Slice Proof Swing Tony Finau Take the Flagstick Out! Hot List Golf Balls

Home , 2013 Qatar Open, 2017 Presidents Cup, 2019 Presidents Cup, Aditi Ashok, Akshay Bhatia, ANA Inspiration

VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 MAY 2019 `150

THINK YOUNG | PLAY HARD PUBLISHED BY

SLICE PROOF SWING TONY FINAU TAKE THE FLAGSTICK OUT! HOT LIST GOLF BALLS

TIGER’S SPECIAL HERO TRIUMPH INDIAN GREATEST COMEBACK STORY OPEN Exclusive Official Media Partner RNI NO. HARENG/2016/66983 NO. RNI

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how to play. what to play. where to play. Contents 05/19 l ArgentinA l AustrAliA l Chile l ChinA l CzeCh republiC l FinlAnd l FrAnCe l hong Kong l IndIa l indonesiA l irelAnd l KoreA l MAlAysiA l MexiCo l Middle eAst l portugAl l russiA l south AFriCA l spAin l sweden l tAiwAn l thAilAnd l usA

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India Digest Newsmakers 70 18 Ajeetesh Sandhu second in Bangladesh 20 Strong Show By Indians At Qatar Senior Open 50 Chinese Golf On The Rise And Yes Don’t Forget The 22 Celebration of Women’s Golf Day on June 4 Coconuts 54 Els names Choi, 24 Indian Juniors Bring Immelman, Weir as Laurels in Thailand captain’s assistants for 2019 Presidents Cup 26 Club Round-Up Updates from courses across India Features 28 Business Of Golf Industry Updates 56 Spieth’s Nip-Spinner How to get up and down the spicy way. 30 Tournament Report 82 Take the Flagstick Out! Hero Indian Open 2019 by jordan spieth Play Your Best We tested it: Here’s why putting with the pin in hurts more than it helps. Corporate Digest 60 Leadbetter’s Laser Irons 75 One Golfer, Three Drives Make greens in regulation Add some variety to by tom mase, ph.d. 36 MercedesTrophy a regular thing. your game off the tee. by david leadbetter by nelly korda 42 Lifestyle 84 Hot List: Golf Balls We evaluated 65 entries 100 18 Holes 64 Thinking Big swing sequence across three categories. Prithvi Reddy, CEO, PGA of America CEO 78 Keith Mitchell These are the best balls Vooty Golf County Seth Waugh on golf, Giving new meaning at every price. business, new ideas to the term power fade by mike stachura

44 Asian Tour and the NJA Rule. and e. michael johnson Scott Hend Continues To with guy yocom 80 Tee to Green Lead International Success Master every lie 88 The View from Pebble 70 Slice-Proof Swing and hit better chips. A loop with a boyhood hero. Here’s my new move by butch harmon by jim nantz and how it can help you. by tony finau 81 The Leading Edge 89 Undercover Tour Pro cover story Flush your fairway woods. Economics 101 46 Tiger of the Masters, by michael breed for hiring club caddies. completes 15 major titles with max adler

10 golf digest india | may 2019 Cover photograph courtesy European Tour Toro AD.indd 11 4/23/2019 4:46:43 PM Editor’sDear Golfers, Letter he Hero Indian Open came down GOLF DIGEST USA EDITORIAL to a nail-biting finish and the DLF ChAirMAn & eDitor-in-ChieF Jerry Tarde course justified its nickname “Beast exeCutive eDitor Mike O’Malley of the East” as perhaps for the first CreAtive DireCtor Ken DeLago time in the history of the European MAnAGinG eDitor Alan P. Pittman TTour, the eventual winner and 4th place finisher Deputy eDitor Max Adler both had quadruple-bogey 8’s during the final round!! Can anyone remember the last time that ARTICLES eDitoriAl DevelopMent DireCtor happened on a professional tour? Craig Bestrom The big event every April is the annual India Golf senior eDitor Ron Kaspriske senior writers Bureau & Turf Expo, now in its 8th Annual Edition. This Jaime Diaz, Dave Kindred, Tim Rosaforte, two-day conference and Expo brings national Ron Sirak, Guy Yocom golf bodies and around 60 golf clubs onto one AssoCiAte eDitor Stephen Hennessey platform to exchange ideas and chalk out the Write to me at [email protected] AssistAnt eDitor Brittany Romano future path for growing the game in India. The or on Twitter @RishiNarain_ eDitor-At-lArGe Nick Seitz writer-At-lArGe Dan Jenkins show addresses various facets of golf and how it ContributinG eDitors Dave Anderson, can contribute to the country’s economy – Golf Tourism that is a multi-billion dollar global Peter Andrews, Tom Callahan, Bob Carney, business; adding value to real – estate projects; catalysing high-quality urban development; Marcia Chambers, David Fay, John Feinstein, attracting investments in plants and offices by enhancing lifestyles of senior executives; Peter Finch, Thomas L. Friedman, improving air quality and environment; replenishing the water table through rain-water Lisa Furlong, Matthew M. Ginella, John Huggan, Dean Knuth, David Owen, harvesting and usage of sewage treated water and of course improvement of health of those Steve Rushin, Dave Shedloski, who play the game. Golf needs to be seen as an important business generator and not just Roger Schiffman, Geoff Shackelford an old man’s pass time. The show hopes to change the image of the sport in the eyes of the public and authorities. You can read all about it in the next issue of the magazine. INSTRUCTION senior eDitor Peter Morrice The warm weather is here so time to travel to our hill station courses as well as cooler senior writer Matthew Rudy foreign locales. We will bring you information on those also over the course of the summer. plAyinG eDitors / pGA tour Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, However longer days means you can get in 9 holes or some range time before or after Rickie Fowler, Justin Leonard, Phil Mickelson, working hours, so it’s a perfect time to drop that handicap incorporating tips from our Nick Price, Jordan Spieth, David Toms swing gurus. plAyinG eDitors / lpGA tour Paula Creamer Happy Golfing! teAChinG proFessionAls Rob Akins, Todd Anderson, Chuck Cook, Sean Foley, Hank Haney, Butch Harmon, Hank Johnson, David Leadbetter, Jack Lumpkin, Rishi Narain Jim McLean, Tom Ness, Renee Powell, Dean Reinmuth, Randy Smith, Rick Smith, Dave Stockton, Josh Zander proFessionAl ADvisors Amy Alcott, Dr. Bill Mallon, Gary McCord, Randy Myers, TEAM GOLF DIGEST INDIA Judy Rankin, Lucius Riccio, Ph.D., Dr. Bob Rotella, Ben Shear, Ralph Simpson, GOLF DIGEST INTERNATIONAL Editor & Publisher Frank Thomas, Stan Utley Rishi Narain EDITIONS AND EDITORS-IN-CHIEF GD ArGentinA Hernán SimÓ, Jorge R. Arias EQUIPMENT Sr. Content Executive Sales & Marketing AustrAliAn GD Brad Clifton Amit Pandey Nikhil Narain, +91-9999990364 GD Chile Rodrigo Soto senior eDitor Mike Stachura GD ChinA Echo Ma [email protected] [email protected] equipMent eDitor E. Michael Johnson GD CzeCh republiC Robin Drahonovsky AssistAnt eDitor Keely Levins GD FinlAnD Sami Markkanen Krishna Kant Dubey teChniCAl pAnel John Axe, Ph.D.; Art Director GD FrAnCe Henry Trouillet [email protected] Guneet Singh Oberoi GD honG KonG Echo Ma Martin Brouillette, Ph.D.; Thomas E. Lacy GD inDonesiA Irwan Hermawan Jr., Ph.D.; David Lee, Ph.D.; John McPhee, Subscription GD inDiA Rishi Narain Ph.D.; Dick Rugge; George Springer, Ph.D. Monika Chhabra, Gautam Chhabra GD irelAnD Linton Walsh [email protected] GD KoreA Eun Jeong “EJ” Sohn GOLF COURSES +91-9999868051 GD MAlAysiA Patrick Ho GD MexiCo Rafa Quiroz senior eDitor / ArChiteCture Ron Whitten GD MiDDle eAst Robbie Greenfield ContributinG eDitor Topsy Siderowf Published and Printed by Rishi Narain on behalf of Rishi Narain Golf GD portuGAl João Morais Leitão Management Private Limited and Printed at Thomson Press India GD russiA Fedor Gogolev GOLF DIGEST INTERNATIONAL GROUP Limited, 18-35 Mile Stone, Delhi-Mathura Road, Faridabad-121 GD south AFriCA Stuart McLean senior DireCtor, internAtionAl 007, Haryana and published from 501, Sushant Tower, Sector - 56, GD spAin Óscar Maqueda DevelopMent & strAteGy Gurgaon - 122101, Haryana. Phone Number - 0124-2841370, 1371, GD sweDen Oskar Åsgård 1372. Editor: Rishi Narain. Contains material reprinted by permission GD tAiwAn Jennifer Wei Angela Byun from Golf Digest® and Golf World®. Golf Digest India is a monthly GD thAilAnD Chumphol Na Takuathung ContributinG eDitor, internAtionAl publication of Rishi Narain Golf Management Private Limited. GD usA Jerry Tarde Ju Kuang Tan

