf, or any specific demographic—it’s universal. In professional golf, rounds that stretch beyond five hours frustrate everyone involved. Fans grow weary as they wait for players to execute their shots. Players lose rhythm and focus, which can affect performance. Tournament staff scramble to keep events on schedule, while daylight fades, putting a hard limit on how much golf can be played. At the amateur level, slow play takes the joy out of a round, limits the number of tee times available, and discourages newcomers from taking up the game. The worst part? No one seems to be addressing the issue with any real urgency.

PROFESSIONAL GOLF’S ROLE IN THE PROBLEM

Slow play has been a hot topic in professional golf for years. Fans and broadcasters regularly complain about the lack of pace, and many players have

publicly voiced their frustrations. Yet, little has been done to tackle the issue head-on.

One of the biggest obstacles is the reluctance of rules officials to penalise players for slow play. Are they worried about upsetting the stars of the game? If so, they’re in the wrong job. Officials have a duty to protect the integrity of the sport, not cater to egos. Until meaningful penalties—like adding strokes to a player’s scorecard—are enforced, slow play will persist. Fines alone won’t cut it. For players earning millions, a financial penalty is just another line on a spreadsheet. But a shot or two added to their scorecard? That’s a consequence they’ll care about.

THE TRICKLE-DOWN EFFECT ON AMATEUR GOLF

Professional golf sets the tone for how the game is perceived and played at every level

One of the biggest obstacles is the reluctance of rules officials to penalise players for slow play.

When the world’s best players take an eternity to line up putts or assess shots, amateur golfers often mimic these habits, thinking it’s the “right” way to play. This trickle-down effect exacerbates slow play at the club level, where education about pace of play is often lacking.

Amateur golfers may not understand the true cost of slow play:

• Frustration Among Players: Long waits on every tee box diminish the enjoyment of the game.

• Reduced Rounds per Day: Public courses, in particular, suffer financially when fewer rounds can be played due to delays.

• Damaged Reputation of the Sport: Golf is already seen by many as slow and inaccessible. Slow play only reinforces this stereotype, discouraging newcomers - especially those who may already feel intimidated by the sport.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT ON LIFE AND BALANCE

Slow play also has a tangible impact on golfers’ personal lives. For many, golf is a passion balanced with family and work commitments. Rounds stretching to five and a half hours or more make it harder for players to justify their time on the course. This time barrier further alienates potential new golfers, especially younger players with busy schedules.

HOW DO WE SOLVE THE PROBLEM?

While slow play is undeniably a pervasive issue, it is not an unsolvable one. Here are a few strategies that could help at both professional and amateur levels:

1. Stricter Penalties in Professional Golf

The fear of upsetting players shouldn’t stop officials from enforcing rules. Adding strokes to scorecards for repeated slow play violations is likely to have a greater impact than monetary fines.

2. Shot Clocks

Events like the European Tour’s Shot Clock Masters have proven that round times can be reduced without

compromising performance. Such innovations should be more widely adopted to set an example for faster play.

3. Course Setups

While challenging courses are part of professional golf, overly harsh setups contribute to slow play. Thoughtful course design can help maintain difficulty while ensuring a reasonable pace.

4. Education at the Amateur Level Clubs need to educate their members and guests about pace-of-play expectations. This could include guidelines on ready golf, time limits for searching for lost balls, and proper etiquette for letting faster groups play through.

5. Cultural Shift

Encouraging faster play needs to be part of golf’s culture. Peer pressure and education can help players adopt habits that prioritize efficiency without sacrificing enjoyment.

A BARRIER TO GROWTH AND ENJOYMENT

Slow play is more than an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to the growth of golf. It drives away potential players, frustrates existing ones, and tarnishes the sport’s reputation. For golf to thrive in the modern world, the industry needs to prioritize pace of play across all levels.

Professional tours must lead by example, showing that precision and efficiency can coexist. Clubs and courses must foster a culture of awareness, education, and accountability. And officials must be willing to take decisive action, even if it means upsetting a few egos along the way.

The question remains - golf is a game that prides itself on integrity and sportsmanship. Addressing slow play is not just about preserving tradition; it’s about ensuring the sport remains vibrant and appealing for generations to come. The question is: will the golfing community enforce meaningful changes, or will slow play continue to frustrate and alienate players at every level?

It’s time to take a stand. Slow play is killing our great game—but with the right actions, we can revive its pace and its spirit.

HEAD OF WOMEN & GIRLS ENGAGEMENT AT GOLF AUSTRALIA Tamara Mason

For many years Tamara Mason has been a driving force to get more women and girls involved in a range of sports.

WORDS KAREN MILLINER

It’s been seven years since Golf Australia (GA) launched its Vision 2025 strategy aimed to draw more girls and women into golf, to encourage and nurture playing and coaching talent and to make clubs, and golfing culture in general, more inclusive.

So now that 2025 is here, how successful has the strategy been and what still needs to be done?

As the new Head of Women and Girls Engagement for GA, Tamara Mason is charged with analysing just that.

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly interrupted implementation of strategy initiatives, but Tamara says the preliminary assessments of what’s been achieved are encouraging.

Whilst in 2018, women’s golf membership numbers were as low as 77,294, they have grown steadily by 7% to reach 82,998 in 2024. And those figures don’t provide the full picture, with women accounting for 51% of the 3.8 million Australians who played golf in 2024.

Over the next few months Tamara will be doing a deep dive into all the data and then develop a new 10-year vision for women and girls in golf, embedded into the Australian Golf Strategy for Australian Golf. The

inaugural national strategy launched in 2022 is currently being reviewed.

Tamara joined GA in September last year, the third woman to take on the role of leading Women and Girls Engagement.

“I love a challenge and I love sport and when I saw the role advertised I knew it was one that I wanted to take on and which would be exciting,” she says.

“Golf Australia has been very supportive allowing me to begin part-time, as I have a two-year-old son at home growing up quickly and I am in this for the long game.

“I am not a golfer – yet. Cricket has been my passion since high school. But I am very competitive and I want to learn. I also feel that the perspective I bring as a non-golfer is an advantage.

“As someone in the market to play golf, I can look at what are the equipment and clothing manufacturers doing to attract me to play and buy their products, what are courses and clubs doing to attract me to

attend and have a golf experience and what does that look, feel and sound like.

“I have worked with a variety of sporting clubs on women’s and girls’ participation, for three national sporting organisations and the Victorian Institute of Sport, so I have a lot of learned experience which I am keen to bring to golf.

“We have data that shows the perception of golf as an inclusive sport is lower than that for rugby league and rugby union. I want to help change that. Once you are involved in golf you realise that it is welcoming, inclusive, fun and friendly and it provides many opportunities beyond the game itself.

“We have incredible high-performance female golfers coming through the ranks who are modern role models. I want golf to be up there as the sport of choice, the number one female participation sport.”

Prior to joining GA, Tamara spent seven years at Merri-bek City Council in Melbourne, responsible for implementing the council’s policy on providing women and girls access to sporting grounds and facilities. The council was the first in Victoria to have a policy that prioritised allocation and use of sporting grounds and

facilities to clubs which demonstrated inclusivity.

Tamara worked with more than 54 clubs across multiple sports, including a private golf club which invited her to be part of its work on delivering GA’s Vision 2025.

“We have incredible highperformance female golfers coming through the ranks who are modern role models. I want golf to be up there as the sport of choice, the number one female participation sport.”

She’s proud to say that participation of women and girls in sport throughout the Merri-bek municipality rose from 8% to 23% during her time with council and its policy helped inform the Victorian Government’s Fair Access Policy Roadmap for statewide community sports infrastructure.

GA has four staffers across Australia dedicated to Women and Girls Engagement: Tamara, Virginia Irwin (R&A Women In Golf Charter Manager), Briony Wandin-Thomas (Women and Girls Engagement Coordinator) and Mercedes Mathewson-Vardy (Junior Girls Scholarship Program Coordinator).

“As a team we are all passionate and determined to make a difference,” Tamara says. “When we go on the road in the next six months, we’re aiming to meet and talk with as many people as we can to help us create the vision for girls and women in golf for the next 10 years.”

The team will certainly have a huge opportunity to do that at the upcoming Gold Coast Festival of Golf (March 6-9) at Sanctuary Cove, which is headlined by the Australian WPGA Championship for the Karrie Webb Cup. Day three of play is very aptly International Women’s Day.

The championship is also part of three weeks of co-sanctioned events between the WPGA Tour of Australasia and the Ladies European Tour. The festival itself is a joint initiative of the PGA of Australia, events company Mulpha, Tourism & Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast.

Tamara and her team have been working with Mulpha to draw women and girls to attend, on the best types of engaging activations and experiences, and also working with golfing clubs to transfer the interest generated by the event onto courses.

Over the festival weekend attendees can test their skills or play a virtual game on high-tech golf simulators, take part in putting, chipping and longest drive challenges, mix and mingle with players and special guests, and check out displays that showcase the latest and greatest in everything from golfing gadgets to travel and off-course experiences.

“We have the research,” says Tamara, “that shows that women are not always looking for an 18-hole golf experience so we want to show at the festival what clubs can offer. It may be a shorter format game, it may be a clinic, a couple of clinics, it might be a come-and-try day, a chip-and-sip event, a bring-a-friend or mother-daughter day.

“We want women who attend the championships and festival to know there are lots of appealing options for them out there post the event.”

Top right: Mercedes, Virginia, Tamara and Briony.

LPGA TOUR - 2025 SCHEDULE

NAMES NEW LPGA PLAYER BRAND AMBASSADORS

Angel Yin, Gaby López, Rose Zhang, Madelene Sagström, and Sarah Schmelzel have been named the newest Brand

Ambassadors for LPGA*USGA Girls Golf.

These five players will raise awareness for the global program, which has introduced more than one million girls to the game since 1989. Additionally, these ambassadors will help drive the LPGA Foundation’s One Million MORE Girls campaign, an ongoing fundraising effort dedicated to reaching the next million girls.

As these brand ambassadors begin their new roles, they will build upon the impactful work of Stacy Lewis, Brittany Lincicome, Lizette Salas, Mariah Stackhouse, and Lexi Thompson.

Girls Golf is about more than just introducing girls to the game. Whether at one of more than 700 sites around the world or at junior clinics held across the LPGA Tour schedule, girls of all backgrounds have the opportunity to learn the game of golf in a girl-friendly environment while also developing life skills to become successful both on and off the course.

Girls Golf prides itself on instilling confidence and leadership through the 5 E’s: Empower, Enrich, Engage, Exercise, and Energise. As part of their roles, the new ambassadors will each represent one of these pillars, selected based on what they embody on and off the course.

ANGEL YIN is a natural choice for Empower. The 2023 Buick LPGA Shanghai champion is not only a standout player on Tour, but also a charismatic and inspiring figure. She has become a fan favourite, particularly among Girls Golf members known for representing strength and determination. Most recently, South Florida members turned out in full force representing “Angel’s Army” at the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship. Yin’s commitment to define herself beyond golf serves as a positive example for young athletes who often tie their self-worth to their performance. Yin’s bold personality and ability to smoke a 300yard drive make her the perfect ambassador for Empower.

GABY LOPEZ will serve as the Enrich ambassador. Hailing from Mexico, López has leveraged her golf success to support young Latina athletes through her collaboration with the Latinx Golfers Association and by representing her country in three Olympic Games. A three-time LPGA Tour champion and University of Arkansas alumna, she is a role model for the Razorback women’s golf team. López is highly regarded for breaking down barriers in the game and is known to open doors for others that create lasting impact. As the LPGA Foundation launches new Girls Golf sites in Mexico, López’s leadership as the Enrich ambassador will continue to inspire girls to embrace new cultures and pursue unconventional paths.

ROSE ZHANG epitomises Engage. Zhang is a two-time LPGA Tour winner at just 21 years old, and competed in her second Solheim Cup this past September. The rising star currently balances committed responsibilities away from tournaments, which includes earning her degree at Stanford University, taking classes each spring. She is a symbol of success. Her dedication to excellence on and off the course is something she hopes will inspire the next generation of girls.

MADELENE SAGSTRÖM will lead by example as the Exercise ambassador. She is known for her physical fitness and commitment to overall health and well-being. The Swedish golfer has found success at every level, thanks in large part to her focus on strength and conditioning. After being diagnosed with shoulder impingement and severe scapular dyskinesia in 2018, Sagström worked diligently with a French physiotherapist in 2019 to overcome the issue. Her efforts quickly paid off in 2020, when she earned her first LPGA Tour victory at the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio. She will promote the importance of staying active while maintaining a healthy lifestyle on and off the course.

SARAH SCHMELZEL will personify Energize. She embodies the program’s “Little Girls, BIG Dreams” tagline, especially as a former participant in Girls Golf. She credits the Phoenix chapter for providing the strong foundation that propelled her to the LPGA Tour. She brings a personal understanding of the journey many of these young girls are on and has made it a priority to give back, often making surprise appearances at the home site. She has also served as an ambassador for the I GOT THIS Foundation, a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering athletes with disabilities.

Article Courtesy of the LPGA

NO #1

SKINCARE TIP TO FOLLOW IN YOUR 20S, 30S, 40S, 50S YOUR BEST SKIN NOW (AND FOREVER)

20s

Prevention and creating good habits

WHAT’S HAPPENING:

You’re discovering what your skin needs after moving out of adolescence. Setting up a simple yet purposeful skincare routine of cleanse, an antioxidant serum (we love brightening Vit C), moisturiser and sunscreen- keep it simple.

WHAT YOU NEED:

By starting the practice of wearing a broad spectrum SPF 50+ daily in your 20s you can save yourself a lot of trouble - and expensive treatments - down the track. Just remember that sun damage is cumulative. A zinc oxide sunscreen prevents breakouts as it doesn’t clog pores, just make sure you choose one that doesn’t leave a white cast.

WE LOVE:

GEM SOLAR Screen SPF 50+ Mineral Zinc Hydrating Face Sunscreen Lotion, AU$32.99

30s

Look after your Eyes

WHAT’S HAPPENING:

Fine lines start developing especially around the delicate eye area if you are not vigilant.

WHAT YOU NEED:

Use a moisturiser specific for this area and also take your sunscreen up around the area, and wear large sunglasses for added protection.

