New national golf centre opens in Portugal

A new golf centre has opened in Portugal with the aim of making it easier and more affordable for people to take up the game.

The R&A has supported the National Golf Centre in Lisbon which was developed by the Portuguese Golf Federation and officially opened earlier this week.
Ronnie Hanna, Chairman of The R&A’s Golf Development Committee, and Duncan Weir, Executive Director – Working for Golf, attended the inauguration of the centre along with leading Portuguese European Tour player Ricardo Santos, amateur Pedro Figueiredo and the national men’s squad.
A number of senior politicians, including the Portuguese Secretary of State for Youths and Sports, Alexandre Mestre, and local dignitaries were present at the official opening of what is sure to be a significant step forward for the country which has 14,500 golfers and 86 golf courses.
The facility at Jamor, in the centre of Lisbon, offers inexpensive public golf, a newly constructed nine hole course and a driving range facility equipped with state of the art teaching equipment.
Portuguese golfers are already making their mark with Santos becoming the first native born player to win on the European Tour earlier this year in Madeira, while in the amateur game, Figueiredo, now entering his senior year at UCLA, won the Boys’ Amateur Championship at Little Aston in 2008. He became the first, and so far only, Portuguese player to win an R&A championship.

Manuel Agrellos, President of the PGF, said, “This is a hugely significant day for golf in Portugal and the culmination of more than ten years of hard work. The end result is a unique public golf course, Portugal’s first, which will offer our now Olympic sport to a whole new audience at affordable prices.
“We are hugely indebted to The R&A which supplied the project with a grant of £50,000 and whose ongoing contributions fund our national junior programme (currently £25,000 pa). This is already bearing fruit.”
Ronnie Hanna added, “Golf is already very popular in Portugal but The R&A’s support is based on the very realistic belief that this facility, and hopefully more like it in the future, will lead to more Portuguese people taking up golf, a sport which can be played by people of any age or ability level. We now look forward to watching the progress of both Jamor and Portuguese golf.”

The USA captures the Eisenhower Trophy

The USA won a weather-disrupted Eisenhower Trophy at the weekend with a five stroke victory over nearest challengers Mexico in Antalya, Turkey.

The three-strong American team of Chris Williams, Steven Fox and Justin Thomas posted a record 54 hole total of 404, 24 under par for the three days at Antalya Golf Club.

Williams, who recently won the Mark H McCormack Medal as the leader in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), and Fox, the US Amateur champion, carded two under par 69’s in the final round with Thomas posting a non-counting 70.

Sebastian Vazquez led the Mexican challenge with an excellent individual 15 under par total of 199 for the three rounds which was good enough to win him the individual prize, one shot ahead of Williams and two ahead of Moritz Lampert from Germany.

The Mexican team score was a 19 under par total of 409. Four strokes further back were France, Germany and the Republic of Korea who tied in the bronze medal position. Canada and Norway tied for sixth on 417, with England in eighth on 418, and Japan, Venezuela and Spain tied for ninth on 419.

A delighted USA captain Jim Vernon said, “It has been since 2004 that the trophy has found its way to the USA and it is great to have it coming back to our shores. They are three guys who bonded well and played golf as a team.”

The World Amateur Team Championships are staged by the International Golf Federation which comprises the governing bodies of golf in 126 countries and the international professional tours. This was the 28th staging of the biennial competition which was hosted by the Turkish Golf Federation.

Last week the Republic of Korea women’s team won the Espirito Santo Trophy for the second consecutive time.

Macedonia makes a good impression in its first appearance at the World Amateur Team Championships

Macedonia may not even have a golf course in the country yet but it has managed to enter a team for the World Amateur Team Championships in Turkey.

This is the first time the former Yugoslav republic has entered the prestigious team event but the country has already made an impression with 17 year-old Peter Stojanovski posting an even par 71 at the Sultan Course at Antalya Golf Club.

Earlier this year Stojanovski won the Emirates Amateur Open in Dubai but golf is still very much in its infancy in Macedonia and there is currently only a driving range.

With interest in golf growing in the country, however, a delegation attended a special Working for Golf seminar organised by The R&A in Prague earlier this year. The seminar fostered a desire among the delegation to begin entering international competitions and a team was put forward for the Eisenhower Trophy being played this week.

Duncan Weir, Executive Director – Working for Golf, said: “It is good to see Macedonia playing in the championship for the first time. They have shown great enthusiasm for golf and hopefully this will encourage more people to take up the game there. When you consider that Stojanovski’s first round score matched that of the current US Amateur Champion then you appreciate how well they have done.”

Continent of Europe victorious in St Andrews

Continent of Europe victorious in St Andrews & Jacques Leglise Trophy Matches

The Continent of Europe recorded a famous first St Andrews Trophy win on Great Britain and Ireland soil after a determined team performance at a windswept Portmarnock Golf Club north of Dublin.

Alex Godillot's side had it all to do after trailing Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) 7-5 heading into the final day. They won the morning foursomes 3-1 to level proceedings before edging a dramatic singles session 4.5-3.5 to secure victory, 12.5-11.5.

It was a double celebration for Europe as the under-18 stars from the Continent also defeated their GB&I opponents to win back the Jacques Leglise Trophy 13.5-10.5.

This was only Europe's fifth win in the biennial St Andrews Trophy compared to the GB&I tally of 24 since the competition began in 1956.

However, Alexis Godillot's European side arrived in Ireland as defending champions after their 2010 win in Italy and they made full use of some good fortune and fine play on a testing final day.

The winning point came from Moritz Lampert against Ireland's Kevin Phelan in the final match and the German closed out the match in style.

Needing just a half point to retain the title and a win to secure overall victory, Lampert was one up playing the 17th where his approach just ran off the back off the green. Phelan found the green but missed his par putt and the stage was set.

Lampert kept his composure and rather than the drama extending to the 18th, he holed from 20 feet for birdie and sealed the famous win.

