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20 YEARS AT THE TOP
The Spanish superstar on his teenage
Ryder Cup debut and glittering career
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CONTENTS November 2019 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com
10TALKING
POINTS
Our readers let us know their thoughts
on golf’s biggest issues
20
2020SERGIO
YEARS OF
Masters winner and Ryder Cup hero
Sergio Garcia looks back on the
biggest moments of his career
32HOLLYWOOD
BLOCKBUSTERS
Michael Renouf rounds up the greatest
golf films of all time 41
36GOLF’S BIG
PROBLEMS
Steve Carroll looks at four issues that
could lead to golf club going under
97
41EQUIPMENT
The latest comprehensive
and objective gear tests
51COURSESStarring an all-encompassing
resort on the north coast of Cyprus
and Cabell Robinson’s impressive Las
Colinas
61 CLUB GOLF
All the news and views from
51
the game’s grass roots
65 WINTER
GOLF GUIDE
Pick up some cracking offers in our
32 65
ode to golf in the off-season
92CHRISTMAS
GIFTS
Ideas on how to put a smile on the
face of your favourite golfer
97FROM THE
CLUBHOUSE
Why banning juniors isn’t the answer
2 NOVEMBER 2019 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

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SERGIO:
20 YEARS AT THE TOP
The Spanish superstar on his teenage
Ryder Cup debut and glittering career
Editor’s comment
EDITOR he bare statistics of Tiger’s career speak for themselves but
T
Dan Murphy
record tell us that he has won there is no significant
NCG is a month
PRODUCTION EDITOR tournaments at the rate of almost title he hasn’t won: ly
magazine distrib
James Broadhurst uted to the
four a year ever since turning WGCs, Players golf clubs of Gr
eat Britain
TOUR EDITORS professional aged 20. Championships, written for the
serious golfer.
Mark Townsend But you don’t accumulate 82 PGA Tour events Turn to page 38
Tour to subscribe
Joe Hughes now – take adva
across 23 years in a linear fashion. There have Championships, ntage of our
EQUIPMENT EDITOR great new offer
been plenty of times in the last decade when there Memorials, AP and never
Hannah Holden miss an issue
was a suspicion that Tiger’s career at the top was Invitationals, Buicks,
CLUB GOLF EDITOR over. The most recent was last month. There Western Opens. The
Steve Carroll
have also been times when a Tiger win seemed list goes on. And on.
INSTRUCTION EDITOR as inevitable as night following day. In his utterly It took Sam Snead, whose
Andy Wright
dominant prime he began majors as the odds-on record he has now tied, until he was 52 to reach
TOP 100s EDITOR favourite with the bookies. Or, to put it another this tally. Tiger is 43. We can only presume he
Chris Bertram
way, there was more chance of Tiger winning will now stretch away from Slammin’ Sam.
CONTRIBUTORS than all the rest of the other players put together. When it comes to the frequency of the wins,
Colin Callander
Karl Morris There have been career-saving back only Ben Hogan can be mentioned in the same
Nick McCarthy operations, and career-threatening knee injuries. breath, with a respectful nod to Byron Nelson.
George Oldham The loss of his father, Earl, whose profound Tiger has won 22.8% of the PGA Tour events he
CHIEF DESIGNER influence on his son is felt to this day, and has played in. That’s compared to Hogan’s 21.3%
Andrew Kenworthy not always in a positive way. The collapse of and Nelson’s 18.1%. Snead is on 14% while
DESIGNERS his marriage to Elin, the mother of his two Jack Nicklaus is on 12.2%. Little more than half
Emmi Parry children, as his life fell apart. Being exposed Tiger’s strike rate.
Becky Clark
in humiliatingly public fashion as a serial And all this while playing on a limited
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR philanderer and self-certified sex addict who schedule and only against the strongest fields.
Christian Maiden
required therapy. On majors alone, he is still chasing Jack. On just
ADVERTISING MANAGER This from a man who called his yacht ‘Privacy’ about any other meaningful metric Tiger’s career
Jordan Elliott
and last gave a written journalist a one-on-one record leaves even the Golden Bear trailing.
SALES EXECUTIVES interview in the last millennium.
Jamie Perkins
Then you look down the list of those 82
Ben Ragg
victories. What an astonishing sweep of greatness
FINANCE & ACCOUNTS
they document. The 15 majors – five Masters,
Emma Abbott
Alice Young three US Opens, three Opens and four PGAs –
SUBSCRIPTIONS
12 issues including P&P: UK £48;
Europe £68.75; World £100
Online offers: nationalclubgolfer.com
SPORTS PUBLICATIONS LTD

TWO HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ISSUE...
P20 TWENTY YEARS OF SERGIO P32 GOLF’S BEST-EVER FILMS
2 Arena Park, Tarn Lane, Scarcroft,
West Yorkshire, LS17 9BF, UK As Tiger ties Sam Snead’s record for PGA Tour wins, We all love a golf-themed movie so we asked a
Telephone: +44 (0) 113 289 3979 Sergio Garcia celebrates 20 years of life on tour. He may specialist film critic to give an expert view on which are
e-mail: info@sportspub.co.uk not have the majors, but he has entertained us royally. the greatest of all time. There are a few surprises.
@SPPublications @NCG_com
THE 10
ISSN 1354 2532 BE
ESST 5
The Squeeze
This is an entertaining romp about
Augie Baccus (Jeremy Sumpter) who
4
Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius
Robert Tyre Jones Jr was a sickly
3
Tommy’s Honour
In 1860s Scotland, Tom Morris is
GO
G
one
OL
child with an amazing golf ability
LFF FIIL
is a rock’n’roll golfer living in a small of the finest golfers in the land. “Old
LM
MS
Texan
S OF ALL TIME
and one of the best swings ever seen.
town. One day he shoots a 63 to win Tom”, who is viewed as the father
a local Jim Caviezel, as Jones, delves deep of the
tournament by 15 shots and also break into modern game, was also the father
the the psyche of this extremely talented of Tommy
course record. At the same time, gambler, but Morris. The pair are portrayed by
Peter
Published by ©Sports Publications Ltd. Every effort has been made

vulnerable individual with aplomb
Riverboat (Christopher McDonald) and Mullan and Jack Lowden respectively,
Movie critic Michael Renouf rounds and his we understand why, after this momentous with
up his favourite golf flicks girlfriend Jessie (Katherine LaNasa)
convince achievement, he retired from tournament
both actors putting in fine performances.
In
Augie to play golf in money matches this true tale of their relationship,
to ensure accuracy, but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for

in golf before reaching 29 to concentrate we get to
which they will back the talented young on study not only the early origins of
10
10
The Legend of Bagger Vance man. his day job as a lawyer. golf but
9
Happy Gilmore
SERGIO
the changing times and British class
8
This movie certainly has Tin Cup system.
Adam Sandler plays Happy
omissions and errors. Readers are advised to check pricing and details of star power with Hollywood
heavyweights Will Smith, Matt Damon
and Charlize Theron filling the three
most
Gilmore, the ice hockey player who
becomes a golfer.
Kevin Costner portrays Roy “Tin
Cup” McAvoy, a golf range driving
pro who, when he puts his mind to
it, has an
availability before making any journeys. All material in this publication is

Happy discovers he has an amazing
prominent roles under the directing amazing game. The problem is, he
watch golf drive and starts to hustle money has about
of Robert Redford. Matt Damon had to as much mental control of his limbs
never try to improve his grandma’s situation. as an
played golf before and Tim Moss, ice-skating Bambi and believes both
strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is

who was Of course, he does, but not everybody his game Michael Renouf is a
hired to coach him, had only 28 days and personal life have to be lived on British writer
– 20 YEARS ON TOUR
to make welcomes the foul-mouthed, short- the front who now hones his
craft against the
him look convincing on the big screen. foot, at all times. beautiful backdrop
tempered newcomer. of the Caribbean on
prohibited. The views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of

Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
His passions
are sports, movies
and the country he
now calls home. He
can be contacted at
Sports Publications Ltd. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the
michaelrenouf.com
| PHOTOGRAPHY BY GETTY
WORDS BY MARK TOWNSEND
publishers assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising

2
From the Rough
An Englishman, an Australian, a
from participation in any offer, competition or advertising contained within. South Korean, a French-Algerian
and an African American walk into
– no, this is not the beginning of a
a bar
bad
joke but the first ever golf team Tania
Starks puts together.
From the Rough is the story of Starks
(Taraji P. Henson), the former swim
7
Swing Away coach of Tennessee State University.
Swing Away is a little known 2016 She is a workaholic coach who, when
release about Zoe Papadopoulos who, the chance presents itself to become
while playing on the LPGA, has a the
meltdown university’s newly formed men’s golf
and throws a hissy fit Elton John would team coach, volunteers for the role
be and
proud of. To get away, she jets off in doing so becomes the first female
to the
Greek island of Rhodes. Here, she African American to coach a men’s
meets
Stella, an aspiring golfer who cannot NCAA division golf team.
afford
to play on the local course and the
two form
a friendship with Zoe becoming Stella’s
golfing mentor.
1
The Greatest Game Ever
Played
6
Seve the Movie
ABC July-December 2015 | 58,346

Seve the Movie is the life story of Another true story, another
one cracking film. This is the
of the most charismatic and likeable
golfers of all time. The film is told account of the 1913 US
in Open and the tale of 20-year-old
English and Spanish, with subtitles
where amateur, Francis Ouimet (Shia
appropriate, and includes footage
of the man LeBeouf), which documents his
himself throughout the movie.
struggle to play golf against his father’s
wishes. Luckily for Francis, some
2019 21 other people within the golfing world
www.nationalclubgolfer.com | NOVEMBER
see his talent and try to help him fulfil
his potential, one of them being his
29/10/2019 12:09
20 NOVEMBER 2019 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com 2 NOVEMBER 2019 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com 10-year-old caddie Eddie Lowery.
29/10/2019 12:09 032 NCG Top 10 Films.indd 32
034 NCG Top 10 Films.indd 2

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

TIGER WOODS made history The Zozo Championship to a typhoon. This meant that victory.
once more by winning his 82nd was the first PGA Tour event in although they tried to fit the Woods said: “The body can’t
PGA Tour title to tie Sam Snead’s Japan and it produced the ideal final two rounds in on Sunday, do what it used to but I can still
record for the most wins. scenario with Woods leading they ran out of light and had think my way around the golf
Woods spent quite some time the pack and homegrown star, to conclude the final round on course.
on 79 victories but since returning Hideki Matsuyama, trying to Monday morning. “I know how to play and I
from his fused back surgery, he hunt him down. Woods was in control from was able to do that this week.
has won the Tour Championship A rare Monday finish was the very beginning and finished There was a time if I didn’t know
and this year’s Masters to close in required after the second round with a score of 19-under to if I would play again so I am very
on Snead. was delayed until Saturday due record his 82nd PGA Tour appreciative.”
www.nationalclubgolfer.com | NOVEMBER 2019 9

ON THE TEE INTERVIEW | ARCHIVE | QUICK TIP | GEAR | COMPETITION | TOUR | GRASS ROOTS
CAPTURED ON FILM
September 15, 1996

Arnold Palmer gets Scott Hoch in a
headlock at the Presidents Cup
THE BACKGROUND THE SCENE THE MOMENT

Having battered the International team in the What do they say about the best laid plans? If Palmer looks like he’s about to remove
inaugural competition two years previously, Everything seemed to be going swimmingly Scott Hoch’s head from his shoulders, it’s
more of the same was expected for the for the USA as they jumped out to a 7.5- a hug of both ecstasy and relief. Hoch had
United States when the two outfits gathered 2.5 lead following the first day’s play. But won his singles match with Mark McNulty
again at the Robert Trent Jones club in the Internationals, helped by pairings that by the narrowest possible margin and
Virginia for the second Presidents Cup in including Greg Norman and Ernie Els, that’s the way it would be for the overall
September 1996. Having triumphed 20-12 roared back in the afternoon foursomes on result. With the scores tied, Fred Couples
two years previously, it was Arnold Palmer, the second day. Their 4-1 win in that session needed to beat Vijay Singh to win the cup.
who now had the honour of leading the left them only one point adrift at 10.5-9.5. It Boom Boom, who has since captained the
Americans. The King faced a formidable was incredibly tight in the final day singles Americans on three occasions, came to the
opponent in five-time Open champ Peter with both teams trading wins as the event 17th 1up and hammered in a 35-foot birdie
Thomson as skipper of the Internationals. rolled into a dramatic finale. to break International hearts.

COLIN CALLANDER
A move towards the LET becoming a satellite tour for the LPGA can only be good thing
T
HE European Tour and the Ladies
European Tour have announced
plans to stage a new mixed event in
Sweden next summer in which 78
men and the same number of women will
compete against each other for one trophy
and a single prize purse.
Hosted by Henrik Stenson and Annika
Sorenstam, the new Scandinavian Mixed,
to be played at Bro Holf Slott Golf Club
in Stockholm on June 11-14, is the latest
attempt by both tours to promote inclusivity
in golf. Competitors will play for a prize fund
of €1,500,000.
It also offers official World Ranking points
for both tours, plus Race to Dubai points
and Ryder Cup points for European Tour
members. That should certainly enhance
its appeal among the men, although it is
to be played the week before the US Open
which is bound to have some negative
repercussions for the quality of the field.
Women competitors will receive LET Marta Figueras-Dotti is in
talks with the LPGA Tour
Order of Merit points, although most would
undoubtedly have played anyway given the a Ladies European Tour that could offer its two tours, best highlighted by the fact this
large gaps in their current schedule and the members significantly more opportunities year the LPGA played 33 events worth $66
fact the prize fund in Sweden dwarfs what to complete, earn an income and advance million whereas the LET had 15 (including
they normally play for. their professional career.” co-sanctioned events) worth around $14
The introduction of the new Scandinavian The joint statement added the two tours million.
Mixed event comes at an interesting time hoped to have an agreement in place to Realistically, the best option available to
for women’s professional golf in Europe. present to LET members at their AGM in the LET might be for them to become what
Around the same time as it was announced, Spain on November 26. is in effect a satellite tour for the LPGA, a
stories started to emerge about renewed Of course, there is nothing new in this. bit like its Symetra (secondary) Tour in the
discussions between the LPGA and the LET Back in 2016, the tours held talks about United States, which this year featured 24
about some sort of partnership. some sort of partnership, possibly also tournaments, often with bigger prize purses
The details remain unclear but what involving the European Tour and the R&A, than at rank-and-file events on the LET.
we do know is that in mid-October the but they stalled when the LET hierarchy That arrangement will not appeal to all
LET’s board chair, Marta Figueras-Dotti, decided to continue to go it alone. However, LET members but if, as is likely, it leads to
sent a letter to LET members stating that a it has made very little progress in the more tournaments and bigger prize purses,
dialogue to create a “50-50 joint venture” intervening period which resulted recently in surely such opposition would be short lived.
between the two tours was “in full swing”. the tour’s chief executive, Mark Lichtenhein, Throw in automatic ‘promotion’ to the
Subsequently, LPGA and LET officials not having his contract renewed and may LPGA Tour for, say, the top 10 on the annual
issued a joint statement which included a well be what led Figueras-Dotti and her LET Order of Merit and it would be even
passage from Figueras-Dotti’s previous supporters to instigate new talks. harder to turn down.
letter to members. It read: “This summer, It will be interesting to see what sort
the LPGA and LET began discussions about of agreement is put to the players at their
Q Colin Callander is a former editor of Golf Monthly
a true partnership, where we would work AGM in Spain but it is surely being overly and has worked as a golf writer for 30 years. He is a
together to build stronger tour schedules, optimistic to expect a 50-50 joint venture member of three clubs including the Royal & Ancient
create more financial stability, and deliver given the disparity in strength between the

