NEWS • OPINION • HOLIDAYS • LIFESTYLE • GEAR • TRAVEL AUSTRALIA’S M O S T - R E A D GOLF MAGAZINE RESORT OF THE MONTH LINKS HOPE ISLAND GPS RANGEFINDERS THE LATEST AND GREATEST TRAVEL SPECIAL THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA WWW.INSIDEGOLF.COM.AU ISSUE 227 // SEPTEMBER 2024 KARL VILIPS NEW AUSSIE STAR ON THE RISE CELEBRITY SWINGER DOUG WALTERS ANDRE STOLZ CASHING IN ON THE LEGENDS TOUR WIN A GOLFING TRIP FOR TWO TO MALAYSIA THE PRESIDENTS CUP 2024 CAN THE UNDERDOG INTERNATIONALS UPSTAGE THE AMERICANS IN CANADA? SEE OUR STORY ON PAGE 52
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September 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au THE FIRST TEE 5 Tackling the issues. What do you think? THE pages of Inside Golf are more often than not, dedicated to positive golfing stories, whether the content focuses on courses, clubs, travel and equipment, the local elite amateur and professional scene or the major tours and world’s best players. Occasionally the big issues will warrant comment and coverage. Then our letter pages provide the opportunity for those who feel strongly enough, to express their thoughts and feelings. We encourage letters on any and all golf related matters and attempt to publish as many as we can every month. So in the spirit of getting you thinking about a couple of current topical issues in the golfing world, I tackle a couple of pertinent topics. OLYMPIC GOLF I may need to extract some splinters as I’m going to continue to sit on the fence when it comes to golf at the Olympics. Always my belief has been to be included, the Olympic competition should be the pinnacle of a particular sport, to be the ‘Olympic Champion’ the most sought-after title. For golf, with its four majors and various other significant events, an Olympic gold medal is certainly celebrated and coveted by the winner, but it will never be the highest honour. Same can probably be said about tennis, while sports like basketball, football and rugby sevens, only due to their team’s format, barely scrape by in my estimation. And don’t get me started on breakdancing and 3x3 basketball which were included in Paris, apparently flag football will be added in LA, in naming just a few. They are a discussion for another forum. However all that being said, putting my doubts aside, the Olympic golf events in Paris were must-see viewing, firstly in the men’s event when Scottie Scheffler won gold with a remarkable final nine charge, before Kiwi Lydia Ko finished first amongst the women with an impressive performance on a challenging course. The crowds flocked to both tournaments, the course provided outstanding theatre, the players were engaged and the TV coverage excellent. So, going forward, first and foremost, are we Ok with golf at the Olympics? And the format? Is a team’s event worth a try, maybe with the men and women joining forces? A different method of qualifying, lending itself to more of the world’s best players being eligible to compete? Perhaps take it back to former Olympic ideals and restrict it to amateur players? Or are we happy to keep moving along the way it is? Larry chimed in with his opinion (check out page 74) and even he wasn’t sure. What do you think? LIV v PGA TOUR The impasse shows no sign of coming to an end in the continuing conflict between the PGA TOUR and LIV Golf, with both going about their business independent of the other. A limited number of LIV players competed at the Olympics, however with the field determined by the Official World Golf Rankings, the tournament was dominated by PGA TOUR members, with the major championships the only time when something close to a full complement of the world’s best players come together. Where do we sit on PGA TOUR v LIV? I loved my few days at LIV Adelaide, although the format, the hoopla, the music and party atmosphere, would be hard to deal with every week. That said, I am getting on and a golfing traditionalist. And when LIV leaves town, does anyone except the real rusted on fan watch the events that follow? Which brings up another question, while the PGA TOUR is my preferred viewing each week, do they have to mirror some of what LIV are doing and play more events outside the US. It has become clear that the Americans are loathe to travel, and with the money they play for, combined with how long the tour now runs with its wrap around schedule, who can blame them. Maybe the PGA TOUR needs to force their hand. As for LIV, is it growing the game? It’s growing 50-odd bank balances, the game in general I’m not so sure. But at least they are taking a handful of world class players to an international audience. And that can’t be a bad thing. It’s messy, dividing opinions and fracturing relationships, but when it comes to the best players, regularly competing against each other on the biggest events, where do we want it all to land? GOLF PODCASTS And in a last word, let me tip Inside Golf readers into a couple of my favourites golfing podcasts. Inside Golf’s Larry Canning teams up with Gary Barter, one of Australia’s most highly credentialed golf coaches on an entertaining and informative podcast called Backspin. Look for it where you would ordinarily find your podcasts, with Backspin now also available on Spotify. Second one is for those who enjoy listening to interviews with golfing identities and legends of days past. Glenn Whittle, a long time PGA Member and accomplished instructor has partnered with PGA Australia in interviewing a collection of the biggest names who have paved the way for golf’s current generation. Have a listen to his Yardage Book Yarns podcast. 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 450 golf clubs, social golf clubs, driving ranges and retailers Australia wide every month. Combined print and online national monthly readership over 210,000. AUSTRALIA’S MOST-READ GOLF MAGAZINE www.insidegolf.com.au Cover Images: From left Collin Morikawa (courtesy Getty Images), Jordan Speith (R&A), Adam Scott (Golf Australia), Jason Day (R&A), Min Woo Lee (R&A), Max Homa (Getty Images), Tom Kim (Getty Images). Inside Golf publishes opinion from a wide range of perspectives in the hope of promoting constructive debate about consequential questions. 