stoke park - Golf Features
Transcription
stoke park - Golf Features
Golf Features.net May 2016 Featuring: Le Golf National British Putting News Stoke Park Say Your Prayers - Church Pews and All People in Golf - Diana M. Murphy Everyone can putt, which is why adventure golf is so successful. Let people putt on your putting green and enjoy more customers now. You will encourage new golfers effortlessly, with a strong increase in your food and drink business. Register your Venue for Free at britishputting.com www.britishputting.com Golf Features.net Colin Jenkins PGA Editor - Golf Features Chairman - OGRO Tel +44 (0)1580 715248 [email protected] golffeatures.net Rohan Barnett MSc Production - Golf Features Managing Director - OGRO Tel +44 (0)1580 715043 [email protected] ogro.org Contents Le Golf National - 3 British Putting News - 11 Stoke Park - 13 Say Your Prayers - Church Pews and All - 19 People in Golf - Diana M. Murphy - 27 Managing a Top Golf Club - 31 Retail News - 35 Golf Foundation News - 43 Golf Courses 4 Sale - 49 PGA News - 57 Machinery 4 Golf - 61 FootGolf Update - 67 News - 69 Classifieds - 79 Cover photo: The Majestic Le Golf National, Versailles. Golf Features - is the monthly magazine for the golf industry in the UK and Europe. Golf Features is delivered free of charge to all golf clubs, ranges, centres and clubs throughout the UK. Recent issues are available as digital editions and back issues are available to download in PDF format via the website: www.grnogro.com. If you would like details of advertising rates or subscriptions please contact the office. Polmood Sissinghurst Kent TN17 2AJ United Kingdom Fax +44 (0)1580 714516 1 OGRO - The Organisation of Golf & Range Operators was founded in 2002 to serve the interests of golf owners and operators in the UK and Europe. British Putting - British Putting is a new organisation dedicated to promote the game of putting. Putting is that aspect of the game of golf – a game within a game - that can be enjoyed by all ages and both sexes irrespective of their ability or experience of golf – EVERYONE CAN PUTT!! Golf Courses 4 Sale - a Golf Features supplement carrying all the news about golf facilities for sale. This section in the magazine and the website www.golfcourse4sale.co.uk. is the best resource for all those wishing to sell or purchase a golf facility. Machinery 4 Golf - is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for buying or selling used golf machinery - www.machinery4golf.net. All golf facilities need to find or sell used machinery and we have created the one place on the web that brings sellers and buyers in the golf industry together. Golf Range Finder - www.golfrangefinder.co.uk is the top google website for members of the public looking for a golf range. When you join OGRO as a Premium Member you are eligible for a free upgrade on the site. Editor Colin Jenkins PGA Production Rohan Barnett MSc Contributing Editors Carsten Hallas, M. James Ward, Jerry Kilby Advertising Marion Jenkins Website sureline-design.co.uk Printed by Pensord Ltd. - 01495 223721 Published by GRN Ltd. © GRN Ltd. 2016 Golf Features. women members and hope that those that voted for the change continue to make the case for modernisation of their club.” The Scottish Golf Board is meeting later this week when the implications of this decision will be net considered. Scores of top golfers, including former world number ones, Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald, Editorial - April 2016 politicians and other prominent figures have all condemned the decision. Lord Grade has also 219 Dishonourable Edinburgh Bigots spoken out against the club being anti-Semitic and As regular readers of this editorial will know, every now and again an issue gets so far up my nose that claims to have been denied access as a guest once it makes me mad. When I get mad, I can sometimes it was known that he was a member of the leading Jewish club, Coombe Hill. This was admittedly twenty offend, so please only read on if you are not easily years ago, but now is the time to get rid of all offended, as this has indeed made me cross. The issue that’s bugging me, and many people in prejudice and discrimination. Who really cares what golf at present is that of Muirfield Golf Club. Muirfield sex, religion, colour or sexuality someone is - its whether they are fun, engaging and good company is a celebrated links course just to the south of on the golf course – these are the things that should Edinburgh, which has hosted many a great determine admittance to a club - particularly if that championship in the past. It might be slightly over club is seeking tax breaks and financial support from rated as a course, but it is without doubt an historic the government. If a club wishes to be exclusive, venue. It is also quite correct that any club can then I think it should lose the right to any financial decide its own rules. This at least is the legal exemptions that might be better offered to a more position. Recently Muirfield Golf Club decided not to admit inclusive group. How funny if the 219 frightful old dinosaurs at Muirfield cost all such inward looking women players as members, preferring to keep the club as men only. The club, which has benefited from clubs their tax-exempt status. Also in the name of fairness, or some might say huge publicity and prestige from the Open mischief, we spoke to the front desk at Muirfield and Championship and other events that it has staged, followed up with the following emailed questions: has quickly been slapped down by the R&A – they Please could you tell me if you think it’s fair that immediately announced that Muirfield will not be Muirfield Golf Club members continue to enjoy VAT considered for hosting the Open Championship until exempt golf despite the fact that they will not allow men and women are treated equally. What is even women to be members? more irritating is that these exclusive golfers at Do you think members at Muirfield should be Muirfield get their golf free of VAT. I think this is prevented from holding an official CONGU handicap? slightly annoying to Nicola Sturgeon as well, who I’m Do you think it is morally correct that women are sure will now look into closing this disgraceful excluded? loophole for such non-inclusive clubs. So well done to the R&A for preventing them Stuart McEwen, the club secretary is stuck between from basking in any future prestige from the Open Championship. We asked Scottish Golf whether they a rock and a hard place. He is obviously a class act, would continue to allow Muirfield Golf Club members in that he did have the courtesy to reply, but he could to hold official handicaps. This would be the ultimate only restate the case that the decision required a two-thirds majority to change the club’s rules. I sanction, preventing any Muirfield members from would like to offer my congratulations and support to holding a CONGU handicap and therefore not being the 397 wonderful, progressive Muirfield members allowed to play at many of the courses that require voting in favour of admitting women as members and handicaps! Scottish Golf responded by saying: my commiserations to them and the excellent golf club staff for having to share their lovely course with “We are disappointed with the decision from the 219 bigoted toads. Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers at Muirfield. We believe every golf club has a duty to be Best wishes, Colin Jenkins PGA inclusive and reflect modern society. We take some encouragement from the clear majority in favour of 2 LE GOLF NATIONAL A Magnificent Setting for the 2018 Ryder Cup In 2018, the Ryder Cup will be held on the Albatros course at Le Golf National, in SaintQuentin-en-Yvelines, 20 miles to the west of Paris at Guyancourt, near Versailles. This will mark an historic achievement for French golf and much careful planning has gone into the event so far: there is a huge amount of work to do before hosting what has become the world’s biggest golf tournament. Indeed, the 3 infrastructure surrounding the golf course and the playing surfaces needs to be so substantial that at least five years of planning is required before any course could host such an event. Le Golf National, was founded in September 1985 by the Committee of the FFG (the French Golf Federation) and its President, Claude-Roger Cartier. The course took three years to create – from July 1987 to October 1990 – and was Left: The beautiful first hole at Le Golf National. concept and mainly in the UK market, but Le Golf National was created as the spectacular golfing landscape that it is today from the importation of millions of tones of material. Over a period of three years 400 trucks per day transported 1.600.000 cubic metres of soil from building projects in Paris, which, together with the 600.000 m3 already excavated on site to create the water features, made up the general relief of the courses and their surroundings. This allowed the land to be modelled and to construct a golf stadium as a venue for the Open de France and various other national and international competitions - and one that can be kept open to all, all year round. The design team, therefore had ‘carte blanche’ to create a course which could move in any direction, and water features which initially could be placed anywhere to enhance the layout. New landscapes always take time to ‘bed-in’ and settle to their correct level, but the course opened to critical acclaim in 1990 and the following year held its first French Open. Sir Nick Faldo deemed his score of 71 “Tough but fair” after his opening round in the 1991 Open de France. The French Open had found its home. Other players from the European Tour also voiced their approval and The Albatros is now firmly established as one of the pros’ favourite courses on the European Tour. So is this a good course for all golfers? That is an easy question – it is a beauty. opened with an exhibition match featuring legendary golfers Ray Floyd, Greg Norman, Jeff Sluman and Marc Farry. The site, which covers 139 hectares (over 340 acres), was completely flat and featureless agricultural land, farmed since the days of Louis XIV and the Château de Versailles. The Albatros course was designed by the architects Hubert Chesneau and Robert Von Hagge, with additional input from Pierre Thevenin. Some may think of inert importation as a new The real feedback amongst most of the Tour players is that they really enjoy playing the course, and this is the same as amateur golfers, who return from afar to play the course – a sure sign of their approval. It is a great test - long and difficult, particularly from the back tees, but provides lots of fun and plenty of opportunity for mishaps with so much water in play, particularly on the closing holes. We caught up with general manager Paul Armitage: 4 “It is a real honour to be running the venue for the Ryder Cup. There is an enormous amount of work to do and I’m very fortunate to have a fantastic team: we are all dedicated to making sure the Ryder Cup goes off without any hitches and becomes a beacon for French golf for many years to come. We have had to bury thousands of metres of fibre-optic cable, electricity points and additional irrigation systems, along with importing substantial amounts of soil to create new undulations along some of the fairways, along with new viewing areas for the spectators. We have a tremendous team of 30 greenkeepers, and this will double to around sixty for the Ryder Cup. Golf in France is growing and the Ryder Cup can help to give added impetus to the growth of the game and get more French people playing. It is bound to be brilliant for golf tourism too.” The event, which will be held at the end of September in 2018, can be affected by weather in particular rain. With this in mind, the drainage system for the entire complex has been completely overhauled resulting in most of the 5 Above: The Eagle course could be described as even more charming and it's in pristine condition. playing surfaces now having a drain every metre. It is almost impossible to stop it raining, but it is virtually impossible now for any water to linger on any of the playing surfaces at Le Golf National. The course was closed for much of the winter so that the infrastructure work and additional landscaping could be completed. The course now has a new look to some of the holes, which will be tested properly at the French Open in early July. The greenkeeping team have crammed into various projects of earthworks and renovations that normally a course would have taken several years to undertake - into the last ten months, so it is particularly satisfying to see the progress on the course now that Spring has arrived. The course is still showing a few scars from the renovations, but these will hardly be visible by July and none of these works affect the playing areas. The finish of the course is fierce, regardless of which set of tees you have elected to play. The 15th, 16th and 18th are all card wreckers, with in ye llo ava ila ble w 2p eb ie c a ll a e from Mid Feb 2016 vailabl wh ite Ne w 1 pie ce a ls o THE BEST RANGE ON THE RANGE Srixon’s 1 and 2-piece range balls offer that superior quality, feel and performance that keep customers coming back to your range time after time. In fact, our 2-piece range ball is made using the same technology that goes into our main brand line-up, including the AD333, the UK’s top-selling 2-piece ball! So your golfers can enjoy the same great performance on the range as they do on the course. To place an order contact your Regional Account Manager or call 0800 389 7968 in the UK, quoting Range 2016. OGRO =A1A==A7 6559;A= Minimum Order Size 100 Dozen Balls. Preferential Terms May Be Available. Logo-Personalisation Options Available On Large Quantities. SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC & GOLF DATATECH RETAIL AUDITS. deliciously wicked water hazards, beautifully framed with sleepers, enticing your ball to their watery depths. The venue is perfect for matchplay and certainly ideal for the 2018 Ryder Cup. The hotel is soon to have a major overhaul. It has an art deco theme at present and the facelift, which is planned over the next twelve months, will make it a perfect match for the rest of the facilities. For visitors to Le Golf National, there are all sorts of packages available for those wanting to stay and play. The service is excellent, as is the quality of the food and drink, but what is perhaps more surprising is that there is a real buzz to the atmosphere in the clubhouse and hotel. This ambiance is refreshingly lively, making it lots of fun to party after play. There are many renovations and improvements being carried out to the facilities at present - but do not let that stop you visiting, as the solutions to any of these minor inconveniences have been well thought out, with customers’ happiness the chief priority. The rooms and suites have great views across the courses and surrounds. They are beautifully appointed and finished in a crisp, modern style, 7 Above: Water is very much in play on the 16th hole, a fiendish par 3. Right & next page: The golf range is massive and allows for over a hundred people to use it at any one time. The hotel and clubhouse complex are behind. yet with all the comforts that you would expect, which includes well-positioned charging points for electric trolley batteries. There is, of course, free wi-fi throughout. The shop is light and airy, and open plan with a commanding position in the centre of the golf complex. It is well stocked, and provides plenty of well-priced balls, (a must for the wayward golfer playing the Albatros course) and an extensive range of decidedly French golf wear for men and women, logoed elegantly, as you would expect in this most stylish of settings. Visitors to Le Golf National will almost certainly come for the Albatros course, as it is such a treat to play the same track as the competitors in the next European Ryder Cup. But don’t miss the chance to play a round on the second 18 hole course - The Eagle Course, which was opened in September 1991. For most golfers, this will be a much more enjoyable course to play. It is beautifully designed and a real test, but one that rewards good golf and does not have the same amount of water as the Albatros. Many people will obviously seek to play the trophy course, but they may be more charmed still by the Eagle. There is also a nine-hole course, L’Oiselet, which is pitched more at the beginner’s end of the market, and next to this is the golf range. The range is huge, catering for over 100 golfers at any time, hitting from several different sides of the facility. Some bays are covered, with Power Tees and top quality mats, and there is also plenty of provision for players to hit from the grass. The open design of the range – with no rear wall – allows for an airy environment in the hot summers, whilst allowing great visibility of those playing from the café, bar and shop area that is located behind the range. The golf academy is a thriving and important part of the work that the Federation for French Golf is doing to drive interest in the sport. There are six full-time professionals and all are busy with some form of teaching for much of the day. The French have a beautiful attitude to leisure, but work very hard at the sports at which they are involved. Golf is no exception and the range and the practice greens are full of eager golfers all seeking to improve. I lost count of the number of putting greens that were available for golfers at Le Golf National, but it is well into double figures - even more putting surfaces maybe available by the time the Ryder Cup arrives. All of the facility’s greens are cut to highest of standards, with particular attention paid to the Ryder cup course. A visit for golf enthusiasts is a must and you can find more details on this remarkable golf resort at: www.golf-national.com 8 The Palace of Versailles is a huge tourist attraction and should not be missed. 