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G H E T T O G O L F : M O R E T H A N Y O U R A V E R A G E C R A Z Y G O L F<br />
$ 9 7 ?<br />
E Q U I P M E N T : C A N Y O U R E A L L Y G E T T H R E E W E D G E S F O R<br />
G O L F H A C K E R<br />
T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R T H E A V E R A G E G O L F E R<br />
I N T E R V I E W : D O M I N I C H O L L A N D : S T A N D - U P , G O L F E R<br />
A N D S P I D E R - M A N ' S D A D<br />
S U Z A N N<br />
P E T T E R S E N<br />
W H Y O L S O I S T H E I D E A L P L A C E T O P L A N<br />
Y O U R N E X T G O L F T R I P
CONTENTS<br />
Editor's Notes<br />
Interview: Dominic<br />
Holland: Stand-Up,<br />
golfer and being<br />
Spider-Man's Dad<br />
Feature: This<br />
ain't Crazy Golf...This<br />
is Ghetto Golf!<br />
Feature: Why the PGA<br />
Tour's new and<br />
improved war on drugs<br />
must work<br />
Equipment: From<br />
Bombtech to Mizuno<br />
Golfhacker has you<br />
covered for all the<br />
latest gear<br />
Fashion: Ted Baker and<br />
G/Fore return with new<br />
collections so you can<br />
grace the fairways in<br />
style<br />
Travel: Oslo Special:<br />
Come and join<br />
Golfhacker and see the<br />
wonders of Suzann<br />
Pettersen's hometown.<br />
GOLFHACKER<br />
www.golfhacker.org
around. From reviews, features and travel...we have all the<br />
Heady, Cyrus<br />
Azalea, Pure Sports<br />
Norway, Suzann<br />
GOLFHACKER<br />
MAGAZINE<br />
www.golfhacker.org<br />
@Golfhacker_mag<br />
@golfhacker1<br />
WELCOME TO GOLFHACKER.<br />
BIGGER AND BETTER THAN<br />
EVER BEFORE!<br />
EDITORIAL<br />
NICK KEVERN<br />
Editor<br />
CONTRIBUTORS<br />
Nick Kevern, William<br />
Murfitt, Lily Hymes,<br />
Robert Cross, Helen<br />
For 2018, we decided to expand our horizons further. The 28-<br />
Saedi, James Lambdon,<br />
page magazine is now a thing of the past as we intend to<br />
become a bigger and better golf magazine.<br />
Champions PLC, Medi8,<br />
Not only have spent the winter attracting some pretty<br />
WITH THANKS TO:<br />
impressive partnerships but we have also expanded our team<br />
of writers, all with the aim to bring you the best golf content<br />
Dominic Holland, Visit<br />
bases covered.<br />
Pettersen, BigMax,<br />
Ghetto Golf,<br />
Findagolfbreak.com,<br />
Our new travel writer, Lily Hymes, ventured to Norway to see<br />
what Suzann Pettersen's hometown has to offer. Not only is<br />
Stampyourballs.com,<br />
the golf amazing but the city is also rich in culture.<br />
Twisted Frog<br />
William Murfitt tests out the new Bombtech wedges and asks<br />
whether or not they are great value for money. He also asks if<br />
you can really get three wedges for $97?<br />
We hope you enjoy our new expanded edition and if you<br />
do...go and tell your friends.<br />
SUBSCRIPTIONS<br />
SUBSCRIBE FOR<br />
FREE BY JOINING<br />
OUR MAILING LIST<br />
www.golfhacker.org<br />
N I C K K E V E R N<br />
Editor-In-Chief
The Big Interview<br />
D O M I N I C H O L L A N D :<br />
S T A N D U P<br />
C O M E D I A N , G O L F E R<br />
A N D S P I D E R M A N ' S<br />
D A D<br />
“ I T ’ S I N C R E D I B L E , H E ’ S O N L Y<br />
2 1 A N D H E ' S B E E N S O W E L L<br />
R E C E I V E D , H I S D R E A M I S<br />
C O N T I N U I N G A N D S O I S M I N E<br />
B E C A U S E I ’ M L O V I N G<br />
W A T C H I N G I T . ”<br />
To many, Dominic Holland is best known as<br />
Playing off 16, Dominic makes regular<br />
a stand-up comedian who has graced the<br />
appearances at events such as the British<br />
stages of the Comedy Store and the<br />
Par 3 Championship and other Pro-Ams. We<br />
Edinburgh fringe festival. Others might have<br />
caught up with Dominic to talk about his<br />
seen him as a regular guest on Channel 5’s<br />
love of golf, his book “Open Links” and of<br />
The Wright Stuff or as a corporate speaker<br />
course, his new role of Spider-Man’s dad.<br />
and Master of Ceremonies. More recently<br />
though, Dominic is now better known as<br />
Golfhacker: We have to start with your book<br />
Spider-Man’s dad since his son, Tom<br />
“Open Links”, for those that haven’t read it,<br />
Holland joined the Marvel universe<br />
what is it about?<br />
appearing in Spider-Man: Homecoming.<br />
What some might not know is that Dominic<br />
Dominic Holland: “It’s a novel I wrote set at<br />
also has a love of golf.<br />
Muirfield Village during the Open about a<br />
journeyman golfer who’s qualified for the<br />
Open. I’m very seduced by the idea that all
The Big Interview<br />
close the Holland’s heart with 100% of the<br />
these professional golfers can hit<br />
magnificent shots and they can all shoot 65,<br />
book's proceeds going to the charity.<br />
but they can’t do it when it counts. It's in<br />
Dominic Holland: “I like the idea that<br />
their head and I thought wouldn’t it be<br />
wonderful if all those shots conspired one<br />
somewhere, someday, all the money raised,<br />
we don’t know who but we can save a life. If<br />
day in one round. I wanted it to be a<br />
you enjoy reading a book and save a life<br />
magical book and a fairytale book. That’s<br />
what happens to Ricky in the book.”<br />
then that’s a nice thing.”<br />
Golfhacker: Of course we need to talk about<br />
Dominic wrote the novel in order to raise<br />
money for the Anthony Nolan Trust. The<br />
your son because a lot has happened to him<br />
recently.<br />
Trust educates, supports and helps those<br />
who have blood cancer. It’s a charity very<br />
Dominic Holland: “You mean Sam, my 18-<br />
year-old boy?”<br />
Golfhacker: I was thinking more the other<br />
one?<br />
Dominic Holland: “Oh you mean Tom! Why<br />
does everyone want to talk about Tom?<br />
What is it about Tom?”<br />
Golfhacker: Well...he is SpiderMan.<br />
Dominic Holland: “My oldest son is Tom<br />
Holland and he plays SpiderMan in the new<br />
movies and I don’t know where to start with<br />
explaining how I feel because I can’t explain<br />
it. When someone wins a massive golf<br />
tournament they’ll say “It hasn’t sunk in yet.”<br />
That always used to frustrate me. “What do<br />
you mean it hasn’t sunk in yet?” But I kind of<br />
get it now because I have to remind myself<br />
sometimes that my little boy is SpiderMan.”<br />
Golfhacker: It’s awesome isn’t it?<br />
Dominic Holland: “It’s incredible, he’s only 21<br />
and he's been so well received, his dream is
S U Z A<br />
E U R
continuing and so is mine because I’m loving<br />
watching it.”<br />
Golfhacker: You are a man who loves his golf, Tom<br />
loves it too. Did you ever want Tom to go pro?<br />
Dominic Holland: “I love my Golf, It’s my sport. In<br />
fact, Tom, when he was a little boy growing up all I<br />
really wanted him to do was to play scratch golf.<br />
Not to be a professional but to just have a different<br />
adulthood to me. He hits it like a two and putts<br />
like a 24 so comes in about a 12. I said to Tom, “As<br />
soon as you get your short game sorted out you’ll<br />
be really low.” So these Pro-Ams that want<br />
celebrities, because you’re SpiderMan you’ll be<br />
playing pebble beach mate with Rory.”<br />
It’s some sound advice from father to son. Tom<br />
Holland, if you are reading this, it’s a good idea to<br />
listen to what your dad is saying. Start working on<br />
that short game before you head to Pebble Beach.<br />
To get your copy of “Open Links” and save a life in<br />
the process simply click the cover below where<br />
you will sent to the Anthony Nolan Trust's page.
