Australian golf handicap system to be fine-tuned

The USGA handicapping system introduced to Australian golf will be fine-tuned after Golf Australia consulted with Australian golf officials and the USGA.

Over the past year there has been one topic of conversation at every golf club in Australia that has created a huge amount of talk, the new handicapping system. Generally the new system has been well received but as Peter Senior once said, "opinions are like arseholes, everyone's got one".

Golf Australia has been aware of the controversy and will make an announcement in May outlining a new plan for the Australian Handicap system.

Key points to be updated are as follows:

"I couldn't walk and lost all the use of my right arm": Marcus Fraser

In a week where the injury to Tiger Woods has dominated discussions, spare a thought for Australian Marcus Fraser who almost didn't return to golf after a neck injury late last year.

Marcus Fraser won the prestigious Ballantines Championship in South Korea last year beating some big names and grabbing over half a million dollars in the process. As the defending champion, he was asked to help make a special edition Ballantines whisky for the event, but he almost didn't make his spot in the field.

Fraser revealed to the European Tour site that he sustained a freak neck injury after lifting his son above his head at the Australian Open last year.

"I saw the physios at the tournament and just worked on it at the Australian Open, the PGA the following week and probably shouldn't have played.

"I kept playing and probably shouldn't have. And over Christmas it just deteriorated, I went and saw the sports physician and he referred me to a surgeon and had an MRI and it showed the disc had prolapsed.

"So then it just kept going downhill and had a couple of days where I couldn't walk and lost all the use of my right arm.

"Lost all the feeling in my right hand, and then the surgeon took one look at me and said: ‘We'll do it in two days' time'. So he operated and after that, it was pain free the next day.

"If I had not had the operation, I would never have played golf again and probably would have lost the use of my right arm. Kind of need your arm for golf."

As Fraser is an avid go-karter, I'd assumed his injury was as a result of a crash, but either way he's lucky to be walking around let alone defending his victory this week.

The Ballantine's Championship is now underway at the Blackstone Golf Club, Icheon, South Korea.

From the Rough - golf movie trailer

There is a golf movie on the horizon which looks like it may be half decent, something that doesn't happen very often, if ever.

See the full trailer below.

"From the Rough" looks like it has a good cast featuring a number of Academy Award nominees. The film is based on a true story of a the only woman to coach a men's Div I college golf team, Catana Starks. She also coached Tiger Woods' current coach, Sean Foley.

Given the history of golf movies, it is easy to be sceptical. I'm not even convinced Caddyshack was much of a movie apart from a few well-known, classic scenes thanks largely to Bill Murray.

It is due for release later this year in the US but no word on when or whether it will be released to the cinemas in Australia. 

Get more info from official From the Rough website. Tip of the visor to Geoff Shackleford.

"He's not allowed to see his girlfriend because the female influence weakens him. He's just a very sad boy at the moment"

Jin Jeong was ranked the world's best amateur golfer during 2010 but has departure from his Australian coach has raised questions over who is running the show.

South Korean Jeong, was the first Asian player to win the British Amateur Championship at the age of 20 and finished in a very respectable tie for 14th at last year's Open Championship at St.Andrew's. He was the only non-processional golfer to make the cut and his Australian coach Trevor Flakemore was on the bag.

Jin Jeong based himself in Melbourne at the Waverley Golf Club for many years with Flakemore at his side. Australia jumped on the Jeong bandwagon after rumours spread that he was set to become an Australian citizen but they were quashed quite quickly with Jeong saying he would like to represent South Korea in some amateur tournaments. Also around this time, his coach was sacked by Jin's father - by email.

Since then his father has been accompanying Jeong around the world, including at the US Masters a few weeks ago. Flakemore was told by Jeong that he wanted him on the bag at Augusta but once again found out his services weren't required. This time he found out by accident after booking and paying for his flights to Georgia.

Flakemore received at apology from Jeong's father, but not before he made a few comments that had a strange Star Wars feel to them.

"He just went very shy. I sense his father's influence, and he's very embarrassed by it all. He now comes to practise at the course before I'm there. He tries to avoid me. It's sad.

"I just think he's got to get his dad away from him. The schedule his dad has set for him, there's no time for himself. He's not allowed to see his girlfriend because the female influence weakens him. He's just a very sad boy at the moment," said Flakemore.

Let's hope this is not another case of a domineering parent forcing their dreams upon their child. Jeong has talent and everyone still wants to see him achieve success in the professional golf.

Jeong finished the US Masters in 82nd place and turned professional two weeks ago. He failed to make the cut at the Texas Valero Open.

