NEWS • OPINION • HOLIDAYS • LIFESTYLE • GEAR • TRAVEL • INDUSTRY ISSUE 222 // APRIL 2024 WWW.INSIDEGOLF.COM.AU RESORT OF THE MONTH PORTSEA GOLF CLUB REGIONAL CLUB OF THE MONTH CRESCENT HEAD COUNTRY CLUB OPINION WORLD GOLF RANKINGS – IS THE SYSTEM BROKEN? INSTRUCTION >CHIPPING SIMPLIFIED >PIVOT POWER US MASTERS FLASHBACK WHEN ARNIE WAS KING DRUMMOND GOLF 50 YEARS OF A RETAIL POWERHOUSE 125TH ANNIVERSARY KILLARA GOLF CLUB AUSTRALIA’S M O S T - R E A D GOLF MAGAZINE RAHM, BROOKS, DJ, BRYSON & CAM LIV ROLLS BACK INTO TOWN 2025 US Masters Tour Stay within walking distance of Augusta National and soak up the excitement all week! Fully escorted tour with hospitality nearby Hotel and private housing options available Options to add on golf in Augusta, Pinehurst, Pebble Beach, Las Vegas & more! P (02) 9555 5311 | E info@thegolftravelagency.com.au Contact us now for details on our Packages! www.thegolftravelagency.com.au FIND OUT MORE
Purchase any Callaway or Odyssey product to the value of $150 or more and go in the draw to WIN. one of 50 Weber® Q™+ Premium Gas BBQs You could (valued at $599 each) Ends 19th April 2024. *Conditions apply. Find out more at drummondgolf.com.au
BRIDGESTONEGOLF.COM.AU
WATCH! The foundation of the Mizuno Pro 241 • 243 • 245 irons is a unique, long-standing connection between Mizuno’s club engineers and its Grain Flow Forging plant in Hiroshima, Japan. A relationship which enables flawlessly into finished equipment. Where every Available as individual or blended model sets from your local Mizuno custom fitting specialist. increasingly sophisticated designs to be crafted fraction of a millimetre and subtle curve matters. A NEW AGE OF FORGING
April 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au THE FIRST TEE 5 Golf robots aren’t required ONCE upon a time professional golf was full of characters. Some had very strange swings, some had equally strange religions and even others had quaint clothing habits. The one thing they all had in common was public appeal. Oh, and they could play. Golf fans wanted to see them, were entertained by them and just as importantly talked about them long after a tournament was concluded. Take the 1960-’70s version, Doug Sanders. Sanders had a swing which was said to have been fashioned in a telephone booth. It was a thing of beauty only to its owner, but it was good enough to take him to a playoff for the Open Championship. Back in the day he and fellow Yank, Ray Floyd, took partying to a new level and would ring a caterer in the town hosting the next tournament and put their orders in a week in advance. Bobby Jones and Sam Snead drew crowds as did Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Chi Chi Rodreguez and later Payne Stewart and John Daly. They didn’t come from the college system sausage machine. They could play and entertain and engage with the fans. The best today’s fans can hope for from our sport’s lifeless journeymen is a fist-pump or hand slap. There will always be a need for the Ben Hogans, Peter Thomsons (who could have played and won in a suit) and Nick Faldos but if golf hadn’t worked out, they had no future as stand-up comedians. As a player, Faldo was wildly successful with six majors but he was about as entertaining as cold porridge or cooked lettuce. I’m sure he can live with the fact that he is never going to be a master of wit, but then he won’t feel lonely because so few tour players are. Unfortunately, the winner of the 2023 US Open, Wyndham Clark, showed all the emotion of a seasoned undertaker’s assistant. Australian golf bosses make a pilgrimage every year to the majors. Part of their charter is to see if they can lure some of the world’s good players to Australia for our PGA Championship and Open. Let’s hope when they knock on the doors of Wyndham Clark, Patrick Cantlay, Matt Fitzpatrick, Charl Schwartzel and company they are out, deeply absorbed in watching grass grow. 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: Rob Willis rob@insidegolf.com.au Editor-At-Large: 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, David Newbery,Tony Webeck, John Riley, Karen Lunn, Michael Cooney, Andrew Crockett Distributed to over 400 golf clubs, social golf clubs, driving ranges and retailers Australia wide every month It’s official: 37,775 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: April 2023 to September 2023 AUSTRALIA’S MOST-READ GOLF MAGAZINE www.insidegolf.com.au Photos courtesy LIV Golf Media Editor-at-large David Newbery, recently recgonised by Golf Queensland with an award for his 40-years of service to the golf industry, continues to be a valued and respected contributor to Inside Golf. Inside Golf publishes opinion from a wide range of perspectives in the hope of promoting constructive debate about consequential questions. One struggles to come up with modern-day versions of the Trevinos and Floyds. What about a visit to our shores of, say, Bubba Watson, Danny Willett, Phil Mickelson (bound to say something that will make headlines) or even John Daly who, even if he only plays on Thursday and Friday, will pull crowds through the gate. And then there is Spaniard Migual Angel Jimenez, whose warm-up routine is unlike anything and is highly entertaining. Google it. And he’s a damn fine player. Some of those people who have flocked to watch him play and entertain have said: “Sensational. The classiest golfer on the planet and possibly the coolest man too.” Another: “There’s a reason the guy is playing this kind of golf at his current age (60). A big lesson to all of us in why mobility is important. He puts me to shame and I’m 24.” Then this: “Rumour has it that John Daly witnessed Jimenez warming up on the range and had a heart attack at the sight of physical exertion.” In 2022 and 2023, we drew no-one from the overseas talent pool although the Australian Open was won by Poland’s Adrian Meronk (2022) and Joaquin Niemann (2023) – hardly crowd pullers. Still, we have locals Cam Smith, Adam Scott, Min Woo Lee and co who will have fans clustering around them. Make sure Min Woo returns as he is one player who does entertain the fans between shots. Australia’s golf hierarchy should use their wiles to lure somebody here, which is no easy task when the total purse for our tournaments is around what the first prize is in a regular weekly US PGA Tour event. The tyranny of distance and the exchange rate doesn’t help. Australia was spoiled rotten in the days when Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player came here and often went home with the winner’s cheque. In fact, Player, who won seven Australian Open titles, says his wins allowed him to put his kids through school. It will be interesting to see who our chiefs can pull from the hat. If Australian golf fans just want to see classy golf shots, they can just follow the Aussies. Other sports enjoy the presence of a few larrikins. Let’s hope we don’t lose ours. David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au 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 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