Like father, Like son<br />
B E I N G A G O L F D A D<br />
D O M I N I C H O L L A N D I S N O T<br />
A L O N E I N R A I S I N G H I S S O N T O<br />
B E C O M E A G O L F F A N A T I C .<br />
R O B E R T C R O S S I S D O I N G T H E<br />
S A M E W I T H H I S S O N . H E I S<br />
M O R E T H A N H A P P Y T O T E L L<br />
T H E W O R L D A B O U T W H A T L I F E<br />
I S L I K E B E I N G A G O L F D A D .<br />
Words: Robert Cross<br />
If you have kids who play sports then you<br />
Now aged 8 (nearly 9) and about to make<br />
will understand the struggle. Being a golf<br />
the move from Lower School to Middle<br />
dad, and just how hard it really is (or I’m<br />
School, we have the added pressure of<br />
finding it) to make the best decisions for<br />
choosing the right school, but also due to<br />
your kids so they can learn to love a game<br />
my own selfishness the right golf club.<br />
you do and share lots of memories and<br />
experiences together.<br />
I taught him loosely for the first 5 years of his<br />
life, but knowing how important it is to get a<br />
I have a son. His name is Dexter and he has<br />
good base with the fundamentals in place;<br />
played golf since he could walk, well<br />
in January 2016 I handed over that baton to<br />
actually a bit before then. I remember the<br />
the best junior coach around – Sam Smith at<br />
first time I took him to the practice area of<br />
The Bedford Golf Club. Over 65 kids turn up<br />
my club with right-handed plastic clubs,<br />
each weekend under his enthusiastic and<br />
which he flipped over because he’s left-<br />
guided coaching.<br />
handed. The video I have, which is<br />
frequently watched, always brings a smile to<br />
If you haven’t heard of Sam, then you need<br />
my face. He runs to the ball, points and then<br />
to. If you have kids who want to play golf<br />
whacks it.<br />
(and live in the Bedfordshire area) take them<br />
to Sam.
You will be amazed at how much fun golf<br />
can be and how much the kids love to learn<br />
with him, without even realising it!<br />
One thing stuck in my mind chatting to<br />
Sam, “I want to give the kids life skills, and<br />
golf is great for personal development.”<br />
He is 100% right, golf teaches you manners<br />
and etiquette but also the ability to talk to<br />
people, to make conversation. Something<br />
Sam equates to a life skill. If his kids play<br />
golf at any level in the future, it’s a win.<br />
Over the past two years, Dexter has<br />
continued to improve, but I’m never really<br />
sure if he’s enjoying it. Golf is such a tough<br />
sport with so many movements and variants<br />
that for an 8-year-old kid, it can become a<br />
bit of a slog.<br />
It turns out that Dexter is pretty good; he<br />
has inherited my somewhat natural hand-<br />
eye coordination. Armed with that ability<br />
and some superb coaching – last season in<br />
2017, he embarked on an introduction to<br />
competitive golf, playing on the Shires Tour<br />
and in a Bedfordshire Schools competitions.<br />
He also inherited my super competitive<br />
nature and loves winning (and also hates<br />
losing!), which leads to some seriously<br />
frustrating times both on the course and at<br />
home.<br />
An example of these conversations;<br />
1st Hole: -“8 is rubbish!” “Yeah, but you were<br />
on the green for 3 and didn’t hit your putts<br />
hard enough, next time hit them a bit<br />
harder.”<br />
“Stop shouting at me, you’re telling me off!”<br />
“You’re upset because of your score, and I’m<br />
trying to explain why”<br />
“Stop telling me off!”
4th Hole: - Bunkered off the tee, then a great<br />
bunker shot, but a tough uphill putt from<br />
40ft, leaves it 15ft short. Again, spectators<br />
walking past watch as they see an 8-year-old<br />
hole out from 15ft!! Smiles and happiness<br />
move to the 5th tee.<br />
I struggle greatly with what is the right thing<br />
for him. If any advice is given it’s deemed to<br />
be shouting or telling off. If left to his own<br />
space, a potential walk-off crying with a<br />
poor score.<br />
All kids are different, over time things will<br />
improve and he’ll figure out what is best,<br />
but having a really competitive kid playing<br />
one of the hardest sports for all ages and<br />
levels is a serious challenge as a parent.<br />
He was delighted; I was delighted because<br />
I don’t want a pension fund, or the next Rory<br />
all that frustration was appeased. It wasn’t a<br />
1st place, but it was a prize.<br />
McIlroy, I want my son to have the<br />
opportunity to play golf and enjoy it as<br />
much as I do. So we can spend time<br />
2018 will (if he wants to) see another few<br />
rounds of competitive golf, lots more<br />
together having fun! At the moment this<br />
seems a long way off, and I really want him<br />
evening and weekend rounds of fun and<br />
frustration, with a little bit of “home”<br />
to continue to learn and develop, but I don’t<br />
want to affect or change his outlook on the<br />
practice thrown in.<br />
game.<br />
The struggles will continue, I’m prepared for<br />
I really try to make it fun, with no pressure<br />
them. I mentioned that I never really<br />
thought golf was something he loved and<br />
and to just go and play. He is the one who<br />
am very aware that I don’t want to scare him<br />
wants to write the scores down, beat his last<br />
one. Balance is the key.<br />
away. At school, one of their tasks was to<br />
write about, “If you could do anything for<br />
one day, what would it be an why?”<br />
In 2017, he played in a total of four<br />
competitive rounds and despite the initial<br />
I picked up his school book and his answer<br />
nerves and the unknown, I’m really proud of<br />
shocked me.<br />
how he handled himself. Performance is<br />
irrelevant to me, but to him where he<br />
finishes is everything.<br />
“If I could do anything for one day, I would<br />
have a golf lesson with Rory McIlroy and<br />
In July, he represented his school at<br />
Justin Rose”<br />
Bedfordshire County Rookie Schools event,<br />
“Because I love golf.”<br />
and a 6th place finish saw a prize awarded.
It's all in the mind<br />
W H Y T H I N K I N G<br />
P O S I T I V E L Y M A Y<br />
N O T B E H E L P I N G<br />
Y O U R G O L F G A M E<br />
" G O L F I S A G A M E O F I N C H E S .<br />
T H E M O S T I M P O R T A N T A R E T H E<br />
S I X I N C H E S B E T W E E N Y O U R<br />
E A R S . "<br />
A R N O L D P A L M E R<br />
Words: James Lambdon<br />
Approaching the ball, you knew you<br />
Three shots ago, it felt effortless…<br />
wouldn’t like the lie (a downslope), spending<br />
Having appreciated one of the good views<br />
(what felt like) an age finding the yardage<br />
on this course, you felt relaxed standing<br />
and selecting the club, you somehow rush<br />
over your approach shot. You picked a<br />
into this approach shot, trying to avoid<br />
target, saw the shot shape (slight draw over<br />
thinking about the trap short right of the<br />
the right ridge), completed your pre-shot<br />
green, and, surprise, surprise…the ball finds<br />
its way into the bunker you tried so hard to<br />
routine, took aim (thinking of the target),<br />
executed your swing (with a clear swing<br />
avoid… But you ‘knew’ it would go in there,<br />
thought) and watched the ball roll across<br />
right?<br />
the green to settle clear to the pin.<br />
Many golfers (just like you) experience<br />
Three shots later, it’s a totally different<br />
similar thinking patterns, from shot to shot,<br />
story.<br />
during a round, or even across the course of
"Golf is full of variety, and given<br />
that no two shots experienced are<br />
the same, there is a clear need to<br />
possess an ability to adapt to each<br />
situation presented."
