48
The National ‘local’ Magazine for Golf Club Members The Ryder Cup An Exclusive interview with TEAM EUROPE Returns Home C LUBHOUS E CF Edition - Issue 5 - Nov/Dec www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Citation preview

Page 1: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

GOLF MAGAZINE

The National ‘local’ Magazine for Golf Club Members

The Ryder Cup

An Exclusive interview with

TEAM EUROPE

Returns Home

CLUBHOUSE CF Edition - Issue 5 - Nov/Dec www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

Page 2: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

the in-car charger to keep you and your caddy on course. no carrying

in and out of your home.

www.caddycharger.com

keeping you and yourcaddy on course ...

CADDYCHARGER

Page 3: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

SEE PAGE 23FOR YOUR

CHANCE TOWIN A CADDY

CHARGER

Page 4: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

Award-winning wealth management that is simply par for the course...

focus solely on providing face-to-face advice and offer a dedicated, personal wealth management service to build long-term, trusted relationships. Together, we would look to create a working plan, providing you with a clear direction towards meeting your financial goals. This includes clarifying your objectives and researching all of the options available to you.

I have the experience to help you successfully secure and enhance your financial future by offering specialist advice in a wide range of areas including:

• Investments• Retirementplanning• Taxandestateplanning

For further information, or to request your complimentary guide to wealth management, contact:

I

The title ‘Partner’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place Wealth Management representatives.

CODEY REESAssociate Partner

Tel: 02920 899643 Mob: 07515 696584 Email: [email protected]: www.codeyrees.co.uk

PARTNERS INMANAGINGYOURWEALTH

Page 5: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

CLUBHOUSEGolf Magazine

CONTENTSCF Edition - Issue 5 - Nov/Dec 2012

EDITORKris Agland

[email protected]

FEATURE EDITORChristopher Regan

[email protected]

FEATURE EDITORDaryl Roberts

[email protected]

ADVERTISINGJade Buckley

[email protected]

Telephone: 0845 548 0549Web: www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

Published by ICU Sports Management Ltd

INTERVIEWS

FEATURES

26 - 35 Team EuropeWe had to celebrate the most historic win in Ryder Cup History with this bumper interview of ALL members of the succesfull European Ryder Cup victorious team

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of content, but the publishers can not accept any resposibility for

ommisions or errors. All content found within Clubhouse Golf Magazine is copyright of ICU Sports Management

Ltd. The content and views found within this publication are not neceserily those of the editors, writers or those of

Clubhouse Golf Magazine or ICU Sports Management Ltd. We regret that we can not be liable for any un solicitated material, whether typesrcipts, photographs or artwork.REVIEWS

8 Million Dollar ManJustin Rose keeps his nerve to sink the most expensive putt in history!

20 Ice Golf Anyone? Could this be the most extreme way of playing winter league golf?

10 Royal TroonWe head North to visit the host course of the 2016 Open

LOCAL

42 Ryder Cup?The original visits Llanishen Golf Club

6 Lambo Aventador0-62 in under 3 seconds.Lamborghini’s latest monster

38 Local ChampionsCarwyn Hammond bags gold in the first attempt at Pyle and Kenfig

15 Euro Success Wales celebrates a 1-2 in the European Amateur Championships

40 Local Course ReviewWe take on the links of Ashburnham Golf Club

Follow us on Twitter @ClubhouseMag

Page 6: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

NEW CAR REVIEW

Lamborghini Aventador

Page 7: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

The flagship of this famous Italian firm’s range, the Lamborghini Aventador pushes supercar boundaries with its carbon-composite chassis and scintillating performance. The latest in a long line of V12 Lamborghinis, it’s sure to become a pin-up poster favourite like the classic Countach. Joining the exclusive V12 road car club it takes the ultimate performance car battle to rivals like the Pagani Zonda, Aston Martin DBS and Ferrari 599 GTO. It’s four-wheel drive, has active aerodynam-ics and ceramic brakes. Performance is staggering, while the bold looks are unmistakable and the cabin upmarket.As you’d expect, the Lamborghini Aventador de-livers mind-boggling performance. Use the launch control – rather appropriately called Thrust Mode - and it will reach 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds, and in the right environment keep accelerating all the way to 217mph. The wide tyres, stiff composite chassis and advanced suspension deliver huge amounts of grip, while four-wheel drive ensures

all 690bhp can be placed on the tarmac. Thanks to input from Audi, the flimsy switchgear and tem-peramental electrics of old are long gone. When it comes to safety the Lamborghini Aventador has stability control, ceramic brakes and an active rear wing. And if the worse should happen, the carbon chassis forms an incredibly strong safety cell, while side, thorax and knee airbags are standard. There’s also a handy colour-reversing camera, which makes it easier to manoeuvre the car’s huge bulk in tight spaces. Plus, a hydraulic nose lifter raises the front suspension to allow access to driveways without damaging the low front splitter.

With a price tag nearing the £250,000 mark, only the very privileged will be able to afford a Lamborghini Aventador, and thus running costs are unlikely to be at the top of the priority list. Yet, despite an eight per cent power hike, the all-new V12 engine is around 20 per cent more fuel-efficient than the V12 found in the old Murcielago.

Lamborghini Aventador

Price: £247,000Top Speed: 219 mph0-62 mph: 2.9 SecondsEngine: 6.5 litre V12Power: 691bhpEconomy: 15.1mpg On Sale: NowK

EY S

PEC

S

Page 8: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

Course Architect Gil Hanse received a public bashing

Another ‘Nearly’ moment for Lee Westwood

Page 9: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Rose topped off an incredible ryder Cup by lifting the Turkish Airlines World Golf Trophy and the monsterous cheque for $1.5 Million.The tournament of the Worlds top 8 players saw Tiger Woods, Webb Simpson, Lee Westwood, Justin Rose, Rory Mcilroy, Hunter Mahan, Charl Schwartzel and Matt Kuchar battle it out over three days at the Antayla Golf Club, Belek, Turkey.The Englishman’s victory in the Turkish Air-lines World Golf Final, in which he remained unbeaten throughout and beat Tiger Woods in the semi-finals and countryman Lee Westwood in the final, caps off a very consistent period.

Justin missed a short putt on the 16th which would have almost certainly seen off his op-ponent but kept the pressure on until the very end, after another delightful approach to five feet created another birdie opportunity at 18.To win the title and a cheque for $1.5m, Rose was left with a putt of similar length to the one he missed on the 16th but there was to be no repeat of that mistakeThis victory bumped Justin to number 5 on the World Rankings, but after his displays of late could 2013 be the year of the Rose? And could he beat fellow Englishmen Donald and Westwood to bag a major? Only time will tell!

$1.5 Million Putt

Page 10: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

If the test of a championship course is, as many claim, the quality of the champions it pro-duces, then Troon can be content with the list of champions that the Ayrshire links has produced. Arthur Havers, Bobby Locke, Ar-nold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Tom Watson, Mark Calcavechia and Justin Leonard have all won here. Add to that list the two course record holders Greg Norman and Tiger Woods and you begin to understand why Royal Troon is seen as one of the most thorough examinations known to the game of golf.

The Club dates back to 1878, but golf was played on this stretch of

links long before that. Initially known as Troon Golf Club, it was not until its centenary year that the club received the honour of a Royal prefix. Troon thus became Royal Troon and remains the only club to be granted such an honour by the present monarch.