Video: Ball resting against a bunker rake

What is the correct procedure when you golf ball is resting up against a rake?

This situation occurs so often it is worth a reminder. Mark the position of the ball before you move the rake so that if the ball rolls away you can replace it as near as possible to where it initially lay.

Here is a nice video explaining the correct procedure with Ossie Moore, courtesy of The Golf Show, shown on FoxSports at 8:30pm every Tuesday night.

Video: Golf vs Javelin

Straight from the book of "Sometimes sponsors do strange things for publicity", BMW got together the world's number one golfer Martin Kaymer and Olympic javelin medallist Steve Backley, to promote the upcoming BMW PGA Championship to compete in an odd way.

On the first tee at Wentworth club, Kaymer and Backley went head to head in an accuracy test to a 60 metre flag. Kaymer with a golf ball and a wedge, Backley with his trusty javelin.

I've always thought accuracy in the Olympic javelin event makes much more sense but this is just all a bit weird. No weirder than skimming a golf ball across a lake to hit a gong or clay pigeon shooting with a golf ball I suppose though.

OneHD to show China Open this weekend, except the final round

There is a great golf tournament on this weekend in a perfect time zone for Australian viewing, but OneHD aren't going to show you all of it.

The Volvo China Open tees off today from the Luxehills International Country Club, Chengdu, China (pictured). It is a co-sanctioned event between OneAsia and the European Tour and features Y.E. Yang, Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia and China's own Liang Wen-chong competing for a $3million (US) prize pool.

OneHD will be showing the first three rounds of the China Open at perfect times for Australian viewing. But come Sunday and the final round, it won't be shown live at all. In fact to see any of the action you'll need to stick around until 10.45pm before they show the final round, on delay.

The OneAsia Tour is trying to make its mark not just in Australian golf but all over the world. It needs much better TV coverage than this.

For the record, here are the broadcast times:

Round 1: Thursday 21st April - 4pm til 5.30pm

Round 2: Friday 22nd April - 4pm til 8pm

Round 3: Saturday 23rd - 4pm til 6.30pm

Round 4: Sunday 24th April - highlights 10.45pm til 2.30am

33 Marathons and a round of golf

Ultra marathon runner Andy Bowen, is attempting to run across the Nullarbor Plain. And play a round of golf while he does it.

The Nullarbor Plain is a long, hot barren part of Australia and surely qualifies in Australia's Top 5 most boring drives. Ultra marathon runner Andy Bowen plans to run across the Nullarbor Plain in August to raise money for Autism Spectrum Australia and The Splash of Red Foundation, which raises money for SIDS awareness and research.

Loudmouth Golf clothing giveaway!

Thanks to LoudMouth Golf, we have over $180 worth of golf clothing to give away here at Aussie Golfer.

One lucky reader will win a pair of Loudmouth golf pants and shirt OR a Loudmouth golf skort and shirt for the ladies.

Here's how to enter*:

If you're not already an email subscriber to Aussie Golfer, simply sign up between now (20th April) and Thursday May 12, 2011, 5pm to go in with a chance to win!

Current email subscribers just need to email Aussie Golfer with the phrase: "I want some Loudmouth Golf pants!" to enter.

The winner will be randomly drawn from all entries and will be announced here at Aussie Golfer on Saturday May 14, 2011.

*Open to Australian residents only

Low markers disadvantaged with new handicapping method

Golf Australia have been monitoring the new handicapping system and it seems golfers with low handicaps are worse off.

The introduction of the new handicapping system to Australia has brought with it a huge amount of controversy. As with any changes in golf there will always objections but Golf Australia have made sure they have a good, factual idea of what effect the new system has had on club competition golf.

A statistical analysis of all club competitions  was undertaken since the implementation of the USGA method was introduced. The most interesting finding was that low markers are disadvantaged when it comes to winning club competitions.

Here is what Golf Australia found:

Jan Stephenson on Dancing With The Stars

From the department of "We don't care about this that much", comes the news that Jan Stephenson is set to appear on the 2011 version of Dancing with the Stars.

I'm guessing a few whipper-snappers may have trouble guessing the identity of the woman on the left in the above picture, but let's remind everyone of Jan Stephenson.

Stephenson's golfing legacy is probably a little overshadowed by the controversy surrounding her marketing approach but let's not forget she was one very talented golfer. She won 25 times in her professional career including three majors and 16 victories on the LPGA tour.