a season. If was to push you to highlight the<br />
adapt. By adopting either a positive or<br />
negative mindset (something that many<br />
main difference above, you would likely note<br />
that the first situation is positive, leading to<br />
golfers do), you encourage a black and<br />
white, all or nothing, appraisal of<br />
the intended outcome, whereas the second<br />
starts negatively, focuses on avoidance, and<br />
performance. You limit your ability to adapt.<br />
produces a poor shot. Clearly, I’m trying to<br />
Doing so can cause you to question your<br />
ability, enjoyment, or love for the game. To<br />
highlight that positive thinking is far better<br />
for your golf game, than negative, right?<br />
choose your approach as either positive or<br />
negative is, fundamentally, unhelpful.<br />
In a word, no, and if that is the message you<br />
have taken so far, then I challenge you to<br />
So, rather than focusing on being positive, or<br />
reconsider. Because if you don’t you may<br />
trying to avoid being negative, you are<br />
better served to pay attention to ‘helpful’ or<br />
well be encouraging, developing, or refining<br />
a thinking process that is limiting your<br />
‘unhelpful’ thoughts, as this thinking pattern<br />
can underpin what you want to do. Our<br />
ability to adapt your mindset out on the<br />
course.<br />
brain is built and structured in such a way<br />
that means you are better served whilst<br />
Golf is full of variety, and given that no two<br />
playing to ‘activate’ helpful thoughts by<br />
consciously choosing to focus on aspect of<br />
shots experienced are the same, there is a<br />
clear need to possess an ability to adapt to<br />
your game that support your ability to<br />
perform the shot that you intend to.<br />
each situation presented. Be it our swing,<br />
our approach, or our mindset, we must
In the interest of providing you with a<br />
As with many parts of the game. This is a<br />
skill. It will only get better with practice. So,<br />
‘takeaway’ from this article, read the first<br />
example again and note down specific<br />
if you are unsure of what is helpful to think<br />
of, discuss it with your PGA Professional, or<br />
thoughts that you would find helpful to<br />
support you executing a desired shot. Take<br />
an accredited Sport Psychologist – it is a skill<br />
worth developing and one that will help you<br />
this list, breakdown this down into bite-size<br />
chunks, and practice using these in your<br />
to play better golf!<br />
pre-shot routine. Our mindset, acts like a<br />
muscle, it is developed by repetition. By<br />
What to know more? Look out for future golf<br />
psychology articles exploring the process of<br />
spending time to develop helpful thinking,<br />
you are more likely to adapt your mindset to<br />
thinking clearly in future months.<br />
the situation.<br />
About The Golf Psych<br />
Practice thinking ‘helpfully’ whilst you are<br />
on the range, around the practice green, or<br />
James Lambdon is a Chartered Sport<br />
Psychologist, registered with the HCPC, who<br />
out on the course. To achieve this, try a<br />
range of different approaches to encourage<br />
helps golfers to think clearly before, during,<br />
and after a round. For further information,<br />
yourself to do so. Write notes on a scorecard,<br />
keep a small notebook in your golf bag, stick<br />
visit www.thegolfpsych.co.uk, email<br />
James@thegolfpsych.co.uk or follow<br />
a couple of keywords to a water bottle. The<br />
key here is to go provide reminders of<br />
@The_Golf_Psych on twitter.<br />
‘helpful’ thoughts or thinking patterns that<br />
support your best golf game.
G H E T T O G O L F \ \ L I V E R P O O L
then, we were kids and for a long the world<br />
Liverpool, you very quickly get a sense of<br />
This isn't crazy<br />
golf...<br />
This is Ghetto<br />
Golf!<br />
"The fifth hole was completely<br />
different to anything I have ever<br />
seen. The aim was to get the ball<br />
into the toilet. Now that was<br />
somewhere I never thought I’d<br />
retrieve my golf ball from."<br />
We all remember our times playing crazy<br />
Now crazy golf has become urbanised. Far<br />
golf whilst on holiday. Usually, the obstacle<br />
away from the seaside resorts, we have<br />
was an old wooden windmill that had seen<br />
seen them pop up in places like London,<br />
better days. For many of us, it was<br />
Birmingham and Manchester. From<br />
moments like these that helped us pick up<br />
Dinosaur themed courses to things like<br />
a club for the first time and for some, it was<br />
Ghetto Golf in Liverpool. However, Ghetto<br />
these moments that made us take the<br />
Golf is not for the kids. This one is purely for<br />
game one stage further. Whatever the<br />
the adults with its imposing bar and<br />
outcome, we all had fun and took away<br />
graffiti-based art.<br />
these precious memories. However, back<br />
Situated in the Cains Brewery Village in<br />
of crazy golf has become something<br />
nostalgic. That was until things changed.<br />
what Ghetto Golf is all about.
time. It’s while waiting that you can<br />
here. You are here to have fun<br />
Instead, the weekend is here and the<br />
way. The first hole is in a caravan, the<br />
Loud urban music greets you as you<br />
head to the bar to wait for your tee<br />
fully take it all in. The walls are full of<br />
graffiti art including a lovable minion<br />
swiftly extending his middle finger. It<br />
pretty much sums up the attitude<br />
however you intend to do it. Take<br />
your beers around the course and<br />
enjoy yourselves.<br />
Everywhere I look I see people doing<br />
just that. Selfies, laughter and all in<br />
your far from your usual golfing attire.<br />
revellers are dressed for a night on<br />
the tiles. From young students<br />
enjoying a round before heading out<br />
for some snakebite, to couples on<br />
their first dates. We even bumped<br />
into hip OAPS refusing to let their age<br />
prevent them from having a laugh. If<br />
this is the future of crazy golf, then<br />
count me in.<br />
This 18 hole course should take about<br />
an hour to complete with each hole<br />
being completely unique in it own<br />
second has a library feel to it and the<br />
third takes you to a skate park slope.<br />
Yet it was the fifth hole that was<br />
completely different to anything I<br />
have ever seen. The aim was to get<br />
the ball into the toilet. Now that was<br />
somewhere I never thought I’d<br />
retrieve my golf ball from.<br />
I may have seen golf’s finest perform<br />
and had the pleasure to interview<br />
many but I would give my right arm<br />
to see them at a place like this. To see<br />
them enjoying themselves rather<br />
than have their game faces on.
G H E T T O G O L F \ \ L I V E R P O O L
G H E T T O G O L F \ \ L I V E R P O O L
looks!” The scorecard reflected that but really<br />
important. I don’t think I have enjoyed a round<br />
properly? My guess is not many. Perhaps there<br />
of energy. Perhaps golf itself should start<br />
As we approached the arcade machine phase<br />
of the course the artwork perfectly blended<br />
taking a hard look at itself to see if there are<br />
lessons that can be learnt. After all, we talk<br />
Sonic the Hedgehog and Space Invaders to<br />
create a pinball hole. Along each hole, I<br />
continuously about attracting younger players<br />
from both sexes. Ghetto Golf doesn’t have that<br />
thought to myself, “This is harder than it<br />
problem at all. That is why it should be<br />
the idea of keeping score wasn’t what was<br />
embraced by the golfing community. It may<br />
not golf as we know it, but it is still golf and if<br />
of golf like this in a long time. If anything, it<br />
some of the those we played alongside were<br />
to try a traditional golf course in the future,<br />
took me back to those days playing crazy golf<br />
then it will be the likes of Ghetto Golf that<br />
on holiday. I may have entered as an adult but<br />
I found my inner child once again...only<br />
helped in growing the game.<br />
slightly more inebriated.<br />
Ghetto Golf<br />
Cains Brewery Village<br />
It was only on the way home that the thinking<br />
fully began. Whilst everyone had fun, how<br />
Liverpool.<br />
£10 for 18 holes.<br />
many would consider actually playing golf<br />
is a valid reason for this. Golf is often seen as a<br />
boring game yet Ghetto Golf was the<br />
complete opposite. It was fun, vibrate and full
program. There were, of course, plenty of<br />
Howman, WADA’s director general, highlighted<br />
Special Report<br />
W H Y T H E P G A<br />
T O U R ' S N E W A N D<br />
I M P R O V E D W A R O N<br />
D R U G S M U S T W O R K<br />
“ I C A N O N L Y E N C O U R A G E T H E P G A T O U R<br />
T O F O L L O W A N D F I N A L L Y A C C E P T T H E<br />
W A D A C O D E A N D T O B E C O M P L I A N T W I T H<br />
T H I S S O Y O U H A V E A H A R M O N I Z E D A N T I -<br />
D O P I N G R E G I M E T H E R E F O R A L L T H E<br />
G O L F P L A Y E R S A N D Y O U H A V E A . . . L E V E L<br />
P L A Y I N G F I E L D F O R A L L G O L F E R S , ”<br />
T H O M A S B A C H . P R E S I D E N T O F T H E<br />
I N T E R N A T I O N A L O L Y M P I C C O M M I T T E E .<br />
2 0 1 5 .<br />
The desire to become part of sports largest<br />
the issues of doping within the sport. David<br />
showcase at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016<br />
the issues.<br />
meant that a culture within Golf was about<br />
to be seriously challenged. Thomas Bach<br />
certainly didn’t mince his words when he<br />
“There are gaps in the program, and that<br />
was in St. Andrews for the Open<br />
means someone might not be tested or might<br />
Championship in 2015. With Golf’s inclusion<br />
not be detected,” said Howman. “If you’re not<br />
smart, you’re not going to catch the cheats.”<br />