The front at Troon nine hugs the seashore and runs away from the clubhouse until at the tenth tee the golfer turns for home. Accordingly, with two nine’s running virtually straight out and straight back, the wind will de-termine which is the easier of the two halves. That said, the front nine is where to make a score, as the closing stretch at Troon is

amongst the most feared in Open Championship golf.

At the sixth you’ll find the longest hole in Open golf. An imposing par five which stands at a re-markable 577 yards long. The tee shot demands both length and accuracy as the landing area here is well protected by three fairway bunkers. The second shot should be aimed down the left side to open up this long narrow green. The green itself was shifted to the right of its original position in preparation for the 1973 Open and that now gives the hole a slight hint of a dogleg. The real difficulty with the approach shot is convincing yourself to hit

Page 11: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

ROYAL

TROONWe visit the 2016 Open Venue

enough club. The green is further away than it looks, so take at least one more club than you initially think.

If the sixth is the longest hole in Open Championship golf, then the eight is the shortest at a mere 126 yards. The tales surrounding the “Postage Stamp” are legendary and have been told in many a clubhouse the world over. Originally called Ailsa, there were no bunkers on the left side of this green, but in 1923, following the advice of James Braid, left hand bunkers were added. When first constructed, the bunkers sat above the level of the putting surface but now

they nestle ominously below this illusive green which is guarded by five greenside bunkers in total.

In the 1950 Open, the German amateur Herman Tissies took an amazing fifteen strokes to navi-gate the Postage Stamp, including five blows in one of the left hand traps. However, the person to ask how the hole should be played is Gene Sarazen. In 1973, at the ripe old age of seventy- one, Sarazen holed his tee-shot with a five iron while playing with Max Faulkner and Fred Daly. In his second round he made a magnificent two holing from a greenside bunker!

At a GlanceDistance: 7175 yardsPar: 71Designer: George StrathOpened: 1878

Craigend RoadTroonAyrshireKA10 6EP

www.royaltroon.co.ukTel: 01292 311555

Page 12: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

The toughest hole on the course is without doubt the eleventh. At 463 Yards, it has adequate length to test any golfer. Add to that equation, gorse on the left, the railway line on the right and the fact that the wind is often against and you may begin to imagine just how hard this hole really is. Certainly it had the beating of Jack Nicklaus when he ran up a ten here during the 1962 Open, perhaps Jack’s only consolation being that his ten was one better than the eleven strokes taken by Max Faulkner. In stark contrast, Arnold Palmer only required twelve shots over all four rounds to negotiate the eleventh on route to winning his first Open title.The closing stretch at Troon is as demanding as any in Open Championship golf with three cracking holes to finish. The six-teenth, a genuine three shot par five, provides at least the glimmer of a birdie opportunity. Con-tender’s coming down the stretch must take that chance, as to birdie either seventeen or eighteen will require sublime shot making.

The seventeenth stands at 211 yards and accordingly requires a long iron or even a wood to

reach this green that slopes off on all sides. The ridge in front of the green lies some ten yards from the actual putting surface; as a result it is possible to hold this green provided the tee shot is on target. Justin Leonard made two here to effectively clinch the Open from Jesper Parnevik in 1997.

Now standing at 452 yards as opposed to its previous length of 374 yards, the eighteenth hole at Troon is long by anyone’s standards. Moreover, the hole is usually played into the wind. That said, the view for your approach shot cannot be bettered in the west of Scotland. Ailsa Craig lies dormant in the distance while Royal Troon’s lounge window perches aluringly at the edge of the putting surface. Make sure you take time to admire one of the finest views in golf.

If at all possible, dine in the clubhouse for the fare here is exceptional. Additionally the camaraderie and ambience of the Royal Troon lounge really should be experienced as part of your day out.

Page 13: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5
Page 14: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

‘80% of UK Business’s are on the wrong tariff ’

Find out if your business is on the best tariff.Have a Free tariff check on us

1st Floor, Creswell House, Fieldway, Cardiff, CF14 4UHTel: 02920 611777 E: [email protected] W: www.gencomms.co.uk

Page 15: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

INTERVIEWFEATURE

Rising Welsh Superstar Rhys Pugh completed the childhood dream of lifting the Amateur Champion-ship Trophy. Rhys, playing out of The Vale Resort, currently studies at The University of East Tennes-see, USA and has at the young age of just 18 already seen incrdeible success. His amateur career has included Walker Cup apperances, Junior Ryder Cup apperances, Welsh Amateur Titles and now to add to his collection Rhys now joins the list of names such as Rory Mcilroy and Sergio Garcia by claiming The European Amateur Title.Rhys was followed into second place by another Welshman, James Frazer, completing Wales most succeful European Amatuer Championship outing. “This is one of the best ever results for Welsh ama-teur golf - not just for Rhys joining some incredible

names to have won the European title as well as becoming the first Welsh winner, but also for James who came so close to forcing an all-Welsh play-off,” said Golf Union of Wales Director of Performance Ben Waterhouse.“It really is an incredible achievement against all Eu-rope’s top amateur stars, names which will become well known on the European Tour in years to come. “The Golf Union of Wales would like to congratulate Rhys for adding another remarkable triumph to his list, as well as James who performed so brilliantly with a course record third round of 62. “It has been a good year for Welsh amateurs, on both the men’s and ladies sides, but this really tops it off in fantastic fashion.”Rhys Pugh who plays his golf at The Vale Resort

Introducing

RHYS PUGH2012 European Amateur Champion

>>> 1st Floor, Creswell House, Fieldway, Cardiff, CF14 4UHTel: 02920 611777 E: [email protected] W: www.gencomms.co.uk

Page 16: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Advert v8 490 x 100 mm.pdf 1 24/09/2012 15:50:30

RHYS PUGHwhen home in Wales now not only receives an invite as champion to return to The European Amateur Championships, but also gets an invite to compete in next years Open Championship at Murfield.

“I always thought I could do it. I really like the golf course, it sort of suits me. It’s quite long and I’ve been hitting it a bit further lately. I thought I’d have to shoot 63, 62 to have a chance but it was a little bit windy so it was tougher,” said Pugh, the 18-year-old from Pontypridd who studies at East Tennessee in the US.“It’s been my dream to play in the Open Champion-ship since I started golf ”.

Although still an amateur golfer, Rhys has already seen his fair share of Professional Tournaments. Rhys received a sponsors invite to The ISPS Handa Wales Open and now can not wait to rub shoulders with giants as he competes in The Open.

Rhys has praised The Vale Resort for all of the sup-port in getting this young Welshman to the heights of his amateur career

Rhys said: “I’ve been a member of the golf club at the Vale Resort since I was eight years old, and the teaching and encouragement I received from instructors there all those years ago has been invalu-able grounding for my career so far.“Unfortunately, golf has traditionally been seen as

a game for older men, where time is spent on the fairway discussing business matters. However, in the lead up to and following the 2010 Ryder Cup Golf Tournament that was held in Wales, this stereotype has been changing as younger people are becoming increasingly interested in the sport.

“I hope that the Vale’s new scheme will harness this renewed interest young people are showing for golf, and encourage more young people to follow in my footsteps by picking up a club and getting out on to the green.”