IN THIS ISSUE PRO NEWS 7 79 80 EVENTS 19TH HOLE GOLF DIRECTORY 84 LETTERS 39 CLUB OF THE MONTH 48 RESORT OF THE MONTH REGIONAL CLUB OF THE MONTH NEW PRODUCTS 52 50 74 BUNKER-TOBUNKER 38 CLUB NEWS 40 TRAVEL 73 CLUB NEWS PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE 54 WIN 6 April 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au DEMO DAYS 83 LIV Adelaide 2 LET us know, what’s in your bag? What ball do you play? Which golf brands are your favourites and why? Win up to $1,000 of golf gear by taking a quick survey about your golf equipment. The golf industry’s leading companies want to know!” It’s the Australian Golfer Equipment Survey conducted by Chaska Findings, a series of questions commissioned by the manufacturers to find out what you, the Australian golfer, takes to the course with each time you play. And everybody taking part in the survey goes into the draw to win prize vouchers, with all respondents having the chance to be one of THREE WINNERS of store credit at a Drummond Golf store in your local area. The winners will receive Drummond Golf vouchers, with first prize $1,000 , second prize is $600 and third $400. So let us know about your ball of choice, the driver and irons you play, what’s currently in your bag. Go to the website link at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7715319/ April-2024-Golf-Equipment-Survey or access the survey through the QR code below. Thanks to those who take part, the golf manufacturers appreciate your input. NOTE: The competition to win the Drummond Golf vouchers closes April 22. Take part in the 2024 Golf Equipment Survey and WIN! INDUSTRY NEWS 24 VICTORIAN Cameron John has taken out the final event on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia summer schedule with a victory at The National Tournament presented by BMW, while Kiwi Kazuma Kobori claimed the Order of Merit crown after a spectacular rookie season. For the 24-year-old John, a last round 69 at The National Golf Club’s Moonah course on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula saw him finish 16-under for the 72-hole event and three shots clear of runner up Daniel Gale. While John jumped into seventh position on the final OOM points table, it was young New Zealander Kobori who would finish on top spot and earn one of three DP World Tour cards for 2025. Kobori, a three-time winner during the 202324 schedule, will be joined on the DP World Tour next year by Gale, with fellow New South Welshman Brett Coletta third. The 22-year-old Kiwi also gains an exemption into the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon in July. After a stellar amateur career, which included a win at the Australian Amateur and becoming just the second New Zealand player to claim individual honours at the Eisenhower Cup World Amateur Championship, Kobori took out the Tour qualifying school, before immediately making an impression in the professional ranks. Kicking off with a ninth at the Queensland PGA, followed by a third at the Victorian PGA, Kobori would then go on a run that saw him win three times in four weeks. Kobori was presented with the Von Nida Medal as Order of Merit winner, while also being named Rookie of the Year for an outstanding first year as a professional. Gale and Coletta also claimed Australasian Tour titles and played at a consistently high level throughout the summer, Gale winning twice, with Coletta registering a victory at the Vic Open. John wins finale, Kobori claims OOM Daniel Gale (2nd) Kazuma Kobori (1st) and Brett Coletta (3rd) topped the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit to earn DP World Tour cards for 2025. THE LIV Golf Tour rolls into town for a second time in April, with another all-star cast set to arrive on Australian shores for LIV Adelaide 2. Arguably the event which put LIV firmly in the sporting limelight in 2023, with enthusiastic crowds flocking to Adelaide and The Grange course, the field has been bolstered by the addition of two-time major championship winner Jon Rahm, the past two Australian Open champions in Joaquin Niemann and Adrian Meronk, as well as talented Englishman Tyrrell Hatton. Victorian Lucas Herbert is also now a member of the LIV Tour and will attempt to use whatever local knowledge he has to his advantage, as will fellow Aussies Cam Smith, Marc Leishman and Matt Jones. Despite discussions on-going with the LIV and the PGA Tour and debate continuing to rage as to the format, the strength of the competition and the lack of recognition by the powers that control the Official World Golf Rankings, the fact remains that a topclass collection of major champions and world class golfing performers will tee it up at The Grange. Australian Mal Baker, a former tournament professional and now caddy for Talor Gooch, a three-time winner and the LIV Player of the Year in 2023, has no doubt local golf fans will again embrace the second instalment of LIV Adelaide. Gallery numbers have been increased by 50 per cent, with Baker confident those who turn up will again enjoy the show. “(Adelaide) certainly showed what it can be when people accept it for what it is. If people go into it with an open mind, wanting to watch great golf and not care about all the propaganda, then they’ll enjoy themselves,” Baker said. “It’s just a lot of fun.” With 30,000 spectators in attendance in 2023 and increased numbers expected through the gates this time around, LIV will again showcase an alternative tournament experience, with music playing, party holes and a team’s championship to coincide with the individual event. Dustin Johnson will be one of the star attractions at LIV Adelaide 2. Despite being much maligned by golf traditionalists due to the different way of doing things, some of that criticism also directed at many of the individual players involved, Baker expressed that the outside noise has only managed to galvanise all those on the LIV Tour. “They were outcasts, rebels, whatever you wanted to call them, they stuck together and there is that feeling of camaraderie. I think there’s a real brotherhood, that’s a good word for it. Especially for the guys who were there from the beginning,” Baker said. The field for LIV Adelaide, which tees off at The Grange from April 26-28, will also feature Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia and recent LIV winner Abraham Ancer. Phil Mickelson, one of the first ‘defectors’ to LIV Golf, returns to Adelaide and The Grange course in April.