within the Olympics confirmed, he was<br />
critical of the of the PGA Tour’s anti-doping<br />
The message was clear. If Golf wants to<br />
reasons for this.<br />
become part of the Olympic movement then<br />
an update of the tour’s anti-doping policy must<br />
Prior to Olympics, WADA (World Anti<br />
be compliant with that of WADA. The European<br />
Doping Agency) remained highly skeptical<br />
Tour had already done so by using WADA rules<br />
about the PGA Tour and how they handle<br />
and regulations, enforcing their banned
such, it has to get in line with the other<br />
game. Others have also highlighted the<br />
green. Prescribed to those who suffer from<br />
blockers,' Norman claimed in in 2012. 'It<br />
ADHD. It is a drug that can increase<br />
Special Report<br />
'In my day, lots of guys were on beta<br />
substance list and even went as far as using<br />
WADA accredited laboratories. The logic<br />
wasn't openly acknowledged, but it was<br />
was simple, if the European Tour could do<br />
it, then so could the PGA Tour.<br />
obvious to the rest of us. A guy's personality<br />
would change.'<br />
Something certainly needed to change<br />
especially when players themselves were<br />
Whether or not Norman’s claims are true,<br />
remains to be seen. However, his allegations<br />
becoming highly critical of the PGA Tour’s<br />
measures with regards to stemming the use<br />
are in the public domain and if true, casts<br />
doubts over the integrity of the game. A<br />
of performance-enhancing drugs (PED)<br />
game that prides itself on that integrity.<br />
within the game. One such critic was none<br />
other than Rory McIlroy.<br />
There is, of course, players out there that<br />
may depend on beta blockers for health<br />
"I could use HGH and get away with it,"<br />
reasons.<br />
McIlroy said. "So I think blood testing is<br />
If any players have any health issues then<br />
something that needs to happen in golf just<br />
to make sure that it is a clean sport going<br />
they can apply for a Therapeutic Use<br />
Exemption (TUE). TUE’s can only be used<br />
forward … If golf is in the Olympics and golf<br />
wants to be seen as a mainstream sport as<br />
with the consent of a doctor but allows<br />
athletes to use drugs prohibited on the<br />
WADA list if proof that an athlete's health is<br />
sports that test more rigorously."<br />
at risk without those drugs.<br />
When athletes know they could get away<br />
The issue of TUE’s really came to light during<br />
with it, then it becomes clear that there is a<br />
serious problem. McIlroy is not the first<br />
the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. The hacking<br />
group known as “Fancy Bears” revealed<br />
player to highlight the issue within the<br />
athletes TUE’s during the games and golf<br />
was not immune. One player who came to<br />
misuse of drugs. Greg Norman has claimed<br />
that players had been using beta blockers<br />
light was Patrick Reed.<br />
for years during his career.<br />
Reed’s TUE stated that he was allowed to<br />
It might a different drug when compared to<br />
compete in the Games with a four<br />
exemption for the drug, Vyvanse. Vyvanse is<br />
HGH (Human Growth Hormone) but beta<br />
blockers are possibly the performance<br />
a drug commonly used to help those with<br />
enhancement drug of choice within a game<br />
that measures success and failure on the<br />
attention and decrease hyperactivity. In<br />
other words, a performance enhancer in<br />
panic attacks, beta blockers can lower the<br />
regards to the game of Golf. Under<br />
Reed’s TUE, he was permitted to use a drug<br />
heart rate and combat any form of anxiety.<br />
In the world of golf, they could easily be<br />
on the banned list. Whilst Reed has done<br />
nothing wrong and has followed the correct<br />
seen as the ultimate PED.
Patrick Reed's TUE released by "Fancy Bear" hack<br />
team in 2016 during Rio Olympic Games. TUE's<br />
are legal based on medical treatment and Reed<br />
followed the rules in order to compete. //<br />
Source: GolfPunk<br />
S U Z A<br />
E U R
procedure, it does highlight what the drug can<br />
2017. Other enhancers such as EPO, HGH and<br />
Recently, Dr Anthony Galea lost his licence for<br />
evidence.” Lance Armstrong<br />
trust. If the Lance Armstrong scandal taught us<br />
paramount. Trust in our sporting icons but also<br />
Officially, Armstrong never failed a drugs test<br />
seriously. With blood tests, the tour can now<br />
do in the wrong hands in order to gain an<br />
throughout his career. When he states that he<br />
is correct. It was not the system that brought<br />
advantage.<br />
him down. In many respects, the system<br />
Now comes the tricky part, whilst playing within<br />
allowed him to maintain his deceit. The<br />
Cycling Independent Reform Commission<br />
the Olympics, players had to declare this in<br />
order to gain their TUE. Prior to this, they could<br />
produced a damning 227-page report saying<br />
that The International Cycling Union (UCI)<br />
have been caught out with a urine sample. This<br />
was the only test that the PGA Tour did prior to<br />
colluded with Armstrong in order to protect<br />
the sport’s reputation. Armstrong was seen as<br />
Danazol could not be traced with a urine test.<br />
the man who changed the sport by winning<br />
the Tour de France as a clean rider following<br />
Those drugs require a blood test.<br />
years of disgrace with regards to PEDs. It now<br />
appears that the UCI was determined to<br />
Doctors can also be complicit in helping those<br />
who wish to enhance their performance.<br />
maintain that myth by any means necessary.<br />
So why is this important? Well, if the governing<br />
nine months for professional misconduct.<br />
Prosecutors claimed that the Canadian sports<br />
body of a sport can go to such measures to<br />
protect their star performers, then we must<br />
doctor used a number of performance<br />
enhancing drugs on elite athletes. One of his<br />
question if other sports are doing the same.<br />
With golf and its players now demanding more<br />
former clients was Tiger Woods. Whilst there is<br />
no evidence that Woods was involved with the<br />
money in terms of prize purses, sponsorship<br />
and endorsements, the thin line between<br />
use of PEDs with Dr Galea, there can sometimes<br />
be question marks with his association with a<br />
success and failure is a much more prized<br />
asset.<br />
now, discredited professional.<br />
With the PGA Tour now making a more<br />
considerable effort to appease WADA, the War<br />
“Extraordinary allegations require extraordinary<br />
on drugs within the game can finally be taken<br />
expand in its search to chase any cheaters. The<br />
Tour has also declared in and out of<br />
The world of drugs in sport is a murky one. It is<br />
also one that requires, above everything else,<br />
competition testing. The question marks will<br />
remain but finally, golf is taking the issue<br />
anything then it is simply that trust is<br />
seriously in a post-Armstrong doping world.<br />
Whether it will be effective will remain to be<br />
the authorities that are responsible for making<br />
seen. However, for the integrity of the game,<br />
the PGA Tour has to make it work in order to<br />
sure that the rules are followed.<br />
restore not only the faith we have in golf but<br />
also in sport in general.
S U Z A<br />
E U R
Golfhacker originally published this article in its sample edition. As Golfhacker<br />
Magazine has grown in popularity we thought it would be best to republish it.<br />
Mark Curtis is a Sport Physiotherapist with over 12 years experience who kindly<br />
wrote this piece to help fellow golfers prevent getting lower back pain. It is<br />
essential reading.<br />
______________________________________________________________________<br />
Whether a fellow hacker or a seasoned professional, you have more than likely<br />
picked up one or two injuries on the golf course in your time. Lower back pain is<br />
the number one injury sustained by golfers, accounting for up to 34.5% of all<br />
injuries.<br />
Several factors have been linked to causing lower back pain whilst playing golf,<br />
including altered posture and swing faults, inadequate warm up, and poor body<br />
conditioning (areas of weakness or stiffness). But how can you identify these<br />
problems and reduce the risk of injury to your lower back?<br />
Making sure your posture is correct when<br />
addressing the ball is extremely important. The two<br />
most common posture ‘faults’ that golfers adopt are<br />
an excessive C- Posture and S Posture.<br />
(C-Posture above, S-Posture right)<br />
C-Posture is used to describe a posture that occurs<br />
when your slump forward at the address and you<br />
have a definitive roundness to your mid back. This<br />
limits the amount of rotation available throughout<br />
the trunk. The golfer, therefore, has to compensate<br />
by excessive movement at the shoulders and legs to<br />
generate force.<br />
S-Posture is a postural characteristic that can be<br />
caused by the player creating too much arch in the<br />
lower back by sticking their tail bone out and lifting<br />
their chest up. This excessive curvature in the lower<br />
back is caused by tight lower back and hip flex or<br />
muscles and weak abdominal muscles.
EQUIPMENT & FASHION<br />
FROM<br />
TO<br />
BOMBTECH<br />
MIZUNO:<br />
SEARCH FOR<br />
OUR<br />
BEST GOLF<br />
THE<br />
GEAR<br />
Buy the latest gear and improve your game.<br />
That is what you are told anyway. Well, here<br />
at Golfhacker, we have done the hard work<br />
for you and cater for every budget. Our<br />
Equipment Editor, William Murfitt, asks if<br />
you can really get three wedges from<br />
Bombtech for $97? We also take a closer look<br />
at the new Mizuno GT180 Driver and<br />
Evnroll's ER9 putter.
