Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2018 i Golf Australia

WHAT makes a golf course find its way onto your list of favourites? Is it the pristine condition it is generally presented in, or are you besotted by quality design that forces you to think your way across the journey? For many, their favourite course is probably the one they try to conquer every week playing alongside their mates. So it’s not always about the golf, sometimes it might be the social aspect of playing at a course that you enjoy. That said, you might really like a course simply because the halfway house has the best bacon and egg rolls you’ve ever eaten No matter what the reason, we’ve all got our list of favourite courses we love playing. I’m often asked for my favourite Australian course and I…

GREETINGS from St. Andrews and the Senior Open Championship. Looking out from the media centre to the right of the 1st fairway on the Old Course, I can see a small tent. On the front it reads “World Golf Hall of Fame.”The actual hall is nowhere near the East Neuk of Fife of course. It is in St. Augustine, Florida, not coincidentally close to the headquarters of the PGA Tour along the road in Ponte Vedra. If you’re like me, you’ve always found America’s love for the “Hall of Fame” a wee bit difficult to comprehend. Yes, the New World’s undying adoration for the cult of even minor-league celebrity goes some way to explaining this strange phenomenon. But when something called the “Insurance Hall of Fame” in Alabama can draw…

ADAM SCOTT SAVED MY PUTTING Adam Scott’s putting stroke is the reason why I still play golf. A couple of years ago I was plagued by the dreaded yips, having gone from a nine handicap to 19 in 18 months. Like most people I tried everything with no success. Then I read a Golf Australia instructional on Adam’s stroke. From the very first putt it felt completely natural and has remained that way ever since. I don’t use a broomstick, I use a Ghost Spider and have never anchored the putter. What I took from Adam’s stroke was his right hand grip and the pendulum motion where he rotates from his shoulders, the combination takes your dominant hand out of the equation making it impossible to yip. Interestingly I’ve noticed…

LIKE many people, I watched the recent Open Championship at Carnoustie and marvelled at how far the ball was running on the fairways. It was great to see, even if it isn’t something you would want to experience every week. It is just too relentless and, at times, flukey. I lost count of how many times players misjudged how far their shots were going to bounce and roll before eventually stopping. Which is not to say Carnoustie wasn’t a brilliant test and didn’t illustrate all the things that make golf by the seaside so special. I’m betting that a high percentage of the field – and many of the contenders on Sunday – had never before played a course quite like that. But that’s when you find out how good…

Le Golf National is set to become the first French golf course to host The Ryder Cup – and boy, has it been gifted with storylines. While it’s safe to assume Jim Furyk will select Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson with two of his captain’s picks, who else will he name? Thomas Bjørn faces a similar dilemma with the European team. Will he call upon Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson? What about his fellow Dane in Thorbjørn Olesen? Then there’s the pairings … While Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth are likely to continue their successful partnership, who plays alongside Tiger? Could it be Bryson DeChambeau? Will we be treated to another serving of the Rory vs. Reed showdown? Will the in-form McIlroy, Francesco Molinari, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose lead…

Rahm’s action is purpose built to send the ball into the stratosphere from the tee. From his wide stance, to keeping his head behind the ball during the downswing to allow an upward angle of attack of around five degrees, all the way to his finish position that embodies the phrase “turn to the finish” better than anyone else on Tour. Jon’s wide stance provides the stability to allow him to send the ball a long way. It lets him turn his lower body during the downswing without any hindrance and use his big muscles to produce impressive power. Although there is some movement in head position, as there is with all good players, Rahm’s ability to keep his head behind the ball helps him launch the golf ball high…

GETTING into a correct putting setup position and using a putter that is right for you are two aspects of putting that go hand in hand. A putter that actually suits you helps you get into a position where you’ve got the best chance of being able to see the target line correctly by having your eyes either over the ball or close to it (pic 1), which allows you to then aim the putter face correctly. The correct putting setup requires the proximity of your body to the ball to be comfortable and with the spine angle in such a position that you can reduce the amount of rotation and the amount of arc in your stroke. The ball position should be located somewhere between the middle of the…

SUITABILITY: Combining elements of both hybrids and driving irons in an iron-like design, the GAPR MID is suitable for a wide range of players. SHAFTS: All GAPR models come standard with KBS Hybrid shafts in a variety of weights and flexes. LEFT HANDED: The GAPR MID 3 and 4 are available in left handed, while the 5 is offered in right hand only. TAYLORMADE SAYS: Designed to fill the distance gaps between a player’s longest iron and highest lofted wood, the three GAPR models offer three unique ball flight, appearance and performance options. TaylorMade engineers have incorporated innovative ‘SpeedFoam’ technology in all three models, which serves the dual purpose of generating ball speed while also dampening vibrations to create optimal sound and feel. SpeedFoam is injected into the club head…