12 golf digest india | may 2019

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JACK NICKLAUS Regarded as the greatest player of all time Winner of a record 18 GRAND SLAMS

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14 golf digest india | may 2019

Editor page.indd 14 4/23/2019 7:43:57 PM Hero AD.indd 15 4/23/2019 4:48:14 PM The Buzz What’s Trending

# @GolfDigestIndia Tiger Woods fifth win at Augusta National set Twitter on fire with the biggest sports icons like Michael Jordan & others sharing their emotions with the world

@golfdigest.india @golfdigest.india Masters Club Dinner We felt creative and Mr Pawan worked on an Indian Munjal, menu to be served MD HERO MOTO CORP at Augusta National LIMITED(L) WITH in future, who knows STEPHEN GALLAGHER when we might have an THE HERO INDIAN Indian winner there? OPEN 2019 WINNER @ JulianSuri1 TALKED ABOUT HIS ROUND AND HIS PREPARATIONS FOR THE FINALE AT HERO INDIAN OPEN

@IndiaGolfDigest Seve Ballesteros, the Spaniard, won five majors (The Masters - ‘80, 83 and The Open - ‘79, 84, 88) in his lifetime and would have turned 62 on April 9

16 golf digest india | may 2019 Vooty AD.indd 17 4/23/2019 4:48:46 PM Newsmakers Newsmakers

Kaul Wins His Maiden Pro Title GOOD TIMES 18-year-old Kshitij Naveed Kaul from Farid- PLAYER UPDATES abad tasted his maiden professional golf title, making him the third youngest winner on the PGTI Tour. Playing only his ninth event as a professional, he shot a final round of four-under-67 that helped him register a one-shot victory at the Pune Open Golf Championship 2019. sandhu second Kaul’s (69-67-66-67) triumph at the Poona in bangladesh Club Golf Course saw him close the week with World No. 266 and fourth-ranked a total of 15-under-269, making him the third- Indian, Ajeetesh Sandhu recently youngest winner on the TATA Steel PGTI after finished solo-second at the $350,000 Karandeep Kochhar and Shubhankar Sharma, Bangabandhu Cup Golf Open (April both of whom won as 17-year-olds. 4-7) held at Kurmitola Golf Club in In February, Kaul became the youngest Dhaka, Bangladesh. His solo-second Indian golfer to earn world-ranking points on came after his four rounds of 70, the Indian tour with a solo fifth position at the Ernie joins Puma 66, 65 and 65. There was even a Players Championship. South African legend and four-time major moment which felt like he would champion, 49-year-old Ernie Els announced make his second Asian Tour title a his multi-year association with Puma Golf on possibility; he was leading the field Twitter. Other players who sport Puma apparels until the 16th hole, but lost his way and shoes on different tours are Blair O’Neal, with a bogey on the 17th, costing igu’s all india seniors in bengaluru Bryson DeChambeau, Lexi Thomson and India’s apex amateur golf regulating body, Indian Golf Union (IGU) has announced July him the opportunity. Rickie Fowler. 22-26 as the final dates and Eagleton Golf Resort in Bengaluru as the tournament venue His previous best of T-3 came for the All India Seniors & Mid-Amateur Golf Championship. at the $4,00,000 Panasonic Open The last edition saw Gangesh Khaitan and Rishi Narain tied for the lead, which in 2018 and two T-2 finishes came later went into a playoff where the latter emerged as the winner of the Senior Amateur back-to-back in 2017 at the Macao Championship. Mr. Narain will certainly be eager to defend his title in Bengaluru. The top Open and Panasonic Open. His six players will get to represent India at the Annual Asia Pacific Senior Championship to tournament earnings of $38,500 be played later this year. propelled him to the 10th rank on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. He said, “I’m honestly a bit disappointed with the finish but very happy with team and Individual silvers at world how I played and the way my game GOLFTV signs Molinari is feeling now. To go 62 holes bogey- games Ankush Saha from Bengaluru, Ranveer Singh Saini & Monica Jajoo from New Delhi 36-year-old Italian golfer and reigning Open free was pretty amazing.” represented India, in individual and team events respectively. The trio played four rounds Champion, World No.7 Francesco Molinari has of 18 holes individual and team play over four consecutive days at the Yas Links Golf joined GOLFTV to produce a range of exclusive Course for the World Games 2019 in Abu Dhabi. content for the live and on-demand video Among the 150 golfers with intellectual disabilities, Ankush Saha stood out as a streaming service. As part of the arrangement, competitor and went on to win individual Silver medal for India. Previously, in 2014 he the Ryder Cup star will sport the GOLFTV logo won the second level at the Special Olympics Golf Masters in Macao, China. on his staff bag at all tournaments. khadka defends While in team event, Ranveer- Monica duo kept their place on top of the leaderboard AVT SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP DATES ANNOUNCED for three consecutive days. The final round was played between India, USA, Norway, and eastern india title After a successful inaugural AVT Senior Championship Tournament at Denmark in the top four positions, with Hong Kong, Guatemala, Macau trailing behind. Jaipur’s Girraj Singh Khadka successfully defended Jack Nicklaus-designed Classic Golf and Country Club in March, the At the 18th hole, India finished second, beating Norway and Denmark. The duo his Eastern India Amateur Golf Championship (Match- second leg of the series will be held at Eagleton Golf Resort, Bengaluru clinched the silver medal in a nail-biting finish Play) title, with a 6&4 win over Maharashtra’s Rohan on June 3-4. With this medal at the World Games, Ranveer and Monica have reached a total of two Dhole Patil, where 86 amateur golfers from across The tournament is open to all golfers above the age of 50 and is medals for the nation in two consecutive World Games, i.e., Gold at the World Games India participated. to be played in four different age categories, i.e., 50-54 years, 55-59 2015 in Los Angeles and Silver at the World Games 2019 Abu Dhabi. The Eastern India Amateur Golf Championship is years, 60-64 years, and 65 years and the above. The event this time is one of the world’s oldest golf tournaments dating expected to see over 150 senior golfers participate in Bengaluru. back to the 1890s. The event, originally introduced To Register go to - https://www.rnsportsmarketing.com/events/avt/ by Royal Calcutta Golf Club, has been conducted by The Indian Golf Union since the 1960s. In the finals held on April 14th, Day and Night golf in Dubai Khakda faced Maharashtra’s After introducing a mixed golf format, the Rohan Dhole Patil after Ladies European Tour has announced the defeating Basavaraju first ever day and night professional golf GN by 3&2 in semifinals. tournament, the $285,000 “Omega Dubai Khadka entered the final Moonlight Classic” to be played from May round taking his confidence 1-3 at Emirates Golf Club, a Nick Faldo from the previous year’s designed course. win and used the form to his benefit to defeat Patil.

18 golf digest india | may 2019 may 2019 | golf digest india 19 Newsmakers Newsmakers

18 golf digest india | may 2019 may 2019 | golf digest india 19 Newsmakers

Strong Show By Indians At Qatar Senior Open

L-R: Salim Kutty, Ankur Prakash, Manav Prakash, Deepak Gupta, Vijay Kumar, Fazal Kazi, Gangesh Khaitan, Rishi Narain and Sanjay Kolhatkar

he third edition of Qatar Senior Notable Indian Performances – Open, a two-day (Apri12-13)36- Position Name Total Score Thole stroke-play tournament saw participation from over 120 golfers. 3 Rishi Narain 149 The tournament played at Doha Golf 4 Ankur Prakash 151 Club saw Rishi Narain post successive rounds of 74 and 75, for a total score of T-12 Vijay Kumar 156 149 to finish solo third and was closely 21 Sanjay Kolhatkar 165 followed by Ankur Prakash (151) to stand fourth on the leaderboard. Last year’s second runner-up, Sweden’s Claes Byberg (143) was declared winner and Lebanon’s Rashid Akl (146) the runner- up. Kapil Dev, last year’s runner-up was unable to participate this time. Rishi Narain, Founder, RN Sports Marketing is the current AVT Senior Champion and reigning IGU’s All Rishi Narain (L) stood third overall India Senior Amateur Champion and with this performance, he surely is one of the favorites to retain his title at the upcoming All India Senior Championship, scheduled in July at Eagleton Golf Resort, Bengaluru. The tournament, open to golfers above the age of 50 saw the Indian contingent represented by Gangesh Khaitan, Ankur Prakash, Manav Prakash, Vijay Kumar, Rishi Narain, Mehul Rastogi and Sanjay Kolhatkar. Fahad bin Nasser Al Naimi, General Secretary of the Qatar Golf Association crowned the winners and said “Qatar Senior Open sponsored by Ammico is unique, and has a very good reputation among golf championships in the region.”