Don't get<br />
Mad...<br />
Get<br />
Evnroll
So all you have to do is aim,” says Rife.<br />
With a growing trend for high-MOI mallets<br />
on tour, as the world’s best golfers seek to<br />
To achieve ultra-high MOI it requires a<br />
take nerves out of the equation when they<br />
stand over high-pressure putts worth<br />
really big putter head that is usually a<br />
combination of ultra-light aluminium and<br />
hundreds of thousands of dollars, putter<br />
designer Guerin Rife set himself a<br />
stainless steel that is about three times<br />
heavier. The ER9 features a milled 6061<br />
challenge to design a putter with double<br />
aluminium body with strategically located<br />
the MOI of many of the most popular high<br />
MOI head designs on tour.<br />
hollow cylinders running the length of the<br />
head from face to rear along the extreme<br />
“I noticed more and more lately that many<br />
heel and toe to receive sizeable steel<br />
weights. This design keeps the overall size<br />
players on the PGA Tour are opting for<br />
high MOI oversized putter head designs,”<br />
down to manageable levels while still<br />
achieving an astonishing 10,000 MOI.<br />
comments Rife. “They have to stand over a<br />
4-foot putt worth $200k to $1m that will<br />
The head shape is essentially<br />
change their life. The pressure can be<br />
square with a wide central cavity<br />
paralysing.”<br />
framed by alignment lines along<br />
each side and a single line in the<br />
The nerves don’t have to take over too<br />
center. This shape allows for a<br />
much for an extremely costly miss, so<br />
full range of short to long rod<br />
highly stable putter designs that help to<br />
weights to dial in swing weight<br />
counter some of the potentially damaging<br />
based on shaft length, grip<br />
effects of pressure and nerves make<br />
weights and counter<br />
absolute sense.<br />
weights. To help<br />
reduce the size<br />
MOI, or Moment of Inertia, is essentially an<br />
visually, the ER9’s<br />
object’s resistance to twisting. “For a putter,<br />
aluminium body is<br />
that translates to a rock steady swing path<br />
anodized in a dark<br />
and an enlarged area of forgiveness off the<br />
grey satin finish.<br />
face.
The ER9 will admittedly not appeal to all,<br />
Like all Evnroll putters, the ER9-10K<br />
features award-winning “Sweet Face”<br />
especially traditionalists, but for those<br />
who absolutely, positively want to make<br />
Technology, an innovative and unique mill<br />
every pressure putt the ER9-10K will<br />
pattern engineered to deliver uniform<br />
performance across the entire hitting area<br />
deliver. “Having a putter that is so stable<br />
that it overrides nerves is often the key to<br />
of the putter face for unprecedented<br />
success,” adds Rife. “The ER9-10K is<br />
accuracy and zero dispersion. However,<br />
because of the extreme stability created by<br />
stability on steroids!”<br />
the 10,000 MOI, the parabolic grooves<br />
have been dialled back to produce the<br />
The ER9-10K is priced at £299<br />
same energy transfer and gearing effect for<br />
www.evnroll.com<br />
off-center hits.
Mizuno GT180 Driver<br />
Mizuno’s new GT180 is the ultimate fine<br />
The GT180’s high-speed performance<br />
tunable driver blessed with the dual ability<br />
platform is built around a Forged SP700<br />
to help golfers squeeze every last yard out<br />
Ti Face, a precise multi-thickness face<br />
of their drives and evolve with them as<br />
that promotes accelerated ball speeds. It<br />
their swings evolve. The extreme levels of<br />
is this speed, coupled with ultimate<br />
adjustability on offer mean that the GT180<br />
adjustability, that allows every golfer to<br />
can help all golfers optimise performance<br />
get the very most out of his or her game<br />
.<br />
from their existing swings, and then keep<br />
pace with swing changes and course<br />
The GT180’s ultimate adjustability paves<br />
conditions as the season unfolds.<br />
the way to an expanded range of draw,
“With its wider range of settings, the<br />
neutral and fade settings in low, mid and<br />
high spin flights.<br />
GT180 can hold the key to squeeze out<br />
those last few seemingly unobtainable<br />
yards,” says Bill Price, Custom Fitting<br />
The twin movable 7g weights have a wider<br />
span of locations for greater impact on<br />
Manager at Mizuno. “Being able to fine<br />
tune your launch angle and spin rate is<br />
spin rates and fade / draw bias, while the<br />
Quick Switch Adjustable Hosel allows 4˚ of<br />
the final element in the equation to find<br />
your most efficient flight.”<br />
loft adjustment and 3˚ of lie adjustment to<br />
match every golfer’s unique launch<br />
conditions and visual preferences. A Quick<br />
Switch adapter offers eight different<br />
GT180 Driver £449/€499<br />
locations to allow precise customisation of<br />
loft and lie and to fine tune ball flight like<br />
never before. The finishing touch is an<br />
expanded line of high-end shafts that can<br />
be fitted at no extra cost.
B O M B T E C H : T H R E E W E D G E S<br />
F O R $ 9 7 ? L E T S P U T T H E M T O<br />
T H E T E S T<br />
W i l l i a m M u r f i t t<br />
Manufacturers bring out new and improved<br />
With the modern golfer opting to carry<br />
clubs all the time with many unfortunately<br />
multiple wedges, costs can quickly escalate<br />
breaking the bank. So I’ve set out on a<br />
but, what if I told you that there is a<br />
mission to find out if you really need to<br />
company in America producing not one, not<br />
spend mega money to get the equipment<br />
two, but three wedges for $97. Would you<br />
that you will to help you in your quest to<br />
run or would you want to find out a little<br />
achieve golfing greatness.<br />
more?<br />
When you think of wedges, there are a few<br />
Thankfully I’m of the latter opinion so let’s<br />
manufacturers that stick out. Cleveland with<br />
find out a little more. BombTech Golf is a<br />
RTX currently £69.99 each, Callaway with the<br />
small American company based in Vermont.<br />
Mac Daddy at £89.99 a wedge and Titleist’s<br />
Working with Vermont University they<br />
Vokey wedge priced at £119.99 each.<br />
produced the Grenade driver and since this
B O M B T E C H<br />
date, they have grown from strength to<br />
The bounce has a two-tier step to help<br />
with those tight lies. This is very similar to<br />
strength increasing their products from<br />
that one driver to a full range including<br />
the Vokey design that many of the world’s<br />
elite use. It looks great but sometimes<br />
Irons, Woods, Hybrids, Putters and Wedges.<br />
looks aren’t everything. Now I really want to<br />
find out more about the personality of<br />
Whilst still providing an outstanding level<br />
of customer service, high quality of product<br />
these wedges when hitting some balls.<br />
and most importantly for us, low prices.<br />
Having now opened up the overseas<br />
Like all range sessions, I started with a few<br />
short chips and they seemed to respond<br />
market could BombTech be the brand of<br />
the future?<br />
very positively. A great feel in my hands,<br />
the Bombtech grip feels solid and grippy,<br />
I’m a fan of the weight, I’m not a fan of<br />
At present, BombTech has four wedges on<br />
the market. The wedge set that I have<br />
clubs with a heavy head but these seem to<br />
sit just right. The noise off the face<br />
consists of 52, 56, 60 and the insane 72<br />
degrees which is sold individually. Before<br />
is very nice somewhat clippy,<br />
it’s not something really I’ve<br />
any orders are made BombTech's website<br />
should come with a warning. It’s full of<br />
ever thought about before.<br />
It's not a hollow noise.<br />
content, offers, customer feedback, fun<br />
videos and service that you just can’t<br />
grumble at. For example, they offer a ‘120-<br />
Moving onto longer shots, that<br />
consistent feel is still very much<br />
day hassle free return’. Bombtech is so<br />
confident and comfortable with their<br />
there. The grip is holding its<br />
own and the ball flight is easy to<br />
products that they don’t think you will<br />
return them. It’s defiantly worth a visit. But<br />
manipulate for both high shots<br />
and low spinny ones.<br />
let’s put them to the test to see how they<br />
get on.<br />
First impressions are very pleasing. I’ll be<br />
honest, I wasn’t really expecting the level of<br />
workmanship as what has been delivered.<br />
They are smooth and sleek with great<br />
curves. The branding is very simplistic<br />
and they include the BombTech<br />
logo which complements the ‘Pull<br />
the pin’ slogan perfectly. Typically,<br />
I’ve found when you buy cheap, you<br />
get what you paid for, but I can’t fault<br />
the styling and finish.