TALKING POINTS
Get in touch: email letters@sportspub.co.uk
Sports Publications Ltd, 2 Arena Park, Tarn Lane, Scarcroft, West Yorkshire, LS17 9BF
@NCG_com nationalclubgolfer nationalclubgolfer nationalclubgolfer.com
LETTER OF THE MONTH:

CAN WE PLEASE STOP MAKING EXCUSES FOR SLOW PLAYERS
I’ve just read National Club Golfer and and Louis Oosthuizen are hardly the
was dismayed to read the attitude highest profile players in the world.
displayed by Alan Masters in Talking The ruling bodies need to have the
Points and the article by Steve Carroll courage to penalise ‘the stars’.
regarding slow play. Amateur golfers frequently walk too
They both seem to have falling into slowly. Even if you make allowances
the trap of making excuses for the few for the elderly and disabled, players
at the expense of the majority, rather aren’t ready to play. I appreciate that
the same as life in general. some players might be vying for a top
Professional golf shown on TV is three or four in the monthly medal/
one of the main causes of slow play Stableford but those behind
with amateurs. Your magazine quotes slow players are penalised,
players who have been fined for slow So please stop making MY UNFORGETTABLE SOLHEIM WEEK
play but two of the three players from excuses for slow play. I had a fantastic week in Scotland playing golf and
Erik van Rooyen, Adrian Otaegui David Gee, by email finishing it off by attending the Solheim Cup. The
event was huge in respect of projecting the ladies’
game and I witnessed some amazing golf over
WRITE IN...
the three days, culminating in Suzann Pettersen’s
AND WIN A PING HOOFER LITE CARRY BAG
The author of our Letter of the Month will receive a winning putt, which, at the time, nobody knew that
Ping Hoofer Lite Carry Bag. would be her final professional golf shot. What a
For more details, email letters@sportspub.co.uk way to bow out! Gleneagles provided a stunning
backdrop and, as the Ryder Cup proved, a five-star
venue for world-class golf and a great course for
JUSTIN ROSE’S OLYMPIC GOLD WIN SHOULD BE IN A MUSEUM spectating. Having grabbed Mr John Solheim himself
I have recently returned museum. Amongst the from Justin Rose’s victory for a quick selfie, I said: “You must be extremely
from a holiday In memorabilia on display in Rio. He has stated proud of this event and what you have done for
Lausanne, Switzerland. are the Bolero costumes many times of his pride women’s golf ?” He replied: “After witnessing that,
The city is the of Torvill and Dean, Dick at winning that gold what more can you say? Three days of superb
headquarters of the Fosbury’s spikes and medal. Someone should Scottish hospitality and a dramatic finish in an
International Olympic Chris Boardman’s racing make him aware of this absolutely amazing setting.” I think he might have
Committee and has a bike. Sadly, I could find wonderful museum. enjoyed himself, a bit like the 90,000 that attended.
magnificent Olympic no golfing donations Martin Wilks, by email Mike Burnside, by email
SLOW PLAY NEEDS STAMPING OUT AT AMATEUR LEVEL, NOT IN THE PRO GAME
I attended the final day of the nothing short of evil and leeway we mere mortals play, slow play
Solheim Cup at Gleneagles with should have been given. I agree needs stamping out. Over four
my daughter. What a day! six hours is excessively long for a hours is ridiculous. We are not
However, one thing spoilt my round of golf but this was a major playing for riches and yes we
overall enjoyment of Gleneagles event. are playing to win, but we do not
and that was the stupidity of the The officials, in my view, need need to copy the professionals
officials putting all four fourballs to think again. These are major in taking minutes over shots,
on the clock on Saturday for slow global events and the definition studying yardages for ridiculous
play. of slow play here needs a rethink. lengths of time, and looking at
Now I’m certainly not a fan The professionals are playing for putts from every conceivable
of slow play, far from it, but the their livelihoods. angle.
conditions that Saturday were Back down to earth, where Alan Eccles, by email

WHY I THINK FEWER PEOPLE ARE TAKING UP GOLF
Over the last few years it has 1,000 members, then the club
been reported that there had would also have more money
been a decline in the amount of to play with. This would benefit
people taking up golf. everyone, club and members
I feel there could be a couple alike.
of reasons for this and have The above seems to be a
listed them below. good idea since district councils
We all agree that it is are closing public facilities for
expensive to operate a golf one reason or another.
course and, of course, some Another reason for the
memberships tend to be a little decline may well be the cost of
high, which may well put people taking up the game, since there
of the game because you might are very few places where one
well feel out of place at some might be able to hire clubs.
courses. This in itself puts pressure on
However, there may well be because if someone wished to
another reason for the decline play this great game, the cost of
and that is membership fees. A a set of clubs might easily be in
club could have 500 members the region of £1,000.
paying, say, £1,000 a year and This is a lot of money if you
this limits other players from are not sure if you might like the
taking up the game. game.
Whereas, if the club lowered Colin Baker,
its fee to £600, for example, and by email
opened up the membership to
DON’T GIVE THE ADVANTAGE TO THE UNITED STATES

I cannot believe what I read in for wayward tee shots and
your feature on Adare Manor, therefore nullified the massive
venue for the 2026 Ryder Cup but not always accurate hitters?
(September NCG). Surely we do not want to play
A course set up and I quote, the Ryder Cup on an American-
“with no rough, exceptionally style course when we have
forgiving off the tee, only 42 the opportunity to use home
bunkers and flawless greens”, is advantage? You can be sure
an absolute gift for the American there will be a long course with
team. Have we learned nothing no rough and huge greens in
from Paris and Portrush where the States.
the courses were very punishing Peter Wilson, by email
OUR GREENKEEPERS DESERVE TO BE REWARDED MATT WALLACE’S LOVELY MOBILE PHONE GESTURE
I am a stereotypical golfer who My point is that the success Matt Wallace has received some so, noticed a spectator filming
plays regularly, not only at my of my days out rely more on the bad coverage in the golfing Tommy’s swing but they couldn’t
own club but also on away days quality of the golf course than the press recently, mainly due to his quite get a clear view of Tommy.
with my pals. This is sometimes quality of my sandwiches and yet on-course demeanour. So Matt took the guy’s mobile
just a party of four and it seems unfair that I have never I was at the opening and filmed Tommy’s swing and
occasionally a larger group. seen a collection taken to reward day of the 2019 BMW PGA then handed the mobile back.
Afterwards, we retire to the the greenkeepers. Championship and was I thought it was a lovely
bar for our refreshments and Maybe a bottle on the bar or watching Wallace, Tommy gesture, especially in the middle
we will reward the staff for their the donation of a few pounds Fleetwood and Eddie Pepperell of a very important round at the
service, sometimes with a few towards a Christmas bonus tee off at the 12th hole. Matt hit PGA. As with most things in life,
coins or even after a meal, a might be a good idea. his drive and then stood back to everything is not as it seems.
collection of small change. Peter Walker, by email let Tommy drive and, as he did Philip Thomas, by email

ON
SALE
NOW
THE
LOST ART
OF GOLF
REDISCOVER THE LOVE
“Gary and Karl have distilled what can be made an overly

complicated and confusing subject into simple, practical
and, above all, effective principles”
- Paul Lawrie, 1999 Open Champion
Both books are available on ,

hardback priced at £19.95 and Kindle at £9.99
The Lost Art of Playing Golf

+++++Reviews on Amazon
KARL MORRIS
Why not explore the feeling of getting your golf shots wrong in order to get them right
W
INTER is now well and truly upon We shouldn’t just focus
on perfecting technique
us. The hope for summer sun
has faded and with it goes the
likelihood of getting out on the
course as much as you’d like.
Yet, I feel this is a wonderful time of
opportunity to look back at the season and
resolve to do something about your game in
a bid to improve for next year.
Many people will use this time to make
technical changes to their swings but before
you go down this route I want you to ask
yourself a really important question: What
skills do I need to develop?
Instead of just ‘making a swing change’,
try looking at the game you’ve got and think
about some specific skills which could make
a huge difference to your scoring – the more
specific the better.
Do you need to develop the skill of hitting
more fairways, playing better bunker shots,
holing more short range putts, or improving
your execution of those 30 to 60-yard
pitches?
When you analyse your golf this way you We stand on the range and try to perfect time, take the leap and explore the feeling of
can take action accordingly as opposed to our technique. But that isn’t how the brain making mistakes and allow the magic of the
making a swing change that may not actually learns best. brain and learning to take over.
have the desired outcome. For instance, if you want to develop the I call this ‘trapping the feeling’. You feel
I find this concept really important ability to hit more fairways then the sub skill of what is right by being prepared to experience
in helping people in their quest for a centred strike is absolutely paramount. what is wrong.
improvement. If you are constantly hitting your driver You can use this simple principle for so
Consider one of the most amazing out of the toe or heel your chances of being many aspects of your game, from the shape
learning feats of skill most humans manage accurate are significantly reduced. of your shots to the contact with the ground.
to master: walking. Heel strikes tend to send the ball to the You are only limited by your imagination of
Does a baby learn to walk by getting right and toe strikes tend to make the ball go what you can explore in your quest.
things right? No! A baby learns to walk by left. So think of developing skill in this way. Yes, you may have to change certain
failing constantly. Go to the range and spray your clubface elements of your swing to assist the process
They go from crawling to being upright, with some athlete’s foot powder so you can but always start first with the specific skills
then they fall to the left, and they fall to the see the location of your striking. Then, hit you are trying to improve.
right. Over and over again they get walking some shots where you deliberately strike the Do this and I promise you next year could
wrong. ball out the heel and do the same for the toe. be very interesting but the work needs to
Then, over a period of time, the brain gets Once you’ve got the hang of hitting heel and start now.
organised and the infant learns to stand up toe strikes on purpose, surely you can find
straight and walk. the centre?
Q The Lost Art of Playing Golf by Karl
If they didn’t get it wrong, they would This is counterintuitive but by feeling what
Morris and Gary Nicol, with a foreword
never learn to get it right. is ‘wrong’ your brain will be allowed to feel
from Tiger Woods’ first coach Rudy
Yet, in golf, we tend to abandon this what is right, if that is what you are paying
Duran, is available in hardback and on
principle of skill building and just try to get it attention to. Kindle at amazon.co.uk
right. Instead of trying to do it just right all the

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SERGIO
– 20 YEARS ON TOUR
WORDS BY MARK TOWNSEND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GETTY

Main: In his 74th major championship, García won the Masters in 2017 with victory in a sudden-death play-
off against Justin Rose. Right: Garcia with that shot at the 16th hole during the 1999 PGA Championship

WENTY years ago What were your other
T Sergio Garcia had

very nearly won a
major and had just
got his Ryder Cup career off to
options?
The other possibility was to chip
it out 40 or 50 yards and then
hit a wedge in but the 16th is
a flying start at Brookline. Two uncomfortable and kind of goes
decades later and, somewhat up and then down and then back
belatedly, he has that major in up to the green so, unless you
the bag – as well as more Ryder get it all the way to the top of
Cup points than any other player the ridge, you can’t really see the
in history. During all that time green.
he has been with Adidas and, Even if you are hitting a
in a sit-down at Wentworth, he wedge it would have been tough
reflected on all that’s gone on and I didn’t want to make bogey
since turning pro in 1999. so I went for it.
What were you thinking about How do you remember 1999

over the shot to the 16th at in general?
Medinah? The whole year was incredible. I
At that moment you’re not turned pro and everything went
thinking about what can go amazingly. I was very fortunate.

wrong, I was in the mix and I To be able to be in contention
was playing with Tiger for the to win my second major as
PGA Championship. I was just a professional was amazing.
focusing on trying to get to a And because of that week I
number to see if I could beat him was securing my PGA Tour
or at least get into a play-off. card and I was getting myself
When I saw the ball I into the Ryder Cup team. The
obviously saw an opening that I European and PGA Tour cards
could hit it a little bit left of the were on my mind but, being
green and try to cut it back. The a part of the Ryder Cup team
tree came in a little bit so there having only turned pro in April,
was a possibility of clipping the it wasn’t really a thought until it
tree a little bit with the club or happened.
maybe the ball if it came out a
little bit right. Were you surprised how you
At that moment I was just adapted to professional life?
trying to see what I could do You always hope to keep going
rather than what could go the same way from your amateur
wrong and that’s why I saw the days but it’s funny as you’re
possibility. starting from scratch. What

you’ve done before gives you me to see some different shots Sergio in a hit it perfect through the gap,
confidence but this was all a which you don’t see so much minute... it bounced and span a little bit
different level. any more with the changes in to 10 feet and I rolled it in. You
I was hoping that things would technology. You see some but Favourite Open venue? have to see the shot before you
St Andrews is amazing for history
go well but I didn’t know that it’s more when you are offline. can play it.
but as a venue I love Carnoustie
they would go that well. Before, you could hit some really
and I also love Muirfield where I
creative shots off the fairway. won the Amateur. Those two are What was it like to surpass
How important was the great This year I was at Valderrama amazing links courses. the European points record in
Seve Ballesteros to your and a little right at the 16th and France?
career? there was the possibility of a low Dream fourball? I didn’t think about that until
For golf, I would probably say
He and Jose Maria Olazabal slice and run up to the green it happened on that Sunday
Seve, Ben Hogan and maybe
were my idols growing up but there was a tree ahead of afternoon in Paris. The way
Jack Nicklaus. In terms of other
and still are. The way they me. Then I saw a gap, it was 149 sports, I would go with Michael I’ve always looked at it is that I
both played was spectacular, yards into the wind, I had a good Jordan, Gareth Bale and maybe would rather go 0-5 and win the
particularly Seve, it just drew lie so the 9-iron should get me Juan Carlos Ferrero or Rafa Ryder Cup than 5-0 and lose.
you in and it definitely inspired the right height and distance. I Nadal. It’s not about me or anyone

