Golf Australia September 2015

THE opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics is now less than 12 months away. While the International Golf Federation is now breathing easier that grass is growing on the delay-stricken Olympic golf course, media talk has turned to more pressing issues like security, water quality, people displacement, incomplete venues and sewerage. But there is growing discussion about golf’s return to the Olympic family for the first time since 1904 and, in particular, the players who might be taking part. Australia will have four players – two male and two female – competing in Rio and who that will be is a long way from being decided … but more about that later. In the United States, a host of top golfers will be clambering for a spot on Team USA.…

The first time I met Stephen Leaney was a chance encounter at The Links Kennedy Bay in the weeks leading up to the 2003 Open Championship. Leaney, one of West Australian golf’s favourite sons, had just finished second in the US Open and while he was at Kennedy Bay principally to appease some of his sponsors, he divulged that he likes playing the seaside layout south of Perth in preparation for The Open. With the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean audible across the course, ever-present breezes plus an array of pot bunkers and enough dense, low scrub to swallow an entire factory of golf balls, Kennedy Bay reflects the Open rota better than perhaps any other course this side of Heathrow. Whether that was deliberate or not, there’s no…

THE COURSE LOCATION:Port Kennedy Drive, Port Kennedy,WA. The course is a 50-minute drive south of the Perth CBD via the Kwinana Freeway. CONTACT: (08) 9524 5991. WEBSITE: www.kennedybay.com.au DESIGNERS: Michael Coate, Roger Mackay & Ian Baker-Finch (1998). SLOPE RATINGS:Men: 132/131/128; women: 128/126. PLAYING SURFACES: Bentgrass (greens),Windsor Green couch (tees, fairways and rough). COURSE SUPERINTENDENT: Bruce Coleman. PGA PROFESSIONAL: Chris Gray. GREEN FEES: $50 weekdays; $60 weekends. THE CLUB MEMBERSHIPS: Beginning October 1, memberships start from $1,380 for seven-day and less than $1,150 for five-day access (categories include a $150 bar levy and insurance/ GolfLink fees). Juniors pay $260 annually, while intermediate (18 to 25 years old), senior and full memberships are available in five- and seven-day categories. RECIPROCAL CLUBS: Sanctuary Golf Resort, Sun City, Albany (WA); Mt Broughton (NSW); Clearwater…

GOLF in Britain is always a treat and something anyone remotely interested in the game beyond the superficial should experience at least once in their lives. Some head simply to the famed Open Championship courses, pay extortionate green fees and tick them off the list of things they need to see and do. Others search out the lesser-known gems liberally sprinkled all over the place and the reward is finding the best reasonably accessible golf in the world. Sure America has places like Pine Valley, Shinnecock Hills,The National, Sand Hills and Augusta National but unless you’re willing to sell your eldest child, getting a game is next to impossible. The Open courses are all worth seeing, St Andrews especially, but I’d rather play four rounds at Notts or Ganton or…

AMERICAN Matt Kuchar is a confirmed starter in the field for next month’s Fiji International to be played at the picturesque Natadola Bay course. Kuchar, a seven-time PGA Tour winner, is the biggest name to compete in the event in its two-year history and is the first drawcard player announced for this year’s event to be played from October 15 to 18. The experienced veteran has represented the United States in three Ryder Cup, two Presidents Cup and two World Cup teams. The always amicable and engaging Kuchar has distinguished himself as a fan favourite in each of the tournaments he’s played. “I’m excited to be competing in the Fiji International, as I’ve heard great things about Natadola Bay and the area itself,” Kuchar said. “As I’m enjoying the challenge…

JULY PHOTO CAPTION COMPETITION We had some very clever entries to our photo of Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler playing pool. The best entry according to our judges came from Kelvin Moore of Traralgon, Victoria, with: “Right on ‘cue’ Rickie asks Rory – ‘How do you make an Irish pool table smile? Put your hands in its pockets and tickle its balls.’ Congratulations Kelvin, you win a pair of adidas Tour 360X shoes worth $149. $6,000 FIJI INTERNATIONAL VIP PACKAGE SUBSCRIBERS GIVEAWAY All subscribers to Golf Australia magazine were entered into a draw to win a $6,000 VIP package for two people to next month’s Fiji International. The winner was Gary Bridge of Nowra. golf Australia We’re on Facebook. Like us and get news updates and the chance to win…