IN THE december 2009 ISSUE coming back Despite languishing through the toughest season of his professional career, Adam Scott remains undaunted. As he returns to the Australian Open after a two-year absence, his path back to the heights of the golf world begins at NSW. THE CONTENDERS Veteran champions, players in their prime, young upstarts and foreign campaigners fill a strong field vying to etch their name on the historic Stonehaven Cup. nsw golf club: making history The national championship is coming to the famed La Perouse course for the first time. But as Brendan James writes, the Open’s influence can be found in fhe club’s past. just what the doctor ordered With a pedigree linked to the famed architect Dr Alister MacKenzie, NSW is one of the world’s truly great layouts. Mike Clayton breaks down the holes. PART TWO: glory road Australia’s No.1 golfer continues his chat with John Huggan, and reveals what happened behind the scenes the day he won the 2006 US Open. AUSTRALIAN PGA PREVIEW: He’s back. A renewed John Daly takes to a new layout at Hyatt Coolum, where he’ll find a stellar line-up competing for the PGA title, writes Brendan James. Wendy Doolan: I’m a survivor The three-time winner on the LPGA Tour recently scored her most significant victory, over breast cancer. She talks to Brendan James about how awareness of the disease helped save her. THAI tour stops You may be in Thailand on holiday, but that won’t stop you from playing the same places the pros go to work. Brendan James finds a welcoming experience at some top Thai championship courses. golf getaways This month, a new owner for NSW’s Riverside Oaks, selling Melbourne in San Francisco and journalist Tom Ramsey takes a long Round Trip. EQUIPMENT REVIEWS COBRA S2 IRONS The free swingers on our team put this bold, flashy iron – and its forged coutnerpart – to the test. COBRA zL DRIVER A new look for Cobra’s multi-material driver, which again allows players to adjust the face angle with an interchangeable shaft. PRO SHOP: NEW GOLF GEAR This month, a new Cleveland wedge that’s laser guided, long sleeves to beat the heat, and a pair of Ping big sticks. INSTRUCTION NO FEAR Driver off the deck. Plugged lie. Downhill chip. If you approach the tough shots full of fear, you’re doomed before you start. With some simple thoughts, Adrian Fryer says you can pull off the impossible. TIPS FROM THE TOUR: quiet legs, better feel The Swing Doctor, Golf Australia’s resident therapist, says a solid base aids good pitching – and show how Tim Clark works on it. daly’s big impact John Daly may be known for his long backswing, but his technique when he makes contact is more textbook. what’s your excuse? Leading a healthy lifestyle is no mystery – but finding the motivation often is. Physiologist Trent Malcolm shares some strategies for getting active which will feed into your golf. TEEING OFF: BRENDAN JAMES WINNER’S CIRCLE: LEE WESTWOOD AROUND THE TRAPS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR golfopoly: GOLF BUSINESS WITH JEFF CENTENERA WANDERING GOLFER: TED LAZARUS SUBSCRIPTION: Subscribe to the Eagle Club and win a luxury pacific holiday package CHECKLIST: TOP 60 PUBLIC ACCESS COURSES RESULTS AND RANKINGS COMING UP IN WORLD GOLF