Australian Scott Laycock scored the 15th hole-in-one of his career recentlywhen he aced the sixth hole at Namseoul Country Club in the final round of the GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship.

A sweetly struck four iron landed on the front of the 235 yard (215 metre) par three green and rolled into the hole.

“I have been hitting it well there all week and today the pin position was a bit left, where my ball has been landing,” Laycock said after his round.

“I thought, ‘hang on’ and sure enough, it went in.”

Laycock closed with an even par 72  to finish the tournament at one under.

It was the second hole-in-one of the week following Korean Maeng Dong-seop’s ace on the 229 yard (209 m) par three 17th on Friday.

Countryman Park Sung-kug scored a rare albatross — three under par — on the  515 yard (471 m) par five ninth hole, also on Friday.

Unfortunately for Laycock, if he had scored his ace on the 17th hole, he would have been rewarded with a new car courtesy of one of the sponsors.

“At least I had the honour on the seventh,” a rueful Laycock said.

Article source: OneAsia

Players like Aaron Cox aren't afraid to push the fashion boundaries. But is this practice good for the game?

From the early days of the plus-fours and ruffled cravats, to today’s bright colours and plaid ensembles, golf and fashion have long been intertwined.

That’s not to say that golf fashion has necessarily been “fashionable”. Just look at golf photos from the 1970s (or some of the blokes on tour today) and you’ll get my drift.

Attire on the golf course has been a contentious subject of late. The Inside Golf mailbag and inbox are full of letters decrying the “imminent demise of Neat and Tidy”, while last month’s cover photo of a “scruffy looking” Aaron Baddeley even got a fair amount of unhappy reader letters (see page 87).

In the continuing struggle to retain members, and attract the ever-important junior contingent, some clubs are beginning to relax the traditional dress codes. White socks and collared shirts still reign supreme, but it seems that more clubs are starting to “turn a blind eye” to the more creatively-attired players these days. It’s a neon-coloured grey area.

There are two sides to the argument. Traditionalists argue that the standards of Neat and Tidy attire MUST be adhered to in order to preserve the traditions and essence of the game. They contend that if we relax the dress codes – even a smidgeon– then the entire game may spin out of control into the equivalent of a no-holds-barred, “golfers gone wild” frat party.

On the other side of the fairway are those who claim that the game is entrenched in old-fashioned, elitist attitudes and antiquated traditions that have little appeal to the younger generations. They say that if we fail to capture the kids’ attention, the game will dwindle in popularity until it is equal in regard to, say Olympic Trampoline.

Dress codes in nearly all sports have regularly adapted to the times. From the AFL, to (Twenty20) Cricket, to American baseball to the NBA… uniforms have regularly reflected the fashion and styles of the younger generations. It’s seen by some as a “necessary evil” in order to ensure the survival of the sports.

Golf is no different. I’m sure there was a similar outcry centuries ago when a small band of golfers eschewed their kilts and animal skins to don (heaven forbid) ties, knickerbockers and morning coats. And what about those heathens in the 1920s who (gasp) stopped wearing formal jackets on the links? Or the “Free-thinkers” with the radical concept of NOT tucking their long pants inside their socks; or those who wore bowties, V-neck sweaters and even (double-gasp) short pants!

When you think about it, today’s accepted “Neat and Tidy” attire – namely the short-sleeve collared shirts, pleated shorts and golf caps – would have golfers of the 1900′s covering their niblicks in shame.

I’m not saying that we need to allow singlets and budgie smugglers on the course – on the contrary, I firmly believe that young golfers and beginners need to respect the traditions and the culture (and attire) of the game. But if we really want to keep our game alive, surely we can open up our minds a little, and maybe let our white socks drop a bit? There is certainly a compromise out there.

See you on the fairways (in a collared shirt, of course).

Richard

Bernd Wiesberger (Picture by Paul Lakatos/PMG)

Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger left his rivals trailing in his wake as he romped to victory with a closing four-under-par 68 to claim the Ballantine’s Championship.

The 26-year-old Austrian savoured the winning feeling for the time when he signed off with a four-day total of 18-under-par 270 to lift his maiden Tour title at the €2,205,000 Ballantine’s Championship which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and Korea PGA.

Second-placed Richie Ramsay of Scotland battled to a flawless 65 but was still not good enough to overtake Wiesberger, who was always in complete control.

France’s Victor Dubuisson, who took the opening round lead, grabbed a share of third place alongside 2010 Ballantine’s Championship winner, Marcus Fraser of Australia on 277.

Fraser, who had lurked at the top of the leaderboard all week, showed solid play throughout the event. Trailing by one shot after round 2, Fraser battled hard in rounds 3 and 4, and had a glimpse of the trophy always in his sights. In the end, however, his putter let him down, as the putts simply did not fall when he needed them to.

Fraser was visibly frustrated throughout round 4, as much-needed birdie putts grazed by the hole, while his playing partner Wiesberger sank monster putt after monster putt.

Marcus Fraser

Starting the day with a five-shot lead, Wiesberger reached the turn in 35 after a birdie on the par-five fifth.

He continued to par holes 10 to 14 and there was never going to be any question on who will win the Ballantine’s Championship once the Austrian birdied the 15th and 16th holes.

Wiesberger’s victory at the Blackstone Golf Club was made even sweeter when he signed off with another birdie on the closing par-five 18th.

“I can’t say I wasn’t nervous on the first tee box, but when I got the first shot out there on the fairway, it was a bit of a relief,” said Wiesberger.

“Every sportsman dreams about winning, especially a tournament that has been so well organised and has such great players in the field.  To play the way I did this week is very special.  I just wanted to get my hands on the trophy and I did that pretty well,” added the champion.

Ramsay, who posted his week’s best score of 65, conceded that he was never going to beat Wiesberger even if he was at the top of the game. The Scott then tipped his hat to the worthy Ballantine’s Championship winner.

“As a golfer, you never want to lose. You always want to be the one who wins.  But to be honest, Bernd has played fantastically well out there,” said Ramsay.

“If you’re going to get beaten by somebody, it might as well be Bernd because he’s a good guy,” added Ramsay.

Scores after round 4 of the Ballantine’s Championship 2012 being played at the par 72, 7281 Yards Blackstone GC course (a- denotes amateur):

270 – Bernd WIESBERGER (AUT) 72-65-65-68.
275 – Richie RAMSAY (SCO) 70-72-68-65.
277 – Victor DUBUISSON (FRA) 68-75-68-66, Marcus FRASER (AUS) 71-67-69-70.
278 – Anthony WALL (ENG) 73-67-71-67, Miguel Angel JIMENEZ (ESP) 72-68-69-69.
279 – George COETZEE (RSA) 71-71-71-66, Ross FISHER (ENG) 71-72-70-66, Alexander NOREN (SWE) 75-66-69-69, Paul MCGINLEY (IRL) 71-73-65-70, Felipe AGUILAR (CHI) 71-69-68-71.
280 – Adam SCOTT (AUS) 71-76-68-65, Romain WATTEL (FRA) 72-73-67-68, David HOWELL (ENG) 73-69-68-70.

Selected scores
281 – Ian POULTER (ENG) 75-67-69-70, Y.E. YANG (KOR) 74-71-66-70, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 76-69-65-71.
283 – Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) 72-74-68-69, SIDDIKUR  (BAN) 75-69-68-71, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 71-71-69-72

Article source: Asian Tour

Australia’s most read golf magazine, Inside Golf, continues to break new ground in the Australian Golf Publishing industry while maintaining their unparalleled growth in both the print and digital arenas.

With the launch of the new Inside Golf iPad app, readers can now access Interactive Replicas of each issue on their mobile devices, including iPads and iPhones. Available in the Apple App store (and coming soon for Android), the Inside Golf iPad app features the entire print version of the magazine in a portable, tablet-ready format.

Plus, each issue is enhanced with special videos, links and interactive features to improve the overall experience for the magazine’s growing community of fans, while also giving advertisers, writers and content providers an additional vehicle to spread their messages .

At only $0.99 per issue, it is one of the most affordable golf magazines in the Apple App Store. A full 12-month subscription is only $5.49 (which is cheaper than a single issue of most other golf magazines).

The magazine also announced an increase in circulation, which now totals 42,416 copies per month (CAB Audited, October 2011 to March 2012). Knowing that accurate readership figures are paramount to advertisers, Inside Golf has chosen to be independently audited every period since the magazine launched, providing unquestionable accuracy (and true value) to advertisers.

The May issue is the largest in the publication’s history, tipping the scales at a whopping 96 pages. Additionally, the issue marks the first time that Inside Golf has gone full-gloss, representing better value for advertisers, and a better product for readers.

“This is a very exciting time for Inside Golf, our readers and our advertisers,” begins Sam Arthur, Publisher. “Our magazine has seen unprecedented growth in readership and brand awareness over the last couple of years. Each month, issues almost literally fly off the racks in the first few days that they are available, so courses have been asking for more issues to keep up with demand. And with the launch of our iPad app, golfers across the country can access our award-winning content no matter where they are.  It also gives our advertisers a unique combination of traditional print media and new media opportunities, so it is a win-win for everyone.”

The launch of the iPad App continues Inside Golf’s tradition of “leading the pack” in the online publishing arena.  Inside Golf were the first golf publication in Australia to launch a full page-turning digital edition (2006); the first to launch a Facebook Fan page (2009); the first to launch a fully integrated online/offline advertising media platform (2009); and the first to make the foray into iPads and integrated Social Media (2010).