WE LOVE:

DR LEWINN’S Eternal Youth Day and Night Eye Cream, AU$69.95. AM EYEWEAR TAMMY sunglasses in honey/Brown, AU$300.

40s

Cleanse and exfoliate

WHAT’S HAPPENING:

More creases are common –it’s life! - but if you haven’t applied daily sunscreen you will notice your skin won’t look as good as your friend who did. Also pigmentation starts to appear.

WHAT YOU NEED:

You need to kick it up a notch to improve skin cell renewal. That means a good cleanse and then cleanse again as well as to exfoliate every night in the shower.

WE LOVE:

ELLA BACHE Botanical Cleansing Oil, AU$76, EDIBLE BEAUTY Desert Lime Flawless Micro-Exfoliant, AU$40

ADRIANA DONNOLA

What you do – or don’t do - now will affect your skin in the next decade so invest time in your face starting today to reap the rewards later.

HAIR HELP

Protect summertime strands with added moisture - for less repair time in the months ahead

50’s: The more hydrating ingredients you can get into your skin the younger and fresher you will look.

50s

Layer your skincare

WHAT’S HAPPENING:

Skin-firming collagen breakdowns due to the years advancing and UV harm. WHAT YOU NEED:

A skin plumping two –step. The more hydrating ingredients you can get into your skin the younger and fresher you will look, A serum and then a moisturiser and then sunscreen for day, a twice weekly mask, serum and night moisturiser to wind down.

WE LOVE:

CLARINS Double Serum, AU$240, Extra-Firming Night Cream, AU$150.

BEAUTY ED’S FAVE:

LED LIGHT THERAPY MASK SERIES 2, AU$679

This is an elevated version of the original collagen-stimulating mask. Its revamped silicone shape extends down to now include the chin, and an upgraded light coverage - double the original - provides that famous instant glow, for a healthier, brighter and smoother looking complexion. No downtime, completely painless and only 10 minutes to use, 3-5 times a week for more glowing skin. www.currentbody.com.au

KERASILK COLOUR PROTECTING SHAMPOO/ CONDITIONER, AU$44 EACH Kerasilk Colour Protecting shampoo/ conditioner, AU$44 each. This 100 % vegan formula prevents premature colour fading, restores hair elasticity and improves compatibility for hair with vibrant colour and beautiful shine.

NEXXUS KERAPHIX TREATMENT MASQUE, AU$74, helps heal roughness and brittleness for smoother and shinier looking hair after just one use.

DELORENZO AFTERGLOW, AU$23.90, is an anti-humidity, UV protection shine spray that has been formulated with a blend of natural organic ingredients including goji berry and Australian desert raisin extract that protects the hair from photooxidation and gives added shine.

GLOBAL TRENDS:

FRESH FASHION FOR THE GREEN

Nostalgic elements are making a comeback with a modern twist and it’s worldwide! 1 4 3 2

1. TULA all-in wool suit AU$345 nagnata.com.au 2. VARLEY Lydia cropped DoubleSoft® jumpsuit AU$342 net-a-porter. com 3. KENDRA playsuit Black AU$371 jlindeberg.com

4. SWEATY BETTY Jumpsuit all day AU$88 sweatybetty.com

RETRO REVIVAL

Simplify your outfit game with classic one-pieces, perfect for a day on the green. Easily layer with a vest for cooler days or pair with a long sleeve underneath for an effortlessly cute, polished look. Classic high waist lines meet fitted silhouettes and retro cutout details in this season’s most versatile staple. Combining practicality with nostalgic elegance, these one-pieces make getting ready a breeze—so you can focus on your swing in style.

THE POWER COMBO

Elevate your game and your look with these seamless, comfortable co-ords—because your outfit should work as hard as you do. From high-performance sporty dry-fit leggings and tops to retroinspired relaxed-fit tracksuits, matching pant sets are your ultimate wardrobe solution. Engineered with breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics for peak performance and designed with retro flair for everyday wear, they’re as dynamic as you are.

1. ISA Anorak Top $664 & GIANNA II Sweatpant $332 malbon.com 2. ADIDAS BY STELLA MCCARTNEY Stretch-shell hooded jacket $252 & TruePace COLD RDY stretch recycled leggings $234 neta-porter.com 3. SPORTY & RICH NY

Printed cotton-jersey sweatshirt $288 & SPORTY & RICH NY 94 printed cotton-jersey sweatpants $288 sportyandrich.com

We are looking to the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s to kick start our 2025 golf wardrobe. Expect to see highwaisted bottoms, oversized layers and bold accessories reminiscent of these eras. Vintage-inspired pieces are reimagined with modern fabrics, contemporary cuts and fresh colour combinations. This issue, we’ve prioritised consciously created pieces using sustainable fibres in muted tones to ensure a harmonious balance between planet, performance and style.

WORDS

SCARLETT THOMAS

PAR FOR THE COURSE

This season, we’re embracing vests as the perfect lightweight layer to keep cozy on cooler days. Designed in subtle hues and relaxed colourways, these versatile pieces complement any wardrobe while adding just the right touch of warmth. Stay snug, stay chic—because comfort and style should always go hand in hand.

1. J. LINDENBERG Holma Quilt Hybrid Vest $300 jlindeberg.com 2. RALPH LAUREN Quilted hybrid vest in front RLX $527 ralphlauren.com 3. REFLECTIVES Colour Block Down Vest $550 toryburch.com

Step up your game with accessories that pack a punch! From statement soles to pops of colour that elevate your look, this is your chance to shine. Use your accessories to bring European-inspired sophistication, with earthy tones like olive, taupe and deep blues to pair with the charcoals and crisp whites in your outfit, creating an

DANIELLE KANG

A PRO GOLFER

Powerhouse

PHOTOGRAPHER: JESS LAFRANKIE

HAIR AND MAKUP: HOLLY ASHCROFT

APPAREL: DESCENTE

Danielle Kang is a familiar face on the LPGA Tour - astute, cute and a formidable opponent any day of the week. The moment DK sets onto the green, everybody and I mean, everybody is watching.

WORDS

ROXANNE ANDREWS

During this interview, it was easy to see just how laser-focused and genuine she is, from the way she interacts with the magazine film crew, her agent, the staff at the hotel and with me, the journalist. The observer (me) has quickly become the observed). One thing is clear –Danielle Kang doesn’t miss a beat and it’s a quality that surely supports her competitive streak.

Kang’s passion for golf and her philanthropic streak are evident too. The latter became apparent as I spied her Titleist golf bag in the corner of the room (adorned with a Wayne Gretzky driver cover and other niche/kawaii decorative items) and was told (nonchalantly) by DK that she had just donated the entire bag on a whim to a charitable organisation in Melbourne. This woman sure has a heart of gold and although her outward persona is somewhat emboldened; I feel there’s a sweet innocence beneath it. It’s an enchanting mix that keeps me and likely all the tour players questioning her motives and her strategy. In any case, I don’t think DK cares what I, or what anyone else thinks of her. It’s refreshing and at this stage of her career, she’s all about trusting the process.

Danielle is still rebuilding mentally, bit by bit (after a long battle recovering from injury, note: she’s physically fit) but what we learn from this interview is that she’s content to leave her former self in the past and let her competitive animal instinct kick in when warranted, to appreciate all the opportunities and experiences (highs and lows) a pro golfing career brings. Whether or not another Major is in her future is debatable (though I’d put my money on it) but longevity certainly is.

In our sport, Danielle is the precursor of cool, an individual that’s comfortable in her skin and ready to win (or, not).

Did you like the mixed format at the Australian Open?

I loved that all the all-abilities players were competing at the same time as the men and women throughout the tournament. It would be great to see more events like this. Fans have plenty to see.

Have you played many courses in Australia?

Well, I just played Kingston Heath in Melbourne. We used to have the Australian tournament out here as part of the LPGA tour, my geography isn’t great, but I’ve played all over Gold Coast, a few courses in Canberra, Adelaide, lots in Melbourne and in Sydney.

Tell me about your Solheim Cup experiences.

The Solheim Cup is always an excellent experience, but nothing will ever top 2017. That was my first and I think that it was the apex, the pinnacle. It’s great to play in a team event. I just love having so much energy around me. Golf is such an individual sport in certain ways with tournaments like the Solheim Cup, golf progresses to a point where more fans are interested. There’s plenty of diversity in the courses we play, a different variety of players and people involved in the game. But, most of all, the fans just love it.

You’ve been on Team Titleist for a long time. How much input do you have into your equipment?

Titleist has fantastic reps who provide me with vital input. I am the type of player who gives them feedback, say, for example, my driver is doing such and such. Then the R&D department takes my notes on board and these top-tier equipment experts either know how to fix it or they give me different ideas to work with like ‘hey, maybe we should shorten the shaft or maybe we should add on weights’. I like to give feedback on what the ball is doing too. For example, I’ll tell them ‘I’ve made some swing changes and now my ball is spinning out of the air’. When you change your swing, the way you hit the ball changes too, you have to kind of see the dispersion of the consistency of how the ball’s flying. And as soon as I have the data from Titleist, I’ll be like, great now it’s not spinning as much. I trust them with my entire game. I find sometimes players just leave it all up to the equipment and they don’t communicate as much with the experts as I do.

Which professional golfer inspired you the most when you were young?

When I was young, Annika Sorensen was the player that I looked up to. As I got older. My role model shifted to Inbee Park, I love the way she is on and off the golf course, her overall persona, how she approaches the game and her mindset. I admire her in all aspects of life.

Speaking of mindset, during your recovery (note: Danielle battled multiple injuries before returning to full health and competition mode), you must have spent quite some time refocusing your mindset.

Yeah. It’s still a work in progress; I’m definitely going through it. I think that’s the last bit of the puzzle that I have to click in with really. Coming back physically was tough, extremely tough actually. People only know about 1% of what I had to do and what I had to go through on my healing journey. With that said, I’m very proud of how far I’ve come physically, just to play golf again is a blessing.

At one point, actually several times, I wanted to quit because it was just too hard on me physically. However, now that I’m physically in form again, the second part to work on is my mental game. It’s not the same as it used to be. It’s been beaten down and rebuilding that mentality, that foundation has been probably the toughest thing to do!

Do you have a good support network with family and friends?

Yes, I have a great support network. I think people come into your life at the right time. I’ve been meeting people throughout this journey and they are the key to helping me get better. I’m not relying on my old friends or family per se to get me through anything. I’m relying on myself and the people around me and trying to figure out what the next best step is. For a while there everyone kept saying, oh, you have to get back to yourself, get back to who you were before the injury. But, the thing is, I don’t want to be that person. That person’s dead, she died… she’s staying back there. I’m moving forward, that’s the only way to get change happening. People are still asking me; do you want to go back to being that player? The answer is no. I don’t like her very much and I don’t like how she approached the game. I know she has a lot of accomplishments, but I have to separate that character from who I am now.

Either way, I’m confident I’m on the right track and I’m excited about it. Ultimately, I’m trusting the process. And the process is what matters most. I’m probably going to fail again and that’s a fact. And even though people say, “You have to win again DK”, I don’t know if that’s ever going to happen. I don’t know if I’ll ever win a major again, but that doesn’t make me a failure. Trying itself is a success. It’s interesting when I look at myself, how my results make me feel, or how the world views me (the golfing world) like oh, DK is back. I really don’t know what the people see but I think I’m already succeeding by standing in front of them.

Are you too hard on yourself?

It’s really hard when you play poorly, but to play so badly in the 2024 season was pretty tough. But I’m doing it, I’m moving forward, even though I was throwing up 83s or 84s, I’m still not quitting. It’s hysterical the lack of consistency that was happening with my game last year.

FAST FACTS

• DK qualified for the US Women’s Open in 2007 at just 14 years old!

• She won the U.S. Women's Amateur twice, in 2010 and 2011

• Kang won the 2020 Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average on the LPGA Tour

• Career Tour wins = 1 x Major (the 2017 KPMG Women's PGA Championship) & 5 x LPGA events

• DK finished her 2022 season in June abruptly after being diagnosed with a spinal tumor & returned in August after treatment

• Sponsors – Titleist/FootJoy, Descente (apparel), MGM Resorts, Citi Bank, Cisco, Golf Saudi, Omega

People say to me “You’re 32, when you’re going to retire?” and I’m like “Really, I doubt you’re going to go up to the guys and ask them when they’re going to retire?”.

One day I’d be starting with an eagle, then a birdie, and going great but then it would all come undone. That’s the beauty of our game though and I’m kind of glad that I’m able to experience the highs and lows of professional golf. You can’t play well all the time and vice versa. You just gotta ride the wave, right?

Women’s golf is booming. What’s your advice to the next generation of players?

My advice to the next generation of golfers is to value your education. I do believe that girls should go to school and that studying is beneficial. There are a lot of places in the world where women don’t have the right to an education - which is frustrating.

The younger generation is exposed to plenty of unhelpful/negative content on social media. It’s like almost everyone on there is using it to try and succeed, feeling pressured to make money and mostly it all seems to be about inconsequential objects and things that don’t matter. Go get an education girls, it’s not that late to start studying at 22. And there’s not that much of a difference in turning pro at 18 versus 22. To be honest, I don’t like that golfers are getting younger and younger. Especially when it’s one of the few sporting careers that nurtures longevity.

People say to me “You’re 32, when you’re going to retire?” and I’m like “Really, I doubt you’re going to go up to the guys and ask them when they’re going to retire?”.

That’s why my advice is to let the younger generation know that it is okay to go through your growth process, go to school, go to high school, go to college, and just experience the basic education system if that’s enough for you. I’m saying to go get a master’s degree!

I spent two years with the Pepperdine University (Malibu) golf team and it taught

me so much, to this day I still speak to my college coach (we met 14 years ago!). I’ll call her for advice on things and she calls me for advice on how to talk to the younger generation. So, that’s cool. She has been instrumental in my golfing career and she shaped me into who I am today by allowing my personality to thrive and by guiding me to the next phase of my life. She taught me values that you can’t learn just by playing golf on tour. That’s why I think the next generation should take their time and go to school. Yeah, that’s my advice.

You live in Las Vegas. What’s your local course?

Shadow Creek - it’s a beautiful golf course. It has a great balance between golf and lifestyle too. There’s plenty of stuff to do there, I mean, it is Las Vegas.

