Innehållsförteckning för December 2021 från Golf Monthly

While the Ayrshire coastline is packed with a treasure chest of top-class golf including Royal Troon and Prestwick, the jewel in its sporting crown remains the Ailsa course at Trump Turnberry. And, while golf is rightly the focus here, this stylish and instantly recognisable Edwardian hotel has far more to offer the discerning traveller. The golf The Ailsa course was the setting for one of the greatest Open Championship battles of all time: Nicklaus versus Watson and the ‘Duel in the Sun’ in 1977. More recently, the course has enjoyed a comprehensive upgrade by Martin Ebert. Among the most dramatic changes made five years ago are those around the turn. The new par-3 9th is an absolute world-beater played by and over a deep, rocky inlet. The back nine opens…

Although, to many, golf in Portugal equals the Algarve, courses of the same quality can be found elsewhere in the country. Often these come with the added advantage that they are less populated than those on the south coast. The area around Lisbon is particularly rich in enticing golf offerings. Quinta da Marinha is in the coastal town of Cascais, just over half an hour’s drive from Lisbon. Here, Robert Trent Jones has designed a thoroughly entertaining 18-hole course with six par 3s. The first of these is the 4th, aptly named ‘ravine’, which plays over a gully with magnificent views of the Atlantic to your left. Its par-4 predecessor – one of the more famous holes in Portugal – plays towards a green with the sea beyond. The hole’s…

There are some courses that just carry an aura. You don’t have to play them – and in some cases you can’t – to acknowledge their history and character. Take Augusta. For most of us, we only get to see Bobby Jones and Dr Alister Mackenzie’s masterpiece once a year through a television set, and yet, via the trials and tribulations of The Masters, we understand its story. Where to play; where not to play. Every hole has been analysed as we marvel at the course’s characteristics: the fast greens, the tributary creeks and those springing azalea. From St Andrews to Pebble Beach, a golf course’s exposure is a constant reminder of its character and the feat of its design. But what about those courses we don’t see? In many…

Pebble Beach – USA Set on the Monterey Peninsula with stunning views out to Carmel Bay and the Pacific Ocean, Pebble Beach is often acclaimed to be America’s top public course. Created by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, this masterpiece has been a regular host of the US Open since 1972 and there are few designs that can rival it. Over the years, the course has seen numerous changes but all have been done in a respectful manner to maintain the layout as it was intended to be played. With narrow fairways and devilish rough, players must navigate a series of holes with daunting approaches played over deep chasms with the ocean below. Playing it is not easy, and you will have to part with the best part of £500…

The Old Course in St Andrews will host the 150th Open Championship next July. As the rush for tickets confirms, everyone’s rather excited. The Open is coming home. I’ve been lucky enough to have an association with the ‘Auld Grey Toun’ for many years. Family holidays, then university and countless golfing trips; each time I return it feels like a part of me is also heading home. When I returned last time, I was fortunate to do so in style on a trip to stay in the famous Old Course Hotel that sits alongside the iconic Road Hole 17th. Owned by Herb Kohler, who also owns Whistling Straits – the Wisconsin venue that hosted September’s Ryder Cup – it is one of Scotland’s very best hotels. From the salubrious spa…

Across 7 Moaner annoyed US Open champion of 1936 (6) 8 Familiar Royal host of Opens (6) 9 Canadian Major winner (4) 10 Past FedEx winner to seek nerd out (8) 11 US Open champion in 1992 (3,4) 13 Where the 2024 Open will be held (5) 15 Buggies designed through Africa art scholarship fund (5) 16 A golden opportunity at Irish links (7) 18 Hail aunt travelling to Essex club (8) 19 Said to have listened to Fred or Alex (4) 21 Jersey Open venue from 1978 to 1995 (2,4) 22 Comfort given by rule 16? (6) Down 1 Goodbye to Waterville’s 15th (4) 2 The Champion Golfer of 2016 (6,7) 3 Scot who won twice on the European Tour, in 2002 and 2008 (7) 4 An old-fashioned iron…

Brendon Todd Six missed cuts in his last ten starts have seen Brendon Todd fall to 100th in the world ranking. He’d been a regular in the top 100 since November 2019. Mackenzie Hughes The Canadian hasn’t missed a cut in five months and returned to the world’s top 50 with a T4 finish at the Zozo Championship. Eddie Pepperell The likeable Englishman’s struggles have continued of late. He has missed two of his last three cuts and is down in 362nd in the world ranking. Cameron Tringale A T11 at the Sanderson Farms Championship and a T2 at the Zozo represented a good month for the journeyman, who’s still seeking his first win.…