Sergio on his 20 years with Adidas
“You don’t see a lot of athletes sticking with a brand for so many years.
It’s great to see how far we’ve both come from 1999 when the shirts
were cotton, thick and long and now you see all the technology they
come out with and how comfortable they are with breathability, stretch,
looks and everything. So it’s great to see how we have both grown
together. It’s kind of like as a family.
“They really appreciate what I think and value my input so it’s a great
combination where we’re both trying to help each other.
“It’s hard to believe it but I’ve never had a blister on my feet in 20 years
and I’ve worn a lot of new shoes. I don’t know if it’s because my feet fit
so well but that shows the quality that they have. To know that I can play
a tournament tomorrow with a brand new pair of shoes is great.
“In terms of scripting, I don’t have a special Sunday colour but I’ve
always liked colours and to mix it up. I’ve always enjoyed trying to show
as much stuff as Adidas have and they’ve known me for so many years
that I will do that.
“They will show us some clothes for the majors and their ideas and then
we will sit down and I will ask if maybe we can switch the pants to go
with another shirt. The shirt and shoes are pretty important to them.”
Main: Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal were Garcia’s idols growing up. Seve in particular inspired
Garcia to come up with different shots when on the fairways
else, it’s about Europe and that’s Rose being there, it got very
one of the great things that we emotional.
have. We’re all about us as a
team. Have you thought about being
I knew where I was for points Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
but as the week went on and I one day?
won a couple of matches I wasn’t It’s not something that I want
thinking of my points. to think about right now as I
When I got two up and there still want to be a part of at least
were a few holes to go and we a couple more teams. In the
looked like winning as a team I future it is definitely a possibility
then thought about it a bit. though it’s not easy. It’s an
Then, with the combination amazing job but at the same
of winning the Ryder Cup, my time I’ve been a vice-captain in
family and wife being there, 2010 and you feel so powerless.
my brother caddying and Justin You’re helping with everything

that you can but once they tee positives about the week by
off you can’t tell them anything, finishing second. I did so many
unless you’re the captain, and good things to get to that point
you can’t give them any advice so so why would I throw away such
it is tough. a positive week just because one
other person beat me?
You mentioned Justin, who
was also there by your side How hard is it to block out
in a different manner for the the critics in terms of the
victory at Augusta? major setbacks?
That was obviously so special There was always the best
and to play with such a good player never to win a major but
friend and to play the way we as it went on I would look at it
both did on that Sunday was a different way and if they’re
incredible. talking about me like that then
One of us had to lose that was a really good thing. I
unfortunately but I think we just needed to change it.
both left the course thinking that It would be worse to not be
we had given it everything. talked about.
That would have to be my
most special moment in my How likely was the
career. I’ve won some really big breakthrough to come at the
events but to win the Masters it’s Masters?
something, along with the Open, When I first played Augusta as
that you dream of winning. an amateur in 1999 and I won
“As I grew older I realised that the

only thing you can do is give yourself
the best opportunity to win and
sometimes that doesn’t happen.”
Once you win the Masters the low amateur I left there
then you get to travel the world thinking I would win there and
with the Green Jacket for that the course really suited me.
year and you realise how big the But I’ve always been a huge
tournament is fan of the Open and always loved
People go crazy for a picture playing links courses and playing
with the jacket. in the UK. I thought that the US
Open and Open fitted the best
How did all those near misses for me.
affect you? Then my first best chance
A bit of both negative and was the PGA and then the Open
positive. As I grew older I and then another PGA and then
realised that the only thing a couple of US Open chances.
you can do is give yourself the And then the Open again and
best opportunity to win and then I won at Augusta.
sometimes that doesn’t happen. Later on at the Masters I
Carnoustie in 2007 was probably didn’t think that would be the
the hardest as I was a bit younger one but it was.
and I was so close and that did
take me a while to get over. What’s it like being a dad?
The week after I would walk That’s the biggest change in my
on the beach in Spain and I was life and all for the better. When
feeling a little bit sad but then I won the Masters everyone said
you think that, yes, I didn’t win my life would change and it did a
but there were so many more little bit but I wasn’t a youngster

any more but when that little THE UK IN 1999
girl was born my life changed in
a flash.
Every parent can relate to it
but it’s amazing how much you
can love someone that you’ve
never met. It’s something that
you can’t describe and it’s been
great. The Euro currency is launched,
but the UK government says it has
Angela wants her to play
no plans to introduce it.
some kind of instrument. I’d love
her to do some kind of sport.
I love every sport so anything
would be good, whatever she
wants to do then that’s great as
all that time is healthy and is
away from so many bad things.
What would your advice be to Glenn Hoddle is sacked as England

manager following a controversial
the 20-year-old Sergio?
interview in The Times.
Not too much as making
mistakes is a way of life. If you
don’t make any then you don’t
Top left: Garcia with his wife Angela and daughter Azalea. Above: The Spaniard embraces Justin Rose after
beating the Englishman in a play-off at the 2017 Masters. Below: Garcia and Ian Poulter at the 2018 Ryder Cup learn and grow. Nobody can
go through life without making
mistakes.
At the beginning of 2009
I was in a strong relationship
and that finished and I went A minimum wage is introduced –
through a tough year with set at £3.60 an hour for workers
over 21 and £3 for under 21.
mental decisions and I was
blaming golf for what happened
and the beautiful thing is that I
learnt from it and I now have a
beautiful wife and child, so that
was really hard at the time but I
learnt from it and that I needed
to do some things differently in a
relationship. TV presenter Jill Dando dies after
being shot on the doorstep of her
Fulham home.
What do you make of Conor
Moore’s impression of you
and the high-pitched giggle?
We had a good conversation
at Sawgrass. The PGA Tour
commissioner Jay Monahan had
a little get-together and he was
there. I was talking to him and
apparently we met 10 years ago The new Scottish Parliament
at a tournament and he took a meets in Edinburgh for its first
picture of us. He was telling us session.
that his key two players are Ian
Poulter and myself. He said he
enjoys doing us the most. He
said that ‘I start with one of you
and finish with the other’.
I told him that I don’t laugh
like that but he did it once and
people liked it! The Millennium Stadium, national
sports stadium for Wales, is
opened in Cardiff.
THE
LOST ART
OF PLAYING
GOLF An exclusive excerpt from a new book that can
fundamentally change your perception of the game
28 NOVEMBER 2019| www.nationalclubgolfer.com

T WAS a wonderful got smaller in numbers as a
I spring afternoon.
The ground was
beginning to dry
out after a harsh and wet winter
group until they didn’t have any
Tuesdays left. The last putt had
been holed and the opportunity
to enjoy another round had gone
and the trees looked like they forever.
were ready to start flourishing This experience really
for another year. It was easy to reinforced to me the utter
feel the sense of optimism spring preciousness of each and every
brings with it each year. chance we have to play this
As I walked the back nine I wonderful game. The incredible
noticed a wooden bench next to way we all take for granted the
a tee. There was a brass plaque fact that for us all there are
with an inscription on the bench. unfortunately only a certain
It was a commemorative number of Tuesdays left.
plaque that said: ‘To The Tuesday None of us know how many
Boys’. Underneath the title were Tuesdays it will be but don’t we
the names of four golfers and all labour under a certain illusion
their years of birth and death. It these opportunities will go on
seemed each of these four players and on? There will always be
had all passed away within a another game to play. Another
relatively close period of time. chance. Another Tuesday.
They had clearly played for many Well, at some point there
years together on a Tuesday – won’t be another opportunity.
The Tuesday Boys. Every single one of us will at
I began to think of how many some point play our final round.
times they would have set out on We will sink a putt on the 18th
a round of golf. How many times green and it will be the last putt
it would have been just another we ever hit.
Tuesday. This ritual obviously Without being alarmist
went on week after week, year or a doom merchant, it is so
after year. important to embrace a vital
They would probably have key in the quest to unlock and
got together on the 1st tee and reshape your golfing story and
said something about the state of get the most out of this human
their game, how they had been experience. That is the skill of
struggling with their tee shots, gratitude.
the week they had just had from There is strong evidence to
the previous Tuesday and their suggest that in the quest to feel
hopes for the round ahead. good about ourselves and release
They must have gone our true capabilities the skill of
through this routine time and gratitude is a huge asset.
time again. Played golf together Be grateful for this
on a Tuesday. They would have opportunity to play. The
shared the highs and lows of the opportunity to walk around
game. The emotions, both good a golf course, in nature with
and bad. The opportunity to the company of others. The
sit in the clubhouse afterwards opportunity to move your body,
reflecting on the round and to test yourself and see what you
sharing in great conversation can achieve.
and friendship. The outcome will be what
Then suddenly they had run it will be but you are providing
out of Tuesdays. One by one, the conditions to allow a good
the Tuesday Boys must have performance to emerge.
This excerpt was taken from the book The Lost Art
of Playing Golf by Gary Nicol and Karl Morris, which is
available now at thelostartofgolf.com in hardback (£19.95)
and Kindle (£9.99) formats

OPINION
THE STARS
DESERVE
THEIR
MILLIONS
George Oldham argues we should celebrate
the change in fortunes for our pro golfers
HINGS change. class-suburb of a nondescript
T My dad, who was

born in 1900, gained
his school-leaving
certificate at 12 (if you were bright
northern town; some contrast with
the life of Florida mansions and
private jets of any number of today’s
tour pros.
you could leave early), and was Even in my lifetime, times
apprenticed at Beyer Peacock’s have changed so radically, and, I
engineering works in Gorton. would argue, for the better. By
At 40, as chief estimator, he every measurable criterion we are
was a lead figure in running the outperforming our past, yet the
Lancaster bomber programme. doom merchants and social media,
What, you might fairly ask, has this would have us believe that we are
to do with golf? Well, after doing going to hell in a handcart.
his bit to fight fascism during the What amazes me is how
day, in the evenings he ran Reddish widespread this miserabilist trope
Vale Golf Club as honorary is. Take the common complaint
secretary. As such, in 1942 he that sportsmen earn ‘obscene’
persuaded the committee to sell him amounts of dosh. Putting aside
a greensman’s cottage for £250 to the fact that the aforesaid dosh
escape from the German bombers comes from performance of
on their regular flight path over our individual excellence, globalisation
former rather grander residence. means quite simply that if Tiger’s
At the bottom of our garden name sells $200 million worth of
was a small hut which served as the merchandise, then he has to be
pro’s shop, in which, as a very small worth $100m in endorsements.
boy, I would spend many an hour When I follow Rory down the
watching the pro do what most pros fairway, do I waste time begrudging
did in those immediate post-war the fact that in his professional
years; fitting grips and whipping lifetime he will doubtless earn
heads on to shafts and re-painting a thousand times more than I?
golf balls found and delivered by No, I’m just happy to glory in
caddies. The pro’s name was Alf his achievements and more than
Perry, the man who won the Open pleased that, unlike Alf Perry, his
in 1935. reward from society has not been to
An Open champion painting carry out menial tasks for a pittance.
used golf balls in a shed in a working Just saying.

THE
OF ALL TIME
Movie critic Michael Renouf rounds up his favourite golf flicks
The Legend of Bagger Vance Happy Gilmore Tin Cup

This movie certainly has Adam Sandler plays Happy Kevin Costner portrays Roy “Tin
star power with Hollywood Gilmore, the ice hockey player who Cup” McAvoy, a golf range driving
heavyweights Will Smith, Matt Damon becomes a golfer. pro who, when he puts his mind to it, has an
and Charlize Theron filling the three most Happy discovers he has an amazing amazing game. The problem is, he has about
prominent roles under the directing watch golf drive and starts to hustle money to as much mental control of his limbs as an
of Robert Redford. Matt Damon had never try to improve his grandma’s situation. ice-skating Bambi and believes both his game
played golf before and Tim Moss, who was Of course, he does, but not everybody and personal life have to be lived on the front
hired to coach him, had only 28 days to make welcomes the foul-mouthed, short- foot, at all times.
him look convincing on the big screen. tempered newcomer.
Swing Away
Swing Away is a little known 2016
release about Zoe Papadopoulos who,
while playing on the LPGA, has a meltdown
and throws a hissy fit Elton John would be
proud of. To get away, she jets off to the
Greek island of Rhodes. Here, she meets
Stella, an aspiring golfer who cannot afford
to play on the local course and the two form
a friendship with Zoe becoming Stella’s
golfing mentor.
Seve the Movie

Seve the Movie is the life story of one
of the most charismatic and likeable
golfers of all time. The film is told in
English and Spanish, with subtitles where
appropriate, and includes footage of the man
himself throughout the movie.

The Squeeze Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius Tommy’s Honour
This is an entertaining romp about Robert Tyre Jones Jr was a sickly In 1860s Scotland, Tom Morris is one
Augie Baccus (Jeremy Sumpter) who child with an amazing golf ability of the finest golfers in the land. “Old
is a rock’n’roll golfer living in a small Texan and one of the best swings ever seen. Tom”, who is viewed as the father of the
town. One day he shoots a 63 to win a local Jim Caviezel, as Jones, delves deep into modern game, was also the father of Tommy
tournament by 15 shots and also break the the psyche of this extremely talented but Morris. The pair are portrayed by Peter
course record. At the same time, gambler, vulnerable individual with aplomb and Mullan and Jack Lowden respectively, with
Riverboat (Christopher McDonald) and his we understand why, after this momentous both actors putting in fine performances. In
girlfriend Jessie (Katherine LaNasa) convince achievement, he retired from tournament this true tale of their relationship, we get to
Augie to play golf in money matches in golf before reaching 29 to concentrate on study not only the early origins of golf but
which they will back the talented young man. his day job as a lawyer. the changing times and British class system.
Michael Renouf is a British writer

who now hones his craft against the
beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean on
Mexico’s Riviera Maya. His passions
are spor ts, movies and the country he
now calls home. He can be contacted
at
michaelrenouf.com
From the Rough

An Englishman, an Australian, a
South Korean, a French-Algerian
and an African American walk into a bar
– no, this is not the beginning of a bad
joke but the first ever golf team Tania
Starks puts together.
From the Rough is the story of Starks
(Taraji P. Henson), the former swim
coach of Tennessee State University.
She is a workaholic coach who, when
the chance presents itself to become the
university’s newly formed men’s golf
team coach, volunteers for the role and
in doing so becomes the first female
African American to coach a men’s
NCAA division golf team.
The Greatest Game Ever

Played
Another true story, another
cracking film. This is the
account of the 1913 US
Open and the tale of 20-year-old
amateur, Francis Ouimet (Shia
LeBeouf), which documents his
struggle to play golf against his father’s
wishes. Luckily for Francis, some
other people within the golfing world
see his talent and try to help him fulfil
his potential, one of them being his
10-year-old caddie Eddie Lowery.