What does your role as UNICEF ambassador entail?

I’ve been a UNICEF ambassador and supporter for 10 years and consider myself more of a philanthropist than a golfer. Golf has given me a lot of outlets to help people and to pursue what I want to do later in my career, whether that’s running a foundation and/or working with nonprofit organisations. Jonathan, my agent, represents me, and has helped me to get a lot of things rolling in this space. As for UNICEF, they do so much great work and I’m very hands-on with them. Their main aim is to focus on children, and that’s what I like about it because children shape the next generation…the future. We work together to assist with food insecurity issues, medical assistance, education, housing and all of that. I’ll support their initiatives in any way I can. We’ve done donation drives for them, as in, donating $100 or even just $10 if I get a birdie at an event. One guy donated a heap towards

a Dominican Republic fund that I was involved in years ago and he recently came up and said hello in Hawaii. So, that aspect brings the fans in too.

Golf fashions have evolved a lot in recent years. You’re wearing Descent for today’s cover shoot and you’re clearly loving it. Tell me about the changes you have seen in golf fashion.

Ha, well for starters, I used to get a lot of negative feedback about how I looked too casual and wore hoodies, leggings and joggers on the course and at practice - now it’s fairly standard!

Yeah, you were way ahead of the ‘cool’ curve that golf fashion has taken.

That whole look is in and it’s a proper thing. I was getting fined for dressing too casually back then, people told me I was dressing sloppily. Now it’s cool to wear hoodies and I’m like whatever, I’ve been wearing hoodies since day one. My coach just reminded me how much I copped for my fashion choices in my youth. He found an old video of me at 14 wearing a hoodie at the US Open and shared it online as a reminder, he was like, DK’s been wearing hoodies for 18 years! So, that was pretty classic.

I wear Descent gear now and their main focus is on modern designs and fabrics that move with you to support your performance. The brand is originally a ski company and I’m the type of person that feels the cold easily, but with the quality of their clothing, I’ve never been so warm in my life. I love Descent because I hate restrictive clothes and prefer to wear oversized, baggy items (which is definitely my style off the golf course). When clothes are too tight, I feel like I’m suffocating and yet, when I first tried Descents skintight clothes, it felt like I was wearing nothing. Put simply, when it’s winter, I feel warm and when it’s summer, I’m cool. The Descent designs are getting real cute and what I like is that it’s all performancebased. So, I don’t have skirts flying and hitting my wedge, which has happened before! Their hoodies are tightened and fitted in all the right places too,

Last question, what’s your game plan for 2025?

I’m ready to play as many golf tournaments as possible!

TRAVEL TRENDS WOMEN’S GOLF

For years, the image of golf has been dominated by men. But the landscape is changing. A vibrant and growing community of women are taking to the fairways, not just at their local courses, but around the globe. The rise of women’s golf groups and tours, coupled with tailored travel experiences, is driving a boom in women’s golf travel, creating a powerful trend reshaping the sport.

No longer a solitary pursuit or a male-dominated pastime, golf is becoming a vehicle for connection, adventure, and personal growth for women of all ages. From executive boardrooms to casual gettogethers at the range or golf entertainment facility, women are finding camaraderie and community in golf, and increasingly, they’re seeking out unique golf travel experiences.

FOUNDER & CEO, CATALYST9

Economically, golf travel is big business, a $30 billion business. This segment contributes to billions of dollars in the overall golf industry worldwide40% to be exact, and its growth is up by over 20% (National Golf Foundation).

So, where are women golfers traveling? The trend is toward a mix of classic golfing destinations and emerging hotspots. Traditional golfing meccas like Scotland, Ireland, and the American Southwest remain popular, offering challenging courses and stunning scenery. However, women are also seeking out more exotic locales, like the Caribbean, European islands, Mexico, and Asia.

Some experts have shared trends they’re seeing on the rise when it comes to booking golf travel. “The trends that I’ve seen are traveling to play bucket list

TRENDS

courses as well as courses they’ve seen the TOUR players stop at. After The British Open this past year, I have had a ton of clients inquire about playing Royal Troon and all around Scotland. It also has been pretty common to parlay these golf trips with attending a tour event. For example: spectating The Masters and playing the courses over at Champions Retreat or teeing it up at the very popular Sage Valley. We’re definitely seeing a ton of international travel and I foresee Spain, especially the south of Spain to be very popular for travel and golf in 2025. Spain is considered to be one of the warmest and sunniest countries in Europe which is perfect for the fair-weather golfer (much like myself).

Spain is home to over 400 golf courses, beautiful beaches, historical architecture, delicious food and

No longer a solitary pursuit or a male-dominated pastime, golf is becoming a vehicle for connection, adventure, and personal growth for women of all ages.

sangria! Spain should be next on your golf travel destination list in 2025.”- Melissa Hoffman, Axeus Luxury Travel.

Luxury resorts with world-class amenities are a draw for many, offering a blend of challenging golf and pampering relaxation. But adventure travel is also gaining traction, with women seeking out opportunities to combine golf with other activities like hiking, wine tasting, or cultural experiences. Wellness-focused golf retreats are also on the rise, providing a holistic approach to the sport that incorporates fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness.

Skyler Baldwin, from C&R PR, who represents a robust list of golf and hospitality properties around the world shared that she too, is seeing an uptick in women’s golf outings and trips in the Southern

Above: Park Hyatt Aviara, San Diego

California, South Florida, and Mexico markets like San Diego and Indian Wells, Cabo San Lucas and Punta de Mita, Miami and Palm Beach. “Golf travel, specifically, is expected to continue to grow over the next year and beyond as golf clubs and resorts refresh their course designs and implement new luxury golf services. For example, we have seen golf clubs introduce unique culinary programming, like caviar at the turn or complimentary signature cocktails, as well as offerings like cold towels after 18, golf club valet, children’s programming, seasonal night golf, and more. At Park Hyatt Aviara, for instance, the Aviara Golf Club signature restaurant, Ember & Rye, frequently hosts dining events tied to golf tournaments or has tastings near the 18th green. As we go into 2025, we expect to see tourists booking trips specifically to play their bucket list golf courses, similar to folks traveling to see iconic landmarks.”

One of the most significant factors fueling this trend is the emergence of women’s golf groups and tours and the opportunity to gather, learn, and play - whether that is with their group of girlfriends, family, or a group getaway. “It’s definitely more common to see girls’ golf trips and couples’ golf trips these days. The trends that I’ve seen with these trips are traveling to hot spot destinations such as Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, and Kiawah Island to name a few. With plenty of options of lodging and dining and state-of-the-art spas combined with the iconic golf, you’ll never have to leave the property.” - Melissa Hoffman, Axeus Luxury Travel.

The appeal of women’s golf travel goes beyond simply playing a round. It’s about the overall experience. It’s about the joy of sharing a laugh and their round with friends, new or old, family, partner, or colleagues on the 19th hole, the thrill of conquering a challenging course, and the satisfaction of exploring a new culture or an overall new experience within golf.

The boom in women’s golf travel is more than just a trend; it’s a movement.

For many women, golf travel is a way to combine their passion for the sport with their desire for adventure and connection. It’s a chance to escape the pressures of daily life, connect with nature, and challenge themselves in a supportive environment. Whether it’s a weekend getaway with girlfriends, a couples’ retreat, or a family vacation, golf travel offers a unique and rewarding experience for women of all ages and backgrounds. The boom in women’s golf travel is more than just a trend; it’s a movement. It’s a testament to the growing power of women in the sport and their desire to connect, explore, and challenge themselves both on and off the course. It’s also a big reminder of how powerful the female consumer really is as it laps the growth in a typically male-dominated sector.

SOME QUICK TIPS WHEN IT COMES TO PLANNING YOUR NEXT GOLF GETAWAY:

RESEARCH: Make sure to do your research even if you book through a travel advisor to make sure you’re aligning with everything you want out of the trip.

PRICING: Depending on your style, the difference between a luxury experience versus a budget-friendly one could decipher where you stay, the course you play, and the overall cultural experience you’re looking for.

VIBES: Have fun. Keep the vibes high, dress for the occasion, prepare for activities, and don’t forget to bring your clubs.

BOOKING: Book in advance, everyone will thank you later. Popular destinations and courses tee sheets fill up quickly- especially the bucket list courses with some booking out over a year in advance.

Above: Higuera Golf Course Punta de Mita, México Right: Finca Cortesin Spain

mophie PowerStation Plus 10k. This fast-charging USB-C PD port charges an iPhone 15 Pro up to 50% in 30 mins. It also boasts up to 27 hrs of video and 88 hrs of music. Plus, it charges two devices at once. Pop this handy golf travel must-have by mophie in your bag. RRP AUD $119.95

NEVER LET ME GO

Keep these key travel products handy at all times.

SONY - WH-1000XM5

Amazon Kindle. The best portable wireless e-reading device to entertain your mind. RRP AUD $199

Wireless Noise Cancelling

Headphones These babies can automatically optimise noise canceling requirements based on your wearing conditions and environment. Sony has rewritten the rules for distraction-free listening. Sold! RRP AUD $514

oval-shaped cat eye sunglass designed in collaboration with the always stylish Byron Bay surfer, Josie Prendergast. Made from organic bio-acetate frames with innovative premium plant-based lenses for ultimate UV sun protection. Wear them from the fairways to the waves with ease. Need! RRP AUD $299

GOLF TRAVEL GEAR Essential

PACK ME Jet set and go.

adidas – Optimised Packing System

Backpack . When you’re on the go, this adidas backpack lets you pack everything you need with ease. It has an external laptop pocket and a top zip pocket for items you want to access quickly. A separate pocket stashes your water bottle. Made with at least 50% recycled materials. RRP AUD $180

July - Classic Checked Set . This stylish luggage set includes the carry-on and the checked bag. We love the 360° double spinner wheels, aerospacegrade German polycarbonate shells, hidden laundry bags and the lifetime warranty. RRP AUD $800

July sponsors the Australian Olympic team.

FUN FACT

Lorna Jane – With Love Set . This matching set is a fab grab-and-go option for a spot of pre-game yoga or a quick hotel room stretch session. Femininity meets function. RRP AUD $90 each for the sports bra and the bike shorts.

HOLD ME CLOSE

ECCO golf lt1 - Leather Waterproof Golf Shoe Ultra-light, state-of-the-art foam supplies game-changing rebound and softness in the new ECCO W GOLF LT1. This innovative

Kasmiri – Soft Triangle Cashmere Scarf. A quality cashmere accessory is essential when you’re travelling and Kasmiri does it better than anyone. Their entire sumptuous range of cashmere comes directly from the rolling Himalayas and is highly covetable and sustainable too. RRP AUD $350

GIRLS ON THE GO NEED TO BE PREPARED, NOT JUST FOR A GAME OF GOLF BUT FOR THE JOURNEY AHEAD.

Titleist Pro Club Glove® Traveler. The Pro Club Glove® Traveler is a revolutionary golf travel bag that has changed the way the world’s best players travel on Tour and will change the way you travel to your favorite golf destinations . RRP AUD $539

Hole 6, Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, New Zealand.

PHOTO: RICKY ROBINSON

WOMEN’S GOLF SUMMER

TRAVEL

Byron Bay, NSW USA

Best desert courses

Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND

The golf travel industry is booming! Recent stats show that female golfers are actively seeking international ‘stay & play’ destinations and regional golf getaways alike.

Fans who want/plan to attend golf tournaments are looking at combining the event with a few rounds at local golf courses too! Check out our Golf Travel Trends feature on page 44 and the Global Golf Tournaments to Attend on page 10 to find out more. In this issue, the golf travel section takes you to; CAPE KIDNAPPERS in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand; Byron Bay, Northern NSW, Australia and to the best desert courses in the USA. Don’t let FOMO settle in, book your next golf trip soon and enjoy it!

Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, California

Below: Elements of Byron, Byron Bay

THE BEST U.S DESERT COURSES

Golf in the desert of the American West and Southwest is an architectural and agronomic marvel. Advances in technology, including the use of recycled water, have led to enhanced designs and playing conditions for golfers of all ability levels. No list of desert destinations could be considered complete but here are some venues that attracted our attention.

SCOTTSDALE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB, ARIZONA

This private facility (membership is via invitation only) may be the ultimate locale for the golfer looking to get from it all. Owned by Bob Parsons, the Founder and CEO of PXG Golf and his wife Renee, Scottsdale National Golf Club features two 18-hole championship courses plus a nine-hole executive layout.

Apart from golf, visitors are treated to a PG club fitting (and club building) experience and a luxury dining experience.

The Mine Shaft Course is the original course on the property. It was known as the Golf Club Scottsdale when Parsons purchased the site in September of 2013; it first opened in 2003. The layout features six set of tees measuring from 4,699 to 7,579 yards with a par of 72. It features traditional desert golf and is generally flat save for a four-hole stretch that plays uphill.

The Other Course, as it is known opened for play in 2012 and is considered for forgiving than its companion by many of the members. The par 72 layout features six sets of tees measuring from 4,650-7,165 yards.

Scottsdale National Golf Club, Arizona

CORAL CANYON GOLF CLUB, ST. GEORGE, UTAH

Coral Canyon has maintained its popularity with locals in southwestern Utah and traveling golfers alike since it opened for play in 2000. Located 120 miles northeast of Las Vegas and designed by architect Keith Foster and playing anywhere from 5,052 to 7,200 yards with a par of 72, the layout offers some memorable views and, for the newcomer, an authentic experience in what desert golf is all about. Recent upgrades have included enhanced bunkering, new cart paths, and a state-of-the-art irrigation system which in turn has resulted in upgraded turf conditions.

WOLF CREEK GOLF CLUB, MESQUITE, NEVADA

Situated a good hour’s drive northeast of Las Vegas, Wolf Creek, which opened for play in 2000, offers a quality golf experience in a setting that’s more laid back than further south.

Architect Dennis Rider and his team carved or to be more precise, blasted this course out of the surrounding mountains and the course winds its way through a series of red rock canyons, creating some spectacular views. Open to the public, Wolf Creek features six sets of tees and plays anywhere from 4,101 to 6,939 yards with a par of 72. Visitors are advised to choose their tees carefully.

