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July 2023 www.insidegolf.com.au THE FIRST TEE 5 As well as rewarding those who are prepared to make the effort to attend, the exercise raises, on average each week, about $1000 in bar takings. I’ve also heard of another club that’s brought forward its timesheet booking process for Saturday golf to Thursdays – on the assumption that by delaying the procedure until two days before play, only those who really intend playing will register their names. The theory is that it will discourage the practice of members booking three of their regular partners, even if one – or more – of them is in hospital, travelling overseas or celebrating their wedding anniversary. For many clubs, none of this is necessary. Timesheets are filled in an orderly, restrained manner with plenty of spots to accommodate everybody who wants to play. But, for an increasing number of clubs, that’s not the case. And we need to consider ways to manage an issue that, for some people, is creating unnecessary distress. Pay extra for your timesheet spot GOLFERS at my club who choose to play in the mornings set their alarms for 5.15am each Wednesday and Saturday, creep through the dark to their phone or laptop, then wait, steely-eyed, for the clock to reach 5.30am. That’s when the time sheet opens for bookings for the following week’s Wednesday and Saturday competitions. Such is the demand for spots that the entire morning time sheet is filled within 60 seconds. Hesitate for a moment, land on a time slot that’s already been found by another golfer, or fumble at any stage and you’ve missed out. Let me tell you, it’s the most stressful moment of the week for many of my fellow members. And for me. The irony is that, by the end of the week, there will be as many as 20 vacancies on the timesheet, and anybody who just wants a game need only to wait until the day prior to the competition and then pick a time that suits them and book the spot. But at my club – and, I assume, at many others – there are golfers who like to play with their particular friends. I know of at least one group of four players who have teed off together early on Wednesday and Saturday mornings for the past 25 years. And the only way they can do that is by taking part in the early morning online skirmish. There is a solution to this problem – one that removes the stress of competing with dozens of equally anxious members, ensures golfers get to play in the group of their choice at a time that suits them, and which actually generates income for the golf club. Allow members to pre-book their places on the time sheet up to a year in advance. Invite them to pay, say, $50 a year for the privilege – perhaps even $100 – and guarantee them a spot in, say, the 7.40am group teeing off the first tee. They’ll never have to get up at 5.15am again and log on to the member’s section of their club’s website. Their spot on the time sheet is secure. And if a golfer’s three mates sign up to pre-book, they’ll always be able to play together in the same group. For $1 a week – perhaps $2 a week – that’s a pretty good deal, I’d have thought. But, when the plan reached the board table at my club it was rejected, seemingly because of claims it might be considered elitist, and that some members might feel they’d paid enough already. Of course, those who don’t want to pay a pre-booking fee don’t have to. They can continue to take their chances on the 5.30am online challenge. Nothing changes for them. Publisher: Sam Arthur | sam@insidegolf.com.au Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 EDITORIAL: Editor: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au NSW/ACT Journalist: Michael Court michael@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS Journalist: Michael Davis michael.davis@insidegolf.com.au QLD Journalist: Peter Owen peter.owen@outlook.com.au Design & Layout: Stacey Broomhead, Rob Kirk Contributors: Larry Canning, Paul Vardy, Rob Willis,Tony Webeck, John Riley, Karen Lunn, Michael Cooney, Paul Reeves, Andrew Crockett, Shawne McKenna SALES: National Sales: Sam Arthur P: 1300 4653 00 M: 0410 575 303 | E: sam@insidegolf.com.au Northen NSW/QLD/NT Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 | E: david.ross@insidegolf.com.au NSW/ACT Corp Sales: David Andrews M: 0404 871 479 | E: david.andrews@insidegolf.com.au Sydney/NSW Sales: Michael Hamilton M: 0423 455 572 | E: michael.hamilton@insidegolf.com.au NSW Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter Valley Sales: Wendy Wilkinson M: 0414 905 232 | E: wendy@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS Sales: Marc Wilson M: 0419 107 143 | E: marc@insidegolf.com.au WA Sales: Gary Powell M: 0439 350 363 | E: gary@insidegolf.com.au SA Sales: Brett Crosby M: 0403 323 198 | E: brett@insidegolf.com.au Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 1300 465 300 | E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au Distributed to over 400 golf clubs, social golf clubs, driving ranges and retailers Australia wide every month It’s official: 38,230 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: October 2022 to March 2023 AUSTRALIA’S MOST-READ GOLF MAGAZINE www.insidegolf.com.au Cover photos: Royal and Ancient PGA of Australia Only a certain number of groups, and even fewer single players, would see any value in taking up the offer, so there’s no chance of the entire time sheet – or even a substantial part of it – being pre-booked by paying customers. At another course not far from mine, club officials have attempted to overcome the timesheet shambles in an innovative manner. They’ve moved the time sheet opening to 6pm, at which time members can get online and make their booking. But if securing a spot for your group of mates at a specific time is really important, members can make their way to the clubhouse an hour earlier – at 5pm, where they go into a ballot for the opportunity to make an earlier booking in person. A club official calls out a number, starting with No 1. If that’s your number you go to a terminal and make the booking for you and up to three of your mates. The process continues until the demand is met. Then, at the stroke of 6pm, online bookers get their opportunity. Get in touch If you have an opinion on this or any other topic in the magazine, send your letter to the editor to david@insidegolf.com.au and you’ll be in the running to win a gripping prize. www.linkshopeisland.com.au By Peter Owen “Invite members to pay, say, $50 a year for the privilege – perhaps even $100 – and guarantee them a spot in, say, the 7.40am group teeing off the first tee.”