While firmly entrenched as a market-leading print publication, Inside Golf’s staff are no strangers to new media and Digital Publishing. Group Editor Richard Fellner — who is renowned as a social media and Internet expert — has over 25 years’ experience in the online/Digital world, including positions at Sensis, realestate.com.au and software giant Oracle. The magazine’s team of writers are also well versed in online journalism, with many of them contributing articles to sites like iseekgolf.com.au, golfindustrycentral.com.au and others.

About Inside Golf

Inside Golf is Australia’s most regularly read monthly golf publication, according to recent surveys conducted by Sports Marketing Surveys and Golf Research Australia. Distributed directly to golfers via club proshops, driving ranges and retailers across Australia, Inside Golf is an independent publication that has proven to be the golf magazine of choice for Australian golfers.

Inside Golf is published by Outdoor Sports Publishing, which also publishes the PGA Magazine on behalf of the PGA of Australia. The company also operates GolfandStay.com.au, a website devoted to promoting golf “stay and play” packages.

Corporate Golf events are still one of the best ways to reward loyal clients, engage with potential clients, or simply have a fun day out with employees and colleagues. As golf is one of Australia’s highest participant sports, it’s a good bet that the majority of your business contacts will include some golf lovers. And spending 4-5 uninterrupted hours on the course with a client can translate to a better business relationship in the future.

Choosing the right venue / course is paramount to success. By carefully matching the course to the skill level and preferences of your players – and taking care of all the little details and finer points along the way – you can ensure a successful event for everyone.

While most courses have some sort of package or offering for corporate events, here are a few featured venues:

VICTORIA

REGION: MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Eagle Ridge Golf Course

The stunning Clubhouse, facilities and championship golf course at Eagle Ridge make it the quintessential Corporate Golf venue.  The entire facility was designed with corporate golf events in mind, and they have the ability to host corporate golf events for groups of all sizes (from 8 to a full field of 100).

Their 50-strong cart fleet, combined with the brand-new, high quality practice area make it ideal for events both large and small.

They have designed packages from a relaxed-style outdoor barbeque inclusion, to a three-course luncheon in their beautiful ballroom.

Eagle Ridge’s clients come back year after year, often with the encouragement of clients and staff who love their golf events at Eagle Ridge. Each year, Eagle Ridge holds the ‘Corporate Cup’, which includes old and new clients and their guests to compete with a fantastic lunch and presentations afterward.

A key aspect of their corporate golf events are their themed holes. Of particular interest recently has

been the ‘Skippysteak & Burgundy’ stop between Holes 13 and 14, where each team is treated to a hunk of steak and glass of wine, served by a waiter, on the landing of the Pumphouse overlooking one of their lakes.

“I have been to and organised many a corporate golf day, but I have never seen such great themed holes as the ones on offer at Eagle Ridge! They are a real standout and add that little extra to each event,” says Lyn Deutrom, Corporate Sales Executive at Eagle Ridge.

According to Wayne Lucas, General Manager, booking an event at Eagle Ridge eliminates the hassles that many event organisers often encounter with a corporate day.

“We are the best at what we do. Our clients tell us consistently that we take the stress out of their day by organise everything for them, allowing them to simply enjoy their day with clients and staff on the course.”

FACT FILE

Eagle Ridge Golf Course
Browns Road, The Cups,
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, 3939
03 5988 6341
03 5988 6033
golf@eagleridge.com.au
www.eagleridge.com.au

Portsea

With superb, fast-draining couch fairways and fast and true bent-grass greens, Portsea is a fantastic golf course for corporate or social events.

The compact and hilly course is noted for tricky, short par-4’s and superb par-3’s. It is also well protected from the weather, thus it retains its playability in the wet and hosts a surprisingly large number of events during winter.

While a private members course, Portsea warmly welcomes visiting golfers to its classic layout.  In particular they welcome corporate groups and social groups of golfers who respect and care for their highly-rated course.

Many of their regular groups return year after year, booking well in advance.

The fully-stocked pro shop has all the top brands and equipment, while the bar and restaurant serve high quality local foods and beverages at value  prices.

The course can cater for specific requirements and assist with competition management, prizes and many other necessities for a successful corporate golf day.

Corporate golf events are played on Mondays and Fridays, with either morning or afternoon play available to suit your needs. Numbers under 60 will be allocated a 2 tee start; all numbers over 60 will be a shotgun start with play from holes allocated by the club.

FACT FILE

Portsea Golf Club

Relph Avenue
Portsea, Victoria Australia 3944
(03) 5984 3521
www.portseagolf.com.au

Contact:
Lisbeth Harbinson
emanager@portseagolf.com.au
03 5984-3521

RACV Cape Schanck Resort

Located on the southern-most tip of the stunning Mornington Peninsula, RACV Cape Schanck Resort is just a leisurely 75-minute drive from the Melbourne CBD.

The Resort’s magnificent 18-hole, par 70 championship golf course is consistently rated among Australia’s best 100 courses, and offers incredible golfing value. Designed by renowned course architect, Robert Trent-Jones Jnr, the course has huge greens with large open bunkers, tree-lined fairways and spectacular ocean views on eleven holes. The superbly maintained course is fantastic for both experienced and new golfers.

RACV Cape Schanck Resort is a very popular venue to hold Corporate Golf Days, as it is playable for golfers of all levels. The course is equipped with a full range of practice facilities, ideal for a pre-game golf clinic, or for warming up your back swing.

There are 60 golf carts available with the ability to carry up to 120 players around the fully signposted course. You’ll find friendly golf shop staff on hand and ready to escort players to the tee for a shotgun start, and process competitions ready for presentation.  You’ll also find the golf shop extremely well stocked with all your golfing needs and prizes for purchase.

RACV Cape Schanck Resort’s Presentation Rooms provide the ideal setting for hosting presentation luncheons and dinners while enjoying restaurant quality dining. With each room hosting a full range of audio/visual facilities, whether you’re entertaining a small group, or hold a large corporate function, they can tailor a combination to meet your requirements.

And should you wish to spread your event over two or more days there are fifty ocean rooms and twelve 2 and 3 bedroom villas to house both you and your guests in style and comfort.

FACT FILE

RACV Cape Schanck Resort
Trent Jones Drive (via Boneo Road)
Cape Schanck, Victoria, 3939
racv.com.au/resorts

03 5950 8000
capeschanck@racv.com.au

 

Moonah Links

One of the premier Golf Resorts in Victoria, Moonah Links Resort offers two world-class championship golf courses, each boasting superior course conditions which assure year-round playability.

Since opening in 2003 Moonah Links Resort has achieved global recognition and acclaim having hosted five major tournaments: the 2003 and 2005 Australian Open Golf Championships and the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Moonah Classic. The Open and Legends courses have been voted the No. 1 and No. 2 Best Conditioned Golf Courses in Australia (2008-2011), respectively.

Complementing the course facilities are a driving range and practice facilities designed to Australian Institute of Sport specifications and one of the foremost elite training facilities in world golf – The Moonah Links Golf Academy – home to Golf Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport elite player development programs.

Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD, Moonah Links Resort is easy to access for your guests, and provides all the facilities to ensure a successful event. With the largest fleet of motorized golf carts in Victoria, a comprehensive pro shop, On-course food & beverage cart, 89 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, restaurant, spike bar, extensive banquet and conference facilities, day spa and ancillary recreational facilities such as a swimming pool and tennis courts, Moonah Links Resort constitutes one of the finest, most comprehensive Golf Resorts in the country.

FACT FILE

55 Peter Thomson Drive
Fingal, Victoria 3939
Hotel enquiries 03 5988 2000
Golf enquiries 03 5988 2047

www.peppers.com.au/moonah

REGION: SANDBELT & EAST

Huntingdale Golf Club

(Photo courtesy of Visions of Victoria)

As a premium private Golf Club that is consistently rated as one of Australia’s best golf courses (and was host to the ‘The Australian Masters’ from 1979-2008), a corporate golf day at Huntingdale offers an exclusive, unique experience that is simply not available to the public golfer.

Huntingdale has a dedicated Corporate Golf Manager that will assist you with the planning and coordinating of every aspect of your golf day to ensure the day is a success. The Club offers a number of packages, ensuring that you stay within your budget and with Huntingdale’s award winning Executive Chef George Skaliotis on board, your guests are guaranteed to be in for a culinary delight.

Huntingdale also offer superb facilities for your pre and post golf functions. Each of Huntingdale’s function rooms boast picturesque views of the course and surrounding gardens and are suitable to entertain groups up to 200 guests. From a relaxed barbecue on the outdoor terrace overlooking the world famous 18th hole, to a formal buffet in the Members Dining Room…the options are endless.

Huntingdale is currently offering a complimentary ‘Premium Wine & Gourmet Cheese Hole’ for any corporate golf day booked before March 31 (min 72 players).

“Huntingdale is the ideal place for a Corporate Golf Day. From the moment you arrive, to the moment you leave, nothing is too much trouble! The course is always presented in immaculate condition and the food is amongst the best around. We have held many golf days at Huntingdale and

would strongly recommend the club as an ideal Corporate Golf venue.”- Gary Lisbon–GOLFSelect.

Fact File

Huntingdale Golf Club
Windsor Avenue South Oakleigh, Vic 3167
www.huntingdalegolf.com.au

Contact: Michael Burgess (03) 9579 4622
golf@huntingdalegolf.com.au

Melbourne Golf Academy

For those looking for a Corporate Golf day that is a bit different, then consider an outing at Melbourne Golf Academy.