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Women’s Golf JIN YOUNG KO WINS ANA INSPIRATION 23-year-old South Korean professional golfer Jin Young Ko claimed her first major win at the $3,000,000 ANA Inspiration, one of five women’s majors held at Mission Hills Country Club, California between April 4-7. She played four days of quality golf to win with three- strokes over Mi Hyang Lee, her closest competitor. With a 70 on the final day, Ko became the 15th different Korean to win an LPGA major since Se Ri Pak broke through in 1998 with the KPMG Women’s PGA and the US Women’s Open. “I won the tournament, and that’s a happy moment,” Ko said through tears of joy. “I thank God, I thank my parents, I thank my grandparents. It is an honour for me to join so many great Korean players. I’m honoured to be here.” The defending champion, Pernilla Lindberg from Sweden, was unable to make the cut. The tournament, founded in 1972 by Colgate-Palmolive chairman David Foster, was classified as a major in 1983 and since then Annika Sorenstam holds the record of successfully defending her title in 2002, after winning it in 2001. Before the tournament turned major, Sandra Post held the record with back-to-back wins in 1978 and 1979.

jennifer kupcho makes history at augusta 21-year-old Colorado girl Jennifer Kupcho, a Wake Forest senior and the top-ranked amateur in the world, created history on April 6 after winning the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship, a tournament announced in September 2018. The tournament invited the top-72 amateurs from over 15 countries including Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Italy, Thailand, and the United States, to compete in a three-day event from April 4-6. Kupcho shot a total score of 10-under over four days, to win it four shot clear from Maria Fassi, her final round partner. While she was minutes away from winning, she suffered a migraine attack, making her unable to see for three holes and yielded her wire-to-wire lead before catching fire on the famous second nine with an eagle and two birdies in a four-hole stretch that Women’s Golf Day (WGD) will return for its took her from two down to two up. She buried a 30-foot birdie putt on the fourth year on June 4 in what promises to be last hole to elicit an appreciative roar from the patrons and become the first the largest single-day celebration of women’s female champion at Augusta National. golf the world has ever seen. Having entered “I really think we’re going to start something great in women’s golf,” into a new partnership with the ANNIKA said Kupcho after Foundation, the charitable foundation of receiving her Tiffany women’s golf legend Annika Sorenstam, WGD trophy. “It’s been will reach further than ever before in helping an experience of a to support young women players around the lifetime, and I’m glad world for years to come. I have it.” Women’s Golf Day is a one-day, four-hour For women to global experience for women and girls. It is play and experience a celebration of women and girls learning the exclusive golf skills that last a lifetime and aims to Masters Tournament enable them to become part of a larger global destination for three community. days must have been Over the past three years WGD events have a great feeling, and been held at over 900 venues in 52 countries we cannot wait to and have delivered a golf experience to more see more from them than 50,000 women and girls. Preparations for next year. WGD 2019 are well underway and the initial response from both host venues and potential participants has been unprecedented.

22 golf digest india | may 2019 The Series Winner Gets 1 Apartment in

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Prestige AD.indd 23 4/23/2019 4:49:58 PM Newsmakers

Junior Golf THAILAND Juniors Bring Laurels A total of 34 junior golfers, aged between 9- 18 years from across the country made up the Indian contingent for the 18th True Vision International Jr Golf Championship, 2019 in Thailand. The four day team and individual tournament ran from April 9-12, and is recognised by R&A for WAGR and by Junior Score Board, USA. The tournament saw participation from over 180 junior golfers from 19 countries including Canada, China, Finland, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Norway, Taiwan, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, England, United States, Vietnam ,and Thailand. A total of over 10 individual and team trophies were won by our juniors at the tournament played in a stroke-play 72 holes (Categories A&B) and 54 holes (Categories C&D) at Siam Golf & CC (Waterside), Chonburi, Pattaya. Notable performances came from 13-year-old Hitaashee Bakshi who shot rounds of 81, 74, 75 and 75 to finish runner-up in Category B and 16-year-old Shreya Pal from Hyderabad, who lost in a playoff to finish runner-up in her Category A as an individual, and was awarded the winner’s trophy (as the winner was given out the Overall Best Girl Trophy). Out of the nine who made the cut, seven stood in Top-10’s scross their respective categories. Indian girls and boys were divided into two different teams of A/B and C/D consisting of four players each (2 boys and 2 girls each) and returned with a runner-up and a second runner-up trophies.

Runner-Up trophy in team championship (13 to 18 Yrs) Albatross India team: (L-R) 2nd Runner-Up trophy in team championship (9-12 Yrs) Albatross India team: (L-R) Prof. Irawan, Secretary & Committee member TJGF, Asmitha Satish, Hitaashee Bakshi, Kanishka Prarthana Khanna, Lavanya Gupta, Prof. Irawan, Secretary & Committee member TJGF, Lunkad, Jahanvi Bakshi & Col (Retd.) Rakesh Chadha (team Manager) from Albatross India Col (Retd.) Rakesh Chadha, Zara Anand & Arshvant Srivastava

USA USA AKSHAY BHATIA FINISHES SAHISH REDDY WINS DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT AT AUGUSTA Making his second consecutive appearance T-42 ON WEB.COM TOUR at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, 10-year-old Georgia native Sahish Reddy 17-year-old World No.1 Junior golfer Akshay came prepared and ready to capitalise on his Bhatia entered the Monday qualifiers for the experience from a year ago. After a second- Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Championship, place finish in the drive discipline, a solid score an inaugural event on the Web.com Tour in the chip discipline kept him in contention. to play only in his second professional On Augusta National’s 18th green, Reddy tournament, where he successfully sailed calmly holed a 30-foot putt to carry him to past the cut-line to finish T-42 with successive a one-point victory over Patmon Malcolm rounds of 73, 70, 74 & 70 at 1-under 287. in the under Boys 10-11 age category. When Previously, he made into the news for asked about his favourite moment, Reddy said, receiving a sponsor exemption for the Valspar “Probably making the first 30-foot putt. I am Championship(Mar 21-24), where he was always going to remember that. I worked hard Sahish Reddy receives his prize from unable to make the cut after falling short by to come here and just putting on that green is the 2013 Masters Champion Adam Scott two strokes with a score of +4 over two days. such an accomplishment, so I feel great.” The Walker Cup hopeful has previously stated The tournament saw participation from over 6000 junior girls and boys in 290 local on record his desire to forego college and turn qualifiers at courses across all 50 states and finally the 80 qualifiers made the trip to professional upon turning 18. Augusta National for the 2019 Drive Chip and Putt competition. Registrations for the 2020 competition are open and extended to 313 local sites as the local qualifiers starting May 4.

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Upgame AD.indd 25 4/23/2019 4:50:31 PM Across The Country Across The Country

HYDERABAD Vooty Golf County supports Mane Vooty Golf County, located in Vikarabad, Hyderabad CLUB ROUND-UPTo share news on your club or updates from across the country, please email [email protected] announced its support to 28-year-old Udayan Mane from Pune, who recently clinched his sixth PGTI Tour title in February 2019 at the Players Championship, held at Classic NOIDA Golf and Country Club. Now, Mane will be calling Vooty Golf Captains Day Tournament County his home club. The Noida Golf Course hosted a Captains Day Tournament on April 3 which saw participation from over 20 lady members playing in a On the occasion, Udayan Mane said, “I feel extremely stable ford format. The tournament concluded with a fun evening which included music, dance and prize distribution. honoured to be identified by Vooty Golf County. It is one of the most dedicated(equipped with all the facilities required for a golfer to practice well) golf courses with world-class facilities and teeing there has always been fun. I thank Vooty Golf County for this beautiful opportunity.”