July 2023 www.insidegolf.com.au CLUB NEWS 6 Sam Howse shows the style of a champion. CLUB NEWS Sand greens hold no terror for young city slicker Sam Howse By Peter Owen FOR a young man who plays most of his golf on the immaculate fairways and greens of Brisbane Golf Club, Sam Howse is remarkably comfortable on the sand greens of Outback Queensland. For the past few years he has packed his bags and trekked to Tambo, Cunnamulla and Longreach to contest the iconic Queensland Sand Greens Championship, taking on the bush champs from places like Mt Morgan, Barcaldine, Mitchell and Charleville. Usually this event – one of the more popular weekends on the Outback golf calendar – is won by a Queensland bushie who perfected the art of putting on sand greens before completing primary school. But not this year, and not at St George, 560km west of Brisbane, where 192 competitors gathered on the first weekend of June to contest the 2023 Queensland Sand Greens Championship. This year it was the turn of 27-yearold Sam Howse, a plus-two handicapper from Brisbane Golf Club, one of the capital city’s most fashionable clubs. And, astonishingly, he brought with him a home ground advantage. It turns out that he knows the St George layout intimately. Howse, a highly regarded amateur with dreams of becoming a touring professional golfer, grew up on a sheep property between St George and Dirranbandi, and made his first tentative golf swings on the St George course as a five-year-old. A few years later he was winning club championships there and, later still, moved to Brisbane to study and to pursue his two sporting loves – cricket and golf. Howse represented Brisbane in Premier Grade cricket for seven years before giving the game away in favour of golf. In 2021 he showed a glimpse of his potential when he pre-qualified for the Queensland Open, shooting par 72 in the first round. He says he loves playing the sand green courses of Outback Queensland. “It’s a bit sentimental, I suppose,” he said. “I learned to play on these greens and I know a lot of the players. They’re blokes you only get to see one time a year. “It’s always a great weekend and everyone loves the sand greens championship.” The event begins on a Friday with almost everybody contesting an 18hole four-ball championship, won this year by Rockhampton’s Dean Bunt and Warren Harrison of Maroochy River. The 36-hole championship begins on Saturday, and by the end of the first day the cream had risen to the top, with Howse and Kingaroy’s Graham Hourn sharing the lead after shooting 64s. Gin Gin’s Scott Warren, winner of the past three sand green titles, was a shot behind on 65. The championship was virtually decided on the par-5 14th hole on Sunday. Warren, holding a one-shot lead, heaved his drive out of bounds and had to settle for a bogey six. Howes birdied for a one stroke lead, which he held to the finish. He shot 64 and 67 for a nine-under total of 131, one better than Warren (65-67), Mt Morgan’s Shaun Antcliff (69-63), Charleville’s Sam Wade (6567) and Hourn (64-68). As always, it came down to how the players handled the unique sand greens – typically made of about 7cm of compacted sand, often held in place with vegetable oil. Golfers are allowed to rake a path – referred to as a ‘smooth’ – between the ball and the hole, and they are uncannily accurate when putting. Howse approaches it differently. “I think it’s all about chipping,” he said. “If you can chip close, you’re going to make the putt. The greens are pretty small, anyway, and if you can chip close you can score well. “Driving’s important, too. The courses aren’t long and if you can drive well you’re almost always left with a short approach.” Next year’s Queensland Sand Greens Championship will be held at Boulia, about 300km south of Mt Isa, and Warren is a certain starter, seeking to reclaim his crown. Howse will be there, too – provided he hasn’t already turned professional. He tackled Q-School in April, failing at the First Stage of qualifying, but plans to back up next year. He intends to also try out for the Asian Tour. He works as a greenkeeper at Brisbane Golf Club, and practices most days after finishing his shift. He plays on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. “I want to be a professional golfer and I want to play tournaments,” he said. IN THIS ISSUE PRO NEWS 18 DEMO DAYS 90 GOLF DIRECTORY 91 86 88 EVENTS 19TH HOLE BUNKER-TOBUNKER 33 IG BUSINESS 36 INDUSTRY NEWS 37 NEW GEAR HOT WHEELS CLUB MEMBERSHIP 56 40 67 CELEBRITY SWINGER 32 LETTERS 34 TRAVEL 58 Eagles proved to be the difference SOMETIMES it takes an extraordinary effort, and a little luck, to win a match. Out at Goondiwindi Golf Club on the Queensland/New South Wales border Rhys Hansford and Graham Smith produced two amazing shots in the third round of the Vice-President’s knockout matchplay to edge out Allan and Danial Sutton 1up. Graham had an eagle two on the par-4 first hole and Rhys followed up when he aced the par-3 15th hole. Two eagles, one a hole-in-one, and only win 1up – that’s hard work and proved their opponents were no pushover. Goondiwindi GC spokesperson Robert Webb told Inside Golf the course was “in fantastic condition”. “We are ready for visitors from the south heading north for sun and warmth over winter,” he said. 