MISSION HILLS COUNTRY CLUB, RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA

If you appreciate the history of women’s golf, Mission Hills Country Club should be on your bucket list. The Dinah Shore Tournament Course, designed by Desmond Muirhead and open for play since 1971, was the longtime home of ‘The Dinah’, the LPGA Tour’s signature event. The celebrated Par-5 18th hole has been the scene of some of the most memorable events in the history of women’s golf.

The LPGA Tour left after 2022 and was replaced by a PGA Tour Champions event. The layout features five sets of tees, ranging from 5,679 to 7,250 yards to accommodate golfers of all ability levels (par is 72). The private club features two other golf courses, one designed by Arnold Palmer and the other by Pete Dye.

SHADOW CREEK GOLF COURSE, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

First opened for play in 1990 and designed by Tom Fazio, Shadow Creek, which is open to MGM Resorts guests, is home to the Bank of Hope-LPGA Match Play. Visitors are treated as honored guests and are treated to some spectacular views but be advised, the green fees are some of the highest to be found anywhere in America. Those who accept the challenge will get a stiff test. The layout, which underwent a renovation in 2008, can be stretched to a mammoth 7,560 yards for PGA Tour-level events (it hosted the PGA Tour’s Cup in 2020 and the recent intertour challenge featuring Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson Dechambeau and Brooks Koepka). Shadow Creek is our cover star, Danielle Kang’s local course!

Coral Canyon Golf Course

Mission Hills Country Club

Shadow Creek Golf Course

DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT, PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA

Desert Willow Golf Resort, adjacent to golf-rich Palm Springs, is a superb venue with two courses open for public play. The Firecliff Course is the most challenging of the two. It maxes out at 7,076 yards from the deepest of six sets of tees and plays to a par of 72. Its defenses include an abundance of water and over 100 bunkers. Its companion course, Mountain View, plays to a maximum of 6,917 yards and includes five sets of tees. Both courses are the work of the design tandem of Dr. Michael Hurzdan and Dana Fry.

PGA WEST STADIUM COURSE, LAQUINTA, CALIFORNIA

PGA West offers an abundance for the traveling golfer, but the Pete Dye Stadium Course is the most celebrated of all. First opened in 1986, the course was recently renovated by architect Tim Liddy who restored much of Dye’s original work. The Stadium Course has hosted the PGA Tour’s Desert Classic since 2016 (it also hosted the event in 1987). Amateur Nick Dunlap won the event last year, making him the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event since 1991.

But the recreational golfer should not be dissuaded from visiting. There are six sets of tees here, all of which are rated and sloped for both men and women. The layout can be stretched to 7,300 yards (par is 72) but can play as short as 4,084 yards. Any golfer looking for variety will have their needs met at PGA West. This venue is home to nine golf courses in all, five of which are open to the public.

Desert Willow Golf Resort, adjacent to golf-rich Palm Springs, is a superb venue with two courses open for public play.

GRAYHAWK GOLF CLUB, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

For three decades now, Grayhawk has provided visitors to Scottsdale with a premium golfing experience. The Talon Course, opened in 1994 was designed by Australian David Graham - a two-time major champion on the PGA Tour, and architect Gary Panks. Four sets of tees give golfers options from 5,143 to 6,972 yards. Par is 72.

The Raptor Course, opened for play in 1995, is the work of Tom Fazio. It also plays to a par of 72 and features four sets of tees measuring from 5,175 to 7,221 yards. Combination tees offer additional options as well.

TPC SCOTTSDALE STADIUM COURSE, ARIZONA

Most golf fans are familiar with this layout. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish and opened for play in 1986 (it was renovated in 2014) hosts the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open each February and the par-3 16th epitomizes the stadium golf experience, for better or worse.

The course is open to the public for the rest of the year, allowing the recreational golfer to test their skills while experiencing first-rate conditions.

The course can play anywhere from 5,464 to 7,261 yards so the high handicapper can find a set of markers where he or she will feel comfortable.

Desert Willow Golf Resort

Raptor Course, Grayhawk Golf Club

BYRON BAY & BEYOND

Well, let’s cut to the chase, Byron Bay isn’t widely known as a ‘go to’ golf zone which suits us just fine. You see, Women’s Golf magazine doesn’t follow typical rules about what constitutes a desirable golf destination. Nope, we’ll leave those decisions up to you. We’re all about playability and accessibility and this is why the Byron shire and beyond gets our vote.

In saying that, aside from the Byron / Ballina regional courses we have covered, you should know that the entire Northern Rivers region has plenty to offer the keen golfer. Think south (approx. 1.5 hours from Byron) to the seaside Yamba Golf Club and due west to the hinterland gem that is Murwillumbah golf course. But I digress, let’s focus on the postcodes at hand and tempt you to take a golf holiday here.

BALLINA GOLF CLUB

An easy walking, tree-lined 18-hole course nestled next to North Creek in East Ballina, with cooling ocean breezes that positively enhance your experience. Ballina Golf Club is a leading local destination for golf enthusiasts who enjoy a golf course of champion standard. The club hosts plenty of golf, social and community events and boasts a newly refurbished clubhouse and restaurant.

Ballina Golf Club has a strong contingent of female players who play competition golf five days a week. The main women’s events on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays regularly attract upwards of 50 entrants. Visitors are always welcome!

BYRON BAY GOLF CLUB

The Byron Bay Golf Club is a challenging 18-hole Championship Course. Set out on 120 acres of coastal habitat, the course is beautifully landscaped with ocean views from several holes. The front 9 is tightly framed by paperbark trees on several holes and there’s plenty of water hazards along the way, hence strike accuracy is key. Note: none of the water hazards are overtly huge so there’s no need to be concerned it you’re not the longest hitter.

The elevated 1st tee gives a primo view of the fairway below and the surrounding beauty of the course. Meanwhile over at the back 9 you’ll find the holes a lot flatter in comparison to the hilly layout of the front.

All playing surfaces here are top quality and the club gets bonus points for the tasty evening menu options from Bowerbird Dining & Catering.

TEVEN GOLF CLUB

This superb Craig Parry designed 9-hole course is located just west of Lennox Head and approx. 30 minutes from central Byron. It’s the first Sir Grange Zoysia grass course in Australia and an absolute delight to play on. Magnificently maintained this boutique course is a fun challenge for golfers of all abilities. The greens and fairways are meticulously cared for in this hinterland golf haven. Teven has a relaxed, unhurried vibe that appeals to people who enjoy premium golf facilities amid a casual atmosphere. Perch yourself at the clubhouse post-round for an ice cold beverage and admire the spectacular scenery as you watch the other players form on the course.

Note: Teven is a walking course, there are no carts for hire but pull buggy’s are available.

the nearby Eltham Hotel (a beautifully restored classic Australian pub) is perfect for a long lunch and/or an overnight stay.

STAY & PLAY IN BYRON BAY

OCEAN SHORES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Not sure how the locals will feel about us outing Ocean Shores as one the premier courses in northern NSW but it’s too late now. Designed in the late 1960s by Bruce Devlin and Robert von Hagge, the Championship layout is carved through native flora, tidal lakes, and rivers with the Koonyum mountain ranges as a backdrop.

The 18-hole layout comprises six par-3s, six par-4s and six par-5s, with the same par never being played consecutively. This distribution adds to the unique nature of the course. A standout feature of the course is the large greens that are protected by extensive bunkering.

Ocean Shores has a strong female membership base and a very welcoming golfing community.

Elements of Byron is a 5-star beachfront oasis that’s an ideal base for golfing groups. Book a spacious villa for the crew or opt for a studio suite if there’s just the two of you. The Osprey Spa is fabulous for a post-round massage and/or a pre-dinner glow-up facial experience. Speaking of food, Elements prides itself on the top-tier meals available at the on-site Azure Bar & Grill which features a seasonal menu that caters to all dietary requirements. This resort is incredibly peaceful and presents a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature in a luxe eco-friendly setting.

TIP

ROSEWOOD CAPE KIDNAPPERS, NEW ZEALAND

A LUXURY GOLF GETAWAY IN HAWKE’S BAY

I don’t think you need further proof that the land of the long white cloud aka New Zealand is a perpetually trending world-class golf destination but, if you do, this review of the remarkable Cape Kidnappers Golf Course and ever-opulent Rosewood Resort is sure to convince you.

Cape Kidnappers Holes 15 and 16

PLAY

Teeing off to play 18 holes of Championship Golf on New Zealand’s North Island is an experience in itself! Cape Kidnappers is a cliffhugging, masterfully designed course by Tom Doak and home to one of New Zealand’s most famous golfing holes aka the Pirates Plank (the 15th). It’s a spectacular golf course (recently renovated) that immediately commands respect and makes you understand why players come from all over the globe to play –often repeatedly. I met several, repeat guest international golf travellers while I was here, all of which appeared slightly flabbergasted and mighty satisfied by their golfing experience. It’s a skill testing set-up that’s for sure. Challenging? Absolutely. Forgiving? Well, if you count mostly open fairways and some easy-ish (wind direction pending) carries, then yes, yes, it is. I did come unstuck on hole 14, the shortest par 4 on the course thanks to a deep pot bunker and my ability to pick a safe line from the tee. A humbling but learning experience that I heeded for the next day’s game strategy.

I stopped for lunch at the turn where the elegant clubhouse serves up tasty dishes such as a classic club sandwich, moreish burgers, zesty salads, cold tap beers and for me, a few glasses of superb local Sauvignon Blanc. Just perfect!

The pro shop is fully stocked with a range of top-of-the-line golf equipment, hotelbranded apparel and accessories (be sure to at least buy a hat to make your golfing comrades at home properly jealous). Club, cart and shoe hire are available too. Ask the friendly staff for course tips and hints, particularly if the wind picks up. And make sure you grab a yardage book to assist your game and for a treasured keepsake.

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course opened in 2004 and is built on a ridge-and-valley landscape. It is consistently quoted as one of the great modern marvels in golf.

STAY

My suite acts as your haven-esque retreat, with plush furnishings displayed in a curated style of rustic cottage chic complemented by collectible antiques. Rooms feature attractive architectural details, high ceilings, luxe linens, a fireplace, a private deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a fab king-size bed. In the bathroom, a come-hither tub edged by white, timber shutters reveals a sensational view, and the bathroom amenities by Evolu (an ethical, natural and sustainable New Zealand brand) are a delight to use.

FUN FACT

Cape Kidnappers Hole 18

PHOTO: RWNCK MEDIA

TRAVEL TIP:

Families and small golfing groups would be best suited to a villa.

THE SPA

NON-GOLFING ACTIVITIES

The property is both a working farm and a sanctuary (the country’s largest privately-owned wildlife restoration project) for New Zealand’s precious flora and fauna. I noted a 10km predatorproof protective fence that keeps the flourishing population of Kiwi birds safe.

The Spa really levels up when it comes to restorative and relaxing treatments. I booked in for a deluxe 1-hour massage and my spa therapist worked magic with a blend of myofascial release and Swedish-style massage techniques. Again, all of the spa products were local to New Zealand and testament to the quality of ingredients (predominantly natural) available. After rising from my cocoon of Zen-like bliss, I pulled my robe around my waist and gazed upon a collection of original Picasso illustrations adorning the treatment room walls – just lovely.

Cape Kidnappers is also home to the world’s largest mainland colony of gannets – you must go see these characterful birds up close, huddles of penguins, seals (depending on the season) dozing on the shoreline and scores of typical farm animals such as Angus beef cattle and sheep, loads of sheep roaming freely.

I suggest joining the guided CAN-AM TOUR of this sprawling property to grasp its magnitude and allure. Otherwise, you can take a few gentle hikes to explore your surroundings (walking trail maps are available).

The OFFSHORE FISHING ADVENTURES at Cape Kidnappers are extraordinary and I’m told you can also cast directly from the beach and jag a few deep-sea species too – you’re almost level with the edge of the continental shelf here and baby that water is deep. Unfortunately, I missed this opportunity to go fishing during my stay since I was obsessed with the epic golf course and pretty much glued to the greens and/or the driving range.

Several AWARD-WINNING WINERIES are close to the lodge, so enquire about a winery tour to some of Hawke’s Bay’s finest vineyards and have a terrific time sampling vinos at cellar doors and indulging in sumptuous NZ cheese plates. Clearview Estate and Craggy Range were my two favs.

PHOTO: RWNCK MEDIA

Cape Kidnappers Hole 15

PHOTO: RWNCK MEDIA

PHOTO: RWNCK MEDIA

PHOTO: RICKY ROBINSON

DINING

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers offers high-end farm-toplate cuisine and naturally, local produce is key.

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers offers high-end farm-to-plate cuisine and naturally, local produce is key. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the restaurant located in the stately lodge. I loved the floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly positioned to take in the majestic views and the attentive table service. Almost everything on offer is either sourced on-site or found nearby. Coffee, honey, olive oil, cheese, wine (yes, there are elite international selections on the vino list too) you name it, and it is all proudly NZ-made. At lunch, I couldn’t resist the fish and selected the chopped iceberg and cashew salad with a seared fillet of Big Glory Bay Salmon. For dinner, the menu appropriately boasts mains such as Hawke’s Bay spring lamb with asparagus, white romesco, local mushrooms and horopito jus, venison cooked to perfection with a 10/10 potato galette and quite a few phenomenal deserts.

“RESIDENTS SPECIAL” OFFER AT ROSEWOOD CAPE KIDNAPPERS & ROSEWOOD KAURI CLIFFS

Available 1 May - 30 September, 2025

Australian and New Zealand residents are invited to enjoy the best of New Zealand with a “Residents Special” offer starting from just NZ $2530.00 per suite per night and inclusive of breakfast, pre-dinner aperitif, dinner, golf and more.

• Suite accommodation for two

• Full breakfast, Pre-dinner aperitif, and dinner

• Choice between a day of unlimited green fees or a 50-minute massage/facial per person per night stayed

• Complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar

• Welcome amenity TO

GETTING THERE

Air New Zealand has direct flights daily to Auckland from Australia departing the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth. From Auckland, it’s a short direct domestic flight to Napier/Hawke’s Bay and then about a 45-minute scenic drive to Cape Kidnappers. Transfers are available upon request. Please reach out to Rosewood Cape Kidnappers to arrange a transfer ahead of your arrival.