MUMBAI Team King of Swings wins Mumbai Golf League The inaugural Mumbai Golf League saw occupied the third and fourth positions points which led to a play-off on the 1st partcipation from eight teams with over with 12 points followed by Golfing Aryans and 18th Hole between Aditya Sachdev DELHI GURUGRAM 200 golf enthusiasts. The teams played and Mumbai United with 11 points each. (Evergreen Golfers) and Amit Nigam three days of competitive golf from March The second day of the MGL again saw (Mumbai United). The play-off was won by CIRC Championship IJGA Albatross Golf Academy India 29-31 at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club the Ninjas take the lead in Pool B. The Evergreen Golfers, thus making Evergreen The 5th Annual Golf Tournament was held at Delhi Golf IJGA, the fastest growing junior golf boarding program in the (BPGC) for the coveted trophy. Ninjas took their position with 32 points, Golfers qualify from Pool B for the finals, Club on 28 March 2019 to celebrate the 12th anniversary of United States, has in joint venture with Albatross, India, opened The tournament was won King of Swings and trailing behind were the King of played on March 31. the foundation of The Centre for International Relations a Fully integrated Residential Golf Academy - IJGA Albatross Golf with 13 points, followed closely by the Swings in Pool A with 26 points. The final day gathered huge cheer for and Community Well-being (CIRC). Over 40 members of the Academy India at Karma Lakelands Golf Resort, Gurugram. The team Ninjas. Swinging Samurais were at the third all the players on the course and the final organisations participated on the day of tournament and Academy shall be offering an exceptional golf training, character In the first round of the Mumbai Golf position by only a difference of one point round of the tournament ended with the discussed the possible community welfare projects and social development and scholastic experience to junior golfers. League (MGL) the Ninjas took the lead with from Pool A. team King of Swings winning it with 13 activism avenues for potential sponsors and donors. Andrews Summer, CEO IJGA, was glad to share that, ‘IJGA 16 points, and Swinging Samurais trailed There was a tie between Evergreen points on the board. – Albatross partnership “would become stronger with this behind by only a point. King of Swings Golfers and Mumbai United with 22 relationship. Summers, feels pride in contributing to the growth of Indian golf as many Indian Students are presently studying and training at IJGA and many have graduated earlier in past years. Student-athletes will attend Bal Bharati School Manesar. In the future the Academy shall set up an arrangement with Heritage School, Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA for online schooling. The Academy opens for summer camps on May 1 and Residential programme starts July 1, 2019.

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Club News.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 6:08:12 PM Across The Country Across The Country

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Club News.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 6:08:12 PM Business of Golf India To Host Asia Pacific Golf Summit Golf Tour Operator Sales Continuing to Grow Worldwide golf tour operator sales notched up a seventh consecutive year of growth in 2018, according to the latest Golf Tourism Report by global golf tourism industry association IAGTO. Golf tour operators saw sales surge in late 2018, with strong forward bookings continuing at the start of 2019. However, the report also noted that the rate of growth in golf visitor arrivals The Asia Pacific Golf Summit (APGS), the THE THEME FOR APGS 2019 WILL BE CENTRED AROUND “A globally is slowing down, in longest running golf business conference in line with IAGTO forecasts. the Asia Pacific region, will be staged at the 5G – MINDSET FOR GOLF’S FUTURE”. IT IS ANALOGOUS 2018 was another strong prestigious DLF Golf Club in Gurgaon in the TO THE MIND-NUMBING DISRUPTIVE CHANGES THAT THE year for golf tour operator month of November 2019. sales globally with an “This is the first time that the Summit is MUCH AWAITED 5G TECHNOLOGY IS GOING TO BRING average growth of 8.6% year headed to the Indian subcontinent and it on year, similar to the 8.8% makes good sense to have India as the host TO THE WORLD. WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE TELCO growth reported in 2017. nation because it marks a historic milestone, INDUSTRY SETS THE STAGE ON WHY AND HOW THE GOLF 2017. According to Peter especially when you consider the fact that golf Walton, IAGTO’s Chief was introduced to the country in 1829 with the INDUSTRY NEEDS TO ADAPT AND COPE WITH THE HYPER Executive Officer, golf tour establishment of the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, operator sales may often the oldest golf club outside Britain,” said Mike CHANGE THAT IS LOOMING! grow at a different rate Sebastian, Chief Executive Officer and the class professional players like Anirban Lahiri, than supplier golf visitor owner and producer of the Summit. Shubhankar Sharma, and Aditi Ashok, who ply arrivals. This is because tour The staging of APGS 2019 will mark the their game on the world’s toughest professional operator bookings are only thirteenth edition of this annual event. For the tours, namely the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour. one channel of business past twelve years, it has been the go-to business Another factor is that some of India’s golf courses for golf courses and hotels, summit for the golf industry in the region. are now amongst the best in the world, with with direct bookings also One of the key considerations of APGS the DLF Golf Club in Gurgaon being awarded playing a major role in many being brought to India is that India has now the Asia Pacific Order of Zenith — the highest destinations. gained global recognition through world- honour bestowed upon a golf club in the region.

TaylorMade to sell Tiger Woods P-7TW replica irons Throughout his professional He used those prototype irons however, Woods switched to in their soles. career, Tiger Woods has always throughout 2018, and he used the P-7TW prototype irons that The retail P-7TW irons made used prototype irons that have them in his win during the 2018 had TaylorMade’s Milled Grind available to the public will a different design than retail re- TOUR Championship. In 2019, soles, showcased by the ridges match Woods’ prototype P-7TW leases. This is about to change, irons “in every way that really however, because TaylorMade matters,” according to Taylor- is releasing replicas of Tiger Made’s manufacturing engineer Woods’ P-7TW Milled Grind Matt Bovee. This would include irons for the general public. the head shapes, sole grinds, “Consumers have never had sole geometries, offset, bounce, the opportunity to play irons grooves and stampings. like mine...until now,” said Woods prefers a particular Woods in a press release. look for his irons, a look that The P-7TW prototype irons differs from TaylorMade’s other that Woods started using in retail blade irons: the P-730. 2019 are the second version The TaylorMade P-7TW of TaylorMade irons that he’s irons will be available through used since becoming a com- custom order and in select re- pany staffer in 2017. The first tail stores. P-7TW irons (3-PW, TaylorMade irons that Woods right-hand only) will be avail- used were called “TW Phase1.” able from May 1 for $1,999.99.

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Business golf.indd 28 4/23/2019 6:08:42 PM AVT AD.indd 29 4/23/2019 7:04:48 PM Tournament Report Tournament Report the beast of the east takes its toll The story at the 2019 Hero Indian Open was the reputation that the DLF Golf Club is earning globally among tour players and media. “Fearsome”, “Unrelenting”, “Awesome” and “Treacherous” were some of the more polite adjectives used!

BY AMIT PANDEY [email protected]

he statistics didn’t lie either – the past two editions of the tournament earned various ranks. The highest stroke average, highest cut score afterT 36 holes, hardest holes of the year on the European Tour, to name a few. Can anyone remember if the European Tour has ever had a tournament in its history where the eventual winner and 4th place finisher, have each recorded a quadruple bogey during the final round? Well, this happened. Julian Suri, who had dominated the tournament and had built a three-shot lead with five holes to play, found himself 45 feet from the hole, off the left side of the 14th green after his glorious iron shot trick- led off the putting surface. Could he have imagined he would take six more strokes Stephen Gallacher, Hero Indian Open 2019 Champion 30 golf digest india | may 2019 with Dr Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Hero MotoCorp may 2019 | golf digest india 31

Hero Indian Open.indd 30-31 4/23/2019 8:53:14 PM Tournament Report Tournament Report the beast of the east takes its toll The story at the 2019 Hero Indian Open was the reputation that the DLF Golf Club is earning globally among tour players and media. “Fearsome”, “Unrelenting”, “Awesome” and “Treacherous” were some of the more polite adjectives used!

BY AMIT PANDEY [email protected]

Hero Indian Open.indd 30-31 4/23/2019 8:53:14 PM Tournament Report Tournament Report