The new junior golfing package at the Vale Resort at Hensol is aimed at enabling more young people to take up the sport. Open to young people aged between 8-18 years it includes free access to the Vale’s Academy Coaching Scheme, a copy of the Academy’s coaching manual and over 50% off Junior Membership subscription fee for the first year.

Clive Coombs, Golf Manager at the Vale Resort, said: “Rhys is just one of our members who has achieved great things by using the facilities and coaching here at Vale Resort, and we’re extremely grateful that he’s helping us encourage the next generation to get excited about golf.

For More Information regarding Junior Golf at The Vale Golf Club visit www.vale-hotel.com

Page 17: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Advert v8 490 x 100 mm.pdf 1 24/09/2012 15:50:30

EUROPEAN AMATEUR CHAMPION

Page 18: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

Page 19: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5
Page 20: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

ICE GOLF The World Ice Golf Championship all started in Uummannaq, Greenland and has been played annually since 1997. Set in one of the worlds most spectacular landscapes 600km north of the Arctic circle, golfers from across the globe travel to what most probably must be the most extreme test of golf you will ever find.

Freezing Glaciers and huge icebergs frame the course, and continue to move throughout the year meaning each years event plays different than those of previous years. The ‘Green’ is cut literally days before the event.

Now I’m sure we have all had a good moan about

Page 21: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

the cold and wet conditions with our nations ‘Winter League’ golfers face, but I am positive that the conditions have never quite reached the extremes found during the World Ice Golf Championships.

Playing Golf on the frozen seascape is not the only challenge to this unique test of Golf, Cop-ing with extreme temperatures, which can fall to minus 50 with the wind chill factor, challenges players both physically and mentally. Special kit is essential. Other factors to consider are that the ‘green’ is white, the ball is flurocent orange and certainly not one to forget is that there is every chance of losing a ball to an onlooking hungry Polar Bear!

Page 22: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

NEW

Keeping with the app theme, the Golf Shot GPS system offers every-thing you need in your smart-phone when playing un familiar courses.The in built course directory has pretty much mapped all the cours-es out, however a 3G signal is re-quired to use, which is not always the case in remote locations. Not quite as good as an actual GPS de-vice or range finder but for the low price tag and convenience factor the Golfshot App gets the thumbs up from us RRP:£17.99

V1 GOLF SWING APP

Apps and I PADS have revo-lutionised the technology and annalysis of the golf swing. V1 are the market leaders of the technology and the new updated V1 Golf Swing App even has the best players in the world talking about it. “These kids are now bringing out

iPads to the range and watching their swing and breaking it down on the V1. That’s totally different. “ Tiger Woods, 2012 U.S. OpenSo it has the backing of the big boys but what does it do? Capture, compare and improve your golf swing on your iPhone, iPad or Android device. Record

and analyze your own swing or compare it side-by-side to V1 Golf ’s library of Tour Profes-sionals. V1 Golf includes a free personal online locker from V1 and features a suite of drawing tools, video trim and playback options, game improvement drills and more! £3.99 at the App Store

GOLFSHOT GPS APP

Page 23: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

V1 GOLF SWING APP

Power in an Hour Fully charged in under an hour and taking up little more room than a smartphone, Caddy Charger is the unique UK developed solution for all motor caddy users. Drive home from the golf course, however short the distance and return the following day with a fully-charged trolley battery. There’s no need to remove from the car and Cad-dy Charger will not drain your car’s battery. With its super-lightweight design, speed of charge and handy size, the Caddy Charger is a convenient solution for all golfers, particularly those with an eye on saving time and energy! Caddy Charger is fast to charge and can be used worldwide. Ready in under an hour, it won’t overcharge and so is perfectly safe.Play round after round of golf on consecutive days with all the charge you need for your caddy. Only remove the battery from your car when you need it to play.

RRP: £120 www.caddycharger.com

WIN A CADDY CHARGER

For your chance to win one of these incredible Caddy Charger’s please visit: www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com or enter via Twitter by following @ClubhouseMag

CADDY CHARGER

WIN

Page 24: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

NEW CAR REVIEW

The philosophy behind Revere Range Rover is simple, to provide its clientele with a unique lifestyle choice, excellent service and complete discretion. In essence, challenging convention and re-defining existing standards. Revere prides itself on its British heritage, with an inimitable history that spans over thirty years of experience. Revere has fashioned some of the most exquisite automotive accessories in the market place today. Whilst not only sleek in design but functional in practice, a Revere Range Rover creates a succinct balance in design and form.For individuals, who have reached the top by thinking ahead; and choose to challenge convention – Revere uniquely tailors a selection of prestigious Marques. The philosophy is perfectly reflected with the sleek-lined WC1 aluminium wheel, right through to the handcrafted workmanship of the Revere trademark emblem. Every detailed article within the Revere Range Rover Range has been carefully designed to enhance the vehicle and create a balance in style and performance.Adaptive Vehicle Solutions is proud to announce, we are one of the few companies in the UK to offer the Revere London product. With our team of profession-als at your disposal, any requirements or fine detailing to your liking can be adhered too. Our facilities allow us to offer the client the prestigious and well sought after Revere product.What does it mean to have a Revere Range Rover? The car illustrated has the following Revere products:- 22” Revere WC2 Luxury Alloy Wheels finished in Gloss Black- 2012 HSR Aerodynamic Kit (Styling Pack)- Revere Luxury Front Grille Black Mesh & Vents in Gloss Black- Black Revere Lettering Across Bonnet and Boot Door- HSR Colour Coding Package (Lower Door Mould-ings and Rear Panel Gloss Black)- Matt Black Finish Side Steps- Revere Trademark Insignia on Rear Boot Door- Premium Knightsbridge Double Thread Floor Car-pets (Revere Logo Embroided)- HSR Edition Stainless Steel Sill Plates- Electronic Suspension Lowering Re-Program- Revere Engine Tuning (Increased overall power to 30-35BHP)

REVERERANGE ROVER

EXCLUSIVELY AT AVS

Prices From £69,995Available Exclusively at

Page 25: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Adaptive Vehicle SolutionsWeb: www.avsvehicles.co.uk Tel: 02920 761919

Prices From £69,995Available Exclusively at

Page 26: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

DID ITWE‘Ollie’ and Co bought the Ryder Cup back to where it belongs with the most dramatic comeback of all time during the 2012 Ryder Cup.Kelly Elbin speaks to TEAM EUROPE following the tournament.

Page 27: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

INTERVIEWFEATURE

Page 28: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

KELLY ELBIN: Matching the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history, the victorious 2012 European Ryder Cup Team and Captain José Maria Olazábal are with us here at the 39th Ryder Cup.Captain, you had momentum coming in today, a guiding force watching over you, incredible play from your team, and congratu‑lations on a stirring victory, the fourth for Europe on U.S. soil.JOSÉ MARIA OLAZÁBAL: Yeah, it’s been an unbelievable day. It’s true that yesterday I think we felt that something was going our way in those last two matches. They were crucial for the outcome of this match. And last night, when we got together at the team meeting, all I did was just tell the boys that I still

believed that we could turn things around, that all we needed was just to be a little bit more effective on the greens and to make a few more putts, and that would change the tide for us.

I think the players believed, and you know, what happened today, I think it will go‑‑ it will go down in the history books of The Ryder Cup. You know, it was a huge comeback, and I’m really happy for these 12 wonderful men.