SOUND BITES “TIGER HAS MADE A REMARKABLE RECOVERY IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, BUT IT’S MORE SIGNIFICANT LATELY. HE KNOWS WHEN HE WANTS TO RETURN, AND HE’S GOING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.”A source told People magazine that Tiger Woods was recovering well from serious injuries he sustained in February’s car crash. “IT IS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING TO FIND OUT THE PGA TOUR ADOPTED THE NEW USGA RULE THROUGH THE MEDIA. I DON’T KNOW OF ANY PLAYER WHO HAD ANY REPRESENTATION IN THIS MATTER.”Phil Mickelson was critical of the USGA and R&A’s Model Local Rule on maximum driver length. “THERE’S GOING TO BE GOALS SET – AND I’M SURE ROME IS GOING TO BE TOP OF THE LIST. I’M FULLY EXPECTING TO BE THERE IN TWO YEARS’ TIME.”Robert MacIntyre has set his…

The life of a professional caddie may appear glamorous at times and demanding at others. These travelling freelancers have the potential to make a lot of money in a short amount of time, but they can also face some major dry spells depending on their player’s form. So there are huge variables in what you can make as a caddie and also challenges when it comes to managing relationships with players. Tony Finau’s caddie, Mark Urbanek, believes the job of caddying often comes down to making the best educated guesses that you can. How is the wind going to affect the shot? How will the ball bounce on the green? How much will the putt break? Urbanek has caddied for 17 years and joins this caddie discussion with Gary Woodland’s…

If ever Europe had a lucky charm it would be Anna Nordqvist. Back in 2013 the Swede hit the opening tee shot at the Solheim Cup in Colorado and, three days later, the visitors would claim their first victory on American soil. Eight years later Nordqvist was the safe pair of hands on Inverness Club’s unique 1st tee as she led Europe off and, against the odds once again, the visitors retained the famous trophy. If this year’s Ryder Cup taught us anything it was that winning away in the States – with no visiting support – is a formidable task, but Catriona Matthew’s side led throughout. In the middle of it all was the three-time Major champion and comfortably Europe’s most experienced player, Nordqvist. “I asked Mat [Matilda Castren]…

1 Fergus’ ball comes to rest on a cart path. His nearest point of relief is in thick rough on the far side, so he drops on the fairway side instead and plays. What is the ruling? A There is no penalty. B Fergus gets one penalty stroke. C Fergus gets the general penalty (two strokes). 2 In match play, before putting, Fergus repairs some damage to the hole that has been caused by the flagstick not being replaced properly. What is the ruling? A There is no penalty. B Fergus gets one penalty stroke. C Fergus gets the general penalty (loss of hole). 3 In stroke play, Jezz’s ball lies on a towel in a bunker. As he measures out one club-length no closer to the hole from where…

A laser rangefinder is the product many golfers rely on for every single shot to get the exact distance to the pin quickly and accurately. We tested 12 of the latest models on the course at Burghley Park Golf Club to assess the pros and cons of each. Styling/design All the rangefinders on test fitted well in our hand, some better than others – we liked the tacky feel of the Nikon Coolshot 50i and the rough texture on the GolfBuddy Laser Lite. Weight is a crucial factor – too heavy and it can feel cumbersome to hold, but too light and it will wobble around in the wind (being able to keep it steady is key to picking out the flag quickly). The Laser Lite and Easygreen OLED Vision…

A few kilometres to the east of the city of Tavira, Benamor is something of a ‘hidden gem’. The Sir Henry Cottondesigned 18-hole layout opened for play in 2000. It is one of the region’s more secluded courses. There are some wonderful views on offer of the hills of the Serra do Caldeirao. ♦ Designed by Seve Ballesteros, Quinta do Vale features six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s. With views over the Guadiana River, the course blends into the area’s natural habitat. A number of doglegs add to the layout’s challenge. ♦ Castro Marim is another 27-hole offering with three nine-hole loops. Here, you can play three different 18-hole layouts consisting of the Grouse and Guadiana, Atlantic and Guadiana and the Grouse and Atlantic. The Grouse…

The 3rd and 4th holes at Santo da Serra use their spectacular setting to great effect. The 3rd is a par 5 of 518 yards, which sweeps to the left with its green clinging to the edge of the hillside, while the 195-yard 4th plays to a green even more precipitously placed. The putting surface is wide and shallow, and behind it lies an equally wide but ever shallower bunker. This hole is dramatic, intoxicating and scary. Santo da Serra has three loops of nine, all designed by Robert Trent Jones. The 3rd and 4th holes are on the Machico nine and this forms the front nine of the championship layout, with the Desertas forming the back nine. The third nine is the Serras, which is newer, shorter and flatter.…