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September 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au 6 A GOLFING TRIP FOR TWO TO MALAYSIA TOURISM Malaysia is giving away one lucky Inside Golf reader a chance to win a trip for two to the vibrant destination of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This incredible trip for two includes: • Economy round-trip flights on Malaysia Airlines, departing from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, or Perth. • One room for four nights’ accommodation at a four-or-fivestar equivalent hotel with daily breakfast. • Return airport transfers. • Golf rounds at Kuala Lumpur’s premier courses: Palm Garden Golf Course and The Mines Golf Resort. INSIDE NEWS With Inside Golf Editor Rob Willis rob@insidegolf.com.au IN THIS ISSUE 51 58 TRAVEL MORNINGTON PENINSULA AMATEUR GOLF 22 INDUSTRY NEWS 28 LETTERS BUNKER-TOBUNKER TECH ON THE TEE FEATURE 35 34 46 PRO NEWS 7 CELEBRITY SWINGER 26 CLUB NEWS 38 RESORT OF THE MONTH 36 NEW GEAR 68 74 76 19TH HOLE GOLF DIRECTORY DEMO DAYS 73 EVENTS 72 INSTRUCTION 71 THE latest biennial list of the World Top 100 golf courses, complied by an international golf magazine, has recently been published and 14 Irish courses have made the grade. It is an impressive figure when considering that according to this ratings list 14 per cent of the world’s best golf courses come from the same small nation. Those involved in the Irish golf tourism industry who take great pride in their magnificent collection of courses are far from surprised, while also ready, willing and able to host visiting golfers from around the world. Royal County Down has remained at #1 in being rated the world’s best and there are five new additions to the nine Irish courses on the 2022 list, with locals, and those golfers to have visited the island, believing there are several other courses from the more than 400 in Ireland that could stake a claim to be included. IT’S not quite over, with American Scottie Scheffler to lead the US Team at the Presidents Cup and battle for the Fed Ex Cup title in the coming weeks, however when the year comes to an end the American world number one will look back on what has been a wild ride in 2024. His first success came at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, before The Players Championship at Sawgrass, then his second Masters title at Augusta in April. Four more wins then came ahead of Scheffler packing his bags and his American team apparel for the Paris Olympics. Before that he created worldwide headlines after being arrested due to a traffic infringement prior to the second round of the PGA Championship in Kentucky, while he also became a dad for the first time in May when wife Meredith gave birth to son Bennett. Then just for good measure, comes a gold medal in Paris when a remarkable back nine charge, combined with a Jon Rahm meltdown, resulted in a one-shot win. Scheffler shot 62 on the final day in finishing 19-under par. Brit Tommy Fleetwood claimed silver in finishing second, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama was third a shot further back. An emotional Scheffler, who shed a tear at the medal ceremony, was understandably proud of his achievement in Paris. “It’s tough to compare accomplishments, but an Olympic gold medal is definitely going to be one of my special memories when I look back on my career. This was a fun week, it was great representing the USA, and I’m proud to be going home with a medal.” Scheffler’s sensational 2024 season GOLD, to go with silver and bronze for star Kiwi NEW ZEALAND star Lydia Ko now has a complete set of Olympic medals after claiming the gold with a victory at the women’s golf event at the Paris Olympic Games. In her third Olympic Games, Ko won the silver medal in Rio de Janeiro, then bronze in Tokyo, with the Kiwi adding gold to her collection following her two-shot win at the Le Golf National course. Ko built up a handy lead during the final round, then showed a measure of composure down the stretch, holding off the challenge of German Esther Henseleit, with Xiyu Lin of China a shot further back in taking home the bronze. “To be holding and wearing this gold medal, it’s pretty crazy right now,” Ko expressed immediately following her win. Australian Hannah Green finished fourth, and while likely to be disappointed to fall one shot short of the medal podium, after opening with a five-over par 77 Green would Irish golf on top of the world The top five Irish courses on the World Top 100 list included Royal County Down (Championship) 1, Royal Portrush (Dunluce) 4, Ballybunion (Old) 10, Lahinch (Old) 27 and Portmarnock (Old) 37. Ireland also has approximately one third of the true links courses in the world, with the demand for premium Irish golf continuing to grow. And with the Open Championship returning to Ireland in 2025, to be played at the Royal Portrush course, never has there been a better reason to put a trip to Ireland, either for the Open Championship or for that unique golfing holiday, on the bucket list. Check out the website at www. ggolfireland.org or email golf@ ggolfireland.org and for more information and make some plans. WIN have been proud of her efforts in working her way back into contention in the last round. As a result of her Olympic victory the 27-year-old Ko became the 35th player to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame, and the second youngest member of that esteemed club behind Australian great Karrie Webb. A total of 27 points are required to qualify for entry into the LPGA Hall of Fame, with Ko’s tally including two points for each of her two major victories, one point for her other 18 LPGA wins, one point for winning LPGA Player of the Year (twice) and for the Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average (twice). Lydia Ko captured the gold in Paris making it a complete set of Olympic medals for the Kiwi star. Royal Portrush, ranked #4 on the world’s best courses list, will host the 2025 Open Championship. A remarkable back nine charge saw Scottie Scheffler win gold at the Paris Olympics. To win, tell us in 25 words or less why you’d love to WIN a golfing holiday to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Enter by going to: www.insidegolf.com.au/ category/competitions/ Entries close September 30. Terms & Conditions apply, please refer to the website. News, views and observations from around the golfing world INSIDE NEWS