The recent host of the Victorian Putting Championships, The Melbourne Golf Academy is one of Melbourne’s premium public practice facilities. But it is also a great location to host Corporate Events, Meetings, parties and more.

Overlooking the massive 18th hole putting green, the MGA function room caters for groups of 10 -150 guests in stylish and modern surroundings. Their purpose-built private meeting room, professional service and a wide variety of catering options makes the facility a great choice for hosted golf activities, staff meetings and product launches.

Their great staff and fun golf options can result in a spectacular golf day, with a difference.

The 350m practice fairway is long enough for the biggest of hitters to show off their skills, while the 10 target greens give players a chance to fine-tune their long and short irons (or, say, have mini competitions like nearest to the pin, etc). The undercover, private bays have soft-feel practice mats, club racks, drink holders and, best of all, brand-new, shiny range balls recently put into play. Plus, the range is floodlit at night, allowing you to host your event into the later hours.

MGA also features an impressive short game area, where your event guests can go head-to-head in putting, chipping, pitching and bunker shot competitions.

If you’d like to give your guests some instruction, then the instructors at MGA are top-notch. MGA’s Vaughan Somers, for example, is rated one of the top 50 coaches in Australia. His mastery of identifying a golfer’s “swing personality” has proved to be exactly what some golfers need to turn their game around.

For more information, phone 03 9558 3477, email info@mgagolf.com.au, or visit www.mgagolf.com.au

FACT FILE

Melbourne Golf Academy
Open 7 days a week
385 Centre Dandenong Road
Heatherton, Vic
03 9558 3477

www.mgagolf.com.au

Contact:
Functions & Events Manager
Catherine Grogan
0417 694 797
cgrogan@mgagolf.com.au

Green Acres Golf Club

Nestled on the banks of the Yarra River, Green Acres Golf Club in Kew offers a world of seclusion just 15 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the Melbourne CBD.

This “Hidden Gem” of Melbourne’s Yarra Courses is a peaceful and relaxing option for a corporate golf event, giving golfers a feeling of tranquillity and seclusion. A private course with a long history, Green Acres is presented in immaculate condition all year round with couch fairways and bent grass greens.

With a brand-new, state-of-the-art clubhouse due for completion in the coming months, it will prove to be an ideal venue for Corporate events and functions, and should reinforce Green Acres’ position as a premier corporate golfing facility in the Melbourne area.

A dedicated Functions Co-ordinator will be available to facilitate your whole day, from event and competition co-ordination, to golf and catering packages, to event management templates, team sheets & results, golf trophies and prizes. Their in-house chefs, with an extensive menu selection and full bar facilities also means that there is a variety of catering options to suit your needs.

On course competitions such as Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive, Straightest Drive and Beat the Pro can all be arranged. Ambrose or individual stableford competitions can be run from a two-tee or siren start and are recommended for corporate days in order to maximise the enjoyment of your guests.

They can also supply clinics and on-course teaching by qualified PGA teaching professionals, as well as organise professional photography, entertainment bookings, on-course corporate signage and more.

Green Acres Golf Club is available for corporate golf days subject to application and availability on Mondays, Thursdays (pm only) and Fridays.

FACT FILE

Green Acres Golf Club
51 Elm Grove
Kew East, Vic 3102
03 9859 1294
info@greenacresgolf.com.au

Web: www.greenacresgolf.com.au

REGION: BELLARINE PENINSULA & WEST

The Sands Torquay

The Sands Torquay is one of the region’s premier private courses, a links style course that winds its way through the dunes on the northern headland of Torquay. Offering spectacular views of Torquay’s  world renowned beaches, The Sands is the first Stuart Appleby-designed course with 5 tee positions to suit all levels of golfers.

If you’re looking to leave a lasting impression at your next corporate golf day, Peppers The Sands Resort, Torquay offers a number of corporate golf packages to suit all sized golf events. You can also get their experienced team to tailor a package built around your own personal needs.

Featuring a private function space for “sit down” events, catering for player numbers of 16 – 130 , function space to cater for groups of up to 380 guests and a world-class course, the venue is sure to be a hit with your players and guests.

There is also world-class accommodation on site. Peppers The Sands Resort balances first class golf with first class leisure facilities, offering 112 beautifully appointed accommodation rooms with breathtaking views over the course, tennis courts, heated indoor lap pool, health club and gymnasium.

The resort’s signature restaurant, Hanners Restaurant and Bar is positioned directly overlooking the course and is one of the region’s most desired dining destinations. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week, Peppers The Sands Resort makes for the ideal location for any occasion.

FACT FILE

Peppers The Sands Resort
2 Sands Boulevarde
Torquay VIC 3228
03 5264 3333
sands@peppers.com.au

 

Corporate Golf Contact:
03 5264 3301
mark.day@peppers.com.au
www.thesandstorquay.com

Sanctuary Lakes Club

Sanctuary Lakes Club is a high-quality Greg Norman-designed Championship golf course rated number 52 in Australia. It was also the home of the Victorian PGA Championship for five years, so it is in good company among corporate golf venues.

Located just 20 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, Sanctuary Lakes Club boasts a beautiful clubhouse overlooking the 18^th green with views of the City and Port Phillip Bay. With a fleet of 24 motorized carts (and access to more), as well as a dedicated team of professionals, it is an ideal location for a corporate golf day event.

The Club’s experienced and professional corporate golf team will ensure all of your options are explored and delivered, and the Club is more than happy to tailor packages to your needs. Nothing is ever too difficult for their team: They strive to impress and this is shown with their high level of service and event management skills.

Corporate golf is all about leaving a lasting impression on clients and staff in order to achieve your objectives for hosting your event. Sanctuary Lakes can provide many extra features to enhance the events’ style:

Golf Professionals: Having a golf professional assisting you throughout the round can be very beneficial. Not only can you include his or her shot as part of your team, it is great to watch how professionals conduct themselves on the course and be in awe of some of their shots (which to them are simply second nature). Contributing to the team via a nearest the pin or longest drive or playing an entire hole with a group is a terrific experience and add-on for the event.

Promotional giveaway: House of Golf, Sanctuary Lakes provides a wide variety of merchandise for prizes and promotional materials. They can guide you in getting the best value on your branded or promotional gear to suit your needs.

Competitions: On- and off-course competition ideas and novelties make your corporate day stand out. The club has experienced and created many additional competitions to value add the day for fundraising or simply extra chances for players to win a prize.

FACT FILE

Sanctuary Lakes Resort
Greg Norman Drive
Sanctuary Lakes, VIC 3030
www.sanctuarylakes.com.au

 

Clubhouse

(03) 9395 2888
club@sanctuarylakes.com.au

Contact
Corporate Golf Co-ordinator
03 9395 2888

REGION: YARRA VALLEY

Heritage Golf and Country Club

Located in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, about a 45-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD, The Heritage Golf and Country Club provides the perfect backdrop for your next corporate golf day.

Framed by the spectacular mountains of Australia’s Great Dividing Range, the Yarra Valley is a special part of Victoria. Home to one of Australia’s most successful wine producing regions, the valley itself boasts incomparable rural scenery.

The facility comprises two championship-standard golf courses. The St John course is a traditional treed environment based on the American parkland-style courses. It is the only private course in Australia designed by Jack Nicklaus. The Henley course is a traditional links course designed by Tony Cashmore in consultation with Nicklaus Design. Tony Cashmore is well-known as the designer of The Dunes course at Rye, Kingston Links and the Beach and Creek courses at 13th Beach at Barwon Heads.

The Clubhouse, Pro-shop, Heritage Retreat & Day Spa, Bars and Restaurants all complement the vision of Jack Nicklaus and Tony Cashmore. Adjacent to the Clubhouse is The Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley, a superbly appointed boutique 4.5 star hotel offering 102 deluxe rooms and suites, including a state-of-the-art convention centre and full conference facilities for up to 400 delegates.

On-course activities for your corporate golf day can include Pre golf Clinic, Roving Golf Professional, Neck, Back & Shoulder Massage and Novelty Hole Competitions, while you can also get great On-Course Catering Stations including burgers, local wine tasting, pancakes, lattes and more.

Corporate Gifts & Merchandise can be organized with either your logo or the Heritage logo, including polo shirts, caps, golf balls, towels and a variety of other golf items. The team can even coordinate Photography, signage, Celebrity MC’s, Competition Prizes, Video / DVD’s and other services.

 

FACT FILE

The Heritage Golf and Country Club
Heritage Avenue,
Chirnside Park, Vic 3116
03 9760 3300
enquiries@hgcc.com.au
www.hgcc.com.au

 

Corporate Golf Contact:

Sally Nolan
03 9760 3356
03 9760 3304
0413 136 298

New South Wales

CluBarham Golf & Sports

CluBarham Golf & Sports is developing as one of the major golfing destinations for Victorian corporate getaways/retreats along the Murray River.

The 18-hole championship course features magnificent greens and challenging bunkers throughout.  With four new holes and greens, all designed by Ross Watson, this course now rivals most other Murray River courses and should be added to your list of “must play” courses.

The front nine is gently undulating and played throughout tall timbers and creek crossings. The 1st, 2nd & 3rd are now played alongside the Eagle Creek. The 5th hole, “Gallipoli”, is still the trademark of Barham with a massive bunker located at the foot of the green. The 9th, which is set to rival “Gallipoli” is played from an elevated tee shot over the creek and onto the green surrounded by bunkers, a challenging new hole that will test any golfer’s prowess.