SUITABILITY: One of the most popular models for average players, the Soft Feel suits a wide spectrum of players looking for performance and soft feel off the clubface throughout the bag. Srixon recommends the UltiSoft for players seeking higher launch and distance with mid-low swing speeds. SRIXON SAYS: Now in its 11th generation, the latest iteration of the Soft Feel has been engineered specifically for golfers wanting to maximize distance and control with exceptional feel. Featuring a soft cover, innovative core, and upgraded dimple pattern, the Soft Feel delivers all-around performance from tee to green. An ‘Energetic Gradient Growth’ core provides a high-launch, low spin trajectory off the tee for added distance with an ultra-soft feel, while the softer, thinner cover promotes more greenside spin and a softer feel on…

THE COURSE LOCATION: Maro Rd, Natadola, Viti Levu, Fiji. CONTACT: (0011) 679 673 3500; info@natadolabay.com. WEBSITE: www.natadolabay.com DESIGNER: Heritage Golf (2009); Vijay Singh (2008 & 2016). PLAYING SURFACES: Seashore paspalum (fairways, greens and tees). COURSE SUPERINTENDENT: Steve Lalor. GREEN FEES: FJ$230 (about A$141). Guests at the InterContinental pay FJ$165 (about A$105). Green fees include range balls and cart use. THE CLUB MEMBERSHIPS: Depending on how much golf you plan to play or how frequently you expect to return, joining the club can make smarter financial sense. Available from FJ$1,850 (and couples for FJ$2,775), annual membership fees cost the same as eight 18-hole rounds. There is no joining fee. Membership includes unlimited golf with cart, preferred tee-times, up to three guests at a time at guest rates, unlimited driving range…

MELBOURNE’S Growling Frog course has been put up for long-term lease by the council that developed the layout. The City of Whittlesea Council built Growling Frog and opened it for play in 2004 and has been regularly ranked in the Top-100 Public Access Courses in the nation. The council is now requesting expressions of interest from suitable parties to secure a long-term lease (up to 30 years) of the site to help Growling Frog realise its potential. Designed by Graham Marsh and located in the heart of one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities, the 18-hole par-72 course is set on a 129-hectare site of picturesque, gently undulating land and winds its way through spectacular ancient trees with panoramic views. Boasting first-class facilities including a restaurant and café, dedicated driving range,…

RORY McIlroy found a few bunkers at The Open at Carnoustie but he managed to get back in play here. Can you spot his ball? All you have to do is correctly identify where his ball is hidden on the grid, using the letters and numbers (eg. A4, B2 etc). Answer correctly and you could win two dozen Mizuno JPX-S golf balls. The new JPX-S is a soft compression edition of Mizuno’s three piece ball – producing a balanced performance for a wider range of swing speeds, which also boasts Mizuno’s Dimple-Cluster design for improved aerodynamics. TO ENTER: Select your grid reference and then go to our website, www.golfaustralia.com.au, to submit your answer. Entries close 11.59pm on September 19. The winner and the correct answer will be published in the…

FRANCESCO MOLINARI (ITALY) AGE: 35.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: 2010 & 2012.RECORD (W-L-H): 0-4-2. JUSTIN ROSE (ENGLAND) AGE: 38.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: 2008, 2012, 2014 & 2016.RECORD (W-L-H): 11-6-2. TYRRELL HATTON (ENGLAND) AGE: 26.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: ROOKIE.RECORD (W-L-H): N/A. TOMMY FLEETWOOD (ENGLAND) AGE: 27.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: ROOKIE.RECORD (W-L-H): N/A. RORY MCILROY (NORTHERN IRELAND) AGE: 29.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: 2010, 2012, 2014 & 2016.RECORD (W-L-H): 9-6-3. JON RAHM (SPAIN) AGE: 23.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: ROOKIE.RECORD (W-L-H): N/A. ALEX NOREN (SWEDEN) AGE: 36.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: ROOKIE.RECORD (W-L-H): N/A. PAUL CASEY (ENGLAND) AGE: 41.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: 2004, 2006 & 2008.RECORD (W-L-H): 3-2-4. CAPTAIN THOMAS BJØRN (DENMARK) AGE: 47.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: NIL AS CAPTAIN.RECORD (W-L-H): NIL. NEXT IN LINE: Matthew Fitzpatrick, Thorbjorn Olesen, Russell Knox and Ian Poulter.…

