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August 2004
 US
PGA Preview
Straits Shooter Sergio
By Brendan James
In August 1999, Sergio Garcia came within two strokes of becoming the
youngest player to win a major championship since Young Tom Morris in
1870. Over the four days of the 81st US PGA championship at Medinah
Country Club, the then 19-year-old may not have claimed the title but
he won a legion of fans for his cavalier play and exuberance.
The final round came down to a duel between the swashbuckling Spaniard
and World No. 1 Tiger Woods. Everything Garcia did drew cheers, from
his wide grins between shots to his running leap across the 16th fairway
after hitting from a knot of tree roots to the green. When he took off
his cap on the 18th green, putting it in his mouth so he could return
the crowd’s applause, the fans went berserk.
See the August issue of Golf Australia for the rest of this story.
Order online today - it's the perfect gift for Fathers' Day
Golf
Australia Readers’ Choice Award
Have you bought golf equipment during the past two years that has brought
new life to your game? Did you receive a lesson from a professional
that has resulted in a drastic (but welcome) reduction in your handicap?
If so, now is your chance to acknowledge everything that has helped
your game in the inaugural Golf Australia Readers’ Choice Awards.
See the August issue of Golf Australia for the official voting card.
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online today
Aces
High
By Rob Ferris
Golfing legend Arnold Palmer once said that he emembered his first hole-in-one
more than his first kiss. “I guess it meant more to me!”
he said. This rings true for many golfers.
According to the latest statistical analysis in the US, the odds of
Palmer, or any other male professional, scoring a hole-in-one are 3,708/1.
It’s a safe bet “The King” didn’t have to pucker
up to this many young girls as a teenager before making contact.
“The hole-in-one is always a really big deal,” said Palmer,
who has chalked up 17 aces in his career, “It has a real mystique
to it and it always will.”
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online today - it's the perfect gift for Fathers' Day
 Australian
Open Memories:
Bob Shearer
By Rob Ferris
When Bob Shearer won the Australian Open in 1982 by four shots over
Jack Nicklaus and Payne Stewart, he was at the height of his powers.
He had his breakthrough victory in the US and backed up in ‘83
with three victories over the Australian summer. The former Australian
amateur champion says he “started to lose it” after 1984,
yet he had a putt at the 72nd hole at the ‘86 Australian Open
to make a playoff with Rodger Davis – his second close call at
Metropolitan after pushing Jack Newton in 1979.
Shearer says he has fond memories of winning his first, and only, Stonehaven
Cup at The Australian Golf Club. Who wouldn’t? He beat the best
in the world … but not before copping some lip.
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online today - it's the perfect gift for Fathers' Day
 Golf
Australia’s Greatest Australian Golf Holes:
Queensland’s Top 20
Compiled by Brendan James
1. Brookwater GC 380-metre, par-4 1st
The view from the 1st tee sets the scene for what follows at the Greg
Norman/Bob Harrison-designed Brookwater course. Your drive must carry
a gully to reach the fairway, which is lined by tall timbers to the
left and, initially, to the right. Cavernous bunkers mark the inside
and outside of the sharp doglegging-left fairway, which then descends
gradually to a green that is protected by a lake to the left and sand
to the right.
Brendan James says: “There are few, if any, more daunting, yet
exhilarating, opening tee shots in Australian golf.”
Nigel Wall says: “The majority of great courses offer an opener
with a moderate degree of difficulty. Not Brookwater – it boldly
plumps its best, and arguably its most demanding, hole right from the
word go.”
 US
Open Review
Golden Goosen
By Brendan James
A Hollywood producer looking to remake the war classic, The Great Escape,
could do worse than cast Retief Goosen as the wily “Cooler King”,
as played by Steve McQueen in the original.
He’s got the rugged looks, he’s inconspicuous, thick-skinned
and under pressure, ice wouldn’t melt in his hands. And during
the final round of the 104th US Open, he showed great nerve to dodge
bullets by wielding a magic wand … his putter.
All of these attributes (looks excluded) made him the player best equipped
to handle the pro-Phil Mickelson crowd and the rock-hard greens at Shinnecock
Hills. That’s why he is the 2004 US Open champion.
Order
online today - it's the perfect gift for Fathers' Day
 Living
The Dream 2004
Golf Australia Advertising Feature:
Thinking of buying an investment property? Preparing for your retirement?
Looking for that perfect holiday retreat? Dreaming of living on your
favourite golf course? In this special feature we show the best golf
lifestyle opportunities on offer in Australia.
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online today - it's the perfect gift for Fathers' Day
Equipment
Clubs Road Test #1
Cleveland TA6 Irons.
Clubs Road Test #2
Titleist Vokey Black Nickel
Series Wedges.
Ball Road Test
Pinnacle Gold Lady.
Departments
Opening Shot
Around The Traps
Letters To The Editor
Rules Forum
Inside The Ropes
Trophy Cabinet
Product Line
Golf Getaways
Results & Tee Times
Seconds With ...
Travel
Course Review: Hope Island Resort
A links-style layout in Australia’s resort-course capital? It’s
not as silly as it sounds, writes Rob Ferris.
Course Review: St Michaels GC
From humble beginnings, Sydney’s St Michaels course is flourishing,
as Brendan James discovered.
Instruction:
Race To Single Figures
Golf Australia Teaching Editor Mark Gibson gives Marcos Ambrose’s
swing a service, as the V8 Supercars champ tries to lower his handicap.
Geoff Ogilvy’s Tip From The Tour
A hooded clubface spells disaster.
Gary Edwin’s Coach’s Corner
Reflect on body shape.
Cherie Byrne’s Tip From The Tour
What’s the slot?
PGA Personal Lessons
• 0-9: “Straighten” out your putting;
• 10-19: The “right” way to chip;
• 20-36: Don’t go for “hero” shots.
Junior Journal
Let your arms hang.
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