Two styles of accommodation are available: the Barham Golf Resort located on course, or the cluBarham Motel, situated directly opposite the Barham Services Club. Both businesses are incorporated under the cluBarham banner.

The Barham Golf Resort offers 19 self-contained units, four luxury spa units, eight caravan ensuite sites and 6 RV sites. The Resort includes solar heated swimming pools with both an outdoor and fully enclosed screened indoor barbecue area, ideal for a gathering during long hot lazy summer evenings.

The cluBarham Motel is just a short drive from the golf course. This recently refurbished two storey motel features luxury accommodation, spa rooms, solar heated swimming pool, spa and outdoor barbecue area. Continental or cooked breakfasts are available and can be delivered directly to your room.

The Golf Club hosts a Sports Café and the Barham Chinese Gardens where head chef Tony He has quickly developed a reputation for authentic, delicious, MSG free, Chinese cuisine.

Private functions and corporate golf days can also be catered for in the spacious auditorium with picturesque views overlooking the golf course.

FACT FILE

Barham Golf and Country Club
Moulamein Road
Barham NSW 2732
Barham.services.club@clubarham.com.au
www.clubarham.com.au

 

Contact:

03 5453 2772
Proshop
03 5453 2971

 

Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club

Nestled in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country, the award-winning Cypress Lakes Resort is just a short two-hour drive north of Sydney. The Resort facilities coupled with this renowned 18-hole Championship Golf Course makes it the number one choice in Corporate Golf venues in the region.

Providing the perfect backdrop for your next event, Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club is set in the foothills of the Brokenback Mountains. It flaunts dramatic greens, breathtaking views and offers outstanding on-course facilities such as a driving range, practise putting green and a 60-strong cart fleet. Designed by renowned American Course Architect, Steve Smyers, Cypress Lakes has its roots in the strategic, risk reward principles that make golf such a great game for players of all abilities. The front 9 holes is semi-open links style and the back-9 is tree-lined with sloping fairways, offering players two course styles in one.

A dedicated member of the events team is on hand to assist with all the details in the lead up to your event, so you can stay focused on the bigger picture. Backed by a fully-stocked Pro Shop and Team, Cypress Lakes have the experience and ability to cater for groups of different sizes and with specific requirements, to ensure your event is a resounding success.

Over 15 years’ experience looking after Corporate golf events, the flexibility of tailoring personalised competitions, ability to openly display corporate signage, layout of the course, helpful staff, carts included in fees and working to varying budgets with ease, is what keeps the clients coming back year after year.

While at Cypress Lakes, guests have the opportunity to enjoy the full spectrum of Resort facilities on offer including Bodega Restaurant and Bar, the Golden Door Spa at Elysia, three swimming pools, tennis court, gymnasium and a choice of 1,2,3 or 4 bedroom Villas, each with their own private balcony. Choosing the right venue coupled with the right course is paramount to success. You can ensure a successful event for everyone by hosting your next event at Cypress Lakes Resort.

Stay tuned with Cypress Lakes Resort by connecting with them on Facebook or visit their website to keep up to date with all the exciting news and updates.

Fact File

Cypress Lakes Resort
Address: 15 Thompsons Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Phone: 1800 465 318
Email: resortshop@cypressresort.com.au
Web: www.cypresslakes.com.au

Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club

Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club is the perfect venue to mix business with pleasure.

Located in the beautiful surrounds of the Nepean Valley, Twin Creeks is a unique and breathtaking venue that specialises in corporate golf days and events.

Conveniently located near major motorways (the M4, M5 & M7), Twin Creeks is less than an hour’s drive from the CBD and provides ample parking for guests.

Boasting state-of-the-art clubhouse amenities and a world-class par-72 championship golf course set amongst 800 acres of bushland, Twin Creeks can accommodate an intimate group of 16 or a larger field of 144 golfers.

Corporate golf days at Twin Creeks are assigned a personal group coordinator who organises all aspects of your day including bag drop, pre-event registration, a players’ briefing, on-course competition and banner services, collection of score cards, scoring, post golf presentation set up and all food and beverage requirements.

Twin Creeks also offers extensive practice facilities including a 270-metre driving range featuring five target greens at varying distances, a chipping green and practice bunker and one of the largest putting greens you will ever see, all of which are complimentary to corporate golf groups.

For golfers’ convenience and comfort, a fully-stocked on-course beverage cart is readily available to ensure an enjoyable day’s play.

Twin Creeks’ beautifully appointed clubhouse and function rooms, combined with the experience of an award-winning chef, provide a wonderful atmosphere to extend the day’s corporate hospitality catering up to 220 guests.

Twin Creeks is dedicated to not only making your corporate golf day a complete success but also a memorable one for both you and your guests.

FACT FILE

Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club
Address: 2-8 Twin Creeks Drive Luddenham
Phone: 02 9670 8873
E-mail: tracy@twincreeks.com.au
Web: www.twincreeks.com.au

Riverside Oaks

Corporate businesses have long recognised the value and business development opportunities a well-organised corporate golf event can attract. Riverside Oaks offer a complete corporate event package of which thousands have enjoyed over the years, catering from 16 up to 144 players on course with a full fleet of motorised carts.

Each company has unique features and requirements on their day and Riverside Oaks have established a great record in producing successful, memorable and enjoyable golf events. The Par-72 Championship Resort Course provides a beautiful panorama of natural surrounds within an ideal course layout to excite and challenge sponsors and their guests. Suitable for all golfers– whether a seasoned club player or social golfer– Riverside Oaks exceeds the competition for its unique setting in Cattai NSW, adjacent to the Hawkesbury River.

This superb facility offers a Grand Style Clubhouse view on arrival as you enter via the tree-lined driveway. With undercover parking onsite, you proceed upstairs to bag drop and Pro shop, where friendly professional staff assist your transfer ready for registration. Each guest’s name is clearly identified on the players’ board, ready for play. Activity on course can be tailored to suit the needs of each company along with signage options, while their friendly coordinators will assist you.

All guests are treated in a professional and friendly manner right from arrival, through to pro shop, restaurant and luxury accommodation. The early start will have you wanting for a little breakfast and a cup of coffee before a player briefing. You are then led out to the start of your golf event.

Following golf, the after-match function–either lunch or dinner–and presentations take place upstairs in the all-glass-fronted dining lounge, a spectacular sight overlooking the entire course and lakes. The perfect conclusion to a wonderful day for guests, sponsors and business partners.

FACT FILE

Riverside Oaks Golf Resort
Address: 74 O’Briens Rd, Cattai NSW
Phone:  02 4560 3200
Email: info@riversideoaks.com.au
Web: www.riversideoaks.com.au

Moore Park Golf

Most of Sydney’s corporate executives can stand at the windows of their plush offices and look out over to the beautiful venue of Moore Park Golf. That’s how close it is to the centre of the Sydney’s CBD.

This gem of a course is the preferred course for over 80 corporate golf days each year. Clients report that they choose Moore Park Golf for its proximity, the course, facilities and the expertise of staff that guarantee a professionally-staged event.

One example of the Moore Park Golf offering is that the 18-hole layout can be set up to challenge or be kind to corporate groups, depending on their experience and skills. Definitely a bonus for those golfing groups with mixed skill levels.

The other great corporate feature of Moore Park Golf is the multi-level driving range, which provides the ideal warm-up opportunity.  This driving range is also the home to the Moore Park School of Golf, which boasts seven full-time PGA teaching professionals.

Moore Park Golf also provides a customised service where corporate groups can build individual or group lessons into their day as a curtain raiser to going on course.

As any corporate golf customer knows, the golf is only part of a successful corporate golf day. The hospitality completes the event. The Moore Park Golf function rooms, with views of the course or the stunning city skyline, provide relaxing backdrops for some of the best breakfast, lunch , dinner or cocktail menus you will find at any premium golf venues in Sydney.

To ensure corporate clients and their guests are well catered for, Moore Park Golf have recently added a roving on-course drink and food cart!

Corporate Day packages start from $99.00 per head which includes golf, carts and catering. Tailored packages can be negotiated on request.

Moore Park Golf is ideally situated for the Sydney corporate market, and equipped for non-golf corporate functions such as seminars, meetings, product launches, board meetings, team building sessions or cocktail parties.

FACT FILE

Moore Park Golf
Address: Entrance off Cleveland Street, Moore Park
Phone: 02 9663 1064
Email: info@mpgolf.com.au
Web: www.mooreparkgolf.com.au

 

For Corporate Sales: Graham Griffiths
Mob:  0414 966 350
Email: ggriffiths@mpgolf.com.au

Pacific Dunes

Pacific Dunes (Photo by Gary Lisbon)

Pacific Dunes has established a reputation for providing a unique golfing experience on their 18-hole championship golf course. Its natural sandy base and rolling topography, combined with temperate and year-round golfing weather, create the perfect setting for a course to suit all golfers to a tee.

Pacific Dunes features two distinct nine-hole loops with the opening nine holes setting the scene as it winds through a native woodland backdrop, perfectly complementing the stunning wetland back nine.

Managed by Troon Golf, the worldwide leaders in Golf Course Management, and designed by renowned course architect James Wilcher, the layout uses the strategic placement of bunkers and water hazards to create a golf course that is extremely playable to the average golfer, while still challenging to low handicappers.

The design also goes against the trend of most modern golf courses which says that all par-4s need to be long to challenge a golfer.  Pacific Dunes has a number of short par-4s, with two playing less than 300 metres from the back tees.  These holes provide a good test of a player’s ability and are extremely enjoyable to play.