WHAT IS HOLDING
YOUR CLUB BACK?
A number of ingredients can add up to a golf club going
under. Club golf editor Steve Carroll looks at four key ones
L
ET’S park slow play and dress codes for
a moment – club golf has got other issues PRICE ATMOSPHERE
on its plate as it looks to equip itself for Nothing good ever comes cheap, or so We’ve all had the thousand-yard stare
this confusing age. If your membership is the saying goes, and golf has definitely as we’ve walked in through the door, or
booming and the tills are ringing at your club hung its hat on this peg for way too had to bear the member who sprinted
then keep calm and carry on. But if they’re long – and that’s despite the emergence over to read the riot act because there
not, here are a quartet of the issues that might of tee time websites and flexible was a corner of our polo shirt that wasn’t
be proving a barrier to success… membership options. tucked in, but this is more than that.
Combine this with equipment, which Frankly, some clubhouses look more
seems to have been on an exponential like care homes than a place you would
upward curve over the past few years, want to spend an hour relaxing after
and the outlay can start to spiral. a round. It’s not about history, either.
Yes, you can navigate your way Some of the most traditional clubs I’ve
round eBay and no one is saying that visited also have the most modern-
you have to splash out every 12 months looking clubhouse interiors – because
on a new set of PXGs. But even if you’re they embrace their past but also look to
looking at new clubs that aren’t straight the future.
from the ‘latest collection’, if you’re If your club’s carpets haven’t been
going through the bag and don’t want to changed since the early ‘80s and your
appear on Bargain Hunt you’re looking bar manager is scowling because
at the better part of a grand. they’ve had to put down a paper to
That’s before you start talking balls, serve a pint it’s probably no surprise
tees, shoes, clothing – the list goes on. people aren’t flocking in after their
When you’re looking to get into a round.
sport and you perceive it to be a never-
ending list of till receipts, it shouldn’t be
a surprise that some balk at the idea.
It’s also hard to keep them in when,
once they reach a better level, they’ve
got to fill out a loan form again if they
want to indulge in some new equipment
that matches their emerging talents.
What can be done about this?
Golf’s a business, after all, and it costs
a fortune to maintain a course and run
a club. There’s no doubt, though, that
price causes second-guessing in a way
few other sports can match.

TIME
I live in an area with 12 golf courses.
Most of them don’t even offer a nine-
hole rate.
Now if there isn’t two easily
accessible loops I accept this can be
a bit tricky. But for those where there is
then, really, what’s the problem?
Let’s accept, for just a moment, that
not everyone who arrives on a course is
looking to rob the club blind.
Why not cater for those who are time
limited and might only have 90 minutes
to two hours to get in a few holes? Isn’t
some revenue better than none at all?
Of course there will be those who
take the proverbial but plenty of others
will come, have a quick spin and a drink,
and get off the grounds – because that’s
all the time they’ve got.
I have a three-year-old and fitting golf
in around family commitments takes
planning and peace treaties. It’s getting
harder to justify spending the best part
of a day at a club when a doe-eyed
toddler is pleading with me to take her WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM
to the park. Finally, one for the future. I like this
Two hours sounds much more scheme a lot but it’s going to be a tricky
reasonable but would I pay £30 for a sell next year as the reality of our new
quick nine because that’s the day rate? handicaps dawns and some players see
Unlikely. fluctuations – both up and down.
I know, from my limited experience of
dealing with the annual handicap review,
how even minimal change can elicit
blind rage.
So those who, for whatever reason,
haven’t got their playing records up to
date and see some significant rises and
falls are going to be knocking on the
manager’s door.
Some of those running golf clubs are
sceptical about the changes, believing
it’s a system being introduced largely to
cater for elite players and will only bring
more administration, more confusion,
more work and more hassle.
Add in that, as a species, we
generally hate change and the most
fundamental alteration to the way we
play competitions in decades is bound
to have some growing pains.

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EQUIPMENT
Comprehensive and objective gear tests | The latest releases | Competitions | Fashion | Accessories
ECCO BIOM THE Ecco Biom Cool Pro are

available in three colours and I
to mirror the contours of the
foot and create a shoe that fits
ultimate breathability.
The sole features the Tri-
COOL PRO tested out the grey and navy blue

option. Out the box, I thought
great and allows you to move
naturally.
Fi-Grip we saw on the Ecco
Biom Hybrid 3 shoe earlier this
SHOES they looked great – better than
I expected – and I can genuinely
The upper part of the shoe
features yak leather, which is
year and has multiple zones
designed to provide ultimate
Andy Wright takes say they are the most comfortable extra strong and durable. It is grip, stability, flexibility and
these eye-catching pair of shoes I’ve ever worn. perforated at the front for a durability.
The Biom Cool Pro is natural sporty aesthetic. In the interests of
new models out on the a hybrid shoe combining In the midsole you can thoroughness, I’ve had them out
course to see just how waterproof Gore-Tex technology see what Ecco call the TPU in all sorts of weather and course
well they perform and Biom technology for a Exhaust Grid. This allows fresh conditions and without fail,
natural fit. air directly in the sole of your performance was excellent.
Biom technology uses scans foot while also allowing excess For more information, visit
of thousands of athletes’ feet heat and moisture to escape for eccoshoesuk.com
EPIC FLASH IRONS AND HYBRIDS
Equipment editor Hannah Holden puts the latest Callaway releases to the test
THE DETAILS
Available: Now
Stock shaft: Aerotech
Steelfiber FC or MCA Tensei
AV Silver
RRP: £1,999
For more information:
eu.callawaygolf.com
THE IRONS
The platinum chrome finish on the steel body to provide exceptional precisely position the centre of gravity implemented to provide consistent ball
Callaway Epic Flash irons make them sound and feel at impact. The patented for a more controlled launch. speeds and spin rates so you can get
stand out immediately. These irons are urethane microspheres are designed to The 360 face cup technology consistent distance control in your long
in the game improvement category but absorb unwanted vibration. helps increase ball speeds due to the and mid irons.
their looks could easily fool you – these In this model, Callaway have shallow, flexible rim around the face Overall, I really enjoyed testing this
have the design of a player’s iron. added a suspended tungsten core into that flexes and releases through impact clubs and was really impressed across
The irons are a multi-material a forged iron for the first time. This providing faster ball speeds. the board with the speed and high
design but have a forged 1025 carbon features custom tungsten weights to A new vft pattern has been levels of feel.
2 MARCH 2019 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com
THE HYBRIDS
Hybrids are one of my favourite clubs They stiffen the body and this means
to hit. more load is placed on the clubface
The new hybrids feature the same promoting faster ball speeds and long
THE DETAILS
flash face technology we have already distance. The new OptiFit 3 hosel is
Available: Now seen in the Epic Flash drivers. Essentially, lighter than previous versions and makes
Stock shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei
the clubface has a variable thickness it even easier to dial in your launch and
AV Silver
Lofts: 18°, 21°, 24° and 27°
and aims to offer more ball speeds right optimal ball flight.
RRP: £279 across it. The middle of the clubface The distance I was getting was really
For more information: is slightly thinner, which Callaway say impressive as well as how tight my
eu.callawaygolf.com means centre strikes will gain significant dispersion was across a range of different
yardage. qualities of strike. With the distance and
They also feature Jailbreak accuracy this club generates, I am sure it
technology, which is the incorporation will be a regular feature in lots of bags in
of two internal bars within the clubhead. the coming months.
www.nationalclubgolfer.com | MARCH 2019 3

WATERPROOFS Andy Wright reveals which new styles and technologies will
2019
keep you comfortable this winter
FOOTJOY HYDROLITE V2
If you’re someone who doesn’t
like to wear a waterproof for
performance reasons then
I encourage you to try the
Hydrolite from FootJoy. It’s
totally waterproof – not even
a downpour in Troon could
penetrate it – and extremely
lightweight. It honestly feels
like you’re wearing no more
6
than a long-sleeved T-shirt. The
price is also very reasonable
compared to some of the
offerings from other brands.
The only downside for me is
Style: 3 the colour.
Comfort: 5
Performance: 5
FOOTJOY HYDROKNIT
I love this from FootJoy. The
material and cuffs feel so
comfortable as soon as you
put it on. It fits very well and
it’s waterproof. Since I’ve had
the Hydroknit, it’s become my
go-to jacket. There is also a
good amount of stretch in the
6
fabric which further aids what
is already superb performance.
And unlike the Hydrolite, I
love the style. Well worth the
money. I’d even suggest buying
Style: 5
two.
Comfort: 5
Performance: 4

6 Style: 4
Comfort: 5
Performance: 5
UNDER ARMOUR
INCLEMENT RAIN JACKET
As well as the style, Under

Armour have delivered in other
crucial performance areas.
First and most importantly, it
kept me 100 per cent protected
from the elements – both wind
and rain. As well as this, the
ADIDAS CLIMAPROOF
I put the climaproof waterproof
jacket from Adidas through
its paces and found it to be a
pleasant experience. Although
it’s not the lightest of the
2019 waterproofs I tried, it’s
not so heavy that it impacts
performance. It kept me dry
6 Style: 3
Comfort: 3
Performance: 4
straps on the cuffs and chest throughout the rounds I played

allowed me to fasten it slightly and the slight extra weight kept
as the large was a little on the me nice and snug. It ticks all
big side. Additionally, it’s light the boxes you’d need from a
enough that I felt no issue with waterproof and won’t break
performance whatsoever. the bank.
UNDER ARMOUR STORM

GORE-TEX PACLITE JACKET
The Storm Gore-Tex Paclite is

probably my favourite of the 2019
jackets I tested. First of all, it’s
6
made with gore-tex paclite material
so you know it’s going to be 100
per cent waterproof. Furthermore,
it was a great fit with very little
adjustment required. The
inside lining is smooth so it
Style: 5
was very easy to take on
Comfort: 5
and off – although minor,
Performance: 5
I prefer this to the mesh.
Finally, I loved the style.

6 Style: 4
Comfort: 4
Performance: 5
GALVIN GREEN ANTHONY
Galvin Green are famous for
their waterproofs and they
continue to excel on this front.
I tested the Anthony jacket in
black, white and red and found
it ticked all the boxes. Not only
did it keep me completely dry
GALVIN GREEN ANDRES
The Andres is a classic looking
waterproof from Galvin Green
and performs how you would
expect it to. I’ve had it out for
a number of rounds now and
have enjoyed wearing it. It’s not
the lightest I’ve tried but it’s not
too bulky either. It seems to be
6 Style: 5
Comfort: 4
Performance: 5
despite battling through 18 in that middle ground where

holes in the rain, but I found the it still performs well but you
jacket to be extremely stylish know you’re wearing a jacket.
and comfortable. On top of It is on the expensive side but
this, I didn’t feel like it had any with Galvin Green you know
impact on performance. you’re getting quality.
GALVIN GREEN ASHTON
The Ashton from Galvin Green is

hands down the lightest jacket I’ve
ever worn on the golf course. And
despite the weight, it is Gore-Tex
and therefore waterproof. At first
6
glance, this looks so different from
anything I’ve seen before from
Galvin Green but it does look
better when it’s on. And
although the style is not
exactly to my liking, the Style: 3
fit is pretty great. Comfort: 4
Performance: 5

PING SENSORDRY 2.5
Like the FootJoy, this
waterproof jacket from Ping
is extremely lightweight while
offering complete protection
from the elements. It’s
extremely breathable, which
I found when playing on one
of those wet but humid days.
The jacket lets any excess
heat escape, so perfect if
you’re worried about working
6
up a sweat. The jacket is also
quite stylish, coming in a nice
blue colour, and two big front
pockets for me are a win.
Style: 4
Comfort: 4
Performance: 4
CALLAWAY STORMGUARD
When I think of Callaway, I think
of great clubs. However, I was
pleasantly surprised with the
Stormguard waterproof jacket.
I found the fit to be one of the
best things about this offering
from Callaway. Normally I
struggle to find a waterproof
that is long enough without
being too loose in the chest but
6
this jacket delivered. If you want
to make sure you stay warm
as well as dry over winter, you
could do worse than pick up
one of these.
Style: 4
Comfort: 4
Performance: 3

J LINDEBERG SHINO
BONDED KNIT SOFTSHELL
Firstly, this knit softshell from J.
Lindeberg is not a waterproof.
However, it is water repellent
and lightweight, so is a very
versatile option. In conditions
that were changeable I found
it to be pretty handy. In large,
the length is a little short and
the chest is a bit wide, so it is
6
perhaps more suited to people
who are smaller. Overall, if you
can get a size that fits you, it’s a
comfortable jacket that’s good
when you’re not sure what the
weather is going to do. Style: 3
Comfort: 3
Performance: 3
ABACUS PITCH 37.5 RAINJACKET

The Pitch 37.5 Rainjacket has
no straps on the cuffs but the
sleeves are elasticated and
even have extra elastic slightly
up the forearm, which I felt kept
the jacket in place throughout
my swing and was quite
comfortable. As well as this,
I really liked the style – I tried
6
it in blue and black. It’s very
lightweight and the fit is slim,
which I like. It made it more
comfortable and allowed me to
swing without feeling restricted.
Style: 4
Comfort: 4
Performance: 5

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LIVE ABOVE &
PLAY BELOW PAR
E D ITE D BY CH R I S B E RTRAM
Big-name
trio join forces
Three of the world’s leading architects have
joined forced in an exciting new partnership
for fans of classical course architecture.
Australia-based Mike Clayton, American
Mike de Vries and Dutchman Frank
Pont have formed CDP Golf, with
an HQ in London. We can’t Cape
wait to see what they Wickham,
create… Australia,
which was co-
designed by
Mike de Vries
52 Classic course I We take a peek inside an all-encompassing resort offering more

for less on the north coast of Cyprus I 58 A touch of class I Cabell Robinson has
helped shape some impressive courses in Continental Europe – and Spain’s Las
Colinas is a prime example
5 2 I N O V E M B E R I C O U R S E S & T R AV E L
Classic resort
Korineum
Chris Bertram returns from this
Northern Cyprus resort with one
thought in his mind: ‘More for less’
I
magine if a destination existed that offered the value of
Belek’s resorts, offered the quality of Belek’s resorts, and
offered even better weather than Belek’s resorts. It would,
by any standards, be an appealing prospect; the good news
is, it actually does exist. Korineum Golf and Beach Resort is
located on the north coast of Cyprus, on the Turkish side of
the island.
Ranked No.40 in our Continental European Resorts in
2018, it incorporates an 18-hole golf course, a hotel, a beach
club and numerous on-site facilities.
And its location on Cyprus – which enjoys the best climate
of any part of Europe, slightly better than even Belek’s –
means it is bathed in sunshine every single month of the year.
It already has a fine reputation but one that is probably
not as widespread as it might be because it is the only course
on the Turkish side, so it is a lone golf reason to head to this
wonderful part of Cyprus. The whole of the Turkish side is a
revelation in itself for first-time visitors. It is extraordinarily
beautiful yet unspoilt while also being exceptionally well set-
up to cater for the needs of tourists.
It surprised me how many impressive hotels there are dotted
along the dramatic coast. One of these is Korineum, whose
hotel and course is set into hills that offer it a prime location
while its beach club is on the other side of the coastal access
road, patently right next to the sea.
Korineum lets its location and its facilities do its talking.
If you aren’t a fan of superfluous fuss and fanfare, it is for
you. There’s no pointless valet service or 12 bellboys and a
concierge trying to wrestle your bags from you.
You check in without delay, you get your room key and your
Korineum experience can begin.
C O U R S E S & T R AV E L I N O V E M B E R I 5 3
C LASS I C R ES O RT
If you arrive in the morning that might mean a couple of