Q. Ian, question for you, please. Poults, we know everyone on the top table is passion‑ate about The Ryder Cup, but you seem to put so much fire and energy into it; where does the energy come from, and how long does it take you to come down

‘We have actually revised the qualification for next time. It’s nine spots, two picks and Poults’ - Lee Westwood

The Winning 2012 European Team

Page 29: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

from a week like this? Ian?SERGIO GARCIA: Two years. (Laughter.)IAN POULTER: I’m officially taking two years off, and I’ll see you at the next one.I don’t know. It’s a passion I have; it’s a passion I’ve seen at The Ryder Cup for years and years as a kid growing up, and it’s something that comes from within. I don’t know. I just love it. I love the whole fact that I’ve got 11 great teammates, a fantastic captain and vice captains, and I love the team atmosphere. It’s something very, very special to be a part of, and you grow a lot closer to 11, 12, 13, 14 other people, and it’s very, very special moments that you get at a Ryder Cup.LEE WESTWOOD: We have got‑‑ is this on? We have actually revised the qualification for next time. It’s nine spots, two picks and Poults.SERGIO GARCIA: (Laughs.)

LEE WESTWOOD: Poults clause.

Q. Back in 1999, you stood on the 17th green as America celebrated and you waited patiently to get your turn to putt and so forth. Today the 17th hole proved pretty pivotal to your team. Wonder‑ing if you can just comment on the symmetry on that, or the irony that you flipped four matches at that hole.JOSÉ MARIA OLAZÁBAL: Well, that’s golf. I think the atmosphere has been fantastic, espe‑cially around those last few holes, 16, 17, and 18. I think yesterday afternoon, the players noticed that kind of atmosphere, and you know, I think that’s what brings the best in every player when you’re playing in front of that crowd, that kind of crowd, so noisy; I think that’s what we really dream of, to be in that kind of situations.You put that same hole with not a soul in it, and you wouldn’t deliver the same.

Q. Rory can I ask you to go through your rather interesting morning, please?RORY McILROY: It was a rather long‑‑SERGIO GARCIA: Rory, do you mind if I take this one?RORY McILROY: Sergio, I’d rather you not.LEE WESTWOOD: (Making siren noises.)SERGIO GARCIA: We actually were talking yesterday after dinner, and he said to me, “You know, when you went through that year without warming up, how did it feel?”I said, “You know, it’s quite interesting. The best thing about it is you always come out to the course with the right attitude, because it doesn’t matter how bad your shot is on the first tee; it’s the best shot you’ve hit that day.” So he said, “You know, I might try that tomor‑row.”We knew he was going to make it. We thought it was going to be 15 minutes, not 10 minutes, but, you know, we were fine.RORY McILROY: You know, the last couple days were very long. Captain Olazábal wanted to play me in all four sessions, so I needed just that extra bit of sleep‑‑ no, to be honest, I looked at the tee times last night, and I must have saw them in eastern time and I thought it was 12:25 instead of 11:25. Walking out my hotel room door this morning at 11:00, and I get a phone call saying, “You’re on the tee in 25 minutes.” I’m like, oh‑‑ I’ve never been so worried going to the golf course.Luckily there was a state trooper at the bottom

INTERVIEW

Page 30: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

outside the lobby of the hotel that took me here and got me here a lot faster than we would have normally. I had just enough time to put my shoes on, have a couple of putts and go to the first tee.JOSÉ MARIA OLAZÁBAL: (Shaking head.)RORY McILROY: In a way it wasn’t a bad thing because I didn’t have time to think about it, and I just went out and played, and I played probably the best I’ve played all week. I still would have liked to have gotten here sooner, but I delivered my point for the team, and that was the most important thing.I was like, “Just get me there, get me there.” He was like, “Do you have motion sickness?”I’m like, “No, I don’t care, just get me to that first tee.”

Q. How fast?RORY McILROY: Fast enough.

Q. Paul, you’ve now been on both sides of the greatest last‑day comeback in The Ryder Cup; how does it feel to be sitting up there as a winner this time?PAUL LAWRIE: Obviously a lot better than ‘99 felt. That was pretty tough. We were 10‑6 ahead in Brookline, and obviously the American Team played fantastic in the singles and deservedly won.But today, you know, especially at my age, to be part of this team and to come back from 10‑6 behind on American soil, doesn’t get any better.

Q. Just wondering given the fact that the team jumped out to a quick, you know, won the first five matches today, whether that might have taken the home crowd out of things a little bit, whether that could have had any effect on how things went for you?LUKE DONALD: Well, I think that was our strategy was to try and get‑‑LEE WESTWOOD: (Having separate conversation with photographer and Justin Rose.)LUKE DONALD: Do you mind? The strategy was to get out early and get some blue on the board early. That’s what happened in Brookline in ‘99. We missed the first six games ‑‑SERGIO GARCIA: You weren’t even in Brookline in ‘99; what the hell do you know?LUKE DONALD: Hey, you told me.NICOLAS COLSAERTS: He’s got the DVD at home.

Q. Obviously you haven’t been on form; what did it mean to you to deliver the winning point and after the way you’ve been struggling a little bit the last number of months?

MARTIN KAYMER: Well, on one hand, I must say, you know, it was not only me; obviously I made an important point, but on the other hand, you know, what the other 11 players have done the last two or three days, you know, it’s a team here, and that is I think‑‑ Graeme had the same experience as me two years ago, and I didn’t know how much pressure he must have felt until I get to 16 today and José Maria told me, “We need your point. And I don’t really care how you do it; just deliver.” But I like those; that’s very straightforward. That’s the way we Germans are. Fortunately I could handle it, and I made the last putt. But I think it will give me a huge push, a huge confidence for the next few months, and definitely for next year; if you know you can make those important putts in‑‑ I don’t even know if important is the right word, but it’s probably more than that; important situations; then pretty much you can do anything.And then just knowing that, and getting the job done, not only for the team, but for me it was very import‑ant to get the trophy for José Maria, because I know how much it means to him, and I think we can be very, very proud and very happy to have such a strong man behind the team.I really mean, that because it’s been a great journey for us the last few months. And especially this week, he’s such a great man for us.

Q. Being the only rookie here on the team, how would you describe the magic of this team, and who will start the party tonight?NICOLAS COLSAERTS: Undescribable. When I was given a chance to be part of this experience, I have never thought it was going to be this intense.I’ve had so many dreams about being part of experi‑ences like these, but this has just been mind‑blowing since practice rounds day one. Hanging out with all these guys, discovering all different personalities,

and seeing them deliver on a day of the highest pressure like this in front of the whole world, is, like I said, it’s just undescribable.

Q. You said earlier in the week that playing in Wales opened your eyes to The Ryder Cup; as the world’s best play‑er, No. 1 player now after having gone through the downs and ups this week,

what do you think about this thing?RORY McILROY: It is the most special and unique golf tournament we have, period. To bring this group of guys together; to all play for the same cause; we win together, we lose together, and luckily the last two

‘I realised after day one, man, you go with what’s in your pants’. - Nicolas Colsaerts

Page 31: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Ryder Cups, we have won together.I said this at the start of the week: There’s nothing better than celebrating a win with your teammates. We don’t get to do it very often, and you know, when we do, it’s just so nice to have these guys around and to celebrate it with them.