"I'm very happy and a bit surprised for we have never won on British (and Irish) territory," said Godillot, who played on the European team the last time the event was played at Portmarnock back in 1968.

"It was a very close contest and for once we had a bit more luck than the British and Irish, especially coming down the final few singles matches."

Europe enjoyed some fortune when two of the GB&I leading lights failed to convert late advantages into wins. Amateur Champion Alan Dunbar was unlucky with a couple of poor lies but finished with two double bogeys to lose on the 18th to Sweden's Robert Karlsson.

Recently crowned European Amateur Champion Rhys Pugh was three up with four to play but could only manage a halved match against Spain's Jacobo Pastor in the middle order.

In between there were narrow wins for the English trio of Craig Hinton, Garrick Porteous and Neil Raymond but Europe countered with wins from Manuel Trappel, Edouard Espana and Lampert in the bottom matches.

After a thoroughly convincing 4-0 clean sweep in the morning foursomes, Europe's Jacques Leglise side wasted little time closing out the overall match after they won the top two singles matches.

Gary Stangl's side went into the singles 11-5 ahead and only needed one-and-a-half points from the eight. Two points quickly came when Italy's Giulio Castagnara defeated Irish amateur champion Gavin Moynihan by one hole, while fellow Irish teammate Alex Gleeson lost 2&1 to Spain's Mario Galiano.

Although the contest was already decided there was a strong GB&I showing in the rest of the matches.

Max Orrin had been six up through eight holes but had to wait to the 17th to close out his match 2&1 against Renato Paratore. Toby Tree was a convincing 5&4 winner over Sweden's Hannes Ronneblad, Boys Amateur Champion Matthew Fitzpatrick defeated Romain Langasque 2&1, while Ashton Turner dug deep to deny Austria's Matthias Schwab at the 18th.

Scotland's Bradley Neil turned his match around against Victor Tarnstrom to win by two holes and the bottom match between Harry Ellis and Dominic Foos was halved.

"I am happy that we finally made it. It was closer than we thought in the end," said Stangl. "It was great that our first two guys won their points to get the job done. I'm really delighted and so happy for the team."

Matthew Fitzpatrick wins 2012 Boys Amateur Championship

England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick produced a magnificent display of controlled golf to defeat Welshman Henry James by 10&8 in the 36-hole final of the 86th Boys Amateur Championship at Notts (Hollinwell) Golf Club.

The 17-year-old English boys international from Hallamshire Golf Club in Sheffield was an approximate six under par and found himself nine up at the half way stage. He then played the next 10 holes in one under par to complete what was the most lop-sided final since TR Shannon defeated Sandy Lyle by 10&9 at Royal Liverpool in 1974.

Fitzpatrick was in incredible form as he raced into a six hole lead after the first nine holes of the opening round. He birdied the 3rd, 4th and 9th to assume total control and then went further ahead with a fourth birdie of the day on the 414-yard par-4 10th.

The Hallamshire youngster, who plays off a handicap of +4, dropped his only shot of the morning when both players carded bogeys on the 474-yard par-4 12th but then forged into a nine shot lead with further birdies on the 382-yard par-4 14th, the 309-yard par-4 16th and the 557-yard par-5 17th.

After lunch Fitzpatrick never quite reached the same heights and James briefly got one hole back with an eagle on the 547-yard par-5 3rd but any thoughts the

Welshman might have harboured about mounting a comeback were shattered when he promptly lost the 454-yard par-4 4th to a par.

Fitzpatrick who played for the victorious English Boys team at last week’s Boys Home Internationals, recorded his eighth birdie of the day when he holed out from 12-feet to win the 582-yard par-5 6th, he then lost the 404-yard par-4 7th when he failed to get up-and-down from short of the green, eventually sealing the biggest win of his career with a fine short iron into 10-feet to secure a birdie on the10th.

“Today was the best I have hit the ball all week,” confirmed Fitzpatrick who won the North of England Under-16 title in 2010 and started this season with a victory in the Selbourne Salver.

“I felt in total control this morning but I have to admit I felt a little bit apprehensive after lunch.

“I was so far in front that I think I might have started off a bit too defensively but once I got to 10 up on the 6th I settled down and played some pretty good golf after that.

“I must admit I feel a bit for Henry,” he added. “He just couldn’t get the ball in the hole and that’s always what makes the difference in matches like these.”

“It was one of those days” admitted the defeated Welsh Junior champion from Kidderminster. “In the earlier rounds I holed a lot of putts but they completely dried up today.

“This afternoon I had good chances on the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th but missed them all and that was just about that.

“Tee to green I was all right but that’s never going to be enough to get you a win at this sort of level,” he added.

Fitzpatrick became the third English golfer to claim the Boys Amateur title in four years following on from Tom Lewis at Royal St George’s in 2009 and Harrison Greenberry at Burham & Berrow 12 months ago.

The 2013 Boys Amateur Championship will take place at Royal Liverpool & Wallasey golf clubs on the 13-18 August.

Chip Lutz retains Seniors Open Amateur title

Chip Lutz retains Seniors Open Amateur title
American Chip Lutz became only the third player in history to retain the Seniors Open Amateur title today and he did so in style with his best round of the week at Machynys Peninsula in South Wales. Lutz follows the legendary Charlie Green and Ron White as back-to-back winners.

The 57-year-old from Pennsylvania, the runner-up two years ago and winner at Royal Portrush last summer, overcame a one-stroke deficit to claim to a four-stroke victory with his best performance of the week.

Lutz, who won the Silver Medal as top amateur at the recent Senior Open at Turnberry, posted a closing four-under par 68 for a 54-hole aggregate of 211, on five-under par, to finish ahead of fellow countrymen Douglas Pool, Steve Rogers and three-time winner Paul Simson.

Pool, from Las Vegas, was presented with the Silver Medal as the runner-up by virtue of his last round score.

Steadiness won the day for Lutz as he carded level halves of 34, had just one bogey, on the fourth, and collected five birdies, three on the outward half and two on the way home.