hours unwinding at the pool, which is adjacent to all the
apartments (82 rooms in a low-rise block) and has a very
tempting bar to relax your further.
If it’s at lunchtime you might dump your bags in your room
and head straight for the restaurant in the main hub of the
resort, which also includes the clubhouse, well-quipped gym
and reception.
The restaurant is arguably the focus of the resort and,
because it is primarily a golf resort rather than a family hotel
that happens to have a golf course as part of the attractions,
you find meal times are spent with people also wearing polo
shirts, shorts and hybrid golf shoes.
It’s a nice aspect to a holiday here, meeting with golfers from
all over Europe and chatting about Korineum (to a man and
woman, the value the resort offers was praised), other resorts,
and the great game we all play in general.
The restaurant is the perfect venue, with al fresco dining on
an attractive large patio blessed with views of the surrounding
mountains as well as the golf course.
The food here is excellent, whether the huge cold and hot
buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch or the myriad options –
both local and international – in the buffet at night. The
super-friendly waiting staff add to the pleasure of dining at
Korineum.
If you arrive after lunch, you might be tempted to pop in to
the pro shop and assess if there are any tee times available for
late afternoon. There’s a good chance there would be, because
while Korineum is unsurprisingly successful, its tee sheet is
not packed with golfers from dawn til dusk as many Belek
courses are.
This is a huge advantage; not only does it means you have
half a chance of playing at the time of day you’d like, it also
means there might not be a group right behind you and right
in front of you…and that pace of play is excellent.
In fact the more I think about how pleasant this aspect to
Korineum was, the more significant it is.
On a couple of occasions we had another attempt at putts
during one round. Videos were taken of tee shots on the
elevated 2nd tee. Numerous pictures were taken of the course.
As if you have time for any of these when you’re playing in Travel essentials for your trip
Belek…
Helping to make the course especially photogenic are the Add a trip The climate Getting there
changes in elevation that characterise Korineum’s hillside O Realising Korineum O Just incredibly good. O This is probably the
layout. There are lots of elevated drives to get excited about, as was 30 minutes’ drive From the start of May to only aspect where
from Ercan airport and the end of September Korineum isn’t an
well as fun uphill approaches to green complexes tucked into that flights to and from is categorically absolute dream. Being
the foot of hills. Istanbul from there were glorious, with very hot candid, if you want a
The feat of designer David Hemstock in 2006 was in frequent and cheap, we temperatures in July plethora of flight options
using Korineum’s significantly undulating land to make it decided to hop over to and August. April and from a myriad UK airports
the capital of Turkey for a October and are also and a short flight time,
a spectacular course visually while ensuring it remains a
couple of nights. Various lovely – what I’d call getting to the Costa del
playable and enjoyable one. aspects made it a brilliant swimming pool weather. Sol is easier. In my view,
It was in pristine condition during the week we were there decision. First, it was Then you have November the extra effort required to
– in the kind of nick that makes you think it is superbly so easy to do, because to March, when you will get to Korineum is more
presented every day of the year. Ercan is a small airport still get sunshine on your than worth it though.
where you can park your back on pretty much This is how you can do
Korineum is a resort, and its course can be described as car for €10 for 48 hours. every day and while you it: either fly into Ercan,
‘holiday golf ’ but do not mistake it for a birdie fest. It is Secondly, flights are can’t guarantee returning just outside the capital of
anything but! so regular that you can with a tan, you might Nicosia, via Istanbul. Or
That much is clear from the first, a tough opener that plays arrive in the morning in easily hit it lucky and fly direct into Larnaca, in
Istanbul and depart late get 20C all week. What the south of the island,
uphill and longer than its yardage. With sand before the green
in an evening. Thirdly, you won’t get is a week that’s the Greek side, and
and trees to cause issues for those driving the ball waywardly, Istanbul is simply one of of rubbish weather no still be at Korineum within
this is a portent of things to come. the world’s great cities. matter when you go. a two-hour drive.
The
Mediterranean
Sea forms the
backdrop during
your round at
Korineum.
The elevated drive off the 2nd is welcome refreshment and

this downhill par 5 can offer up a birdie putt to make you feel
good about your game.
The best of the front nine was in my opinion the thrilling
short 4th across a canyon to a beautifully positioned green
and the classy, twisting 5th.
The end to the nine is played across a dry ditch in the style
of a La Manga before you move across to the a second half
that is in general a little easier.
Here, the short holes are the highlight but there are also a
couple of stout par 4s that remind you Korineum is a proper
course and this is a proper golf resort.
What impresses most about it is the fact there is consistency
across all aspects; the course, the hotel, the facilities and the
setting are all 8/10.
The hotel is not a sprawling monster that dominates the
scene – even if there are over 80 rooms…and they are huge!
Even those of who like to travel with 8kg worth of balls (just
in case), three extra polo shirts (just in case), a jumper (just
in case), a couple of pairs of extra shorts and trousers (just
in case), and then mimic this craziness with our non-golf
The restaurant offers al fresco dining on an attractive large patio blessed luggage too (just in case) will find space for everything in the
with views of the surrounding mountains as well as the golf course. rooms
This was another aspect that appealed to me – I’d much I didn’t expect a super cafe where (glorious) hours slip by The sunsets
rather have space to disperse my gear to every corner of the and you’ve done nothing more than sip an Aperol Spritz or on the north
room than be so cramped I couldn’t unpack properly and was four. coast of Cyprus
are glorious,
using my case as a de facto drawer. The beach club is another huge tick in Korineum’s box, and ideal viewing
You’ll also have a view of the sea from your patio, which as you have realised over the course of the previous 1,500 for a twilight
brings us to another tick in Korineum’s box…the beach club. words, there aren’t many left unticked. round
It’s a three-minute car journey away or a 10-minute walk, If you want, say, lots of non-golf facilities for children, Belek’s
and I must admit when we drove down the track that leads to incredible complexes will definitely be able to cater for you
it from the main coastal road I was not expecting quite what better than this Cypriot resort – even if in addition to the
is there. course there are also tennis courts, pool tables and a spa with
Some sunbeds and parasols perhaps. A non-power shower two massage rooms, a Jacuzzi, and a sauna.
to rid your body of salt water after a swim perhaps. A cubicle But if you want excellent golf and accommodation of a high
to change in perhaps. standard, perfect places to relax in the sun – whether by the
I didn’t expect a fabulous wooden jetty extending into the sea or pool – and a peerless European climate all year round,
sea on which to bask in the sun on. Korineum is for you.
I didn’t expect more sunbeds on a large grassy area along the Oh, and the key aspect underpinning all of this is the value;
line of the beach. if you have been to a golf resort offering more for less, I’d love
I didn’t expect proper showers and changing rooms. to hear about it.
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A touch of class
Las Colinas
Cabell Robinson’s modern resort
course is one of the most impressive
in Europe, writes Chris Bertram
C
abell Robinson has been one of the most
impressive architects in continental Europe
in recent times. He has been responsible for
success stories at Finca Cortesin and Praia D’El Rey, and
is an expert at making the most of the site he is given.
Las Colinas is another such example. It is one of the
most impressive modern ‘resort’ courses on the continent
with an uncommon cleverness, consistency and variety.
It is routed in two spacious loops, with impressive scale
and holes well away from the high-end residences that
surround the perimeter.
Water plays a part as you might expect but don’t pin this
down as ‘just another’ muscular resort course, because it
has a good deal more charm than that. Cute par 3s mix
with robust ones and reachable par 5s follow stringent
two-shotters, with a lovely flow to the sequence of holes.
What Robinson has done especially well is design this
for the average golfer. That sounds like an obvious thing
to do, given average golfers will form 99.9% of the rounds
here (it hosts some pro events too). Yet this is not always
the case, and many modern courses are created for the
pros in mind first. Here, though, everything is tailored to
the 18-handicapper not the +5 player.
So Robinson’s prime focus was on how the course works
from the yellow tees, which add up to a very appealing
6,226 yards. The white tees at 6,653 yards are also very
playable but there is also a set of blacks that takes it over
the 7,000 mark.
You get ‘breather’ holes between the stiffer ones, and even
on those more exacting tests you are usually presented
with a tantalising chance for glory, where a big carry or a
brave line will reap rich reward. Las Colinas loves to try to
tempt you into attempting spectacular shots.
There is minimal rough but plenty of water hazards
to lose balls in, and there are lots of bunkers to avoid.
Fairways often rise and fall pleasingly, there are several
notable changes in elevation, and greens are often nicely
tucked into the side of hills.
The landscape and terrain is the same for the whole
journey but that doesn’t mean the course is; Las Colinas’
variety is another of its strengths. Stout par 4s are
allied to more sporty ones, greens vary from the flat to
the undulating while short and tricky par 3s mix with
exacting ones.
In superb condition, Las Colinas will surprise those
expecting something a typical Spanish resort course.
The 9th hole
at Las Colinas.
15th October 2019 – 31st March 2020
£79
From PACKAGE DETAILS:
• Sausage & Bacon Roll with
Tea or Coffee
• Winter Hand Warmers
• Range Balls & use of Practice Facilities
• 18 Holes on the International Course,
Home of the 2019 Staysure PGA Seniors
Championship
per person • Lunch in the Spike Bar after your round
Available Sunday to Thursday

(Sunday limited tee times only, £89 per person).
From 1st – 31st March 2020, this offer is £89 per person
(Sunday limited tee times only, £99 per person).
Excludes Bank Holidays. Tee times subject to availability.
Can be booked 30 days in advance.
Valid for bookings up to 8 players.
golfreservations@londongolf.co.uk | Tel: 01474 879899
JOIN THE CONVERSATION

CLUB GOLF
Contact Steve, our man in the clubhouse: email s.carroll@sportspub.co.uk or call 0113 289 3979
Walton Heath most recently held the British

Masters, won by Eddie Pepperell, in 2018.
Foxhills...the
history makers
FOXHILLS
It’s almost a cliché to
call something historic
these days. But at
Foxhills, in Surrey, this
isn’t just an idle boast.
The site can be traced
back to the Middle
Ages. It was originally
THIS CLUB IS FAMOUS FOR
heath and woodland
owned by Chertsey
Abbey, the Benedictine
monastery founded in
WALTON HEATH
the seventh century. In England, only this Surrey club can say they had a monarch in charge
But Foxhills came to
W
prominence in the late HO are the only expected Edward to have
18th century when English club to have applied that to his reign as
the politician Charles had a reigning King sovereign. He lasted just under 11
James Fox came to as their captain? months in the job.
live in the area. A man Edward VIII was the man It’s hard to top a King when
with a predilection for who gave up his throne for the it comes to the celebrity roll
gambling and drinking, woman he loved. But Wallis of honour but, at this most
Foxhills’ website tells Simpson wasn’t his only passion. wonderful stretch of golfing land
the story of how he The King of England was also in Surrey, he was far from the
once bet the Prince a hugely enthusiastic golfer. A only prestigious former member.
Regent on the number single-figure handicapper, who The club was the home of the
of cats they would see first played when he was 13, he’d Parliamentary Golfers Society
on Bond Street. been urged to try something and four Prime Ministers all
Foxhills has since more sedate after his mother, played at Walton Heath – David
been used as a home Queen Mary, leaned on him to Lloyd George, Andrew Bonar
for wounded officers give up steeplechasing and Law, Arthur Balfour and Winston
during the Great War hunting. Churchill. The latter was a club
and also hosted Team When he was crowned in showed some promise if he member from 1910 until his death
GB’s ultra successful 1936, he was serving as captain could lean on the skills of a five- in 1965.
road race cycling team at Walton Heath. It has been said time Open champion.
during the London Edward first came to Walton We all know the tenure of
To learn more about Walton Heath, visit
Olympics in 2012. Heath to get lessons from James a club captain is brief, usually
waltonheath.com
Braid. It’s no surprise the heir only a single year, but no one
CLUB GOLF
NCG PROMOTION
THE LOWDOWN:
CAPE CORNWALL
England’s first and last golf course offers one of the most
picture-perfect rounds in the country – and so much more

W
HITE waves crashing
against jagged rocks
and greens clinging
to the clifftops – this is the
scene that welcomes golfers at
Cape Cornwall.
In any discussion about
the most scenic golf courses
in England there would be a
strong case for Cape Cornwall
featuring highly in the list.
The 18-hole course, which
is England’s first and last golf
course due to its proximity to
Land’s End, is located on both
a World Heritage Site and in an
Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty.
The land on which the club
is now located was originally
farmland but was then
converted into a golf course in
the late 1980s with the help of
course designer Bob Hamilton.
The obvious highlight of
a round here is the incredible
views of the clifftops and blue,
choppy water of the Atlantic
Ocean. On a clear day, you can
even see all the way out to the
Isles of Scilly.
The course’s main
challenge comes in the form
of working out the best way to
overcome the often fierce and
unpredictable wind. You will
also need to keep an eye out
for the many hedges and rocky
walls dotted throughout the 18
holes.
However, Cape Cornwall is
more than just an impressive
golf course. Since it was taken
over by new owners Andrew
and Leanne Cleary, the facility
has been rebranded as Cape
Cornwall Club to reflect its
move towards being more than
just a golf venue.
Other facilities include 15
en-suite rooms, a spa, gym,
an indoor pool and excellent
bar and dining area overseen
by talented chef Peter Gorton,
who has previously worked in a
Michelin-starred restaurant.
The club also hosts
events, weddings and other
celebratory events.
For more information about
Cape Cornwall Club and its
various membership packages,
visit capecornwallclub.com

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
PIKE HILLS GC It’s time to visit

VISITING SOCIETIES ALWAYS WELCOME
Headingley Golf Club

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ENTER OUR GENTS WINTER OPEN
Gents Winter TEAM Open, Thursday 14th November 2019, Team of 4 AMAM,
Entry Fee - £100 Team, includes a post-round Steak Pie or Fish-n-chips
You can enter online at www.brsgolf.com/headingley/opens_home.php

or call 0113 2679 573 (Option 1) for more information.
WINTER PACKAGES
Available from December only.
ϭΉĂĐŽŶZŽůůΘŽīĞĞͬdĞĂ͕ϭϴŚŽůĞƐ
and a 1 course meal – £20
PETERBOROUGH MILTON GOLF CLUB
ϮΉϭϴŚŽůĞƐŽĨŐŽůĨʹάϭϬ A challenging, relaxing & enjoyable destination
KīĞƌƐĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞĨŽƌ͚EĂƟŽŶĂůůƵď'ŽůĨĞƌ’ readers, quote when booking

PACKAGES ALSO AVAILABLE FOR 27/36 HOLES • Visitors Welcome • Society & Corporate golf days
DŽŶĚĂǇƚŽ&ƌŝĚĂǇĂŶĚ^ƵŶĚĂǇĂŌĞƌŶŽŽŶƐ • On line green fee offers • Welcoming Clubhouse
&ŽƌŽŶůŝŶĞ'ƌĞĞŶ&ĞĞŽŽŬŝŶŐǀŝƐŝƚŽƵƌǁĞďƐŝƚĞ͗ǁǁǁ͘ƉŝŬĞŚŝůůƐŐŽůĨĐůƵď͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ • Winter Warmer golf package • Membership opportunities
Pike Hills Golf Club Tadcaster Road, Askham Bryan, York, North Yorkshire YO23 3UW For more information or to book on line visit our website www.pmgc.org.uk
tel. 01904 700797 (opt. 5) | secretary@pikehillsgolfclub.co.uk or contact us on 01733 380489 / e-mail admin@pmgc.org.uk
NCG PROMOTION
The
ultimate
winter
golf guide
Pick up some cracking offers in our ode
to golf in the off-season
www.nationalclubgolfer.com | SEPTEMBER 2019 1

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
NCG
winter golf
Our writers on why they relish battling the elements
Hunstanton
DAN MURPHY
Why I love winter golf: Nobody likes getting
muddy trousers and that’s why I prefer to think
of winter golf as a links and heathland-based
activity. I laugh in the face of a 30mph easterly
and don’t mind the greens being a bit slower
or having to wear base layers and a woolly hat. Playing a
links course in the winter makes me glad to be alive – who’s
complaining about the bracing sea air as an alternative to
the office? Afterwards, feeling first flushed and then sleepy
in a cosy clubhouse with an early afternoon pint in hand is
just fine too. MARK TOWNSEND
Why I love winter golf: Things are always bet-
Favourite course to play in winter: The east coast gener- ter when not many others are wise to it. Grow-
ally is the best place to play golf in the winter as it’s dry. At ing up, my dad and I would traditionally have a
Hunstanton, tees are often moved so they are adjacent to game on New Year’s Day. We had made a start
the previous green – basically, to where they were originally on trying to improve a few hours into 1986
– so you fairly race round. Obviously there is no mud and and had a head start on everyone else at the club – much
little rough either with it being a links. On the back nine, (not really) like Sebastian Coe training on Christmas Day as
you play towards the lights of the town in the distance as he knew Steve Ovett wouldn’t be. Even if it was rock-hard
the sun goes down and that comfortable old clubhouse with frost it would likely be the best round of the year; no
looms behind the 18th green. It’s the perfect place to be. waiting, fresh air in the lungs and back in the clubhouse for
a game of snooker by midday.
Best winter golf tip: The best additions to my golfing arse-
nal in the winter in many years have been a bodywarmer Favourite course to play in winter: Somewhere as far south
and a snood. The former adds warmth without restricting as possible. Cinque Ports is always a treat and would be in
movement – I don’t know why I didn’t work this out years cracking nick all year.
ago – while the latter may raise eyebrows but you can’t
really see it when it’s underneath your jacket. And even if Winter golf tip: Hit three more clubs than normal; one for
they do, who cares? All bets are off when it’s below zero the cold weather, one for the lack of run out and one for
and you’re outside for three hours. the fact that you always over-estimate how far you hit it.