The Canary Islands If you are a regular visitor to the Canaries, you will know it is somewhere that is well worth taking the clubs. Anfi Tauro, on Gran Canaria’s south-west coast, might just claim the number one spot. Set with a contrasting backdrop of dramatic volcanic mountains and the glimmering Atlantic, it provides a stern test. Although you will need to be fairly precise from both the tee and with your approach play, you can’t fail to enjoy the experience. For example, the par-3 13th, which plays down over the rocky landscape, is a real heart-stopper. Tenerife also features a wonderful collection of courses, with Golf del Sur one of the most revered. The former Tenerife Open venue has an engaging ruggedness, its bunkers made from black, volcanic sand.…

The East course at Verdura has undergone a renovation and redesign to further improve the golf offerings at this coastal resort in south-west Sicily. The course re-opened this autumn after the original architect, Kyle Phillips, returned to take advantage of some new opportunities that had opened up on the site. Part of his redesign has been the creation of a spectacular new hole, the 9th. This par 4 is a slightly right-turning dogleg running along the coastline. The green, which almost seems to be floating on the edge of the water, is reached by crossing an inlet that runs across the putting surface’s front. This hole is both beautiful and dramatic; it is also testing when there is a sea breeze to contend with. Phillips has been able to re-route…

With a population of only five million and comprising more than 700 islands, New Zealand is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt countries in the world. Its largest city, Auckland, and its capital, Wellington, are both on the North Island. With lush vegetation, national parks, a fabulous coastline and lively tourism activities, it is also home to a wealth of excellent and diverse golf courses. We take a look at five fabulous layouts and recommend a few others along the way. Cape Kidnappers Roughly halfway down the island’s east coast, at the southern end of Hawke’s Bay, Cape Kidnappers is one of golf’s most aspirational bucket-list regulars. This expansive slice of heaven opened in 2004 and is a complete destination in its own right. As you arrive at the…

Royal Melbourne East & West – Australia Royal Melbourne West, designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie, is perhaps Australia’s premier inland layout. Played through rugged heathland, there is a touch of the Surrey classics as you walk this hallowed terrain on the Melbourne Sandbelt. The course is beautifully maintained and is a classic in every way. The bunkering, as with all MacKenzie designs, is perhaps the layout’s most prominent defence. For major golfing events, the neighbouring East course is used to create a hybrid-style layout in order to create the necessary length for the game’s best players. But whichever course you play at Royal Melbourne it will leave an indelible mark on your golfing journey. Best hole: 15th - A splendid par 3 played through a tight line of trees to…

As I write this, I’m looking out at encroaching darkness, the clocks are about to turn back and the winter golf season is almost upon us. But I’m not feeling downhearted. Quite the opposite, in fact. I’m excited by the prospect of my winter golfing objectives which, for once, seem very much achievable. After receiving a hugely insightful playing lesson from Nick Dougherty – which you can read more about on page 34 – I’ve been incentivised to improve. Not by changing my swing but rather by addressing the basics, playing smart and simply trying to relax and enjoy the game more. I know from experience, and through speaking with other players of my age who are at a similar stage in their golfing journey, that it’s difficult to find…

Rory bounces back with CJ Cup victory Your win at the CJ Cup was your 20th on the PGA Tour. What does that mean to you? It’s pretty significant. When you can do something to achieve lifetime membership on Tour, that’s great. When you look at the bigger things in life, getting to that level, I can pick and choose where I play, which is very important. Thinking back, what would a ‘17-year-old you’ have made of the achievement? An objective at the start of my career when I turned pro was to get into the top 20 in the world. So I’ve surpassed all of that, but as you go on, you have to reframe everything and you have to keep resetting your goals. But I think this is…

I often try to explain to people why I love golf. Is it the courses we play or the company we keep? Is it the release from those stresses of everyday life or that feeling of escapism away from work? It is all those things and more, but really, what I love about golf is the ‘next shot’. Whether I am playing poorly or playing well, the next shot is all that matters. It is why I never want my round to end. But today, I’m not interested in the next shot. Today, I want my round to end. It is approximately 7.34am on an early September morning and while half the country is still asleep, I have played 14 holes and lost seven golf balls. The legs are shaking…