Jake found the clubs to be a little heavy for<br />
Direction and distance control is something<br />
that I always seemed to struggle with. With<br />
his liking which he felt impacted the way<br />
he hit the ball however, with only 15 shots<br />
my old wedges, this may be due to their age<br />
or maybe they are just not best suited to my<br />
he took his average dispersion to a very<br />
respectable standard. This raised the<br />
style of play but I found the grenades<br />
extremely manageable. This is still very much<br />
question of how suited his current old<br />
"hand me down" wedges are suited to him.<br />
the same when hitting some full swing shots<br />
Distance control with the 52 was a bit of an<br />
too.<br />
interesting one. His furthest carry was 105<br />
and shortest was 53, which he put down to<br />
I’m pretty happy with how the clubs have<br />
performed on the range, but what happens<br />
trying to quickly adjust to the new clubs<br />
and still getting used to them. As we<br />
when using a launch monitor.<br />
continued with the testing these numbers<br />
became tighter.<br />
While at the range, I took full advantage of<br />
the GC2 launch monitor they have and invited<br />
a friend of mine along for the ride to give a<br />
For me, I felt that the weight of these clubs<br />
really suited my swing and managed to<br />
comparison between myself and a newly<br />
started player, Now at this point in his career<br />
keep the dispersion to a minimum<br />
throughout the 15 shots. On average, my<br />
Jake is very much a ‘Golfhacker’ but is<br />
working hard to improve. The numbers make<br />
spin was 2000rpm faster than Jake's<br />
figures and found that the reactions when<br />
some interesting reading, focusing on the<br />
landing on the greens were really<br />
distance control and spin numbers. I found<br />
the distance easy to manage on the 52 and<br />
responsive. This filled me with the<br />
confidence to fire shots into flags and take<br />
60 degrees but the struggled to get to grips<br />
with the 56 degrees flying my target of 85<br />
on a few more risks. Stopping the ball<br />
seemed extremely easy to accomplish.<br />
yards on nearly all my attempts. We took five<br />
shots with each club to gauge a feeling and<br />
Average carry seemed to match my current<br />
wedges, except the 56 where I seemed to<br />
our stats are shown below:
mentioned sets and they are travelling<br />
gain some 10 yards but having played only<br />
15 shots on the launch monitor, I got a<br />
halfway across the world. They are<br />
extremely well packaged in order to<br />
quick feel for the control and achieved a<br />
manageable ball flight. On the course is<br />
prevent transport damage. Having now<br />
N O P L A C E I S E V E R<br />
where the relationship truly blossomed.<br />
Having now gotten to grips with the<br />
A S B A D A S T H E Y<br />
distance, the BombTech's offer fantastic<br />
control on the greens and it doesn’t seem<br />
to matter if your chipping from the fringe<br />
or hitting into a small green from 80 yards.<br />
The ball takes one bounce and zips with<br />
the spin making a good shot look like a<br />
touring professional. Since putting these<br />
T E L L Y O U I T ’ S<br />
G O I N G T O B E .<br />
used the wedges for a number of weeks,<br />
some signs of wear are starting to show<br />
their face with graze marks on the back of<br />
club head from rubbing whilst in my bag.<br />
The grooves have stayed strong and no<br />
marks on the clubface or sole of the club<br />
which is great, as there is nothing worse<br />
than marking your new sticks.<br />
clubs into my bag, my short game has<br />
Would I recommend these wedges over<br />
become more consistent and opportunities<br />
the more expensive competition? 100%.<br />
for birdies and tricky par saves are<br />
Even when taking the shipping and import<br />
becoming easier due to having the<br />
duties into account, you are still getting a<br />
confidence to stop the ball closer to the<br />
set of fantastic wedges that are not just<br />
pleasing to the eye but also easy to play<br />
hole.<br />
with. They will help to improve your<br />
Now with all reviews, we must look at both<br />
consistency around the green and pitching<br />
sides of the story. It is not always a positive<br />
from circa 100 yards in. Since being sent<br />
experience, there are a few negatives, that<br />
these wedges, BombTech has since<br />
we must address with regards to the<br />
launched this wedge set in a sleek Black<br />
BombTech Grenade Wedges. I’ll be<br />
finish which looks equally as stunning. So if<br />
completely honest it pains me to write this<br />
you are wanting the stealthier look, then<br />
look no further. These wedges will be<br />
as the clubs are so good!<br />
remaining in my bag for the foreseeable<br />
Thanks to the rules and regulations<br />
future and I’m even looking into what to<br />
surrounding importing goods to the UK,<br />
upgrade in the bag next.<br />
you will be greeted by some additional<br />
costs which you may not have taken into<br />
Get yours here: www.bombtechgolf.com<br />
account. When my wedges arrived in the<br />
Twitter @BombTechGolf<br />
UK they were held in customs for a<br />
number of weeks before I was finally issued<br />
with an invoice for unpaid VAT for goods.<br />
This was £34.38 but once paid, the clubs<br />
arrived within a matter of days but nearly a<br />
month in customs without the ability to<br />
contact them was quite a pain. Shipping is<br />
a tad expensive, however, with this taken<br />
into account they still work out much<br />
cheaper than purchasing the previously
to the fairway for a third season, Ted<br />
Returning<br />
Golf is a considered menswear collection for<br />
Baker<br />
has designed this carefully-edited capsule<br />
Ted<br />
for the keen golfer who’s looking for<br />
specifically<br />
Baker Golf’s offering includes printed polos in<br />
Ted<br />
signature style, soft chino shorts, and easy-to-<br />
his<br />
jersey pieces, and is complimented by<br />
layer<br />
such as leather golfing gloves which<br />
accessories<br />
the well-dressed are never constrained,<br />
Ensuring<br />
polo shirts and shorts are made with elastane<br />
all<br />
the collection takes elements from Ted<br />
While<br />
mainline and draws inspiration from<br />
Baker<br />
prints, bright pastels and deep<br />
comical<br />
shades, Ted has catered for every<br />
summery<br />
with water-repellent cotton blend<br />
eventuality<br />
and jackets providing warmth and<br />
trousers<br />
while windproof and quick-drying<br />
breathability,<br />
are also used throughout. Rain will<br />
fabrics<br />
signature eye for detailing is of course<br />
Ted’s<br />
in this collection, with built-in ball<br />
present<br />
cloths, token holders and Velcro glove<br />
cleaning<br />
all created to keep your focus on your<br />
straps<br />
Ted Baker<br />
brings style to<br />
the fairways<br />
Ted Baker is a name synonymous with British fashion. Now the brand enters its<br />
third year in the Golf market and has unveiled its 2018 collection. The<br />
fairway will never look the same again with this collection that oozes style.<br />
will always match up to your impeccable style.<br />
the most gentlemanly of pursuits.<br />
something a little different on the links.<br />
never stop your play in Ted Baker Golf.<br />
putt that finishing flourish in any swing.<br />
game.<br />
and comfort-stretch cotton to ensure your swing
BALLGO<br />
print cotton T-shirt<br />
Flamingo<br />
a style statement on and off the course with the<br />
Make<br />
collared T-shirt. Part of Ted’s Golf collection, it’s<br />
BALLGO<br />
from cotton and features a bold floral design<br />
crafted<br />
a fun flamingo motif.<br />
with<br />
GULF<br />
golf ball print polo shirt<br />
Mini<br />
into the swing of things with the GULF polo shirt.<br />
Get<br />
a print that looks like polka dots from afar but mini<br />
With<br />
balls up close, this quirky design also comes with a<br />
golf<br />
performance fit and a pocket in the sleeve<br />
comfortable<br />
photos of the week<br />
£85<br />
to hold your marker.<br />
£85<br />
Image:Ladies European Tour
OFFSET<br />
detail polo shirt<br />
Stripe<br />
putts sporty sophistication first with his OFFSET polo<br />
Ted<br />
Framed by striped trims and finished in stretch<br />
shirt.<br />
for easy manoeuvrability when it comes to<br />
cotton<br />
your swing, this piece ensures your style is on<br />
perfecting<br />
GOLFTRO<br />
trousers<br />
Water-repellent<br />
secret to a great swing is all in the hips, so follow<br />
The<br />
in style with Ted’s GOLFTRO trousers. Full of<br />
through<br />
features to keep you on the ball, the sporty<br />
technical<br />
trims will prove you’ve got game in more ways<br />
striped<br />
SANDPIT<br />
geo print golf polo shirt<br />
Mini<br />
your swing in style with the SANDPIT polo shirt.<br />
Make<br />
a fun geometric print, this eye-catching design also<br />
With<br />
with a comfortable performance fit and a pocket<br />
comes<br />
the sleeve to hold your marker.<br />
in<br />
photos of the week<br />
par with your A game.<br />
£75<br />
than one.<br />
£119<br />
£85
women will be turning heads in 2018 as<br />
G/FORE<br />
new spring/summer collection was revealed.<br />
the<br />
keeping with the brand's Disruptive Luxury theme,<br />
In<br />
- which was recently acquired by Peter<br />
G/FORE<br />
- has plenty of exciting new additions for<br />
Millar<br />
golfers who are determined to bring some<br />
women<br />
the many highlights is the Two Tone<br />
Among<br />
Polo (£125), the front is constructed from<br />
Sweater<br />
merino wool while the back sports delicate<br />
fine<br />
yarns, both of which wick away moisture to<br />
nylon<br />
Stripe Super Turtle (£145) became a<br />
The<br />
addition to the range but this updated<br />
popular<br />
wool version, is lightweight and makes<br />
merino<br />
transition between the seasons with ease.<br />
the<br />
the temperatures rise, the Effortless Skort<br />
When<br />
features a built-in short with zip-closure<br />
(£95)<br />
pockets and uses calendered fabric, a<br />
side<br />
which creates an extra sheen. They are<br />
process<br />
in the standard 15" length and longer<br />
available<br />
to suit individual preference.<br />
18"<br />
Perfect Fit Stretch Trouser (£125) is<br />
The<br />
lightweight, with a flattering length<br />
extremely<br />
G/FORE WOMEN'S<br />
SS18 RANGE WILL<br />
TURN HEADS<br />
style and personality to the fairways.<br />
help keep you dry.