She is arguably the first sports person in the world to use a sex-sells approach to marketing herself and in doing so, brought huge attention to women's golf across the planet. She urged women's golf organisers to use the same marketing to draw more attention to women's golf.

For the record, here's what the "Dancing with the Stars" website says about Stephenson:

Jan Stephenson

An Australian professional golfer since 1973, Jan Stephenson was one of the first LPGA stars to openly embrace and champion a sex-sells approach to marketing. Even though she has won many international titles and was number one in the world she is still known for bringing glamour to the golfing world. These days she owns a Golf Course Design and Management Company.

Video: PGA Tour golfer cards a 16 on one hole

Kevin Na is well known on the PGA Tour for his slow play. Playing 16 shots on one hole (see video) probably doesn't do much for his reputation.

Na came unstuck in the first round of the Valeros Texas Open. He sprayed his tee shot right into some deep woods. After some discussion they decided to swallow a one-shot penalty and replay the tee shot. The second tee shot went into exactly the same spot. After some more discussion (and poor course management) he decided to play from there, hitting a tree and himself in the process leading to a two-shot penalty. He went on to play many more shots in the woods, eventually getting out and recording a 16 on his card.

I think his caddy looks a little scared of him most of the way through this especially as Na wondered how many shots he'd had;

"How are we going to count all those shots?"

To his credit, Na did not walk off the course like many golfers would in this situation. He played the back nine in 3-under par and finished with an 80. Remarkably not the worst score of the day.

A day at Barnbougle Dunes, in pictures

Aussie Golfer was lucky enough to get down to Tasmania to play a couple of rounds of golf at Barnbougle Dunes and Barnbougle Lost Farm.

I've already shown a few pics from my day at Lost Farm but here is a summary of my day at Barnbougle Dunes in pictures. More details and information to follow in the next few weeks.

The low key entrance and driving range at Barnbougle Dunes. The rustic, subtle surrounds are a feature of the golf course.

iPhone app teaches you to swing like Tiger

The Tiger Woods marketing arm is still working hard. An iPhone app has been released that teaches you how to swing the golf club like Tiger Woods.

After some serious knee issues and three swing changes in the past decade, I'd be fairly careful about what part of Tiger's swing you want to replicate but it does look slick.

The application video-captures your own swing and compares specific swing positions against Tiger's in order to provide feedback. It is tempting to write this app off as just a Tiger Woods Inc marketing ploy but it works well and is great for understanding your own golf swing.

I know someone who could have used this last weekend.

The Tiger Woods iPhone app retails for $12.99 and is also is compatible on the iPad

Shark caught on video in golf course lake

Recently we featured a few videos of the shark in the lake at Carbrook Golf Course. But last week, the clearest video of the shark emerged.

Carbrook Golf Club manager Scott Wagstaff spotted the shark for the first timeand took the video. Until then, he'd never seen the shark and had relied on rumours and videos to believe its existence. It turns out there are at least five sharks living in the lake and makes for one of the most dangerous water hazards in Australia.

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Channel Nine got wind of the new footage and got out to the golf course to see the shark for themselves. See the video taken by Scott below.

The grace of Rory

Rory McIlroy gave a fantastic post-round interview yesterday that showed everyone just how great he is. He was gracious in defeat and upbeat despite the final round collapse at the 2011 US Masters.

If that wasn't enough he sent this via Twitter today with the photo below attached:

Flying to Malaysia with Charl! Glad one of us has a green jacket on!!!

2011 US Masters: After the devastation

Upholsterers will be rejoicing this week with many Australian couches needing repair. The edges were worn down yesterday morning as golf fans across the nation sat on the edge and watched hopes of a green jacket slip away.

It was a nervous and emotional final round at the US Masters. One that Australians had not felt since 1996.

Remarkably, I'm not nearly as devastated as I was when Norman capitulated in 1996. Norman's collapse was shear heartbreak as we watched the golf game of one of Australia's greatest crumbled in front of us.

2011 US Masters: Final round video highlights

Courtesy of FoxSports Australia (not available internationally).

Norman: “I think it was the best theatre I’ve seen”

Greg Norman was watching the US Masters this morning, obviously keen to see if one of the young Aussies can delete the memory of his past failures at Augusta National. He was reportedly texting back and forth with his son, agonising over every shot.

After Jason Day and Adam Scott put another second place finish into the annals of history for Australians at the US Masters, Norman immediately got on the phone to express his commiserations and tell them how proud he was of their golf.

“I think it was the best theatre I’ve seen,” Norman said. “And I’ve been involved in some there. It really captured my attention.”