The course was constructed on land that had been used to mine sand 10 years previously.  The regeneration of this land has not only provided a number of environmental benefits to the area, it also formed the optimum base for a golf course – sand.

Visitors to Pacific Dunes will experience some of the finest putting surfaces in Australia.  The combination of the sand base together with the use of a technologically advanced bent grass, combine to produce greens that not only look fantastic, but produce the truest of surfaces.

Located in the picturesque Port Stephens region on New South Wales’ lower north coast, Pacific Dunes Golf Club is the centrepiece of the $180 million Pacific Dunes golf and residential community.

Only 20 minutes to Nelson Bay, 25 minutes to the city centre of Newcastle, and less than 2 hours’ drive to Sydney, this magnificent premier golf and residential community will be sure to make a lasting impression.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, try The Dunes Restaurant, which boasts sweeping views across the water, golf course and the surrounding bushland, making it the perfect location to meet with family, friends and colleagues, providing a casual al fresco dining and garden terrace area.

Pacific Dunes caters for many events including premium Corporate and Charity golf days where your guests will be impressed by the services and quality that Pacific Dunes offers.

What better way to become involved at Pacific Dunes then to join as a Golf Member, where you will receive unlimited golf, 7 days a week, preferred times and rates, honour club events all while paying NO green fee. Members can also enjoy the privilege to utilizing up to $4000 worth of Troon vouchers for Troon Managed courses worldwide.

FACT FILE

Pacific Dunes
Address: Championship Drive, Medowie, NSW. 2318
Phone: 02 4916 0500
Web: www.pacificdunesgolf.com.au

Manly Golf Club

The new Manly Golf Club course layout is undoubtedly the most exciting project in Sydney at the present time, with Peter Thomson due to complete his total rebuild of all 18 holes in June this year.  The new landscape has created huge interest with the introduction of extensive waterways, estuaries, dynamic green complexes, strategic bunkering and a completely new course routing.    The proof is in the pudding: current members are ecstatic with the new design and membership is flourishing.

Founded in 1903, Manly Golf Club is one of Sydney’s original foundation clubs and is steeped in tradition.   Their manicured fairways have hosted many of golf’s immortals in the sixties, seventies and eighties.  In 1971, in the NSW Open, Jack Nicklaus laid claim to the course record with a brilliant round of 62 that still stands to this day, while in 1978 Greg Norman fired a fine 64.

At Manly Golf Club, Thursdays are reserved for Corporate Golf Events and their team of highly experienced staff will manage all logistics of the day - taking the pressure off you and allowing you to enjoy a carefree day with your guests.   They have a range of packages to suit your event size and budget as well as many additional options to tailor your event.  Products range from a Gold, Silver and Bronze ‘Nine and Dine’, half-day module to a full field morning or lunch time shotgun start with Lunch or Dinner to follow.   Looking to add a little more fun and innovation to your event?   You may like to consider positioning themed catering holes around the course, incorporate short and long game clinics prior to golf, or have their PGA Professionals provide on course instruction to your guests throughout the day.

The Clubhouse has also been extensively refurbished during the past few years, lovingly restored to retain its heritage features, while thoroughly updating its facilities. Designed by highly prominent architect Eric Apperly during the early 1920’s, it is regarded as one of Sydney’s finest Georgian Mediterranean buildings.   With a magnificent outdoor terrace, superb food and exceptional service, Manly Golf Club is truly one of the finest corporate venues in NSW.

FACT FILE

Manly Golf Club
Address: 38-40 Balgowlah Road MANLY 2095
Phone: 02 9948 0256
Email: administrator@manlygolf.com.au
Web: www.manlygolf.com.au

Muirfield Golf Club

Muirfield is a Group One, 18-hole golf course set in a tranquil, park like environment. The layout provides a true test for players of all standards.

The strength of the course lies in the magnificent eucalypts that line its fairways, and the designers’ clever use of doglegs and bunkers to protect some of the best greens Sydney. The course refuses to be overpowered, and thinking is required if you wish to score well at Muirfield.

Excellent practice facilities complement the course and both male and female professionals are available to work with members or visitors wishing to improve their golf.

A full range of hire equipment is available and tee times for visitors are made available at out-of-competition times.

Muirfield boasts former club champions such as Jack Newton jnr and Jack Newton snr , while the club patrons Tommy Moore and Marea Parsons (nee Hickey) are icons of Australian golf.

Muirfield is the ideal location to host your corporate or trade golfing experience. Talk to them about the day you wish to have and they will make it happen. Take one of their standard packages or they can tailor to suit your needs.

The course itself provides a challenge for all levels of golfer in a delightful and park like environment. There is a full range of hire equipment including electric carts.

Take the hassle out of arrangements by using their internet service to send out invitations and instructions for the day and to receive acceptances. They will set up your own page on their intranet service to manage the organisation of the event.

Muirfield packages cater for groups from 20 to 200 plus golfers with supporting bar, bistro and restaurant services. The function room and restaurant facilities all have magnificent views over the lake and golf course.

FACT FILE

Muirfield Golf Club
Address: Barclay Road, North Rocks, NSW 2151
Phone: 02 98711388
Email: admin@muirfieldgolf.com.au
Web: www.muirfieldgolf.com.au

Kooindah Waters Golf Club

Kooindah Waters Residential Golf and Spa Resort is the ideal venue for your next corporate or social group function. The 4.5 star golf and spa resort is located only 90 minutes north of Sydney’s CBD or an easy 60-minute drive south of Newcastle.

Golfers of all levels of ability will enjoy the stunning, par-72 championship golf course, designed by leading Australian golf course architect Ross Watson with input from Club Ambassador, Craig Parry. Natural wetlands, sleeper retaining walls and bunkering provide a rustic feel.

Managed by Troon Golf, Kooindah Waters Golf Club provides the highest level of service and quality in all aspects of course conditioning and clubhouse amenities.

Kooindah Waters can provide your group with a relaxed and sophisticated environment with a dedicated team member to create the perfect destination for your corporate event including:

18-hole championship golf course and practice facilities, Motorised carts, organisation of on course activities, full registration set up with clothed tables, locker and shower facilities with complimentary towels, welcome announcements and rules explanation, Banner erection and collection, collating of golf day scores with a full winners list provided to the organiser, microphone and lectern upon request for pre and post golf speeches and complimentary post-golf presentation and prize set up with clothed tables and decorations.

To provide your guests with the ultimate experience, all golf carts are equipped with an esky and ice to keep beverages cool and fresh. A refreshment cart rotates the course for all corporate golf days, which supplies a variety of food and beverage options.

If you were looking for conference facilities, look no further than Mercure Kooindah Waters. Catering for small and large conferences and everything in between, Mercure Kooindah Waters offers a wide range of premium conference rooms ranging from their 12-seat executive boardrooms through to a 300-person capacity ballroom. Featuring 4 function rooms and 2 executive boardrooms, each has natural light and wifi internet access, and several indoor and outdoor dining and breakout areas including golf breakouts tailored to suit all needs.

Fact File

Kooindah Waters
Address: Kooindah Boulevard, Wyong, NSW 2259
Website: kooindahwatersgolf.com.au
Email: corporategolf@kooindahwatersgolf.com.au
Phone: 02 4351 0700
Corporate Golf Coordinator:
Matt Ward
02 4351 0700

The Coast Golf Club

The Coast Golf Club is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets when it comes to corporate golf locations. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Sydney CBD and 10 minutes from the airport, The Coast offers a ‘wow’ factor to any golf event.

The Par-70 course is a commanding test of links style golf with some of the most spectacular holes you will ever play. All 18 holes have commanding ocean views as players navigate their way around Little Bay beach and the coastal cliffs.

The coastal setting guarantees that no matter the competency of golfer, a memorable day will be had by all.

In addition to the spectacular course, the function facilities provide the perfect location for post golf functions with top quality food and service in a wonderful setting overlooking Little Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Selections range from simple catering packs to take on course through to seafood buffets and specialty dishes from Executive Chef Jeff Thode of Sugarleaf Catering and Events.

The Club enjoys an enviable reputation for the quality of its corporate golf with many groups coming back year after year. The professional team can look after every aspect of your corporate golf day including player briefings, registration, marshaling, scoring and novelty events. With the addition of 36 brand-new golf carts from last year’s Presidents Cup, The Coast is well poised to continue its rise in corporate golf popularity.

Fact File:

The Coast Golf and Recreation Club
Address: 1 Coast Hospital Road, Little Bay, NSW, 2035.
Phone: (02) 9311 7422
Web: www.coastgolf.com.au
Email: Contact: Ryan Clarke (Operations Manager)
ryan@coastgolf.com.au

 

Callaway Golf has long been known for their cutting-edge innovations in golf. In many ways, they have regularly led the pack in bringing bold and vibrant ideas to golfers and the golf industry.

Following in that tradition, Callaway Golf has now launched a brand-new campaign that allows you to bring bold and vibrant colours to your game. Callaway Golf’s Colour Your Game collection discards the traditional black and white pallets of today’s drivers and challenges golfers to identify themselves through four exciting colour options: blue, orange, green and yellow.

For those of you who like to stand out from the crowd a bit, and colour-coordinate your wardrobe to make a statement, imagine being able to colour-coordinate your equipment to your wardrobe! Choose a RAZR Fit driver, bag, cap and towel that match your favourite golf attire, or even choose from the high-quality Callaway Apparel Line currently in the market.

Or you can follow the lead of Callaway Tour Pro Alavaro Quiros (a colourful character in his own right), who plans on ordering one of each colour of the new RAZR Fit and matching his apparel accordingly. Now that’s style!