available in two colours for the new season,<br />
and<br />
the popular Sunday Dress (£150) is<br />
while<br />
from an extremely soft and stretchy<br />
constructed<br />
fabric, tailored waist and pleated<br />
cotton/nylon<br />
with pockets - ideal for "9 & wine" at the<br />
skirt<br />
club.<br />
country<br />
premium-quality footwear remains a huge<br />
The<br />
and the Brogue Gallivanter Shark Skin<br />
attraction<br />
shoes combine an athletic fit in premium<br />
(£159)<br />
leathers with classic brogue details.<br />
waterproof<br />
designed by G/FORE's team of footwear<br />
Custom<br />
the Brogue Gallivanter boasts an ultra-<br />
experts,<br />
sole coupled with a bespoke cleat<br />
lightweight<br />
for optimal on-course traction.<br />
design<br />
shoe also sports a washable and anti-<br />
This<br />
triple density foam cushion Ortholite<br />
microbial,<br />
liner for superior comfort and is worn by LPGA<br />
sock<br />
Player Ryann O'Toole among many others.<br />
Tour<br />
new additions to the footwear range include<br />
Other<br />
Brogue Cruiser (£175) and the updated version<br />
the<br />
touch, tassels can be added to any of the<br />
extra<br />
shoe styles and comes in scarlet red,<br />
brand's<br />
blue, snow white, aqua blue and<br />
twilight<br />
pink (RRP £25).<br />
blossom<br />
of G/FORE, Mossimo Giannulli, said:<br />
Founder<br />
women's range from G/FORE continues to<br />
"The<br />
G/FORE brand is all about adding some<br />
"The<br />
and personality to golf and beyond."<br />
colour<br />
added: "At G/FORE, we aim to help<br />
Giannulli<br />
express their own individuality and<br />
someone<br />
rather than conforming to the norm and<br />
style,<br />
spring/summer 2018 collection is an<br />
the<br />
recent deal with Peter Millar means it's a<br />
"The<br />
time for the brand to develop as<br />
progressive<br />
develop and evolve in an exciting way.<br />
extension of that.<br />
we move into an exciting new chapter."<br />
of the ever-popular Disruptor (£135). To add an
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TRAVEL<br />
OSLO,<br />
NORWAY<br />
Oslo has a smorgasbord of golfing delights so<br />
we thought it would be a good idea to check it<br />
out for ourselves. Lily Hymes heads to Oslo to<br />
uncover more about this wonderful city. From<br />
culture to cuisine, Golfhacker has all the bases<br />
covered. Plus we check out all the best places to<br />
play golf and even caught a few words from<br />
Norway's finest female golfer, Suzann<br />
Pettersen, who has a few courses that you<br />
really should try. The delights of this<br />
Scandinavian gem are clear for all to see. So<br />
sit back, relax and let Golfhacker be your guide<br />
as we explore everything that Oslo has to offer.
L E T I T G O " I N O S L O<br />
"<br />
i l y H y m e s<br />
L<br />
T H E A K E R S H U S F O R T R E S S A T N I G H T , S E E N F R O M T H E<br />
O S L O F J O R D . C I T Y H A L L I N T H E B A C K G R O U N D ( L E F T )<br />
C R E D I T : V I S I T O S L O / T H O M A S J O H A N N E S S E N<br />
Winter has certainly arrived. The first view of<br />
If you’ve never been to Norway before, a<br />
Norway, flying into Oslo’s Gardermoen<br />
cruise on the Oslofjord is a must. Norway is<br />
airport, is of beautiful snowy hilltops, the<br />
famous for its spectacular fjords and you<br />
perfect setting for a movie like Disney’s<br />
can see them for yourself in Oslo. Stop by<br />
‘Frozen’, which has increased Oslo’s<br />
Oslo pier, which is situated just behind the<br />
popularity since its release, according to the<br />
City Hall (Rathaus) and take a 2-hour guided<br />
Norwegian Tourist Board. However, the over<br />
cruise. From the cruise, you will get fantastic<br />
1000-year-old city has so much more to<br />
views of Oslo’s Opera House, Akershus<br />
offer.<br />
Fortress and city skyline, as well as the<br />
islands of Lindøya and Hovedøya. Before<br />
From the airport, jump on the ‘Flytoget’<br />
returning to Oslo pier, the cruise will also<br />
train to Oslo’s Central Station - it’s very easy<br />
stop at Bygdøy, where you can disembark if<br />
to find and it’ll get you there in 20<br />
you’d like to visit the Viking Ship Museum,<br />
minutes, whereas a taxi could take up to an<br />
Norwegian Folk Museum or Fram Museum.<br />
hour. Outside the station, you’ll be greeted<br />
by one of Oslo's most photographed<br />
Back at the pier, you’ll see Akershus Fortress.<br />
inhabitants, ‘The Tiger’, a bronze statue<br />
The fortress itself is free to enter although<br />
which was a 1000th birthday gift to ‘The<br />
entry to the castle and guided tours do<br />
Tiger City’, as Oslo is nicknamed.<br />
cost.
S C U L P T U R E S B Y N O R W E G I A N S C U L P T O R G U S T A V<br />
V I G E L A N D \ \ C R E D I T : V I S I T O S L O / T H O M A S<br />
J O H A N N E S S E N
Where to eat and drink in Oslo<br />
If you’re travelling with ‘Frozen’ fans, this<br />
fortress was the inspiration and model for<br />
Skybar, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel<br />
Anna and Elsa’s castle! For the non-Frozen<br />
fans amongst you, the medieval fortress is<br />
This is just the perfect location for the most<br />
stunning views over Oslo’s rooftops. It’s pricey,<br />
also home to the Norwegian Armed Forces<br />
Museum.<br />
but even stopping by for one cocktail is worth<br />
it for the view!<br />
If you’re a fan of art, Oslo should definitely be<br />
on your checklist. Take the tram to Vigeland<br />
Café Cathedral<br />
Situated right behind Oslo’s Cathedral, this<br />
Sculpture Park (free to enter), the world's<br />
largest sculpture park made by a single artist.<br />
reasonably priced restaurant offers you the<br />
chance to try Norwegian favourites such as<br />
Here, you’ll find more than 200 sculptures by<br />
Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, which<br />
moose and reindeer. If you’re not feeling so<br />
adventurous, there’s also a selection of Italian<br />
strikingly explore the human form and<br />
human life. Head back into the city centre to<br />
dishes on offer as well as breakfast.<br />
the National Gallery to find Norway’s largest<br />
TGI Friday’s, Karl Johans Gate<br />
public collection of paintings, drawings and<br />
sculptures, including Edvard Munch’s “The<br />
Of course, TGI’s is a chain restaurant, so you’ll<br />
find your typical burger offerings here, but<br />
Scream” and “Madonna”.<br />
sitting outside overlooking the busy<br />
Spikersuppa Square in winter with blankets<br />
Whilst you’re in the city centre, don’t miss a<br />
visit to Spikersuppa Ice Rink (home to the Jul<br />
(provided by the restaurant) is a great<br />
experience!<br />
i Vinterland Christmas Market during<br />
December) and the Royal Palace, home to<br />
Norway’s King Harald V and Queen Sonja,<br />
Top Tips<br />
who celebrate their 50th year of marriage in<br />
2018. Here you can observe the changing of<br />
1. Oslo is renowned for being expensive,<br />
the guards every day at 13:30 as well as take a<br />
guided tour (summer only).<br />
particularly for alcoholic beverages. However,<br />
if you’re travelling on a budget, there is a<br />
fantastic selection of wines & spirits at Oslo’s<br />
2018 is going to be the perfect time to visit<br />
this extraordinary city. Lonely Planet have<br />
Gardermoen airport and the allowance is<br />
generous.<br />
named Oslo in their Top 10 Cities to visit, not<br />
only because King Harald V & Queen Sonja<br />
2. If you’re travelling in winter, don’t forget to<br />
celebrate their 50th anniversary, which will<br />
mean you can expect an extensive calendar<br />
take some sturdy snow boots or shoes with<br />
good grip, as it can be very icy on the paths.<br />
of civic, culinary & cultural events, but Oslo’s<br />
innovative Opera House will also mark its 10th<br />
Thermals would be a great addition to your<br />
case too! Summer temperatures are typically<br />
birthday with a celebratory season of concerts<br />
and performances. If you’re visiting Oslo’s<br />
very similar to those in the UK.<br />
Opera House, don’t forget to take a wander<br />
3. Norwegians do generally speak English, but<br />
along the rooftop, as it’s open to the public<br />
and offers stunning views of Oslo city and<br />
the occasional “Takk” (Thanks) is welcomed by<br />
the locals.<br />
fjord.