ALEX PERRY
Why I love winter golf: Where does your
mind take you when people tell you to go to
Bude & North Cornwall your happy place? Me? I’m on the first tee at
Bude, it’s Boxing Day, and I’ve got my two
best mates alongside me. It’s about 7.30am,
there isn’t a cloud in the sky, and the air is that kind of crisp
that makes your lungs double take. We are the first people
on the tee, and will be for some time. We are wrapped
up warm and we have one of the West Country’s finest
courses to ourselves. Millionaire’s golf in my second home-
town. Yes please.
Favourite course to play in winter: I generally spend the

holiday season at home in the South West so Christmas
jaunts round any of the Atlantic Links courses has become
something of a tradition. I have to say Bude & North Corn-
wall for the reasons I’ve already explained.
Winter golf tip: Wear mittens. I can deal with any part of
Hartlepool my body being cold, but if my hands are cold I may as well
go home and get in front of the fire.
STEVE CARROLL
Why I love winter golf: Isn’t it nice to simply
enjoy a knock, far removed from the agonies
of a season spent futilely toiling for a lower
handicap? The white tee markers are gone.
The course seems so much more accessible.
You look at holes in a totally new light. The weekend roll-
Royal Cinque Ports ups spring back into life: down the club for 9am, spend-
ing a few glorious hours with people you’ve barely seen
during the bustle of a medal campaign. Yes, you look like
the Michelin man but it’s worth it. Just for that one day
when you feel the fleeting sun on your face and the air has
a crispness you only find in deepest January. Ask yourself,
why would you want to be anywhere else?
Favourite course to play in winter: While parklands are

sodden, expect crisp fairways and firmer greens by the
sea – and that’s what you’ll find at Hartlepool. Like a lot of
courses in the North East of England, this links is seriously
under-rated and I always love sweeping shots through
some magnificent dunes. A perfect view on a winter’s day.
Winter golf tip: Club up. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But I’m
always amazed by the number of players who watch their
flushed 7-iron fall short and exclaim ‘But I hit this club 150
yards!’ You do. In summer. For me, the heavier air and lower
temperatures means I’m adding at least two clubs – and
that’s before you even start to take account of wind.

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
TAKING WINTER GOLF

TO THE EXTREME
Forget Santa Claus, Mark Townsend heads to Lapland for a genuinely
breathtaking round of golf under the northern lights

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
I
T IS now a little after 10pm, north of Kiruna, Sweden’s deserves a grand adjective. – anything off the fairway
visibility is down to less than northernmost city. I am also in Better still, a small red would mean a drop under
five yards, the surrounding Lapland. Though, rather than a flag 180 yards away signified penalty of one and, courtesy
roads are all shut and our trip to see Santa, I am here for the start of a golf course. of a giveaway small hole in the
gallery is down to one – the golf, obviously. Work had begun at 7am by surface, balls were rarely lost.
Nicke, a club singer who, four Thirteen hours previously the ‘whitekeepers’ to get the If I’m honest I’m not the
hours previously, had been this round had begun in clear course ready. most helpful searcher of
entertaining us with his version skies, bright sunshine and a Ordinarily this would mean playing partners’ balls, I want
of Black Velvet. jaunty -9˚. Hopes were high, making the course presentable to be liked and accepted
I ask him what he’s doing hands were cold and layers of and a gentle trim, here it but there is no real sense of
halfway up a ski slope in -30˚C clothing were billowing from involves a huge operation urgency in my efforts. Here
watching four maniacs hitting my already bulging frame. of digging out fairways and the rummagings through the
golf balls. “When you spend as I had never seen a snow pinpointing and preparing the two-foot snow were almost to
much time in hotel rooms as golf course before but none ‘whites’. be savoured, even when the
I do why wouldn’t you be out could be so immaculate as The sharper tools in the box lower half of your leg suddenly
here?” I want to give him a hug, this. I rarely use the word will no doubt be wondering disappeared from view.
as much for his loyalty as to ‘breathtaking’, but this, with how golf and snow can be A couple of errant opening
just keeping warm. a 70-kilometre lake as the mixed with balls forever being tee shots also disappear
I am in the resort of backdrop and the distant lost in the ‘rough’. very quickly from sight – in
Bjorkliden, 100 kilometres huskies the only sound, this The answer is fairly simple case you’re wondering it is

THE LAPLAND LOWDOWN
• Lapland covers the northern
reaches of Finland, Norway and
Sweden.
• For 73 days each year, the sun is
visible round the clock in Lapland.
• Only around 3.6% of the Finnish
population lives in Lapland, which is
around 184,000 people.
• There is reportedly as many reindeer
as people in Lapland.
• Lapland is home to Sweden’s most
northern town (Kiruna), highest
mountain (Kebnekaise) and deepest
lake (Hornavan).
• Lapland covers 30% of Finland’s
land area. It also produces 10% of
Finland’s export and hosts 19% of
Finland’s international travellers.
still possible to shank one inch surrounds to greens that Circle, things have quickly done for the day. Peder delivers
off powdery snow – but are could stretch to around 20 on become quite normal. four ordinary looking golf balls
followed each time by the the Stimpmeter. Good ball striking is on the table and then bounces
soothing words of our host Peder explains that the rewarded, an appreciation of one on the floor. It immediately
Peder. slopes will be less severe the gradients is a must and a lights up.
‘Pilsner boll’ may not come the Swedish Snow Golf steady hand on the greens will Shortly after, a spotlight in
technically translate as Mulligan Championships in a few weeks serve you well. I go into lunch the distance reminds us where
but we soon got the idea. and we content ourselves with two down. the 1st green sits and, with part
As for the balls they are some much-needed work on Fast forward six hours and of the blizzard now residing
orange and, come the night our putting strokes. we are now 15 holes and two- in our whiskers and eyebrows,
golf, luminous. And, given But the slopes become and-a-half laps of the course we commence a three-hole
the beautiful clear blue sky, more familiar and the course in. We are also now enjoying play-off.
when we did manage to get becomes even more stunning Nicke’s version of Journey’s Four luminous balls
one away the sight of it, if not as we make a short climb to Don’t Stop Believin’ and the disappear into the distance
the result, was a thing of rare the 3rd tee, a blind dogleg right merits of Apres Golf, which in our own version of the
beauty. played to what looks like the involves several pints, a few Northern Lights and one short
Which is more than could world’s end. Jagermeisters and one or two hour later Peder knocks in
be said for our short games. In We are now into our stride (four) bottles of vino tinto. a three-footer to bring the
fairness this was an old school and, although perched 200 We are also all square and curtain down on 14 hours of a
US Open-type set-up with six- kilometres north of the Arctic well aware that the golf isn’t very different day.

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
WINTER DEALS
Grab a bargain end-of season offer
HEADINGLEY Yorkshire BROUGH Yorkshire PETERBOROUGH MILTON

About: Designed by Alister MacKenizie and Harry S Colt, About: The club celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2018 and Cambridgeshire
Headingley is located in a beautiful rural setting just north of is home to a mature course with a compelling layout. A tree- About: The grounds of the Fitzwilliam Estate host this James
Leeds city centre. The par-3 17th is one of the highlights and lined, tight layout will encourage golfers to delve deeper into Braid parkland that boasts frequent views of Milton Hall.
was once described as by Henry Cotton as one of the best their bag rather than simply gripping and ripping a driver. The highlight of the layout arguably comes at the very last
short holes that he had ever played. Brough offers a refreshing experience as much more of a hole. The 18th is a par 4 with a narrow fairway and plenty of
Winter offer: Gents Winter Team Open, November 14, Team of thinker’s course than many of today’s layouts. well-positioned hazards, all leading to a raised green and a
4 AMAM, Entry Fee £100 per team, includes a post-round steak Winter offer: Book a group of 12 or more and the organiser fantastic finish.
pie or fish and chips. goes free. Quote ‘NCG/Nov’ when booking. Winter offer: For the latest offers, visit pmgc.org.uk
GARFORTH Yorkshire BARLASTON Staffordshire ALRESFORD Hampshire

About: Dr Alister MacKenzie designed this challenging About: Barlaston is just an hour’s drive from Birmingham and About: In existence since 1890, Alresford has a brilliant
parkland layout found to the east of Leeds city centre. Water is one of Staffordshire’s best courses. The course plays to 5,831 18-hole layout set on the slopes of Tichborne Down. The
features are a constant obstacle at Garforth, while the final yards and offers plenty in the way of variety. Be sure to find chalk downland upon which the course is found ensures that
four holes have been described by some as the best in the your game by the time you reach the turn as back-to-back drainage is not an issue and the course remains playable
north of England. Garforth was listed as a finalist for the Most par 5s await at the 9th and 10th. Recent drainage work has throughout the year. Five par 3s populate the scorecard and
Welcoming Club of the Year and Club of the Year at the 2018 ensured Barlaston remains playable throughout the year. with greens among the best in Hampshire, visitors are in for
England Golf Awards. Winter offer: Bookings for 2020 available at 2019 prices if a treat.
Winter offer: For the latest offers, visit garforthgolfclub.co.uk confirmed by January 31, 2019. Winter offer: Society green fees from £30pp.

PIKE HILLS Yorkshire
About: Sitting close to York, Pike Hills has been at its current
site since 1946. The course’s fairways are tree lined and there
is a very natural feel throughout thanks to it being built
around Askham Nature Reserve. Squirrels, birds, rabbits and
even deer are commonly seen roaming around the grounds.
Winter offer: Available from December only: bacon roll and
coffee/tea, 18 holes and meal for £20, or 18 holes for £10.
Quote ‘National Club Golfer’ when booking.
ROYAL MID-SURREY Surrey KENILWORTH Warwickshire SHERWOOD FOREST Nottinghamshire

About: The venue boasts two terrific 18-hole courses. The JH About: Not only does Kenilworth boast a splendid 18-hole About: An outstanding heathland course is on offer at
Taylor course underwent a seven-year project where 18 USGA course but it also offers a Par 3 course. The main course is a Sherwood Forest. The 18-hole track features some of the
specification greens were installed. Prior to the revamp, the parkland layout that poses a range of different challenges. finest greens in the Midlands and the back nine is a real
course had hosed several tournaments, including the Ladies’ The 12th hole is simply named “Trees”, which gives an challenge. With this in mind, you’ll want to get off to a quick
British Matchplay Championships. The second course is the indication of the natural area you will come across. The start and score well on the opening holes. Originally designed
Pam Barton, which is the shorter of the two layouts. smaller course is a great place for short game development by Harry Colt, Sherwood Forest provides visitors with some of
Winter offer: Tailored packages are available from £135 per and for those new to golf. the most exquisite golf holes in England.
person for golf and a three-course meal. Winter offer: Packages start from £29. Winter offer: From £170 per fourball, including breakfast.
HELENSBURGH Argyll & Bute MUSWELL HILL London LLANISHEN Cardiff

About: Helensburgh can be found just 20 minutes’ drive from About: In existence since 1893, Muswell Hill has established About: With more than 100 years of history in the books,
Glasgow and offers golf in a tranquil setting surrounded itself as one of London’s premier parkland layouts. Just Llanishen is renowned for its warm welcome and fun golf
by stunning views. This gently undulating layout features a five miles from the centre of London, the venue a course course. All are welcome at the relatively short but challenging
solitary par 5 and has been constantly improving since it was renowned for being maintained to a high standard. The par 68 layout, which measures 5,328 yards. Continuous
established in 1893 as a nine-hole course. With a par of 69 and course continues to move with the times and the 1st and 7th investment by the club has ensured that the greenstaff have
a length of 6,104 yards, the layout welcomes golfers from all holes were recently lengthened with new tee boxes. been able to keep the course in good condition throughout
levels of the game. Winter offer: The Winter Warmer package: £39pp for a min of the year.
Winter offer: Packages start from £20 for visitors. 12 players per booking, available Mon-Fri, Nov 1-March 31. Winter offer: Summer packages start at £25pp.