“Colour Your Game is about challenging people’s perception of golf on and off the course,” says Leighton Richards, Callaway South Pacific Managing Director. “Callaway wants our players to dare to be different and stand out from the pack; this new collection will help you do this”.

In addition, colour is a very powerful tool when it comes to mental preparation, according to Jamie Glazier, founder of Dare2Dream, and mental game coach to players like Bryden Macpherson and Stacey Keating.

“As a mental game coach to some of Australia’s most talented up-and-coming players, I have used colour in my work for years,” Jamie explains. “Colour is such a practical way to help anchor a player’s peak performance state. Using colour also helps players to visualise ball flights and attach to the shot shape they want, helping block out negative thoughts. Much like the PGA Tour’s Shot Tracker.”

Not only are Callaway providing colour to the golf market, they are doing it with the award-winning RAZR Fit Driver which is in itself a highly-innovative and amazing bit of engineering. I had the opportunity to experience a RAZR Fit clubfitting last month, and was amazed at the options available to “dial-in” a correct setting to my swing.

The number of face settings, weight configurations, loft options and shaft flex combinations are almost mind-blowing, and they truly allow you to get a club that perfectly matches your swing. In my case, we tried a variety of settings: open/neutral/closed face, stiff/regular shaft, adjustable weight set in toe/heel and various starting lofts. At the end of the session, my ball speed had increased by 7mph, my distance increased by 20m and accuracy had become razor-sharp (pardon the pun).

To be honest, I had almost forgotten about the colour options; I was that impressed with the performance of the club.

With the Colour Your Game collection, The RAZR Fit driver will feature coloured head plates, shafts and grips and will sell for around $469. The drivers also come with an upgraded Proforce shaft ($100 value) at no extra charge. The collection also includes a set of limited edition caps ($24.95), exclusive new coloured stand bags ($209) and matching towels ($29.99).

The Colour Your Game campaign is a real head-to-toe game changer. It’s the sort of innovative thinking we’ve come to expect from Callaway.

WIN

Inside Golf and Callaway are giving one lucky reader a fantastic prize to “Colour Your Game”.
Up for grabs is a custom-fit RAZR Fit Driver (your choice of colour), towel, polo, bag, balls and cap. Now you can stand out from the crowd, and dare to be different!

To Enter:

1) Simply “Like” our Facebook page
2) “Share” the link to the contest with all of your Facebook or Twitter friends, using the phrase “I Want to Colour My Game with Callaway”

It’s that simple! One lucky reader will be drawn at random and will win the entire prize package. (Note: if you do not have a Facebook account, you can enter via our website form.)
Contest Terms and conditions are here.

Branden Grace (Photo courtesy of Volvo in Golf)

South African Branden Grace secured his third win of the year and the biggest of his career when he beat defending champion Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium by three strokes in the U.S. $3 million Volvo China Open, co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the European Tour.

The 23-year-old, playing his first season on the European Tour since gaining his card at Q school last year, made the most of benign weather to maintain the three-stroke lead he held overnight to win RMB 3, 333 330, (around U.S. $530 000).

Rounds of 67, 67, 64 and 69 gave him a 21-under par total of 267 and set a record on this new links-style course, which at 7,667 yards is one of the longest on any professional circuit. Like many links courses, however, the weather is its chief defense, and on a balmy day conditions were perfect for low scores.

Colsaerts, whose only European Tour victory came at this event last year, put in a heroic defense of his title , but his three-under 69 for the day was not enough to catch Grace. A crucial birdie on the last, however, gave him sole possession of second place and also a spot in the Volvo World Matchplay Championships next month.

A shot further back was England’s Richard Finch, who closed with a 66, one ahead of Frenchman Victor Dubuisson and George Coetzee of South Africa who shared fourth.

Grace burst onto the scene in January when he won back-to-back victories in his native South Africa, beating a host of his talented countrymen and the cream of European talent to take the Joburg Open and the Volvo Golf Champions tournament.

In the latter, he and Colsaerts went head-to-head on the final day, and the pair have now forged something of a friendship as they played the final two rounds together this weekend.

“To have won three now, before May, is unbelievable,” a beaming Grace said after his victory. “Now I want to win every weekend.”

The 23-year-old’s only blemish of the day was a bogey on the par-four fourth, but he recovered and kept his nerve for the remainder of the round.

“I stayed really calm even after the bogey,” he said. “I think the experience of earlier this year really helped me a lot.”

Grace said he would now shift his focus to gaining a bit more experience playing on the PGA tour as well as the Majors.

Among the Aussies, Melbourne’s Marcus Fraser fired a solid -15 to finish in a tie for 6th place. Only a bogey on the 72nd hole kept Fraser from shooting four rounds in the 60′s. Fraser has had a rollercoaster year in 2012, with a few missed cuts mixed in with some top showings, including a T4 in India. This comes on the heels of a spectacular Aussie summer which saw him vault into the World Top-100.

See the May issue of Inside Golf for our exclusive interview with Marcus Fraser.

SCORES

Volvo China Open

VIDEO

• Piranha Golf back on board
  Piranha Golf will continue their involvement with the development of Australian golf as the naming rights sponsor of the NSW/ACT Pro-Am Order of Merit.
• Scott still pick of the Aussies
  Englishman Luke Donald has surrendered the world number one ranking to Rory McIlroy after struggling at the RBC Heritage on Sunday, while Adam Scott remains the highest-ranked Australian.
• Aragon wins Stonebrae Championship
  Alex Aragon carded a final-round 66 to hold off a fast-finishing Matt Harmon and win the Stonebrae Championship in Hayward, California as Australian Steve Allan finished well down the leaderboard.
• Jones starts Japan season with a win
  The PGA of Australia would like to congratulate New South Wales’ Brendan Jones on his victory at the Token Homemate Cup on the Japan Golf Tour.
• Oosthuizen wins in Malaysia
  South African Louis Oosthuizen beat Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher by three shots to claim the Malaysian Open on Sunday.
• Birdie blitz fires Pettersson
  A string of birdies on the front nine helped Carl Pettersson card a five-under 66 and take a one-shot lead after the third round of the RBC Heritage, with Marc Leishman the best-placed Australian.
• Oosthuizen seeking Masters redemption
  Louis Oosthuizen holds a one-shot lead after the third round of the Malaysian Open was suspended due to storms on Saturday.
• Knost right in Heritage hunt
  Former US Amateur Champion Colt Knost shot a six-under 65 to take a two-stroke lead at the halfway point of the RBC Heritage, while Greg Chalmers is the best placed Australian, seven shots adrift of the leader.
• Otto, Kruger share lead in Malaysia
  Hennie Otto and Jbe Kruger share the lead at the Malaysian Open after a storm-interrupted second round on Friday.
• China wins international friendly
  After two rounds at Tycoon Golf Club, Shenzhen, it was the China Golf Club League who were victorious in the China Australia International Challenge

Scott Hend (Photo by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour)

Australia’s Scott Hend described his week in Singapore as one of the most amazing in his life after he closed with a six-under-par 64 to win the weather-shortened ISPS Handa Singapore Classic.

The US$400,000 full field Asian Tour event was reduced to 54 holes after inclement weather caused almost 10 hours of play to be lost over the first three days.

Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perera, Chinese Taipei’s Lu Wei-chih, Spain’s Javi Colomo and David Lipsky of the United States were bunched in tied-second on matching 200s at Orchid Country Club.

“It’s amazing especially to have four weeks off and come back and win. It’s great to see some of the hard work and practice that I’ve put in paying off,” said the Australian.

Hend had to wait for close to an hour before he knew he had secured his second Asian Tour title with a winning total of 11-under-par 199.

As many as three players were still in contention for either a play-off or win after Hend had signed for his score and it was a wait that became impatient for the big-hitting Australian.

“It’s sort of like you’re going out and have to wait for your wife to do her hair or something. You’re just sitting around and pacing around and that was what I was feeling then,” said Hend

“I just wanted it to be over and know whether I’ve won or not. Luckily for me, I won,” added Hend.

The Australian’s week was further sweetened when Dr. Haruhisa Handa, Chairman of ISPS announced that he will gain a sponsor’s invite to the ISPS Handa Wales Open held at the famed Celtic Manor Resort in May.

Meanwhile Perera was almost loss for words after he signed off with a flawless 65 for his best finish on the Asian Tour.

The Sri Lankan who managed to play through an invite spot this week, made the most of his opportunity and was duly rewarded.

“I’m really happy about the week as I played really good golf,” said Perera.

“I don’t have a card on the Asian Tour but got a spot through an invitation. I just want to thank Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman of the Asian Tour, for giving me the chance to play in this tournament,” added Perera.

The ISPS Handa Singapore Classic was beamed live to a world-wide audience on the Asian Tour’s global television platform as well as on Singapore’s MediaCorp Channel 5 during the weekend rounds.

Scores after round 3 of the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic being played at the par 70, 6835 Yards Orchid Country Club course (a- denotes amateur):
199 – Scott HEND (AUS) 67-68-64.
200 – Mithun PERERA (SRI) 67-68-65, LU Wei-chih (TPE) 65-69-66, Javi COLOMO (ESP) 67-66-67, David LIPSKY (USA) 63-69-68.
201 – Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 68-69-64, HWANG Inn-choon (KOR) 69-67-65, Yuta IKEDA (JPN) 69-66-66, Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 61-71-69.
202 – Adam GROOM (AUS) 69-68-65, Kieran PRATT (AUS) 67-66-69, Ben FOX (USA) 67-66-69.
203 – Rory HIE (INA) 69-68-66, Zaw MOE (MYN) 69-69-65, Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) 66-65-72.