T<br />
C<br />
O<br />
S<br />
A<br />
H<br />
C<br />
T H E V I K I N G S H I P M U S E U M<br />
C R E D I T : V I S I T O S L O / T H O M A S J O H A N N E S S E N
T H E R E ' S A<br />
C O N S T A N T N O I S E<br />
O U T S I D E N E V E R<br />
S I L E N C E D A T N I G H T<br />
A I N T N O W A Y T O<br />
H I D E F R O M T H E<br />
C I T Y L I F E<br />
I T Y L I F E \ \ A S H T R A Y N U T Z<br />
S A I L B O A T I N T H E O S L O F J O R D<br />
C<br />
C R E D I T : V I S I T O S L O / S A B I N E Z O L L E R
T H E R E ' S A<br />
C O N S T A N T N O I S E<br />
O U T S I D E N E V E R<br />
S I L E N C E D A T N I G H T<br />
A I N<br />
T N O W A Y T O<br />
H I D E F R O M T H E<br />
C I T Y L I F E<br />
“Oslo is one of the most<br />
beautiful cities in the<br />
world and it’s my<br />
hometown. We have<br />
some great courses at<br />
Oslo Golfklubb and<br />
Miklagard that are<br />
worth a round or two if<br />
you come to Oslo to<br />
play golf.”<br />
I T Y L I F E \ \ A S H T R A Y N U T Z<br />
S U Z A N N P E T T E R S E N<br />
C<br />
C R E D I T : L A D I E S E U R O P E A N T O U R
O S B Y G O L F K L U B B<br />
L<br />
R E D I T : B E N J A M I N A . W A R D<br />
C<br />
courses, the 18 hole championship<br />
on-site, as well as a golf academy, indoor<br />
G O L F I N O S L O<br />
Despite its reputation for cross-country<br />
skiers and speed-skaters, Norway has<br />
produced some world-class female golfers,<br />
such as two-time major champion, Suzann<br />
Pettersen, who was born and raised in Oslo,<br />
and three-time Ladies European Tour<br />
winner, Marianne Skarpnord.<br />
Losby Golfklubb<br />
Host of the Ladies European Tour’s 2007<br />
SAS Masters, Losby Golfklubb boasts two<br />
Østmork course, and the 9 hole Vestmork,<br />
where you can also play Footgolf! The<br />
complex has a hotel and conference centre<br />
simulator & more.
G O L F I N O S L O<br />
Miklagard:<br />
The Robert Trent Jones Jnr designed<br />
course at Miklagard is certainly a challenge.<br />
Just 10 minutes from Oslo’s Gardermoen<br />
airport and ranked number 1* of the<br />
Norwegian courses, it’s definitely worth a<br />
visit when travelling to Oslo.<br />
Photo credit: Miklagard Golf Club
Image: Champions PLC<br />
N O M A D I C | 2 4
Valley, will this year celebrate its 125th<br />
ancient, links-style parkland layout that runs<br />
changes, undulating fairways fringed by<br />
N O P L A C E I S E V E R<br />
A S B A D A S T H E Y<br />
T E L L Y O U I T ’ S<br />
G O I N G T O B E .<br />
S W I T Z E R L A N D ’ S O L D E S T G O L F C L U B , E N G A D I N E<br />
G O L F C L U B , C E L E B R A T E S 1 2 5 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y<br />
Words: Helen Heady<br />
Photography: Cyrus Saedi<br />
I N 2 0 1 8<br />
Switzerland’s oldest golf club, the<br />
The 125-year-old Samedan course is an<br />
Engadine Golf Club, established in 1893<br />
and located in the picturesque Engadine<br />
along the flat valley floor, meandering<br />
through streams and characterized by broad<br />
anniversary with a number of<br />
fairways flanked by giant larch trees whilst<br />
its younger sister course at Zuoz-Madulain,<br />
commemorative golf events whilst also<br />
looking back on its rich, eventful history.<br />
opened in 2003, offers challenging elevation<br />
meadow flowers and receptive greens as it<br />
The Engadine Golf Club not only has a<br />
fascinating story to tell but the fact that<br />
weaves its way along the side of the<br />
mountain and between the pine forests.<br />
the golf club is home to two separate, very<br />
different golf courses located a mile apart<br />
and run by a single organisation, Golf<br />
Situated on some of the highest terrain in<br />
the country and within a UNESCO World<br />
Engadin St. Moritz (www.engadin-golf.ch),<br />
Heritage site, both Samedan and Zuoz offer<br />
sets it apart from most traditional golf<br />
clubs.<br />
stunning views of the towering Alpine
S A M E D A N ' S P A R 4 6 T H H O L E ® C Y R U S<br />
S A E D I
However, the first event to launch the<br />
dignitaries, hotels and nearby golf clubs<br />
Samedan, 125 club members sponsored<br />
E N G A D I N E G O L F C L U B , S T . M O R I T Z<br />
mountains beyond and many of the<br />
Samedan and Zuoz courses. With some of<br />
charming villages of the Engadine Valley.<br />
the existing larch trees even older than<br />
To mark the 125th milestone and ensure an<br />
the planting of a single larch each to<br />
unforgettable year for the club, Golf<br />
guarantee the future of both courses and<br />
Engadin St Moritz is hosting a series of golf<br />
their characteristic larch populations. This<br />
events over the summer as well as staging<br />
sustainability project will be recognised at<br />
two exhibitions to showcase the unique<br />
the Anniversary Tournament on August 1<br />
history of the club.<br />
when Mixed Foursomes will be played, just<br />
as it would have been some 125 years ago.<br />
Preparations for the anniversary actually<br />
An Anniversary Dinner will then take place<br />
began in 2016 when the club decided to<br />
that evening at the famous Badrutt’s<br />
plant 125 sapling larch trees on the<br />
Palace Hotel in St. Moritz.<br />
T H E 1 2 5 - Y E A R - O L D S A M E D A N C O U R S E I S A N<br />
A N C I E N T , L I N K S - S T Y L E P A R K L A N D L A Y O U T T H A T<br />
R U N S A L O N G T H E F L A T V A L L E Y F L O O R<br />
This will be followed by the St Moritz Gold<br />
summer celebrations will take place on<br />
Cup in July, the Swiss Senior Amateur<br />
June 6 when the club’s partners, local<br />
Championship the week after that and the<br />
three-day GolfersChoice Engadin ProAm<br />
will be welcomed to the Samedan<br />
over both golf courses in August.<br />
clubhouse for a look behind the scenes at<br />
Engadine Golf and to view an exhibition of<br />
The Engadine Golf Club will also be the<br />
over 20 posters located around the<br />
theme of an exhibition at the Design<br />
Samedan golf complex depicting the<br />
Gallery St Moritz from June to December.<br />
club’s history.<br />
Along the famous giant escalator from
Moritz, go to www.engadin-golf.ch<br />
Lake St Moritz up to Badrutt’s Palace, 31<br />
posters will portray the times gone by at<br />
the club as well as the development of golf<br />
in the Engadine.<br />
N O P L A C E I S E V E R<br />
Finally a 20-year-old single malt whisky by<br />
A S B A D A S T H E Y<br />
Glentauchers in just 246 numbered bottles,<br />
125 of which come with a matching<br />
decanter designed by Robert Niederer, has<br />
also been produced to mark the jubilee.<br />
being a nod to the fact that at the end<br />
This<br />
the 19th and start of the 20th century,<br />
of<br />
were washed with whisky for<br />
sandwiches<br />
at Samedan!<br />
breakfast<br />
T E L L Y O U I T ’ S<br />
G O I N G T O B E .<br />
For more information on Golf Engadin St
1 in 12 go Free!<br />
Special Offer-<br />
Winter from £73