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July 2023 www.insidegolf.com.au CLUB NEWS 7 David, 11, wins club champs Cowra Golf Club captain David Thomas presents David Kang with the championship trophy. Chloe Veeran and the wonderful prize which is certain to kick start her golfing career. By David Newbery By Peter Owen WHEN Chloe Veeran’s tee shot on the par-3 17th hole at Bunbury Golf Club dropped into the cup in early June her first thought was one of frustration. She knew the prize for an ace at the South West Open’s ‘party’ hole was a $60,000 vehicle, courtesy of event sponsor South West Isuzu. But, as an amateur, she knew she wasn’t allowed to claim it. Or so she thought. What she didn’t immediately realise was that the Rules of Golf were changed last year to allow amateurs to collect hole-in-one prizes regardless of their value. And that led to another concern for the promising junior from Busselton Golf Club. She was only 16 and didn’t have her learners’ – let alone a driver’s licence. But they were only minor issues for a youngster who is just making her way in a game she’s loved since she made her first swing as a 10-year-old. Chloe, who is a member of the Junior State Squad and Golf WA’s Talent Development Program, was playing in the first group to reach the 137m 17th hole on the second day of play in the South West Open In the first round she’d shot a creditable 77. IT’S too early to say ‘remember the name David Kang’, but perhaps it is a name to pencil in for the future. The 11-year-old, who plays off a 13 handicap at Cowra Golf Club in the central west region of NSW, recently won the club’s B grade championship. He returned rounds of 85-94-85-87 – 351 to finish three shots clear of Michael Skinner and John Jensen. In 2022, as a 10-year-old, David won the C grade matchplay title after qualifying third in the club championship. In the 36-hole final he accounted for Mark Troth 9&8. David and his dad Han, who plays off six, won the club Anzac Day event earlier this year. He also won the Cowra junior championships in 2022 and 2023. Her perfect tee shot drew polite applause from the morning crowd assembled at the ‘Watering Hole’ – a much more sedate response than if she’d been playing in the late afternoon. “Unbelievable!” said Bunbury Golf Club manager Des Shearer. “If it had been in the arvo the “Watering Hole” would have been LIV Golf in Adelaide – only louder.” Chloe, who was born in South Africa and lived in the United Kingdom, Europe and New Zealand before settling in Busselton, where her father Colin is a dentist, has simple ambitions. She wants to become a scratch golfer before the end of the year – a reasonable expectation for a girl with a current GA handicap of 1.3. The second round of the $40,000 event was abandoned when lightning and torrential rain hit the course after 4pm, leaving rookie professional Jose De Sousa – the first round leader with a six-under 66 – the winner. In an outstanding amateur career, De Sousa qualified for the 2014 WA Open at just 14 and is in his first year on the PGA pro-am series. In March, David competed in the Australian Junior Age Division Championships at Royal Pines where he finished a credible 20th in his age division. And he competes in Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) and US Kids Golf events throughout the country. This year has been particularly good to David with victories in two US Kids golf events – at Springwood and Howlong golf clubs. And he had a podium finish (third) in the boys’ 11 years division at the US Kids Golf Australian Masters at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley The tee shot that Chloe, 16, will remember all her life “David has played golf since he was just twoand-a-half years old.” More success followed when he finished runner-up at the Kew Junior Masters (JNJG) and placed 10th in the overall scratch at last year’s NSW Catholic Primary Schools golf trials. He won the nett event. Cowra Golf Club’s head professional Tom Perfect is justifiably proud of his young protégé, who he has coached for the past four years. “David has played golf since he was just twoand-a-half years old,” he said. “And he started junior clinics at the club when he was in still in kindergarten.” Perfect said David was passionate about golf and worked hard on his game. “David plays and practices nearly every day – at least four to five times each week.” DistributeD by golf imports | 03 5277 3977
Your experts in golf PGA Professionals are here for you, for all of us. Scan the QR code to find your local PGA Professional or visit pga.org.au PGA Professional: Michael Long, Wembley Golf Club
July 2023 www.insidegolf.com.au CLUB NEWS 9 There are more than golfing highlights when it comes to the Gundagai Girls The Gundagai Girls, including 93-year-old trophy collector Nancy Smith (front row green blouse), know how to enjoy their golf. Sally Keatinge took a dive in an attempt to rescue her buggy and clubs. By David Newbery WHEN the women of Gundagai get together for a round of golf at Gundagai Services Golf Club, 160kms west of Canberra, anything can happen … and usually does. While they take their golf seriously, they also make sure they have loads of fun along the way. Of course, the camaraderie among the ladies is a major factor. Gundagai District Services Golf Club president Sally Keatinge told Inside Golf “a great group of Gundagai ladies play golf each week”. “Half the ladies live in town and the other half live on farms,” she said. “We have quite a few ladies in their 80s as well as 93-year-old Nancy Smith. They are all fantastic golfers. “Nancy won the C grade championship recently to add to her many trophies over the years. In 2020, she represented the South West at the State Medal finals winning the Country medal in C grade. “Golf is only part of it. Getting together after the game is just the best as we celebrate the day’s winners, chat and laugh. We all love it.” The ladies start each season with a charity golf day – a nine-hole Ambrose event with the lunch being the highlight. “The food served by the ladies is a veritable feast from the main meal, salads then on