September 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au PRO NEWS 7 Underdog Internationals looking to upstage the Americans LED by world number six Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, buoyed by the likely inclusion of a couple of local stars, along with the addition of up to four Australians, and the International Team will be looking to take down the hot favourite Americans at the 15th staging of the Presidents Cup. To be played for a second time at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in Canada from September 26 and to be captained by former Masters champ Mike Weir, the Internationals will look for just a second victory in the biannual matches between teams from the US and the rest of the world (excluding Europe). And while the US Team holds an imposing 12-win, one-loss, one-draw record from the previous 14 matches, they haven’t necessarily had it all their own way, with the Internationals traditionally competitive without being able to close out victory. The one and only win from the Internationals came at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in 1998 and with a team featuring a heavy Australian influence, Victorian golfing icon Peter Thomson captaining a squad which included Greg Norman, Wayne Grady, Stuart Appleby, Craig Parry and Steve Elkington. The Internationals would come within a whisker of a second win in 2003 at the event played at The Links at Fancourt Hotel in South Africa, the teams finishing tied, with respective captains Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus deciding to share the spoils rather than determine a winner via a playoff. Other near misses for the Internationals came in South Korea in 2015 when one point separated the two teams, then in 2019 it took a Tiger Woods inspired comeback on the final day at Royal Melbourne as the Americans came from behind to break the hearts of their PRESIDENTS CUP – ROYAL MONTREAL GOLF CLUB, CANADA – SEPTEMBER 26-28 Matches to return to Melbourne in 2028 WHILE the 2026 Presidents Cup will be staged in the US at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois, , the 2028 matches return to Australian soil and to the Kingston Heath Golf Club. Despite the 2028 event being four years away, a delegation from the US, led by Australian Steve Rintoul the Vice President of Rules and Officiating on the PGA TOUR has already visited the course and begun preparations. It will be the fourth time the President’s Cup has been played on Australian soil, with Royal Melbourne the host venue on the three previous occasions. opponents and disappoint the large galleries in attendance. As for the upcoming Presidents Cup, Weir will look to improve on the previous performance by the Internationals at Royal Montreal, when a team in which Weir himself was a playing member went down by 19.5 to 14.5 to a US lineup featuring the likes of Woods, Mickelson, Toms, Verplank and 2024 captain Jim Furyk. The Players Six players earn automatic selection into the International and US Teams, with Weir and American skipper Jim Furyk then tasked with picking the six players on form, experience or by whatever formula they see fit. One week shy of the end of the qualification period which comes at the completion of the 2024 BMW Championship, Matsuyama (1), Tom Kim (2), Sungjae Im (3), Ben An (6) and Australians Jason Day (4) and Adam Scott (5) appear certain to be a part of the International team, leaving Weir with some difficult selection decisions. As the points list currently stands, Scott will play for the Internationals for a record 11th time. Canadian Coren Conners, a member of the International team in 2022 is seventh on the qualifying list and seemingly an obvious choice, as is Australian Min Woo Lee who has impressed against top company in 2024. After that the final make up of the 12-man squad is up for debate, with four home grown products, Nick Taylor, Adam Hadwin, Taylor Pendrith and Mackenzie Hughes amongst the next seven players on the official points list. Sydney’s Cam Davis, currently ninth, will also come into consideration. As for the US, Furyk has an embarrassment of riches to choose from, led by world number one Scott Scheffler and two-time 2024 major champion Xander Schauffele. Collin Morikawa, Wyndam Clark, Patick Cantlay and young gun Sahith Theegala are currently in the top six with a week to go before team selection, with Max Homa, Tony Finau, Brian Harman and Russell Henley in calculations to join them. Adam Scott and Internationals teammate Hideki Matsuyama, pictured at a previous Presidents Cup, will look to engineer an upset win against the US at Royal Montreal. - Photo courtesy Getty Images Technology that stablises both han for a more square putter face at im No matter your gripping style. In three distinct shapes and two si Available now from all leading G REVERS TAPER Technology that stablises both hands for a more square putter face at impact* No matter your gripping style. In three distinct shapes and two sizes. Available now from all leading Golf retailers REVERSE TAPER *As tested against a parallel style putter grip.