9 RANGEBAY RANGEBAY - % ALL YEAR ROUND USE % safe practice environment “Your permanent or portable practice facility” % design & build suitable for SPORTS lottery > Cost effective solution for practice grounds grant and driving ranges % bay dividers can be logo’d to raise additional > choose from 1 - 1O BAYs income from sponsorship > segregated bays complete with bay dividers % NO PLANNING PERMISSION* and stanchion covers % MANUFACTURED IN THE UK *check with your local council c 01948 830702 m [email protected] w www.rangebay.com British Putting News British Open Putting Championship will the 2016 Champion come from your club? All golf facilities in Great Britain are invited to stage putting competitions at their venues this summer and if they do, British Putting will invite the winners of these competitions to compete in the inaugural British Open Putting Championship which will be held on the 1st and 2nd September at Basildon Golf Course, Essex. Winners in four categories: kids (12 and under); teens (13-19) adults and seniors (over 65) from every putting competition nominated by the golf facility as the ‘qualifying’ competition for the BOPC will be invited to play in the 72 hole putting championship, which will be held over the two days. Holding a putting competition at your club couldn’t be easier, just choose a date and time, and invite your members, their friends, local golfers and non-golfers to come and have a go. Charge a nominal entry fee, perhaps to cover some prizes for winners on the day, and that’s it! Some clubs we know are inviting sponsors to get involved, and some others we know are using the putting competition to raise money for local charities. Jerry Kilby, the Co-Founder of British Putting said: “We have been in contact with private members clubs who will be organising putting competitions for the members and proprietary clubs who will be welcoming participants from their local community. We don’t mind, we are just happy that golf clubs are finding ways to utilise their putting greens better, and along the way get some new people involved in the game at this entry level, with a golf club in their hand, a 11 ball at their feet and a putting course to play. What a great way to get golfers’ spouses, partners, kids and parents involved in the club, and show how family-friendly the golf club really can be.” Ever since cricket managed to reinvent itself so powerfully with Twenty-20, the golfing world has been looking for a similar equivalent: a shorter form of the sport, one that could be enjoyed by everyone, one that did not require a deep and profound understanding and skill level to enjoy, something that offered immediate excitement and fun. With an estimated 5,000 grass and artificially-surfaced putting greens throughout the country, the facilities already exist, but are (in most cases) under-utilised and lying empty for much of the time. The staging of putting competitions can change all that and bring people – both golfers and non-golfers – to your facility. Many golf clubs, golf centres and indoor facilities have already submitted their details to British Putting via the website www.britishputting.com and all facilities with any type of putting green are invited to please register with British Putting and start planning your putting competitions for the spring and summer. You will keep all of the entry fees, sponsorship income and F&B revenue from each event, so the club is guaranteed to make a tidy profit. British Putting is open to absolutely anyone and any facility can join up and host events and Due to the extremely generous backing of some of the major sponsors, we are now able to offer a completely free affiliation to British Putting. For the foreseeable future there will be no charge whatsoever to benefit from joining British Putting. This free offer is open to facilities and coaches. It's easy to register your facility, events and completely without cost. be part of the organisation. British Putting will be sharing revenue-generating ideas and case studies (like the ones mentioned above) with registered venues every month, so please register and get involved. We will be covering this in much more detail in the coming months. There are so many great opportunities to seize with this sport within a sport, which is now emerging to far greater prominence. Please contact Colin Jenkins 07768 887033, [email protected], or Jerry Kilby 07821 908597, [email protected] To find out more information, sign up and register your interest, please visit: www.britishputting.com Calling all Golf Coaches do you give putting lessons? If you do, you should consider getting involved in British Putting, the new national programme that is focused on getting more people to putt – the easiest first step to take towards playing golf. Less than 8% of the UK population play the full length game of golf, but perhaps 88% of the UK population can putt, and have a great deal of fun and enjoyment with friends and family when they do. If you have an Adventure Golf facility at your golf club, great, but if you don’t, you can use your putting green. Set up a six, nine or eighteen-hole course (whatever you can fit in) and then get organising a competition. British Putting is inviting all PGA professionals who provide putting lessons to register as a coach, so visitors to our website can see where they can get lessons, clinics and learn to putt. No doubt, you will be able to help those that want to step up to the full-length version of the game, but if they just want to have fun putting, we are sure you can help them do that at your facility. To register as a coach, please visit our website www.britishputting.com and complete the online registration. It is free to register and this entitles you to an entry in our listing of putting coaches, and space where you can provide your name, contact numbers, email, website and any other information. You will also be able to describe the coaching services you provide (individual and group lessons, school holiday golf camps, clinics and anything else), and finally, you will be able to plot your location on Google Maps, so people can find you easily. A great value listing to advertise your golf coaching services. We will be covering this in much more detail in the coming months. There are so many great opportunities to seize with this sport within a sport, which is now emerging to far greater prominence. Please contact Colin Jenkins 07768 887033, [email protected], or Jerry Kilby 07821 908597, [email protected] To find out more information, sign up and register your interest, please visit: www.britishputting.com 12 STOKE PARK Stoke Park Re-Opens Masterpiece Front Nine The recently re-opened first nine holes at Stoke Park Country Club, Spa & Hotel – the historic Colt course – have been heralded by club members as “brilliant”, “fantastic” and “the best feature of the club”. Golf club members had exclusive early access 13 to the nine holes, which have undergone major bunker renovation during the winter months. Although the shape and size of the bunkers have changed, the renowned strategic positioning remains, and members hailed the effect the changes had made, not just to the challenge of Left: The par 3 third hole has recently been transformed by the addition of new bunkers. difference. These are a different class – if you’re in a bunker now, you’re penalised; and that’s the way golf should be played. “It’s made a massive difference to the sixth and eighth holes. Visually, the sixth is brilliant and on eight, it’s changed the hole completely. It’s a more strategic course now. You have to really think about how you’re going to play each hole and each shot.” His sentiments were echoed by other members, including Russell Hardwick, who plays off a handicap of 26. He added: “I really enjoyed the front nine, it looks fantastic. Certainly hole eight is challenging. It’s very playable. The course has been enhanced, no question about it, and I prefer it now.” Twelve-handicapper Vince Murphy concurred, adding: “I think the changes are absolutely fantastic. The eighth is stunning – you can’t see the green for the second shot so you have to do it all by yardage, which is brilliant. The way it’s all finished off, with the grass on top of the bunkers is excellent. It certainly enhances the course. It’s become a different golf course, far better than it was previously and I’m quite excited about the work to be carried out on the remaining 18.” the course, but also to its playability. Club captain John Sweeney said: “I think the changes on the course are magnificent. The bunkers will play a lot harder, but when the work on 10 to 18 is carried out next winter it will take the whole course to a new level. It’s not just an aesthetic thing; that’s good, but it’s the quality – and depth – of the bunkering that makes the real David Pitt, an 18-handicapper, said: “It’s excellent, it feels like a new nine. It’s very exciting.” And 20-handicapper Allan Gibbons added: “I think it’s transformed the front nine – it looks brilliant. I think the changes make eight a fantastic hole.” Andy Smith, who plays off a 21 handicap, opined: “I think it has turned what used to be the worst feature of the club into one of the best. The bunkers used to let down the course, really. But now they are outstanding. The eighth used to be a fairly benign hole, but it’s now a real test and makes the closing three holes of the front nine really challenging and difficult.” Lady members at the club were also enthusiastic 14 Above: The bunkers have been carefully designed to provide perfect drainage, ideal playing conditions but also a real threat to the golfer. The fact that they are a visual treat is an added bonus. but fair if you think it through – it’s a good mental workout too. I’m already excited about the transformation of 10 to 18 next year.” The work on the opening nine Colt holes was part of a seven-figure facelift of Stoke Park’s 27 holes, which were created by the legendary – and eponymous – designer Harry Colt in 1908. Golf Features Editor, Colin Jenkins was also amongst a lucky few journalists invited to sample the new layout. He added: “It is, and has always been a real pleasure to And Judy Fitch, who plays off 17, added: “It looks visit Stoke Park. The three loops of nine are always in remarkable condition. It is also fair to very pleasing to the eye and it’s incredibly challenging. The ninth is particularly difficult when say that they were not a terrifically difficult you’re coming up and driving through the two new challenge for the better golfer. The new layout is a bunkers on the bridge of the hill. There are subtle completely different experience to the previous course. In the past, the longer hitters could safely changes but it’s just a case of getting used to a ‘whale away’ off the tee and normally manage to new course. Overall, it’s very positive.” Lady captain Julie Cunnah, who plays off 27, said: get their next on or close to the green from the “It looks beautiful. The position of the bunkers and rough. The course now plays to a far more the rough means we all have to hone our course- intelligent golfer and hitting the fairways is the only way to score well. The tee shots are now so management skills. I’m thinking carefully about much more rewarding, as they have been what club to use to avoid trouble. Aesthetically, each hole has improved; the course is challenging designed to give all players options on their route about the changes to the bunkers. Jill Dodds, a 12-handicapper, said: “I think it looks much better and the sand is a fantastic improvement. Overall I think the changes have improved the course massively – more difficult but also more enjoyable.” 15 !∀#∃!∀%&!#∋!(∀)∗∀#++∗,+−!∀).#)∀/01/∀#∃!∀2∗∃34+5∀24).∀6!∃−!(!∋78!+9∀)∗∀%∃∗:4(!∀4)∋∀ ;!;<!∃∋∀24).∀%∃!=!∃!+)4#&∀)!∃;∋∀#−∃∗∋∋∀).!∀6!∃−!(!∋78!+9∀#+(∀∋;#∃)∀∃#+5!>? 7KLVLVDQ2*520HPEHURQO\EHQHILWVRSOHDVHHPDLOFROLQ#RJURRUJIRUWKH SDVVZRUGWRDFFHVVWKHVLWHDQGRIIHUV >+!2∀−#∃∋∀∗+&Α 6!∃−!(!∋78!+9∀1!)#4&∀0∃∗,%∀Φ&!!)∀Χ#&!∋ Λ∗+(∗+ Above: The par-3 seventh was the inspiration for the 12th at Augusta. With its newly revamped bunkers the similarity continues to the green, but the optimum line must be closely followed if you are not to drop shots. Perhaps best of all though, is the visual impact of the new work. Stuart and Alex have done an outstanding job of getting the bunkers to sit so well and to frame the fairways and greens in such great style. It is daring and bold and a design masterpiece, worthy of Harry Colt himself.” One of the best ways to experience the re-opened course is with Stoke Park’s exclusive Harry Colt break, which includes one night’s B&B accommodation in a Superior Room; a threecourse dinner in the three AA rosette Humphry’s fine dining restaurant; and 18 holes of golf per person, which costs from £309. 