to the incredible desserts, trifles, pavlovas, cheesecakes everything you could wish for,” said Sally. “This year we raised $4000 for Can Assist Gundagai and the Walter and Eliza Institute for Medical Research.” Out on the golf course there are many highlights and unusual incidents. A current highlights was a hole-in-one scored by the current A grade champion, Julie Heydon, on the fourth hole. “Julie has been our club champion for the past four years,” Sally said. “She was playing with Nancy Smith recently and Nancy couldn’t find her ball. Julie finally spotted it sitting atop a dead cockatoo. “Was Nancy entitled to a birdie or a free drop? Out came the rules book and she took a free drop otherwise it could have been a doona in the making.” It seems there is always something happening when the Gundagai girls are playing golf. Kew women edge out Emerald Downs TWENTY-FOUR women golfers from Emerald Downs Golf Club at Port Macquarie in New South Wales made the trek to Kew Country Club (Camden Haven) last month to contest the inaugural Pelican Trophy. By all accounts, it was a tightly contested affair but also a lot of fun was had by players from both sides. Emerald Downs GC captain Gaylene Fielding told Inside Golf seven out of the best 10 scores of stableford from each club decided the winners. “The ladies from Kew Golf Club were the victors 232 points to 219,” Ms Fielding said. “The Pelican Trophy will become an annual event between the two clubs.” Emerald Downs Golf Club will host the next competition at a date to be decided in 2024. Recently there was a humorous incident involving president Sally Keatinge on the 15th hole. Due to all the flooding last year the creek was in full flow. Sally managed to find the green after playing a terrific shot over the creek when she heard Mavis yelling from another fairway and thought she had been bitten by a snake. Suddenly, Sal realised what Mavis was trying to warn her that her buggy was rolling backwards and heading for the creek. Sal made a mad dash only to see the buggy disappear out of sight with only the handle above the waterline. She jumped in and grabbed the buggy, but all the sticks had disappeared so she raced back in. With the water over her head, she continued to duck and dive to retrieve the clubs. When Sal emerged from the creek, she realised her phone had gone in as well and it remains under water. Still, Sally said it was always a great day out golfing with and catching up with all the ladies. “Everyone is always welcome to play with us on Wednesdays,” she added. Gundagai Services GC is a picturesque, 18-hole golf course set on the Mighty Murrumbidgee River with no bunkers but water comes into play on 14 holes. “Last year the course was flooded four times,” Sally said. “The water even flooded our Sports Club. With a massive effort by the greens keeping staff and all the volunteers the course is now back in wonderful condition. “The course is currently being renovated with irrigation on all fairways. Gundagai is definitely the course to play. Is it the Augusta of the Riverina?” she wondered. 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July 2023 www.insidegolf.com.au CLUB NEWS 10 Keperra’s ‘short course’ is a game-changer Keperra Country Golf Club’s wonderful new six-hole pitch-and-putt layout. KEPERRA Country Golf Club (KCGC), a quality 27-hole golf facility in Brisbane, recently increased its golfing footprint by designing and building a six-hole pitch-and-putt layout within its practice precinct. Built at a cost of close to $500,000, it is a game-changer and will be used by junior and beginner golfers primarily, however it will be made available for general use periodically. Keperra has always been passionate about developing junior golfers and last year its efforts were recognised when it took out the Junior Development Program of the Year at the Qld Golf Industry Awards. “The concept was borne out of a small course PGA teaching pro Chris McCourt had on the practice fairway where he teaches juniors and MyGolf participants,” said general manager Gavin Lawrence. “It was proving very popular so we thought we could upgrade the quality of it and create some genuine greens and tee areas that would look and feel like a golf course. In the process of building the layout, the club also added a ‘spare’ par-3 hole of 90-100m and effectively gives Keperra 28 holes. That will allow the club to take a hole out of play for maintenance without having to bring a temporary green into play. “Originally it was going to be a straight six tees and greens, but the plan evolved when we decided to modify that by building a spare (28th) hole. “We modified one of the greens into a bigger green, built another tee block as part of the project and ended up with a spare hole within that footprint. “Of course, it will double as a sixth green for the short course.” Lawrence said the target audience had shifted with new golfers, predominantly women, embracing the opportunity to plot their way around the short course without being intimidated. The pitch-and-putt layout will also benefit parents who have more than one child participating in the junior programs. “Parents can now watch their children playing different holes from the sidelines. It will be similar to a soccer or footy field environment,” Lawrence explained. “Last year we won Junior Golf Development Program of the Year, which is testament to the program we run here. We consistently have 50-plus participants in our on-site programs every school term, which is fantastic.” Lawrence told Inside Golf a $150,000 Queensland Government grant contributed to the shortcourse project, which was designed by David Burrup and built under the supervision of course