September 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au PRO NEWS 8 Aussie rookie is PGA TOUR bound HE’S a tour rookie . . . but he’s already a winner in the US. Now Australian golf fans may get their chance to see young Aussie pro Karl Vilips in action this summer. A recent winner on the Korn Ferry Tour, at just his sixth tournament as a pro, Vilips can’t wait to head home and show off his game in Australia’s premier events. The West Australian actually grew up in Melbourne before his family moved to Perth. Yet the talent was always there and he won the United States Kids Championship when he was just nine-years-old. Vilips then spent the last part of his high school years in the US, then studied at Stanford University on a scholarship where he won the Pac-12 individual title earlier this year. He only turned professional in June although his victory in the Pac-12 allowed him to finish 10th in the PGA Tour University ranking and that earned him conditional status on the Korn Ferry Tour and fully exempt status on the PGA Tour of Americas. He soon showed he had the golf game to take him places, carding eight successive rounds in the 60s. After finishing an eyecatching second the previous week, Vilips, 22, came out and won the Korn Ferry Tour’s Utah Championship. Michael Court michael@insidegolf.com.au He shot rounds of 67-62-64-66 to win by two shots in Farmington, Utah, pocketing a careerdefining $US180,000 prizemoney. That skyrocketed his spot on the Tour rankings, moving him to 15th and all but guaranteeing him a spot on the PGA Tour in 2025, with the top 30 ‘graduating’ at season’s end. “I just leant on all the moments in the past where I’ve been in contention,” said Vilips. “I’ve had a few of those recently, and just tried to stay confident and committed and trust the swing. “I was happy to see that.” Vilips was delighted to have his father Paul at the course watching him win. “Him being here, seeing all the ups and downs and to celebrate the success was something special,” he said Afterward Vilips said his aim for the rest of 2024 was to “get as high up the points list as I can”. “I’ve just been trying to get grounded and get ready for the next week,” he said. “The past few days have been crazy. The support has been quite overwhelming – but gee, there are worse problems to have. “Coming down 18 with a three-shot lead was all I could have hoped for. “That was really cool. “There were a few moments on the back nine where I was feeling the pressure. “But you just have to keep your foot on the gas when you play events on the Korn Ferry Tour.” Vilips said he was looking to play the Australian Open and Australian PGA this summer. “I’ve been speaking with the Golf Australia team and depending on the PGA Tour schedule, I’m hoping to come back home,” he said. “The last time I played competitively in Australia would have been the Junior Presidents Cup in 2019. “I did have a few rounds at NSW and St Michaels Golf Clubs when I was back there last year.” Vilips said the leap from college golf to playing on the Korn Ferry Tour was a steep one. “When I first got out here from college golf – you need to shoot anything up to 25 under as opposed to before when five or six under was enough to win,” he said. “So, shooting 23 under and 25-under last week showed me I have the ability to go low, which is what you need to see. “Now I am confident I can compete and go to the next level. “The past two years I’ve refined parts of my game and that was a decision I’ve been really happy with. “I love the plan and the process. Competing is my favourite part of golf. “And now I enjoy practice a lot more – I used to hate it. “Getting onto the PGA Tour has always been my goal and I’ll strive to be good enough to do that and hopefully compete there for the next 20 years.” After just his sixth tournament as a pro, Karl Vilips won the Utah Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour. Young Aussie Karl Vilips has hit the ground running since turning pro earlier this year and looks to be headed to the PGA TOUR in 2025. NOVEMBER 1ST – 3RD, 2024 THURGOONA COUNTRY CLUB RESORT www.nswsenioropen.com.au COME AND WATCH AUSTRALIA’S GOLFING LEGENDS COMPETE FOR THE 2024 NSW SENIOR OPEN TROPHY. WALK THE FAIRWAYS WITH THE PLAYERS. SCAN HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE ENTRY
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September 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au PRO NEWS 10 Millar dispels self-doubt with South West Rocks win HE couldn’t pick up a club for at least four months following spinal fusion surgery earlier this year. Yet ACT golfer Matt Millar put that career hiccup well and truly behind him at South West Rocks Country Club last month. Millar showed glimpses of some of the stellar form he has shown throughout his career as he took out the NSW Open Golf Regional Qualifying tournament. Millar dispelled any self-doubt about his ability to match it with the best when he finished 10-under-par at the scenic North Coast kayout. He carded rounds of 66-68 to claim victory by three shots from Queenslander Will Florimo ( 71- 66) and Victorian Kyle Michel (69- 68). Five players finished in a tie for fourth at six-under: Lachlan Aylen, Jay Mackenzie, Concord amateur Blake Phillips, William Bruyeres and 2008 NSW Open champion Aaron Townsend. Millar, who began the final round a shot back from the leader, the bighitting Lincoln Tighe, made his move early in the final round, erasing the overnight deficit with a birdie on his first hole (the 10th). He followed up with two more on the second and third (12th and 13th) to grab the outright lead and was never seriously threatened from there. Michael Court michael@insidegolf.com.au A couple of challengers made moves during the round. Concord’s Blake Phillips seemed the player most likely to make a serious move when he turned for home to get to within three shots while Will Florimo matched the mark at sixunder after 10 holes. Then Townsend loomed into the picture when he got it to eightunder-par with five holes to play, before bogeys on the fifth and eighth (his 14th and 17th) snuffed out his chances. Still, the day belonged to the 47-year-old Millar who has made am amazing comeback to the game after an extended period on the sidelines. “I’m so thrilled to get this one,” said Millar. “I had a second place a couple of weeks ago in Queensland and a few fourth placings. “There have been some good signs, but