17 Stoke Park Country Club, Spa & Hotel is one of just two five-AA Red Star golf clubs in England and the historic land on which it stands is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. It was awarded the accolade of ‘Ultimate Members Club’ at the annual 59club Service Excellence Awards last year. The historic course played host to the PGA Matchplay in 1910 and, even more famously, the golf match between Sean Connery’s James Bond and Auric Goldfinger, in the 1964 film, Goldfinger. It also has a thriving golf club with around 800 active members. To book the Harry Colt golf break, enquire about a corporate golf day with an exclusive hole-in-one opportunity, or for more general information on the club, please call 01753 717171, or email [email protected]. www.stokepark.com City Adventure Golf – In touch with time Adventure Golf Increases your target audience &LW\*ROI(XURSHKDVGHVLJQHGDQGEXLOWKXJHO\VXFFHVVIXODQGSUR¿WDEOHFRXUVHV installed in the UK with over 230 across Europe. Adventure Golf provides a fantastic investment opportunity and will boost revenue at your existing Golf facility. It gives a fast return on investment and has a low maintenance costs. Interested? Contact us! SALES AGENT UK Gary Jenkins Phone: 01494 784297 Mobile: 0773 6712356 Email: [email protected] CITY GOLF EUROPE is a leading manufacturer of Adventure and Mini Golf in Europe. We have developed and delivered over 230 Adventure Golf courses and 2,300 Mini Golf courses since the 1940s. CITY GOLF EUROPE • www.citygolf.com • [email protected] SAY YOUR PRAYERS CHURCH PEWS AND ALL Oakmont Hosts Record 9th US Open by M. James Ward 2016 marks my 30th US Open in covering this year's championship Oakmont Country Club - the tour de force facility located just several miles from downtown Pittsburgh, PA. The famed club serves a record 9th time as the host venue for the national championship of American golf. This marks the fourth time I have covered a US Open from Oakmont - the earlier times coming in '83, 19 '94 and '07. There are a number of key courses that have been host to the US Open but in my mind only three are worthy in being among the elite trio - Pebble Beach, Shinnecock Hills and Oakmont. The aforementioned troika deserves to host the second oldest major at least once every ten years. Oakmont has crowned notable winners of the Left: The long demanding par-4 18th finishes immediately in front of Oakmont's stately clubhouse. round to leap frog a stellar leaderboard and claim the title. Miller's round was achieved in hitting all 18 greens in regulation - and ending with just 29 putts. Although the number 63 has been matched numerous times since then - it is Miller's that stand alone as the lowest find round to win a major championship. For the round to have been done at Oakmont has only added to the allure of its accomplishment. The UK-equivalent to Oakmont is Scotland's Muirfield. Both layouts are exacting but will yield low scores with stellar play and each is blessed with s listing of champions that clearly ratifies the pedigree of the layouts. Oakmont came into being as the sole design of Henry Clay Fownes - his first and only design. Construction began on Sept. 15, 1903 - with a crew of men, horses, mules and scrapers. Play began less than one year later on Oct. 1, 1904. Oakmont from the very beginning was built on one premise - reward only the finest of shots and punish with vengeance any shot - most especially putts - played even slightly indifferently. Befitting his Calvinistic-belief - Fownes believed forgiveness was something only The Creator could provide. “A shot poorly played should be a shot irrevocably lost,” and his famous companion thunder: “Let the clumsy, the spineless, the alibi artist stand aside!” Oakmont's ferocious reputation is not bolstered with a large body of water either next to it like Pebble Beach or nearby like Shinnecock Hills. Oakmont is stark in its appearance - early on trees were few in number - in many ways resembling an interior links. To bolster the design, Fownes placed numerous bunkers - at its height US Open through the years - names such as nearly 350 scattered about. That total now Tommy Armour, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Jack numbers 210. To complicate matters, Fownes Nicklaus, Johnny Miller, Larry Nelson, Ernie Els and Angel Cabrera are among its roster of superb ingeniously - or cruelly - created a furrow instrument used to "rake" the bunkers. The furrow champions. The lone unknown winner came in would often cause balls to find its dastardly "V" 1935 when Sam Parks won the event - the only competitor to break 300. But it was the 1973 US area and make escape truly an art form. The Open that brought to centre stage one of the most United States Golf Association (USGA) banned their usage from greenside bunkers in the '62 electric moments in all of championship golf. A 26-year-old golfer from California - named Johnny event and eventually decided that in all future Opens at Oakmont enough was enough and Miller - fired a record 8-under-par 63 in the final 20 ended in totality their involvement. Still, competitors had best avoid the wellknown "church pews" bunkers that straddle the 3rd and 4th holes as well as at the long par-4 15th. The pews are diabolical in their lethal performance. Sand exists but it is a series of grass covered mounds positioned perpendicular to the line of play that can be nightmarish for any player hooking too far. Once you hit the church pews it is anything but a day at the beach. Clearly, the main issue for Oakmont to handle internally was the profusion of trees that accelerated throughout the property. Video footage from the '73, '83 and '94 Opens shows an Oakmont choked with trees. Prior to the '07 Open a movement took hold - at first only with a small group of senior leaders at the club who wanted to restore Oakmont as envisioned by its founder. The removal of trees initially happened during evening hours and in the winter months - keeping most members unaware of the activities. Eventually, the plan was unearthed and possible litigation appeared likely until it was decided to proceed 21 Above: The renowned Church Pews bunkers are a severe penalty to avoid at all costs. ahead. All told, approximately 7,500 trees were removed prior to the '07 Open and since that time a comparable amount has also been removed primarily from the perimeter of the property. The vistas of the course are now totally exposed from the high point occupied at the clubhouse. The teeth of Oakmont revolves around its devilish putting surfaces. Along with Oakland Hills / South and Winged Foot / West the ones found at Oakmont are easily the swiftest and most vexing of its kind. The greens are kept ultra-fast even for regular member play and it's no joke when members say the speed in which Open competitors play is actually slower than what they handle daily. The putting surfaces are angled to encourage only the most well-played of approaches - often times there are specific holes where the green actually runs downhill from frontto-back - especially at the demanding 1st and OGRO Preferred Supplier GOLF RANGE MACHINERY designed and manufactured in the UK Supplying quality products to golf ranges since 1990 EGM N22 Networked Dispenser, 22,000 ball capacity Coming soon Credit card payments for EGM Dispensers Please visit our website www.rangeball.co.uk for our full range of products or contact us on 0800 335 7177 10th holes. When people marvel at how Tiger Woods never hit a bunker when winning the '00 Open Championship at The Old Course at St. Andrews equally impressive is the fact that '62 Open champion Jack Nicklaus only had one three-putt green in 90 holes when vanquishing Arnold Palmer in their historic playoff. That is truly incredible when four and five putts are not uncommon. Since the '07 event there have been very few changes to the course. The back of the 6th green has been expanded so additional pin placements are now doable. At the long par-5 12th measuring 667 yards, but still just the second longest par-5 ever played in a US Open - two new bunkers were removed and one expanded. The total yardage for the championship 7,219 yards 11 fewer than what was played in '07 with the par remaining 70 as the uphill 9th will once again play as a par-4 hole. Given the inherent challenges Oakmont presents the key will be in the overall course setup. In the '83 event the off-fairway rough was so deep and dense that often times a simply wedge out was the only recourse. USGA Executive Director Mike Davis has been quite imaginative 23 Above: Removing 15,000+ trees provides a panoramic view of Oakmont's property -- free of unnecessary clutter. since becoming the point man for US Open setups - starting with the '06 event at Winged Foot / West. The US Open clearly elevated winner Jordan Spieth last year at Chambers Bay and reconfirmed his earlier Masters win in '15 was anything but a fluke. Oakmont is a relentless punishing test of golf - it will not permit consistent wayward driving no matter how far players hit it today. The course will also force players to demonstrate extraordinary patience since unlike many PGA Tour events the wherewithal to avoid the big numbers will be essential since the course will not feature an endless supply of birdie opportunities. After the newness of Chambers Bay and the uncertainty of what will happen in '17 when the US Open ventures to another new site in Erin Hills in Wisconsin - the return of Oakmont to centre stage is indeed most welcomed for what it is always done so well - define greatness. FOUR HOLES WORTH WATCHING AT OAKMONT by M. James Ward (:@B<9AB-B%B?=7:#B ?=-% =?2*A@A7B/4B/6>*A=:B<>B/<@8B:;7A:B<1B@8AB1?;=.?4)/A1<=AB596>0;>0 7<.>8;99B@<B?B/9;>7B0=AA>B@8?@B=6>:B6;2*94B?.?4B1=<3B@8AB59?4A=, =;@;2?9B@<B3?*AB:6=AB<>A!:B?55=<?28B7<A:>!@B1;>;:8B:8<=@B<1B@8AB0=AA> -B6>9;*A94B5?=B1=<3B@8?@B5<:;@;<>,BB@<608B<5A>A=B@8?@B2?>B*><2*B@8A .;>7B1=<3B59?4A=:B9<<*;>0B@<B0A@B?B=<6>7B:@?=@A7B;>B1;>AB1?:8;<>, $=7B<9AB-B%"B?=7:#B ?=-% '8AB1?3A7B86=28B A.:B/6>*A=B2<359AB860:B@8AB9A1@B:;7AB-B2=;@;2?9 @<B?+<;7B?@B?99B2<:@:,B?;=.?4B5;>28A:B;>B7AA5A=B4<6B?@@A35@B@<B8;@ 4<6=B@AAB:8<@, A+A=?9B7AA5B/6>*A=:B5?@=<9B@8AB=;08@B:;7A,B=AA>B;:BA9A+?@A7B?/<+A @8AB1?;=.?4B?>7B1?99:B?.?4B:9;08@94B1=<3B@8AB59?4A=:,B;>7;>0B@8A 1?;=.?4B.;99B3A?>B?B:8<=@ ;=<>B?>7B0<<7B/;=7;AB5<::;/;9;@4,B'<608B@<B0?60AB@8AB>?@6=AB<1B@8A ?55=<?28, (@8B8<9AB-B%"B%%B?=7:#) ?=-% 9@8<608B@8;:B:@<6@B5?=-%B59?4:B7<.>8;99B@8AB1?;=.?4B;:BA:5A2;?994B8?=7 @<B1;>7B?:B;@B3<+A:B1=<3B9A1@-@<-=;08@B;>B@8AB9?>7;>0B?=A?,B6>*A=: 06?=7B/<@8B:;7A:B<1B@8AB1?;=.?4B?>7B@8AB:3?=@B59?4B1<=B3?>4B.;99B/AB? 1?;=.?4B3A@?9B<=BA+A>B9<>0B;=<>B<=B84/=;7,B'8AB0=AA>B1?99:B?.?4B?>7B;: A:5A2;?994B:5AA74B1=<>@B@<B/?2*,B=62;?9B1<=B59?4A=:B@<B0A@B?@B<= /A4<>7B@8AB5;>B9<2?@;<>B1<=B?>BA?:;A=B56@@B<=B28;5B:8<697B@8A4B3;:: .8A>B?55=<?28;>0, (@8B8<9AB-B$($B?=7:#B ?=-% '8AB5A>69@;3?@AB8<9AB@A35@:B@8AB/<97A:@B<1B59?4:B/6@B.;99B/;@AB/?2* +A=4B8?=7B1<=B?>4@8;>0B:8<=@B<1B5;>5<;>@BAA26@;<>B@8?@B3?==;A:B9A>0@8 ?>7B6>2?>>4B?226=?24,B=;+;>0B@8AB0=AA>B.;99B/AB?B5<::;/;9;@4B?>7B@8A B3?4B7A2;7AB@<B3<+AB@AAB5<:;@;<>:B65)@<B@A35@BA+A>B@8AB3<:@ 2?6@;<6:,B;+A>B@8AB4?=7?0AB3?>4B59?4A=:B.;99B/AB6>7A=B@8AB3;>7:A@ <1B?B36:@B/;=7;A,B'8<:AB.8<B0A@B@<<B0=AA74B3?4B1;>7B@8;:B8<9AB?B=A?9 @8<=>, 24 Looking back ... MILLER’S MEMORABLE, MIRACLE 63 >B($B?B"-4A?=-<97B?:5;=;>0B59?4A= >?3A7B<8>>4B&;99A=B2=A?@A7B?B0<91 /6B@8?@B:@;99B=A:<>?@A:B@<7?4,B @;3A:B59?4A=:B8?+AB:;>2AB3?@28A7B@8A :2<=AB<1B"$B;>B?B3?<=B28?35;<>:8;5 /6@B@8AB<>AB@8?@B:@;99B:@?>7:B?5?=@B;: @8A)1;=:@B<>A):8<@B/4B@8AB8;0894 @?9A>@A7B?9;1<=>;?>B;>B.;>>;>0B@8AB 5A>B?@B?*3<>@, 8?@B3?*A:B@8AB=<6>7B:<B8;:@<=;2 ;:B;@B.?:B7<>AB?@B?*3<>@B-B@8A 5<:@A=B28;97B?9<>0B.;@8B;>0A7B<<@B;>B/A;>0B@8AB@<608A:@BA?3;>?@;<>B<1 0<91B;>B3A=;2?,B'8AB ;@@:/6=08/?:A7)2<6=:AB.?:B2=A?@A7B/4B@8A <.>A:B1?3;94B@<B/A ?>)6>2<35=<3;:;>0B/A?:@B-BA>:6=;>0 A+A>B@8AB:9;08@A:@B<1BA==<=:B.<697B/A 56>;:8A7B:A+A=A94, &628B8?:B/AA>B.=;@@A>B@8?@ ?*3<>@B.?:B=A2A5@;+AB@<B9<.B:2<=A: /A2?6:AB<1B<+A=>;08@B=?;>:B@8?@ 5=A2A7A7B@8AB59?4B<1B@8AB1;>?9B=<6>7 @8?@B4A?=B/6@B<>94B@8=AAB<@8A=B59?4A=: /=<*ABB;>B@8AB1;>?9B=<6>7)-B$-4A?=<97B?>>4B?7*;>:B.;@8)"B?>7B?2* ;2*9?6:B?>7B?958B<8>:@<>B.;@8 ":,B&<=AB<+A=B&;99A=!:B"$B-B.?: 7<>A);>B@8AB1;>?9B=<6>7B-B:<3A@8;>0 7<>AB<>94B@8=AAB<@8A=B@;3A:,B'8A ;35<=@?>@B:A5?=?@;<>)A9A+?@;>0B&;99A=!: =<6>7B.?:)8;:B.?:)7<>A);>B2<>@A>@;<> -B@8AB<@8A=:B.A=AB><@,B>7#B&;99A=B;: <>AB<1B<>94B:;B3A>B@<B8?+AB69@;3?@A94 .<>)@8AB?2@6?9B3?<=,B8?@B3?*A:B@8A =<6>7BA+A>B3<=AB:65A=9?@;+AB-B.?: @8?@B&;99A=B@=?;9A7B/4):;B:8<@:B?>7B( 59?4A=:B-B;>2967;>0B@8AB9;*A:B<1B=><97 ?93A=#BAAB'=A+;><#B ;2*9?6:#B69;6: <=<:#BA>AB;@@9A=#B'<3BA;:*<51B?>7 A==4BA?=7,B A?=94B?99B<1B@8A ?1<=A3A>@;<>A7B?=AB?99-<1-?3A=:, >B3?>4B.?4:B.8?@B&;99A=B7;7B<> 6>AB(#B($B;:BA@28A7B;>7A9;/94B;> @8AB5?>@8A<>B<1B:5<=@:B-B2<35?=?/9A 25 @<B.8?@BA2=A@?=;?@B7;7B;>B.;>>;>0B'8A '=;59AB=<.>B/4B$(B9A>0@8:B<=B!: </BA?3<>!:B3;>7/<009;>0B.;>B;> @8AB9<>0B635B;>B@8AB("B633A= 9435;2:B-B/=A?*;>0B@8AB5=A+;<6: 3?=*B/4B>A?=94B@.<B1AA@B?>7)3?;>@?;>;>0B@8AB.<=97B=A2<=7B1<= >A?=94B$B4A?=:B<=B@8AB5A=1A2@B3?=*: :A@B/4B@8AB:A>:?@;<>?9BB;2A-7?>2;>0 @?>7A3B?4>AB'<=+;9B?>7B8=;:@<58A= A?>B?@B@8AB(%B;>@A=B9435;2: .;@8B(B5A=1A2@B",!:B;>B@8AB1;>?9B1=AA :@49ABA+A>@B?>7B?@@?;>;>0B@8AB8;08A:@ 26369?@;+AB@<@?9B1<=B?B:;>09A 5A=1<=3?>2A, &;99A=!:)=<6>7B2?@?569@A7B8;3)@< .;>B@<BA+A>B0=A?@A=B:622A::B;>B@8A 4A?=:B@<B1<99<.B-)(B B'<6=B.;>: 1=<3B?>6?=4B(%B@8=<608B?>6?=4B<1 (B-B?>7BA+A>@6?994B.;>>;>0B'8A 5A>B8?35;<>:8;5B;>B("B<+A=B?> 65B?>7B2<3;>0B@?9A>@B>?3A7BA+A ?99A:@A=<:, >2=A7;/94B-B&;99A=!:B=<6>7B7;7 1A?@6=AB<>AB9<>AB/<0A4B-B?@B@8AB9<>0 5?=-$B@8,B6@B@8?@B/<0A4B:A=+A7B@< 56:8B&;99A=B8?=7A=B?>7B8AB1;>;:8A7 :@=<>094B-B/?=A94B3;::;>0B3?*A?/9A /;=7;AB56@@:B?@B@8AB1;>?9B@.<B8<9A:, &;99A=!:B=<6>7B.?:B635:@?=@A7B<> @8AB5=?2@;2AB=?>0AB/A1<=A 2<33A>2;>0B59?4B.8A>B8AB7A2;7A7B@< <5A>B65B8;:B:@?>2AB?:B3628B?: 5<::;/9AB;>B<=7A=B@<B8;@B@8AB/?99B3<=A 5<.A=16994B?>7B?226=?@A94,B;:B;=<> 59?4B-B8;:B3?;>B:@=A>0@8B@8=<608<6@ 8;:B5=;3AB4A?=:B-B.?:B:@A99?=,B;=7;A: ?@B@8AB1;=:@B%B8<9A:B56:8A7B8;3B1=<>@ ?>7B2A>@A=, ?>B"$B/AB/=<*A>B6=A94B;@B2?>, 6@B@8AB2;=263:@?>2A:B@;A7B@<B&;99A= .;99B/AB?B8;08B/?=B1<=B?>4B=A2<=7 /=A?*A=B@<BA2AA7,)B>B?99B<1B0<91B9<=AB&;99A=!:B3<3A>@B.;99B1<=A+A=B/A A@28A7, OGRO =A1A==A7 6559;A= People in Golf DIANA M. MURPHY President of United States Golf Association (USGA) In February 2016, Diana M. Murphy, of St. Simons Island, Ga., was elected as the United States Golf Association’s 64th president, the second woman in its history to hold the organisation’s highest position. She is serving her sixth year as a member of the USGA Executive Committee first as president, having previously served as treasurer in 2013 and as vice president in 2014 and 2015. We recently sat down with Ms. Murphy to discuss the USGA and her new role. but one in particular is special to me and maintains permanent residency in my office. It is a scarred MacGregor 4-wood with a steel shaft and old-fashioned leather grip, with Ben Hogan’s name across the top. To me, it is a constant reminder of the eternal allure of golf, a game that has survived 600 years by constantly evolving.