superintendent Keith Johnson. Yeppoon Golf Club’s men’s open champion Trevor Tougher (centre) with B grade winner Wes Swaffield (left) and C grade champion Mark Harris. YEPPOON Golf Club legend and course superintendent Trevor Tougher won his 13th Men’s Open Championship last month. Mind you, Tougher had to work hard over 36 holes to overcome Yeppoon junior and inform player Isaak Jansen after both players carded 71s in the first round of the championship. On day two, the weather conditions were not ideal to post a good score but Tougher fired up shooting a two-under-par round of 69 to edge out Jensen by a shot. Current Golf Central Queensland golfer of the year leader, Dylan Parish, finished a further two strokes back on 143. Yeppoon Golf Club’s Wesley Swaffield took out the B grade championship with a 36-holes score of 162 to win by seven shots from Patrick Coe (169). Mark Harris (178) won the C grade championship by five shots Scott Rotternberry. Meanwhile, Trevor Black won the A grade nett. His score of 142 resulted in him edging out Aiden Scott by one stroke. In B grade, Steve Hudson (146) was successful with Harry Buchholz finishing runner-up. Daniel Healy won the C grade nett with a score of 147 from Michael Buchholz (148). It’s a baker’s dozen for Trevor Tougher
July 2023 www.insidegolf.com.au CLUB NEWS 11 US dreams are uppermost for this year’s NT Amateur champions Young guns Dujuan Snyman and Katelyn Rika – runaway winners of the men’s and women’s sections of this year’s Northern Territory Amateur. By Peter Owen IT’S been a dream of hers since she first swung a golf club at Australia’s most remote golf course at the age of eight but, in the end, Katelyn Rika had to fly halfway round the world to claim her first Northern Territory Amateur Championship. Rika, 21, born and raised in the tiny town of Nhulunbuy in Arnhem Land and a member of Australia’s most northern golf club, has spent the last three years studying at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She returned in May to spend the midsummer college break with her parents Jonny and Esther – and to tackle the NT Amateur, an event she first contested as a 12-year-old nearly a decade ago. She was the C grade nett champion that year. “It was surreal,” Rika said, as she took a break from her holiday job, serving drinks at the Gove Country Club bar. “I’ve been wanting to win this event forever and it just feels great to be the champion.” Acknowledged as the NT’s best female player before flying to the US to take up her scholarship, Rika won the event, played at Alice Springs, by 12 strokes – then confessed she was a little embarrassed at the quality of her play. She shot rounds of 80-80-77-73 – moderate scoring by her lofty standards – and put it down to injuries she picked up in the US and scratchy putting. “Even in the last round, when I had a par round, I missed two putts of about a foot,” she said. “But, make no mistake, I’m more than excited to win it.” She became the first NT player to win the event in 10 years. Rika was delighted to have had Sarah Shacklady, a previous NT Amateur champion and Alice Springs member, on her bag, and said she had been a calming influence. Rika’s looking forward to returning to the US at the end of July, playing golf for her college, and completing her four-year degree. She studied psychology for two years, before switching to sports management, which she says she loves. She loves the US, too, and is already thinking about working there once she’s finished her studies. Had you asked her a year ago about her golfing ambitions, she would have talked about the LPGA Tour and a potential career as a touring professional. Now she’s not so sure. “I’m still open to all possibilities, but my goals have changed a bit,” she said. “My top priority is to see how far college takes me, and then see what happens.” Also eyeing a place in an American college is Dujuan Snyman, the remarkable 16-yearold Gold Coast junior, who won the men’s NT Amateur Championship by seven strokes. Snyman, a member of Sanctuary Cove, shot a nine-under-par total of 279, which included a brilliant final round of seven-under 65. It was the first Order of Merit victory for a young man who has been a prolific winner at junior level. His wins last year included the South Australian Junior Masters, the Queensland Junior Amateur and the Jack Newton Junior Classic. “I putted really well,” he said. “When I putt well, I seem to always score well.” He says the win has forced him to reconsider his golfing ambitions, and he puts his outstanding form down to being committed, working hard and being focused on his golf. A Year 11 student at St Stephens College at Coomera, Snyman plans to head to the US after he completes his secondary studies next year and develop his golf within the US college system. Ellandi earns first Invincibles scholarship THE Invincibles Tour may no longer be organising the regular Sunshine Coast swing of junior golf events, but it is still supporting young golfers by awarding scholarships to worthy Sunshine Coast golfers, many of whom miss out on Golf Australia or other funding. The first such scholarship was awarded last month to Ellandi Findlay, a Maroochy River member. Graeme Miller, the founder of the Invincibles, said Ellandi had always been a positive example to other junior golfers in the region. As well as leading Maroochy River’s Division 1 junior pennant team, Ellandi, a scratch marker, regularly helps out with junior clinics at her club. The $1000 scholarship will allow Ellandi to attend a golf event of her choice. Ellandi Findlay accepts her scholarship from Invincibles’ stalwarts Graeme Miller (left) and Frank Schmidt. • 3 Rounds x Cape Wickham/Ocean Dunes • Alliance Airlines flights + transfers • Top Accommodation • Crayfish welcome dinner • Hosted Great 3-day Packages November-December $3,399 per person twin share Visit adventures.allianceairlines.com.au Email adventures@allianceairlines.com.au Phone 0400 788398 DIRECT BRISBANE to KING ISLAND FLIGHTS “BOARD IN BRISBANE, STEP OFF IN TASMANIA’S GOLFING WONDERLAND”