saying that, I’m just happy to get back out here and be playing. “I’ve missed it so much. “I like coaching back home at Federal, but I really love playing and competing. “It’s great to get out here and have a reward like this and get a win; I’m really, really happy.” With Millar already exempt from this year’s NSW Open, interest was high in who would take out the coveted three confirmed spots in the field for the $800,000 Championship. Several players looked likely to grab the spots but stumbled towards the end of their rounds. The lucky three to secure their starts at Murray Downs in November were Queensland’s Will Florimo, Victoria’s Lachlan Aylen and Ballina’s Jay Mackenzie. For Florimo, it will be a welcome return to the Open after winning his way through Regional Qualifying at Coolangatta in December, 2021. “I’m pretty stoked. I played 27 really good holes out of 36,” he said. “I let a few go yesterday, but I played well. The course is amazing, so I’m very happy. “I got my card at Q-School this year and I assumed the NSW Open was going to be close, so to lock it up is amazing.” Like Florimo, Mackenzie has previously advanced to the NSW Open via the Regional Qualifying Series, so he was happy to know he would be heading to Murray Downs. WORTHY WINNER: A delighted Matt Millar following his win at South West Rocks. Queenslander Will Florimo, Victorian Lachlan Aylen and Ballina’s Jay Mackenzie scored the three spots in the 2024 NSW Open at Murray Downs in November. “I won through at Coffs last year, so it’s good to know I’ll be going,” said Mackenzie. “I like Murray Downs so I’m glad to be going back there.” The most delighted of all the qualifiers was Victoria’s Lachlan Aylen. The 32-year-old made a career pivot from real estate to professional golf via a traineeship during COVID-19 and the NSW Open will be his first major four-round tournament in the play-for-pay ranks. “This was a surprise,” said Aylen. “I walked off the last not thinking I had a chance, but here I am. It’s a real bonus. “I’ve played Murray Downs a few times, so it should be good. “This is really only my first two months playing full-time. “I missed out at Q-School so to get a start is definitely an awesome feeling.” 1800 630 343 Email: sales@travelrite.com.au • www.travelrite.com.au 6 to 19 April 2025 With breathtaking scenery, one-of-a-kind signature holes and championship-caliber course designs, Hawaii attracts golfers of every level from around the world. Discover a variety of unforgettable courses throughout the islands – from greens lined with black volcanic rough to stunning seaside water hazards. Play nine world-class courses including Kapalua Plantation withROBERT STOCK P.G.A. PROFESSIONAL Hawaiian GOLF CRUISE WELCOME TO Yeppoon Golf Club | P: (07) 4939 1056 | admin@yeppoongolf.com.au | www.yeppoongolf.com.au Yeppoon Golf Club is located on the magnificent Capricorn Coast, just above the Tropic of Capricorn, at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. 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September 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au PRO NEWS 12 Aussie legends heading back to Albury SOME of the biggest names in Australian golf from the past 30 years will be on show when the 54-hole $150,000 NSW Senior Open returns to Albury in early November. Now in its sixth edition at the Thurgoona Golf and Country Club Resort near the NSWVictorian border, the 54-hole tournament, which is set to tee off from November 1-3, has been a popular addition to the Murray regional sporting calendar. “The sporting public of the Albury/Border region has supported this event from the outset, and it is a pleasure to return to a city where everyone involved in the tournament, including the players, officials and staff, have been so warmly received,” said Graeme Phillipson, Golf NSW’s Chief Operating Officer. “Golf is the number one pastime Australiawide for those over 50, and the popularity of tournaments like the NSW Senior Open assist us in promoting the game as the ideal recreational activity for both young and old,” Phillipson added. The 2024 Championship is set to feature many of the greats of Australasian Golf from the past 25-30 years, including: • Peter Senior OAM: A four-time winner in Europe, a 21-time winner on the PGA Tour of Australasia and a legend of Australian sport; • Peter Lonard: a nine-time PGA Tour of Australasia winner and a PGA and DP World Tour winner • Andre Stolz: PGA Tour winner and current leader of the PGA Legends Tour Order of Merit; • Peter Fowler: Former Australian Open champ and a winner on the European Senior Tour; • Michael Long: 2018 NSW Senior Open champ and a multiple tournament winner on the PGA Tour of Australasia. Other notables and past champions expected to play include Peter O’Malley, Chris Taylor, Millar makes it two from three MATT Millar continued his outstanding run of form in Northern NSW with a second victory in a NSW Open Golf Regional Qualifier at the Teven Valley Golf Club in early August. Already a winner at South West Rocks a few weeks prior, Millar posted an eightunder par total in the 36-hole event in taking out the $50,000 tournament by two shots from Queenslander Gavin Fairfax. New South Welshman Jack McLeod and Queenslander William Bruyeres finished in a tie for third at five-under to qualify for the $800, 000 NSW Open to be contested from November 14-17 at the Murray Downs Country Club in the south-west of the state. Many of the professionals were experiencing the Teven layout and the remodelled Craig Parry design for the first time, with the tournament a part of the regional qualifying series that sees the top three players earn a start in the NSW Open which will be televised on Channel 7. Matt Millar, pictured with Tevan Vally GC owner Curt Zuber, continued his outstanding run of form with a second NSW Regional qualifying win. 2018 winner Grant Kenny, and Queenslander Brad Burns who claimed the title in 2019. PGA Legends Tour coordinator Andy Rogers said the players relished the opportunity to return to Albury and the Thurgoona Golf and Country Club Resort. “We’re absolutely rapt to be coming back to Thurgoona,” said Rogers. “We have seen through the quality of the field at Thurgoona in recent years just how much the players enjoy the golf course and visiting Albury.” Adam Fitzgerald, General Manager of the Thurgoona Golf and Country Club Resort, said the fan experience at this year’s tournament