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
HELENSBURGH GOLF CLUB

Golfers have been enjoying our beautiful moorland course
above Helensburgh town since 1893 and we invite you to come
and enjoy this destination course that no golfer should miss
Clyde Arran Loch Glen Fruin

Package Package Lomond Package
Golf only Package
Visitor £20 Visitor £20 Visitor £25 Visitor £35

Guest £10 Guest £15 Guest £15 Guest £25
Contact: Phone 01436 675505 | Email: g.m@helensburghgolfclub.co.uk

Website: www.helensburghgolfclub.co.uk | @HelensburghGolfClub
WINTER GOLF GUIDE
STAY & PLAY

Exceptional golf breaks just a short drive away
COTTRELL PARK
Cardiff
About: Cottrell Park, located just seven miles from Cardiff,
boasts two 18-hole courses: The Mackintosh and the Button
Gwinnett, both constructed to USGA specifications. The
Button Gwinnett is more American in its design, particularly
with water hazards dotted throughout. Prepare yourself for
the sensational finishing hole in front of the clubhouse. The
Mackintosh is completely different with its design weaving
DORSET Dorset DRAYCOTE Warwickshire its way through a parkland setting. The excellent drainage
system in place ensures that both courses are playable
About: Martin Hawtree worked his magic to create 27 holes Course: Whitefields Golf Club has been in partnership with throughout the year. Other facilities at Cottrell Park include
of brilliance split over three sets of nine in the form of the the on-site Draycote Hotel since it was opened in 1992 and the Sports Hall & Golf Academy with its three golf simulators
Woodland, Parkland and Lakeland courses. The Woodland is provides visitors with a par 71 layout stretching over 6,289 – and there will soon be five in spring 2020. There’s also a
the shortest and meanders through a rhododendron forest. yards of Warwickshire countryside. Curlie’s Corner is the snooker and pool room, as well as a sports lounge, bar and
If playing on the Parkland and Lakeland, you will see water standout hole with its green surrounded by water. restaurant.
coming into play on more than half of the holes. Winter offer: Golf breaks from £47.50. Quote NG1 upon Winter offer: Golf society packages from only £24pp, while
Winter offer: One night, two rounds from £125pp, including booking to receive 30 free range balls per person. One in 12 stay-and-play packages begin at £69pp, based on a minimum
dinner and B&B with free golf. goes free. of four people.

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
A QUALITY GOLF EXPERIENCE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

Royal Mid-Surrey in Richmond offers 36 holes of challenging golf, just a short journey from the heart of London.
With a modern clubhouse, extensive practice facilities and superb catering, it’s the perfect venue for corporate
golf days and events. Tailored packages are available from £135 per person for golf and a 3-course meal.
Individual visitor green fees are also available on weekdays.
For bookings please contact golfgroups@rmsgc.co.uk or call 020 8940 1894

www.rmsgc.co.uk
KENILWORTH
GOLF CLUB
KENILWORTH KENILWORTH KENILWORTH TWILIGHT SPECIAL

PACKAGE ONE PACKAGE TWO PACKAGE THREE AFTER 2.00PM
Coffee & Bacon Roll Coffee & Bacon Roll Coffee & Bacon Roll 18 Holes of Golf
9 Holes of Golf 18 Holes of Golf 18 Holes of Golf Chefs Special
TOTAL: £35 Chefs Special Two Course TOTAL: £29
TOTAL: £38.50 TOTAL: £47.50
27 AND 36 HOLE PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.

FOR BOOKINGS OF 24 OR MORE THE ORGANISER GOES FREE.
CORPORATE RATES FROM £45.00
SHOTGUN AND TWO TEE STARTS AVAILABLE. 2020
To book call us now on: 01926 858517
Email: events@kenilworthgolfclub.co.uk
SOCIETY
or visit us at: www.kenilworthgolfclub.co.uk GOLF
PACKAGES
Subject to availabilty. Cannot be used with any other discount offer.
We reserve the right to alter packages without notice. Valid from 1st April to 31st October 2020.
Available to groups of 12 or more players. Terms and conditions apply.
WINTER GOLF GUIDE
BREADSALL PRIORY Derbyshire HORSLEY LODGE Derbyshire SELSDON PARK Surrey

About: Home to 36 holes of golf set in the Derbyshire About: Wide fairways, USGA specification greens and a warm About: Designed in 1929 by five-time Open champion JH
countryside, Breadsall Priory has plenty to offer for a golfing welcome await you at Horsley Lodge. The track is playable Taylor, Selsdon Park is a challenging par 73 layout found on
break, with the Priory course a highlight. Both the Priory and all year round and is consistently ranked as one of the best the Selsdon Estate. There are several aspects of the course
Moorland courses are well designed and play just over 6,000 courses in the East Midlands. You can expect no steep hills, which will linger in the mind. The five par 5s each measure
yards with pars of 70. Relax in the world’s oldest Marriott wide fairways and water on almost every hole. A number of upwards of 500 yards and provide a challenge for the long
location which features some rooms dating back to 1260. luxurious accommodation options are available for golfers, game, while the 17th is a picturesque par 3 played from an
Winter offer: 18 holes, tea/coffee and bacon roll from £25pp including the five-star Barn Cottage. elevated tee.
and organiser goes free. Winter offer: For the latest offers, visit horsleylodge.co.uk Winter offer: For the latest offers, visit devere.co.uk
HANBURY MANOR Hertfordshire

About: Hanbury Manor is a Jacobean-style manor house set
in 200 acres of countryside in Hertfordshire. Harry Vardon set
the foundations for Hanbury Manor’s championship course
when he designed a nine-hole layout in the early 1900s.
This was later extended to an 18-hole layout and the current
course was designed by Jack Nicklaus II, Jack Nicklaus’s eldest
son. Playing at 6,690 yards and featuring double fairways and
water hazards, there is plenty of theatre on offer.
Winter offer: Winter offer: 18 holes, tea and coffee and a
bacon roll, one-course lunch and a free range use for £65pp.

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
ULTIMATE LINKS TRAILS Our celebration of seaside golf
ABERSOCH Gwynedd BRORA Highlands

About: Situated in the seaside resort of the same name, About: The views from Brora are nothing short of spectacular.
Abersoch is one of Wales’s best courses and has been As one of James Braid’s most exquisite courses, it is
described by visitors as the ‘jewel of the Welsh Riviera’. surrounded by beautiful scenery with the Sutherland foothills
Sculpted between natural dunes, this links layout will leave providing an ideal backdrop for links golf. You will find the
golfers enthralled for the entirety of the round. The signature course largely true to how it was originally designed and
hole is the par-3 3rd, which requires a solid tee shot to carry greenstaff strive to maintain the course’s high-quality
water as well as gorse bushes. condition.
Winter offer: For the latest offers, visit abersochgolf.co.uk Winter offer: For the latest offers, visit broragolfclub.co.uk
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE Ayrshire FORTROSE AND ROSEMARKIE IRVINE Ayrshire

About: A regular host of major amateur and professional Highlands About: Having held Open Final Qualifying and co-hosted the
events, Kilmarnock Barassie is home to some of the finest About: Fortrose and Rosemarkie has heaps of history but it is British Amateur Championship with Royal Troon, the James
greens in Scotland. Located close to many other fine courses, by no means stuck in the past. The course was redesigned by Braid-designed Irvine is rightly held in high regard. The
including Royal Troon and Turnberry, it is not surprising that James Braid in 1932 has been the recipient of several awards. 292-yard 7th is a highlight. With a relatively short yardage for
this course offers links golf of the highest quality. The layout Amongst others, the club was awarded the accolade of Golf a par 4, this hole is accessible with the right tee shot. Avoiding
features 27 brilliant holes that can be played in three different Club of the Year for Scotland 2019 at the Luxury Travel Guide fairway bunkers and steering clear of the out of bounds on
loops of 18. Lifestyle Awards. the left will leave a nice approach.
Winter offer: For the latest offers, visit kbgc.co.uk Winter offer: For the latest offers, visit fortrosegolfclub.co.uk Winter offer: For the latest offers, visit theirvinegolfclub.co.uk

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
MUSWELL HILL
GOLF CLUB
WINTER WARMER
GOLF DAY PACKAGE
• Coffee and bacon roll breakfast on arrival
• Use of our practice facilities including putting
green, practice nets and a pitching area
• 18-holes of golf, followed by a two-course
lunch; including soup and sandwich
• Use of the Clubhouse facilities including
changing rooms, washrooms, and bar.
Available Mon
da
£39 PER PERSON to Friday, from y
1st
Minimum of 12 players per booking. November 20
19 to
31st March 20
20
To enquire about booking your winter golf
day at Muswell Hill Golf Club, please contact
Seb Frankiss on 020 8888 1764 or email
manager@muswellhillgolfclub.co.uk.
New Ownership at
Lakeside Lodge
Lakeside Lodge Golf and Country Club has complex. Lakeside Lodge have purchased Club is a fantastic choice.
recently been taken over by new ownership two additional fishing lakes adjacent to the There is still availability for Christmas
and management. Businessman Mike Sea- golf course and will be offering Trout and party bookings on the evening of Friday,
brook purchased the course from the Hop- Carp fishing breaks with 23 swims in total. December 6, with discounted accommoda-
kins family, working alongside Ian Abdee as There are plans to refurbish and improve tion rates. From £34.00 a person, group
the Managing Director. Both Mike and Ian the facilities at Lakeside Lodge in the near party nights include a three-course meal
are keen golfers who want to continue the future, and we hope you will join us on this with after dinner coffee, crackers, disco
running of the successful Golf Club. exciting journey.” and room hire charge. Christmas lunch can
Ian said “We will continue to offer first- If you’re looking for somewhere to host also be booked in our fully licensed bar and
class golf, with bowling, meeting rooms your Christmas party or enjoy a festive restaurant from November 29 throughout
and overnight accommodation across the lunch, Lakeside Lodge Golf and Country the festive period.
To check availability for your party or meal and to discuss further options, please contact the team on 01487 740540. The 18-hole course,
driving range and par 3 pitch and putt course are open seven days a week. For bookings or queries, contact the pro-shop on 01487 741541.
www.lakeside-lodge.co.uk
WINTER GOLF GUIDE
Where is it? the highlight. A whole host of

ISLE OF PURBECK The Isle of Purbeck is located
in the county of Dorset in the
brilliant sights await with views
of Bournemouth, Brownsea
Dorset south of England. It can be Island and over the Solent.
accessed via main roads such While on the 5th tee be sure
as the B3351. to take in the views once
COURSE
NOTES
Ancient or modern?
The club was formed in 1892
DID YOU KNOW...
The walls of the clubhouse,
following the introduction of
which was built in 1966,
a railway that saw an influx of
contain fossilised dinosaur
summer visitors. Once owned
footprints and ammonites
by author Enid Blyton and
believed to be more than
her husband, the course has
150 million years old. Away
a rich history. In the 1966, the
from the course, there are a
chairman of the Wilkinson
number of Iron age, Roman
Sword Company, Mr Randolph,
and Saxon archaeological
took ownership, paving the way
sites on the Isle of Purbeck.
for a period of improvement
work.
described by King Edward VII as
What’s the course like? one of the finest in his kingdom.
There are two very different Four par 3s are scattered
courses at the venue with the throughout the layout and
9-hole Dene Course partnering interestingly all face in different
the 18-hole Purbeck Course. The directions, meaning wind will
former is ideal for short game have a unique effect on each.
development and can act as
a nice starting point for those Contact details
looking to get into the game. Tel: 01929 450361
The Purbeck is undoubtedly Web: purbeckgolf.co.uk
ISLE OF PURBECK GOLF CLUB

Everyone Welcome | Open to the Public | Booking Advised
“I’ve always felt the club is certainly one of the most spectacular in the whole of the UK and the
general ambience of the club and course is absolutely delightful.” Peter Alliss
Book you
r
2020 Soci
ety
Package To
day
Saturday Te .
e
Times Ava
ilable
Winter Warmer Package (1st of November until March 31st)

Purbeck Course: Mon-Thurs Fri-Sun
Twoball or more + Breakfast £25 £30 1st Nov - 28th Feb
Twoball or more + Breakfast £30 £35 1st Mar - 31st Mar To book please visit www.
*to include an English breakfast and filtered coffee before your round. Must be booked 24 hours in advance / Minimum of 2 golfers.
purbeckgolf.co.uk
Dene Course: 9 Holes 18 Holes 18 Holes + Email: iop@purbeckgolf.
£9 £12 £16
co.uk or Call: 01929 450361
Memberships and Society Packages Available. Please enquire for details.
Winter Golf Pass: 10 rounds of golf for £200, valid 7 days a week, from 1st November to
31st March, can be shared with your friends or society members

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
One of the finest winter courses in the South

Society greenfees from £30pp
01962 733746 | www.alresfordgolf.co.uk

Alresford Golf Club, Cheriton Road, Tichborne Down,
Alresford, Hampshire SO24 0PN
LLANISHEN GOLF CLUB Your content partner

Video Production • Course Photography
Perfect for your 2020 Society or Away Day. Content Writing • Member Magazines
Summer Packages start at just £25 pp.
‘Superb place for societies, very welcoming staff are enthusiastic

and what a great place ...more than 5 stars!’ Review from a new society in
August 2019
Heol Hir, Cardiff, CF14 9UD | Tel : 02920 755078

www.llanishengc.co.uk | E : manager@llanishengolfclub.com
WINTER GOLF GUIDE
Where is it? The collection of par 3s is

The club is a quarter of a mile
west of Aberdovey village,
ABERDOVEY fantastic and, unusually, they
are all played in a different
close to the railway station. Gwynedd direction. That makes club
Snowdonia National Park is just selection, often judged against
a short drive away. different winds, a decisive
Ancient or modern?
Aberdovey is packed full of
DID YOU KNOW...
The famous golf writer
history. The classic architectural
Bernard Darwin held
trio of Harry Colt, James Braid
a lifelong affinity to
and Herbert Fowler all had a
Aberdovey, introduced to
hand in designing the course,
the emerging links by his
but the links is largely untamed
father – a brother-in-law of
and natural. While the club
one of the club’s founders
might have been founded in
Arthur Ruck. It was the club
1892, it’s likely the natural links
his “soul loved best of all
features that you’ll experience
the courses in the world”.
have been around for a lot
longer. Writer and broadcaster
Patric Dickinson once said of factor in putting together a
the Welsh links: “A round at successful scorecard.
Aberdovey is always a brave The 12th might be the best of
and gay adventure, whatever the short holes. It plays from
the wind’s quarter.” a short club to a long iron
depending on the strength of
What’s the course like? the breeze.
The course can be played in a
variety of ways but no matter Contact details
how you choose to tackle it, a Tel: 01654 767 493
quality test of golf is certain. Web: aberdoveygolf.co.uk
ABERDOVEY GOLF CLUB

| Championship Links Golf Since 1892 |
WINTER STAY & PLAY SPECIAL OFFER
1 NIGHT’S B&B AND 2 ROUNDS OF GOLF
ONLY £95 PER PERSON
Offer available from 01.11.19 to 29.02.20. T&Cs apply (Quote Ref NCG1119)
Aberdovey Golf Club | Station Road, Aberdovey. LL35 0RT
Tel: 01654 767493 Email: sec@aberdoveygolf.co.uk

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
GOLF BREAKS FROM £47.50

QUOTE NG1
UPON BOOKING TO RECEIVE 30
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1 IN 12 GO FREE
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GET IN THE SWING

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Call The Golf Team on 013032 836016

for more information
MarriottGolf.co.uk
Subject to availability. Terms & Conditions Apply.