July 2023 www.insidegolf.com.au CLUB NEWS 12 By Brian Eagle “I enjoy reading Inside Golf at Royal Perth Golf Club, the club does a good job of distributing it to the members.” OCTOGENARIAN Bob Howe didn’t break his age until he was in his mid-70s, but since then he has been doing it as regular as clockwork. “My earliest round shooting below my age was a 74 at Mt Lawley Golf Club (Western Australia) at the age of 75,” Bob told Inside Golf after reading about Clive Austin’s feat of shooting a 67 off the stick at the age of 68. “I certainly can’t beat Clive Austin’s feat. My earliest score equalling my age was a two-under 70 at my club, Royal Perth.” Still, Bob can lay claim to bettering Clive’s feat of breaking his age more than 100 times. “I’ve only had two rounds under my age (85) this year with a lot of poor golf in recent times,” Bob said. “My best was a 74 at the age of 85 on December 1 last year. “But my tally to date is 127 rounds under my age, with almost all in GolfLink records. I virtually only play competition golf, but occasional competition rounds with a group called ‘Alcheras’ who don’t make it to GolfLink. “The tally, including rounds equalling my age, is 192 since age 70. “Unfortunately, it has become somewhat of an obsession with me and many a good round has come to grief under the pressure of achieving the feat.” THE revamped third hole at Links Hope Island Resort is now open for play and the reaction of the members and visitors to the newly-created par-4 has golfers enthusiastic about the change. The previous par-3 measuring 190 metres has been replaced with a short par-4 measuring 330 metres and with the previous hidden lake now both a visual and strategic feature, the hole is gaining rapid acceptance. The resort was keen to restore the original par of 72 after the previous ninth hole had been switched to a cross-water par-3 to accommodate the requirements of a new real estate precinct and there had been much anticipation in the creation of a par-4 somewhere amongst the front nine to allow the layout a return to its original par. The new hole opened to much interest on Saturday, June 3 and with several different options available in the way the hole can be played strategy is key from the tee. These choices, along with improved visual aesthetics, provide an enjoyable playing experience and one which would be considered less demanding than its predecessor. Now, dependent on daily tee positions, players will need to consider whether to lay up short of the line of three fairway bunkers 250 metres from the blue tees, leaving a short iron to the contoured green complex or attempt to carry the bunkers leaving just a short pitch over deep greenside bunkers. It is early days, but if the initial reaction from those who have experienced the new creation is any indication then the wait has been well worth it. New hole a hit at Links Hope Island There’s no stopping age-breaker Bob THE renovations seem to have been going on forever, but Pelican Waters was scheduled to reopen for regular play on Saturday, July 1– although, it seems, without a cohort of members. The driving range and the main clubhouse building will, however, remain out of action until later in the year. Renovations began in 2020 and the course has been officially closed for more than 18 months, though invited groups have been playing the course since the beginning of the year. Indeed, a round of junior pennant competition was staged there in early June. The renovations, which include an extensive reconfiguration of the course, improvements to the clubhouse and the construction of a mini-golf course, are part of a redevelopment of the property to accommodate a $70 million retirement community. While residents have been promised free golf at the Greg Norman-designed course, the situation regarding traditional memberships is unclear, with the club indicating it preferred a ‘pay-to-play’ model. Pelican Waters was the host of the Queensland Open before renovations began. Pelican Waters in play The recently opened third hole at Links Hope Island Resort has received favourable reviews. Tin Can Bay general manager Brad Robb (right) and superintendent Craig Clarke with the new John Deere equipment to keep the course in great shape. Bob Howe is adept at shooting below his age. By Peter Owen BRAD Robb, the energetic general manager of Tin Can Bay Country Club, 220km north of Brisbane, reckons his lack of interest in playing golf has been an enormous benefit to his club. “It means I have a broader outlook about what’s important for our club,” he said. “I can see what needs to be done – not just for golf, or for bowls, but for everybody.” It’s a policy that’s paying important dividends for a club that serves as a community hub for the people of Tin Can Bay, a half hour’s drive east of Gympie on the Great Sandy Straits. In the past few months the club has purchased 16 new Club Car golf carts, paid $45,000 for a new Kubota tractor and invested $1.4 million in a new irrigation system. He’s also employed course superintendent Craig Clarke, formerly the superintendent at McLeod in Brisbane. And in July the club will upgrade all the club’s furniture, at a cost of $55,000. “It’s exciting times for us,” said Robb, who has been GM for the past seven years, following a stint as manager of nearby Rainbow Beach Surf Club. He