April 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au PRO NEWS 7 Gooch to lean on ‘local knowledge’ in LIV Adelaide defence HE had only played in Australia once previously, with Talor Gooch competing in the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Pines back in 2017, however the American golfing star may have benefitted from a different kind of local knowledge in winning the LIV Adelaide event last year. Gooch was brilliant at The Grange, sizzling back-to-back rounds of 60 setting up a victory in what was LIV Golf’s first tournament on Australian shores. While he hadn’t played in South Australia previously, Gooch did have some local help, with former Australian tour player Mal Baker by his side, a man with well over two decades of experience carrying his bag. Frustrated with his own golf game, some 20-years ago Baker convinced friend and fellow West Australian Greg Chalmers that he could Rob Willis rob@insidegolf.com.au DISTRIBUTED BY GOLF IMPORTS | 03 5277 3977 Available from all leading Golf retailers capably carry out the role of caddy, to where he now follows Gooch around the tournaments of the LIV Tour. “I was a little disillusioned at the time, didn’t think my game was getting any better and said (to Greg) why don’t you let me come and do it for a while,” Baker recounted the start of his caddying journey on a phone hook up with Inside Golf from his home in Dallas. And a new career had begun, with Baker working inside the ropes for Chalmers and others on the PGA Tour before linking with Gooch in March of 2017. “That year (Gooch) played on the Web.Com Tour. He graduated to the PGA Tour, lost his full card the first year and went back into the 150 category. Then he came out firing, finished fourth at Palm Springs and third at Torrey Pines, so that got him in a whole bunch of tournaments through the year,” Baker said. “I felt I had a lot to offer. At that point I’d been around the game for 26 years, so we took a chance, and it worked out. And I’d like to think I’m still helping.” A three-time winner in 2023, Gooch is now one of the leading players on LIV and also the man most talked about when bringing up the subject of players from the breakaway tour not receiving World Rankings points, meaning they are effectively shut out of golf’s major championships. While largely avoiding the controversy surrounding the rankings system, Baker had no doubt his man had a game to match the very best in world golf. “I don’t know how you rank guys these days in the current environment but for people who actually know golf, they know the competition on the LIV Tour is really strong every week. There is a core of world class guys, and he competes at the pointy end at most events,” Baker expressed. “Sharky (Greg Norman) said that after Tiger, Talor is the best iron player he’s seen in the last 20 years, Personally, I think he’s one of the best 15 players in the world,” Baker added. Despite being without a win through LIV’s first four events of 2024, Gooch has recorded a two top 10’s and an 11th, form putting him in the frame to mount a spirited defence of his title when LIV Adelaide tees off in late April. “Two of them in a row was pretty special,” Baker said of Gooch’s 10-under par 60’s over the opening two rounds last year. “It was his first real experience of Australian golf. It suits the way he plays the game. “He’s had a second and a sixth so far this year, but he certainly hasn’t hit his stride yet. Testimony to how good he’s become, he really hasn’t been right on his game, he didn’t have his best stuff in Vegas, but he still managed to finish second.” And lending a helping hand to Gooch along the way is a 50-something former Aussie professional who is enjoying the ride, with no plans to finish up anytime soon. “I’m having a blast. I love what I do and I’m still passionate about golf. I love the game. Other than swinging the club, when the gun goes off on a Friday, I still get a real thrill out of the competition,” Baker enthused. “I plan on doing it for a while yet.” Talor Gooch, an impressive winner in 2023, will defend his LIV Adelaide title at The Grange. Mal Baker (left) alongside Talor Gooch part of a formidable team on the LIV Golf Tour.
April 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au PRO NEWS 10 AHEAD of the second LIV Golf Adelaide event, Marc Leishman representing the Ripper GC team, relives the epic week from 12 months ago and shares some of his favorite stories from a memorable career. Marc sat down with Garrett Johnston to remember some fun moments and in looking ahead to the 2024 event. How are you enjoying being a part of LIV Golf? It’s been awesome. The camaraderie amongst the teams is really good. It’s sort of like we’re all on one big team with all the controversy that’s gone on between the two tours. Having said that, I loved my time on the PGA Tour as well, but this stage of my career with young kids - it’s nice to be spending a bit more time at home. Since joining LIV you’ve gotten to spend a couple months over the Australian summer back home at Warrnambool. How has that been? It’s been great. Our house is really close to the golf course and my oldest boy is really into golf right now. We played a lot of golf there. I have a lot of great memories, especially with him now being twelve, memories come flooding back to me from when I was a kid and now I get to see my son do it. My dad gets to see us as well and live it out for the second time. It’s so good to get back to Australia and play a bit of golf and catch up with old friends and the familiar faces around the golf club. What’s a favorite story at Warrnambool GC growing up? I remember it scared the crap out of my dad. There was a Tiger snake that someone had already found and knocked on the head on the course. I thought it would be pretty funny to put it in my golf bag and lay it in the backyard. And as I thought, dad was mortified that I had brought this snake home. Like, what are you thinking? By Garrett Johnston It was dead but it was very funny. He was shocked. He knew I wouldn’t be stupid enough to pick up a live one, but he called me an idiot and we had a laugh about it. We still laugh about it now. That was an interesting one. A good mate of mine, Leroy, used to go out to the course with me and we’d have chipping contests around the different greens, and we’d be climbing trees and hitting shots out of different trees and just had great memories like that. You also got bit by a snake with your son on a golf course, right? Yeah, I was caddying for him at home (Virginia Beach) and the kid he was playing with hit it up the grass on the left of the first fairway. I got bit by a snake in my achilles and started bleeding. There were two fang marks and it was probably poisonous and then on that green I started feeling light headed and dizzy. I said to the other dad that was caddying, ‘mate I just got bit by a snake. If I pass out, can you call an ambulance because it’s probably not going to be good.’ Then about five holes later I felt like I was going to vomit, then somehow a few minutes later the nausea just passed. I had a massive lump on my leg for about three months (laughs). Your home course Virginia Beach National is a public course, do you like that laid back, everyman idea? Yeah, I think I fit in well at a public course. It’s like where I played when I grew up. My dad was a bricklayer, and my mom was a nurse. Obviously, my situation’s changed a bit now, but I still know the value of a dollar. I relate to the people out there and really enjoy my time. How much are you looking forward to coming back to LIV Golf Adelaide? Yeah, I can’t wait. Last year in Adelaide was just amazing. That was one of the coolest weeks I’ve had on the golf course with that crowd support. It’s a great course and great entertainment off the course too. Just the he’s like ‘we have to go to the beach.’ So we get to the beach and he chugs the whole bottle of milk. Then he stuck his fingers down his throat and projectile vomited all over the beach. I remember I was on the ground rolling around in the sand laughing. It was a celebration we’ll never forget. Later that year you would play with Tiger for the first time, how did that feel? It was great. After three rounds I get paired with Tiger for the Sunday finish in the last group. He was like six shots in front. I remember the most nervous I’ve ever been on a golf course was on the first tee that day. I said to Matty ‘I don’t think I can hit 3-wood here, I might actually miss the ball.’ It was nice to play with the big guy and see him win that day. Aussie Marc Leishman, now a member of the Ripper GC team on the LIV Golf tour. Marc Leishman Q&A atmosphere around there that week was certainly not something that I’d experienced. I felt like I was a rock star for a week. You couldn’t go anywhere without getting asked for pictures and autographs and that was really cool. I’m looking forward to getting back and enjoying it again and hopefully we can have a really good week as a team and individually as well. Last year you drank beer out of a shoe at that event. How was that? That was interesting. I got to be honest, I prefer to drink beer out of a can (laughs). It was a nice cold beer as it was going into the shoe, and it was lukewarm and not very nice coming out. And the Premier of Adelaide was egging me on to do it, so I had to do it. And that part of Australia has been so hungry for more pro golf for some time, right? Yes, it has, particularly Adelaide. When I got my Tour card through the Nationwide Tour, that was the last professional event I believed played there; 2008. For them to have LIV Golf Adelaide played there, they support sport unbelievably well so it’s great to see. Last year I went over there for a cricket match. It’s a six-hour drive and I went there just for one day of cricket. It’s an awesome place that I really enjoy going to. I can’t wait for LIV Adelaide this year. I want to get back there and enjoy those epic crowds again. You and your caddie Matty Kelly go back a long way, what’s one of your favorite stories with him? Matty came over early in 2008 from Australia and he maxed out two credit cards between March and September. So, he said to me, ‘mate, I’ve maxed out two credit cards and I’m going to have to head home and get a real job.’ I told him I felt terrible, and I finished second that week and won a couple weeks later by 11. The next year I was on the PGA Tour. In my first ever Tour event I went T12 at Sony Open in Hawaii and won $92,000. We felt like the richest blokes in the world. We had a redeye flight home to California where I was an alternate for the Bob Hope Classic. I remember he goes into an ABC store and buys a gallon of milk. And I’m like ‘what are you doing?’ And
April 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au US MASTERS FLASHBACK 12 How a stinging swipe inspired King Arnie IF Ben Hogan’s cutting locker-room remark in the lead-up to the 1958 US Masters was meant to discourage and belittle Arnold Palmer it certainly backfired. Hogan’s jibe, and a run in with an overzealous rules official, was the inspiration Palmer needed to win his first of four green jackets. In his book, A Golfer’s Life, Palmer gives a detailed account of what Hogan said after a practice round at Augusta National. Palmer had arrived at Augusta early in the morning after driving through the night across South Carolina to play a practice round with close friend Dow Finsterwald, who joined Ben Hogan and Jackie Burke. The long road trip took its toll on Palmer and he played “abysmally”. “I felt bad that Dow had to carry us both – he played brilliantly and we collected $35 apiece off the wager,” Palmer recalled. The quartet were in the locker-room changing when Hogan made a remark to Burke that hurt Palmer. “I heard Ben remark to Jackie, ‘tell me something, Jackie. How the hell did Palmer get an invitation to the Masters? Palmer’s swing might work for him, but no one else should try it’. “That really stung me, I’ll never know if Hogan knew I overheard the comment, but he was certainly aware that I was nearby and could have heard it. “It burned me up and I set my mind on showing him why the hell I’d been invited to the Masters.” David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au TEE-OFF IN AFRICA 2024 • Kruger National Park Game Drive • Leopard Creek Golf Course • Cape Town City & Table Mountain Tour • Seal island cruise, Chapmans Peak • Pearl Valley Golf Course • Cape Winelands • Arabella Golf Course • Outeniqua Golf Course • Pinnacle Point Golf Course • Links Golf Course • Pezula Golf Course • Private Transfers ... And much much more!!! ONLY 4 SPOTS LEFT STARTING 10 MAY 2024 15 DAY TOUR EXPERIENCE MASTERS PACKAGES FROM AS LITTLE AS $5000USD PER PERSON ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINT AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANCE WITHOUT NOTICE, DUE TO MATTERS OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL SUCH AS ADVERSE CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS, TAXES AND FUEL SURCHARGES. ATTEND THE US MASTERS IN 2025 Palmer shot opening rounds of 70-73-68 and arrived on Sunday at the infamous 12th, arguably the toughest par-3 in tournament golf, with a one-stroke lead. He takes up the story: “My tee shot carried over the green and embedded in the soft turf between the putting surface and the rear bunker. “When I saw the situation, I called the rules official over and explained to him that I intended to take relief without penalty. “Because of the heavy rain earlier in the week, the tournament was being played under wetweather rules. This meant that a plugged ball could be lifted, cleaned and dropped without penalty. “The official, Arthur Lacey, shook his head and said, ‘You don’t do that at Augusta.’ “I beg your pardon,” I replied. “We’re playing wet-weather rules.” “He said, ‘no sir. You can’t do that. You’ve got to play it as it lies.’ “Finally, I told him I would play two balls and appeal his verdict to the tournament rules committee.” “He said, ‘no sir, you can’t do that either’. “Well,” I said, “that’s exactly what I’m going to do.” Palmer dug the ball out with his wedge, moving it about 18 inches, chipped on and two-putted for a double-bogey five. Then he returned to the original spot where he asked his caddie Nathaniel “Ironman” Avery for another ball. “I chipped the second ball a few feet from the hole and coaxed the putt into the cup for a par-3,” he said. “I’m sure there were plenty of people in the gallery who were certain they had watched Arnie Palmer disqualify himself from the Masters. “Ken Venturi, who was in contention, was among those who felt he’d been cheated by my actions at the hole. “But I knew the rule and I believed I was well within my rights to do what I had done.” Palmer eagled the par-5 13th, parred the 14th and at 15 was summoned to meet with a member of the rules committee. “Jonathon Winters, the rules chairman, said, ‘Mr Palmer, the committee has ruled in your favour. You will have a three on the 12th hole’.” Palmer birdied the 18th to win by one. “I can hardly remember walking up 18 and hardly remember the birdie putt,” he said. Palmer’s wife Winnie and his parents were there to see him presented with the green jacket and a cheque for $14,000. Once Winnie had paid caddie Ironman Avery, the Palmer family and several people from Wilson Sporting Goods drove to the Town Tavern for a victory dinner. “The festivities were interrupted when someone from the club tracked us down and informed me there was a ‘problem’ with the cheque Winnie had written Ironman,” Palmer said. “In all her excitement, instead of writing a cheque for $1400, she had written him a cheque for $14,000.” FOOTNOTE: A Golfer’s Life Arnold Palmer (with James Dodson) was first published in 1999 by Random House. The ‘King’ Arnold Palmer, a four-time winner of the US Masters.
LEARN MORE AT GOLFWORKS.COM.AU Learn more at golfworks.com.au
April 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au PRO NEWS 14 BROKEN HILL GOLF & EXPLORE: OUTBACK ADVENTURE PACKAGE – 8 NIGHTS Featuring: Broken Hill, Menindee & White Cliffs Package Includes: • 8 Nights Accommodation • 8 x Light Breakfast • 5 x Dinners • 2 x Lunches • All Tours and Local Transfers • 2 x 9 Hole Rounds • Golf Fees • Buggy Hire DEPARTURE DATE: MONDAY 5 AUGUST 2024 PRICE: FROM $2595 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE Silver City Tours silvercitytours.com.au Ph: 1300 723 583 or 08 8087 6956 Email: sctbhq@iinet.net.au CALL NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT For the perfect golfing getaway in Queenstown, NZ - Stay in comfort & luxury at the Glebe PENTHOUSE SPECIAL 15% DISCOUNT* One of our penthouses is having renovations and there will be some noise between 10am and 5pm, so you will receive a 15% discount if you book to stay in one of our affected apartments. BOOK DIRECT FOR THIS PENTHOUSE SPECIAL The Glebe is centrally located in the heart of Queenstown and only two minutes walk to downtown restaurants and bars, making it a ideal base when your not on the fairway. The Glebe can also organise transfers, meals and activities during your stay. They can help arrange the complete golf holiday experience to suit your requirements. Contact the Glebe to book your unforgettable golf holiday T: 03 441 0310 Freephone: 0800 484 345 E: stay@theglebe.co.nz W: www.theglebe.co.nz 1 Beetham Street, Queenstown GGlebe the *Terms & conditions apply Women to tee off at ‘Augusta’ of the NSW north GOLFERS often refer to Bonville International as ‘the Augusta National of the NSW North Coast’. And such is the reputation of this spectacular layout just south of Coffs Harbour that it now attracts some of the best women golfers in the world on a regular basis. An all-star field will gather there this month for the $500,000 (300,000 Euro) Australian Women’s Classic, to be played from April 5-7. And after a one-year hiatus, the tournament, one of the centrepieces of the WPGA Tour of Australasia, also returns to the Ladies European Tour (LET) schedule for season 2024. Previous winners include France’s Celine Boutier (2018), who is now ranked among the best players in the world as well as Marianne Skarpnord (2019), Steph Kyriacou (2020), Meghan MacLaren (2022) and Breanne Gill (2023). US Masters matches the world’s best PLAYERS from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf will come together for what is now a rare occurrence when the 88th US Masters tees off at Augusta National on April 12. Defending champion Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Cam Smith are amongst 12 from the LIV Tour who are set to compete, against the likes of current World Number one Scott Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, an in-form Wyndam Clark and the leading players from the PGA Tour. With a few more tweaks to combat the increasing length of the current tour players, including a lengthened par five second hole, Augusta will again challenge the best and identify another worthy recipient of the coveted green jacket. In all there are 19 past winners on the entry list, seven of those currently members of LIV, as well five-time champion Tiger Woods whose potential appearance this year remained a mystery. In his only PGA Tour start in 2024 Woods withdrew during the second round at the Genesis event in LA due to illness. Of those past champions, 2013 