Q. When you were standing over that putt on 18, did you think about Bernhard Langer and his putt in 1991?SERGIO GARCIA: I did.RORY McILROY: Me, too.SERGIO GARCIA: But I thought, he’s going to turn it around.MARTIN KAYMER: I mean, I don’t like the question, but it’s true; yes, I did.I did think about him, especially when I walked around the hole and read the putt from the other side. And to be honest, there were‑‑ well, there was a footprint in my line, but it was not that bad. So I thought, okay, it’s not going to be‑‑ it’s not going to happen again, it’s not going to happen again.And to be honest with you, I didn’t really think about missing. There was only one choice you have; you have to make it.LEE WESTWOOD: Yeah, boy.MARTIN KAYMER: I was not that nervous. I was so very controlled, because I know exactly what I had to do. But if you ask me now how that putt went and how it rolled, I have no idea. I can’t remember. When it went in, I was just very happy, and that is something that I will remember probably for the rest of my life and hopefully I can talk about when I have some grandchildren one day.

Q. Amazing performance, the reaction to your performance in particular has been phenomenal, and I see your brother sent you a message last night saying how proud he was of you; your kind of relatively humble beginnings of this sport are well‑document‑ed, and you’ve come from that to in many ways be the emotional leader of Europe’s greatest‑ever Ryder Cup victory. I wonder if you have had a moment to reflect on those terms at all?IAN POULTER: I don’t think I’ve really had a lot of time to reflect. I’ve kind of been enjoying it with all my teammates.It’s been a truly inspirational day. It’s been history in the making. It’s been one that I’d like to‑‑ obviously I’m taking three weeks off after this to sit down; I’m definitely having a few drinks, and I’ll have a very good reflect back on what’s been an incredible week. I think I’ve had huge support from so many people this week, and it’s been amazing. You know, from the

captain to the vice captains, to everybody in the team room, you know, it’s been a long week, and we was be‑ing beaten, but yet yesterday, there was something in that team room which ignited everybody, and it was inspirational, just to see everybody’s kind of personal‑ities change and the atmosphere change in that room; and I knew there was a glimmer of hope.So I’d like to take a bit of time next week and the week after and the week after to sit down and really enjoy what’s been a really memorable day and week.

Q. Question for Justin.LEE WESTWOOD: Here we go.JUSTIN ROSE: Is that David Facey’s voice?LEE WESTWOOD: Is that David Facey’s son?

Q. First of all, it is easier to keep the Chicago crowds quietor Westwood?JUSTIN ROSE: Well, Westwood’s chirping at me. He seems in good form right now.In terms of keeping the crowds quiet, we knew that that was possible. We felt that last night, really, with Poults and the guys winning their two games down 18 last night. And coming down the stretch this af‑ternoon, there was some amazing periods where you just didn’t hear anything on the golf course, and that’s really what we were striving for today.

Q. Is there a case to be made that the last two points last night were as big as any points today, and can you speak to the role of momentum in this event?JUSTIN ROSE: Yeah, absolutely. Go on, Luke, ham‑mer it hard.LUKE DONALD: Absolutely. I think the whole atmo‑sphere of the team changed last night. Sergio and I hanging onto that point‑‑ who is it, Sergio? (Sergio Garcia’s phone ringing.)Obviously getting that point and the celebrations that went with that, that was just a huge boost to our team and our morale, how we felt about our chances. It gave us a huge lift. You know, I think Poults making that putt on 18 in the dark last night was the difference.

Q. Some of the things that went down this weekend, y’all are complete legends, Luke, the 7‑iron you hit yesterday on 17, the putts you made Rosey‑‑ what are some of the thoughts going through your head as you’re making these putts? Do you notice what’s going around you and how do you get it done?NICOLAS COLSAERTS: Like I said the first day, man, you go with what’s in your pants.SERGIO GARCIA: Well said, Dude.LEE WESTWOOD: I like that, dude. I liked it.

INTERVIEW

Page 32: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

(Laughter.)

Q. Martin, how did it feel yesterday when you had to sit out the whole day, and also, can you tell a little bit about the words of advice that you received from Bernhard Langer?MARTIN KAYMER: To be honest it was very difficult yesterday. You want to prove that you can do better than what I showed on Friday, because on Friday, I didn’t show good golf, and so I didn’t get the possi‑bility yesterday, which was fair enough, it was José Maria’s decision, and we have to respect that, but I definitely want to show him that I can win a match here. And I didn’t know that it’s going to be that important, but it was very important for me to make that experience, as well, yesterday, because it didn’t feel good, and I don’t want to be in that situation again.And then I took the possibility to talk to Bernhard a little bit yesterday. I texted him on Friday night and asked him if we could sit down on Saturday morning and talk about the Ryder Cup, because my‑‑ I felt like my attitude and‑‑ I would say I was not as inspired as I should be, I thought.We talked a little bit about a bunch of stuff, and he has been a fantastic role model for me, and he’s always there if I need him. And that is very rare to have someone like him that you can ask whenever you need to.But I got even more inspired to be honest with you by Poulter yesterday. I told Ian after 18 that I thought about him on 16; when I had the par putt on 16, I thought, come on, if he can do it, you can do it, too. So show him that you have‑‑ that he inspired you for that special event.And so he has been fantastic for the team‑‑ great pick by Olazábal. Ian should be set in the Ryder Cup forever.

Q. Can I ask the players, when the Americans woke this morning, they were 10‑6 in front, and when you’re in that position, you’re expected to win and you’re meant to win. I just wonder whether that transferred the pressure to them that way and enabled you all to relax and play your natural game without the pressure of expectation.SERGIO GARCIA: Anyone? Well, I’ll try my best.I guess it does in a way. Some of us were in this po‑sition in ‘99, and you know, we knew what happened there. We knew that‑‑GRAEME McDOWELL: Pass the drinks along, Sergio.PAUL LAWRIE: (Passing drinks down the table to rest of team.)SERGIO GARCIA: We knew if we got going‑‑

PAUL LAWRIE: (Laughing.)NICOLAS COLSAERTS: We are still missing a few.SERGIO GARCIA: We knew if we got going early, we needed to put the American Team in a situation where we wanted to see how they felt with a bit more pressure on. Obviously everything was going their way throughout the whole week. You know, they were making the putts, they were getting the good breaks here and there. We were just waiting to change that a little bit and see if we could do the same thing they did to us in ‘99 and see how they could react against that.Obviously a lot of the matches were won because some of my teammates played amazing and some others, you know, we took the possibility or the opening that they gave us; and you know, I have been in that posi‑tion; Lee has been in that position; José has been in that position; I don’t know who else‑‑ obviously Paul has been in that position in ‘99, and we know how it feels, and it’s not easy.So we wanted to see how they would react and see if they could hold it; and it was a combination of play‑ing great and maybe then that little bit of pressure getting to them.

Q. Tiger’s match ended up not mattering today; how crucial was that that he was effectively shutout?JOSÉ MARIA OLAZÁBAL: Well, not at all, because actually they were four points ahead coming Sunday, so they must have done something right.This is a team event. Obviously all players have to contribute in order to win. But I don’t see that being any‑‑ in any way special in that regard. There is 12 players, there is four matches played in the morning, four in the afternoon, and you have to try to win as many points as you can.We were four points behind come Sunday, and that was, yeah, in effect, Tiger without winning a single point; yes, that is true. But at the end of the day, we were four points behind.