Three-time champion Simson went into the final round one stroke clear of the field and led for much of the day, but after the turn he missed birdie opportunities while Lutz took his and edged clear.

"It feels unreal to have won again. It is a significant achievement as it has not been done for about 20 years and then by Charlie Green who I believe was something special. He won six times in seven years and I certainly have some way to go to catch him up.

“I felt good coming in to the tournament but the standard is so high these days that winning events like this is a tall order and I am just thrilled to have done it and I am really looking forward to Royal Birkdale and The Seniors Open Amateur at Royal Aberdeen next year,” said Lutz.

One of the most impressive achievements was that of Pool, a 61-year-old former Casino operator, who almost pulled out of the event because of excruciating back pain. He shot a splendid 71 to clinch the runner-up spot. "I am really delighted. This is beyond my wildest dreams."

Simson was disappointed with a 73 in his final round. “Just after the turn things went wrong. I bogeyed the 12th and failed to make birdie at the 13th and then Chip put breathing space between us,” said the 61-year-old from North Carolina.

Americans occupied the first five places with Scotland’s Ian Brotherston finishing tied sixth on 217, one-over par.

Former winner Arthur Pierse from Ireland slipped back in the final round scoring 75 for a 219 total and ninth place.

There was some joy for the host country, however,  as 68-year-old John Jermine, the Chairman of the Golf Union of Wales, won the over 65’s award with a 54-hole aggregate of 224 to finish in a tie for 25th.

“I am delighted but if my putting had been better I could have been closer to the main prizes as I missed many putts of under a yard over the three days,” said Jermine.

The 2013 Seniors Open Amateur will take place at Royal Aberdeen from 7-9 August.

Kashiwaba wins Junior Open

Asuka Kashiwabara, a 16-year-old from Miyazaki, Japan, scored a historic win today in the 10th Junior Open golf championship at Fairhaven Golf Club, Lytham St Annes.

Asuka is only the second girl to win the Junior Open. Her astonishing winning margin of 14 strokes at the end of 54 holes is also a record for the tournament contested by boys and girls, under the age of 16, from around the world.

A total of 68 nations made up the field at this year's event - and Asuka outclassed them with scoring that would have done credit to a professional, let alone a one-handicapper girl!

Asuka broke the women's course record with a first-round 66 (eight under par) and she followed that with three more sub-par rounds of 69 and 71 for grand total, a really grand total of 16 under par 206. Speaking through an interpreter, Miss Kashiwabara, making her first visit to Europe, said she had enjoyed the course, the tournament and she did not mind the weather.

She tried not to think about the rain which marred the first two days of the event and caused a suspension of play on Tuesday, which meant the second round did not finish until this morning. This also meant that instead of the leading 80 and ties after 36 holes qualifying for the final round, there was time only for the leading 33 players to contest the final 18 holes.

In her winner's speach, written in English for her by a Japanese Golf Association committee member, Asuka, speaking in English, jokingly told the boys that they must practise harder. The secret of her success was undoubtedly her game plan to keep her driver in her bag and stay out of the long and wet rough by using a three-wood off the tee.

She played the first 36 holes bogey free but used a driver twice in her final round and it cost her the only two bogeys she had this week. Over the three rounds, Asuka had one eagle, 16 birdies and two bogeys.

Runner-up, defeated by 14 shots, was Italy's Renato Paratore from Rome with scores of 75, 72 and 73 for two-under-par 222.

Third was England's Gabriella Cowley of the West Essex club. Gabriella started the day in second place but had double bogeys at three holes in succession - the third, fourth and fifth in reaching the turn in six-over 42. She came back in two-under 36 with birdies at the 10th, 11th and 18th, set against bogey at the 14th, for a round of four-over 78. Her earlier scores were 74 and 72.

"I'm disappointed with my last round and those double bogeys but I played better over the last nine holes," said Gabriella who is the Scottish Under-16 girls open champion and also holder of the English Under-15s title. "But, overall, I enjoyed the tournament very much. It was a great experience."

Decisions on the Rules of Golf App: Out No

Decisions on the Rules of Golf is published every two years and is the official interpretation of the Rules of Golf from The R&A. It provides clear answers to practical problems encountered when playing golf. Now, for the first time, the correct Decision is at your fingertips thanks to this simple to use App for the iPhone and iPad.

The App contains the 2012-2015 Rules of Golf together with over 1200 Decisions, many based on actual incidents, and numerous videos and imagery illustrating key Rules.  Following a clear question and answer format, the Decisions App will assist in the quick resolution of Rules problems, both simple and complicated. Everything from the order of play when two balls are lost in a water hazard, to what to do when your ball is near a dangerous rattlesnake!

“The R&A has produced a Rules of Golf App since 2010 and it has proved to be tremendously popular,” said David Rickman (Executive Director – Rules and Equipment Standards).

“The Decisions book has been the essential reference document for referees and club administrators throughout the game for many years and so we are now delighted to make the Decisions available in the form of an App, just in time for the 2012 Open. We believe that it complements our existing free App perfectly and offers the search functions and portability that is demanded by those that are involved in refereeing and golf administration, but is equally useful for players at any level of the game.”

From club golfers to referees, no one who takes the game and its Rules seriously can afford to be without the new Decisions on the Rules of Golf App.

Price £9.99

Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later. Download here.

Decisions on the Rules of Golf has also been released in eBook form so you can view it on your e-reader. It's available in a multitude of formats and it can be purchased from Amazon, Apple iBookstore, Kobo or Waterstones, priced £7.99.

Alan Dunbar targets professional career after British Amateur win

New British Amateur champion Alan Dunbar plans to compete at the European Tour qualifying school in September.

The 22-year-old's win at Troon on Saturday has earned him invitations to this year's Open as well as the US Masters and US Open in 2013.

Dunbar, a Walker Cup winner from Graeme McDowell's Rathmore club, said: "I have done all I can do in amateur golf. I want to give pro golf a go.