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
Where is it? course has the ability to remain

UFFORD PARK Ufford Park is situated just 20
minutes’ drive from Ipswich and
playable all year round, which
is a huge bonus. In the past,
Suffolk can be reached easily by road. the course has played host to
a variety of events, including
Ancient or modern? the EuroPro Tour. The practice
The course is relatively young
and this has enabled it to be
designed in such a way that
DID YOU KNOW...
Ufford Park is just two miles
really suits the modern game.
away from of the most
Architect P. Pilgrim is the man
important Anglo-Saxon
behind the course and he
sites ever discovered.
completed his creation in 1992.
Sutton Hoo is home to an
undisturbed ship burial,
What’s the course like?
along with a vast horde
The 18-hole, par 71 track
of artefacts, dating back
includes a brilliant blend
to the 6th and early 7th
of testing long holes and
centuries.
strategic short holes, creating
a thoroughly enjoyable set.
Golfers of all abilities will feel facilities are first class at Ufford
comfortable on the fairways Park, highlighted by the two-
and the natural beauty of the tier driving range. All of this,
land will provide visitors with combined with a luxurious
a pleasant setting. Many holes hotel, makes this one of the
involve a risk-reward element most complete golfing venues
with water coming into play on in the area.
no fewer than 12 holes, so be
sure to seriously consider shot Contact details
choice. Thanks to the natural Tel: 01394 383555
drainage that is present, the Web: uffordpark.co.uk

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
Where is it? on, the course is well settled

Swaffham Golf Club is close
to Swaffham town centre in
SWAFFHAM and has a compelling layout.
Thanks to quality of its course,
Norfolk. There is plenty of Norfolk Swaffham is no stranger to
golf on offer in the area with hosting corporate and charity
courses at Royal Norwich and golf days as well as other
King’s Lynn just 30 minutes’
drive away.
DID YOU KNOW...
Howard Carter, the
Ancient or modern?
archaeologist who
It is been almost 100 years
discovered the tomb of
since Swaffham Golf Club was
Tutankhamun, spent the
established in 1922 on Norfolk
majority of his childhood
Breckland Heath.
in Swaffham with his
relatives. Swaffham has a
large number of attractive
Today, the club is home to a
Georgian buildings facing
par 71, 18-hole course but it has
onto the market square.
not always been that way. The
layout existed for almost 80
years as a nine-hole course but events.
in 2001 the decision was made The course’s tree-lined fairways
to extend the course to a full put an emphasis on accuracy
18 holes. Since the extension, and thanks to the land on
the club has thrived with new which the course is built, it
and old holes blending well to remains in good condition
create an exciting track. Some throughout the year.
of the new holes have been
built on woodland while some Contact details
reflect the traditional nature of Tel: 01760 721621
the Brecks. Almost 20 years Web: swaffhamgc.co.uk

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
DE VERE
SELSDON ESTATE
GOLF CLUB
Winter Special Package

We are offering some excellent winter packages from £24.00 pp inclusive of breakfast.
COFFEE & BACON BAPS ON ARRIVAL • 18 HOLES OF GOLF • RANGE BALLS
Monday - Friday. Subject to availability
For further information, please contact Caroline Screene, Golf Manager, on 0208 768 3113
DE VERE SELSDON ESTATE & GOLF COURSE | SANDERSTEAD, SURREY
“The finest traditional links course in the world” - Peter Thomson OBE, five times Open champion.
Winter membership available from November to March for £99
Brora Golf Club | Golf Road | Brora | Sutherland | KW9 6QS – GB
Tel: +44 (0) 1408 621417

Email: secretary@broragolfclub.co.uk
WINTER GOLF GUIDE
Where is it? signature par-3 6th hole on

HARTSBOURNE Hartsbourne Country Club is
located in Hertfordshire and
the Firs course. Played from
an elevated tee, this is a tricky
Hertfordshire sits inside the M25, north of hole to negotiate as a double-
London. tiered green awaits. Not only is
it a challenge to land your shot
Ancient or modern?
Golf has been played at the
venue for the best part of 100
DID YOU KNOW...
American actress Maxine
years and its present name,
Elliott was once the
Hartsbourne Country Club,
occupant of Hartsbourne
was introduced following the
Manor. During her time
Second World War by new
living here she turned
owner CJ Stillitz.
Hartsbourne into
something of a party venue.
Guests included Winston
Hartsbourne has plenty to offer
Churchill and Wimbledon
with three stunning nine-hole
champion Tony Wilding.
layouts that will appeal to all.
The venue is set into an area
of natural beauty that features on the green but should your
many thriving trees and, with tee shot be errant, you could
this in mind, the Willows, Firs find yourself in one of the eight
and Oaks are well-selected bunkers protecting the holes.
titles for the nine-hole sets. All With each round different from
three loops possess a brilliant the last, Hartsbourne is well
blend of hole lengths and worth a visit.
layouts which ensure golfers
are engaged for the entirety Contact details
of their round. One highlight Tel: 020 8421 7272
of the 27-hole setup is the Web: hartsbourne.co.uk
‘Hertfordshire’s best kept secret’
Green fee offers when you quote reference NCG19.

Contact us on 02084217266 or golf@hartsbournecountryclub.co.uk to find out more

WINTER GOLF GUIDE
Abersoch Golf Club INGESTRE PARK

Described by some visitors as “The Friendliest Golf Course in Wales” “A Jewel on the INGESTRE | STAFFORD | STAFFORDSHIRE | ST18 0RE
Welsh Riviera” and “Fantastic Golf Course, Stunning Views” the golf club at Abersoch
is one to put on your North Wales golfing list. Offering a challenging mix of 18 holes on
traditional links and parkland, the course is a must for golfers of all abilities. SOCIETIES AND VISITORS WELCOME MONDAYS, TUESDAYS,
THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS GREAT DEALS AVAILABLE.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.
New
sim or facility
ul at
available
After your golf, settle into the welcoming clubhouse and have a couple of drinks on the
patio area, along with a bite to eat. The renowned Abersoch nightlife then awaits with
bars and restaurants to suit tastes.
INGESTRE | STAFFORD | STAFFORDSHIRE | ST18 0RE|
Clwb Golff Abersoch Golf Club, Golf Road, Abersoch, Pwllheli, LL53 7EY 01889 270845
Telephone: 01758 712622 | Email: manager@abersochgolf.co.uk | www.abersochgolf.co.uk
WWW.INGESTREGOLF.CO.UK
IRVINE GOLF CLUB a stunning links golf experience
Est 1887
Set in a seaside location, the neighbouring Gulf Stream Scottish Seniors Championship and in 2016 the Scottish
ensures year round links golf, whilst the romantic peaks Youths Championship and the Ladies British Open Final
of Arran present a stunning backdrop to the landscape. Qualifying were also be held at the club.
The Irvine Golf Club established 1887, has staged Final It truly is one of Scotland’s hidden gems, offering a tra-
Open Qualifying for The Open Championship on a num- ditional links challenge, which owes much of its present
ber of occasions. In 2003, the Club co-hosted the Ama- day character to the course design of the great James
teur Championship with Royal Troon and in 2007, the Braid. One of Scotland’s most celebrated course design-
British Seniors’ Open with Turnberry. In 2009, the Ladies ers, James Braid created a legacy of distinctive courses,
Home Internationals were also successfully hosted at the characterised by their great variety and interesting use of
Irvine Golf Club. In 2011 and 2018, the Club hosted the nature’s assets.
The Irvine Golf Club, Bogside, Irvine, Scotland KA12 8SN T: 0044 1294 275979 E: secretary@theirvinegolfclub.co.uk
CLUB GOLF
WINTER SPECIAL RATES FROM 1ST OCTOBER FOR £50PP OR £160 PER FOURBALL
STRANRAER GOLF CLUB

Creachmore | Stranraer | Dumfries & Galloway
Scotland | DG9 0LF
I N T E R G OLF
W
BREAK 201
9
A warm welcome awaits for all visitors and new members at Stranraer. With its
ILH\[PM\SSVJH[PVUHUKL_JLSSLU[JV\YZL:[YHUYHLYVќLYZHUL_JLW[PVUHSKH`»Z
golf for all golfers. The club is also famous for being James Braid`s last ever
KLZPNULKJV\YZL^P[OHU[OOVSLÄ[[PUNSÙHTLK)YHPKGZ3HZ[
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Tel: 01776 870245 | Email: stranraergolf@btclick.com STAY
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WINTER BREAKS ARE 1ST NOVEMBER 2019 -28TH FEB 2020
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Web www.myvilla6.com
NCG PROMOTION
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
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92 DECEMBER 2017 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

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The message is clear: Banning juniors from competitions is not the answer
I
T’S not very often we hand out the Ping have stopped a move by Thonock Park’s ladies to
prevent juniors playing in competitions
bouquets so let’s give a big hearty
round of applause to Ping. If you’re
unsure why you should be so fulsome in
your praise for the equipment giant, let
me set the scene.
Close to their European headquarters
in Lincolnshire is Thonock Park, home to
two 18-hole courses that Ping own.
Recently, the club’s ladies held a
meeting where they voted to alter their
competition terms and conditions.
This would have stopped junior
players from taking part in ladies’ trophy
and cup competitions – a bizarre act in
these days of growing the game.
It didn’t take long for Ping chiefs
to stop the nonsense. The managing
director of Ping Europe, John Clark,
said in a statement: “Last week, a ladies’
meeting was held at Thonock Park and
a proposal was voted on to change the
criteria used to determine eligibility to
play in ladies’ competitions. But my own experiences lead me to How is that policy looking now?
“The proposal would have prevented this. This is why Ping’s intervention is so
junior players from entering ladies’ At some clubs, junior golfers are important.
trophy and cup competitions. regarded with mistrust and envy. By irrevocably establishing the right
“Upon hearing news on the result The handicapper often hasn’t caught of their juniors to play, and in such a
of this vote, Ping (the proprietors of up with them yet and their capacity to public fashion, they’ve raised the bar for
Thonock Park) immediately revoked improve, helped by the time to practise, us all.
the proposal and have it very clear that is greater than the rest of us. Those that seek to limit play based
it goes completely against the values, They win competitions and get their on age can now expect to get called out
principles and philosophies of Ping and names on the board. publicly – with the social media storm
would never permit this to go ahead. I know it’s frustrating. I’ve been the that will inevitably follow.
“At a time when golf clubs in general player denied by a junior romping to Playing at a club where 99 per cent
need to reach out and welcome new victory. of the competitions are mixed, and
golfers, a change of this nature could But I’ve also been the junior without barriers on age, I find any kind of
only serve to impede Thonock Park’s disheartened by these rules. separation puzzling.
ability to remain strong and continue At many clubs, a youngster’s victory The sooner we stop dividing
offering a first-class membership is a source of pride, boosted by the ourselves, and embrace as a community
package to all golfers. knowledge they’re playing their part in instead of pursuing our own little cliques,
“Ping will continue working very bringing through the next generation. the quicker our game can thrive.
closely with the committees of Thonock For others, though, there is bitterness: So bravo Ping. You’ve done golf
Park to ensure the club provides every they are taking their trophies, their another great service.
member with the highest quality vouchers and their ‘glory’.
experience.” It’s backward thinking and it always
I can’t speak of the reasons why backfires. Steve is NCG’s Club Golf editor. He plays off 9 at Sandburn
Thonock Park’s ladies thought this was a It isn’t too long ago some clubs Hall and Close House
good idea. openly discouraged juniors from joining.

MARK TOWNSEND
Bob MacIntyre’s European Tour debut season has been as refreshing off the course as it’s been impressive on it
MacIntyre picked up one-and-a-half points at the 2017 Walker

Cup but was on the losing side as the USA truimphed 19-7
AVING met Bob MacIntyre MacIntyre is now seventh on the Race to little and the 27 starts on the 2019 European
H in January of this year I came

away thinking that he was as far
removed from the modern-day
Dubai following his T4 finish in Italy. This
season was always meant to be the one where
he gave the Challenge Tour a real go having
Tour are going to catch up with him.
Given how refreshing he walks – even his
pace of play stands out – and talks the game
golfer as was humanly possible – which was, in got his head around his rookie year on the everyone’s a fan of MacIntyre. Harrington has
my head, the highest compliment that I could second-string year, instead he’s making it look stated how much he’d like to have him on his
possibly pay him. simple. team, he would be just the second left-hander
He wasn’t ripped, he wasn’t tanned, he There’s talk of next year’s Ryder Cup after Peter Dawson in 1977 to represent
didn’t talk in cliches and he wasn’t plastered team at Whistling Straits, he’s already Europe, and his matchplay CV already
in logos. He was just Bob from Oban, he had played with and impressed the skipper boasts a Walker Cup stuffing of Cameron
no plans to move any time soon, if ever, and Padraig Harrington and, incredibly, he’s now Champ and a runners-up spot in the Amateur
his mum and dad took in foster kids. repeatedly questioned about when rather than Championship.
I came away from our chat, which was if the first win is going to happen. As for MacIntyre himself he’ll just be, as
only arranged due to the fact that he was For the record he’s had three second usual, getting his head down and returning
playing a practice round on his own late on places – in the British Masters, Denmark and to the Emirates, where his year began, with a
the Sunday night in Abu Dhabi, more buoyed Germany. While his major debut at Royal very different mindset.
by our meeting than any other conversation Portrush began by scrubbing his name from a “I’m not really looking at the world
that took place that week but similarly practice round with the defending champion ranking now. Just trying to run up that as
concerned that he didn’t seem cut out for this Francesco Molinari and Ian Poulter, included fast as I can, to end the season really high.
odd lifestyle. a fall-out with Kyle Stanley, a third-round Obviously Race to Dubai, if I get into
“I’m not an easy one for sponsorship, pairing with Justin Thomas and concluded position coming into the last three, you go for
I’m from a small town, which is two hours with a 68 for a share of sixth with Rickie gold, don’t you.”
from the nearest city and I’m not in a prime Fowler, Danny Willett and Tyrrell Hatton.
location. I’m still running about in my mum’s Given his lack of big-time experience
Chevrolet Spark – I can hardly get the clubs and age, he turned 23 in August, the easy Q Features editor Mark is an unreliable 8 handicap
and member at Headingley @MarkTownsendNCG
in it,” he said at the time. expectation is that things are going to slow a

DORSET HEATHL AND TOUR
Broadstone and Ferndown are within 9 miles of each other and continually contest for Dorset`s best golf Course. However just
up the road is the newer Remedy Oak which is threatening the old guard for that title. To complete the tour, the Isle of Purbeck
which provides some of the best views and holes in golf. It really doesn’t get any better than playing these fantastic courses in the
beautiful South Coast of England.
REMEDY OAK BROADSTONE

HORTON RD, WOODLANDS, WENTWORTH DRIVE,
WIMBORNE BROADSTONE
BH21 8ND DORSET, BH18 8DQ
Tel: 01202 812070 Tel: 01202 692595

Email: info@remedyoak.com Email: bookings@broadstonegolfclub.com
www.remedyoak.com www.broadstonegolfclub.com
ISLE OF PURBECK FERNDOWN

CORFE ROAD, STUDLAND, 119 GOLF LINKS RD,
SWANAGE FERNDOWN
BH19 3AB BH22 8BU
Tel: 01929 450361 Tel: 01202 653950

Email: iop@purbeckgolf.co.uk Email: suehelliker@ferndowngolfclub.co.uk
www.purbeckgolf.co.uk www.ferndowngolfclub.co.uk
Titleist T-Series Irons provide a mix of advanced performance and pure playability
that lets golfers who get it... get after the course like never before.
Find a fitting and learn more at www.titleist.co.uk

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