Q. It’s possible that one of your four vice captains will be named as your successor; can you speak a little bit in detail about what each of the four brought to the team and how that might have made the difference perhaps between winning and losing?JOSÉ MARIA OLAZÁBAL: Well, obviously they bring a lot of knowledge, experience; but at the same time, a lot of diversity. All four guys are completely different. They have their own way of thinking. And I think that combination is very helpful or has been very helpful in this case for me, because I could have the view from a different perspective of how things were going.And that’s what they bring.

Page 33: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5
Page 34: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

Also, they have the respect of these 12 men here. They have done‑‑ they have played great golf for many years. They have won‑‑ Darren has won a major event and Thomas has been fighting for it, and they have been great golfers for many, many years and these guys respect that.

Q. Sergio, please.SERGIO GARCIA: Yes, sorry.GRAEME McDOWELL: (Holding rabbit ears over Sergio’s head).

Q. Wondering if you can describe the last two holes, and were you aware of him tensing up with the pres‑sure getting to him?SERGIO GARCIA: I think the 16th hole was‑‑ well, there were a couple moments, but I think the 16th hole was probably heartbreaking for him, be‑cause he hit a great putt. I managed to get a great up‑and‑down from the front bunker. I hit a great putt to win the hole and go 2‑up with two to go and he lipped‑out.Obviously the last couple of holes, 17 is a tough hole with the pressure. He pulled it left and I hit a decent shot to the middle of the green, and he didn’t manage to get up‑and‑down.And then, 18, you could see, as reliable as he usually is, you could see he was feeling a little bit. He didn’t hit his best drive. He hit a good second shot, but probably a little bit too much adrenaline and went over the back. And then you know, I hit a bit of a girly putt to try to win the game, but he still had a seven‑ or eight‑footer to halve, and he missed that.You know, it was one of those moments that you obvi‑ously feel it, and when you are up for a long time and you feel like things are going the wrong way, it’s hard sometimes to stop it. And unfortunately for him, he couldn’t do it.

Q. Francesco, were you surprised to be given that putt on 18 by Tiger in the last match? I know you probably would have got it, but it changed the match to a European win‑‑SERGIO GARCIA: Not probably. He would have definitely got it.FRANCESCO MOLINARI: He’s an optimistic.No, I mean, I don’t know, I was a little bit ‑‑ not sur‑prised; I was getting ready to hit the putt. You know, I thought about giving him the halve on the fairway, but then the Captain was there, the Chairman was the there, they told me, it’s not the same, winning or halving, so get focused and do your best, and that’s what I did. So I just tried to win the hole, to win the tournament, basically.

I was getting ready to hit the putt. I wasn’t expecting him to give it to me.

Q. You learned how to win at The Ryder Cup from Seve; you dedicated this Ryder Cup to him; you wore his name and silhouette on your sweater today; what does it mean to you to win in his name, and how emo‑tional did you get thinking about him as you won it?JOSÉ MARIA OLAZÁBAL: Obviously emotional‑‑ he’s already smiling about it and laughing about it. This has been a very special week. Seve, it’s the first time that he’s not here with us at The Ryder Cup. He passed away last year. I do have wonderful memories from my matches with him. He was a very special man, and he’s very close to my heart.All these guys sitting here on this media room know how much this week has meant to me. And you know, I get emotional about it; but I want to thank them for what they did today. They gave me the best week of my life. And I’m just glad that I had the 12 men on my side ready to give their best during the whole week.The start of the week was a tough one. Nothing went our way, but these guys kept on believing, and I’m sure that not just the silhouette, but the phone call Seve made last time at Celtic Manor in 2010 and all the images of Seve around the clubhouse, the locker room and things like that, kept that spirit alive.So it’s not just me. I think these guys did it also for him.KELLY ELBIN: Captain, European Team, congratulations.

Page 35: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5
Page 36: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

LOCAL

The Barley Mow Graig Penllyn, Cowbridge

Nestled on the outskirts of the trendy market town of Cowbridge you will find the hidden gem that is The Barley Mow Inn. You will be met with a smile at this traditional country inn. Steeped with character, log burning fires can be found keeping you warm in the winter, whilst the relaxing patio area offers alfresco dining during the Summer months.So what sets the Barley Mow apart from other coun-try restaurants or gastro-pubs? Well in one simple explanation. The quality! The Barley Mow has become renowned in recent years for quality cuisine and unique recipes created from the finest locally sourced country produce. This carefully prepared fresh food is complemented by a range of quality real ales and a selection of fine wines chosen to suit your particular palate.The Menu offered at The Barley Mow will certainly suit any palate, with a great choice of Meats, Fish,

Salads and a superb Sunday Lunch available every Sunday.All of the produce is locally sourced and everything on the menu is freshly prepared by The Barley Mow.

If you like Steak, I can honestly say you will be doing well to find a better piece of meat anywhere within the area. It was perfect!

The pricing point of The Barley Mow, refelects the quality. It is not the cheapest place around, but on the other hand for the quality you receive, I feel it is actually very good value for money. A Good size steak will cost around £12-£15 which certainly is not at the top end of the Steak price Scale (if there is such a thing) and the wide range of fresh seafood certainly does not exceed the price tag for the high quality offered.

Page 37: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

The Barley MowGraig Penllyn,CowbridgeCF71 7RT

Tel: 01446 [email protected]

The welcome shown at The Barley Mow is excellent, and you can very quickly see why the restaurant is pretty much full every day.

The surrounding Village of Graig Penllyn offers a very traditional view into rural life, and the Barley Mow certainly is the epi-centre of any Village activity. The bar area is never empty and the great selection of fine ales, wines and beers will certainly make your mind up about taking a taxi when visiting!

I mentioned previously that The Barley Mow offers Sunday Lunches. At just £9.95 for a main course (or £11.95 for your choice of starter and main course) you will be hard pushed to find better value Sunday Lunch for the same quality.With a selection of Roasted Penllyn Beef, Glam-organshire Turkey, locally sourced Pork Loin, or even a selection of all three for the ‘hungrier’ customer, Sunday Lunch at The Barley Mow certainly will offer you the best of local Welsh Meats.As you can imagine, Sunday Lunches are extremely popular at The Barley Mow, so if you plan on visiting, DEFINITELY book prior to your meal as it is unlikely that you will be able to just turn up and find a table.I feel that this is a true testament to just how good Sunday Lunch is at The Barley Mow.

Aside from the Food and Drink on offer, The Barley Mow is in the process of building several on site guest bedrooms. Not only will this be a perfect excuse to endulge in the fine ales and other beverages on offer, but can also act as a well positioned base for any touring Golf

parties visiting this picturesque part of Wales.

Locally you will be treated to a wide range of quality and different styles of Golf Clubs. The Vale resort with its monster of ‘The Wales National’ Golf Course is just a stones throw a way which will truly test any ability golfer with its huge greens, lots of water and extremely long length of course.Just a ten minute drive in the other direction you will soon arrive at Sotherndown Golf Club. Sotherndown had gained a reputation of one of Wales best links courses, this cliff top links-course certainly offers everything you expect of a links course and incredilble all year round condition brings visitors flocking even in the height of winter.

What better way to spend a few days than by playing great golf courses, enjoying incredible food and drink and receiving warm hospitality at its best at The Barley Mow Inn.