will allow unparalleled access. Since his success at the 2022 NSW Senior Open Richard Green has become a regular contender on the Champions Tour in the US. Victorian Adam Henwood, the winner of the 2023 NSW Senior Open. Spectators can walk the fairways beside their favourite players and see golf played at the highest standard. “There won’t be a better opportunity for sports fans in the Albury Region to get up close and personal to witness the legends in action.” Host Venue: Thurgoona Country Club Resort. Tournament Dates: 1 - 3 Nov 2024. Website: www.nswsenioropen.com.au Prize Fund: AUD 150,000 Field Size: 120 players (Professional and Amateur) Past Champions: 2023: Adam Henwood (VIC) 2022: Richard Green (VIC) 2020: Brad Burns (QLD) 2019: Michael Long (NZL) 2018: Grant Kenny (NSW) *Tour extensions available on request JAPAN GOLF TOUR 2025 ATTEND THE US MASTERS IN 2025 • Enjoy WED, FRI & SUN at The Masters • Play Pebble Beach, Pinehurst & others • Dedicated Tour Host • Private transfers throughout • 3 fine dining experiences • Private housing only minutes from Augusta National • 14 day Golf Tour of Japan • Play Orai Showood GC, Grand PGM Ishioka GC & Gotemba West GC • Explore the Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo and Kyoto’s historic streets • Travel in style on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) & soothe in the hot springs of the Oshino onsen • Luxurious accommodations await ROVOS RAIL GOLF SAFARI SOUTH AFRICA 2025 Experience the Ultimate Blend of Golf and Safari Adventure 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. 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September 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au PRO NEWS 14 Stolz conquered pain to become a ‘legend’ FOR someone who’s been the biggest money-earner on Australia’s Legends Tour for the past three years, and who is comfortably leading this season’s Order of Merit, Andre Stolz is curiously unfazed about his chances of being a four-time Legends Tour champion. “Honestly, I never think about it,” said Stolz, after winning his sixth event of the season. “Sure, I want to win every time, but winning the Order of Merit is just a by-product of doing well in each event I play.” Stolz’s rise to the top of the Legends Tour, contested by the very best golfers in the country aged over 50, is a remarkable testament to the man’s determination, skill and ability to overcome injuries. Two decades ago he was riding high. He’d won a string of tournaments on the Australasian Tour, including the Tour Championship in 2000, the Victorian Open and Queensland PGA in 2002, as well as the rich Token Homemate Cup on the Japan Tour in 2003. He’d made his way onto the Nationwide (now Korn Ferry) Tour and did well enough to earn promotion to the USPGA Tour. When we spoke, this year’s Open Championship was being played at Royal Troon, and Stolz reflected he had qualified to play in Todd Hamilton’s 2004 Open, which was also staged at that Scottish seaside links course. “I’d started the year well, but my form had slipped, even though I was working my butt off,” he said. “I was burnt out by mid-year and I had some big events coming up, so I decided to stay home at Orlando, take three weeks off and then make a full assault on those other tournaments. By Peter Owen “The decision raised a few eyebrows, but it was really important for me to gain some status on tour.” In hindsight it was a masterstroke. After his break Stolz contested a PGA event in Pennsylvania, then hopped across to Ireland for the rich American Express Championship before tackling the Michelin Championship in Las Vegas, now known as the Shriner Hospital for Children Championship. He shot rounds of 67, 67, 65 and 67 to win the $US4 million event that brought with it a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and immediate financial security. It would be his one and only PGA Tour victory, but it was a potential life-changer. Then trouble struck. Stolz was playing a late-season event on the Japan Tour and felt a sharp pain in his wrist as he hacked a ball out of the heavy rough. The pain persisted, but Stolz opted to try to play through it. He went to Hawaii for the 2005 Tournament of Champions, an invitation-only event for the winners of PGA Tour tournaments the previous year. The pain in his wrist flared and Stolz sought medical advice. “When did you break your wrist?” the surgeon asked after examining the injury. Doctors operated twice, but the pain persisted and Stolz’s game deteriorated. He decided to take a break from golf. “I was 34 and I had three young kids,” he said. “I wasn’t playing any good and I was in a position where I could retire. So I thought ‘I’m done. I’m going to retire and spend some time with my kids.’ “For 15 years I’d pushed myself really hard,” he said. “Now we owned our home and I had enough money to last the rest of my life.” He had no real plans but busied himself renovating his home, then bought the Bateau Bay driving range on the NSW Central Coast, where he did some teaching. He joined the Terrigal-Matcham Cricket Club, and coached his son’s junior cricket side. His re-entry to the game of golf began quietly. He was coaching a couple of young associate pros who invited him to play with them in the midweek comp at Gosford. Stolz had played no golf for three years but, with an old set of clubs, went out and shot one under par. A week later he played again, and this time shot nine-under. “I thought ‘what the hell’,” Stolz said. “One thing led to another and I played in a couple of pro-ams. I didn’t win but I was top 10 in every event. And I was pain free. “Then I went to Queensland and played in a Skins event with Anthony Painter, Peter Senior and a local pro. I won every hole – I won everything. Peter Senior looked at me and said, ‘What are you doing?’ “But I had no status and I couldn’t just rock up and play tournaments.” Senior, however, pulled a few strings that allowed Stolz to play in that year’s big Australian tournaments – the Masters at Huntingdale, the Australian PGA and the Australian Open at Royal Sydney. He had tinkered with his golf swing, adopting a new grip and a shorter takeaway and followthrough, which seemed to put less pressure on his wrist. It worked well enough for Stolz to finish just outside the top 10 in the Masters, and in a tie for sixth in the Australian Open. “The next five years were great,” Stolz said. “I played the Korn Ferry Tour, the Asian Tour and the Australian tournaments. I played whenever and wherever I wanted.” Andre Stolz has been a regular winner on the PGA Legends Tour since turning 50. 57 Dowling St, Nelson Bay, NSW, 2315 P: 02 4981 1132 E: reception@nelsonbaygolf.com.au www.nelsonbaygolf.com • 27 holes surrounded by native beauty with kangaroos and koalas roaming around the course • Located 5 min walk from CBD Nelson Bay • Proshop – PGA Certified Professionals, fully stocked Proshop, tuition, open 7 days • Social golf available 7 days PLAY & STAY PACKAGES
