COVER STORY

WHAT ADAM SCOTT’S VICTORY REALLY MEANS FOR AUSTRALIAN GOLF

It has been lauded as one of the greatest moments in Australian sport. Brendan James looks at what effect it will have on Scott’s career as well as the growth of the game in Australia.

INSPIRATION OF A NATION

With a major already under our national belt in 2013, can the return of the US Open to Merion inspire another Australian victory?

Steve Keipert ponders the question and looks at the chances.

IS TIGER’S NUMBER UP?

Five years have elapsed since Tiger Woods’ last major victory. Can the world No.1 grab his 15th major title at Merion? Rod Morri crunches the numbers in search of answers.

THE PERFECT ROUND

The last time the US Open was played at Merion, an Australian came away the victor. It is 32 years since David Graham became the first Aussie to win the championship and he did it with a perfect final round, Brendan James writes.

FEATURES

SHARK’s BITE: GREG NORMAN

Former world No.1 Greg Norman has joined the editorial team at Golf Australia. In this, his first column, he talks about his involvement with Chinese golf and the emergence of the game there, as well as answering some questions from readers.

TRAVEL & COURSES

COURSE REVIEW: PACIFIC DUNES GC

This jewel on the northern edge of Newcastle earned a reputation for its demanding design and consistently fine conditioning as soon as it opened for play. Eight years later and that image hasn’t changed, writes Steve Keipert.

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLAYING GOLF ON THE GOLD COAST

Queensland’s Gold Coast has been one of Australia’s leading golf destinations for more than two decades. Steve Keipert and Brendan James look at all the courses on the coast and provide an insight on the best places to play, where to stay and how to get there.

ROAD TRIP: TOOWOOMBA GOLF CLUB

Toowoomba’s ‘Middle Range’ course has a rich history based around a fine layout. But, as Brendan James reports, the course is set to get even better with plans to upgrade many of its holes.

GOLFING GETAWAYS

This month: Get in early to stay at the new-look Portsea GC; touring Vietnam; global golf escapes, golf tours for vets. Plus, we shine the Top-100 spotlight on Queenland’s North Lakes Golf Club.

EQUIPMENT

CLUB TEST #1:TAYLORMADE ROCKETBALLZ : STAGE 2 HYBRIDS

Our testers were keen to see what all the fuss is about and see how good these hybrids really are.

CLUB TEST #2:NIKE VR_S COVERT HYBRIDS

Our testers were impressed by the look and feel of these new cavity-back hybrids. See how they performed beyond the address position.

PRO SHOP

With winter approaching, check out the latest warm apparel from Sporte Leisure, J.Lindeberg and Mizuno. There’s also new clubs, from Titleist and TaylorMade as well as buggies from MGI and Motocaddy.

INSTRUCTION

FEET TOGETHER FOR GOOD BALANCE

A balanced swing should be the goal of every golfer. Here’s a drill that will help you improve your balance and your ball-striking.

BYE BYE SLICE

It’s weak, nasty and robs us of better scores. Send your slice packing for good, by Gareth Johnston.

FIND YOUR TEMPO MID ROUND

Golf Australia contributing pro Lorien Scott shows how to recapture your tempo and improve your ball-striking when you start to ‘lose your swing’ during a round.

THE REAL SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

Golf Australia contributing pro Charles Kares says some golfers get confused about how their swing works and their sequence of movements suffers as a result. Here, he offers an easy solution.

REGULARS

TEEING OFF: BRENDAN JAMES

IN MY OPINION: GEOFF OGILVY

AROUND THE TRAPS

INSIDE THE ROPES: MIKE CLAYTON

HUGGAN’S ALLEY: JOHN HUGGAN

WANDERING GOLFER: BRENDAN MOLONEY

GOLFOPOLY: JEFF CENTENERA

SUBSCRIPTION OFFER: WIN A STATE-OF-THE-ART HOME THEATRE SYSTEM WORTH MORE THAN $9,000

RESULTS AND RANKINGS

WINNER’S CIRCLE: ADAM SCOTT