winner Adam Scott leads a sixstrong Australian contingent, one which includes young Victorian amateur Jasper Stubbs, a part of the field courtesy of his win at the Asia Pacific Amateur championship, Min Woo Lee making his second visit to The Masters, along with 2022 British Open champ Smith, Jason Day and Cameron Davis. Ryan Fox will also tee it up at Augusta, the talented Kiwi finishing in a tie for 26th at his Masters debut in 2023, as will Australian Open champion Joaquin Niemann who received a special invite from the Masters organising committee. WPGA Tour of Australasia CEO Karen Lunn said the Australian Women’s Classic had so much appeal both on and off the course. “With its superb layout and facilities, Bonville is a fantastic venue for this event,” said Lunn. “Everyone at the resort is dedicated to making it a memorable week for all their guests. “And the Coffs Coast is such a great place to visit. “When our professionals aren’t out on the course, they want to explore as much of the region as possible to get the full experience. “The field we have assembled this year is exceptional, with the best of the WPGA Tour of Australasia up against the stars of the LET. “We’re guaranteed to look forward to some wonderful golf.” Golf fans who can’t get to the course will be spoilt too with free-to-air Two wins in succession, at Bay Hill and The Players Championship, will see Scott Scheffler tee off as the bookies favourite at the US Masters. The12th hole at Augusta National, a feature of the famed Amen Corner. coverage now confirmed through the Seven network on the 7Plus platform. According to Golf NSW chief operating officer Graeme Phillipson it was a boost to the game Down Under when the Classic was returned to the LET schedule this year. “You have to look no further than the impressive strides our 2020 champion, Steph Kyriacou, has made in such a short space of time to realise what an opportunity this event is,” said Phillipson. “Being able to showcase elite women’s golf to a broader audience than we ever have before will be a great boost to not just the event but the sport as a whole. “More people will see it than ever before. “This will highlight what a fantastic venue Bonville is and showcase the talented players our great game produces.” Bonville Golf Club near Coffs Harbour will play host to the Australian Women’s Classic. Meghan MacLaren, the 2022 winner, returns to Bonville in pursuit of a second Australian Women’s Classic Crown.
• 2x sand bottles • 6 can esky cooler and club & ball washer • Rear golf bag canopy • Front full-length tidy tray basket • Standard washable black seat covers • 67Ah Lithium Battery with optimised fast charger on-board • LED lithium speedometer & voltage meter ‘A2 GOLFERS DELUXE’ PACKAGE BEST VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY ADD RAIN CURTAINS $499 *Free delivery eligibility criteria applies. Outside speci ed ‘free’ zones will incur a xed price delivery charge. Please see website for shipping T&C’s. 4 Seat Golf Cart Storage Cover is suitable for Golf Carts with reverse facing seats only. Discounted accessories only valid for the month of publication. FREE DELIVERY* AUSTRALIA-WIDE ON ALL NEW GOLF CARTS 1300 93 88 11 cartsnparts.com.au SCORE BIG SAVINGS WITH THESE CART ESSENTIALS $89 FITS ANY 2 SEATER SET FOR 2 SEATS ECAR LUXURY SEAT COVERS EZGO LUXURY SEAT COVERS CLUB & BALL WASHER (CARBON FIBRE ONLY) YAMAHA LUXURY SEAT COVERS $449 REAR GOLF BAG CANOPY ECAR MAGNUM GOLF CART FLOOR MAT $449 SET FOR 2 SEATS $10 OFF RRP! SAVE CLUB & BALL WASHER $89 UNIVERSAL FIT A GOLFING NECESSITY FIT 827 MODELS $129 KEEP YOUR FLOOR CLEAN $20 OFF RRP! SAVE PREMIUM SAND BOTTLE & HOLDER $449 SET FOR 2 SEATS DRIVE IN COMFORT & STYLE $50 OFF RRP! SAVE $249 UNIVERSAL FIT DESIGNED TO SUIT ALL GOLF CARTS $50 OFF RRP! SAVE 3D MESH SEAT COVERS $89 CUSTOMISE YOUR RIDE SET FOR 2 SEATS PREMIUM SMALL MESH SEAT COVERS $10 OFF RRP! SAVE $29 UNIVERSAL FIT FITS ALL MAKES & MODELS $89 SET FOR 2 SEATS REMOVABLE & WASHABLE CLUB CAR LUXURY SEAT COVERS $449 SET FOR 2 SEATS $50 OFF RRP! SAVE $50 OFF RRP! SAVE $50 OFF RRP! SAVE $139 FITS 4 SEAT CARTS* $10 OFF RRP! SAVE 2 SEAT GOLF CART STORAGE COVER (BLACK COLOUR ONLY) $10 OFF RRP! SAVE PROTECT YOUR CART PROTECT YOUR CART DRIVE IN COMFORT & STYLE DRIVE IN COMFORT & STYLE DRIVE IN COMFORT & STYLE 4 SEAT GOLF CART STORAGE COVER (BLACK COLOUR ONLY)
April 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au PRO NEWS 16 Our top disabled golfer takes on the world NOW comfortably entrenched as one of the world’s top 10 disabled golfers, Queensland’s Lachlan Wood is planning an ambitious schedule this year that will conclude with him defending his All Abilities Championship at the Australian Open in December. Before that he will compete in all the G4D (Golf for the Disabled) Tour events that coincide with the DP World Tour, as well as the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Texas later this month – a G4D Tour event that is also sanctioned by the US PGA. It’s a busy schedule, particularly for a golfer who plays in constant pain, a legacy of the smashed leg he suffered when a passenger in a car that left the road and hit a pole in Victoria 17 years ago. He was able to walk again - albeit with a left leg 2cm shorter than the right - only after more than 40 operations to piece together the 12 broken bones in his shattered leg. Wood, however, is upbeat about his golf game and confident he can compete successfully with the world’s best all abilities golfers. By Peter Owen “My new putter is working nicely and I’m hitting it well with my driver,” he said. Wood, who is an associate professional at Hervey Bay Golf Club, is coming off a breakthrough year during which he won proam events, against seasoned professionals, at Tin Can Bay and Bulimba, and the Pampling Plate at Caboolture, one of the most highly prized events on the PGA Associates circuit. It was after the Bulimba Pro-Am that Wood found himself in trouble with PGA officials. After shooting a four-under-par total of 50 at the par-three course in the morning, and feeling certain the score would not hold up against the more fancied afternoon players, Wood left the course and returned to Hervey Bay where he was scheduled to give a member a lesson. While two other golfers matched his score, none of the afternoon wave could better it, and PGA rules dictate that winners must attend the presentation. Wood was suspended for six months, allowed to play only in Monday