“ Golf Features: You were just elected to be the USGA’s president, just the second woman in the Association’s history. What has changed for “Although he died when I was an infant, my father women golfers since the first woman, Judy Bell, is the reason I am where I am today. His love of held the position? Has much really changed, golf was passed down to me through my brother. especially for women’s golf at the public-course My father came to America from England and level, since 20 years ago? worked hard in the coalmines, but every time he found himself with spare time, he spent it on the Diana Murphy: First, it is an honour to be golf course. mentioned with Judy Bell. She actually I don’t own many of my father’s keepsakes, encouraged me to get involved with the USGA 27 Membership Committee during her presidency. As for women’s golf, it is something that is very important to the Association, as evidenced by our involvement with LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, and the addition of the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in 2018. With the Senior Women’s Open, the USGA now has a national championship for every demographic. Our continued involvement with the Masters Tournament and The PGA of America on Drive, Chip & Putt has been a great vehicle for outreach to youth golfers. The enthusiasm of the competitors is so exciting to see and we know the event will continue to gain momentum going forward. Golf Features: If you had to name one specific agenda item of utmost importance during your expected two-year time frame as USGA president, what would it be and how do you expect to carry it out? Diana Murphy: I spoke about my “Plus One” philosophy at the Annual Meeting. It’s simple: I want everyone to reach out to someone this year and introduce them to golf. Ideally, it would be someone from a different background who may be interested in golf, but doesn’t know how to get involved. We want to encourage golfers to serve as mentors. Making an investment in another individual is a powerful gift. The Plus One does not even have to play; they can volunteer at a championship or even just watch the game on TV. It all makes an impact in some way, and this game is too great not to be shared. Golf Features: The female golf population in the States has remained at a roughly flat percentage figure when compared to other sports. Left and below Diana Murphy, 64th President of the USGA. 28 Golf Features: What role can the USGA play to get more women playing the game - and parallel to that - equally do on the side of minority participation? Diana Murphy: Our work with initiatives such as LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, The First Tee, and Drive, Chip & Putt provides the means and motivation for youth to get involved in the game. A lot of this game’s future success will be reliant on getting kids interested at a young age and keeping them engaged to play the game for a lifetime. We continue to make strides for greater inclusion and ways to play the game that are more time friendly. By supporting programmes like Play9, we hope to get people out on the course to see how much fun it is and how the game can be played in a shorter amount of time. We are also asking ourselves, along with other golf organisations, what else can we do? Stay tuned, we have big plans. Golf Features: If you could change one thing in golf unilaterally what would it be? Golf Courses 4 Sale The Number 1 website for all the courses and ranges for sale To advertise here and on the website contact Colin Jenkins on 01580 7248 Diana Murphy: I am really excited about the work we are doing to modernise the Rules of the game. There is a need to consolidate and organise the Rules of Golf in a plain-spoken, easier-to-understand format. It is something we have active conversations about and I expect we will hear more about it in the next couple of years. Golf Features: The USGA has brought forward a new requirement that golf scores can no longer be posted for handicap purposes if the person doing so has played by themselves. Since golf is fundamentally a game of honour, what was broken with the past practice? Diana Murphy: Handicap manipulation is an area of contention from golf facilities and the concept of peer review is important in maintaining the integrity of the USGA Handicap System. Golf is also becoming an increasingly global game and as players compete with one another around the world, it is important to assure that a Handicap Index® has value. Golf Features: You and your husband, Reg, are the first couple to hold the presidency of the USGA. What is it like when the two of you discuss USGA situations, given his past connection and your long involvement with the Association? Diana Murphy: Reg and I talk about our individual golf games, our travel schedule and elite golfers regularly, but we don’t talk about the USGA. That is off limits. Golf Features: You’ve got one round left to play – where do you tee it up, and who makes up your foursome? Diana Murphy: My ideal foursome would include my husband, Reg, Arnold Palmer and Davis Love III, and I would let Arnie or Davis decide where we should play. I’ve only played approximately 100 courses. I want to play 1000 more before I make a final choice. 29 TRANSFORM YOUR DRIVING RANGE Visit our website OGRO Preferred Supplier NETTED BAY DIVIDERS outfield targets FLOORING range mats & accessories METAL Rear Plate DIVIDERs DISTANCE MARKERS RANGEBAY c 01948 830702 m [email protected] w www.rangesolutions.co.uk MANAGING A TOP GOLF CLUB Golf Features takes a look behind the scenes at London Golf Club and how it is run. London Golf Club is close to Brands Hatch, a short hop on a helicopter from London, and well placed in the busy South-East of the UK. The club is pitched at the top of the tree and is ideal for those wishing to enjoy premium quality golf on two outstanding courses with a relaxed, yet elegant, environment to socialise in before and after playing. The club has a multi-million pound turnover and whilst it would be vulgar to discuss actual sums, it is quite clear that this is a substantial golf business. At the heart of the business is club membership, with annual fees making up nearly a third of all revenues. There are over four hundred individual members and about 120 corporate memberships: both sets of members are very important to the London Golf club and work well together. Membership of the London Golf Club is not cheap, but represents excellent value for money when you consider that there are two immaculately manicured Nicklaus Design courses available throughout the year, enviable practice facilities and a vast - but intimate - clubhouse, which is a fabulous place to enjoy regardless of your golfing prowess. The management of the whole complex is split into sections, with Austin Gravestock as Chief Executive and Dan Naudo as General Manager, with Peter Todd running all of the grass management, heading up an impressive team of 27 greenkeepers. Paul Stuart PGA is Director of Golf, being responsible for delivering all aspects of coaching, custom fit and associated golf services. The team work very well together with their shared goal of ensuring that all customers, members and visitors get the best possible service and golfing experience. Everything is considered to ensure that this happens and the level of detail that is covered is remarkable. Behind the scenes there is a major bag and 31 trolley storage area and members booking their round will have their clubs prepared for their game. There is a fleet of 50 Club Car buggies with the latest Visage GPS system, which not only allows the golfer to know the exact yardage from buggy to the green (front, centre and back), but also allows the management to know where the buggies are on the course and how much battery charge is left in each buggy, which really helps to avoid letting anyone down with low battery issues: this is a typical example of the club’s attitude to ensuring that problems are eliminated before they can surface. Paul Stuart is responsible for the Golf Services team who look after the golfers’ needs and warmly encourage them to enjoy their game delightfully never having to chivvy players along, as their presence alone encourages a good pace of play. Members can also pay to have an electric trolley for the year. This service is again run through the Golf Services team. A member then has a fully primed Powakaddy ready for their arrival. This again is a really thoughtful service, as the hassle and inconvenience of transporting charged batteries to and from the car and charging them up, etc, is neatly removed. Many of the cars at the London Golf Club are really special and it can look like a supercar showroom at times, with V8’s and V12’s burbling with exotic power as they prowl in and out of the members’ car park. The club has recently introduced a member photograph at all of the terminals. This is one of the excellent innovations from ESP to improve the efficiency of the operation. If a member hands their card to a member of staff for any item to be purchased, the photo is instantly displayed on the terminal screen, which increases security to ensure that all sales are ordered by the actual member signing, whilst also allowing new staff to get to know the names and faces of each valuable member. The personal touch is vital to all clubs, no matter what they charge or how big or small they are, but the practicality of getting everyone’s name right across a staff of a hundred people is made far easier by this excellent addition to the ESP management system. Staff all carry their personal wristband, which is the easiest way to let each transaction create an easy to follow audit trail, should the need arise. The General Manager, Dan Naudo, said: “We are always striving to deliver the best service we can, and ESP has helped us to achieve this with their technology and their professional attention to our requirements. We are all very impressed with the ease of the system and their outstanding back up.” ESP had previously been used at the London Golf Club until 2010, when NFS Hospitality was used for a few years. This includes terminals at every point of the business, including the greenkeepers’ complex, so that Peter Todd and his team can check on the course bookings to make sure that they can prepare the course and carry out all the specialist maintenance programmes without getting in the way of the golfers. Lee Turner-Jefferies from ESP spoke to Golf Features: “We were very disappointed to lose the contract here in the first instance, but obviously respected the decision. We always keep up a dialogue with all of our friends in the golf industry, current and past clients - and we hope future customers. We want to know how they are doing and we are always happy to help, even if it doesn’t immediately lead to a sale. To be able to reintroduce our most advanced system to the London Golf Club was a real pleasure and they now have the best tools to provide the finest customer care for their whole operation. We have rarely seen anyone who goes to such great lengths to ensure that they can deliver the best service, and they richly deserve to be at the leading edge of quality golf facilities.” The club uses a membership credit system all Above: Dan Naudo is proud to represent London Golf Club. implemented using 7 point of sale terminals and a total of 38 PC users for the ESP management system. A member can use their credit to pay for any service or product and this has to be perfectly administered and exact. Members of staff gently insist on a card swipe for each transaction, which prevents any misunderstandings when their statements come through each month. The golf shop has a substantial turnover and has developed over the last few years into a golf shop and fashion boutique. Refreshingly, London Golf Club has no silly dress rules: there is a theme of smart informality to those using the club, with jeans welcome, so many take full advantage of the shops range of fashion products (including designer jeans). Mobile phones are also allowed, with most using their devices with suitable discretion so that nobody is inconvenienced. London Golf Club is a joint venture partner with the PGA European Tour. This has resulted in 32 several very prestigious events being staged at the venue, most recently the 2014 World Matchplay Championship and previously the European Open and other mainstream events for both professionals and amateurs. The club is soon to host the Brabazon Trophy, the most prestigious of England Golf’s stroke play events and it is bound to attract the cream of amateur golf. Peter and his team will have the course in pristine order for the event, which is nothing unusual, as the course is always in superb condition. There are several food and drink areas at London Golf Club. The main golfers bar is a thriving hub for the club, which has its own kitchen and bar and can cater for the normal trade from two busy courses, without problem. It has its own patio area and golfers tend to spill out onto the patio to watch their friends and colleagues complete their rounds while enjoying a suitably fine glass of revitalising fluid. The food is well priced and cooked to the very highest standards and served beautifully in the sumptuous surrounds. The club has succeeded in creating a great atmosphere - it feels comfy and clubby, 33 Above: The golf shop has a boutique feel and carries a lot of fashion brands including designer jeans. whilst being undeniably special. There are four further function rooms, which can host huge weddings or smaller corporate gatherings. The first Sunday in each month is set aside for club lunches and they are very popular and a great way to gel the membership and encourage other family members and friends to come to the club. London Golf Club won planning permission for a major new hotel to add to its existing facilities. The initial infrastructure for the project has been completed, thus winning a certificate of commencement and retaining the planning gain indefinitely. Timing for the start of work on this major new project is a closely guarded secret, but it is certain that the complex will always be amongst the best managed facilities in its class. For more details please visit: www.londongolfclub.com ESP Leisure the obvious choice for golf operators call Lee on 020 8251 5100 WWWe-s-p.com Golf Retail Monthly Dashboard and Commentary March some good news. What a difference a month can make. Nine out of the eleven product groups reported on by Golf Datatech for Golf Features were showing positive growth for the month in value terms. These were gloves +1.6%, woods +2.0%, trolleys +5.3%, shoes +6.9%, weatherwear and irons both +7.0%, apparel +10.3%, bags +13.2%, and wedges a staggering +55.4%. The two down were balls -5.4% and putters in contrast to wedges -5.6%. In volume terms for the month the picture was considerably different. Five groups were up: shoes +1.0%, apparel +3.8%, weatherewear +4.9%, bags +8.7% and wedges not surprisingly +26.4%. Year to date figures for the first quarter in value terms show six product groups well up, ranging from +7.0% for irons to +22.8% for irons, good news. The remaining five groups show declines ranging from -2.1% for gloves to -10.8% for balls. In volume terms five product groups are up ranging from +3.2% for shoes to +9.3% for weatherwear, while the groups down were irons 2.8%, gloves -3.4%, woods -10.3%, balls usually a guide as to how much is being played 11.3%, putters -16.0% and trolleys -17.2%. The moving annual totals clearly demonstrate the continuing picture with values showing a health increase while volumes continue to slowly decline. Golf Datatech is a world leader in golf industry research. It provides the trade with specialised market research covering retail sales, inventory, pricing, distribution, along with consumer attitude and usage studies, strategic sales and marketing consultancy. In the UK, Golf Datatech research is based on an average of 2,000,000 records per month, recorded by EPOS systems at the point of sale. For more information and or a deeper analysis see www.golfdatatecheurope.com Definition: Moving Annual Total (MAT) The total value of sales figures for a product or products, over the course of the previous 12 months. This is a rolling yearly sum, which changes at the end of each month with data from the new month added to the total and data from the first month of the period taken away thus providing a valuable trend line. 35 Total Sales: Total Market Total Market - Moving Annual Sales Value (£000’s) Jan 2011 - March 2016 Balls Sales Balls moving - annual sales (‘000 doz) Jan 2011 - March 2016 36 37 Total Sales of Balls Total Sales of Woods Total Sales of Wedges Total Sales of Shoes Total Sales of Trollies Total Sales of Apparel Total Sales of Irons Total Sales of Putters Total Sales of Gloves Total Sales of Bags Total Sales of Weatherwear THE GOLF DATATECH RETAIL DASHBOARD, WHAT’S MOVING IN THE RETAIL WORLD 38 Exclusif Golf launches Honma & PXG Mobile Fittings A new service which opens the way for UK golf clubs to sell ultra-premium golf brands Honma and PXG, without tying up large sums of money in stock, launches this week. Called Exclusif Golf, the mobile custom-fitting service is initially targeted at golf clubs around London and the South East, but expansion