"I want to go to qualifying school as an amateur to see how I get on."

Dunbar beat Matthias Schwab of Austria on the final hole to win the British Amateur crown in a tournament which had a field of 288 hopefuls.

After two rounds of strokeplay, the top 64 qualified for the matchplay stages and Dunbar came through five matches to set up the 36-hole final against Schwab.

The County Antrim golfer becomes the third player from Northern Ireland to win the British Amateur Championship following the successes of Garth McGimpsey in 1985 and Michael Hoey in 2001.

"It is a tough event to win with so many players taking part over two courses," he said.

"You need a few breaks but I played a lot of good golf.

"We will sit down over the next few days and have a look at things and see where I want to go."

Dunbar is one of four amateurs playing in this week's Irish Open at Royal Portrush, neighbouring his home club Rathmore.

Dunbar and Schwab contest 117th Amateur Championship Final

Northern Ireland's Alan Dunbar and Matthias Schwab from Austria will contest the 36-hole final in the 117th Amateur Championship at Royal Troon. At stake is the Amateur Championship Trophy, a spot in this year's Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes, a place in next year's US Open and traditionally, an invitation to the Masters Tournament at Augusta National.

The two amateurs ended Scotland's hopes of a first all Scottish final since 1909. Dunbar defeated Baberton's Paul Ferrier, while Schwab ended the hopes of local Jack McDonald.

Dunbar is looking to become the first Northern Irish player to win since Michael Hoey at Prestwick in 2001 and Schwab can become the first Austrian to lift the Amateur Championship trophy.

Dunbar raced to a two-hole lead over Ferrier after playing Royal Troon's front nine in 33, 3-under-par. However, consecutive double bogey sixes at 10 and 11 brought the match back to all square. Dunbar turned the contest around by winning the 12th with a birdie and 13th with a par.

"I played well on the front nine and holed a few putts, but 10 and 11 were shockers," Dunbar said. "The momentum was with him after those two holes so to win 12 and 13 was important."

The 23-year-old hails from Portrush, and attended the Darren Clarke Foundation. Dunbar spent 12 months on the programme last year, and had the chance to play with Clarke at Royal Portrush in January. "He's around a lot now that he lives back in Portrush so I see him a bit, and it was great to play with him."

Dunbar helped Great Britain & Ireland win last year's Walker Cup at Royal Aberdeen. He won two out of three matches to help defeat the United States 14-12.

Patience has been the key to reaching the final. "I'm quite a calm guy. I've got a lot of patience," he said.

Ferrier has just graduated from UNC Charlotte with a degree in psychology. He will rue the bogey he made at 15 to lose the hole after winning the 14th to get back to one down. Ferrier left Royal Troon with his head held high, despite not making the final.

"I've enjoyed every minute," Ferrier said. "I let it slip at 15 against Alan. Two down with three to play is always leaving you with a lot of work to do. I can take a lot from this heading into Regional Qualifying for The Open Championship at Goswick on Monday."

Schwab is six years Dunbar's junior at age 17. He won the 2010 Austrian Amateur and has made the cut in the last two Austrian Opens on the European Tour.

He faced a tight match against McDonald. The 19-year-old Scot from nearby Kilmarnock (Barassie) had much of the support.

McDonald was two down after 11 holes but fought back to square the match at the 15th. However, Schwab made a birdie on the par-5, 16th to go one up. The match ended when McDonald drove into the fairway bunker at the 18th and failed to make par.

"It was tight match," said McDonald an R&A Scholar at Stirling University studying applied mathematics. "I'm proud of the way I stayed composed this week, especially in the match play stages. I never got ahead of myself all week. It's been a big step up for me."

Schwab has also made a big step up this week. He has legendary German coach Willie Hoffman to thank. Hoffman coached Bernhard Langer to two Masters' titles, and made him one of world's best players.

"I drive to Munich once every two months to see him, and the rest of the time I send him videos," Schwab said.

He made the cut on the mark of 145, 3-over-par, but has made the most of the match play stages. "There was a lot of nail biting about qualifying, so I was just happy to make it into the match play stages," he said. "I'm happy to be in the final. I know there are big prizes that go with winning but I'm not going to think of those."

Schwab comes from a sporting family. Father Andreas participated in the 1976 Winter Olympics at Innsbruck, and came fourth in the two-man Austrian Bobsleigh team. Matthias has a chance to get one over on Dad here at Royal Troon. Besides the Amateur Championship trophy, the winner gets a gold medal.

Hole by hole results of today's semi-finals can be viewed on RandA.org. The 36-hole final will commence at 8.30am.

Highlights will be shown on Sky Sports on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd June.

England's Craig Hinton upsets world no. 5 Huizing in Amateur Championship

England's Craig Hinton pulled off a surprise upset in the 117th Amateur Championship when he defeated Daan Huizing to make it through to the last 32 at Royal Troon. Dutchman Huizing entered the championship as the highest ranked player in the field at number five on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). Huizing had high expectations after winning the Lytham Trophy by 11 shots and the St Andrews Links Trophy by 14. Hinton qualified for last year's Open Championship and won this year's Welsh Amateur Stroke Play Championship, helping him reach 251 on the WAGR. He had never reached the match play stages in four previous attempts. Yet the gulf in status did not show in their second round match. 


23-year-old Hinton was one up playing the last hole after chipping in for birdie at 17. He had to go to an extra hole when he failed to get up and down for par at the last. However, he held his nerve on the first extra playoff hole. He hit a 5-iron off the tee and a wedge second to three feet and holed for birdie. "He's a great player but it's match play so anyone can beat anyone," Hinton said. "I knew if I played well on my day I could beat him. There's no point putting him on a pedestal.


" Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup player Alan Dunbar also made it through to the last 32. He defeated Spain's Borja Virto by one hole. However, he didn't play his best golf. "I didn't play great," Dunbar admitted. "I drove poorly and missed greens, but I am delighted to be through. I will have to find a better swing for tomorrow." Dunbar helped Great Britain & Ireland win the Walker Cup at Royal Aberdeen last year. He won two of three of his matches in the biennial competition as GB&I defeated the United States 14-12. That experience proved vital in helping him make the last 32. "The Walker Cup has given me confidence," Dunbar said. "I handled myself well at Aberdeen and remembering I can do that really helps." GB&I teammate Rhys Pugh also made it through to the last 32. Pugh defeated England's Joshua White 6&4 in the first round and then bettered Argentina's Franco Romero 4&2. Pugh starred at Aberdeen last year, winning all three of his matches. The Welshman, who has just completed his first year at East Tennessee State University, raced to a three-hole lead after four holes against Romero and was three under for the 15 holes he played in the afternoon. "I'm playing well and hopefully I can go all the way," Pugh said. Sweden's Daniel Jennevret, the number one seed, lost to former British Boys' champion Emilio Cuartero by one hole. 

Jennevret is the ninth player of the last 14 to lead the qualifying and lose in his first match. Frenchman Joel Stalter had a hole in one at the 125-yard, par-3, 8th hole, "The Postage Stamp" in a one hole loss to American Tyler Raber. Raber is one of two players from the United States through to the last 32. Will McCurdy of Auburn University is the other. He defeated number two seed Geoff Drakeford of Australia 8&7 to reach round three. The increasing cosmopolitan nature of the Amateur Championship was reflected in the players who made it through to the match play stages. Twenty-five nations were represented, with 53 of the 78 players from outside Great Britain & Ireland. Sixteen nations are represented in the last 32. Notables to make it to the last 32 include Pedro Figueiredo, the 2009 British Boys' champion. The Portuguese amateur is the highest WAGR ranked player left in the field at world number 14. 19-year-old Jack McDonald from nearby Kilmarnock (Barassie) is also through and will attract much local support in round three. Current Scottish Stroke Play Champion Paul Barjon also takes his place in the last 32.

Teeing The Ball

The act of teeing the ball has changed significantly over the years. In the early days of the game, a golfer generally teed his ball from a small mound of sand or an irregularity in the surface of the ground. Today, there is a vast array of devices available to golfers on which to tee their ball and the modern Rules have had to cater for this by developing a definition of what constitutes a ‘conforming’ tee. 

Whilst Rule 11-1 still permits the player to hit his tee shot from the surface of the ground (which includes an irregularity of surface) and from sand or other natural substance, any other object which has been placed in or on the surface of the ground in order to tee the ball must meet the definition of a tee – as detailed in Appendix IV, 1:

“A tee is a device designed to raise the ball off the ground. A tee must not:

• be longer than 4 inches (101.6 mm); 

• be designed or manufactured in such a way that it could indicate line of play; 

• unduly influence the movement of the ball; or 

• otherwise assist the player in making a stroke or in his play.”

It’s important to get it right as a player will be disqualified if he makes a stroke at a ball from a non-conforming tee. This article tries to highlight some of the most common questions received in relation to tees and the Rules of Golf:

Traditional Tee Peg

Normally made from plastic or wood, consisting of a pointed, vertical peg which sticks into the ground and a small cup on which to place the ball. The peg can sometimes be shaped to incorporate a ridge to assist the player in obtaining a consistent teeing height. Conforming – as long as the total length of the tee does not exceed 4 inches. 

Stacking two or more conforming tees on top of one another is also permitted – again, as long as the total height of the stacked tees does not exceed 4 inches.

Tees with Integrated Alignment Aids

Such tees are expressly prohibited by Appendix IV (as they indicate the line of play) and the photograph below depicts some of the designs that have been submitted to us in the past for a formal ruling – and ruled to be a breach of the Rules. As a general principle, if there is any feature on the tee which can be viewed by the player at address and used as an effective alignment aid, then such a tee is likely to be non-conforming.

Two or More Tees – Connected by a Length of Cord or String

This is a fairly common question and, if considered in the light of the above comments, then you might reasonably assume that such a configuration would be considered non-conforming – as the string could effectively be used to aid alignment. However, this is one of the Rules with an Exception.  

In many countries, but particularly in the UK, the use of two or more tees tied together with string has been fairly common for many years – especially in the winter when the ground can be hard due to frost, or when winter mats are in use. 

Therefore, within The R&A’s area of jurisdiction (i.e. everywhere except the USA and Mexico) the use of a conforming tee which is connected to one or more other conforming tees by a length of cord or string is permissible – provided the cord or string and other tees are not used to aid the player in his alignment. Such a practice would render the player in breach of Rule 8-2a (Indicating Line of Play).

Tee Connected to a Weight or Other Anchor (e.g. a pitch mark repair tool)

A tee connected to a pitch mark repair tool or other weight or anchor by a length of cord or string would be regarded as non-conforming as it could be used to aid alignment. The distinction between this configuration and the above example of two or more connected tees is purely on ‘traditional’ grounds. 

Brush Tee

Instead of having a plastic or wooden cup on which to place the ball, a brush tee would generally have a series of bristles extending upwards from the peg and forming a circle on which to place the ball (see image). These have become fairly common in recent years and often include claims of reduced friction. In the absence of any evidence to suggest that a brush tee does “unduly influence the movement of the ball”, as long as such a tee meets all of the other requirements of a conforming tee, then they are permissible under the Rules.

Anti-Slice Tee

This is a plastic tee with a shield extending upwards from the tee-cup, which protects the ball from the club. This shield is designed to reduce the spin applied to the ball by the club and, hence, reduce the amount of slice, which is one of the most common problems faced by golfers. As this device is clearly intended to influence the movement of the ball, and it interferes with the impact between the club and the ball, it is a non-conforming tee.

Portable Teeing Mat

A section of artificial turf is not a natural substance and is not interpreted as being a tee. Therefore, playing a ball from such a device – without or without tee peg – would not be permitted. However, it should be noted that a Local Rule requiring the use of such mats on certain parts of the course is permitted for a limited duration, e.g. in the winter in order to protect the turf, and even all year round on sand courses (where clearly special rules apply).