associates’ events and all abilities tournaments. Wood, who thrives on competition at the highest level, was hopeful he could beat the suspension by gaining status on the Australasian PGA Tour through a successful Q School campaign at Moonah Links in early April. If he survived first and final qualifying rounds, though, it might mean Wood walking 126 holes in 10 days, the 33-year-old’s right to the concession of riding in a cart still to be determined by the PGA’s Vocational Membership Council. “That would be very difficult for me,” Wood says. “Even walking 36 holes ruins me for days. I’m in so much pain, unable to work, unable to just do day-to-day things after it.” Wood has no such difficulty playing in allabilities tournaments, where contestants’ disability is recognised. After a string of successes throughout Australia, Wood won his first G4D Tour title with a three-stroke victory in the Australian All Abilities Championship, played in conjunction with the Australian Open in Sydney late last year. That victory lifted his all abilities ranking to nine. It rose to seven after his runner-up finish to world No 1 Kipp Poppit in February’s all abilities tournament at the Kenya Open – the winner and runner-up the only players in the field to break par for the 36-hole event. “Many people don’t realise the standard of play on the G4D Tour,” Wood said. “Poppit shot seven under for the 36 holes we played, and we were getting only a five or 10 metre concession on the tee boxes.” Poppit’s 36-hole score (66, 69) was matched by only Holland’s Darius Van Driel, who went on to win the Kenya Open by two strokes. He’s hoping that in the future the winners of all abilities event will be invited to contest the following year’s corresponding Australasian PGA, DP World Tour or US PGA Tour event. Following the CJ Cup on April 28-29, Wood will fly to England for the second G4D Open at Woburn in May, then return to America for the USDGA Adaptive Open in Kansas in mid-June. He’ll contest the G4D Belfry British Masters in England in August and the BMW PGA. Lachlan Wood after winning last year’s New Zealand all abilities championship. Lachlan Wood lines up a putt. Lachlan Wood playing in last year’s G4D Open at Woburn. APRIL MASTERS SALE! SCAN FOR LATEST DEALS FOLLOW US ON WWW.GOLFWORLD.COM.AU PLAY LIKE THE PROS!
April 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au PRO NEWS 17 Lonard is a former Australian Masters and Open champion. 59 for Lonard AFTER reports in the March issue of Inside Golf of both Peter Senior and Terry Price bettering their age in returning outstanding scores in club and Legend’s Tour competitions, comes proof that class is permanent, regardless of age, with Peter Lonard breaking the magical 60-barrier. The now 56-year-old Lonard produced the first round of 59 in PGA Legends Tour history with an 11-under par score at the Moama Masters on Rich River Golf Club’s East Course. A three-time Australian PGA champion and two-time Australian Open winner, Lonard made 12 birdies in his record-setting round, a score that could easily have been lower had he not bogeyed his final hole, the short par-three ninth after finding a greenside bunker. The bogey putt from just inside two metres saw Lonard break 60 for the first time in his career in going one better than two scores recorded two decades ago. “Yesterday I was never playing again, giving up golf and getting a job and today all of a sudden, I’m back, I love the game and everything’s happy,” Lonard told the PGA Australia website. $3520* Pricing From “It’s a funny game. Sometimes it gives it to you and sometimes it doesn’t. “It’s the first time I’ve had a 59. I’ve had a couple of other goes at it. I parred the last in Sao Paulo years ago for a 60 and at the Jack Newton Classic at Twin Waters (in 2002) I missed a putt for a 59. “I didn’t think I’d get another chance of doing it. It’s a nice little thing to happen towards the end of my career I suppose. I was very happy to see that last putt go in,” he added. Lonard’s great day out sent PGA Legends Tour officials searching through their records, where it was discovered there have been a number of 60s on a par-64 course and a 61 on a par-67 course, however the check revealed Lonard to be first player to beat 60 in an over-50s professional event in Australia. Diaz dazzles at Albert Park IT wasn’t a sub-60 score to match the heroics of Peter Lonard just a few days prior, however it was an impressive round by anyone’s standards with Victorian David Diaz shooting a nine-under par 61 to win the White Glove Mover Legends Pro-Am at Albert Park Golf Course Acting as tournament host, Diaz’s spectacular round saw him finish three clear of the field, and although not his best at the venue – Diaz boasts a 59 “a long time ago” – he was nonetheless thrilled to play so well in his home tournament. “It was a bit of a shock but it’s all good,” Diaz said. “That (the 59) was about 25 years ago when I had a bit of game. After opening with a three-over 73 and starting the second round nine shots behind the overnight lead, Lonard’s 14-shot turnaround was enough to claim the 36-hole event by one stroke. Runner-up was John Onions who closed with a 63. Starting his day on the 10th tee, Lonard picked up six birdies on his first nine, before three in a row from the second to the fourth moved him to nine-under par for the day. He went to 10-under with a three on the par-four sixth, before two more birdies on the seventh and eighth holes had him standing at 12-under for his round coming to the final hole. Simon Tooman produced another final-round highlight with a hole-inone on the 145m eighth. “Bit of a surprise but I’m really happy, more so that everyone had a really great day when it’s your home event.” Starting from the par-four 13th, Diaz opened with a bogey before the fireworks began, playing his final 12 holes in nine-under. “The course was good. I was in charge of the set-up so I tried to vary some of the par three’s and the pin placements on them,” Diaz explained. “It’s a public golf course and it gets a ton of traffic so we’re pretty happy with how it was presented. The course scrubbed up well given the weather has been quite dry.” – Additional reporting courtesy PGA Australia LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: David Diaz, the winner of the Albert Park Legends Pro-am with a sizzling 61. AGELESS: Peter Lonard showed that class is permanent, with a 59 at the Rich River Legend’s Tour event.