to cover the rest of the UK is expected soon. An eight-month trial at a group of clubs around London has proven successful, and the service is now being rolled out to cater for potential Honma and PXG customers at any golf club in the area. Custom-fitter and clubmaker Richard Edginton travels to fit the customers, with the follow-up handled by Exclusif Golf’s UK manager Andy Hiseman. “Honma is very popular among golfers who are prepared to spend a little more for that extra performance and quality,” said Hiseman, who is the main contact for all enquiries. “It is a complex range with a lot of choice, including a huge array of Honma’s own shafts, and requires a specialist custom-fit to ensure the customer finds the right 39 spec for his or her game. And the sudden explosion of interest in PXG – another brand at a premium price point – has come from the brand’s spectacular recent growth on the PGA Tour. Early reactions to the clubs have been off the charts. “This is why we have now rolled out Exclusif Golf – to make it very easy for any golf club to capitalise on the growing interest in these two ultra-high quality, painstakingly-fitted, handcrafted golf brands. Simply call us when you have a customer who is interested, and our fitter will arrange to visit. We handle all aspects, and pay the golf club a good commission on all sales. “With Honma and PXG, the performance statistics you can achieve on a launch monitor are usually spectacular, when compared to your current clubs” said Hiseman. “We were delighted that Richard agreed to come on board this springtime, and we are looking forward to a busy summer fitting golfers for these two amazing golf brands.” Call 01226 781000 or email [email protected] to arrange a visit. Bushnell Golf makes distances simple with neo iON GPS watch New Bushnell neo iON offers market leading technology to help provide accurate yardages in a sleek and comfortable design Bushnell Golf introduces the next generation of their GPS offerings with the new neo iON Golf GPS watch, which provides golfers with the market leading technology synonymous with Bushnell products, all in the convenience of a sleek, stylish and comfortable watch. The neo iON is Bushnell’s lightest and thinnest golf watch to date, and has been redesigned to meet the ever-changing needs of golfers wanting a fashionable device that is packed full of features and can be worn both on and off course. The new device is incredibly easy to use, it has no membership fees, and comes pre-loaded with more than 35,000 courses in over 30 countries. This extensive course mapping is combined with instant course recognition and auto hole advance, two features which continue to be a big hit amongst golfers, to ensure that the device is ready to use straight out of the box. The neo iON also boasts marketing-leading battery life, allowing golfers to play for longer with over three rounds of use between charges, building upon its predecessor, the neo XS which offered golfers more battery life than any other BOOST YOUR PROFITS WITH COFFEESENSE & STARBUCKS • Now you can sell Starbucks coffee, Twinings tea and Hot Chocolate. • Perfect ‘coffee shop’ coffee via our purpose designed commercial Coffee Brewer. • Compact, clean, simple. No cleaning, no beans, no mess, no hassle. • Send your customers to the range or the course with a Starbucks coffee in hand and boost your profits. “I was amazed, if we sell just 10 cups a day we will add over £5k to our shop profits.” James Peasey - Head PGA professional, Woodbridge G C. Call us on: 01449 724034 or email [email protected] quote GF001 for a special free trial offer. 40 GPS watch on the market. Full feature list: • Over three rounds between charges “Creating Tour-trusted technologies is a priority, • Over 35,000 courses worldwide preloaded for but we also understand everyday golfers want instant use those exclusive technologies available in an easy- • Instant course recognition and auto hole to-use watch,” said Scott Peterson, Senior Product advance Manager at Bushnell. “With the popularity of • Easy-to-read front/centre/back distances wearable technology on the golf course, we • Hazard layup distances (up to four per hole) created the fashion-forward, user-friendly neo iON • Shot distance calculator with improved technologies providing golfers the • Round time and distance travelled information ability to enhance their game at an affordable • New integrated step counter price.” • Odometer • New charging clip In addition, the neo iON further builds upon the successful features of the previous neo XS model Bushnell, the #1 choice of professional golfers, by featuring a new integrated step counter which offers a full array of rangefinders, which continue allows golfers to monitor their distance travelled, to change and improve the way golfers assess speed and total activity time throughout their distances, ultimately improving performance. round of golf and wider daily life. The neo iON Golf GPS Watch will be available For more information on the Bushnell family of from authorised Bushnell stockists from May, with rangefinders, visit the company’s website at a suggested retail price of £139. www.bushnellgolf.co.uk For supplier information please contact Bushnell on: 0208 391 4700 GRNConsulting Whether you are developing a new project, or looking to refresh and maximise returns on an existing centre, our expertise can help you make the best investment decisions. Our advice is free on the phone or come and see us for an initial, no cost, consultation. Contact: Colin Jenkins PGA phone: +44 (0)1580 715248 mobile: +44 (0)7768 887033 fax: +44 (0)1580 714516 email: [email protected] www: golfconsult.co.uk 41 Specialist Golf Course Constructors.... as Recommended by our Clients Contour Golf Ltd 1 Jubilee Cottages Norton Road Daventry Northants NN11 2LS Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 (0)7785 272 935 +44 (0)1327 879 464 Web: contour-golf.com G Golf Limited - exclusive UK & Eire distributor for Fiberbuilt Golf Products. The Traditional Mat System is available as single or double sided. The Performance Mat System, a ‘self-assembly’ value system, offers an economical option. For more information please call Gary Smith at G Golf on +44 (0)7803 391549 o 42 Golf Foundation News people can design their own golf course to suit their environment. StreetGolf offers an immediate link to a range of local community sports projects Eagles were on the scorecard at Crystal Palace FC up and down the country and the key is to offer as former striker Mark Bright and friends used the follow-on opportunities for youngsters at golf power of football to help young people ‘Get into facilities in their area. Golf’ on Monday 9th May. The Crystal Palace FC Foundation works for Keen golfer Mark Bright was an inspirational the latest Premier League team to offer golf as guest as the Golf Foundation and Crystal Palace part of their Premier League 4 Sport (PL4S) FC Foundation created a special 9-hole golf programme. Eighteen professional football clubs course with a difference inside Selhurst Park, now work with the Golf Foundation to help deliver home to the aptly named ‘Eagles’, to promote golf HSBC Golf Roots, which has the goal of bringing as a sport to youngsters from the wider local all the benefits of golf to young people as one of community. their favourite sports. Crystal Palace staff offered a fantastic The eight teams attending the day had been welcome. Bright led the way as boys and girls selected from HSBC Golf Roots projects in the were given an ‘access all areas’ pass to hit shots area (and an invited team from Southampton FC), down the players’ tunnel, chip into the dugout, which are all linked to golf venues and PGA shoot into the goal, drive from the stand onto the professional coaches. They included young people pitch and putt in the trophy room – all before from two schools that cater for boys and girls with enjoying a well-earned picnic in the centre circle! Special Educational Needs (SEN) and a team from The creative golf format from the Golf one of these, Sunnydown School, was the winner Foundation is known as ‘StreetGolf’, where young HSBC Golf Roots – where Eagles dare! 43 Left and Below: Eight teams of youngsters enjoyed great hospitality at Crystal Palace FC for a day of StreetGolf. on the day. A team from Crystal Palace FC will now play in the national StreetGolf final against other Premier League 4 Sport clubs in June. A similar big stadium golf event was held at Derby County’s iPro Stadium last week, in which teams from Derby, Aston Villa and Stoke City battled it out in their own StreetGolf challenge. Brendon Pyle, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation, said: “The whole staff at Crystal Palace were absolutely superb in welcoming all the young people. The Premier League 4 Sport partnership is very exciting indeed because it provides golf with the opportunity to reach a much wider audience using the power of football, telling the golf story to potentially thousands of new youngsters.” He added: “Today was about fun but also great partnerships. We are extremely grateful to the Crystal Palace FC Foundation and also to the team at Community Golf, the PGA professionals involved and the local schools.” This golf project is a partnership between the Golf Foundation, PL4S and Sport England, and supports England Golf’s wider ‘Get into Golf’ initiative which is getting people of all ages golfing throughout the country. Roxanne Bennett, Sports Development Officer at CPFC Foundation, said: “Today was a fantastic event. We were able to bring golf to a Premier League football stadium to provide a truly unique experience for young people in our programmes. We have received really positive feedback from the teams involved. “With the continued partnership between Crystal Palace FC Foundation, Premier League 4 Sport and the Golf Foundation we are able to offer the opportunity for young people to play golf at their local clubs and receive free weekly lessons. I would like to say thank you to the club for allowing us access to the stadium, to everyone involved in the planning and all the participants on the day, and we look forward to future projects.” Landmark day for Golf Foundation as charity welcomes new President and Chairman at AGM It is all change at the top of the Golf Foundation as the charity welcomed formally a new President and new Chairman at its annual general meeting today (Thursday, 28th April). New President Sandy Jones, Chief Executive of the PGA, has now taken over from Ryder Cup hero Colin Montgomerie after five years, while golf industry expert Stephen Lewis, former CEO of Crown Golf, assumes the Chairman’s role from Charles Harrison, who has served the charity for seven years. The appointments, made public by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees in February of this year and last September respectively, were ratified at the AGM at Wentworth today. They are seen as key for the nationally recognised golf charity which makes the benefits of golf available to young people, and helps them to ‘Start, Learn and Stay’ in the sport. Since 2011, the Golf Foundation’s HSBC Golf Roots programme has given a first introduction to golf to more than 3 million young people across the United Kingdom. The aim is to encourage ever increasing numbers of young people into golf clubs so they can learn their golf with PGA Professionals, while offering youngsters the ‘Skills for Life’ benefits associated with the game. During the AGM, those present saw latest HSBC Golf Roots figures which show just under 40,000 young people had passed through the gates of a golf club in a year to enjoy the benefits of golf – a significant 21% increase on the previous year. The aim is to reach 50,000 by 2018, with 10,000 young people each year playing golf regularly at club level through the initiative. 44 New President Sandy Jones has said that he is “thrilled” to take on the role of President. He said: “This charity is all about helping the next generation of young players, so if I can help the Golf Foundation team through my experience in the game I’ll be delighted.” part in helping the next generation of players and will grab this unique opportunity to support the Golf Foundation and its highly motivated team led by Brendon Pyle.” Golf Foundation Chief Executive Brendon Pyle said: “Our Board of Trustees and all involved in our New Chairman Stephen Lewis said: “I feel very charity are delighted that in Sandy and Stephen proud to have been chosen as the Golf we are being supported by two passionate golf Foundation’s new Chairman. I passionately believe people who share years of experience in the golf in the core values, aims and goals of the Golf industry and in the sport at the highest level. We Foundation and look to build on the excellent work also know that they care deeply about the future and progress that the outgoing Chairman Charles of the game and understand completely why this charity’s support of young people from all Harrison has delivered. I am really keen to play a backgrounds and circumstances, from all walks of life, is so important. Below (left to right) Incoming Chairman, Stephen “Colin Montgomerie has been an inspirational Lewis, new President, Sandy Jones and outgoing President for the Golf Foundation as this charity Chairman, Charles Harrison. has sought to raise itself to a higher level in terms of enriching the lives of young people through golf. Colin has served us in a period of highly successful growth. In this time, he has publicly championed HSBC Golf Roots at every opportunity and has always been delighted to roll up his sleeves and take on youngsters in Tri-Golf at public golf events, usually winning but always with a smile. We are hugely grateful to Colin for his efforts.” Brendon added: “The Golf Foundation has been incredibly fortunate to have had Charles Harrison as its Chairman for the last seven years, benefiting greatly from his financial and business acumen, his shrewd judgement and personal energy, plus his passion for the ideals of this junior golf charity. Charles’ level of engagement with both the staff and the external stakeholders, his attention to detail, and his influence within the golfing world has helped the Foundation make significant advances.” 