Norman rang Geoff Ogilvy leaving a message and also managed to get hold of Adam Scott and Jason Day. As a man who can relate to finishing second at the US Masters, the call would have been well appreciated.

“I told them I was so proud of them,” he said. “I told them to keep their heads high and keep moving forward.”

Schwartzel wins 2011 US Masters

Charl Schwartzel holds off Aussies to win 2011 US Masters by two shots.

The 2011 US Masters was one of the closest in memory. At one stage early on the back nine, at least 10 golfers were within two shots of the lead but ultimately Charl Schwartzel was left standing.

Schwartzel chipped in on the first for birdie, holed out for eagle on the third and produced one of the great finishes in US Masters history. He birdied the final four holes to claim the green jacket including a majestically played 18th hole.

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Schwartzel is only 26 but has the poise of a 40 year old. He joins fellow South Africans, Gary Player and Trevor Immelman to claim the US Masters.

Rory McIlroy imploded on the 10th hole. He pulled a drive left into the trees and ended up making a triple-bogey. He surrendered his lead and finished with an 80. 

Three Aussies did their best to be the first to claim the green jacket. Geoff Ogilvy got his putter going for the first time all week to roll in four birdies in a row on the back nine and finished in a tie for fourth at 10-under. 

Jason Day and Adam Scott, paired together for the final round, played some great golf and did everything they could to win it. The curse of Augusta proved too strong for the Aussie contingent in the end. They didn't lose the tournament, they were just outplayed by Schwartzel.

2011 US Masters: Final scores

1st C. Schwartzel -14
T2 J. Day -12
T2 A. Scott -12
T4 T. Woods -10
T4 G. Ogilvy -10
T4 L. Donald -10

2011 US Masters: Full leaderboard

2011 US Masters:Rory McIlroy Interview after round 3

2011 US Masters: Jason Day Interview after round 3

2011 US Masters: Day dreaming of a green jacket

Jason Day (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Jason Day has surged into second spot at the 2011 US Masters. Day posted an 8-under 64 this morning, the best round of the US Masters so far which included 8 birdies including five on the back nine.

So often the case in golf, you play better if your partners are playing well. Day played alongside leader Rory McIlroy who keeps a two shot lead going into day three. The third young star of the group, Rickie Fowler is in a tie for seventh at 5-under par.

"It was fun playing with Rory and Rickie out there," Day said. "I can't even remember shooting 8 under. It was just a lot of great golf and I'm looking forward to the weekend."

I didn't see that coming. Day is more than capable of shooting low numbers, probably more so than any other Aussie on tour but his form was patchy at best.

Don't forget Geoff Ogilvy

He had this to say after his opening round 69. "Obviously there are a few guys who had a few lower but three more (69s) and I'll probably be looking semi decent."

He shot another 69 today and is in a tie for fifth spot at 6-under par. He has his head firmly in the right spot this week.

What about the other Aussies?

Adam Scott and Aaron Baddeley made the cut with 2-under 70s today. Robert Allenby and Stuart Appleby have missed the cut.

One final thought - Fred Couples

Fred Couples, the 1992 champion, had a 4-under par 68 today. He is five shots behind McIlroy. A win would make him the oldest US Masters champion ever.

2011 US Masters: Australian scores after round 2

Australian scores at the US Masters after round 2.

2          Jason Day             -8

T5       Geoff Ogilvy   -6

T20     Adam Scott           -2

T43     Aaron Baddeley   +1

CUT   Robert Allenby +2

CUT   Stuart Appleby +3

2011 US Masters: Day 2 video highlights

Courtesy of FoxSports.

2011 US Masters: Photos from on the ground

A couple of Aussie Golfer readers are lucky enough to be on the hallowed ground of Augusta National this week and one has sent in a few photos to remind us all of what we're missing.

Scott Widderick has kindly sent us a few photos from his time at the US Masters for the Wednesday practice day and the opening round. 

Wanna get tickets to the 2012 US Masters?

US Masters organisers are making available 2012 US Masters tickets to the public for the first time 47 years.

The US Masters doesn't actually issue 'tickets', but badges. Which take the place of tickets. Traditionally, these badges are extremely difficult to get your hands on for the practice days, let alone the weekend action.

Video: Augusta National flyovers

The start of the 2011 US Masters is not far away now. To get you even more excited, here are two great video flyovers of each nine at Augusta National. Brought to you courtesy of the ESPN Golf website.

The front nine

The back nine

US Masters 2011: 5 dark horses who could win the green jacket

Yesterday we looked at the favourites for the 2011 US Masters but there are a few players who are ranked a little lower than they should be leading into Augusta National this week.