Selected scores
207 – Himmat RAI (IND) 68-69-70
209 -LAM Chih Bing (SIN) 73-66-70, Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 69-70-70.
210 – LAM Zhiqun (SIN) 70-67-73

VIDEO

Article source: Asian Tour

Embracing Junior memberships and families are one way to ensure your club will survive

In February, you may recall that we suggested that there may be too many golf courses in Australia, and that the industry was ripe for consolidation. Well, last month, we learned of multiple courses across the country that are currently affected by this phenomenon. Corowa Golf Club (NSW) is in dire need of a financial injection; Richmond Golf Club (NSW) reportedly went into voluntary administration; Burleigh Palms Golf Course (Qld) announced it was considering selling; Halls Creek Golf Club (WA) is struggling to stay viable, and Amstel Golf Club (Vic) announced that they would likely begin management of Settlers Run.

As stated, mergers, acquisitions and closings are elements of any business. So this is all part and parcel of a cycle that will doubtless continue for a while.

At the heart of the matter, some believe, is the inability (or lack of desire) of some clubs to embrace a new way of thinking as they try to attract new members (or retain existing ones).

So let’s look at a few things your club can do to generate more interest by prospective members:

1: Embrace technology. Simple fact: the vast majority of prospective members (and many of your current members) are on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, online golf forums and the like. These sites are free, easy and all provide a two-way communication avenue between you and members/prospects.  If you don’t use these sites, you are way behind your competitors.  Adopt apps like SmartCart to get your Food & Beverage up to par. Update your website with daily comp results. Look into online tee-time bookings and packages from sites like iseekgolf or Golfnut (but not Scoopon), to fill your slow days. Remember: Technology is your ally. Clubs like Eastern Golf Club in Melbourne do all of these things extremely well. Your club should too.

2: Embrace Social Clubs and Open Days: believe it or not, these guys (and ladies) are not always the disruptive hooligans that you may think. They are bona fide golfers with money to spend, respect for the course and a real opportunity of joining in the future.  And they represent an enormous segment of our golfing public. So when they play at your course, welcome them with a smile – show them the friendly side of your club. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?

3: Embrace Juniors and Families. This is a biggie. Embracing juniors is a lot different than simply letting juniors join. Get them involved. Give them significant discounts to play/join. Host junior days, or Father/Mother and Son/Daughter junior tournaments. Have, say, a 6-hole tournament with tees half-way down the fairways. Get a Caddy program started at your club –if a junior can pull a buggy for 9 holes, it will teach them a lot about the game, not to mention the life lessons that go with it. Growing the game helps everyone.

4: Embrace alternate membership models, pricings and reciprocal arrangements. Unless you are a top-echelon course, the high-priced entry fees and long waiting lists to play only one course are the most common gripe/obstacle for many golfers. Many people claim it is outdated.  Explore things like twilight memberships, seasonal memberships or anything else to lower the cost of entry. Just make sure it’s financially feasible and doesn’t upset current members.  And get a solid list of reciprocal courses in your stable. Melbourne’s Yarra River and Sandbelt courses have great reciprocal deals to let members play in the other member courses in their area.  Give golfers more than one course to play, and they’ll stay happy.

5: Embrace the media.  Have you ever noticed that some clubs get regular media attention in magazines & newspapers? This is not by accident – they work at it. Sending a weekly/monthly email to an editor/writer – with specials, news, photos, events and the like – will do wonders for getting your club into the spotlight. It doesn’t have to be a proper press release. Just a friendly email with useful information is often enough. And don’t forget to also advertise your club once in a while. Ever wonder why so many clubs place regular ads in Inside Golf month after month? It’s because they are getting good ROI. (And no, my publisher did NOT ask me to write that – it’s just a simple truth. Ask any advertiser in our magazine.)

These are just a few things that your club can do. By thinking outside of the (tee) box, you can help ensure the long-term health of your club.

In the April issue of Inside Golf, we chat with Australia’s Aaron Baddeley about his chances at Augusta, and rate the other Aussie hopefuls in the field, including young amateur Bryden Macpherson. We play 18 holes with Jarrod Moseley and discuss his return to golf, while we also get Karrie Webb’s insight into designing an Olympic Golf course (with women in mind). In our Instruction Section, read how to cure the dreaded slice, learn some quick practice drills to improve your chipping, and see how to lower your scores by improving your wedge play. PLUS: Check out golf options in Tropical North Queensland; see the best facilities in New South Wales to hold a Corporate Golf Day; and get the latest information on the hottest gear to hit our shores: clubs, balls, accessories and more.

Read the full issue below

(If the issue fails to load, open it here)

Six winners of tournaments on OneAsia will compete in the Masters at storied Augusta National this weekend.

The Korean trio of Y.E. Yang, Bae Sang-moon and Kim Kyung-tae, Australians Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy and Rickie Fowler of the United States will vie for the Green Jacket from April 5-8.

Yang, the first Asian to win a Major, has two OneAsia titles to his name — the Volvo China Open and Kolon Korea Open, both in 2010.

Bae is also a two-time winner on OneAsia having lifted the Korea Open in 2009 and the SK Telecom Open the following year, while countryman Kim was successful in last year’s Caltex Maekyung Open.

Scott and Ogilvy were back-to-back winners of the Australian Open in 2009 and 2010, with Fowler picking up his first title as a professional at last season’s Kolon Korea Open.

World number 13 Scott has competed sparingly this season with just nine rounds under his belt coming into the year’s first Major.

But he has been fine-tuning his game at Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas in the hope of going one better than last year when he finished joint runner up behind Charl Schwartzel of South Africa. No Australian has every won the Masters.

Yang and Ogilvy have both won Majors while Bae, who reached the playoff at the Transitions Championship on the PGA Tour last month, will be competing in the Masters for the first time.

Kim has a bit more experience at the top level and finished tied 44th at Augusta last season.

Read the latest issue of Inside Golf for our full preview of The Masters

Article source: OneAsia

Radisson Resort Gold Coast

Inside Golf and the Radisson Resort Gold Coast are offering readers the chance to win a two night holiday at one of Queensland’s premier resorts.

Up for grabs is a two-night stay in a Radisson Resort Gold Coast Ultima Suite family room (for two adults and two children), including breakfast and a complimentary family pass to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Only metres away from Palm Meadows Golf Course – and a short stroll to the Driving Range — the Radisson Resort Gold Coast is convenient to world-class championship golf courses including Lakelands, The Colonial, Robina Woods and The Glades. Radisson guests are offered discounted green fees on all courses and shuttle bus transfers are available.

Stay at Radisson Resort Gold Coast and enjoy all the facilities including two swimming pools, day and night tennis courts, a day spa and fitness centre, complimentary internet and free car parking. Dine at the award-winning Chelos at Radisson Restaurant and Bar or relax with a drink in Rex Lounge.

Radisson Resort Gold Coast is a 10-minute drive from Broadbeach, exciting entertainment and shopping precincts, the casino, two major sports stadiums and golden beaches. Shuttle bus transfers to these destinations and the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks are available daily.

The resort offers a range of golfing and leisure packages for families and couples, social golfers and corporate groups.  For more information and bookings visit www.radisson.com/goldcoastau or phone 07 5555 7700

TO ENTER:

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER IS: Graham Halton, Newcastle

 

• Behind the scenes: NZ PGA
  Have an inside look at the NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship thanks to the team at Michael Hill TV
• Olesen’s Sicilian dream
  Australian Richard Green finished strongly to tie for 11th at the Sicilian Open as Thorbjorn Olesen broke through for his first tournament victory on the European Tour.
• Mahan the man in Houston
  The in-form John Senden was the highest-ranked Australian as Hunter Mahan secured his second PGA Tour title of the season with a one-shot win at the Houston Open on Sunday (local time).
• New Zealand’s Hendry wins national PGA
  New Zealand golfer Michael Hendry has won the PGA Tour of Australasia’s inaugural New Zealand PGA Pro-Am Championship in Queenstown.
• Hendry holds off Martin to win NZ PGA
  Kiwi Michael Hendry overcome a potentially calamitous quadruple bogey on the 70th hole to hold off overnight leader Australian Andrew Martin by two strokes and claim the inaugural NZ PGA Pro-Am title at The Hills near Queenstown.
• Oosthuizen looking good in Houston
  Louis Oosthuizen carded his second straight six-under 66 to take a two-shot lead after the third round of the Houston Open on Saturday.
• Martin still the man to catch
  Victorian Andrew Martin is still the man to catch after the third round of the PGA Tour of Australasia’s NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship in Queenstown.
• Jeong and Ko take control of teams event
  New Zealand amateur golf star Lydia Ko joins Jeong at the top of the leaderboard in the teams event of the NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship
• Green in the hunt in Sicily
  Sweden’s Pelle Edberg carded a six-under 66 to share the overall lead with five others after the second round of the Sicilian Open but Australian Richard Green is well in contention just one shot back.
• Ormsby in touch in India
  Australian Wade Ormsby is two shots behind the lead at the halfway mark of the Indian Open at the Delhi Golf Club.

Nick Cullen

Young Australian Nick Cullen is having to rethink his goals for 2012 after securing the first victory of his professional career in the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open.

The 27-year-old left-hander pocketed a whopping U.S. $172,000 from the $1 million purse that made up OneAsia’s season opener, giving himself a healthy platform to relaunch a career that was interrupted by back problems in 2011.