45 The power of the Majors and ‘Skills for Life’ Can you win a Major without learning golf’s ‘Skills for Life’? While the Golf Foundation reaches 500,000 young people a year through the HSBC Golf Roots programme, all of the charity’s golf projects are underpinned by the desire to offer youngsters the life skills associated with this great game. Young people up and down the country will have been excited by Danny Willett’s recent Masters win, and golf charity the Golf Foundation, working with its national partners, has the tools to help these young people to ‘Start, Learn and Stay’ in the game. The technical skills will only take you so far to winning that first Major but many believe the mental side of the game, including the life skills absorbed from our successes and failures, serve to dictate who ends up with the Claret Jug or Green Jacket, or even the club championship. The Golf Foundation always stresses that it isn’t just concerned with the number of children it reaches through golf, it is equally about setting them on the path to a good life in golf. This road often starts with the Majors, as every year children and young people are inspired when watching their winners, just as Danny Willett was himself. He first started at a municipal golf club in Sheffield, where everyone had to clean their own clubs and shoes and respect the coaches and the game. Would those Skills for Life prove valuable for young Danny? The Green Jacket is seen in Chorley Willett’s Masters win will have been seen by thousands of young people who will have never picked up a golf club or may have just started playing. Everyone has been learning about the Green Jacket since then – one of sport’s most unusual prizes and full of mystique. At Euxton Park Golf Centre in Chorley, Lancashire, the Green Jacket has taken on a special meaning for the youngsters. For the fourth year in succession during Masters week, Golf Foundation Regional Development Officer Andy Leigh ran the ‘Masters Skills Challenge’, in which boys and girls played different games to win... a mini Masters Green Jacket, to wear as a prize between challenges. Andy Leigh said: “We bought the little green jacket from a local school outfitters and stuck on a laminated Masters badge on the chest. The children love to win and wear the jacket and be a Masters Champion, and the members here enjoy it when they see a proud youngster imitating their heroes. It’s all a bit tongue and cheek but it really helps to explain what The Masters and the Majors are all about and really fires the imaginations of the kids.” The Rory effect The year Rory McIlroy won his Open Championship (2014), the Golf Foundation team was welcoming youngsters to try golf in the tented village at Royal Liverpool as guests of The R&A. On the practice days before the event the team was asking young boys and girls who they wanted to win. “Rory!” was the constant mantra. Each year in the run-up to, and during, The Open, the Golf Foundation reaches thousands of youngsters and introduces them to golf. As with all of its HSBC Golf Roots activity, follow-on opportunities lead the young people to be able to try golf in our golf clubs. The Power of the Majors! The value of Skills for Life At Euxton Park in Chorley, the coaching team also introduced a special ‘Skills for Life’ trophy which can be won each week by the youngster who shows the best spirit, sportsmanship or behaviour during the golf session. This simple trophy, donated by a member, can be presented to a boy or girl who may not have won a single golf challenge, but has shown their sportsmanship and respect for the day. Andy Leigh said: “This can make all the difference to a youngster. He or she may not be the best player but to have their good character recognised can be a great prize in itself.” We are sure that Danny Willett and Rory McIlroy would approve of this sentiment. The technical skills of golf are one thing but you will never triumph over all your adversaries and win the Green Jacket or the Claret Jug on the technical skills alone! 46 SAVILLS PUTTS OADBY GOLF COURSE ON THE MARKET IN LEICESTER Savills, on behalf of Leicester Racecourse Holdings Limited, is marketing the opportunity to lease Oadby Golf Course in Leicester. The property, which comprises an 18 hole, 6,000 yard golf course, is located at Oadby, on the south eastern outskirts of Leicester. The site extends to approximately 106 acres (43 hectares), of which approximately 43 acres (17 hectares) is situated within the racecourse circuit itself on which nine holes of the course are located. There is an existing 4,773 sq ft (443 sq m) golf clubhouse and 814 sq ft (76 sq m) golf professional’s shop as well as a putting green, greenkeeper’s building and car parking for approximately 80 cars. The property benefits from planning consent for construction of a new 15 bay floodlit golf driving range The golf course has been maintained to a 47 basic standard as open grassland since its closure in April 2012 but is not currently in a playable condition, and the clubhouse buildings will also require refurbishment or redevelopment before being returned to use in conjunction with the course. Ian Simpson, director at Savills leisure division in Oxford, comments: “There is a real opportunity at Oadby for a successful new golf business to use the existing facilities and develop the proposed new driving range, as well as associated leisure facilities. Our client will be flexible over the proposed lease terms if it secures long term investment in the property which is compatible with the adjoining racecourse operation.” For further information, please contact: Ian Simpson, Savills Tel: +44 (0) 1865 269022 savills.co.uk TO LET - 18 HOLE GOLF COURSE AND CLUBHOUSE WITH PERMISSION TO DEVELOP A FLOODLIT DRIVING RANGE oadby, leicestershire Leicester City Centre: 4 miles, M1/M69 (Junction 21): 5 miles 18 hole 6,000 yard par 72 golf course golf clubhouse and golf professional’s shop buildings greenkeeper’s building planning consent for construction of 15 bay floodlit golf driving range with landscaping car parking for approximately 80 cars EPC=E About 106.3 acres Rental offers invited Savills Oxford Leisure [email protected] 01865 269000 Golf Courses 4 Sale The Number 1 website for all the golf courses and ranges for sale To advertise here and on the website contact Colin Jenkins on 01580 751248 [email protected] 49 TO LET Prime Adventure Golf Development Opportunity Golfbug Wast Hills, 300 Redhill Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B38 9EL • Prime location on the southern edge of the Birmingham conurbation • Planning permission for an 18 hole adventure golf course with café and WC’s • Birmingham population based on 0NS of 1.123 million • 524,908 households within a 15 minute drive 07785 500326 E: [email protected] W: www.cjwa.uk time. 51 Course Location Guide Oadby Golf Course South Eastern outskirts of Leicester Rental Offers Invited Wast HIlls Adventure Golf Birmingham Annual rent 30,000 Five Golf Courses and Two Development Sites Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal On Application Boston West Hotel & Golf Club Boston, Lincolnshire, PE20 3QX Guide Price £1.6m Freehold Details Contact Status 106 acres (43 hectares), 43 acres (17 hectares) is situated within the racecourse on which nine holes of the course are located. Existing 4,773 sq ft (443 sq m) golf clubhouse and 814 sq ft (76 sq m) golf professional’s shop as well as a putting green, greenkeeper’s building and car parking for approximately 80 cars. Ian Simpson Savills 020 7409 8060 [email protected] Available Investment opportunity to build out a new adventure putting course alongside a successful golf facility. Planning permission for half acre site. Colin White phone: 07785 500326 or by email: [email protected] Available Five highly profitable golf courses of exceptional quality and reputation. Four substantial clubhouses. Site for development of 126 holiday apartments on the Vilamoura Old Course. Beach front development site for 166 holiday apartments (as a separate lot) Ian Simpson Savills 020 7409 8060 [email protected] Under Offer 18 holes, 6488 yards, Par 72 6 hole academy course. Extensive golf clubhouse with function rooms. 24 bedrooms. Consent for a further 12 bedrooms. 20 bay floodlight driving range. Turnover 1million. Profitable business. Tom Marriott HMH Golf & Leisure [email protected] 079006 72045 Under Offer www.golfcourses4sale.co.uk 52 Course Location Confidentially for sale historic18 hole golf club London / South East M25 Guide Offers invited in the region of £1.75 million Full details available on signature of NDA Golf Club and Award Winning Restaurant London Borders Offers over £230,000 Huntswood Golf Course Burnham, Buckinghamshire Maidenhead: 5 miles, Beaconsfield: 5 miles £1.75 million Sancti Petri Hills Cadiz Spain Formal Offers Invited 53 Details Contact Status Historic 18 hole 6,000(+) yard parkland golf course 800 sq m (8,600 sq ft) clubhouse. Extensive practice facilities Established business offering scope for commercialisation Profitable trading record 1,175,740 population within 30 minutes' drive Ben Allen GVA 020 7911 2360 [email protected] For Sale Par 33, 9 hole course, 2315 yds. Double lane practice net. 40 seat restaurant with fully Contact equipped kitchen. [email protected] Office and golf shop. Mowers, buggies and equipment. 18 hole 5,613 yard, par 69 golf course. Practice putting green and practice hole for teaching purposes. Modern, purpose built clubhouse. Greenkeeper’s area Adjoining woodland available separately. About 102 acres For Sale Savills Oxford Kay Griffiths [email protected] 01865 269109 Under Offer Designed by Spanish Ryder Jesús Labrado Fernández Cup star Manuel Pinero 39.8 hectares measuring a [email protected] total of 4,767 metres (par 68). Phone: + 34 91 013 34 10 The clubhouse includes a café and restaurant. For Sale www.golfcourses4sale.co.uk 54 55 Course Location Guide Fingle Glen Golf Hotel Tedburn St Mary, Devon Exeter: 6 miles, Okehampton: 16 miles £3 Million Forest Hill Golf Club Markfield Lane, Botcheston, Leicester LE9 9FH £2 Million Golf Range Wanted N/A N/A Confidential Disposal South East England On application Details Contact Status 18 hole 5,744 yard, par 70 golf course. 12 bay covered floodlit driving range. Purpose built golf clubhouse with function rooms and 9 hotel bedrooms. Modern purpose built greenkeeper’s building. Adjoining house and land available. Savills Oxford Kay Griffiths [email protected] 01865 269109 For Sale Well maintained 6,491 yard (par 73) 18 hole course. 26 bay floodlit driving range and golf school. Modern and recently extended club house. Freehold extending over approximately 120 acres. Established business with excellent growth. John Rushby Telephone+44 113 200 6915 [email protected] Robert Smithson Telephone+44 113 200 1876 [email protected] For Sale UK Golf Range Company looking for next Golf Range Flexible purchase to suit vendor if required. If you are interested in selling or having a 5 minute confidential chat about possibilities call 07765 901 643 or email [email protected] Wanted 36 holes Extensive golf & clubhouse facilities Valuable planning consents Turnover - £2m + Profitable Tom Marriott HMH Golf & Leisure [email protected] 079006 72045 For Sale www.golfcourses4sale.co.uk 56 PGA News Orr becomes youngest ever PGA Master Professional A golfer who first picked up a golf club at aged just four has become the youngest ever recipient of PGA Master Professional status. Littlehampton-based Scot Steven Orr, now 40, who is director of coaching and development at the Cranfield Golf Academies, received the accolade in the latest APAL (Accreditation for Professional Achievement and Learning) awards. Also celebrating were Jussi Pitkanen (Ireland PGA coach education and development manager), Shane Rose (Cold Ashby), Kieron Stevenson (Royal Troon) and Ian Wrigley (Dunham Forest) who achieved PGA Fellow Professional status. The following were accorded PGA Advanced Professional membership: Stephen Ennis (Balcarrick), Robert Giles (Greenore), Lewis Hanney (Oake Manor), Graham Hawkings (Malvern College), Simon Hayward (Westridge), Mark Norton (Northants County), Mark Sturgess (Bourn Golf) and Scott Thompson (Mendip Spring). Orr grew up playing golf on the south side of Glasgow at East Renfrewshire Golf Club where he and his older brother, David, who is also a successful PGA pro, were passionate about the game right from the start. The younger Orr harboured hopes of playing on the European Tour but has ended up as a renowned coach with a host of achievements to his name including being one of the first PGA pros to undertake the UKCC Level 4 Certificate in Coaching. Ironically, it was a golfer who famously never had a lesson - Bubba Watson - that persuaded Orr that he was not going to cut it as a player at the highest level and stoked a passion for coaching. Orr played a few rounds with Watson while at university in Alabama and it was a wakeup call to his own tour ambitions. “From my teens I wanted to be a European Tour player, but I promised myself that when the day it became evident it was not going to happen as a tour player that coaching was where I wanted to be,” said Orr, who is also an England Regional 57 Above: Youngest PGA Master Professional, Steven Orr, photo courtesy of The PGA. coach. “Playing with Bubba you could see he was a different standard and it was maybe a turning point when I realised there were players far better than me. “The other moment that brought it home was when I played in the Johnnie Walker Championship and played with Peter Hanson, who went on to play in two Ryder Cups. There was a big gulf between me and these world-class players, and by the time I was 26 I realised I was not going to achieve my tour ambitions. “Coaching was beginning to hold a fascination when I put a foot in the coaching world. I went from playing ten hours a day to not playing for a year because I was so absorbed in coaching. I’m totally fascinated with coaching and in fact it’s outgrown my fascination with playing in a way I never thought would happen.” Orr, who described himself as a decent player who competed on the Europro Tour and made some Challenge Tour appearances, believes his appetite for coaching was fuelled by his playing experiences. “I think my fascination with coaching grew out of my failure as a player. I was looking from a playing perspective and wanted to understand why,” he added. “I love coaching, I do 70 hours a week but it doesn’t feel as though I’ve worked a day since 2003. My love for coaching grows every day: I’m very fortunate that I have got a job that doesn’t feel like work. I think every passionate coach will tell you the same. “Also, part of journey over the last 15 years has been in coach education, including as a PGA tutor and working overseas for the R&A. I’ve found that really interesting - how we develop effectively as coaches and how that process works.” Reflecting on his PGA Master Professional accolade, Orr added: “This is a real honour to be given this award by the PGA, especially when you look at some of the guys on the list of Master Professionals. Several of them have been huge mentors, notably Scott Cranfield, who I have worked under from day one of the start of my coaching career.” Golf suits newcomer to a tee A lady amateur golfer has proved a chip off the old block by earning a shot at a national PGA title with the coach who first introduced her to the game five years ago. Leila Scobie from Three Rivers Golf and Country Club in Essex won her club medal and with it the chance to partner PGA Fellow Professional Sarah Bennett in the inaugural allwomen WPGA Lombard Trophy regional qualifier at Camberley Heath, Surrey, on July 4. The pair will be playing for a place in the grand final which is being staged at Portugal’s Pestana Vila Sol Golf & Resort Hotel at Vilamoura later in the summer from September 22-23. Scobie first experienced golf through Bennett’s Golfing Girl initiative which has brought several hundred women into the sport over the past five years. “It’s a real achievement that Leila has qualified to play with me in the WPGA Lombard Trophy, because five years ago she had never picked up a club,” said Bennett. “I’ve since watched her develop all the way from complete beginner to someone who absolutely loves golf. “She started with a few lessons and it has just flowered from there. She has really bought into everything and progressed to runner up in the club championships and winning competitions, and now this. “After she found out she’d qualified, I received a text saying it was a really scary prospect and I said she must have heard what it’s like playing with me! “She’s already looked up the course on the website and is very excited. It’s just another step in her golfing adventure, another progression she’s taken since first picking up a club. It’s really special, and even more so because she is leaving Three Rivers to move to Scotland. She will be hugely missed because she has been instrumental within the ladies section and a real motivating force.” Scobie is one of a small, but thriving ladies section at Three Rivers, and Bennett remains passionate about not only getting more into golf but ensuring they stay in the game. “The key objective for me is retention. A very high percentage of my ladies who I have introduced to golf are still playing. That is the key driver for me. I don’t just want to tick a box when it comes to introducing people to the game and saying I have introduced ‘X’ number. I would like the majority to still be playing five years later. I think that is how you have to measure success.” 