September 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au PRO NEWS 15 His wins included the 2009 Victorian PGA Championship, the 2011 Indonesian PGA and Thailand Open and he led Asian Tour’s Order of Merit. In 2013 he claimed the South Pacific Open in Noumea and later that year Stolz and his son Zac became the first father-son duo to compete in the Australian Open since Gary and Wayne Player in 1979. Then his wrist collapsed again. “I couldn’t hold a club,” Stolz said. “I’d had my second chance and now I was done. I thought ‘there’s no coming back from this.’ Yet, somehow, I was keener to try to get back then I was the first time.” He had further surgery on his wrist but when he tried to play he found it too painful to swing a golf club. The practice needed for a career as a tournament player was out of the question. For the second time Stolz retired from the game, though he did continue to support emerging Australian talent, most notably Dimi Papadatos, the 2017 Player of the Year on the Australian Tour. Then, after nearly five years away from golf, Stolz felt the urge to play again. “I went and hit a few balls and played a couple of pro-ams and thought I was going all right,” he said. He knew he’d have to drastically change the way he swung a club if he was to survive the rigours of tournament play. “When my swing was long and loose I found that I hit it best when I was stiff and tight, like after a long flight. I used to think that when I was older and lost my flexibility, I’d be really good,” he said with a smile. “So I changed my swing completely. It became a matter of opposites. I changed everything – strong grip, short swing, no hand action. I started by making a swing to waist height. Then I tried to lengthen it. It felt strange but I knew I had to learn to swing that way. I totally rebuilt everything.” The result, Stolz says, represents his greatest achievement in golf. And, though he’s had his share of injuries since – a torn tendon in his left hip and planta fasciitis issues in his feet – his new swing has taken him to a level of success he hardly dared dream about. Stolz and his new wife Katrina moved to Queensland and settled at Pelican Waters, where he now works with super coach Grant Field and takes advantage of the club’s outstanding practice facilities. “We’ve rebuilt our lives here on the Sunshine Coast,” he said. “I love the guys at Pelican Waters. They’ve been incredible. “I look to Grant a lot and had one or two lessons with him. He’s the closest thing I’ve ever had to a coach. We talk about what I’m doing. He’s taught me the benefit of having a blueprint for myself. I never had that before – I just did things.” Stolz videos his swing every week and relies on Trackman to keep his swing on track. “Trackman tells me if there’s anything wrong, and I know my swing well enough to know what to do to correct any faults,” he said. “I’m no longer able to practice by relentless hitting balls. I now adopt a much better practice regime. I’m a lot more efficient in my practice,” he said. Stolz has achieved a great deal during his onagain, off-again career, but he still has goals to chase. “If I can continue to play consistently I might go to Champions Tour Q School,” he said. “I’m 54 now and I’ve only got a few more years. “I’ve always backed myself. I know it’s not going to be easy, but a lot of those guys haven’t done what I’ve done,” he said. “I enjoy conquering the game. That’s what’s always motivated me.” The Sunshine Coast Senior Masters, where he shared the spoils with Peter Senior, another over-50’s victory for Andre Stolz.
September 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au PRO NEWS 16 PGA associate pro Jordan Rooke steps up to the teaching tee KEPERRA Country Golf Club’s secondyear PGA associate professional – a young man who knows his way to the podium – recently took on the added responsibility of teaching members and guests the finer art of golf. Jordan Rooke is normally on the range honing his craft ahead of associate professional events but he didn’t hesitate when asked to step up to a lead teaching role while the club’s resident teaching professional, Chris McCourt, is away playing Legends Tour (over 50s) events. The tall left-hander is no novice when it comes to teaching golf. In fact, he regularly assists McCourt teaching the next generation at the club’s highlysuccessful junior golf clinics. Last year, Keperra took out the Junior Golf Program of the Year Award courtesy of delivering the highest-quality junior development program in the state. Rooke told Inside Golf he was relishing the additional teaching role. “I love working at the club and being able to offer coaching services,” the 22-year-old said after returning from winning the Ballina Open Match against a strong field of Queensland and NSW associates. “I’m excited to bring my knowledge of the game to club members and juniors. I want to continue to build the foundation Chris McCourt has built for juniors with help from fellow associate Jack Jones.” Peter Zealley, the club’s golf shop team leader, said Rooke was a mature and capable young man and a fine player in his own right. David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au “While he is new to coaching, he has done a lot of work with our juniors and is looking after them while Chris (McCourt) is away,” Zealley said. “Jordan has done some coaching at Kelvin Grove State College. I went along with him and let him run the show and he was excellent. “He is a good communicator and is able to get his message and ideas across to students really well so that they understand what he wants to achieve with them.” McCourt said Rooke had a good understanding of the golf swing and worked well with the juniors. I ask Rooke about his teaching philosophy. “There is not one way to swing a golf club to get the right result,” he said. “You only have to look at the PGA Tour to work