The lead kept moving backwards on a windy day at DLF Golf and Country Club, but as he stood on the 15th tee, Gallacher still looked like an outside bet, facing one of the toughest closing stretches on the Race to Dubai. The 2014 Ryder Cup star knows a thing or two about performing under pressure, however, and he took advantage of the par five before hitting a stunning approach into the 17th and 18th for closing birdies to claim his first win since 2014. While it was Mother’s Day back in his native Scotland, it was a father and son show in New Delhi; with son, Jack caddying for Gallacher, likely to be a permanent move for the duo. Rashid Khan and S Chikkarangappa finished in a tie for 10th and were the best Indians among the eight who made the cut. Rashid carded two-under 70 and finished at four-under 284, while S Chikkarangappa (74) suffered two doubles but still reg- istered a Top-10. “I managed to keep a Top-10 despite those two bad holes on fifth and 10th, but I am happy with the way my game is going, and I hope to crack through for my maiden win, soon,” said Chikka. Among other Indians, Shubhankar Sharma 25-year-old Japanese, Masahiro Kawamura finished put two balls into the water on eighth to solo-second at -8, a shot behind the winner shoot 75 and ended even par 288 for the week and was Tied-27th. Gaganjeet Bhullar (71) rose to T-39th, SSP Chawrasia (75) was to hole out from there? Perhaps a little 32-year-old Spaniard, Jorge Campillo shot rounds T-45th, Ajeetesh Sandhu (75) was T-54th, more local knowledge would have helped of 70,73,71 & 67 to stand solo third at 7-under 281 while Rahil Gangjee (80) and Gaurav Pratap him be cautious with his chip that rolled Singh (82) were T-69th. past the hole and 30 yards off the other side of the green, into a deep valley! And, TOURNAMENT so the legend of the DLF Golf Club grows! STATISTICS LEADERS: 44-year-old Stephen Gallacher last won on the European Tour in 2014 Driving Accuracy at the Dubai Desert Classic, where Gaganjeet Bhullar (92.9%) he defended the title he won in 2013. Greens In Regulation In 2018, Gallacher played in the final Victor Dubuisson (81.9%) group of the Hero Indian Open along Putts per GIR with Matt Wallace, who won it in a Gavin Green (1.605) playoff against Andrew Johnston. This year, Julian Suri, who dominated the Putts per Round field over three days, looked like a clear Gavin Green (26.8) winner and pulled a massive crowd for himself on the final day. However, Suri MAX NUMBER OF BIRDIES, crumbled on the brutal par-four-14th with PARS AND BOGEY ON HOLES a quadruple-bogey after his approach Indo-American, 28-year-old Julian Suri led the field for Max Birdies Hole #8 (148) finished just left of the green and he even- three days and faltered on Sunday with 77 to finish T-4 tually finished in a tie for 4th. 24-year-old Max Pars Hole #12 (297) Japanese Masahiro Kawamura too was a Max Bogeys Hole#14 (132) serious contender, needing a birdie on the felt great to get this Trophy this time around.” “PHYSICALLY I HAD JUST COME last to force a playoff. Gallacher took home The Scot overcame a major setback after HOLE-IN-ONES a winning cheque of $2,61,000 (`1,81,97,181) a quadruple bogey eight on the seventh BACK FROM A LONG TIME OFF DUE on Mother’s Day with his son on the bag, an hole on Sunday. Gallacher added, “I was Kalle Samooja(FIN) - 178 yards, emotional finish indeed for the Scotsman. pretty calm after that hole (the seventh), TO INJURY AND SURGERY. SINCE Hole No. 12, on Day 4 “It was great to have my son, Jack, on the bag there’s nothing much you can do. To see Om Prakash Chouhan - 190 Yards, and this being Mother’s Day as well makes it that I was only five back gave me a wee bit IT WAS JUST MY SECOND EVENT Hole No.5, On Day 2 even more special,” said Gallacher. “I have of encouragement. “I thought, ‘just hang in always loved coming to India, I love my cur- there’. When I birdied 15, I saw that Julian George Coetzee Daniel Nisbet(Aus) - 222 Yards, BACK, IT WAS MORE A TEST TO (RSA) stood Hole No. 3, on Day 2 ries and to have my son, Jack, on the bag for Suri had come back and then when I got T-6 with his the win was special.” He added, “Last year I to the 16th green I was tied for the lead. SEE WHERE I WAS AT MENTALLY” Callum Shinkwin (ENG) entered the final round total score of played in the final group with Matt Wallace, I just tried to finish as strong as I could, as the co-leader, but managed to finish T-6 5-under 283 Stats powered by and I enjoyed that, and I was seventh, so it and I did that. Thankfully it was enough.” —JULIAN SURI

32 golf digest india | may 2019 may 2019 | golf digest india 33 Tournament Report Tournament Report

Interaction with HIO winner stephen gallacher indian performances at a glance

Chikkarangappa S. from Bengaluru earned 2.07 OWGR points with his T-10 finish, rising to 310 in the world

Gaganjeet Bhullar led the field in Driving Accuracy with 92.93% and stood T-39 at 3-over 291, his best finish here in the past five years

WHAT'S IN MY BAG Rashid Khan(L) and GDI: A big win for you here in India, on Mother's STEPHEN GALLACHER Chikkarangappa S.(R) l Titleist TS3 8.5° driver receiving ‘Best Indians Day with your kid(Jack) on the bag. How were you COMPARED TO THE FIELD Award’ for their T-10 finish feeling just moments after your birdie putt on the l Titleist TS2 15° 3 wood LEADERS 18th and what do you take from here. l Titleist TS2 18° 5 wood My first thought was Driving Accuracy STEPHEN GALLACHER (SG): l Titleist T-MB 3 iron ‘Hopefully that’s enough but get ready in case you Stephen Gallacher (64.3%) need to play-off!’ But once we knew we won it was l Titleist AP2 irons from 4 to wedge Rank 57 an extremely proud moment for the whole fam- l Titleist Vokey 52° wedge Leader - Gaganjeet Bhullar ily. From here it proves that I can still win on The l Titleist Vokey 60° prototype sand wedge Rahil Gangjee European Tour and reinvigorates my hunger to (92.9%) stood T-69 with l Scotty Cameron TSB putter his total score keep achieving. of 13-over 301 30-year-old Ajeetesh Sandhu Driving Distance finished T-54 at 5-over 293 Stephen Gallacher (291 Yards) GDI: What does this win mean to you? GDI: Tell us about your favourite sports other (SG): It obviously means everything to win again than golf. Rank 36 and the insurance policy of my European Tour (SG): I love watching all sports, but my passion is Leader - Callum Shinkwin playing exemption through til the end of season football and if I am not away competing then I try (318.3 Yards) 2021 means I can play with the knowledge that I to go and watch Celtic play whenever I can. I also don’t have to be looking over my shoulder at the enjoy rugby and going along to watch Edinburgh or Greens In Regulation Order of Merit these next 2 ½ years and plan my Glasgow Warriors. Aside from watching live sport, Stephen Gallacher (76.4%) schedule accordingly. I really enjoy walking in the Scottish countryside. Rank 10

GDI: Your inspiration/role model to play golf? GDI: Which Indian cuisine did you like the most Leader - Victor Dubuisson (81.9%) (SG): My uncle Bernard was a big influence and during your week here? Putts Per GIR support when I was an amateur and also when I (SG): Everything! I love Indian food and I had decided to make the transition to the professional curry for lunch & dinner every day. Indian cuisine Stephen Gallacher (1.618) Rank 2 game. He experiences and advice from a long and is something I really look forward to and there is Leader - Gavin Green (1.605) successful career on the European Tour and from nothing I don’t like. I enjoy fairly hot and spicy many appearances in the Ryder Cup as both a dishes, but it is the variety of tastes and textures Putts Per Round player and Team Captain were invaluable. that make Indian cuisine so unique. Stephen Gallacher (28.8) Rank 4 Seve also had a huge impact on me. He was such an inspirational person both on and off the GDI: Will you be coming back to India to defend Leader - Gavin Green (26.8) course and I learnt a lot from watching him and your title, next season? A lot of Indian hopes were on Shubhankar from the many times that I was fortunate to play (SG): Absolutely – I’ll be definitely back next year Two-time winner of the event, SSP Chawrasia stood T-45 at 4-over 292 Sharma, who finished T-27 at level-par with him. to defend the title. Stats powered by

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Hero Indian Open.indd 34-35 4/23/2019 8:54:01 PM Tournament Report Tournament Report

Interaction with HIO winner stephen gallacher indian performances at a glance

Chikkarangappa S. from Bengaluru earned 2.07 OWGR points with his T-10 finish, rising to 310 in the world

Gaganjeet Bhullar led the field in Driving Accuracy with 92.93% and stood T-39 at 3-over 291, his best finish here in the past five years

WHAT'S IN MY BAG Rashid Khan(L) and GDI: A big win for you here in India, on Mother's STEPHEN GALLACHER Chikkarangappa S.(R) l Titleist TS3 8.5° driver receiving ‘Best Indians Day with your kid(Jack) on the bag. How were you COMPARED TO THE FIELD Award’ for their T-10 finish feeling just moments after your birdie putt on the l Titleist TS2 15° 3 wood LEADERS 18th and what do you take from here. l Titleist TS2 18° 5 wood My first thought was Driving Accuracy STEPHEN GALLACHER (SG): l Titleist T-MB 3 iron ‘Hopefully that’s enough but get ready in case you Stephen Gallacher (64.3%) need to play-off!’ But once we knew we won it was l Titleist AP2 irons from 4 to wedge Rank 57 an extremely proud moment for the whole fam- l Titleist Vokey 52° wedge Leader - Gaganjeet Bhullar ily. From here it proves that I can still win on The l Titleist Vokey 60° prototype sand wedge Rahil Gangjee European Tour and reinvigorates my hunger to (92.9%) stood T-69 with l Scotty Cameron TSB putter his total score 30-year-old Ajeetesh Sandhu keep achieving. of 13-over 301 Driving Distance finished T-54 at 5-over 293 Stephen Gallacher (291 Yards) GDI: What does this win mean to you? GDI: Tell us about your favourite sports other (SG): It obviously means everything to win again than golf. Rank 36 and the insurance policy of my European Tour (SG): I love watching all sports, but my passion is Leader - Callum Shinkwin playing exemption through til the end of season football and if I am not away competing then I try (318.3 Yards) 2021 means I can play with the knowledge that I to go and watch Celtic play whenever I can. I also don’t have to be looking over my shoulder at the enjoy rugby and going along to watch Edinburgh or Greens In Regulation Order of Merit these next 2 ½ years and plan my Glasgow Warriors. Aside from watching live sport, Stephen Gallacher (76.4%) schedule accordingly. I really enjoy walking in the Scottish countryside. Rank 10