GM Verdict Spin control is what golfers immediately look for when trying new wedges, but the next is undoubtedly fee, both through the ground and off the face. Mizuno has looked to cover both off with the T22. From the three finish options, the raw finish has that tour-authentic look but does start to rust quickly, so perhaps steer clear if you like your wedges to remain looking in pristine condition. The denim copper really grew on us, but it did seem to scratch up quite easily. The chrome will be the most hard-wearing option and should match better with most other iron sets. Overall, the amount of spin on a variety of shot lengths was excellent and we still had good control around the greens – even when testing…

Autumn can be an interesting time for our golf courses in the UK, with conditioning sometimes unpredictable. While 2021 has presented its challenges for greenkeepers, with the weather encouraging almost untameable levels of growth in the rough, it has also presented very favourable conditions for the prepared areas of fairways and greens in many parts of the country. We often judge a course – consciously or sub-consciously – by the quality of its greens and I had the pleasure of some near-perfect ones in September. St George’s Hill, Royal Wimbledon, Pleasington, Wildernesse and others all left me with no excuses other than the inadequacy of my putting stroke! But perhaps the biggest surprise was Paultons Golf Centre in Hampshire, which I played just before October hit. It may well be…

In an era when new golf courses are relatively few and far between, the next best thing has to be a full-blown restoration or a grand redesign. Two such projects came to fruition this summer; one a fabulous and remarkably speedy revival in the idyllic Kent countryside, the other an impressive long-term remodelling in Hampshire. Chart Hills This different and very original parkland design was the first course in the UK&I designed by six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo. Opening for play in 1993, it was a pioneer for modern, high-tech, top-end courses. It was also soon in great demand, hosting the English Open on the Ladies European Tour for four years from 2004. For a variety of reasons over recent years, there had been a lack of investment and…

The South course at Quinta do Lago has reopened following a £7 million renovation. This upgrade was only possible because golf was suspended during the pandemic. This is the most popular of Quinta do Lago’s three courses, which hosted the Portugal Masters eight times between 1976 and 2001. The first of Colin Montgomerie’s 31 European Tour wins came here, in 1989, by 11 strokes. One of the major changes has been to soften the dogleg on the much-criticised par-4 8th. But the most striking change is around the 16th green, which has been extended back left with the undergrowth to its rear cleared to present a dramatic view of the lake when you crest the hill on the fairway of this par 4. The par-3 15th is played over another…

Costa Brava Costa Brava, which means ‘wild coast’ in Spanish, lies in the northeast of the country. It is one of Europe’s most unspoilt stretches of coast, and features broad, sandy beaches, beautiful bays and spectacular clifftop views. Should you wish to combine golf with a city break, the beauty of playing in this part of Spain is that you can base yourself in Barcelona, and it is an hour north of here that you will find the much-heralded PGA Catalunya, unquestionably one of the continent’s elite courses. The Stadium course was designed and built with the intention of hosting the Ryder Cup. The back nine is exceptional, especially the signature 13th, where you play from an elevated tee where you can see the rolling coastal hills of Montseny Massif.…

Located in the western-most point of Spain’s Costa del Sol in the region of Cadiz and just under half an hour from Gibraltar Airport is the exclusive resort of Sotogrande. It was back in the 1960s when American entrepreneur Joseph McMicking and his wife Mercedes Zobel decided to develop the eight-square-mile stretch of land into what has become a destination of choice for those in search of a luxuriously understated lifestyle. In stark contrast to the glitz and glamour of Marbella with its flashy Puerto Banus marina, the appeal of Sotogrande’s gated communities is that residents and guests can relax in a tranquil environment. A residential enclave Covid has taught us to reset our priorities with a focus on wellbeing, so a co-primary or second residence at Sotogrande has all…

North The north-west coast has its linksland gems, but the north-east is home to some prestigious venues, one of which is Rockcliffe Hall. In addition to a wonderful layout, its luxurious five-star hotel, spa and superb cuisine all make for a wonderful experience. W: rockcliffehall.com Close House is home to Lee Westwood’s Filly and Colt courses. No incentive should be needed to visit this stunning estate, but factor in luxury courtyard accommodation, the No. 19 restaurant and PGA Golf Academy, and you have more than enough reasons to make a trip. W: closehouse.com Slaley Hall’s Hunting course is often referred to as the ‘Augusta of the North’ and Dave Thomas’ design does deliver a certain wow factor. With three excellent restaurants on site, there is no need to head anywhere…

Kiawah Island Ocean – USA The host of this year’s USPGA Championship, won in such thrilling fashion by Phil Mickelson – at the age of 50! – Kiawah Island’s Ocean course has plenty of bite to add to its bark. Pete Dye’s creation takes you out and back along the South Carolina coast and with other courses also on the Kiawah Resort (Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Oak Point and Cougar Point) visiting golfer are spoilt for choice. But it is Dye’s Ocean course that ticks the boxes, with every hole presenting a unique challenge. Weighing in at 7,876 yards from the back pegs, lesser players can enjoy a less-daunting test from numerous tee options. Venue of the controversial 1991 Ryder Cup’s ‘War on the Shore’ as well as the 2012…