58 Above: Sarah Bennett, left, with Leila Scobie courtesy of Sarah Bennett/The PGA. Bennett also had other good news having been selected by England Golf as lead coach to take the U16 boys and girls team to face Spain in Madrid at the end of May. The former Ladies European Tour player will cover numerous event preparations, including course mapping and course strategy with specific contingency plans. “It’s an area I am meticulous about because tournament preparation is absolutely key,” she said. In the meantime she is also looking to picking up her own clubs again after a hand-injury sidelined her for a couple of years. “I’m looking forward to getting my teeth into playing again. You spend so much time helping other people learn to play you tend to forget M what an amazing game it is to play.” The one-stop shop to buy and sell used golf and turf machinery - over 2500 items listed 59 Machinery4golf Le Golf National adopts new Club Car fleet in preparation for The 2018 Ryder Cup The 2018 Ryder Cup venue and home of the 100th Open de France, (featured on page 3) has renewed its long-term partnership with the world’s largest manufacturer of small-wheel electric vehicles until 2020 and is updating its Club Car fleet ahead of the biennial event. Through its French distributor, ORA Véhicules Electriques, Club Car will be supplying 50 new Precedent i3 vehicles in two phases, with most featuring the ground-breaking Visage system to provide golfers with precise shot and distance information, flyover video graphics and a live leaderboard during competitions. The connected mobile golf information system will also enable staff at the European Tour Destination to remotely control each car and optimise course maintenance with ‘no-drive’ zones, as well as monitor pace-of-play. Paul Armitage, General Manager at Le Golf National, said: “Our new Club Car fleet and the 61 Above: Le Golf National adopts Club Car fleet in preparation for The 2018 Ryder Cup. cars’ fully-connected Visage system will be a definite USP for Le Golf National. “The opportunity for our golfers to have the information on each hole, along with the ability to email themselves their score card to review at home from the golf car, will help to further enhance the on-course experience for all our customers.” In addition to the 50-strong fleet, Club Car also provided Le Golf National with a commemorative Ryder Cup vehicle, which was to be awarded to anyone recording a hole-in-one during a unique par-3 contest the prestigious venue hosted to help launch the new layout of The 2018 Ryder Cup course, L’Albatros 2.0. “To mark the occasion, we invited 600 guests to take part in a special par-3 contest on the renovated 190-yard par-3 11th hole, which is now protected by a new lake in front of the green and two additional bunkers to the back,” continued Paul Armitage. “Closest to the pin was Justine Dreher, a Ladies European Tour professional, with a tee shot that finished only 6cm from the hole. So although no hole-in-one was recorded on the day, the par-3 contest was a huge success, and I’d like to thank Club Car and its official distributor ORA Véhicules Electriques for providing the commemorative Ryder Cup car and for helping to create an unforgettable day for our guests.” Club Car has a rich history with The Ryder Cup, having been associated with the event since 1999. At The 2014 Ryder Cup, the company supplied its largest ever fleet of more than 540 vehicles, which were used by both Captains, all Vice-Captains, all team and match officials, as well as all on-course television and event logistics. For more information about Club Car, visit www.clubcar.tv. 63 New Course Manager, first ever package deal and a rebrand, it’s all change for the Henley The Henley, which until recently was known as Henley Golf and Country Club, is entering a new period of its young life. A new name as part of a comprehensive rebrand, a new course manager and its first ever machinery package deal with Toro sees this 250 acre club with a new and determined focus to achieve its full potential. Overlooking the historic town of Henley-in-Arden, Adam Moss, course manager, joined the club eight months ago to a rather empty shed and a course that was some way off reaching its potential. “Established in 1994, this is a young course, which for one reason or another hasn’t been pushed. There’s a lot of potential in these 250 acres and 18-holes and my job is to help realise Below: Adam Moss, The Henley’s Course Manager, seated on the left, with Lely’s Jon Lewis. that potential,” he says. “There wasn’t the proper equipment to do a good job to start with; in fact when I first went into the shed I wondered where all the equipment had gone!” The aim is to create a premier facility and with that in mind, Adam looked into new machinery to suit the parkland course. “We have a five-year plan with the aim to create a premier golf club for the Midlands. We needed machines that would suit the site and bring out the best in it. Having used Toro before I was confident they could cope with its challenges and I could rely on them to help get the job done.” The 28-strong fleet is made up of greens, grounds and fairway mowers, aeration equipment, UTVs, sprayers and two ever-popular TYM T503 Tractors. Advising Adam on the mix of machinery was Lely Turfcare’s Jon Lewis, who Adam complements, along with local dealer Redtech, with providing sound advice, good customer care and a comprehensive demo with a trained demonstration team. “The demo proved me right that Toro was what we needed to get the course back on track. The quality was evident and when we coupled that with the support from Lely and Redtech, to be honest, no one else came close.” Among the fleet is a Groundsmaster 360, with ProForce Blower, an unusual machinery choice maybe for a golf course, but which, says Adam, deals with the parkland aspect of the course with ease. “It’s a nimble machine and with its joystick mount is really easy to operate in between and around the trees. The blower has enough power to deal with the vast area, which gets covered in leaves. machinery choices. Adam explains: “We bought three Greensmaster TriFlex 3420s and two Reelmaster 5010-Hs. These models are hybrids and together ensure we have an energy-efficient, green option, for the cutting of our greens and fairways.” “With new legislation coming into play in a few years Lely Turfcare’s Jon Lewis advised us to consider this now so we don’t need to worry about it nearer the time. The fact that both models are efficient and effective at what they do sealed the deal. In particular the 5010-H has performed incredibly well, reducing fairway cutting time in half and making us a substantial saving in fuel.” It’s not only entering a new period of its life, with Adam and Toro, The Henley is also getting a new lease of life! Call 01480 226800, email [email protected] or visit www.lelyturfcare.co.uk / www.toro.com for further details. And in Ireland by Lely Ireland call 00 353 (0)45 526170 or email [email protected] Golf Courses 4 Sale The Number 1 website for all the courses and ranges for sale To advertise here and on the website contact Colin Jenkins on 01580 7248 “We also made the decision to invest in three aerators, two ProCore 648s and a wide area SR72. The ground was really compacted and we needed to remove a substantial layer of thatch; the aerators have been worth their weight in gold doing this.” Energy-efficiency played a part in five of the deal’s www.machinery4golf.net 64 THE UK AND EUROPE'S NUMBER 1 USED MACHINERY WEBSITE Visit Machinery4Golf.net for more information on these and over 3000 other machinery listings as well as all the latest news from the major manufacturers. Jacobsen G-PLEX II Mower £2,650 + VAT 3 Gang, Kubota 3 cyclinder diesel. Lots spent on this machine new brushes,belts and full service, all genuine parts. Saxon LM180 Triple £1,650 Robin petrol engine, three speed plus reverse, diff lock, new bottom blades, new carburettor, serviced and ready to mow. Private sale, no vat Rytec Offset Flail Mower £1,995 + VAT In good condition, full working order was used only last week as seen in the pictures. Comes with some spare flails Location: Omagh, Tyrone, NI Phone: 07786 564094 Location: Tunbridge Wells Phone: 07817 358152 Location: Maldon, Essex Phone: 01621 892907 John Deere 8400 Triple Gang Mower £11,250 + VAT Kubota B3030 tractor £9,950 + VAT 2014 Kawasaki mule 4010 with half Cab £5,495 + VAT Used Kubota B3030 tractor with air conditioned cab, hydro, 30hp, spools, 4wd, turf tyres, 1830 hrs, 58 pate road registered. Excellent condition. Serviced before sale. Location: Barrow on Trent Phone: 01283 704664 2WD or 4WD with Diff locks, 24hp 3 Cylinder diesel engine, bench seat, metal roof with glass screen, manual tipping butt, road registered, 1700 hrs Location: Billericay, Essex Phone: 01268 522292 With Full Service New Blades. Triple mower diesel 4x4 been in a John Deere workshop and had the full works on her ready for work. Location: Wisbech, Cambs Phone: 01945 582223 65 'ŽůĨƵŐŐŝĞƐ /ŶWĂƌƚŶĞƌƐŚŝƉǁŝƚŚ ϮϬϭϰWƌĞĐĞĚĞŶƚŝϮ'ŽůĨƵŐŐŝĞƐ&Žƌ^ĂůĞ άϮ͕ϮϬϬĞdžǀĂƚ 'ƌĞĞŶůƵďĂƌWƌĞĐĞĚĞŶƚůĞĐƚƌŝĐŝϮ'ŽůĨƵŐŐLJ͕ ϮϮŵŽŶƚŚƐŽůĚ͕ĞdžŇĞĞƚďƵŐŐLJ;ϳϬĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞͿ͘ 'ŽŽĚŽŶĚŝƟŽŶ͕&ƵůůtŽƌŬŝŶŐKƌĚĞƌ͕ ϮzĞĂƌ&ĂĐƚŽƌLJtĂƌƌĂŶƚLJ͕ ĞŝŐĞ^ĞĂƚƐĂŶĚĂŶŽƉLJ͕Kī-ŽĂƌĚŚĂƌŐĞƌ >ŽĐĂƟŽŶ͗^ƟďďŝŶŐƚŽŶ͕WĞƚĞƌďŽƌŽƵŐŚ-^ŽůĚƐ^ĞĞŶ͘ ůƐŽĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞǁŝƚŚĨƵůůƐĞƌǀŝĐĞǁĂƌƌĂŶƚLJ͘ ϬϭϳϴϬϳϴϮϲϮϭƐĂůĞƐΛŐŽůĩƵŐŐLJƐĂůĞƐ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ ǁǁǁ͘ďƌĂĚƐŚĂǁŐŽůĩƵŐŐŝĞƐ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ CAN’T FIND THE ANSWER? BE SURE YOU’RE ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS + 44 (0) 1932 345 539 www.sportsmarketingsurveysinc.com [email protected] ΛƌĂĚƐŚĂǁͺs For international research on the sports industry – from event experience & participation levels, to equipment market sizes, lifestyle analysis & retailer attitudes - our insight is market leading. 66 FOOTGOLF UPDATE The UK FootGolf Association continues its relentless growth throughout the UK as they near the 200 certified golf courses mark. The sport continues to be the UK’s fastest growing and most talked about sport with more than 60,000 member players, and more than 30,000 people playing every week. The 2016 UK Open will take place in Cambridge with an expected playing field of over 200 taking part in the 3 day event, with Italian legend and former West Ham, Lazio, AC Milan & Celtic star Paolo Di Canio having already entered the event, which has a prize fund of over £20,000. Springs, California during January of 2017. Each country will be represented by 16 men, and 4 women. The Health Insurance Group – National FootGolf Tour: Stage 3 – The English Open The English FootGolf Open was played on 22nd May over 36 holes at Magnolia Park Golf & Country Club. The Buckinghamshire course provided a stunning backdrop for the UK’s fastest The Jansen Cup: growing sport. It was announced in April that the UK & USA will After torrential rain during practice on Saturday battle it out for The Jansen Cup (FootGolf’s version seemed destined to spoil the party, the sun was of Golf’s Ryder Cup). The inaugural event will take shining early on the Sunday morning for the 110 place at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm players who entered. The 18 hole FootGolf layout was designed specifically for this event as UK FootGolf take their ten stage tour around the UK on bespoke one stop courses. National Tournament Director Paul Oliver ‘This year we’ve taken tournament FootGolf to a new level and hope the natural progression is to a professional style format similar to what we see in Golf. We’re looking to create challenging one off designs around the UK utilising some great facilities who embrace our sport – Magnolia Park have certainly done this from start to finish and we’re looking forward to returning next year’ The event was won by Clinton Moore after his second round 64 gave him a seven shot victory over Marc Cowell, Phil Price and Ben Clarke. Clinton’s impressive play won him a cheque for £1000 with second place Marc Cowell winning £500. In total over £30,000 will be played for over ten stages with the ultimate prize being a seat on the plane to America to compete against USA in The Jansen Cup. Full results can be found here https://ukfootgolf.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/ukfootgolf 67 M The one-stop shop to buy and sell used golf and turf machinery - over 2500 items listed 68 News • BGL celebrates National Golf Month across UK Venues Burhill Golf and Leisure Limited (BGL) is celebrating National Golf Month this May by hosting a full schedule of adult and children’s lessons across nine of its UK venues. The sessions will run throughout the month, welcoming beginners and enthusiasts of all ages and genders. Activities will include heavily discounted ‘Learn Golf in a Day’ sessions for adults, as well as free group lessons for juniors. “BGL have been great supporters of National Golf Month from the start, and welcome any initiative that invites people to the game,” commented BGL’s CEO, Colin Mayes. “We want to remove barriers that may deter people from trying the sport, and invite everyone to come down to one of our venues, no matter what age or experience, and just have fun playing golf. “It’s a great social game, and a healthy way to get outdoors and spend some time with friends. By working with National Golf Month, we hope to 69 Above: BGL takes National Golf Month in hand with free group lessons for juniors. see many more people experiencing the great game of golf at our venues in the near future.” The Learn Golf in a Day sessions will be open to adults, with at least one women’s only session being held at each venue, with the price of the course halved during National Golf Month. The introductory course will include a one hour lesson on the swing, 45 minutes of chipping and putting, another 45 minutes of pitching and bunker shots, and finish with an hour on the course, punctuated with refreshments and lunch. The one hour junior sessions will be split into age categories of nine and under, and ten and over, with attendees receiving their first session for free in conjunction with National Golf Month. “Each club has a full timetable of activities that will run throughout the month,” added Mayes, “so there are plenty of opportunities for people to go along to their nearest BGL venue and give golf a go.” Participating venues include: Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Aldwickbury Park Golf Club, Birchwood Golf and Country Club, Hoebridge Golf Centre, Ramsdale Park Golf Centre, Redbourn Golf Club, The Shropshire Golf Centre, Thornbury Golf Centre, and Wycombe Heights Golf Centre. For more information regarding BGL venues, please visit www.bglgolf.co.uk. • Sir Clive Woodward renews long-term relationship with Huxley Golf In 1999 Huxley Golf proudly installed an allweather putting and chipping green for Sir Clive Woodward in his garden. It was one of the company’s first ever Golf at Home installations. Some 17 years later, the English sporting legend continues to call on the Hampshire-based company to ensure that his private practice area is the finest available. Sir Clive’s golf green is large – around 25ft (7.6m) by 15ft (4.5m) with four hole positions. It was originally made using polypropylene 1.25’’ turf with 16/30 sand fill dressing, which made it very fast to play! The top layer of infill was a mix of green and black specially formulated quartz kiln-dried sand. Huxley