If you would like to visit the Barley Mow, con-tact them on the details found below. Be surewhen you visit to have a chat with owner, Mike as he is one of the rea-sons for visit-ing. A friendly beer and a chat about Golf certainly will incur.Good Times!

Page 38: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

LOCAL

Local Champions Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club

P&K has new Club Champion. His name is Carwyn Hammond and he joined the Club fairly recently, 18 months ago, from another club in the area. He is as you would expect having won this title a formi-dable player with a handicap of plus 2. For those unfamiliar with golfing parlance, this means that he is 2 shots better that a scratch golfer. In theory, playing off this handicap makes him the best golfer in the club. Could he back this up (substantiate) in the real world of playing on the course? Well, back it up (substantiate) he did.Having completed the long extremely difficult task of beating the very best of the golfing elite to qualify for the final, he faced a formidable opponent on the day. Ian Booth is an eight time former Club Champion who has been a member for longer than most can remember. He knows every blade of grass, every slope on the greens and the effect of the winds probably better than anyone else.A great match was in prospect and it lived up to its expectations.

Club veterans watching the game were astonished by the length of both players off the tee. One was heard to remark that there would be space for a super-

market between where they hit the ball and where Carwyn’s ball landed on the sixteenth. It was judged to be 340 yards.However you don’t win eight Club Championships if you are easily intimidated and Ian used his con-siderable experience and detailed local knowledge to maximum effect. They were all square after 9 holes,18 holes and indeed 27 holes. Could Ian sur-prise his longer hitting opponent and have his name on the honours board a ninth time?The answer came on the fourteenth when Ian missed a put, and Carwyn went one up and from there went on to win 2and1. A worthy winner and a great new ChampionThe JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP was won by last years winner Tom Furneaux beating Ben Vance-Daniel 5and4. Tom is in great form and has represented the Club very well in matches against other clubs

Club Champion Carwyn Hammond and P&K Club Captain Barrie Edwards

Attention Golf Club Managers!Does your Golf Club have news they would like

to share with our readers. E mail us now at:[email protected]

Page 39: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Club Champion Carwyn Hammond and P&K Club Captain Barrie Edwards

Page 40: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

Just one of many protected sunken greens

Page 41: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Although not found in the CF Postcode Region, we believe its certainly worth the extra travel time to visit Ashburnham.As we are now stuck in Winter Golf mode, why sacrifice good greens when Ash-burnham (like most Links Courses) offer exceptional greens and course conditions all year round.Ashburnham is one of Wales oldest Golf Courses and has seen many tournaments during its time. Famously conquered by names such as Sam Torrence and Bernard Gallacher, Ashburnham has cemented itself as not only one of Wales top golf destina-tions but also the UK.The course offers exactly what you expect from a Links course. Big greens, tight fairways, lots of trouble and of course lots of wind! You certainly will not be dissapoint-ed by any of these above mentioned Links attributes. When we played Ashburnham we were treated to some sunshine, and then A lot of rain and wind. Making playing the course very tough indeed. Any balls that would creep off the fairway had a good chance of getting lost in the thick bushes and reeds surrounding the course. However, an obvious point but a true one, keep your ball in play and you could do well around the course.Although a long course, there are several holes that positioning not power is King. Before you reach for the Big Dog, take a moment and evaluate if there is actually a gain to leaving a shorter shot in than that of almost guaranteeing a fairway approach by taking an iron.The condition of Ashburnham is perfect and it goes without saying that you will receive a warm welcome. If you have not played Ashburnham then certainly get down there and experience a very tough test of Golf that will leave you considering counrty membership. Dont forget if you want to make a trip of it, the Stradey Park hotel is only a few minutes away and they offer excellent stay and play packages.www.ashburnhamgolfclub.co.uk

COURSE REVIEWAshburnham Burry Port, Nr Llanelli

LOCAL

Page 42: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

Page 43: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

LOCAL

The Ryder CupYou have all heard of the Ryder Cup and might even know a little bit about the story of the golf tourna-ment, but do you know anything about the man behind the trophy?

Samuel Ryder, the namesake of the Ryder Cup Tro-phy, was a devout Christian businessman who made his fortune selling seed packets through the mail in Great Britain and throughout the world. Sam Ryder started playing golf when he was 49 years of age. He was encouraged by his church minister to take up the game in order to get some fresh air to improve his health. Though he had enjoyed other sports he took to golf like a duck to water!About 6 years before he took up golf himself, Sam Ryder donated a trophy to the Free Church Ministers golf society in 1902 for a tournament to be played by ordained ministers for recreation and relaxation. It has been played for every year (apart from the war years) to this day. This silver trophy was donated 25 years before he commissioned the more famous gold trophy in 1927 - the Ryder Cup.

A member of Llanishen Golf Club, Sue Bevan, had the privilege of being part of a team of 12 players representing the Welsh Christian Golf Society to go to America with the trophy. They accepted an invi-tation from America to bring the Sam Ryder Trophy over to the US. So a week before the Ryder Cup 2012 was played they had the honour of sharing details of Sam Ryder’s amazing life and faith at each of the events. Larry Mize, Lauren Roberts and Bill Rogers also shared their faith in their after dinner talks to the guests.The team played at Lake Lanier Golf Club in Atlan-ta, Black Creek Golf Club in Chattanooga and Lime-stone Springs Golf Club in Birmingham, Alabama. Some of the group went on to a charity gala event in Chicago, with the trophy and spent a day at theRyder Cup 2012 in the Medina Country Club.Sue was fortunate to be able to get her hands on the original trophy (before it was returned to the WCGS) and has shared this experience with Llanishen Golf Club and it has been a great honour for us to see such an historic trophy.

(But not as we Know It!)

Derek Lowthe (LGC Mens captain) Susan Harold (LGC Ladies Captain) Sue Taylor and Adrian Jones (LGC Professional) Photos- Kris Agland

Page 44: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

Aberdare Golf ClubAbernant, AberdareCF44 0RYT: 01685 872797www.aberdaregolfclub.co.uk

Bargoed Golf ClubHeolddu, BargoedCF81 9GFT: 02920 863411www.bargoedgolfclub.co.uk

Blackwood Golf ClubCwmgwelli, BlackwoodNP12 1BRT: 01495 222121

Brynhill Golf ClubPort Road, BarryCF62 8PNT: 01446 720277www.brynhillgolfclub.co.uk

Bryn Meadows Golf ClubMaesycwmmer, CaerphillyCF82 7SNT: 01495 225590www.brynmeadows.com

Caerphilly Golf ClubMountain Road, CaerphillyCF83 1HJT: 02920 863441www.caerphillygolfclub.com

Cardiff Golf CentreBegan Road, CardiffCF3 6XJT: 02920 361122www.cardiffgolf.com

Cardiff Golf ClubSherbourne Avenue, CardiffCF23 6SJT: 02920 753320www.cardiffgc.co.uk

Castle Coch Golf ClubCastle Road, CardiffCF15 7JQT: 02920 813370

Castell Heights GolfHeol Penybryn, CaerphillyCF83 1NGT: 02920 886666www.golfclub.co.uk

Coed Y Mwstwr Golf ClubBryn Road, BridgendCF35 6AFT: 01656 864934www.coed‑y‑mwstwr.co.uk

Cottrell Park Golf ClubSt Nicholas, CardiffCF5 6SJT: 01446 781781www.golfwithus.com

Creigiau Golf ClubLlantwit Road, CreigiauCF15 9NNT: 02920 890263www.creigiaugolfclub.co.uk

Dinas Powys Golf ClubHighwalls Road, Dinas PowysCF64 4AJT: 02920 512727www.dpgc.co.uk

Glamorganshire Golf ClubLavernock Road, PenarthCF64 5UPT: 02920 701185www.glamorganshiregolfclub.co.uk

St Mellons Golf ClubMembership available for

2012/2013 with No Joining Fee

visit: www.stmellonsgolfclub.co.ukTel: 01633 680 408

CF GOLF COURSES

Advertise your Golf Course from just £40 per month

Advertise your Golf Clubs latest offers, membership promotions, open days, charity days or anything else you would like the Local

Golfing community to know about.