April 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au PRO NEWS 18 Record round propels Ella to a win in Bathurst THE name Ella Scaysbrook will be linked to Bathurst Golf Club for years to come. The teenage amateur played what must rate as one of the greatest rounds ever seen at a club that nurtured Australian great Peter O’Malley. Scaysbrook shot an incredible sevenunder-par 65 to overcome a quality field in an event which was a qualifier for the Women’s NSW Open. Just a week after turning 18, Scaysbrook then finished her amazing week by beating young Thai sensation Tunrada Piddon on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff. The only downside of the great rounds by both women was that neither will count as a course record because of the “preferred lies” rule in effect that day. But those who witnessed the pair combine for four eagles – including a holein-one – and 12 birdies in just 20 holes - will never forget the magic. The pair’s 11-under 36-hole total relegated Lydia Hall of Wales to a distant third at five-under while Sydney’s Celina Yuan tied for fifth at three-under. But the day belonged to Scaysbrook, the softly-spoken Novocastrian who ticked off a major career goal by winning a professional tournament while still an amateur. Michael Court michael@insidegolf.com.au – EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR SALE BY EXPRESSION OF INTEREST CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL GOLF CENTRE ‘Canberra International Golf Centre’ is an iconic diversified golfing business, trading for more than 40 years under one owner’s proprietorship. The prospective investment offers a highly profitable turnkey operation with readily identifiable commercial opportunities for additional growth to the successful purchaser. GOLF TRADING DIVISIONS: • Driving Range – 2 Storey, 64 bay undercover driving range operation • Pitch & Putt - 18-hole Pitch & Putt course • Mini Golf - 18-hole Mini Golf Course • Retail - One of Australia’s largest golf retail stores, ‘Pete’s Golf Connection’. FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT: • Turnover – Approx. $4 million per annum • EBITDA – Highly profitable. Disclosure subject to applicant vetting and execution of non-disclosure agreement. • Growth - Current financial year: 11% Sales growth (to 31 December 2023) • Lease – Existing 10-year lease runs until January 2032 Please contact Cosgrave Soutter, Chartered Accountants James Austin or Marcus Cosgrave on 02 6272 0900 BIRDIES on her final three holes propelled Western Australian Hannah Green to a one-shot victory at the 2024 HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore. Coming to the final hole tied with Celine Boutier of France, Green holed a stunning 30-foot birdie putt, after also birdieing the 16th and 17th holes, to record a one stroke victory at the US$1.8 million LPGA tournament. Starting the last day two shots off the lead, Green made the turn in 34, dropped her only shot of the day on the 10th, before a birdie on 12 which would be the prelude to her fast finish. Her winning four-day total was 13-under par around the Tanjong course at Sentosa Golf Club. It was the 27-year-old Green’s fourth LPGA title and her first win in Asia, with Green finishing second at the HSBC event three years ago. “I almost won the championship in 2021 when I was playing it for the first time. I remembered I three-putted 17 and then three-putted again on 18 to lose. It feels great to have this trophy in my hands now,” Green said. Of the other Australians in the field Grace Kim was next best in a tie for 25th, Minjee Lee was a shot further back in 29th, with Sarah Kemp and Stephanie Kyriacou three-over for the week and level in 41st. The 11th edition of the HSBC Women’s World Championship featured an international field with players representing 22 countries. Hannah Green captured her fourth LPGA Tour title with a victory in Singapore. “Yeah, that was pretty cool,” said Scaysbrook, who set her round alight with back-to-back eagles on the par-five ninth and 10th holes. “I’ve never done that before. But then again, I haven’t done much like any of that.” The round matched the recently-selected NSW state team debutant’s lowest round, a seven-under par score enroute to victory at the NSW Junior Championship at Ocean Shores last year. Scaysbrook, off the back of an opening 68, began steadily and looked good with a birdie on the second as her playing partners ebbed and flowed in their challenge, admitting after establishing her lead on the fourth, Piddon’s ace on the 140m fifth hole dealt her hopes a blow. “But I just kept playing my own game and then, yeah, it was pretty good there for a while,” she said. In four holes from nine through to 12, the sweet-swinging right-hander went six under to blow open the tournament. Even another hole-out, this from 90m by Piddon for another eagle on the parfour 11th hole, couldn’t halt Scaysbrook’s charge. And then when Scaysbrook did stumble with a bogey on the 15th hole, it coincided with a stunning streak from the rookie Thai pro. Piddon birdied 15, 16, and 17 to pull level and then watched as Scaysbrook’s birdie attempt on the final hole finished half a roll short. Both players birdied the first playoff hole, before the Thai finally succumbed to yet another birdie from The Australian Golf Club star on the second extra hole. “I played really well . . . she just beat me,” said Piddon. “Sometimes you can’t do anything about it.” Scaysbrook has no immediate plans to turn professional, preferring to hone her craft on the amateur circuit for at least another year. Yet it’s on to the NSW Open at Magenta Shores where she could again spring a few surprises. Green rides fast finish to HSBC Women’s World Championship win WORTHY WINNER: Ella Scaysbrook ignited Bathurst Golf Club with her fabulous round of seven-under 65.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc1MjU0