Golf also installed some chipping mats around Sir Clive’s garden and a practice net, which gave him the ability to work with irons and woods for a fully-rounded golf practice session. As Huxley Golf has developed its surfaces in line with other technological developments in golf over the years, Sir Clive has kept pace. He has repeatedly commissioned the company to upgrade and maintain his own facility to ensure that it continues to be the optimum all-weather golf practice area. Barry Huxley, who oversaw the initial installation recalls: “Sir Clive has always been an avid golfer. I remember him telling me that his long game was good but he wanted to improve his short game. Jointly, along with professional David Hart from Sir Clive’s club, we designed a green to help him to do just that. Back then, it was rare for someone to have a golf practice area HIGH QUALITY SOIL IMPORTATION PROJECTS Call James for a confidential discussion free of charge James Jefferies- 020 8207 5566 - [email protected] www.londonrock.co.uk 70 in their garden, so we worked hard to create a design that wouldn’t be obtrusive. In fact, we even accommodated a small rockery around one end of the green at his wife Jayne’s request!” Above: Sir Clive Woodward, enjoying his Huxley Golf all-weather putting green. Right: Lee Westwood points the way for Scottish youngsters. Sir Clive commented: “I still very much enjoy my Huxley Golf practice area, as do my family and friends. Over the years it’s been such a delight to be able to practise my putting mere yards from my office and at a moment’s notice! Equally important to me, however, is the high level of after sales service that Huxley Golf provides. I recently asked them to upgrade my flags and give my green a mechanical brushing to ensure it was in top notch condition for the summer. I couldn’t be happier with their customer service.” generation of champion golfers. In support of the Bags for Birdies campaign launched last month, Westwood presented the very first sets of specially designed PING Moxie junior clubs to twelve excited school children at the famous Open venue. Following an interactive clinic masterly delivered by Scottish Golf under the tutelage of Troon professional Adam Rolfe, Westwood surprised and delighted the young golfers, providing inspiration as they took their first steps on the road to golfing success. Rolfe commented: “It is fantastic to have Lee back at Royal Troon today, promoting the Bags for Birdies initiative. Lee has a strong record at Troon and we hope he can contend again at this year’s Open.” • Lee Westwood and UPS deliver unique access for Scottish Golf. Fresh off his second place finish at the Masters, iconic British golfer and UPS global golf ambassador, Lee Westwood was on hand to deliver a very special experience for the next 71 Jackie Davidson, Scottish Golf Club Development 2015 Opportunities with N1GOLF New Franchise available from only £100 per week! LARGEST GOLF ACADEMY GROUP IN THE UK ✔ FREE telephone consultation. OGRO ✔ Over 2 million golfing visits per year. Preferred Supplier ✔ Benefit from N1GOLF experience and investment. ✔ Your Pros continually supported and trained. ✔ Proven brand and track record. ✔ Massive promotion and exposure for both your venue and pros. ✔ Increase footfall and profits. ✔ It’s a win/win situation – you make more and so do your pros! N1GOLF also own and lease venues, if you are looking to sell your golf venue we would like to know more. All areas considered and funding in place. www.n1golf.com Contact Declan Malone - [email protected] or 01344 620 348 / 07944 071 995, 72 Manager was present to receive the clubs on behalf of ClubGolf, Scottish Golf’s national junior programme, supported by the Golf Foundation. He said : “We are delighted to have been involved in this fantastic opportunity. For 12 young people, chosen to represent the six primary schools from the Troon area, to meet Lee is a once and lifetime experience and one which we hope will inspire the boys and girls to continue to develop their golf and stay within the sport.” The Oaks has gone backwards. In his first month in the role Jon has overseen the installation of 13 Power Tees in the 16 bay range, as well as new bay dividers and a major redecoration of the range building. With the upgrade of the range facility, and with Jon offering free beginners group classes, the team at The Oaks are aiming to get more people starting golf and enjoying the beginnerfriendly atmosphere and facilities at this attractive family-owned golf centre. A fervent supporter of junior golf, Westwood spoke Jon has had a distinguished career and has passionately about the campaign: “It is so great to worked at some of the UK’s busiest facilities. Jon see kids being given another opportunity to take was asked for his views on Power Tees, and what up the game and, importantly, UPS and PING are he considered were their main benefits. proving to be the right equipment, tailored for the Jon responded: “Power Tees bring the most youngsters to start their golfing experience.” professional look to a driving range. It is without doubt the automated tee of choice. All of the About Bags for Birdies: ranges I have worked at have had Power Tees and For every birdie or better recorded by Lee the customers’ responses have always been Westwood and fellow UPS ambassador Louis magnificent. The Power Tees themselves are easy Oosthuizen at this year’s four Major to maintain and on a small range in busy periods Championships, UPS will donate a set of PING we get more balls hit by more customers. Moxie junior clubs to support grass roots golf in eight international territories. “Customer service is of paramount importance to me and by offering our customers the best mat to Following a successful showing at the Masters in practise from - which we do with Power Tees - we April, the duo has already recorded an impressive reap the benefits of a happier customer base that twenty-nine birdies and one eagle to kick-start the wants to spend more time here, and spend more campaign, with a running total of 31 bags. money with us. To follow their progress, search #Bags4Biridies on “During challenging times it is easy for Facebook and Twitter. businesses to see the cost of everything but the value of very little; we have created a great for our customers to practise in, and • Jon Woodroffe returning to The Oaks environment the immediate response has been fantastic from Having started his professional golf coaching career under the guidance of Geoff Horley at The our staff as well as our customers - it is equally Oaks Golf Club in Surrey, Jon Woodroffe has now important to demonstrate to our staff that we are returned nearly 30 years later as the new Director wanting to offer more to our customers too. “We have introduced longer opening hours on of Golf at this busy 27 hole public golf facility, on site so that golfers can come early morning and the outskirts of Sutton, South London. hit balls from 7:30am and then use our restaurant In the eighties, Jon led a team of 7 PGA professionals introducing hundreds of new people for breakfast, and we remain open until 10pm to golf through beginner group classes. As one of Monday to Thursday, with golfers yet again able to the only golf ranges in the area, the business was take advantage of the great fare we serve in our restaurant. We close at 8pm Friday through to brisk. Fast forward 30 years and the decline in Sunday. golf, as well as many more golf ranges in the “With our revamped facility, rejuvenated staff, area, has meant that by standing still the range at 73 OGRO Preferred Supplier more flexible hours of operation, we are really providing a facility we can be proud of and our customers proud to use. I would recommend Power Tee® to any range owner that is looking to provide a quality environment for practice, and anyone looking to generate business growth.” • Tróia Resort becomes European Tour destination Tróia Resort, in Portugal, has been announced as the latest member of the exclusive European Tour Properties network, becoming an official European Tour Destination. Located on the Tróia Peninsula on the Atlantic coast, just south of Lisbon, the resort combines a championship-standard 18-hole golf course with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The peninsula is set between the Natural Park of Arrábida and the Sado Estuary, while other attractions include the Tróia Roman Ruins, as well as a variety of activities at the marina, including boat trips to watch dolphins. The centre-piece is the Championship Course, designed by renowned course architect Robert Trent Jones Snr, which offers outstanding sea views and is regarded as one of the finest golf 75 Above: The golf range at the Oaks which is welcoming Jon Woodroffe back as Director of Golf. courses in Portugal. David MacLaren, Director of Property and Venue Development at The European Tour, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tróia Resort to European Tour Properties, becoming the 21st member of our network of outstanding golf venues and resorts in Europe, Middle-East and South-East Asia. “Tróia has been recognised as possessing one of Portugal’s finest golf courses, and we look forward to assisting João Madeira and his team to realise the potential of what is a truly outstanding range of leisure, accommodation and real estate amenities. “Tróia is situated within a unique environment that blends extraordinary natural beauty, historical Roman ruins and modern facilities, and will without doubt attract golfers, investors and holiday-makers from all around the world.” João Madeira, Tróia Resort General Manager, said: “The partnership with European Tour Properties further adds to the recognition of Tróia Resort as a unique destination for those who wish to own a property on a world class golf venue. We are proud to join European Tour Properties’ worldwide organisation, a network of world class golf venues, and with this partnership reinforce the notoriety and awareness of our resort within the international community.” Tróia is served by two hotels as well as a range of modern apartments, villas and beach houses, with restaurants, an entertainment centre and a casino among the many other on-site attractions available. Tróia follows fellow Portuguese resort Bom Sucesso as the latest addition to the European Tour Properties network, also joining Quinta do Lago to become the third member venue in Portugal, and is the fourth new addition of 2016, with Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort and Albatross Golf Resort announced earlier in the year. For more information about Tróia Resort please visit www.troiaresort.pt/en/ and to find out more about European Tour Properties’ other world-class venues, please go to www.europeantourproperties.com 77 Golf Courses 4 Sale The Number 1 website for all the courses and ranges for sale To advertise here and on the website contact Colin Jenkins on 01580 7248 OGRO Preferred Supplier AJW CONSTRUCTION LTD WELCOMES YOU TO THE WORLD OF HI-NETS. FENCING SYSTEMS FOR THE LEISURE INDUSTRY. Compare our 2016 offers against ANY alternative! Suspension Netting Systems. Designed specifically for ballstop fencing, giving huge advantages over conventional fences, allows post siting flexibility, aesthetically pleasing, more cost effective. Mobile Netting Systems. Completely movable fences including the bases, no groundworks needed. Clearspan Roof Nets. Clearspan distances you would not believe. Repairs/Revamps. To existing fencing from net repairs/renewal, to total overhaul. All our systems & designs are the result of 15 years of experience supplying & Installing ballstop fencing. PLEASE CONTACT US NOW, NO MATTER HOW SMALL OR LARGE YOUR REQUIREMENT. Tel: 01425 622552 Fax: 01425 611383 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.hi-nets.co.uk classifieds • netting • classifieds For All Your Netting Needs www.huckgolf.co.uk Driving Range And Netting Systems •Design •Manufacture •Supply •Install New WEBSITE: www.golfnettinginstallation.co.uk Call 01308 425100 To Arrange A Free Site Survey Golf Courses 4 Sale The Number 1 website for all the courses and ranges for sale To advertise here and on the website contact Colin Jenkins on 01580 7248 Don’t let the weather control your game ! [email protected] 01246 472949 www.dryrainge.co.uk 79 classifieds • range construction • classifieds Range Buildings Architectural Surveys Ball Stop Fencing Floodlighting Mike Copson Mike Copson Associates Mobile: 07836371180 Land Line: 01562 863937 [email protected] www.Mike-Copson.co.uk OGRO Preferred Supplier 80 classifieds • miscellaneous • classifieds Majestic Coffee supply over 300 UK Golf Clubs, whether you’re a stand alone driving range or an Open Championship venue let Majestic Coffee look after your hot beverage requirements or upgrade your current offering. With Italian real bean vending machines starting at just £15 per week or fresh milk Barista fine dining machines we have it all covered. All OGRO members receive their first 1,000 drinks free of charge, please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements. With ingredients costs at around 10p per drink , boost your profits and sales and get into the coffee revolution. Proud Official Suppliers to Foremost Golf & TGI Majestic Coffee Ltd Tel: 0845 504 9076 [email protected] QUOTE – OGRO-MC-PUB to receive an additional 500 free drinks TM Tyre Sealant www.add-seal.co.uk Tel: 01202 724800 Email: [email protected] 81 R Seals punctures as they happen and doesn’t damage the tyre. R Works repeatedly throughout the life of the tyre. RReducing down time. R Eliminates call out fees and puncture repair costs. R Easy and quick to install. R Protect your fleet for a fraction of the costs normally associated with a puncture. classifieds • range balls • classifieds ld w! x O Ne E rt or Pa lls F a B Driving Range Supplies Suppliers of top quality new & used range balls for your driving range. Prices start at 14p per ball. New & Used Range Balls 2 Piece & 1 Piece Balls Limited Distance Balls OGRO Coaching Aids Preferred Driving Mats Supplier Part Exchange Service Prices Ex. VAT & delivery. See our large selection of range balls at: www.drivingrangesupplies.com Supplies 01253 407 272 [email protected] WANTED Driving Range Supplies is a subsidiary of Second Chance Limited - www.secondchance.co.uk GOLFEE PRODUCTS LTD FACTORY DIRECT PREMIER PRACTICE BALLS No distributors or agents! Test drive our Academy Balls and upgrade your facility. Keep ahead of the competition and reduce expenditure. [email protected] Free logo printing - guaranteed delivery dates. Compare our service against ANY alternative! Tel: 01903 787326 Used Srixon Range Balls Any condition considered, we pay a fair price and collect. For further details call: 0779 6260819 82 classifieds • miscellaneous • classifieds X Putt Putting Machine for Sale The unit is ideal for bars and restaurants and can give cash prizes or just be played as a recreational game. It involves genuine skill and is good fun for all. The machine has dimensions of 3 m x 1.5 m and is just over 1.3 m in height. The unit is located at Maidenhead golf centre and the price is £1250 plus VAT, Buyer collects For further details please contact Colin Jenkins on 07768 887033 GRN Consulting Whether you are developing a new project, or looking to refresh and maximise returns on an existing centre, our expertise can help you make the best investment decisions. Our advice is free on the phone or come and see us for an initial, no cost, consultation. Contact: Colin Jenkins PGA phone: +44 (0)1580 715248 mobile: +44 (0)7768 887033 email: colin@RJURRUJ www: golfconsult.co.uk 83 Phillips 709 w, 2ft diameter Flood lights Halagen 350 metre distance £150 each x5 available Please Contact Ben 07976 290775 for details. OGRO Preferred Supplier