Want to break up the journey? Stay overnight at the always awesome 5-star Hotel Britomart in Auckland. It’s the perfect base to explore this vibrant, sports-loving, waterfront city before you head home.

www.airnewzealand.com

TRAVEL TIP:

Air New Zealand’s airport lounges in Auckland and Napier offer eligible guests access to a great space to relax, enjoy premium self-serve buffet /light snacks, the all-important barista-made coffee, complimentary beverages (many of New Zealand’s premier wineries are on show here), business desks and well-appointed bathrooms to shower (Auckland lounge only) and refresh during your travels.

PHOTO: RWNCK MEDIA

DOWNLOAD &

PRIZES INCLUDE:

A LUXURY GOLF GETAWAY TO HAMILTON ISLAND

Includes a 2-night stay at the Beach Club & 18 holes at Hamilton Island Golf Club for two people (flights not included).

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6 x dozen golf balls and the winner can choose which model suits.

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GOLF PARTICIPATION IN AUSTRALIA

HITS NEW HEIGHTS

Golf in Australia is riding a wave of unprecedented growth, celebrating its fifth consecutive year of Club Membership growth and a record amount of people playing golf with 3.8 million adult Australians playing golf in 2023-24. The figures were revealed in the annual participation report released today.

From traditional courses to driving ranges, simulators, and minigolf, this marks a 9% yearon-year rise, solidifying golf’s place as one of the nation’s most loved and accessible sports, with a remarkable 19 percent of adult Australians hitting a golf ball in 2023-24.

Golf club membership has also soared, growing by 5.6% to reach 459,143 members in 2023-24—an impressive 19% growth over the past five years. Junior participation has been a standout success, with junior membership skyrocketing by 33.4%, driven by a 37.3% increase among boys and a 13.8% increase among girls, reflecting the sport’s growing appeal to younger generations.

Women’s and girls’ participation continues its steady climb, with a 3.2% rise in membership, supported by initiatives like the R&A Women in Golf Charter and the Australian Golf Foundation’s Junior Girls Scholarship program, the latter seeing a 22.7% growth.

Golf Australia’s MyGolf participation grew by 10.7% with 36,643 junior participants, while the Get into Golf entry level program for adult beginners saw a 21.2 percent increase, with 86.8 percent being female.

Golf Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, James Sutherland, highlighted that changing nature of the sport and the enormous rise in popularity over recent years.

“Golf is one of Australia’s biggest participation sports,” said Sutherland.

“With unprecedented participation growth over the last five years, our sport continues to evolve with new formats and entertainment options that provide new opportunities to welcome people to the game.

THE KEY NUMBERS RELEASED

• 3.8 million Australians played in golf in 2023-24, at golf courses, driving ranges, simulators, or minigolf facilitiesa 9% increase year-on-year.

• 19% of adult Australians hit a golf ball during the year.

• Golf club membership increased by 5.6% to 459,143 members, marking a 19% total growth over five years.

• Social club membership grew by 23.8%, reaching 39,354 members.

• State-by-state membership growth: QLD 6.2%, TAS 6.1% WA 5.6%, SA 4.8%, NSW 3.7%, VIC 2.9% and NT 0.4%.

• Junior membership saw a substantial 33.4% increase, including: 37.3% increase in boys and 13.8% increase in girls.

• Women and girls’ membership continues to grow with a 3.2% increase.

• The Australian Golf Foundation’s Junior Girls Scholarship program saw a 22.7% increase with 1191 participants in 2023-24.

• Over million adults played golf at an off-course facility (e.g., driving ranges, simulators) in 2023-24.

• MyGolf participation grew by 10.7%, with 36,643 junior participants.

• Get Into Golf saw a 21.2% increase in total participants, with 86.8% being female.

Golf has never been more fun and accessible, and truly is a sport for all.

“We’ve seen a 19 percent growth in golf members across Australia the past five years, but the figures released today tell us that members are only a fraction of those who are picking up a golf club.

“While traditional on-course play remains strong, the numbers also reveal growth in off-course offerings like driving ranges, indoor golf, and mini-golf. This reflects golf’s increasingly broad appeal and the impact the Australian Golf Strategy is having in inspiring more Australians to play more golf.

“The growth in the sport could not be possible without the dedication and support of club and facility management and staff, PGA professionals, greenskeepers, volunteers, retail employees and others across the Australian golf industry. It is important not to overlook the thousands of volunteers that work across clubs, facilities, events, and other golf activities. We acknowledge their contribution to this impressive growth and thank them for their passion and ongoing commitment to our sport.”

THE 2023/24 GOLF PARTICIPATION REPORT CAN BE FOUND HERE.

STEP 1:

GATHER YOUR EQUIPMENT AND INGREDIENTS

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid: Opt for a 700ml jar for 500ml of gin or a 1L jar for 700ml. Ensure there’s enough space for both the gin and your chosen ingredients. Ensure there’s enough space for both the gin and your chosen ingredients.

• A fine strainer, cheesecloth, or large filter paper: For filtering the infused gin.

• Gin: Mild-flavoured gins often work best to let your infusion ingredients shine. Consider using The Skandi Selection Gin or other gins with clean, simple profiles that won’t overpower your chosen flavours.

• Infusion ingredients: Get creative! This guide includes ideas like yuzu and hibiscus or coconut, lime, and jalapeño.

• Preparation tools: Use knives carefully when cutting or smashing ingredients.

• Storage bottles: Glass bottles with secure seals make lovely presentation gifts, adding a polished touch to your homemade creations.

STEP 2:

PREPARE YOUR INGREDIENTS

Wash and prep your ingredients. Cut fruit, smash ingredients like ginger or lemongrass, and place them in the jar. Pour in the gin until the ingredients are fully submerged. Shake the jar a few times and seal. That’s it!

GIN INFUSIONS

Gin is enjoying a well-deserved resurgence right now. While there’s no shortage of delicious gin flavours available, some of us love pushing boundaries and experimenting beyond the traditional botanicals. That’s where homemade gin infusions come in—a creative way to craft unique, flavourful spirits.

This guide will show you how to create your own infused gins, which make thoughtful, low-effort gifts for anyone (of legal drinking age, of course). You can also experiment with vodka, rum, or whisky as your base. Just remember, as tempting as these delicious creations may be, please drink responsibly.

STEP 3: INFUSE!

Store your jar in a cool, dark place. Shake it a few times a day during the infusion process. The infusion time will vary based on the ingredients:

• Hot peppers (e.g., Habanero, Scotch Bonnet): 1-2 hours (taste regularly to avoid overpowering heat).

• Intense flavours (e.g., yuzu, hibiscus, cinnamon, citrus, vanilla): 3-4 days.

• Moderate flavours (e.g., apple, blackberry, mango): 1 week (longer for a stronger flavour).

• Mild flavours (e.g., coconut, ginger, lemongrass): 2+ weeks.

Taste regularly to ensure your infusion reaches the desired intensity. For complex blends, you may need to remove certain ingredients earlier.

STEP 4: STRAIN AND BOTTLE

Once infused, strain the gin using a fine strainer, cheesecloth, or filter paper. Transfer it to a clean bottle for storage or gifting.

STEP 5: FLAVOURFUL INFUSION IDEAS

Here are some creative infusion recipes and cocktail suggestions:

FINAL THOUGHTS

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to get creative. Experiment with flavours like passionfruit and mint, cacao and orange, or even turmeric and honey. Whether you’re gifting or enjoying your creations yourself, infused gins offer endless possibilities. Cheers!

PEAR AND STAR ANISE GIN

INGREDIENTS

• Ice

• 60ml Pear and Star Anise Gin

• 30ml pear nectar

• 15ml lemon juice

• Sparkling water

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill a copper mug with ice. Add gin, pear nectar, and lemon juice. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with a pear slice and star anise.

LAVENDER AND BLUEBERRY GIN

INGREDIENTS

• Ice

• 60ml Lavender and Blueberry Gin

• 30ml lemon juice

• 15ml honey syrup

INSTRUCTIONS

Shake gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lavender sprig.

ROSEMARY AND BLOOD ORANGE GIN

INGREDIENTS

• Ice

• 60ml Rosemary and Blood Orange Gin

• 30ml blood orange juice

• 15ml simple syrup

• Prosecco

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill a champagne flute with ice. Add gin, blood orange juice, and simple syrup. Top with Prosecco. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

BUNKER SHOT

TIPS & TECHNIQUES

So, how do we get out of bunkers? Well, like all aspects of golf, practice is key.

One of the most common problems we have as golfers is wasting shots around the greens. We’ve all experienced the frustration when you’re at such a small distance from the hole. So, why do we waste so many shots? For starts, bunkers are tough! Bunkers are a hazard for a reason – and that reason is to challenge us!

Let’s start with the basics, the fundamentals of bunker shots. First things first, check our setup and technique.

Note: hitting a good shot versus a poor shot will also depend on how much or how little sand there is to play with. Coach tip: Very little sand in the bunker = hard sand. Chip it out and approach it as a normal chip.

WHAT DO I DO IN A BUNKER?

Bunkers are a hazard and so we need to change our approach. We must adjust our ‘setup’ to the ball.

Key changes to make to your setup

1. Widen your stance.

2. Get low to the ball. Add more knee bend and lean your body down to the ball.

3. Ball position to be forward.

4. Open your club face.

5. Keep your club and hands in line with your belly button.

WORDS

REANNA BLAKE

PGA CERTIFIED & WPGA

GOLF PROFESSIONAL

If you have made these changes the next stage is to take a steeper swing and ensure you have a wrist hinge. You must have a good wrist hinge to help the club hit the sand, not the ball.

COACH TIP

Are you unsure what to do with your wrists? Check your grip! Make sure you have a strong grip position. REANNA BLAKE GOLF COACHING

WHAT CLUB DO I USE TO GET OUT OF A BUNKER?

This depends on the shot you intend to play.

Greenside bunkers

Use a high lofted club such as an S wedge (sand wedge), 56-degree or 60-degree lob wedge. These clubs have a lot more loft than your regular irons and are designed to help you hit a higher shot to get over the lip of a bunker.

Fairway Bunker

Use a higher lofted iron such as a 7, 8, or 9 iron. You do not need to adjust your setup here - approach it as a normal iron shot.

HOW DO I HIT THE BALL OVER THE LIP?

Adjust your setup (see the 5 points listed opposite). Ensure the club face is open and hit the sand, not the ball. You can steepen your attack angle by following the below…

• Make sure you have a strong lead hand grip position.

• Push your hands away while keeping in front of your right shoulder.

• Hit down on the sand 1 inch behind the ball.

• Release your hands through to your left knee.

You must have a good wrist hinge to help the club hit the sand, not the ball.

The essential takeaway from my ‘bunker tips’ is that if you’re struggling to get out of a bunker, try changing your technique. And remember, practice makes perfect.

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Be part of the Confidence Collective

The impact of a cancer diagnosis extends beyond the individual. The collective of family, friends, colleagues, and medical professionals play a vital part in the treatment experience, banding together to support those navigating a “new normal”.

As an individual, you can make a difference, helping to improve the wellbeing and confidence of people undergoing treatment for cancer.

This is why we’re inviting you to join the Confidence Collective and make a regular contribution to Look Good Feel Better. By donating as little as $5 a month, you’ll be helping us to expand our free national program

This means more virtual workshops, more Confidence Kits, and more in-person workshops in more locations around the country. It means more Australian women, men and young adults facing their cancer diagnosis with confidence.

The collective power of every small act of each individual cannot be underestimated. Scan below to join us.

HOW TO EAT OUT TO BENEFIT YOUR GOLF GAME

Eating at home means you can control exactly what goes into your meal, however eating out can be one of life’s great pleasures. From discovering new cuisines to sharing special moments with friends and family, dining out is about more than just the food—it’s about connection, celebration, and adventure. Here’s how you can enjoy eating out while keeping yourself on course to fuel your golf game (rather than hinder it).

Golf demands sustained concentration for long periods, so it’s important to strike the right balance with food—enough nourishment to keep you sharp without leaving you sluggish and in need of a nap halfway through a round.

How often you eat out and when it happens in relation to your game will be the key to determining the importance of choosing wisely from the menu. If you only eat out once every few weeks and it isn’t the day of or night before an early morning round, you can probably choose anything from the menu. If you are eating out numerous times a week, then try to be more selective with your diet to enhance your energy, focus and overall game. Here’s how.

Golf demands sustained concentration for long periods, so it’s important to strike the right balance with food

WINNING MENU OPTIONS

Eating breakfast out has become popular over the years. If doing this before a round then eat until comfortable and not over full. Generally, a meal should be eaten an hour or two before exercise to let digestion begin and to avoid stomach discomfort. We want blood going to your limbs to walk and swing rather than all to your stomach to digest.

WORDS

Some breakfast options include:

• A poached or boiled egg with toast and a vegetable side such as tomato or mushroom

• Fruit toast with ricotta cheese and banana

• Medium bowl of cereal such as muesli, or wholegrain flakes with milk and fruit

• Smoothie made with milk or milk alternative, with fruit, yoghurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon

If lunch is a lighter meal pre-, mid or post round then some good options include:

• Wholegrain wrap, sandwich or roll with a lean protein or cheese and salad

• Soup e.g. minestrone, chicken and vegetable

• Rice paper rolls

• A poke bowl with plenty of salad, a protein (e.g. tuna, salmon, eggs, chickpeas) and a carbohydrate such as rice, legumes or quinoa

• A burrito with black beans, brown rice, corn, salsa and beef, fish or tofu

MENU MODIFY

• Be prepared: Look at the menu online before you book or attend. That way you can ask any questions upfront or even know to have a snack beforehand if nothing ticks your nutrition box. If you have any intolerances or allergies this is particularly important as you can ring beforehand to clarify and the restaurant can also get prepared. This can reduce the stress on the spot when ordering.

• Make a request: If there is a menu item that could be altered slightly to meet your nutrition needs then ask. For example:

- Fish be baked instead of deep-fried

- Extra vegetables or salad on the side

- Jacket potato or mash instead of chips

- Sauces served on the side

- Wholegrain bread over white

- Try entree sizes or sharing for more variety, particularly if you can’t decide

- If you need extra carbohydrates for a big round the next day, ask for a bowl of steamed rice, extra bread, or potatoes

TIP

If you need extra carbohydrates for a big round the next day, ask for a bowl of steamed rice, extra bread, or potatoes.