Contact the Sales Team on 0845 548 0549

Reach out to over 40,000 Local Golfers

Page 45: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Grove Golf ClubSouth Cornelly, PorthcawlCF33 4RPT: 01656 788771www.grovegolf.com

Hensol Golf AcademyPendoylan Road, CowbridgeCF71 7UPT: 01443 226901www.golfbuyitonline.com

Llanishen Golf ClubHeol Hir, CardiffCF14 9UDT: 02920 755078www.llanishengc.co.uk

Llantrisant & Pontyclun Ely Valley Road, PontyclunCF72 8ALT: 01443 224601www.llantrisantgolfclub.co.uk

Maesteg Golf ClubNeath Road, MaestegCF34 9PRT: 01656 734106www.maesteg‑golf.co.uk

Merthyr Tydfil Golf ClubCloth Hall Lane, Merthyr TydfilCF48 2NTT: 01685 723308www.mtgc.co.uk

Morlais Castle Golf ClubPant, Merthyr TydfilCF48 2UYT: 01685 722822www.morlaiscastlegolf.co.uk

Mountain Ash Golf ClubThe Avenue, Mountain AshCF45 4DTT: 01443 479459www.mountainashgc.co.uk

Mountain Lakes Golf ClubHeol Penybryn, CaerphillyCF83 1NGT: 02920 888866www.golfclub.co.uk

Oakdale Golf ClubLlwynon Lane, BlackwoodNP12 0NFT: 01495 220044

Peterstone Lakes Golf ClubPeterstone, WentloogCF3 2TNT: 01633 680099www.peterstonelakes.com

Pontypridd Golf ClubTy Gwyn Road, PontypriddCF37 4DJT: 01443 409904www.pontypriddgolfclub.co.uk

Pyle and Kenfig Golf ClubWaun y Mer, KenfigCF33 4PUT: 01656 783093www.pandkgolfclub.co.uk

Radyr Golf ClubDrysgol Road, CardiffCF15 8BST: 02920 842408www.radyrgolf.co.uk

RAF St Athan Golf ClubGolf Club Lane, St AthanCF62 4LJT: 01446 751043www.rafstathangc.co.uk

Advertise your Golf Course from just £40 per month Radyr Golf ClubWinter Society Offer18 Holes of Golf & Meal

From Just £25 per personCall: 02920 842408

Subscribe online for FREE to receive the latest Digital Issuewww.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

NEVER MISSANOTHER ISSUE

Page 46: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

COMPETITIONRhondda Golf ClubPenrhys, FerndaleCF43 3PWT: 01443 441385www.rhonddagolf.co.uk

Ridgeway Golf ClubCaerphilly Mountain, CaerphillyCF83 1LYT: 02920 882255www.ridgewaygolfclub.com

Royal Porthcawl Golf ClubRest Bay, PorthcawlCF36 3UWT: 01656 782251www.royalporthcawl.com

Southerndown Golf ClubOgmore by Sea, BridgendCF32 0QPT: 01656 881110www.southerndowngolfclub.com

St Andrews Major Golf ClubColdbrook Road East, BarryCF63 1BLT: 01446 722227www.standrewsmajorgolfclub.com

St Marys Golf ClubPencoed, BridgendCF35 5EAT: 01656 868900www.stmaryshotel.com

St Mellons Golf ClubSt Mellons, CardiffCF3 2XST: 01633 680408www.stmellonsgolfclub.co.uk

Vale ResortHensol Park, Vale of GlamorganCF72 8JYT: 01443 665899www.vale‑hotel.com

Virginia Park Golf ClubVirginia Park, CaerphillyCF83 8SWT: 02920 863919

Wenvoe Castle Golf ClubWenvoe, Nr CardiffCF5 6BET: 02920 594371www.brynhillgolfclub.co.uk

Whitchurch Golf ClubPantmawr Road, CardiffCF14 7TDT: 02920 620985www.whitchurchcardiffgolfclub.com

Whitehall Golf ClubNelson, TreharrisCF46 6STT: 01443 740245www.whitehallgolfclub1922.co.uk

Whitehills Golf ClubBrynna Road, LlanharranCF72 9QFT: 01443 225771

St Mellons Golf ClubMembership available for

2012/2013 with No Joining Fee

visit: www.stmellonsgolfclub.co.ukTel: 01633 680 408

Advertise your Golf Course from just £40 per month

Advertise your Golf Clubs latest offers, membership promotions, open days, charity days or anything else you would like the Local

Golfing community to know about.

Contact the Sales Team on 0845 548 0549

Reach out to over 40,000 Local Golfers

CF GOLF COURSES

for over 25 yearsworking with Celtic Manor Resort

• Cost Consultants • CDM Co-ordinators • Project Managers

We have completed the following schemes and more:

we’re about quantityand quality comes as standard

Telephone 0800 111 4493www.lewisandlewisltd.com

• Award Winning Forum Health Club and Infinity Pool• The Crown at Celtic Manor• Merlins Bar• Olive Tree Conservatory Extension

• 330 5* Bedroom Resort Hotel• Convention Centre• Ryder Cup Golf Course• 2010 Club House• The Lodge

Page 47: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Advertise your Golf Course from just £40 per month

for over 25 yearsworking with Celtic Manor Resort

• Cost Consultants • CDM Co-ordinators • Project Managers

We have completed the following schemes and more:

we’re about quantityand quality comes as standard

Telephone 0800 111 4493www.lewisandlewisltd.com

• Award Winning Forum Health Club and Infinity Pool• The Crown at Celtic Manor• Merlins Bar• Olive Tree Conservatory Extension

• 330 5* Bedroom Resort Hotel• Convention Centre• Ryder Cup Golf Course• 2010 Club House• The Lodge

Page 48: Clubhouse Golf Magazine Issue 5

Never Miss another issue! Subscribe for FREE to receive our digital edition at www.clubhousegolfmagazine.com

Stradey Park Hotel have teamed up with Glyn Abbey Golf Club to bring you an exclusive offer

• Coffee & Bacon Roll on your arrival at Glyn Abbey Golf Club

• 18 holes of golf at Glyn Abbey

• Meal in the golf club's Capers Restaurant

• Overnight stay at Stradey Park Hotel

with breakfast included

Just £62.50pp midweek or £67.50pp weekend (based on 2 people sharing)

For any more information or to book please speak to

Dafydd or Mike at Glyn Abbey Golf Club on 01554 810278

Glyn Abbey Stay & Play Offer