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Hero Indian Open.indd 34-35 4/23/2019 8:54:01 PM Corporate Digest MercedesTrophy National Final MercedesTrophy National Final Corporate Digest

National Final Schedule MercedesTrophy Sees A Grandeur Season Finale Day 1 3rd April, 2019 Arrival & Welcome Dinner Day 2 4th April, 2019 Mercedes-Benz Center Of Excellence Experience & Practice Round Day 3 5th April, 2019 National Final, Awards, Lunch & Departure

Sahil Jain, Winner Category A Murad Talib, Winner Category B Satish Cheeti, Winner Category C Raghav Sachar Noaman Razack Rahul Batra

A total of 41 qualifiers, two wild card entries and 25 lucky winners from across 11 cities participated in the National Finals of the largest amateur golf tournament in the India. Golfers Sahil Jain of Delhi NCR, Murad Talib of Mumbai and Satish Cheeti of Hyderabad, booked their spots to represent the country in the World Finals of the MercedesTrophy 2019, scheduled to be held in Stuttgart, Germany in October later this year. The India tournament that began and concluded in Pune this year travelled through Bangalore, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hemant Goenka (L)- Winner of the Grand Lucky Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Draw for the British Open 2019 Dhairya Jain Ajeet Bana Lucknow respectively. The Indian leg witnessed 25 days of Families of the Participants golf across the 11 cities. L-R: Amit Thete, Michael Jopp, Ezster Jopp and Andrew Pinto This year’s global edition of the MercedesTrophy has seen participation from around 60,000 golfers from across

Golf Clinic Participants L-R: Tripti Kaur, Ezster Jopp, Puja Batra- She Mercedes Winners Uday Kumar with Stephan Kroel 60 countries

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Mercedes.indd 36-37 4/23/2019 6:10:53 PM Corporate Digest MercedesTrophy National Final MercedesTrophy National Final Corporate Digest

Sahil Jain, Winner Category A Murad Talib, Winner Category B Satish Cheeti, Winner Category C Raghav Sachar Noaman Razack Rahul Batra

Golf Clinic Participants L-R: Tripti Kaur, Ezster Jopp, Puja Batra- She Mercedes Winners Uday Kumar with Stephan Kroel 60 countries

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Mercedes.indd 36-37 4/23/2019 6:10:53 PM Corporate Digest MercedesTrophy National Final MercedesTrophy National Final Corporate Digest

Offroading activity at the BandOffroading Performance activity by Tripleat the Shuffle Mercedes-Benz Factory Mercedes-Benz Factory

Participants on a visit to Mercedes-Benz factory

Shashidhar Kokutla Reddy L-R: Shankar Gopal, Umesh N Bhat and Rajiv Unnikrishnan Amit Mishra with Deven Bhandari (Dealer Principal, B.U. Bhandari)

L-R: Michael Jopp, Stephan Kroel, Kalyani Subramaniam (Program Director, Naz Foundation) and Piyush Arora In a span of two years an amount of INR 1CR has been raised by the initiative undertaken by Mercedes Benz-India and Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in the endeavour to educate and Piyush Arora Winner MBIL Team with Prasad Salunke L-R: Petra Morhard, Jurgen Morhard and Arvind Sethi Renu Khanna (Marketing and Sales Head MBIL) empower the lives of underprivileged kids.

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Mercedes.indd 38-39 4/23/2019 6:11:30 PM Corporate Digest MercedesTrophy National Final MercedesTrophy National Final Corporate Digest

Offroading activity at the BandOffroading Performance activity by Tripleat the Shuffle Mercedes-Benz Factory Mercedes-Benz Factory

Participants on a visit to Mercedes-Benz factory

Shashidhar Kokutla Reddy L-R: Shankar Gopal, Umesh N Bhat and Rajiv Unnikrishnan Amit Mishra with Deven Bhandari (Dealer Principal, B.U. Bhandari)

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Mercedes.indd 38-39 4/23/2019 6:11:30 PM Corporate Digest MercedesTrophy National Final MercedesTrophy National Final Corporate Digest

L-R: Bhushan Musale, Jiyaji Bhosale and Indraneel Mujgule Vishwas Swaroop Agarwal and Komal Agarwal

Mercedes Benz Center of Excellence Briefing Session for the participants

Dinesh Lal and Padma Lal Harmeet Singh and Harvinder Singh

Saurabh Mehta and Avani Mehta L-R: Anant Bajoria, Ankush Singhania and Devvrat Poddar Shirke

Sunny Sodhi and Pooja Sodhi Shashikanth V and Sidharth Chaudhary Prasad Rao Kotagiri Mukesh Panchal Guntash Singh Saran and Chiranjeev Singh Billing

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Mercedes.indd 40-41 4/23/2019 6:11:57 PM Corporate Digest MercedesTrophy National Final MercedesTrophy National Final Corporate Digest

L-R: Bhushan Musale, Jiyaji Bhosale and Indraneel Mujgule Vishwas Swaroop Agarwal and Komal Agarwal

Mercedes Benz Center of Excellence Briefing Session for the participants

Dinesh Lal and Padma Lal Harmeet Singh and Harvinder Singh

Saurabh Mehta and Avani Mehta L-R: Anant Bajoria, Ankush Singhania and Devvrat Poddar Shirke

Sunny Sodhi and Pooja Sodhi Shashikanth V and Sidharth Chaudhary Prasad Rao Kotagiri Mukesh Panchal Guntash Singh Saran and Chiranjeev Singh Billing

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Mercedes.indd 40-41 4/23/2019 6:11:57 PM Lifestyle Lifestyle

Hi-LifeTo share news on your products or updates on new launches, please email [email protected]

ROYAL LIVING GRANDEUR IN EVERY SENSE MADS Creations, a contrivance of Meenu Agarwal founded in 2002 is a leading Interior Design company providing comprehensive designs with global refinement to residences, corporate space and hospitality sector. An extremely authentic take on the design world has made it a metonym of innovation, glamour and style. An endeavor to deliver fine living to answer the inner callings of those who desire to live artistically and surrounded by grace and elegance. Every design intent is maneuvered to enhance the sense of being. MADS Creations whirls ceaselessly to better its best.

CLASSY KITCHENS TWO NEW KITCHEN LINES ANNOUNCED CJ Living, the brand renowned for bringing to India avant-garde interior designs launches two new world-class kitchens from Rational, Germany – Luna and Cascade.

Luna The cutting-edge Luna lineup features ‘Acrylux’ surface with stunning brilliance and impressive depth of colour. It is the perfect alternative to the familiar high-gloss lacquered surfaces. The shiny, shimmering Kubanit colour shade is combined with a warm walnut decor to create a rich contrast.

Cascade The Cascade kitchen showcases linear, geometric contours and an array of materials. The base and wall-unit fronts feature exquisite, designer style frames. Stainless steel and distinctively textured ‘Eucalyptus Vulcano’ melamine provide a cool contrast.

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Lifestyle.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 6:12:33 PM Lifestyle Lifestyle

Hi-LifeTo share news on your products or updates on new launches, please email [email protected]

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Lifestyle.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 6:12:33 PM Asian Tour Asian Tour