Given the tournament was co-sanctioned by the Japan Golf Tour Organisation, the weekend win also opens doors in the land of the rising sun, and Cullen is guaranteed at least two starts there — including the lucrative Japan PGA Championship.

It also gives him entry to next month’s second OneAsia event, the Volvo China Open, which is co-sanctioned by the European Tour.

Cullen has also made it to July’s Open Championship at Royal Lytham St Annes after finishing third at international final qualifying (IFQ) in January, meaning he has gone from Pro-Ams in Adelaide to the world’s oldest Major in a matter of months.

“If you had offered me this at the beginning of the season I would have had a good year,” said a delighted Cullen after his nail-biting victory on Sunday.

“Yeah, I am definitely going to have to set myself some new goals now.”

It was the cool manner of Cullen’s closing that marked him out as a star of the future.

Leading by four with five to play, Cullen suffered a devastating triple bogey and the tournament was suddenly a three-horse race as playing partner David Oh (USA) and Japan’s Yoshikazu Haku birdied the 15th to put them all at eight under.

It was the sort of blow that could mess with a player’s mind for years, but Cullen dug deep and on the 17th drained what he called “probably the best putt I’ve holed in my life” to regain a one shot advantage. Another clutch up and down on the last saw him prevail.

The young champion was full of praise for an Emeralda Golf Club course that was set up to the toughest championship conditions. Narrow fairways, punitive rough and slick greens meant only 25 players were below par for the tournament.

Cullen had to put the champagne on ice as he flew out of Jakarta later that night to take part in this week’s New Zealand PGA Pro-Am Championship in Queenstown, but he found time during a stopover in Sydney to read and respond to every one of page-after-page of messages of support and congratulations on his Facebook page.

“This means the world to me,” Cullen wrote to his family, friends and fans.

“I thought Leigh meant the world to you,” a friend quipped back, referring to his girlfriend.

The win takes Cullen from 648 on the world rankings to 334 — still a long way to go, but many professional golfers can spend an entire career seeking their first tournament victory.

“This is going to change a lot,” said Cullen. “It will change my schedule quite a bit.”

First of all he is going to have to get used to a life on the road in countries and regions he is not familiar with.

“This was only my second time in Asia so I am still getting used to it,” said Cullen.

“I wasn’t sure at the start of the week how to go about it. Food for example; what to eat? Everything is very different to back home.

“I ate a lot of bananas this week … I probably ate five or six bananas each round.”

Cullen was also pleased with the status of the event, noting that the co-sanctioning by OneAsia and the Japan Tour lifted the tournament to a different level.

“It adds another element to it,” he said. “This means to win the event is so much more special. To beat all these top players from Japan … it is a great feeling.”

The Indonesia Open is one of 14 tournaments on a busy OneAsia calendar worth more than $16 million this year.

The circuit, founded by the China Golf Association, the Korea Golf Tour, the Korea Golf Association and the PGA of Australia, aims to provide the top players in Asia-Pacific and beyond a stage to showcase their talent and ultimately offer a viable regional alternative to the U.S. PGA and European Tours.

OneAsia’s suite of tournaments includes the national Opens of Australia, China, Indonesia, Korea and Thailand, as well as numerous other prestigious events.

Article source: OneAsia

The Big Miss, Hank Haney’s new (and controversial) book on coaching Tiger Woods will hit the shelves soon, and with it should come a plethora of water cooler and 19th hole discussions.

Recent reports (and excerpts) suggest that Haney claims that Woods wanted to join the navy SEALs during the prime of his golf career, while another Haney report claims that in 2007 Woods “tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in an exercise with the SEALs, not while running at home.”

The book, (Published by Crown Archetype,a division of Random House Inc., 272 pages,US$26) reportedly goes on to uncover more controversial tidbits about Tiger’s relationship with Haney, his workout regimen, his chase of Jack Nicklaus’ record and more.

To win one of five copies of the book, fill out the entry form below. Good Luck!

TO ENTER:

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNERS ARE:

Craig Boys, Port Macquarie; Allan Murray, Sydney; Richard Carter, Perth; Phillip Dowton, Maffra; Colin Herring, Sorrento (WA)

TaylorMade Ghost Manta

Inside Golf and TaylorMade are giving away a TaylorMade Ghost Manta putter  to one lucky reader.

The Ghost Manta features a new flat matte white finish which eliminates the distractions of glare and “hot spots” caused by reflected sunlight.

Key to the alignment performance of the Ghost Manta is its wide-bodied frame, which features two black rails on the top of the putter head that frame the golf ball and contrast with the white top to help improve alignment and visibility.

The Ghost Manta features two 50-gram tungsten weights on the heel and toe of the sole, which are designed to stabilize the putter and increase MOI.

There is also a third user-adjustable weight in the back-center of the sole. Like its Ghost Spider predecessor, the Ghost Manta is equipped with TaylorMade’s patented PURE ROLL insert, which promotes forward spin to help reduce skidding to encourage a smooth, accurate roll and precise speed control.

TO ENTER:

This competition is now closed. the winner is: Marty Monaghan

 

Brendon Goddard and Sam Fisher

Renowned golf tragics Ricky Ponting, Livina Nixon and Brendon Goddard are just three names spearheading a new PGA ambassador initiative, ‘The Club,’ launched today.
Ponting, Nixon and Goddard join fellow golf lovers Brodie Harper, Sam Fisher, Lili Romano, Shura Taft, James Tobin and Scott McGregor as members of The Club which aims to encourage Australians to not only pick up a golf club and have a go, but also increase their enjoyment of the game.

“We approached The Club Members based on their love of golf and desire to get more out of their game from both a skill and enjoyment perspective. While they are all at different levels from beginners to single markers each of The Club members love to get out on the golf course and have a go – and that’s what The Club is all about,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA.

As part of the program The Club members have been making the most of their opportunity to work with the PGA and its Professionals, taking lessons primarily in the PGA’s state of the art Learning Centre under the guidance of PGA Director of Coaching Stuart Leong at the Sandhurst Club in Melbourne. PGA Professional Lorien Scott from Bonnie Doon Golf Club will also take part in the The Club assisting the development of Sydneysiders Ponting and Tobin.

“Apart from my family and cricket, golf is my passion. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t try to get out on a course, driving range, practice green or even set up putting practice at home or in my hotel room wherever I am in the world,” said Ponting.

“I’m really looking forward to be involved in The Club and taking full advantage of what it has to offer.  I love the fact that golf can be played by people of all walks of life and abilities and the PGA has come up with a great initiative here that will drive golf participation and enjoyment.”

Speaking about his involvement with the program, PGA Professional Stuart Leong says he hopes The Club will help illustrate the benefits of seeking advice and tuition from PGA Professionals, at the same time promoting the sport he loves so much.

“It’s not about being the best but it is about getting out there and enjoying the game, hopefully more and more every time you pick up the club,” said Leong.

“That’s really what golf’s all about- and if I or any other PGA Professional can help these guys or anyone else have more fun on the golf course, we’re doing a good job.”

While The Club members will be out and about at PGA events and tournaments throughout the year, you can also stay up to date with how they are working on their game at The Club webpage – http://theclub.pga.org.au/

The Club site feature profiles, blogs, photo galleries and video content from The Club members showcasing their individual journeys to improve their game and love for the sport.

The launch of The Club precedes the arrival of the PGA’s new marketing campaign which is set to hit Australian TV screens in coming months.

Lili Romano and Brodie Harper at Sandhurst

“Last September the PGA turned 100 and we celebrated with one of the most successful seasons of Australian golf on record, so this year our focus is on showing everyone just why we’ve been around for so long and why our Professionals really are the best in the business,” added Thorburn.

“The Club is an integral component of this process and we hope golfers and non-golfers alike will be able to identify with our ambassadors and hopefully begin on their own personal journey to get more out of the game of golf.”

While still in its infancy, the PGA has big plans for The Club in 2012 with a further announcement expected in the coming weeks.

• Nick Cullen claims first professional title
  The PGA of Australia would like to congratulate South Australian Professional Nick Cullen on his maiden professional title at the Indonesia Open, co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the Japan Golf Tour.
• Lunn wins in Morocco
  Australian Karen Lunn claimed her 10th Ladies European Tour title after a tight final round battle at the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco.
• Tiger back to winning ways
  Tiger Woods won on the PGA Tour for the first time since September 2009 with a five-shot victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
• Hoey takes out silver dagger
  Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey claimed his fourth win on the European Tour on Sunday, taking out the Trophy Hassan II in Morocco as Australian Brett Rumford finished 10 strokes behind the leader.
• Cullen holds on to win Indonesia Open
  Australian Nick Cullen held out for a one-stroke victory at the Indonesia Open in Jakarta on Sunday.
• Tiger leads in Florida
  Tiger Woods is on the verge of breaking a 30-month PGA Tour title drought after taking the outright lead in the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
• McGrane holds slim lead
  Damien McGrane leads by one shot after the third round of the Trophee Hassan II in Morocco on Saturday.
• Cullen in control in Indonesia
  Australia’s Nick Cullen will take a commanding lead into the final round of the Indonesia Open.
• Tiger’s time to rise?
  Tiger Woods carded a sizzling second-round 65 to take a share of the halfway lead at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Friday, somewhat outshining a nine-under round from Graeme McDowell.
• Price is right in Morocco
  Phillip Price holds a one-shot lead at the Trophee Hassan II after the second round was suspended on Friday with all three Australians yet to complete their rounds.