Home-Made Tees

Home-made tees which have been fabricated out of materials such as rubber piping or bottle corks may be permissible, dependent on the design of the tee. Such a tee would need to be evaluated in accordance with the Rules of Golf – and this can be done via our submissions process. Using another object as a tee – for example a tin can, a bottle or a pencil – would not be permissible as such items were not designed to be tees.

Europe triumph at 2012 Bonallack Trophy

Europe beat the Asia-Pacific by a resounding 20.5 to 11.5 points to win the Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy at Monte Rei in Portugal.


This was the seventh staging of the biennial three-day men’s amateur international match, first held in 1998, and Europe’s victory in the Algarve means Asia-Pacific’s lead stands at 4-3.


The 12-man teams featured some of the world’s leading amateur players including current European Individual Amateur Champion Manuel Trappel of Austria, 2011 Walker Cup player Alan Dunbar of Ireland and Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, winner of the Asian Amateur Championship in both 2010 and 2011.


Player of the week was Welshman Rhys Enoch who won all five of his matches.


The format was the same as the Ryder Cup, with foursomes and fourballs involving 20 players per session on the first two days and then all players competing in the final day singles over the Jack Nicklaus designed course.


Europe led 6-4 at the end of the first day and then took the second-day honours 7.5-2.5 before extending their winning margin to nine points with a 7-5 capture of the singles.


Five-time Amateur Champion and former Captain and Secretary of The R&A Sir Michael Bonallack, who was in attendance with Lady Angela throughout the week, presented the trophy to winning captain Andy Morgan of Wales.


This year’s match was supported with an R&A grant of 30,000 Euros.

USGA, The R&A Add Clarity to New Definition of “Addressing the Ball”

The United States Golf Association (USGA) and The R&A today issued a clarification of the new definition of “Addressing the Ball” with respect to the revised edition of the Rules of Golf, which took effect worldwide on January 1, 2012.

The clarification to the new definition of “Addressing the Ball,” referenced on page 22 of the Rules of Golf, deals specifically with the phrase “immediately in front of or immediately behind the ball.” In its continued review of the Rules, the USGA and The R&A have provided the following explanation to further clarify the new definition:

• If the golf club is grounded “closely” behind the ball in a position where it would be customary for a player to ground the club prior to making a particular stroke, then the club is considered to have been grounded “immediately behind the ball.”
• The same interpretation of the definition would apply if a player grounds his or her golf club “closely” in front of the ball prior to making a stroke.

Commenting on the clarification, USGA Senior Director of Rules of Golf Thomas Pagel said: “We remain committed to ensuring that the Rules are clear, easy to understand and relevant to today’s game. In our regular review of the Rules to ensure these goals are met, we determined that the definition of addressing the ball could be interpreted in various ways and that further explanation was necessary.”

R&A Executive Director of Rules and Equipment Standards David Rickman said an additional explanation to the definition of “Addressing the Ball” was necessary given the changes made to Rule 18-2b. “We recognise that even after an extensive review of the Rules there can be specific areas that benefit from greater clarity and understanding, and we hope that this explanation will assist players and referees.”

In January, the USGA and The R&A released the new Rules of Golf for 2012-2015 following an exhaustive, four-year review of golf’s 34 playing Rules in which nine principal Rules were amended to improve clarity and ensure penalties are proportionate to rules breaches. One significant change was made to Ball Moving After Address (Rule 18-2b). The addition of a new exception exonerates a player from penalty if his or her ball moves after it has been addressed when it is known or virtually certain that the player did not cause the ball to move. For example, if a gust of wind moves the ball after it has been addressed, there is no penalty and the ball is played from its new position.

Ito of Japan crowned Faldo Series Asia Champion 2012

Masamichi Ito of Japan claimed the third Faldo Series title of his career with victory in The R&A supported sixth Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills Golf Club in China. The 16-year-old fired a final round 67 on the Faldo Course to win by three, adding to the Asia and Europe titles he won in 2010. “I am so happy to win again,” said an emotional Ito on receiving his trophy from the six-time Major Champion. “My two Faldo Series wins in 2010 created so much opportunity for me so to win a third time is unbelievable. I am just so happy.” “Masamichi beat our largest ever field and fully deserves his third Faldo Series title,” commented Faldo. “All the players will benefit from the experience this week. I hope they enjoyed themselves, I certainly did!” “I am grateful to our partners, including Mission Hills, The R&A, ISPS and UFL,” added the former world number one. “It is this kind of support which allows us to provide opportunity for the finalists this week and to more than 7,000 young golfers annually in 27 countries worldwide.” Kanagawa-born Ito opened with three birdies and an eagle to stun overnight leader Kohei Kinoshita. He went on to reach ten under par and finish three ahead of his compatriot while 20-year-old Mai Aria ensured a double for Japan by claiming the Faldo Series Asia girls’ title. Guan Tian Lang from Guangzhou claimed the inaugural Mission Hills Trophy as the highest-placed finisher from mainland China. The 13-year-old will now join Ito and Aria at the Europe Grand Final in Northern Ireland later this year. Also celebrating victory in their age-group and a place in the 2012 Europe Grand Final at Lough Erne Resort in September were Cahyo Adhitomo from Indonesia (Boys’ Under-21), Singapore’s Joshua Ho (Boys’ Under-18) and Nur Durriyah Damian of Malaysia (Girls’ Under-16). Eighty golfers from 17 countries were at Mission Hills in Shenzhen for the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final. Established in 1996, 37 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 27 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers taking part each year. Past winners include current world number ones Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng. Leading final scores: Boys’ Under-21: 209 – Cahyo Adhitomo (INA) 71-71-67; 215 – Gavin Samuels (ENG) 73-73-69; 217 – Mikumu Horikawa (JPN) 74-74-69. Boys’ Under-18: 215 – Joshua Ho (SIN) 71-78-66; 220 – Gavin Moynihan (IRE) 73-72-75; 221 – Wang Wei Lun (TPE) 75-73-73. Boys’ Under-16: 206 – Masamichi Ito (JPN) 68-71-67; 208 – Kohei Kinoshita (JPN) 70-66-72; 209 – Guan Tian Lang (CHN) 71-71-67. Girls’ Under-21: 224 – Mai Arai (JPN) 75-79-70; 231 – Tiffany Chan (HKG) 83-78-70; 235 – Charlotte Thomas (ENG) 85-78-72, Mookharin Ladgratok (THA) 82-78-75. Girls’ Under-16: 225 – Nur Durriyah Damian (MAL) 75-74-76; 226 – Ji Rong (CHN) 80-77-69; 230 – Kitty Tam (HKG) 77-79-74. For scores and results from the sixth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, visit www.nickfaldo.com