The word ‘short’ is always used to describe Rahm’s swing, the 23-year-old’s backswing finishing well shy of parallel. While Rahm may not reach the backswing length of Bubba Watson, he is not short in regards to distance, ranking in the top-25 on the PGA Tour off the tee courtesy of an efficient golf swing that takes advantage of his raw power. Rahm’s short backswing helps him add consistency to his power and is a by-product of width he creates during the backswing, with his left arm remaining straight throughout the entire move, as well as his wrist hinge, which never reaches 90° on the way back. Although an ideal model to show young players who take the club back too far in the search for added length, Rahm’s short backswing…

There are almost as many golf swing drills as there are golfers, and over the years Golf Australia Magazine has covered pretty much all of them. Inevitably their quality and effectiveness varies; but over the years a select band of drills have proven themselves superior to the rest, standing the test of time and remaining routinely recommended by coaches for all levels of player. This article pays homage to five of these drills… and grouped together, they form an excellent foundation for getting your game in shape for the new season. However, while these drills will help you to hit the ground running, each one has a potential weakness. By making the simple adjustments detailed here, you can put these timeless exercises to even better use……

MODEL PLAYED: GAPR HI 4 with 22° loft, fitted with KBS Hybrid 70 R shaft. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Despite being the biggest model of the GAPR range, the HI is by no means an oversized hybrid. The peanut shape offers an extremely playable and compact look at address that appears similar in profile to the popular Adams hybrids of years gone by. The feel off the face is similarly un-hybrid like – TaylorMade’s ‘SpeedFoam’ delivering a solid and powerful sound that I really enjoyed. HOW IT PERFORMED: Although the appearance is less like the more forgiving hybrids that have become more and more like small fairway woods in recent years, the ball flight performance of the HI is just that: launching high and with a nice soft draw almost automatically each…

ALEX PERRY HOTEL & APARTMENTS Alex Perry Hotel and Apartments is where couture design meets playful intelligent style, culminating in self-catering accommodation perfectly suited for the modern corporate and leisure traveller. Located just minutes from the Brisbane CBD in Fortitude Valley, the classic, yet edgy design, blends with modern technology and supported by friendly, professional service, ensures a memorable experience for each guest. With a range of accommodation featuring; studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, Alex Perry Hotel and Apartments offers accommodation options to suit all needs. Unique design elements evident in the comfortable quality furnishings, guest amenities and technology, ensure a true sensory experience for all guests. Some of the services and facilities available include 24-hour reception, complimentary Wi-Fi, dry cleaning service, undercover parking, full self-catering kitchen and HD /…

THE COURSE LOCATION: Weeroona Road, Strathfield, New South Wales, 2135. CONTACT: (02) 9642 0326; (02) 9053 1761 (pro shop). WEBSITE: www.strathfieldgolf.com.au DESIGNERS: Tom Howard (1933); Graham Papworth (1994); James Wilcher (ongoing). COURSE SUPERINTENDENT: Andrew Cannon. PGA PROFESSIONALS: Mark Reeve. SLOPE RATINGS: TBD. PLAYING SURFACES: Kikuyu/Santa Ana couchgrass (fairways); A1/A4 bentgrass (greens); Zoysia (bunker edges). GREEN FEES: $50 (18 holes for adults); $25 (18 holes for full-time students aged 19-24); $10 (18 holes for students aged 12-18). Student identification is required. THE CLUB MEMBERSHIPS: Full Play memberships cost $2,500 ($2,200 subscription fees and $300 house levy) and do as they suggest, providing full playing rights seven days per week. The range of Intermediate memberships cover people (through separate categories) aged between 21 to 35 and cost from $1,185 to $1,825,…

“I ALWAYS JOKED TO MYSELF, BECAUSE I NEVER REALLY – I HAVEN’T REALLY WON A TOURNAMENT SINCE I TURNED PRO, THAT THE FIRST ONE I WIN WOULD BE A MAJOR.” – GEORGIA HALL WINNING SCORE: 17-under-par 271. DEFEATED: Pornanong Phatlum by two shots. DEFINING MOMENTS: Playing alongside Phatlum in the final group on Sunday, Hall drew level with the Thai after the opening hole. Her birdie at the par-3 tied Phatlum’s 13-under total. But the overnight leader instantly replied, with a birdie of her own at the second hole that was one of four in five holes that regained, and then extended, her lead over Hall to two shots. And with the fancied penultimate group of So Yeon Ryu and Sung Hyun Park playing themselves out of contention, the…

