The most difficult test of golf’s four majors – the US Open – heads to America’s Pacific Northwest for the first time this month and we talk to two of the main contenders for the trophy, Rickie Fowler and Jason Day. PLUS, World No.6 Justin Rose shows how to hit longer drives and we reveal the 40 Best Par-4s in Australia!
2015 U.S OPEN PREVIEW
MAJOR CHAMP IN WAITING
Past major champions have no doubt; Jason Day will win one of golf’s Grand Slam tournaments … it’s just a matter of time, writes Ben Everill.
SILENCING HIS CRITICS
Labelled as overrated by his Tour peers, Rickie Fowler put them back in his place in winning the Players Championship. Now he has eyes on the US Open, writes James Henderson.
SECRET CHAMBERS
The US Open makes its debut in America’s Pacific Northwest and it will be a baptism of fire for an already controversial Chambers Bay course, reports Paul Prendergast.
STRATEGIC PLANS
GROWING THE GAME
Rod Morri examines the action plans being implemented across Australia to grow the game and get more people – young and old – playing golf.
BIOMECHANICS
PUSH, PULL OR CARRY
When it comes to getting your clubs around the course, what’s the best and easiest way to do it without hurting your body? Dr Josh Nelson reports, plus, we showcase the buggies to look at.
TRAVEL & COURSES
COURSE REVIEW: THE VINES RESORT & CC
Pairing scintillating holes with a captivating setting, The Vines offers 36 holes of quintessentially West Australian golf with a rich tournament history, writes Steve Keipert.
FAB 4s
We asked some of our Australia’s Top-100 Courses judging panel to cast their votes on the best par-4s in Australia, and these are some of the gems they came up with.
SCOTLAND – BE BRAVE
Touring the country that gave us golf is more than just a lesson in the roots of our sport, it’s an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of champions, writes Steve Keipert.
72 HOURS IN … BARWON HEADS
There’s no need to upheave your entire life to sample the best attributes of this stunning slice of Coastal Victoria, but after visiting the region you might just want to.
GOLFING GETAWAYS
This month: Mornington’s Classic event, luxury Bintan Island holidays and Presidents Cup tours. Plus, we put the Top-100 spotlight on Federal Golf Club in Canberra.
CLUB OF THE MONTH: PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB
Members at this conveniently located Sydney club enjoy benefits that extend far beyond just access to a quality course.
INSTRUCTION
TOUR TIP: RICKIE FOWLER – THE BEST PRE-GAME PUTTING ROUTINE
You can get improved results on the course by simply preparing yourself better before you hit off, especially on the greens.
JUSTIN ROSE: GET READY TO RIP IT!
Forget one-piece takeaways and swing plane. World No.6 Justin Rose explains how to bomb drives.
BALL-STRIKING: FOUR KEYS TO CONSISTENCY
Minimise your misses by staying neutral from set-up to impact, teaching pro Adrian Fryer shows you how.
PGA LESSONS: SHANKS … THE CAUSES & THE FIXES
PGA teaching professional Christian Small shows how to get rid of the dreaded shank.
EQUIPMENT
CLUB TEST: MIZUNO MP-H5 IRONS
Our testers loved the look of these irons, which included a 1- and 2-iron. Check out what our testers thought of their performance.
CLUB TEST: TAYLORMADE AEROBURNER FAIRWAY WOODS
Can these fairway woods add metres and accuracy to our testers’ games? See what they had to say after the test.
PRO SHOP
We showcase new gear including Callaway’s new wedges, a GPS watch from Garmin and laser technology from Bushnell, as well as several buggies coming onto the market.
TEEING OFF: BRENDAN JAMES
INSIDE THE ROPES: MIKE CLAYTON
AROUND THE TRAPS: THE SHARK’S OPEN ABSENCE
HUGGAN’S ALLEY: JOHH HUGGAN
IN MY OPINION: GEOFF OGILVY
THE WANDERING GOLFER: BRENDAN MOLONEY
SUBSCRIPTION OFFER: WIN A TRIP FOR TWO TO THE 2015 FIJI INTERNATIONAL, WORTH $6,000
WINNER’S CIRCLE: RICKIE FOWLER