Past Amateur Champion named Junior Ryder Cup Captain

Past Amateur Champion Stuart Wilson has been named the Captain of the European team for this year’s Ryder Cup Junior Match at Olympia Fields, Illinois, USA, this September.

Wilson, who won the Silver Medal as the leading amateur at The Open Championship in 2004, takes over from Austrian Gary Stangl and will be assisted by Kristin Gunhildrud. Wilson will also take charge for the 2014 match, which will be held in Scotland.

Wilson, 34, has an impressive CV as an amateur, participating in the Walker Cup in 2003, the Bonallack Trophy in 2002 and 2004, the St Andrews Trophy and the Eisenhower Trophy in 2004, and the European Team Championship in 2003. The Scotsman also won the Amateur Champion in 2004, the Lytham Trophy in 2003 and represented his country between 2000 and 2005. He captained the Scottish Boys’ team in 2010 and 2011.

Wilson said: “I am thrilled to be appointed as the Ryder Cup Junior Match Captain and delighted to have Kristin as Assistant Captain.

“Hopefully I can bring my years of experience as both a player and captain in a team environment to pass on to the juniors selected.

“This format of match play golf has always been my favourite and one that has given me successful moments in my golfing life and created many great friendships and memories. I look forward to working with all involved and watching the results closely over the next few months and to build towards a team that will have a good chance of winning in America.”

The event, like its senior counterpart, features teams from Europe and the United States, but here each team comprises six girls and six boys. Previous competitors include Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy, who have gone on to represent Europe in The Ryder Cup, 2009 Amateur Champion Matteo Manassero as well as R&A Working for Golf Ambassador Suzann Pettersen.

The Ryder Cup Junior Match takes place from September 24-25, a few days before The 2012 Ryder Cup is contested at Medinah Country Club, also in Illinois.

Equipment Blog - Japan and Korea

Claire Bates, The R&A’s Assistant Director – Equipment Standards, regularly meets 

manufacturers and golf associations from across the globe. She recently travelled to Japan and Korea to meet some of the most important people in the Asian golf industry…


After just two weeks back in the office since returning from the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, the Equipment Standards team has been off on its travels again – this time to Japan and Korea. And it was a very busy two weeks at that! Catching up with all of the submissions that had accumulated in our absence; taking part in The R&A’s annual Referee’s school in St Andrews and preparing for an Equipment Standards Committee meeting.


Once all of this had been addressed, we duly headed off to the Far East, unfortunately for some, on the morning of St Valentine’s day.


The primary purpose of this visit was to attend the Japan Golf Fair and to meet with the manufacturers congregated there. This is done in a variety of ways – either on an individual basis, via the board of the Japan Golf Goods Association (JGGA) or via an open Forum for smaller manufacturers. All are useful vehicles for us to convey key messages and to listen to the issues and challenges being faced by the industry. On this visit, we were keen to remind manufacturers about the Joint Statement of Principles that was first published in May 2002 and to re-emphasise the importance of this document in the shaping of our decisions and rule-making activity.


The tough economic climate and the effects of last year’s devastating earthquake and tsunami were never far away from our discussions, as well as issues of participation, cost and the general health of the game. It was clear from our discussions that the development of the game is something that manufacturers and regulators can certainly claim to stand shoulder to shoulder on. Whilst our views on how this should be approached may not be 100% aligned, understanding each other’s perspective is vital.


The Japan Golf Fair itself is not as big an affair as the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, however it was certainly busy, with more than 50,000 visitors recorded during the three days – helped by the fact that it is open to the general public. The R&A’s representatives are kindly invited to attend the opening ceremony – where, after two or three welcoming speeches, the President of the JGGA drives in. This is an entertaining tradition and the current President, Mr Hiroyuki Bamba, duly hit his drive straight down the middle of a simulation of the 16th hole at the Fuji Classic golf course.





We also made time to meet with the Japan Golf Association – an organisation with which The R&A has forged very strong links over the years. They are one of the few affiliated unions to have formed their own Equipment Standards Committee and they have a solid understanding of, and appreciation for, equipment Rules. We always expect challenging questions when we meet with the JGA. Most important of all, they are a loyal supporter of The R&A and the work we try to carry out – and they do everything within their means to assist us and to further prosper the game of golf in Japan and throughout the world.


After finishing our business in Japan, we made a slight detour before heading home. It had been seven years since we last visited Korea in an Equipment Standards capacity and so we felt it was time that we arranged a meeting with Korean manufacturers. Whilst much of the equipment used in Korea is imported from overseas, we have seen a growing number of submissions from Korean manufacturers, partly prompted perhaps by the success of Korean golfers in the international arena. We were not disappointed with our decision to visit and we spent a very worthwhile morning with approximately 90 representatives of the game in Korea, including the Korean Golf Association, the Professional Tours, Korean golf club owners and manufacturers themselves. Even from the short time we were there, it was clear that golf in Korea had been thriving since our last visit – in every respect – and we resolved not to leave it as long before visiting again.