Habitat for Humanity Standings Hend Continues To Lead After Bangabandhu Cup Golf Open POS PLAYER EARNINGS International Success On The Asian Tour (US$) ustralian Scott Hend 1. SCOTT HEND (AUS) $520,392.25 cemented his status as the most successful 2. JAZZ JANEWATTANANOND (THA) $439,593.77 international golfer A 3. MASAHIRO KAWAMURA (JPN) $249,266.67 on the Asian Tour after claim- ing his 10th victory and first in three years at the US$3 million 4. ZACH MURRAY (AUS) $189,140.71 Maybank Championship in Malaysia. 5. JOHANNES VEERMAN (USA) $158,720.00 Thanks to a winner’s prize 6. SCOTT VINCENT (ZWE) $83,845.03 purse of US$500,000, Hend propelled to the top of the Habitat 7. CHIKKARANGAPPA S. (IND) $77,128.12 for Humanity Standings and broke the US$5 million mark in 8. SADOM KAEWKANJANA (THA) $63,000.00 career earnings on the region’s premier Tour following his 9. PROM MEESAWAT (THA) $61,743.10 play-off success at the Saujana Super Sadom Strikes First Golf and Country Club, Kuala new generation of Tour professional last December,” said 10. AJEETESH SANDHU (IND) $58,564.08 Lumpur, Malaysia. rookies are taking the Sadom, who earned a winner’s With accumulated earnings Asian Tour by storm prize purse of US$63,000. 11. PANUPHOL PITTAYARAT (THA) $55,807.48 of US$5.04 million since making and Thailand’s Sadom The young Thai surged into the A 12. BEN CAMPBELL (NZL) $55,648.48 his debut in 2007, the 45-year- Kaewkanjana was quick to jump eighth spot on the current Habitat old Hend is now the second on that bandwagon on Saturday. for Humanity Standings and 13. JARIN TODD (USA) $55,251.05 highest-earning player follow- Just four months after coming made history by becoming the ing Thai star Thongchai Jaidee, through Asian Tour Qualifying fastest Qualifying School gradu- 14. NICHOLAS FUNG (MAS) $51,160.16 a record three-time Order of School with a tied-13th result, ate to win on the Asian Tour. Merit champion, on the Asian the 20-year-old Thai claimed his Despite his success, Sadom 15. RASHID KHAN (IND) $50,334.38 Tour’s Career Money List. maiden Tour victory in his very believes his best is yet to come as Thai legend Thaworn first start at the Bangabandhu he sets his sights on fulfilling his 16. DAVID LIPSKY (USA) $47,100.00 Wiratchant, who holds an Cup Golf Open. full potential on the big leagues. unprecedented 18 wins on The in-form Sadom was eager “My initial goal was just to 17. BERRY HENSON (USA) $47,072.46 Tour, sits in third place with to make his quick impression keep my Asian Tour card for the US$4.57 million in earnings on the Asian Tour having lifted next season but now I have won 18. SIDDIKUR RAHMAN (BAN) $45,909.67 while India’s Anirban Lahiri his first professional win at the on both the Asian Development FAST FACTS 19. PAUL PETERSON (USA) $45,039.20 and Prayad Marksaeng, also Thongchai Jaidee Foundation Tour and the Asian Tour. I am SCOTT HEND of Thailand, took fourth and 2019 in February on the Asian really happy, I didn’t expect to 20. TERRY PILKADARIS (AUS) $43,847.10 fifth with US$3.90 million and fourth player to surpass Prayad Marksaeng (10) to Country: Australia Development Tour (ADT). do so well and I will have to work US$3.86 million respectively. US$1 million in earnings obtain 10 wins or more on Age: 45 After opening his campaign harder to get even better after Hend’s achievements over in a single season in 2016. the Asian Tour. Date of birth: August 15, 1973 with a 65, he blitzed a stellar field this,” said the Thai. the past decade have been Hend’s victory in Hend took over the at the halfway stage with a stun- The top-60 players on the final TWO-TIME WINNER ON THE ASIAN TOUR, 28-YEAR-OLD highly-commendable, espe- Malaysia was made made driver’s seat on the Turned professional: 1997 ning 62, giving him a three-shot Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity cially in Asia, where he had even more special with Habitat for Humanity Coach: Marty Joyce advantage into the weekend. Standings will earn their play- DELHI BOY RASHID KHAN IS ENJOYING TOP-CLASS claimed all his 10 victories, his good friend and long- Standings with earnings Asian Tour wins: 10 Displaying the confidence of a ing rights for the 2020 season. including three at events time caddy Tony Carolan of US$507,792 while Tour veteran, Sadom extended his Australia’s Scott Hend contin- FINISHES ON THE PGTI TOUR AND ASIAN TOUR ALIKE FOR co-sanctioned with the by his side. “I’m a grinder previous leader Jazz Did you know? Scott Hend played on the lead with a 68 before a closing 70 ues to lead with a current haul A WHILE NOW. European Tour. and a fighter. So is my Janewattananond of PGA TOUR in 2004 and 2005 and in 2005, was enough for him to take home of US$520,392 while Thailand’s He broke through in caddy Tony. We both Thailand, who enjoyed he was the first foreign player to win the his second win in three months. Jazz Janewattananond trails in JUST RECENTLY HE FINISHED T-10 WITH Indonesia in 2008 and won have the same mental a third-place finish in ‘Long Drive’ statistic on the PGA Tour “Winning in my first start second place on US$439,594. BENGALUREAN CHIKKARANGAPPA S. AT THE HERO eight titles across Singapore (1), attitude.” Malaysia, slipped to sec- HOW COOL IS THAT? on the Asian Tour, I feel very The Tour will head to Korea INDIAN OPEN, MAKING THEM THE BEST INDIAN FINISHERS Thailand (3), Macau (2), Hong “It doesn’t matter ond with a current haul • Scott Hend of Australia joined the PGA happy. I will take a lot of posi- and China for the GS Caltex Kong (1) and Chinese Taipei (1) how old we are, we work of US$427,600. Tour of Australasia in 1997 tives from this week and this win Maekyung Open and the Volvo AT THE EVENT AFTER HARD-FOUGHT IDENTICAL SCORES between 2012 and 2016. Hend hard at what we do. Just Australian rookie Zach will give me a lot of confidence China Open respectively. They • This was his 10th Asian Tour victory, his became the first Australian to takes a bit of luck to win. Murray also slipped to in my game. It’s been an unbe- will both get underway from May OF 4-UNDER 284 AT DLF GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB. last came at the Queen’s Open in 2016 win the Asian Tour Order of Obviously, I had a bit of third place following a lievable journey since turning 2 to 5. CURRENTLY RANKED 342 ON THE OWGR FINISHED Merit in 2016, thanks to two luck on the play-off hole. tied-41st place finish in • With his win at the Maybank victories and three top-10s. If you don’t have any luck Malaysia while American Championship, Scott Hend now leads “WINNING IN MY FIRST START ON THE ASIAN TOUR, I FEEL SOLO THIRD AT THE BANGABANDHU CUP GOLF OPEN IN “I’m leading the Asian Tour you won’t win,” Hend Johannes Veerman, who the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity BANGLADESH AND WON THE CHITTAGONG OPEN JUST TWO Order of Merit at the moment added. took home his career’s Standings with US $520,392. VERY HAPPY. I WILL TAKE A LOT OF POSITIVES FROM THIS and it gives me a good chance The big-hitting biggest prize purse of • Hend’s total earnings crossed $5 million WEEKS BEFORE ENTERING THE HERO INDIAN OPEN AND to win it again. It’ll be another Hend is now the fourth a U$150,000 thanks to mark, making him the second-highest WEEK AND THIS WIN WILL GIVE ME A LOT OF CONFIDENCE IN IS CURRENTLY RANKED 15TH ON THE ASIAN TOUR MONEY fantastic achievement and I player after Thailand’s his fourth-place finish, earning player on Tour following Thai star would like to do it again,” said Thaworn Wiratchant (18), propelled to fourth place Thongchai Jaidee MY GAME.” —SADOM KAEWKANJANA LIST AT $50,334. Hend, who also became the Thongchai Jaidee (13) and on the money list.

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Asian Tour.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 6:13:43 PM Asian Tour Asian Tour

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Asian Tour.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 6:13:43 PM Official Exclusive Pages of the European Tour Official Exclusive Pages of the European Tour

If this is not the biggest comeback story in the history of sports, then we don’t know what is!

by Amit Pandey

es, Tiger’s 80th win at the TOUR Championship last October made headlines. As the man’s first ever win in over six years, it just had to. When everyone had written him off, saying it was impossible to return from the burden of scandals, from the health issues, from having had four back fusion Ysurgeries, it was all true. But did this stop the ‘Big Cat’? “No!” Is the answer and we all are witness to the scene, the historic moment that elicited many tears of joy. This man has made his case stronger to be called the GOAT — the greatest of all time. He has given us the same goose bumps and excite- ment as the day he won his first major. He had won the Masters tournament first as a Tiger son, and now he has won it as a father. The of the image of a young Tiger is still fresh in the minds of followers of the game, and this new memory is another unforgettable addition to the bank, until the next great moment arrives. He is a breathtaking athlete, controlling the least controllable sport, executing shots nobody else would even try. He won one major by 12 strokes and another by 15. Masters He won a US Open on a broken leg and a chasing 18 and 82 Masters with a chip-in that had never been seen before.