Give Sandy a call With the dust now settled on another Ryder Cup and a rare thumping for Europe, calls are being made to find the next captain for Rome in 2023. I keep hearing Lee Westwood’s name, but sorry, Lee should still be making his case to be playing in two years. Why the fascination with someone who, in captaincy terms, has plenty of years in the bank to do the job? Personally, I have long argued the case for Sandy Lyle, the only member of Europe’s so-called ‘Big Five’, which also includes Seve, Faldo, Woosnam and Langer, to have not held the role. Having Lyle as captain would allow him to clear the decks and look at his team with a clear eye, and he would be 100…

As part of ongoing research into hitting lengths across the various tours, The R&A and USGA have introduced a new Model Local Rule giving event organisers the option to reduce maximum driver length from 48 to 46 inches. At professional or elite amateur tournaments from January 1, 2022, organisers will be able to enforce the new rule, which applies to all clubs with the exception of putters. It follows the governing bodies’ 2020 Distance Insights Report, which stated that longer hitting distances and courses are “taking golf in the wrong direction”. On the news, Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “We believe this is the right thing for the game at this time and it will provide tournament organisers with the flexibility to choose for themselves within the…

Dream four-ball? My dad, brother and grandad. Best moment in golf? Playing at The Open for the first time. One Major or ten European Tour titles? Ten titles. Best swing tip in a sentence or less? Swing in rhythm, no matter how hard you are trying to hit it. You can only play one course for the rest of your life… Carnoustie. I played my first Open there. I love the layout and the challenge it poses. Favourite app on your phone? It’s a close one between WhatsApp and Instagram. If you could have one career mulligan… 2019 Turkish Open. I was in a six-man play-off and hit my tee shot on the first extra hole straight into a bush. Which three players do you take with you on a…

Taking to the fairways at the Springs Golf Club in Oxfordshire, Luke Willett fired rounds of 77 and 82. His opening round was completed in 37 minutes and 59 seconds, while his second was done in 39 minutes and 57 seconds, giving him a combined two-day score of 236.56 (shots + time) to beat second-placed amateur George Boxall (round one - 84 shots, 37 minutes and 36 seconds; round two - 81 shots, 37 minutes and 27 seconds; combined score of 240.04). “I knew it was always going to be hard, but to be honest I came into it in good form and was feeling confident,” says Willett. “I had trained really well and was ready.” Participants were allowed to use up to seven clubs, with some carrying in hand…

This month, rather than homing in on one particular Rule, we’re looking at some Rules that are frequently misunderstood. If you know all these already, well done! But for many, there will be something here that can help. Accidental movement of ball From emails we receive, some golfers do now believe there is no penalty if you accidentally move your ball. Yes, you won’t be penalised if you move your ball accidentally on the putting green or when searching for it – nor if you nudge it off a tee peg, because it is not yet in play. But in most other circumstances, you will be penalised one stroke under Rule 9.4b for moving your own ball, even accidentally, when it is in play. You must also remember to replace…

Rushmore This fine course straddles the Dorset/Wiltshire border, with nine holes in each but no bunkers in Wiltshire! The entrance drive winds through a mature deer park and there is a real sense of grandeur about the course’s setting right from the off, where towering sequoias frame the 1st hole magnificently to stir your golfing soul. You start out in Wiltshire and venture into Dorset from the 4th, a pretty, mid-length par 3 over water. The distant views as you play the 6th – another par 3 – are spellbinding, and there is more water to ponder as you tackle the superb par-4 8th and the uphill 12th. From the 13th tee, the vista of verdant fairways and wispy golden grasses away to your left is captivating, and the par-5…

Pyrford Lakes For any golfer with a fear of water, this thrilling and extremely varied Peter Alliss and Clive Clark design will be more than a little scary. It comes in to play on the vast majority of holes, leading to a non-stop white-knuckle ride where each successful shot is followed by an equal measure of delight and relief. This is a genuinely interesting and different course brimming with risk and reward where commitment is vital. As may be a plentiful supply of spare Titleists! GF: 18 holes: £20-£50 Manor House This extremely pretty Alliss design, again with Clive Clark – who has recently received great acclaim for Dumbarnie Links – dates back to 1992. It is situated just outside Castle Combe in leafy Wiltshire and is well suited to…