DUSTIN JOHNSON AGE: 34.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: 2010, 2012 & 2016.RECORD (W-L-H): 6-5-0. BROOKS KOEPKA AGE: 28. RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: 2016. RECORD (W-L-H): 3-1-0. JUSTIN THOMAS AGE: 25.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: ROOKIE.RECORD (W-L-H): N/A. PATRICK REED AGE: 28.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: 2014 & 2016.RECORD (W-L-H): 6-1-2. BUBBA WATSON AGE: 39.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: 2010, 2012 & 2014.RECORD (W-L-H): 3-8-0. JORDAN SPIETH AGE: 25.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: 2014 & 2016.RECORD (W-L-H): 4-3-2. RICKIE FOWLER AGE: 29.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: 2010, 2014 & 2016.RECORD (W-L-H): 2-4-5. WEBB SIMPSON AGE: 33.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: 2012 & 2014.RECORD (W-L-H): 2-3-1. CAPTAIN JIM FURYK AGE: 48.RYDER CUP APPEARANCES: NIL AS CAPTAIN.RECORD (W-L-H): NIL. NEXT IN LINE: Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Xander Schauffele and Matt Kuchar. *Players leading the rankings for their respective teams at the time of going to print.…

How good does it feel to make a birdie? It means you’ve played a hole perfectly – a tee shot into the fairway, an accurate approach and a solid putt. My birdie stats are pretty good. I know I’m not such a prodigious hitter as DJ or Bubba, but power and distance are not everything. The be-all and end-all is who signs for the lowest scores at the end of the day – and more birdies generally means lower scores. Birdies also give your whole game a boost – club golfers I know get an injection of confidence when they make one. To make more birdies you need to do a lot of things right. Here I’ll take you through some tips, from the tee to the green. HOW TO...…

ALTHOUGH I don’t like forcing one method and aim to work with each player’s preferences and in-built characteristics like eye dominance, there are certain fundamentals I like to see in a putting stroke. A trait that I like to see in the majority of players is a very stable lower half from the belt down (pics 1 & 2), with no movement during the stroke. You would be surprised how many players move their hips and legs when they are hitting putts. Remember your legs are connected to your spine and torso, your torso is connected to your arms and they hold the putter. If your legs move so does the putter. A well-judged long range putt that is perfect for speed but well wide of the target can often…

MODEL PLAYED: GAPR MID 3 with 18° loft, fitted with KBS Hybrid 80 S shaft. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Straight out of the box I knew I was going to enjoy the GAPR MID. I have always liked driving irons over hybrids and the MID possess a sightly bulked-up utility iron profile that sat perfectly square at address to my eye. The black finish also appealed and helped to hide some the chunkiness. Off the clubface the first shot only enhanced my positive early thoughts; the feel one of a lively faced iron, with a ball flight that bored through the wind. HOW IT PERFORMED: As the middle option of the GAPR range, the MID performed as the name suggests – launching on the lower side for a hybrid of the same…

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Unsurprisingly with both golf balls including the word ‘soft’ in the model names, the most noticeable characteristic when hitting a few putts before testing on the course was the soft feel. When putting, the difference between the balls was only very slight, with the UltiSoft fractionally softer off the face than the Soft Feel. And when striking my first shots with both models, the feel off the clubface continued to be the standout feature. HOW THEY PERFORMED: Looking at the performance characteristics listed on the side of the box, both models suggested the two balls would be similar in most areas, with very slight differences to accommodate a range of swing speeds. As my time on the range, short game area and golf course progressed with the Soft…

SUITABILITY: The GAPR HI is designed for players of all abilities. SHAFTS: KBS Hybrid shafts in a variety of weights and flexes come standard. LEFT HANDED: The GAPR HI 3 and 4 are available in left handed, while the 5 and 6 are offered in right hand only. TAYLORMADE SAYS: Nearly every golfer has a gapping challenge in the long part of their set; specifically, the difficult-to-manage yardage between the longest playable iron and the shortest metalwood. With a majority of players not comfortable hitting 3-, 4- and even 5-irons consistently to precise yardages or with any dependable accuracy and 5-, 7- and 9-woods often difficult to control, TaylorMade set out to engineer a line of products that allow golfers to get the distance, carry and control needed to fill…

“IT WAS A REVELATION: MAYBE EVEN AN EPIPHANY. I STOPPED TRYING TO BLUDGEON THE BALL AND STARTED SWINGING THE GOLF CLUB.” HEY fellas, want to improve your golf game? How about getting all touchy feely with your swing and your tempo, getting a feel for your groove? I think I found the answer, and it was in the most unlikely place … Germany. Seriously. With 150 other like-minded souls, we boarded a river boat and set sail down the Danube. An odyssey that would take us through Germany and Austria and the Czech Republic, finally rolling off the ship in Hungary. (You didn’t have to eat everything you put on your plate, but then, you didn’t want to be rude, either.) The Golf Touring Company put the tour together, and…