IN THE august 2009 ISSUE COVER STORY Get into the Groove: Hit your irons like the pros There’s nothing quite like the feeling of pure iron contact. The Swing Doctor, Golf Australia’s swing therapist, shows you how. us pga Preview DRIVE FOR SHOW The year’s last chance for major glory returns to Hazeltine, where the Minnesota course will play to epic proportions. Brendan James writes that the next PGA champion will have to drive well to conquer history’s longest major venue. features MICHAEL SIM: PURE & SIMPLE Michael Sim is on his way back to the big time. And, as Brendan James writes, he’ll be a much better golfer when he gets there. HIGH TECH FITTING: CUSTOM CREDIT The technology of playing better golf has turned its focus on to the area of custom fitting, where new data is providing insight on how your game can be tailored to you, writes Jeff Centenera. in profile: GOLF PRO & PHILANTHROPIST Charlie Earp A Queensland golfing icon, teacher to the young Greg Norman, continues to make a difference serving in his role with the World Transplant Games, says Rod Morri. GOLF REAL ESTATE Beyond the fairway Downturn or not, golfers always dream of living where they play. Check out Golf Australia’s state-by-state guide to the latest on the best golf residential developments. BRITISH OPEN PREVIEW A MAJOR TURN Another entry has been added to the history of golf’s grandest championship. Brendan James recaps the action from the Open’s most scenic spot, Turnberry. TRAVEL AND COURSES COURSE Review: the links kennedy bay Having closed its doors a year ago, one of WA’s finest layouts is back to its characteristic best, as Brendan James discovered. CENTREFOLD: BALLYBUNION OLD COURSE This grand layout on the west coast of Ireland is seaside links at its most pure, exemplified by its closing quartet of holes. equipment taylormade : R9 and R9 460 driver The Tour’s most-used driver brand unveils a big stick built to adjust in a wide variety of ways. Shoe special: walking tall Like clubs, golf shoes are now engineered to help you play better. We look at some of the best styles. INSTRUCTION Fit for golf: a scot’s journey Physiologist Trent Malcolm describes the lengths one player went to for a better golfing body. coach's corner: Stay in shape Good golfers come in different sizes and the swings are sure different, but one thing underpins them all, says teaching editor Gary Edwin – take note of their body shape at impact. PGA PERSONAL LESSONS chip like you putt Chipping is simple, but problems occur because of mixed messages, says contributing pro Leon Faulkner. never miss another short putt Solid fundamentals will give you total confidence with putts you should make, which contributing pro Garry Attrill explains. arms and body in harmony Many poor swings stem from an incorrect understanding of how the arms are meant to work, says contributing pro Rohan Dummett. knight moves strategic thinking There’s a lot more to the game than hitting the ball. Teaching editor Peter Knight breaks down how you should be thinking about situations on the course.