Taking out the guesswork

Food Tracker by Healthylife is here to make healthy eating easier, analysing your shop to help you make healthier food choices, all in the palm of your hand.

A salad to go along with the meal is perfect too as veg can be light on.

PLAN OF ACTION

• Don’t arrive starving at a party or restaurant . It is hard to be selective with what you eat when you could eat the leg off the table because you are so hungry. Have a snack or your usual meal before arriving so you can leave the bowls of chips and cream cheese dips behind.

• Take something that you want to eat . If you’re eating out at a friend’s and planning to contribute part of the meal, take something you know you would like to eat. Here are some examples:

- A platter with plenty of cut-up veggies and a hummus dip, some dry roasted nuts and a cheese with wholegrain crackers is always a winner.

- A salad to go along with the meal is perfect too as veg can be light on.

- A fresh wholegrain loaf of bread is a safe bet if you need some carbohydrates to fuel the next round and would like to avoid higher-fat options that can make you feel sluggish such as fried rice, creamy pasta and deep-fried potatoes.

• Be mindful. Enjoy the flavours, aromas and textures of the meal. Eating slowly and focusing on the food along with the company helps you to stop when you have had enough rather than when over full. Eating too much can make you feel sluggish (not what you want to hit your best score). It is also ok to order less and then more if you haven’t had enough or leave some on your plate.

• What to drink. Start with water to quench your thirst. Hydration is key to any good golf game. If you are going to drink alcohol, then water is your friend. Have water in between alcoholic drinks and sip your drink avoiding top-ups before your drink is finished. There are plenty of options for fun non-alcoholic drinks now also.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

Eating out is a joy in many people’s lives. And with some planning, it can be nutritious and delicious whilst still fuelling your golf game.

Top 10 tips to break 100

HERE ARE MY 10 KEYS TO BREAKING 100!

WORDS

SKYE CHOUEIRI

When you start playing golf regularly, the first significant milestone you aim for is undoubtedly breaking 100 for the first time. Cracking triple figures is the Holy Grail for beginner golfers.

Breaking 100 in golf means recording a score of less than 100 on an 18-hole course. When you crunch the numbers behind what it takes to break 100, you will realise this is very achievable. The average golfer can easily break 100 if they eliminate triples and quadruples from their card, mostly by playing safe off the tee, avoiding hazards and having a majority of two putts on the green.

1. PRESHOT ROUTINE

The preshot routine – it seems so simple, yet so many golfers do not have one and it really does make a difference. A preshot routine is essential for creating a nice rhythm during your round and it consists of anything you do before you hit a shot. If you watch the LPGA, you’ll notice all of the best players in the world will have a structured preshot routine. Having

The THINK box is, you guessed it, where we will do all our thinking about the shot ahead. This will include:

• How far to the pin?

• What is the wind doing?

• Where do you want to aim?

• What club do you want to hit?

• How do I want to play the shot? Low? High? Draw? Fade? Etc.

Be clear on these decisions and you’re ready to move to the next box.

a preshot routine that is the same every single time you approach a shot will help immensely when you feel a bit nervous or face a shot under pressure.

Every golfer should have their routine before hitting a shot. I like to break it up into stages into what we call the THINK box, the FEEL box and the PLAY box.

The feel box is where you will do your practice swings/rehearsals. Here you should create a feeling of what you need to do to produce the shot you want.

Visualise the shot – picture the PERFECT shot. How do you see it flying through the air? The trajectory, shot shape and where is it landing?

The play box is where you react and hit the shot! You can pull the trigger now and hit the shot with CONFIDENCE!

FEEL BOX

PLAY BOX

THINK BOX

Note the trouble on the hole, trees on the right, trees left, bunker

2. PLAY THE ODDS

How many strokes per round does the average golfer waste due to poor decisions? Would you believe me if I told you, you could be on your way to breaking 100 sooner by only making better decisions?

The major area of improvement that is available for ALL golfers is to learn the art of managing yourself around the golf course. Whilst we all want to hit longer drives and straighter irons, the truth is, a good golf swing is only a part of being a successful golfer. Let’s say you’re 180 metres out from the hole – Can you reach the green in 1 shot confidently from this distance?

We want to avoid the catastrophic situation here. So, instead of trying to hit one monumental shot, take TWO! Find the club you have the most confidence in – maybe it’s your 7 iron and let’s say you hit your 7 iron 90m on average. 160m is twice the length of your best distance, so let’s just hit that distance twice!

3. MASTER THE CHIP AND RUN

As pretty as they look, producing high-spinning chip shots is not a realistic expectation for someone trying to break 100. When you are trying to break 100 for the first time, you need to choose ‘high percentage shots’ – shots that you can produce 9/10 times with ease.

The chip and run should be your go-to shot when you are just off the green and there are no obstacles such as a bunker to go over. The ball should spend 1/3 of the time in the air, and 2/3 of the time on the ground rolling.

1. Experiment with your club choice–you can play this shot with your pitching wedge, through to a 7 iron. The ball will react differently on the ground with each club. The longer the club (7iron) the further the ball will roll forward once it hits the ground. The shorter the club = the more spin and less rollout.

2. Set up with a narrow stance, raise the handle and stand slightly closer to the golf ball.

3. Place the ball towards your trailfoot in the back of your stance, so that the angle of attack is steeper, the loss is less and it rolls more on landing.

You are going to have a better chance of hitting 2 shorter shots well, than hitting one super long shot well.

I encourage you to think about what your favourite distance is and if you’re more than twice that length away, you should hit that distance twice and break it up into two easier-to-manage shots.

Hit iron halfway, and then onto the green.

4. Your feet and hips should be slightly open, and your weight should favour your lead side (70/30) Putting your hands and sternum ahead of the ball.

5. From here, retain the triangle created between the arms and shoulders and rock them back and forth without breaking the wrists.

6. The swing motion is small and is controlled by your chest and shoulders. There is limited lowerbody movement and no wrist action.

*Ensure you read the putting surface and allow for any breaks.*

4. STICK YOUR FINISH

5. LAG PUTTS

When you’re a newer golfer, lag putting is going to be challenging so this is an area that will need a lot of practice. So what is lag putting?

Lag putting is the art of getting the ball close to the cup on long putts. Your intention is not to sink the first putt but rather have the ball come to rest within a couple of feet of the hole. This puts you in a prime position to drain your second putt. We want to see the ball dying near the hole, not accelerating past to avoid those 3 and 4 putts that can really add up on your scorecard.

An easy speed control drill to perfect if you’re struggling with your lag putts is:

1. Find a hole and set up alignment sticks or golf clubsone metre around the hole

2. Stroke putts from 5, 10, 15m

3. The goal is to have the ball either finish in the hole, orwithin the border of the alignment sticks.

The concept of swinging through to a complete finish is lost on many golfers. There is a common misconception that anything that happens after you strike the ball really doesn’t matter. Quite simply, the follow-through is an integral part of the golf swing. Not performing it, quitting on the swing, or falling back is lazy and will not produce ideal results.

Most women will try to hit ‘to’ the golf ball or try to scoop the golf ball in the air with their arms which causes the club head to slow down through impact. So if you want to be a better ball striker, and break 100, don’t focus on the ‘hit’ but rather make ‘sticking the finish’ the goal.

Next time you play: Focus on seeing how many shots you can stick your finish and finish in balance. The closer you are to 100%, the better you will perform!

To break 100, we need to learn to hit the ball BETTER, not harder!

6. PRIORITISE STRIKE

To break 100, we need to learn to hit the ball BETTER, not harder! You need to be able to hit the sweet spot (the middle of the clubface) on your club – with your irons and drivers.

The most important concept for you to take on board and change your iron play forever is to hit through and past the ball, rather than either SCOOPING (which will lead to thin shots along the ground) or CHOPPING down on it (which will lead to fat shots and taking a large divot before the ball) – common mistakes many amateurs make.

Needless to say, both of these will mean poor contact and seriously reduced distance.

A great drill for providing instant feedback and reinforcing this concept involves placing 2 tees on either side of your club head. Your aim is to take a divot after the ball – not before it – on each shot, and the great thing about this is that you can check whether you achieved it instantly by looking at where your divot is. This drill is nice because it gives you immediate feedback and doesn’t allow much room for error.

This drill will also encourage you to strike the middle of the face as you need to swing through the tees.

NEXT TIME YOU HEAD TO THE DRIVING RANGE, TAKE SOME STRIKE SPRAY (ATHLETE’S FOOT SPRAY FROM THE CHEMIST WORKS PERFECTLY). SPRAY IT ON THE FACE OF YOUR CLUB, HIT SOME SHOTS AND TRY AND FIND THE SWEET SPOT. THIS IS A GREAT EXERCISE FOR GOLFERS OF ALL LEVELS.

7. TAKE YOUR MEDICINE

And we’re back to making sure you make better decisions if you want to break 100! When you hit it in the trees, TAKE. YOUR. MEDICINE!

When you are faced with a tree, bush, water, or even a bunker in front of you, let’s choose to play the safe shot and get the ball back into play on the fairway. Remember, we count strokes and write down a number on the scorecard. We don’t draw pictures, so there’s no need to be a hero when you are trying to break 100.

Chip out sideways back onto the fairway and play onto the green from there. You’ll thank me later.

8. POST-SHOT ROUTINE

A post-shot routine helps you to deal mentally with the previous shot.

Give yourself a set amount of time to think about your previous shot before you need to start thinking about the next one.

Examples of this are:

• Before you put your club back in your bag

• Before you take your glove off

• 20 steps You have 20 steps to curse or celebrate your previous shot. Once those 20 steps are done, shift your focus to

the next shot. Many golfers completely implode on the golf course due to the inability to move on from a poor shot. The thing is, every single golfer hits bad shots – yes, even the best golfers in the world. The difference is, that professional golfers accept it and move on and most amateurs dwell on their bad shots which leads to another and another.

Remember – DON’T GIVE UP – the hole or game isn’t over after one bad shot. Accept that this is the situation we are in, now how do we make the best of it!

BONUS DRILL

Set yourself up for success by teeing it high and watching it fly!

9. BEFRIEND YOUR DRIVER

To break 100, you need to get decent drive away off the tee box. The main issues I have seen from instructing women over the years are; they struggle to get the ball in the air, they get nervous and struggle with achieving any sort of distance. The driver is a very different club to your irons, fairway woods and wedges and a lot of women don’t hit their driver far or straight because they don’t consider the differences.

Since the driver is so much longer and has less loft than other clubs, it requires a few changes, mostly during the setup. With the driver, we want to deliver the golf club much shallower and strike the ball on the upswing to reduce spin and increase carry distance.

• Tee it high! One of the most common mistakes I see with women golfers is that they don’t tee the ball up high enough. When you tee the golf ball up, ensure half of the golf ball is above the driver. Set yourself up for success by teeing it high and watching it fly!

• Widen your stance so that your feet are slightly wider than your shoulders.

• Move your ball position forward –Your golf ball should be just inside your lead heel. Another way to think about this is directly under your lead armpit.

• Grip lightly! Let’s remove all that unnecessary tension.

• Spine Tilt – The longest club in the bag demands a strike on the clubface on the upswing. Establishing the correct tilt will let you launch the ball higher with less spin leading to more distance. Tilt your spine and shoulder away from the target. Your lead shoulder and hip should sit slightly higher at address.

10. DON’T ADD UP YOUR SCORE

Lastly, a simple (yet hard to do) tip. Don’t add up your score mid-round. By focusing on the outcome, you won’t be able to focus on one shot at a time. So, next time you play, remind your playing partners not to tell you your score until you’ve finished. Make sure you only put the hole totals down and then add up your score at the end.

skye@golfher.com.au

P : 0410 883 504

www.skyechoueirigolf.com Instagram: @skyechoueirigolf

@skyechoueirigolf

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The role of social media in

EMPOWERING FEMALE GOLFERS

WORDS EMMA HIGGINS

In recent years, social media has transformed the landscape of sports, offering athletes a platform to share their journeys, connect with fans, and advocate for change. For female golfers, this shift has been particularly significant, providing opportunities for visibility and community that were previously hard to come by in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

Social media platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok have become essential tools for female golfers to showcase their talent and share their stories. Professional players such as Lexi Thompson and Nelly Korda use their platforms not just to promote their games, but also to discuss the challenges they face as women in sports. By sharing their experiences, they inspire younger generations to pursue their passions, proving that success is attainable regardless of gender.

Social media has enabled the creation of vibrant online communities where female golfers can connect, share tips, and celebrate each other’s achievements. Hashtags like #WomenInGolf and #GirlsWhoGolf help to foster this sense of belonging, allowing players of all levels to engage with one another. These communities provide support, encouragement, and a space for dialogue about the unique experiences women face in the golfing world.

The visibility provided by social media also plays a crucial role in promoting inclusivity within the sport. Golf organisations and brands are increasingly recognising the importance of female representation, often featuring female golfers in their campaigns. Social media serves as a platform for advocacy and visibility, pushing for more equitable opportunities for women in golf, from sponsorship deals to tournament participation.

Social media allows for real-time sharing of achievements, whether it’s a hole-in-one, a tournament win, or personal milestones in or out of our sport. This not only celebrates individual successes but also raises the profile of women’s golf as a whole. By showcasing these accomplishments, female golfers are changing the narrative around the sport, drawing attention to the skill and dedication that women bring to the game.

While social media offers many benefits, on the flip side it also presents equal challenges. Female athletes often face scrutiny and criticism that many of their male counterparts do not encounter. Issues such as body image, performance expectations, and online harassment can affect mental health and self-esteem.

The role of social media in empowering female golfers cannot be overstated. It has become an essential tool for self-expression, advocacy, and connection. As the landscape of golf continues to evolve, the voices of women in the sport are becoming increasingly prominent, thanks in large part to the platforms they utilize. By harnessing the power of social media, female golfers are not only celebrating their achievements but also paving the way for future generations to thrive in the sport. Through community, visibility, and advocacy, they are reshaping the narrative of women in golf, one post at a time.

EMMA HIGGINS HAS BEEN ADDICTED TO GOLF SINCE SHE WAS 10 YEARS OLD. SHE HAS REPRESENTED HAMPSHIRE COUNTY (UK) AS THE JUNIOR CAPTAIN AND STILL PLAYS FOR THE CLUB TODAY. EMMA ALSO COMPETES IN THE ROSE LADIES SERIES AND SHARES HER PASSION FOR GOLF ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WHERE SHE CREATES FUNNY, RELATABLE SKITS THAT CAPTURE HER EXPERIENCES ON THE COURSE.

