Golf Australia October 2015

IT SEEMS like a lifetime ago since Peter Thomson stood in front of his charges on a temporary stage overlooking the Royal Melbourne practice area and held the golden Presidents Cup aloft for all to see. There was a great roar, like you might expect from those devout fans in front of the podium after a Formula One race. Perhaps the only thing that was missing on that cool, drizzly Melbourne afternoon was a five-time British Open champion spraying the crowd, and his team, with expensive champagne. On second thoughts, that sort of thing is probably best left to the European Ryder Cup team, who have far more experience in that regard. That’s not to say there wasn’t any bubbly being splashed around as the International team celebrated an historic…

Jack Nicklaus once shot 62 at Manly Golf Club during the New South Wales Open, which is a fact worth delivering early in this review for it’s a favourite recollection among those attached to the proud club on Sydney’s northern beaches. The year was 1971 and Nicklaus would lose the tournament to Billy Dunk, but the Golden Bear’s feat will never be matched again. Why, you ask? Surely someone armed with 21st century equipment could eclipse that mark given perfect conditions? No chance. Not only is Nicklaus’ record round consigned to Manly’s history books, so too is the course upon which he shot it. It’s been a period of change for the club, which is now better off for the upheaval. Located a short drive from the suburb’s famous beach,…

THE COURSE LOCATION:Balgowlah Rd, Balgowlah.The club is a 25-minute drive from the Sydney CBD via the Bradfield Highway, Military Rd and the Spit Bridge. CONTACT: (02) 9948 0256. WEBSITE: www.manlygolf.com.au DESIGNERS: Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett (2012). SLOPE RATINGS: Men: 134/131/117; women: 130/118. PLAYING SURFACES: A1 bentgrass (greens),Windsor Green couch (tees, fairways and rough). COURSE SUPERINTENDENT: Michael Bradbery. PGA PROFESSIONAL: Philip Baird. GREEN FEES: $120 (tee-times and non-member access are limited). THE CLUB MEMBERSHIPS: Membership is currently open at Manly, including a new introductory category that offers a once-only 12-month membership for $1,745, plus a $250 house levy. While some course-access restrictions apply, this category provides a ‘taste’ of membership and includes golf clinic and lesson packages.The $1,745 is deducted from the joining fee should full membership be taken…

LONG putts are a big part of golf.There are times when a bad drive will mean hitting a longer club onto the green. This translates into a loss of accuracy and a lot of long putts. Since three-putts are score killers, the pressure is on to be a good lag putter. When you’re faced with a putt of 40 feet or longer, don’t be afraid to alter the technique you use on short putts. Most instruction articles on precise putting will tell you to control the stroke with the arms and shoulders, keeping the hands and wrists quiet. It’s a smart move for short putting, but on long putts distance is the real concern. To hone distance skills, you need more feel than a stiff-wristed stroke provides. So for long…

GOLFERS from around the world are expected to flock to a new $30 million course planned for Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Kangaroo Island is a tourism icon drawing more than 40,000 international visitors every year, with the majority coming from Italy, Germany and North America. Developer Programmed Turnpoint Pty Ltd, which also recently completed the Cape Wickham course on King Island, hopes to have final approval for the par-72 links layout this month and have it ready for play by late next year. Several designers, including Greg Norman, have been approached regarding the design. The development will include the 6,415-metre course, dining and function facilities, as well as a clubhouse and 70 accommodation suites. The 220-hectare site is located on the Dudley Peninsula between Pelican Lagoon and Pennington Bay…

AUGUST PHOTO CAPTION COMPETITION We had some terrific entries to our photo of Spencer Levin losing a little club control.The best entry according to our judges came from Steven Nye of Nabiac, NSW, with: “I hope my swing coach is watching, I think I’m releasing the club much better now!” Congratulations Steven, you win a pair of adidas Tour 360X shoes worth $149. AUGUST SUBSCRIPTION GIVEAWAY All subscribers to Golf Australia were entered into a draw to win a trip for two to the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix worth $10,000.The winner was Andrew Kiloni of Waverley, Queensland. golf australia We’re on Facebook. Like us and get news updates and the chance to win prizes at www.facebook.com/ golfaustralia Follow Golf Australia on Twitter @GolfAustMag www.golfaustralia.com.au…