Here are five golfers that have the ability to fly under the radar and may just steal the green jacket out from under our noses.

"A grotty place littered with strip joints and fast food outlets"

This was Peter Stone's description of the town of Augusta in his article "Masters Apprentice" in the Fairfax newspapers during the week. It is worth a read if you missed it and he makes a good case for Aaron Baddeley winning this week.

Baddeley almost qualified for local residency of the small southern American town - in truth, a slightly grotty place littered with strip joints and fast food outlets that would be anonymous if it did not draw the world's best golfers every year.

Baddeley, now 30, recalled that first occasion at Augusta that has variously been described as "Heaven on Earth" and "The Cathedral in the Pines". Norman had asked the teenager with whom he'd like to play a practice round, and the kid replied: "Mr Nicklaus."

More great reading this week was Geoff Ogilvy's views on how he would change Augusta National given the opportunity - "Geoff Ogilvy reveals his hypothetical redesign for Augusta National". He is one of the few golfers on the planet who will actually give you his genuine thoughts when asked.

SLOW DOWN THE GREENS 

"An interesting experiment would be taking a foot or two off the speed of the greens. They're the fastest greens we putt all year by two feet anyway; the only exception might be the greens at [U.S. Open venue] Oakmont. You get into situations where the best golfers in the world are hitting six-foot putts and laying them up because they don't want them to roll off the greens. I don't think that was the intent."

US Masters 2011: The top 10 favourites

The US Masters has proved a difficult tournament for the underdog to win. Augusta National has been known to eat up debutants and send great golfers home with more mental issues than Jean an de Velde.

We've already looked at the Australian chances of winning the 2011 US Masters, but let's now take a look at the top 10 favourites as listed by the majority of bookies across the globe.

What is the US Masters?

I came across this little gem from The Pessimistic Golfer website, an Australian golf blogger trying to explain the importance of the US Masters to his wife.

Me: The Masters are on this week!

Wife: What's that?

Me: You know what the AFL Grand Final is?

Wife:  Yes

Me: It's golf's version of that

Wife: Oh...

After all, the MCG was named as the 15th most important sports venue. Augusta National came in 17th...

US Masters 2011: TV Guide

Ten and OneHD are broadcasting the 2011 US Masters live each morning.

Friday 5:00 - 9:30am

Saturday 5:00am - 9:30am

Sunday 5:30am - 9:00am

Monday 4:00am - 9:00am

US Masters week

It is US Masters week again.

It is time to pull out the doona, put the kettle on, hit the couch and enjoy the golf before the rest of the family gets up. Nestle in and enjoy hours of blooming azalea's, static leaderboards and great golfers who aren't in contention to win.

Let's hope this year an Aussie golfer can hold our interest until Monday morning. And if they do, and they aren't going to win it, let's hope they blow up early. I'm not sure we've fully recovered from 1996 yet. It has only been 15 years.

Aussie Golfer featured a few US Masters stories last week. In case you missed them, here's a recap to get the week started.

Can an Australian win the US Masters this year?

There are six Australians in the field this year but what chance are any of them to win? Many of them don't have good records at Augusta National despite there being some similarities to Australian golf courses. Check out our preview of each golfer's chances this week.

The changes to Augusta National, hole-by-hole

The Augusta National we know today is a very different beast to the original design by Bobby Jones. Even before the lengthening changes we've seen in the last decade, the golf course has changed dramatically. This is a nice link to a Golf Digest article where the changes to each hole can be nicely analysed. Strictly for golf nerds only.

Corey McKernan and his US Masters experiences

Former AFL champion Corey McKernan has been leading groups of people on tours of the world's great sporting events. He heads to the US Masters once again this week and here he writes about his past experiences at Augusta National and what he expects this week.

Nudists welcome at Swedish golf course

Of course, we all knew this was an April Fools Day joke right? :-)

A Swedish golf course has relaxed its dress rules allowing nudists to play on the course.

Swedish Golf Online are reporting that Kalskog GK have made a decision that paves the way for nudist golfers to play a round...of golf. Even in the slightly more liberal Scandanavian countries, this is a bold move by the golf club.

Metal spikes causing grief on PGA Tour

An uproar has started on the PGA Tour over the use of metal spiked golf shoes.

The rules of golf do not allow a golfer to tap down spike marks on the green. Golfers are encouraged to repair damage due to their golf shoes as they leave the hole, but it seems many professional golfers aren't following this advice.