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FOLLOW EMMA’S GOLFING JOURNEY ON INSTAGRAM @EMMAJANE_HIGGINS

THERE’S NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE

HOW WORDS CAN HURT YOUR GAME & HOW TO OVERCOME IT

Verbal damage inflicted by parents, partners, other golfers, and even the way we speak to ourselves can result in low selfesteem, lack of confidence, and in some cases, mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, and diminished self-worth.

WORDS

JENNY JONES

Flippant comments, well-meant advice and our personal thoughts/internal dialogue can be abusive. It comes from hard-to-detect human behaviour where the abuser is often unaware of the damage they cause.

Do you ever leave the course exhausted and disappointed and wish you could have had more fun out there? If so, you may be unconsciously mentally abusing yourself or are overtly affected by those around you.

Let’s have a look at the human mind and learned behaviours.

The human mind is wired for negativity. This is a primitive survival program that signals you to watch out for danger. Let’s go back in time to the prehistoric brain and how it is wired for survival.

When the caveman walks out of the safety of his cave with his spear, he is looking for the tiger, the bear, or another (potentially dangerous) caveman and he does this for his protection.

However, for survival, he has to access his plan of action, fight or flight. Does he retreat to the cave (and starve) or face his fear and throw his spear at a target in the distance that will provide a safe route and a reward (food)?

How does this primitive behavioural mechanism show up on the golf course?

The golfer stands on a tee ground. He is faced with danger – the trees, the bunkers, the water, the out of bounds and an opponent. If he focuses on the danger he will swing quickly and retreat off the tee ground - angry and scared because he has ended up smack in the danger area (trees, bunkers, the rough, etc.). The golfer therefore needs to learn to face the FEARS and remain calm and focused. However, this is not as easy as it sounds because your current on-course attitude can be compounded by the advice and/or warnings from other golfers, parents and partners.

Let’s go back to the caveman scenario:

The caveman walks out of the cave ready to go hunting. Now, if every other caveman followed him and stood around as he was about to assess the situation, while he tried to aim with his spear and they all started yelling ‘Watch out for the tiger, don’t let the bear get you, hurry up everyone is waiting, don’t miss it’ or if the onlookers pointed out that the other caveman with the other spear is better than him…. do you think that caveman could remain calm and focused?

How does this same idea appear on the golf course? Parents, partners and other golfers think they are helping when they point out the dangers and/ or are offering (often unsolicited) advice. Don’t get me wrong we do need to be aware of ‘hazards’, but when the dialogue becomes damaging and creates fear-based performance anxiety for the golfer, it’s no good.

“When the dialogue becomes damaging and creates fear-based performance anxiety for the golfer, it’s no good.”

THE FEEDBACK LOOP

When family members or other golfers say things like:

• There is water on the left

• Watch out for those bunkers, they’re hard to get out of

• There is an ‘Out of Bounds’ area there

• This hole is tough there is a big water carry

It can create stress, panic and pressure. Wouldn’t a better option be to say the following?

The best place to aim on this hole is… straight down the middle, on the left side, etc. With encouraging words like “You can do it”.

Here are some potentially damaging comments that can create anxiety for golfers.

1. You’re playing with really good players today.

2. Why did you hit that shot - you can do better than that.

3. You are being too serious.

4. Hurry up, people are behind us.

5. No need to be nervous.

6. Don’t get too confident.

7. Offering too many tips and confusing the golfer.

8. Telling the golfer after every shot what they did wrong.

9. You hit it well on the range why can’t you do that on the course?

10. Point out bad course conditions.

A better option would be to put an imaginary force field around yourself and (refer back to the top comments and replace with the below) practice saying the following to yourself.

1. Forget about who you are playing with and focus on your game only.

2. Every golfer makes mistakes - it’s part of the game, move on.

3. If you play better in a serious mindset, then do it.

4. It’s okay to take time on your shot but move quickly between shots.

5. It’s okay to be nervous, breathe.

6. Get confident in what makes you hit good shots and stay focused.

7. Keep it simple. Pick 2 things that help you and stick to those.

8. Find out what you did right in a shot, there will be something. (it went straight, it’s not in trouble).

9. Pretend you’re on the range. And remember it’s just another golf shot.

10. Know the conditions are the same for everyone but have a better attitude about it than them.

THE PARENT TRAP

I work with a lot of up-and-coming golfers and unfortunately, they have been on the receiving end of some damaging words/talk. Most parents who take their kids to compete in golf tournaments obviously want them to do well, but unfortunately, they don’t see the ways (intended or not) that they put more pressure on their kids.

Damaging statements/actions can become embedded in a child’s mind come from comments like.

1. What’s wrong with you, you play well at home but never do well in the big events.

2. Parents who walk off when the child isn’t playing well.

3. Parents who show their emotions too openly - it’s hard not to show disappointment or anger.

4. I’ve spent a lot of money on your golf game and you play like that!

5. Point out all the things they did wrong and tell them how to fix them.

6. Calling your child an idiot, saying that’s a stupid shot and/or swearing.

7. Don’t be nervous, don’t be angry, don’t worry, don’t be sad, settle down and don’t get too excited.

8. Don’t brag, don’t speak about being successful.

9. Have you got a backup plan if golf doesn’t work out?

10. Just play for fun (but the kid wants to be good or and take it seriously).

A better option would be to ask the child questions. Again, please refer to the above statements/actions and replace them with the following.

1. Do you need help working out why you can’t perform in the bigger events?

2. It’s hard to watch when your child is not performing well. Yet of all the people around them, they need parental love and support the most.

3. When the parent expresses their emotions in front of the child – it is the parent who is emotionally immature. The parent is transferring their feelings to the child and this makes the child feel worse.

4. Most kids don’t understand the concept of ‘all the money you spend’ until they earn it themselves. If you are prepared to spend the money on your child’s golf development, don’t guilt them into trying to play better.

5. Ask the child: What do you think you could have done better today or on that shot?

6. There’s no excuse for this. Just learn not to do it. Not even in jest. Never tell a child they are an idiot, or they will grow up believing it.

7. Emotions are normal. Ask them how they feel. That will help them defuse the emotion and then there is less chance of them not acting out badly.

8. It’s okay to celebrate the good things but keep it to yourself. No spruiking to others.

9. This can kill the player’s self-belief and passion. Tell them to dream big. Anyone successful in golf or in life is a big dreamer.

10. We have more FUN when we play well. Find out how to play better.

On the flip side is the over-excited/ pumped-up parent who tells their child…

• You’re the best player in the field.

• You’re going to be the next world champion.

• You should win this event.

This gung-ho approach can be tricky. I don’t believe in killing confidence, so try to keep goals realistic and not too far in the future. Try not to make comparisons with other players. Congratulate them for achieving small goals along the way, this is the best way to build their self-confidence. Whether you’re a child now or an adult playing golf you will have a voice in your head that comes from learned behaviours or comments from others. We have seen abuse publicly from sporting parents for years and only now are people talking more about the damage that is done. For example, Jelena Dokic (tennis player) and how she ended up

with lots of mental health issues due to a controlling/abusive parent. When I was on tour, stories of golfing parents punishing their children for not playing well and associated verbal and emotional abuse were rife. And, unfortunately, I still believe this occurs today.

CHANGE THE SELF-CHAT

When you go to play golf next - check what’s going on in your head. And, when you hit a bad shot and your mental reaction is something like: what did you hit that shot for, you idiot, that was stupid, how embarrassing, hurry up or you should do better than that, what’s wrong with you? You are essentially verbally abusing yourself! It’s no wonder you FEEL bad. Ask yourself who spoke to you like that. Where did you learn to abuse yourself? This voice in the child, female or male golfer comes from somewhere.

So, my job is to retrain the golfer’s selftalk. And I do this by making them aware of the things they say to themselves.

Golf is a game of mistakes and mis-hit shots! The best players in the world still hit bad shots - they just manage their thoughts and emotions well and reset quicker for the next shot.

This is the number one thing to learn! We can’t re-train our parents, partners, or other golfers but we can change our thinking and this is the key to becoming a mentally stronger golfer and less abusive golfer.

I’ve worked with golfers in their 60s and 70s and asked them what their upbringing was like and other things such as, are you a perfectionist, are you self-conscious, are you tough on yourself? Do you get angry at yourself for making mistakes? And I’ll tell you this, people often use the same inner voice in every aspect of their lives and it’s often the same one they use on the golf course. I simply ask my clients if their internal dialogue makes them feel good or not. Maybe they don’t see it as a negative or as abuse, but if you think bad things about yourself and are particularly hard on yourself when you make a mistake – you’re going to feel bad, that’s a fact.

Golf is a game of mistakes and mis-hit shots! The best players in the world still hit bad shots - they just manage their thoughts and emotions well and reset quicker for the next shot. Therefore, acceptance of bad shots and mistakes as part of the game is a starting point for all. Learning to be calm and focused when you are full of fear on that first tee or anywhere on the course, is possible if you are mindful of what you are saying to yourself and learning to block out other people’s comments.

We will never change other people and their comments, opinions and advice, but we can learn to stop abusing ourselves.

Contact Jenny, if you are interested in reprogramming your mind for better golf.

HOT NEW

PRODUCTS TO MARKET IN 2025

BECAUSE WE ALL WANT TO LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD, PLAY GOOD!

WORDS EMMA CARPENTER

I’m so proud to be a part of women’s golf. Thanks to people like you, women’s golf is thriving! With that comes an exciting wave of innovative golf gear tailor-made for women of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re stepping on the fairway for the first time, or finetuning your game for competitive play, having the right gear can make a world of difference.

Feeling stylish, prepared and confident will grow your love for the game and the lifestyle that comes with it. From the latest in smart technology to must-have accessories, there’s something here for every golfer.

For this equipment and accessories guide, I selected a range of items I tried and spied at the recent PGA Show as the hottest new golf products to market. All are designed to elevate your game and here’s why…

G/FORE RIBBED TECH NYLON POLO

Ideal for both newcomers and seasoned players, this polo seamlessly blends functionality with fashion, allowing you to focus on your game while looking your best. G/FORE has long been a brand that seamlessly blends athleticism with fashion, and their Ribbed Tech Nylon Polo is no exception. Designed for the modern golfer who values both performance and style, this polo delivers a sleek, polished look while offering top-tier functionality on the course. The fabric moves effortlessly with your swing, ensuring you stay comfortable and its athletic fit is flattering yet never restrictive, making it a go-to piece for all-day wear.

BAL.ON PRESSURE SENSOR SHOE INSERTS

I stumbled upon this gadget at the PGA Show and found the concept of these pressure sensor shoe inserts to be absolutely genius. As someone who played competitive golf, I definitely spent time working on a pressure mat. What’s special about this product is that you can use it on the course. Designed to provide realtime feedback on weight distribution and balance, BAL.ON Pressure Sensor Shoe inserts are a gamechanger for golfers aiming to refine their stance and swing mechanics. I expect this product to be extremely popular among swing coaches! Understanding your weight shift and how you work the ground can lead to more consistent and powerful golf shots. All you have to do is slip them into your favourite golf shoes, connect via the app, and receive instant insights to perfect your golf shots and ball flight.

CHALKLESS - RADICALLY ENGINEERED GRIP ENHANCER

The only product on this list was not created specifically for golf, nevertheless I find its helpfulness extends and applies to many other sports and activities. Something I wish I had learned earlier in my golfing journey is the importance of the grip. I didn’t know how important the golf grip was until I started struggling.

Let’s debunk a common myth: there is no single “right” way to grip the club. This is incorrect. You can hold the club in your hands however you like, but the most important thing is that it feels comfortable. If the club feels good/comfortable in your hands, you will have an exponentially better and more confident golf swing. Using new grips as opposed to older, slippery ones has proven to provide instant improvement to the strike on the ball, but that all stems from feeling.

This is why I think having a simple product like Chalkless in your golf bag can truly help. Its unique granular formulation absorbs oil and repels moisture on the skin’s surface to deliver unprecedented, enhanced grip for competitors of all levels. It goes on in seconds, lasts for hours and washes off easily with soap and water.

Designed to provide real-time feedback on weight distribution and balance, BAL.ON Pressure Sensor Shoe inserts are a game-changer for golfers aiming to refine their stance and swing mechanics.

The AutoFlex Shaft is fast becoming very popular for golfers

AUTOFLEX SHAFT

The AutoFlex Shaft is fast becoming very popular for golfers. I first saw it in action when I caddied for a friend in a Senior PGA qualifier and noticed that all members in his group, including himself had swapped out their driver shaft for the AutoFlex! This was when they were brand new to market and had to be specially shipped from South Korea. At the time, it felt like an “if you know, you know” piece of equipment. Originally produced by Dumina Company in South Korea they are made with what the company calls “KHT” or “Korean Hidden Technology.” AutoFlex Shafts are incredibly light and flexible, giving players the ability to swing the club faster and hit the golf ball further than ever before. It comes in three models: the Original, the Joy 365 and the “Dream 7.” Tip: the Joy 365 provides a softer feel than the original and has even more kick - which is designed for slower-swinging players to help gain the most efficient height while being very easy on the hands.

ALPHARD CLUB BOOSTER V2PRO

One of the biggest reasons we all adore this game is because it offers a hobby for life. With that said, not many other sports are proven to increase your life expectancy. It’s so tempting to take a cart instead of walking the course for a quick 9 or 18 and I understand that walking is a time-consuming commitment and is a more strenuous exercise. And yet, walking the course can lower your golf scores and make drastic improvements to your overall health!

A study from the Swedish Medical University, Karolinska Institute collected data on over 300,000 golfers over fifteen years and they found the death rate for golfers is 40 percent lower than for other people of the same sex, age, and socioeconomic status. This corresponds to a 5-year increase in life expectancy. How about that? If that’s not enough to make you want to push a cart or carry your clubs, this fancy gadget just might.