that out. You have to build a swing around the person’s capabilities. “The aim is to get the desired shot-shape they (students) want and the flight they are looking for. That is what I’m looking for and also making sure they are square at impact.” Over the years, Rooke has gleaned his knowledge by picking the brains of other successful coaches like McCourt and his coach Chris Gibson. And what makes a good teaching professional? “A good coach is about understanding the person’s expectations and knowing what they want from a coach,” Rooke said. “It’s about explaining it in a way they understand. You don’t need to complicate the message.” So, what does the future hold for Rooke? While he enjoys coaching, his ambition is to pursue a playing career in the same vein as Keperra’s John Senden and Peter Senior, a life member of the club. “I do want to go down the playing path, but obviously I want to offer coaching services in the off-season to share my experiences and help golfers improve their game.” Last year, Rooke finished second on the Queensland Trainee Order of Merit courtesy of a number of victories and he finished inside the top 10 in the National Trainee Championships. In 2020, Rooke won the Keperra CGC club championship and has a best low round of eight-under-par off the championship tee blocks. As a leftie, Rooke is a huge fan of Phil Mickelson. And like the American, he possesses a good short game and is a deft putter. Also, Rooke can’t speak highly enough of Keperra’s 27-hole layout. “Keperra is a very good golf course, especially for your short game and you can hit all sorts of shots around here,” he said. “You definitely have to think your way around the golf course. “Keperra is also a great members’ club,” he added. “It’s welcoming, supportive and there is great camaraderie among the members and staff. I work in the pro shop on Saturday mornings and the members are a lot of fun.” For those who want to improve their game and shave strokes off their handicap, Rooke is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and some Fridays and Saturdays. STEPPING UP: When he’s not helping members hone their skills, Keperra CGC’s associate professional Jordan Rooke is in the pro shop serving members and guests. FOLLOW US ON WWW.GOLFWORLD.COM.AU NOW RRP $87 RRP $50 NOW NOW RRP $249 AND MUCH MORE! RRP $69 NOW RRP $159 NOW BEST PRICES BIGGEST BRANDS
September 2024 www.insidegolf.com.au PRO NEWS 17 Rankin’s touch of class at Coffs COUNTRY golf fans have been the big winners of the NSW Regional Open golf qualifying series with some big names and future stars drawn to some of our popular country courses. And Brett Rankin showed a touch of class at Coffs Harbour Golf Club last month to clinch the 2024 North Coast Open. It took an eagle-par finish to catch gun Victorian Cameron John, but Queenslander Rankin was right up to the challenge before earning the title in a sudden-death playoff. The win secured Rankin a spot in the NSW Open at Murray Downs later this month. Others to win a NSW Open start included Bathurst golfer Dylan Thomson and Queenslander Sam Slater. Still it was Rankins clutch birdie in the first playoff hole that had the Coffs harbour club buzzing. It followed a thrilling final day where the lead changed hands several times. Yet it was Rankin who held his nerve, rifling a seven iron from 168 metres to a little over four metres before nailing the eagle putt to draw level with clubhouse leader Cameron John with one hole left to play. “It was pretty close coming down the stretch, for sure,” said Rankin. “Walking off the 16th I knew nine-under was in the clubhouse, so I knew a birdie-birdie finish, or potentially an eagle, and who knows what was going to happen.” “Luckily, I hit two quality shots into 17 and made a good 14-footer for eagle.” Michael Court michael@insidegolf.com.au After parring the last, Rankin and John headed back down the 18th to decide the champion. But Rankin only needed one hole in the end, making a birdie to seal the tournament and the lion’s share of the $50,000 purse. “You never know what can happen in a playoff,” said Rankin. After playing peerless golf all day, John did himself no favours at the first playoff hole. He missed the fairway left from the tee and was forced to hit a creative bump and run shot to get to the front edge of the green. Rankin, meanwhile, had put himself into the perfect position to attack from the tee and that meant he could take a more conservative path home. “I knew where Cameron was,” he said. “There was no guarantee of a two-putt, so I thought the smartest play was to hit a wedge and skip it in. “I played it perfectly, and as soon as I hit it, I was like, ‘if that’s not good, then I’m not good enough’.” His shot nestled just short of the flag, leaving Rankin almost the same putt he had in regulation for the win. After John lagged his long-range birdie effort to about a metre, Rankin made no mistake with his three-metre putt to claim victory. Along with the win, Rankin, who had to return to Q-school earlier this year to retain his playing rights, also sealed his place in the $800,000 NSW Open at Murray Downs Golf and Country Club from November 14-17. Rankin said locking up his spot in the NSW Open this early in the Australian season would be a blessing. “I can take a few weeks off now and rest up and get ready for the PNG Open,” he said. “I plan to go to Asian Q-school, so I’m looking forward to a big end of the year. “My game’s in a good spot right now, so looking forward to it.” The two other NSW Open qualifiers left Coffs harbour more than happy with their efforts as well. For Slater, it will be his first NSW Open as a professional after playing twice as an amateur. With no status on the domestic tour, Slater was looking forward to heading for Murray Downs. “I’ve played in two NSW open before, but I’m really looking forward to this one,” he said. “I don’t have a category on tour, so this is a big roll-up for me.” Thompson said his qualification was as unexpected as it was exciting. “It was nice to scrape in and get to play the NSW Open,” he said, “I’ve never played Murray Downs before. I see it’s nice and wide so it should be good.” PLAYOFF WIN: Brett Rankin has booked a spot in the $800,000 NSW Open following his North Coast Open win in a playoff with Cameron John. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO GET FITTED SCAN THE QR CODE NEW
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