Faldo Series ready for record year

Sir Nick Faldo has announced a 2012 Faldo Series Europe schedule that features a record 20 events in 14 countries, including new tournaments in Austria, Bahrain and Chile. 


With the Faldo Series Asia schedule set to be finalised in the coming weeks, The R&A backed global golf development programme will benefit more than 7,000 young golfers in 27 countries this year.


Sir Nick said: “2012 is a significant year for Faldo Series participants as we expand our activities across Europe, the Middle East and South America.


“When you factor in our Asian schedule as well, we hope to bring opportunity to 7,000 young golfers this year through 37 events in 27 countries worldwide.  It is the generous support of our partners, including The R&A, the European Tour and Lough Erne, which makes this possible.”


The 2012 Faldo Series Europe schedule features six tournaments in England plus others in Bahrain, Ireland, Chile, the Czech Republic, Greece, Wales, Austria, Brazil, Germany, The Netherlands, Scotland, Slovakia and Russia.


Mauricio Galeno, President of the Chilean Golf Federation, which will host the inaugural Faldo Series Chile Championship on 21 and 22 April, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for golf in Chile. Joining the Faldo Series is a big step and we are sure it will be the beginning of a long and strong relationship with Sir Nick in order to develop relevance and penetration of golf in Chile.”


The European season tees off with the third Middle East Championship in Bahrain on 23 and 24 March and concludes in September with the 16th Faldo Series Europe Grand Final, a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event hosted by the six-time Major Champion at Lough Erne Resort in Ireland.


Open to boys and girls aged 12 to 21, the Faldo Series was established in Europe in 1996 and in Asia in 2006. Past winners include Major winners Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng.


For the full 2012 Faldo Series Europe schedule visit www.nickfaldo.com

GB&I Curtis Cup manager passes away

Sue Turner, the manager of the Great Britain & Ireland team for this year’s Curtis Cup match, died yesterday aged 50 after battling illness since last autumn.

Having played golf for Wales at girls’ level, then representing her country in the Home Internationals of 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1991 and 1994, but it was in her roles of team captain and manager that she will be best remembered.

She is without doubt the most successful captain of the Welsh ladies’ international team, a position she held until her death, having masterminded successive Home Internationals victories in 2008 and 2009.

Her reputation as a highly-respected and very effective player motivator brought her to the attention of the LGU, resulting in an invitation in 2007 to Captain the five-strong GB&I team for the quadrennial Five Nations (former Commonwealth) Trophy Tournament in South Africa. Unsurprisingly, she led her players to victory against teams from Australia, Canada, New Zealand & South Africa.  

With a passion for developing young players, she was delighted to have the opportunity to Captain the GB&I under-16 girls team in the inaugural Junior Vagliano Trophy match against the Continent of Europe last June at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in her native Wales.

At the time of her death, she was still fully committed to team golf, serving as manager of the GB&I team which is due to play in the 37th Curtis Cup match against the United States at The Nairn Golf Club from 8 to 10 June this year.

Alison White, The R&A’s Assistant Director - Golf Development, said: “Sue‘s death is a huge loss not only for women’s golf but for the wider sport in Great Britain, Ireland and Europe. She brought a passion and enthusiasm to her many roles that was passed on to everyone she worked with.

“There are many players who have gone onto excel in both the amateur and professional ranks who owe a debt of gratitude to Sue for the time and effort she put into making sure they realised their full potential. I am sure she will be at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts at the Curtis Cup in Nairn this June.” 

She is survived by her husband, Mike, and daughter, Lottie.

GB&I St Andrews Trophy squad announced

A preliminary 12 player Great Britain & Ireland squad has been selected for this year’s St Andrews Trophy Match which will be played at Portmarnock Golf Club, Ireland, on 31 August and 1 September. 


It is a largely new look squad for the match against the Continent of Europe with only Ireland’s Alan Dunbar and Rhys Pugh (pictured) of Wales able to boast previous Walker Cup experience. 


The group features players who have enjoyed success across the globe, including Neil Raymond, winner of the 2012 New South Wales Stroke Play, Paul Shields, who shot a 61 at the recent 2012 Gauteng North Open in South Africa and the University of Alabama’s Jason Shufflebotham who won last year’s prestigious Sam Hall Intercollegiate. 


Among those also showing good form on the US college scene are Ben Taylor, of Nova Southeastern University in Florida, and the University of North Florida’s Kevin Phelan, who finished third and fourth respectively at last week’s Jones Cup Invitational. 


The squad will meet for the first time at Portmarnock from 4-6 July in a match play team environment consisting of two series of foursomes and singles matches.  


Victorious 2011 Walker Cup Captain Nigel Edwards, back to lead a St Andrews Trophy side for a second time, is delighted with the talent at his disposal. 


“We have based our preliminary selection on performances throughout 2011 and will look to add to this squad following the Amateur Championship at Royal Troon in June,” said Edwards, who played on winning St Andrews Trophy teams in 2002, 2004 and 2006. 


“A number of players have started the season well in Australia, South Africa and on the US college circuit. 


“My message to the squad, and those players who narrowly missed out, is to keep playing well through the spring and summer and prove that you should be in the final nine.” 


The selectors, who will attend events throughout the summer, fully expect several players not included in the initial 12-man squad to be in contention for a place in the final nine-man team. 


GB&I Squad


Alan Dunbar - Rathmore         


Rhys Enoch - Truro    


Ben Loughrey - Wrag Barn


Dermot McElroy - Ballymena


Kevin Phelan - Waterford Castle      


Garrick Porteous - Bamburgh Castle   


Rhys Pugh - Vale of Glamorgan


Neil Raymond - Corhampton


Paul Shields - Kirkhill   


Jason Shufflebotham - Prestatyn


Ben Taylor - Walton Heath      


James White - Lundin 






GB&I Selectors


Nigel Edwards, Captain


Jonathan Plaxton, Chairman


Allan Brodie


Michael Burns