puts the club’s success down to the fact that the club takes into account all members needs - not just the golfers and bowlers. When he was first appointed, he told the committee the club needed an overhaul – a new bar area, new gaming room, an entirely new approach. And it would cost as much as $180,000. “What if it doesn’t work?” asked a nervous committee member. “Well, we’ll be closing down in 12 months,” Robb said. “But if we do nothing we’ll be gone in six months.” Six months later the debt had been repaid and trade was booming. “I understand golfers are our bread and butter, but I invest heavily in the social as they are the cream,” Robb said. He’s particularly proud of the gaming lounge, where 28 poker machines work hard to generate income for the club. In the end, of course, the golfers benefit, with funds ploughed back into better facilities for club members. Robb recently leased two pro gators, a spray rig, a wide area mower and a top dresser to ensure Tin Can Bay’s 18-hole golf course was in the best condition possible. The club also has golf practice facilities, two bowling greens, one with retractable shade sails, an air-conditioned clubhouse and a function room. A feature is the Chinese restaurant, which provides lunch and dinner seven days a week and attracts diners from as far away as Maryborough and the Sunshine Coast. A local courtesy bus operates seven days a week. The club is located at 220 Tin Can Bay Road, Tin Can Bay. Big things in store for little Tin Can Bay Country Club Bob has been a Royal Perth Golf Club member for four decades, but learned to play the game as a child at Deniliquin Golf Club in New South Wales. Prior to moving to Western Australia, Bob spent 20 years working and playing golf in Tasmania. He is an avid Inside Golf reader and can’t wait for the magazine to arrive each month. “I enjoy reading Inside Golf at Royal Perth Golf Club,” he said. “The club does a good job of distributing it to the members.”
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July 2023 www.insidegolf.com.au CLUB NEWS 14 CQ’s Curtis Zone wins first shield WHAT do clubs do when they have players keen to play pennant golf but can’t due to a shortage of players? You think outside the square, which is exactly what Port Kembla and The Links Shell Cove in the Illawarra region of NSW did. Due to player retirements, injuries and family commitments neither club had the numbers to field a team in the Women’s Golf Illawarra Gold Pennant competition so they joined forces – a sort of coalition. “The idea of a combined team was floated by WGI (Women’s Golf Illawarra) with players from both clubs playing under a joint name – PortLinks,” said team captain Brenda Powell. “The Links had two young ladies keen to play pennant and Port would provide the other team members. Teams consisted of five players. “In week one, we had one Links player and four Port members but for the other four weeks – two from the Links and three from Port – made up the team. “A win in week one was exciting and a draw in week three (week two was washed out) and two more wins. “The final day saw the team play away at Shoalhaven Heads and win so that was very exciting. We needed the final match go our way for us to win the pennant … and did.” So, what does this show? • Thinking outside the square enabled two young ladies to play pennant; • The competition had one more team that it may have had; • It shows what can be done in these days of declining participation; and • More players exposed to matchplay. “We are so pleased to have been part of this experience and hope other clubs can consider it as a way forward and encourage players in a game we all enjoy,” Brenda concluded. THE pennant showdown between Golf Central Queensland’s Keppel and Curtis zones ended in a tie – 16all – and was reminiscent of the 2003 Presidents Cup tie between the USA and the Internationals in South Africa. Back then, each team selected a player to play sudden-death until a winner emerged. USA team captain Jack Nicklaus selected Tiger Woods and Gary Player (Int) picked Ernie Els. The pair could not be separated and when darkness fell the captains decided to share the spoils. Well, a winner did emerge in Central Queensland when the It was the Curtis Zone’s first victory in the event since it commenced in 2000. Prior to the playoff, a playoff in division two was held to decide a winner of this division. Keppel’s team captain selected Rockhampton’s Bryce Heal and the Curtis zone captain picked Gladstone’s Norm Foster. Bryce won that battle. Division results: Division 1: Keppel 5, Curtis 3; Division 2: Keppel 4, Curtis 4; Division 3, Keppel 3.5, Curtis 4.5 and women Keppel 3.5, Curtis 4.5. For the record, the Keppel Zone won the first three encounters 10.55.5 (2000), 13-9 (including women in 2021) and 20.5-11.5 (2022). Curtis Zone’s Ray Foster (Gladstone GC) edged out Keppel’s Dylan Parish (Yeppoon GC) to lift the Gurney Clamp Shield. Clubs combine for pennant success Members of the PortLinks winning Gold Pennant team [from L-R]: Selena Bosevski [LSC], Brenda Powell [PK/captain], Janet Hunt [LSC], Gaye Tarrant, Anne Austin, Karin Yeaman and Nerida Edmonds [all from PK]. NSW super senior pennant set to tee off A RECORD 67 teams involving more than 890 registered players are set to compete in the NSW Super Senior Golf Association super senior pennant starting on Monday, July 24. This year four new teams will join the pack - Bowral, Massey Park, Kiama and Horizons. The pennant will be split into 10 divisions, seven of which will have seven teams and three will have six teams. Each team will play one another in their respective division. “The pennant involves teams from as far north as Port Macquarie