While I certainly find using a pushcart to be a saviour for your back, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be tiring or hard on your body - especially on hilly courses. The Alphard Club Booster V2Pro connects to almost any push cart, instantly transforming it into a remote-controlled caddie. Imagine having a caddy carrying your clubs for you but completely operated by a remote or your phone. It has a 6-axis Gyroscope (keeps cart tracking straight on side slopes), downhill speed control, an automatic parking brake, free anti-tip wheels, the option to push on your own at any time, and a 2-year warranty. Set it up in less than a minute!

COOL SPRAY USA

Another great PGA Show discovery! A big reason we all play golf is the opportunity to get outdoors. But, as much as we love to feel the sun, at times it can be too much. Overheating can certainly negatively affect the oncourse experience, and sometimes a cool towel just doesn’t do the trick. Just a few spritzes of Cool Spray on your clothes will cool you down for approx. 30-40 minutes. The product produces a cooling sensation that envelopes your skin and leaves you feeling rejuvenated and revitalised. Plus, heat can lead to fatigue, which is what we don’t want when we’re trying to perform our best and stay comfortable on the course.

Another myth about putting is that there is a number #1 putter. That’s completely false. Just like every golfer needs clubs that are suited to their game, putters should also match individual putting styles and feel preferences. As the world of women’s golf continues to grow, these products exemplify the perfect blend of innovation, style, and performance. Whether you’re investing in technology to improve your swing, upgrading your wardrobe with

MINJEE LEE’S BROOMSTICK PUTTER

Two-time major champion Minjee Lee has recently introduced the broomstick putter to her game, aiming to improve her short-putting performance. This longer putter style has been traditionally less common among female golfers and offers an alternative approach to those struggling with conventional putters. Another myth about putting is that there is a number #1 putter. That’s completely false. Just like every golfer needs clubs that are suited to their game, putters should also match individual putting styles and feel preferences. It’s why we see each player on the LPGA and PGA Tours not only using different brands of putters, but also different setups, strokes, and green-reading techniques. With the broomstick putter specifically, its design promotes a more pendulum-like stroke, which can lead to greater consistency on the greens. It’s not to say that you can’t achieve the pendulum-like stroke with a different putter, but if you find yourself nervous or “shaky” over putts on the greens, this could be a good putter to try, and I’ll tell you why: The most important factor in putting is repeatability, same as the golf swing. For many golfers, it can be difficult to keep your wrists still when making a basic putting stroke, promoting an open or closed putter face. I used to pretend that my hands were cemented to the putter grip, using only my shoulders to make the stroke. Using a broomstick putter helps take your hands out of the equation and use the long lines of your body to move the putter. For golfers open to experimenting with their equipment, the broomstick putter presents an intriguing option to explore in 2025.

Minjee Lee with her Odyssey Golf broomstick putter prototype.

PHOTO:

THE POWER OF BREATHING IN GOLF

In this article, we are going to talk about breathing and introduce techniques that can improve your performance on and off the golf course.

Breathing is critical to life. A simple subconscious act, constantly occurring. While most of the time we are oblivious to the automatic nature of breathing, we do have control over this critical motor function.

We live in a society where stress factors are all around us. Stress and anxiety have a huge impact on our breathing patterns and can cause over breathing and mouth breathing which negatively impact performance. There is no doubt that golf can create stress and bring out a multitude of emotions which can have a detrimental effect on our breathing! Under a stressful situation or when you feel upset, sad, worried, or angry we tend to start breathing faster and take shallow breaths using the accessory inspiratory muscles (neck and upper chest muscles). This altered breathing pattern or upper chest breathing, negatively impacts body mechanics and biochemistry which can increase muscle tightness, pain, start your mind racing, change your mood, make it difficult to concentrate and even affect your recovery.

Functional breathing implies taking air in quietly through your nose using the diaphragm muscle to fill up the lungs while the upper chest and shoulders stay relaxed. As your diaphragm relaxes, the air is expelled out of the lungs through your nose (not mouth). Breathing lightly, slowly and deeply will activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows down your heart rate and relaxes your

mind and body. Efficient breathing allows you to be more focused and less fatigued through a round of golf by providing better oxygenation to the brain and body.

Proper breathing on the golf course will improve your posture for consistent mechanics throughout your swing. Diaphragmatic breathing along with good core activation/ strength will help you create a stable anchor for your hips and shoulders allowing you to transfer forces more efficiently from the ground all the way to the golf club during the golf swing.

The diaphragm is a muscle that can become fatigued when overworked, leading to reduced stability, poor posture, and compensations from surrounding muscles. As a result, your swing mechanics will be challenged impacting accuracy, loss of distance, and potentially introducing injury.

HOW CAN YOU LEARN TO BREATH EFFICIENTLY?

Bring awareness to your breathing – breathing consciously with intention. Practice resonance frequency breathing daily for a minimum of 10 minutes but ideally 20 minutes (either 1 x 20 minutes or 2 x 10 minutes). Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 1 second, breathe out for 4 seconds, hold for 1 second and repeat this pattern for 5-10 minutes. This is a good starting point to activate your parasympathetic nervous system. (Respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute) Before going to sleep, you can practice a 4 second inhale / 6 seconds exhale cycle to maximise relaxation.

1. Lie on your back. Place one hand on your abdomen and one hand on your chest. Breathe in through your nose, let your belly expand (feel your bottom hand go up), and keep your shoulders and chest relaxed (the top hand doesn’t move) as your diaphragm works and your lungs fill up with air. Breathe out through your nose, let your belly relax down, and keep your chest relaxed.

Functional breathing implies taking air in quietly through your nose using the diaphragm muscle to fill up the lungs while the upper chest and shoulders stay relaxed.

Diaphragmatic breathing plays an important role in stabilising the body resulting in a more efficient golf swing. By improving your breathing pattern, you will be able to create more rotation and generate more power leading to more distance.

Another benefit of diaphragmatic breathing is that it increases your ability to control stress by positively influencing the autonomic nervous system. Performing light, slow and deep breaths through your nose (which activates the diaphragm as supposed to upper chest muscles) during a round will positively affect your emotions and help you remain calm under pressure.

Professional golfers spend a lot of time working on their golf game, on their physical health (stability, strength, and power) and on their mental health. Breathing practice is key part of their toolbox.

An additional benefit of functional breathing is better sleep quality and recovery which we all know is key for optimal performance.

EXERCISE 2

How

to breathe on the golf course

1. As part of your pre-shot routine, while you are standing behind the ball, breathe slowly in and out through your nose which will help you get in the zone and relax your body.

Now that you are well-equipped to practice efficient breathing, enjoy better golf!

2. At address, breathe out. During the golf swing, breathing in during the backswing will allow the intraabdominal pressure to increase and therefore help with the core activation and improve core stability allowing you to reach optimal position at the top of the backswing. From there, breathe out during the downswing and follow through. Now, while you would not focus on your breathing as you hit a golf ball on the course, practicing this breathing pattern on the range would be very beneficial.

3 Between shots is a great time to focus on your light, slow and deep breathing to reset your body. This can be especially beneficial after hitting a bad shot or while walking to the green before a birdie putt! These are situations that would affect you emotionally and your body’s response would most likely be ‘fight or flight’ leading to poor breathing pattern, so here is the time to reset your breathing.

2. Lie on your stomach with your hands under your forehead. Breathe in through your nose, let your belly expand and as your feel the resistance of the floor, expand your lower back up and lower ribs and abdomen laterally, while keeping your upper body relaxed. Breathe quietly out through your nose as your shoulders and upper chest remain relaxed.

3. While breathing in the supine position may feel reasonably easy and comfortable, breathing while sitting or standing can be more challenging. With some LPGA players, we use the Neuropeak NTEL Belt which allows us to get feedback and objectively measure their breathing pattern as well as HRV (Heart Rate Variability) – key marker of health. We use this first-of-its-kind, realtime training device to help the players achieve optimal precision breathing withadequate pace and consistency. Place the belt around your chest and perform your diaphragmatic breathing in and out through your nose following the prompts on the Neuropeak Pro app.

EXERCISE 3

Off the golf course, professional golfers are exposed to a huge amount of stress. They travel constantly from one tournament to the next, living out of a suitcase for weeks away from home and this comes with a lot of stress factors from emotional stresses to physical stresses (sleeping in different bed every week, dragging a suitcase and golf bag around, etc.). These stressors are always going to be there. It is not about eliminating the stressors but how to deal with them – this is where taking control of one’s breathing comes into place. Even if you are not a professional golfer, your daily life brings you many stress factors. Practising breathing is a great tool that anyone can use to help them manage their life challenges whatever they are but especially on the golf course!

Have you ever noticed that you are hitting perfect golf shots on the range yet struggle to perform as well on the course? While under the pressure of a round or tournament, pay attention to your breathing. Be aware of how your body responds to stresses and focus on those deep diaphragm breaths to bring your body back in sync.

Breathing with intention will help you control your emotions, find calmness, focus, and play better!

If you experience any dizziness, lightheadedness, or any other symptoms, please stop the exercise and consult a health professional.

POWER FROM WITHIN:

WHY EVERY WOMAN GOLFER NEEDS FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING (PART 1)

WORDS BRON HADLEY

As a golfer, you already know that a stable stance and consistent swing are crucial to your game. But have you considered how your stabalising muscles and body awareness affect your performance? Let’s explore the often-overlooked aspects of stability and proprioception training and how they can elevate your golf game to new heights.

WHY WOMEN GOLFERS NEED FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH

UNDERSTANDING FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING

Functional strength training focuses on exercises that mirror everyday movement patterns and real-life activities. Unlike isolated exercises (think of a bicep curl) that target single muscle groups, functional training engages multiple muscle groups and joints simultaneouslyimproving overall strength, stability, and mobility. For women golfers, this translates to better body awareness, reduced risk of injury, and increased capability both on and off the course.

Life-Stage Support

Women’s bodies undergo significant changes throughout life –from pregnancy to menopause and beyond. Functional strength training provides crucial support during these transitions:

• During and post-pregnancy, it helps maintain core strength and pelvic stability, making it easier to return to golf safely

• Through menopause, it helps combat muscle loss and maintain bone density, crucial for maintaining power in your golf swing

• As we age, it supports balance and coordination, essential for both daily activities and maintaining a stable golf stance

Daily Movement Enhancement

The movements we practice in functional training directly translate to everyday activities: lifting groceries, playing with children and grandchildren, or gardening. This practical strength serves as the backbone for more specialised golf movements.

Golf-Specific Benefits

Before diving into golf-specific training, a solid functional strength foundation ensures:

• Better posture and alignment during your swing

• Improved core stability for more powerful rotation

• Enhanced body control for more consistent shots

• Reduced risk of common golf injuries

• Greater endurance throughout 18 holes

Building from the Ground Up

Think of functional strength as the foundation of a house. Without a solid foundation, any specialised training (the walls and roof) won’t be as effective or long-lasting. This foundational training:

• Corrects muscle imbalances that could affect your swing

• Develops the stabiliser muscles needed for golf’s rotational movements

• Improves joint mobility and flexibility

• Builds overall body awareness and control

The key to success with functional strength training is consistency. Start with basic movements, focus on the correct form, and gradually increase intensity.

READY TO BEGIN YOUR FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH JOURNEY?

Scan the QR code below to access your complete 12-week resistance band program, designed specifically for women golfers. This comprehensive guide includes detailed instructions, form cues, and progression strategies to help you build your foundation the right way.

The Path to Golf-Specific Training

Once you’ve established a functional strength base, transitioning to golf-specific training becomes more effective and safer. Your body will be better prepared to:

• Generate more power through proper rotation

• Maintain consistent swing mechanics

• Handle the repetitive motions of practice sessions

• Recover more quickly between rounds

Making the Commitment

The key to success with functional strength training is consistency. Start with basic movements, focus on the correct form, and gradually increase intensity. Remember, this isn’t just about improving your golf game – it’s about building a stronger, more resilient body that serves you both on and off the course. Ready to begin your functional strength journey? Scan the QR code below to access your complete 12-week resistance band program, designed specifically for women golfers. This comprehensive guide includes detailed instructions, form cues, and progression strategies to help you build your foundation the right way.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO ACCESS YOUR COMPLETE 12-WEEK RESISTANCE BAND PROGRAM

And this is just the beginning. In our next issue, I’ll reveal how to transform your newly developed functional strength into explosive golf power. You won’t want to miss our advanced guide to weight training for women golfers, where we’ll show you how to take your game to the next level. Stay tuned to learn how to turn your functional foundation into force that will transform your performance on the course.

TEE t ime

ALL THE ACTION FROM THE 2025 PGA SHOW, THE 2024 KEPERRA BOWL, CALLAWAY ELYTE LAUNCH & SOME FUN SOCIAL GOLFING HIGHLIGHTS.

THE CALLAWAY ELYTE LAUNCH

The Callaway Elyte Launch saw a roll call of pro golfers and Aussie sporting stars arrive at the Royal Pines Golf Course and Top Golf on the Gold Coast to test out some rad new Callaway equipment (a family of irons, drivers and wedges).

PHOTOGRAPHY: RCKT CO

THE 2024 KEPERRA BOWL

The 2024 Keperra Bowl Women’s Amateur Championship was a fantastic Queensland event! Jazy Roberts (Belvoir Park Golf Club, Victoria) claimed the win. It was her first time playing in the Bowl, and she finished 8 under par. A terrific effort!

PINK GOLF CHARITY DAY

Moss Vale Golf Club's Pink Golf Charity Day was initiated by club junior, Georgie Lewis in 2024. It was a great success and this year's event was bigger and better - with the support of charitable members of MVGC (all dressed in Pink!) who together raised a whopping $20,000 for the Prostate & Breast Cancer Foundation. Well done everyone!

THE 2025 PGA SHOW

The annual PGA trade show in the USA features new golf products and plenty of industry networking opportunities – it’s the largest golf business gathering in the world! Take a look at these behind-thescenes happenings.

SUMMER 2025 WOMEN’S

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Universal Volumising Mascara, AU$39.

SKIN SOOTHER Caudalie Beauty Elixir, AU$29.

Dock and Bay Hair Wrap in Tulum Blue, AU$24.

BEAUTY BUYS

SUPERCHARGED SPRITZ

Dr LeWinn’s Hydrating Ceramide Mist, AU$49.95.

Ella Bache Great

PROTECTED POUT

The Quick Flick SPF50 3 in 1 Hydrate & Plump Honey Oil, AU$20.