through to Newcastle, Central Coast, Greater Sydney and as far south as the South Coast and Highlands,” said NSW SSGA captain Martin Gallagher. “The pennant is open to male golfers who have to be 65 years of age and have a current GA handicap. “Each team can register as many as 15 players with eight competing in each round … the format being singles matchplay off scratch. The average handicap of players is around 12. “At the completion of the seven rounds, the two best teams in each division enter into a knockout final series to determine the champion club for the year.” The NSW SSGA has a website where all matters pertaining to the pennant and other events can be found. Visit www.superseniorpennant.com under forms or email martin@ccphotos.com.au MEANWHILE, the 12th NSW SSGA committee’s gamble to take the Super Senior Championship to Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club in western Sydney proved to be an overwhelming success. More than 80 starters teed off on the well-groomed Greg Norman-designed course followed by a delicious lunch. Monash CC’s Doug Cullam, off 1, won the best scratch event with 34 points while Gosford GC’s nine handicapper David Hemming (39 points) returned the best score overall in the nett section. Curtis Zone team captain Terry Arstall and Keppel Zone team captain Damien Ling with the Gurney Clamp Shield. CHANGE YOUR GAME Our premium golf ball lineup has the perfect fit for every player. WIN WITH WILSON FROM TEE TO GREEN NEW 2023 FOR
July 2023 www.insidegolf.com.au CLUB NEWS 15 Roseville turns 100 and digs out ancient hickory sticks Winners Gary Martinolli and Brian Dolan presented with the Dan Cullen Trophy. Golfers celebrated Roseville GC’s centenary by playing in a hickory event. The winning captains (from left) Simon Macdonald (Handicap team), Kris McLennan (Div 2) and Ross Bell (Div 2 Senior) with the pennant plaques. Watt’s 10-year strategy to win pennants glory for Warwick “When they were juniors, they travelled around the district a lot and played plenty of matchplay.” WHEN Wayne Watt was president of Junior Golf at Warwick Golf Club, on Queensland’s Southern Downs, a decade ago, his goal was to not only develop the skills of his promising young squad, but to keep them involved in golf. Ten years on, the Warwick accountant is now the club treasurer and his dream has become a reality, Watt’s group of former juniors forming the nucleus of a team that took Division 2 pennant honours in the Darling Downs Golf Association in a breakout year for the club. THERE is no better way for a golf club to celebrate its centenary year than to dig out 100-year-old hickory golf sticks. And that’s exactly what Roseville Golf Club in Sydney did when it hosted the Dan Cullen Trophy on Wednesday, May 24. “The two-ball ambrose event is over nine holes and it was pleasing to be invited to play at the course where Dan Cullen was the professional from 1946 until 1953,” said Australian Golf Heritage Society (AGHS) captain Les Browne. “We thank the club for the opportunity to play the well-manicured layout.” The event was played in good spirits and some excellent scores were recorded with current NSW hickory champion Tim Sayers and Rick Baldwin shooting three-under to win the scratch prize. The main event had three pairs within one shot of each other, but Gary Martinolli (Long Reef) and Brian Dolan (Concord) carded a nett 28.1 to edge out last year’s winners Paul Gladwin and Robert David. As well as claiming the Division 2 pennant, decided on stroke matchplay, Warwick teams also won the handicap pennants title, and the Seniors handicap division. It was the first time Warwick had fielded three teams in the competition and, after the preliminary rounds, all three were on top, giving them home course advantage for the finals. Watt said he was delighted that his group of one-time juniors – each of whom is now in his early 20s – had remained involved with the club, and turned out for the Division 2 team. “When they were juniors, they travelled around the district a lot and played plenty of matchplay,” he said. “They’ve been working with club pro Troy Alsford, and he’s taken them to a new level.” Led by club champion Kris McLennan, who took up golf 15 years ago at the age of 18, the triumphant Division 2 team included Clayton Frank, Mitch McLennan, Shaun Campbell, Jay Roberts, Rhys Farrell and Josh Hynes. They beat Dalby 5½ to 1½ in the final. The win saw Warwick promoted to Division 1 for next year’s pennant competition. Warwick’s Handicap pennant team, comprising captain Simon McDonald, Jesse Harris, Sean Haynes, Josh Manwaring and Jamie Saunders, beat Texas 5-0 in its final, while the Seniors – Eamon Cockram, Ron Van Haren, Shane Scotney, Geoff Lee and Ross Bell – beat Cabarlah 4-1. It was Gary’s first experience with hickories and certainly not his last. “Many of the players dressed appropriately and it was great to have a number of ladies competing,” said Les. For the record, Dan Cullen was patron of the Australian Golf Heritage Society (AGHS) until his passing at the age of 101 in 2016. “Dan’s golfing legacy was significant not only as a player (he was the oldest player to qualify for the British Open aged 64), but as a teacher at Cullen’s Driving Range,” Les Browne told Inside Golf. “He was also a bomber pilot in WWII and received the DFC and Frances Legion d’Honneur Medal. “A well-known story was when he met Bernhard Langer, who asked Dan if had ever been to Germany. Dan’s answer: ‘Only at night’.” AGHS organise a number of events and can provide hickory clubs. Anyone interested to try then should contact Les Browne lesnkate@bigpond.net.au https://www.parmaker.com
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