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Cover story.indd 46-47 4/23/2019 6:14:35 PM Official Exclusive Pages of the European Tour Official Exclusive Pages of the European Tour

If this is not the biggest comeback story in the history of sports, then we don’t know what is!

by Amit Pandey

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Cover story.indd 46-47 4/23/2019 6:14:35 PM Official Exclusive Pages of the European Tour Official Exclusive Pages of the European Tour

Xander Schauffele, Jason Day, and Webb Simpson. There was a time when Xander Schauffele was tied for the lead with tour rookie Patrick Cantlay , until the 14th. Everything changed on the par five 15th when Tiger swung his long iron from 225 yards like a sword, and it looked like the golf god was back. The weather forecast 15th of rain which pushed Augusta National career Majors for Woods – to schedule the players’ Sunday outing a second only to Jack Nicklaus few hours earlier in threesomes instead of on 18. twosomes as per the norm made everyone think that it was going to be a long day filled with rain. Tiger got his 15th major, At 43 years and his 81st PGA Tour title, and the next Woods is the oldest Masters aim looks certain to those of us watching Champion since Jack with bated breath. It must be equalling Nicklaus in 1986. Jack Nicklaus’s 18 major record and Sam This win came for Tiger after a gap of 14 years at Snead’s 82 total PGA titles and both suddenly don’t Woods had never previously Augusta National and 11 years after his last major win seem impossible.. After all, the big cat has survived the come from behind in a final at the 2008 US Open in an 18-hole playoff against Rocco biggest, most nerve-wracking years of his career. round to win a major. He Mediate. It makes him the second-oldest winner of the Basketball legend Michael Jordan, who is ranked on trailed by two starting his Masters at age 43, the oldest being Jack Nicklaus at 46 top in Forbes All Time Highest Paid Athletes (followed final round at Augusta. years achieved in 1986. A man who loves to lead the by Tiger Woods), tried to revamp his career post semi- field, and holds the record for a 12-stroke win at the retirement in minor league baseball. Yet most of us do Woods was ranked 780th in the world at the start of the 1997 Masters, won it coming from behind, entering the not know about it. Instead, he is remembered as the 2017 Masters. Two years final round two-strokes short of the Italian, Francesco winner of six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls, and is later and he is up to sixth in Molinari, the man who held off Tiger at the 2018 British thought to be maybe the greatest athlete ever to walk on the rankings. Open. earth. He had this to say about Woods’ win, "I think he's From being ranked 1,199 in December 2017 to World gotten over the hump. I think he's going to win more. Tiger Woods earned No.6 after his Masterswin on April 14, 2019, this is a It's tough mentally. It's absolutely tough mentally. And $486,000 for his 1997 story that will remain an inspiration to generations of then you think about the physical. I'm elated.” Masters Title and golfers. "They [Woods' tour opponents] got problems. His In the winning press conference, when a reporter confidence is only going to build from here. The un- $2,070,000 asked carefully “What message might you give to peo- known is the biggest thing. You don't know what Tiger's for his 2019 triumph; a jump ple who are struggling?” capable of doing. of over 325% Woods thought for a moment. “Well, you never give "He's won a Tour event [at the Tour Championship up,” he said. “That’s a given. You always fight. Giving last September], he's won the Masters, he's won a major. up’s never in the equation.” "There were so many people that were doubting Top: Tiger Woods with Tiger entered the final round two-shots off of the him. You can think about the physical. But he overcame the Masters trophy leader Francesco Molinari and showed patience un- a lot of mental things, too. Not just the physical aspects, (replica of Augusta OTHER IMPRESSIVE COMEBACK STORIES til the moment arrived, the moment when Molinari but all the scandals, too. National Golf Club), awarded since 1961, dunked his tee shot into the water on the par three "I was watching TV and they were congratulating when the tournament ben hogan monica seles michael jordan george foreman 12th. Other giants were also waiting — including Tony him, but the first thing they bring up is the negative was won by Gary Player Golf tennis basketball boxing Finau, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, Bubba Watson, aspect. "That's what he had to deal with. Granted, we all Ben Hogan survived This famous American tennis Michael Jordan This boxing make mistakes. But for him to come back and be able a near fatal crash player was at the top of her is one of the great defied to win again, it's far tougher than anything I think any- with an oncom- game before a crazed fan best examples the odds body's had to deal with." ing bus while he stabbed her on a changeover of resilience in and re- Jordan concedes he did not believe Woods was ca- was driving in during a tournament in 1993 modern sports. turned to pable of winning golf's biggest tournaments again and 1949 and rumors in Hamburg, Germany. Seles This legend- the sport at has labelled Woods’ triumph as the greatest comeback even spread of his was ranked number one in the ary icon was cut the age of 45 2019 is Woods’ in sport. death soon afterwards. world at the time of the attack from his high school after a five-year re- "I never thought he'd get back physically," he added. It took 16 months for ‘Bantam and was one of the brightest basketball team before mov- tirement. Many critics thought 5th Masters title "He didn't think he'd get back physically. Ben’, a nickname given to him, young stars on the tour having on to become one of the he wouldn’t be able to compete second only, again, to Jack Nicklaus. "But he did it. No one expected him to be back the to make a comeback to profes- ing already won seven grand greatest and most recognised with the younger generation way he is now. He's probably the only person who be- sional golf and in 1950 he won slam titles. The young athlete faces in all of sports. In addi- and keep up with the new style lieved he could get back. his second US Open title after underwent surgery and lots tion, he overcame tremendous of boxing, but he showed his "To me, that's a major accomplishment. To me, it's forcing a three-way playoff of therapy before returning emotional trauma after the spirit and quickly climbed His 2019 title comes unbelievable. Mentally, you always think you can. But against George Fazio and Lloyd to the court two years brutal murder of his father in the ladder. Two decades after you can't answer to what your body has to deal with. Mangrum. Later he went later. After the at- 1993. Jordan took a hiatus from winning his first world title, 14 years after his last "I took two years off to play baseball, but nothing like on to win five majors – tack, Seles was basketball after the attack on the aging Foreman once again that. I'm pretty sure he questioned himself, whether he Masters – 1951 & 1953, US able to win one his father, but later returned in claimed the crown. He had a win at Augusta, could get it back, and he had to put a lot of work in. Open – 1951 & 1953 and more major title 1995 to lead the Bulls to three record 76 wins in 81 fights and the longest gap between titles in the history of "But he took it head-on. He had to change his game; The Open Championship showing exem- consecutive NBA titles and kept finally rested his gloves in 1998, the tournament. he had to change his perspective a little bit. To me, it – 1953 and 11 PGA TOUR plary courage and playing until hi final bid to the after a career spanning over was the greatest comeback I've ever seen." titles. competitiveness. game in 2003. three decades.

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Cover story.indd 48-49 4/23/2019 6:14:52 PM Official Exclusive Pages of the European Tour Official Exclusive Pages of the European Tour

48 golf digest india | may 2019 may 2019 | golf digest india 49

Cover story.indd 48-49 4/23/2019 6:14:52 PM Official Exclusive Pages of the PGA Tour Official Exclusive Pages of the PGA Tour Chinese Golf On The Rise And Yes Don’t Forget The Coconuts he new Web.com Tour parents. season was only one The 31-year-old “We like to compete with week old, and already Xinjun Zhang is the each other more than with other Tthe pressure had been elder statesmen guys,” Dou said. “Since we’re ratcheted up another level. of the group and perhaps from the same country, we want Marty Dou made sure of that, its most extraordinary to play better than the others, setting the tone for the Tour’s story. He did not begin but we’re still good friends. three other Chinese players with playing golf until he was It’s more of a prideful feeling a victory at the very first tourna- 17 and received no formal thing. We’re more motivated, ment of the season. training until earning a and when one of us plays well Two days later and the spot on the Chinese Team. it brings confidence out of the quartet was back on the course Despite that, the Shanxi others.” together in the Abaco Islands for native earned his TOUR Feeding off one another’s a practice round, each trying to card two years ago thanks success has given these players uncover the secrets that would to a pair of runner-up much more than confidence, lead to a win and another leg up finishes, though a poor though. It’s also given them full in the race for a PGA TOUR card. 2018 campaign has him bellies. But first? Coconuts. Lots and back on the Web.com If one of them cards a top-10 lots of coconuts. Tour. finish in a given tournament, “We spent 20 minutes on the Those experiences rules stipulate that they must tee just cranking out coconuts,” have positioned him as the pay for the group’s dinner the Carl Yuan said, laughing. “The wise veteran amongst his following week. It’s a tradition group behind us came up to the peers, particularly Yuan, Dou and Xinjun Zhang estab- tee and we’re like, ‘Yo, you guys who like Zhang is part lished two years ago in their first can go ahead of us, we need to of the CGA. “I definitely turn on the Tour and continues enjoy our coconuts.’” think that it’s part of my today. Meet the four Chinese stars role out here,” Zhang said. Given the success they have of golf, who are taking the Web. “Having played most of encountered through the sea- com Tour by storm and having the courses with some son’s first three-plus months, fun while doing it. Fierce com- success, I’ve tried to help that’s a whole lot of free grub. petitors on the course but best these guys as much as I “It was actually something friends off of it, they are primed can. Whether they want to that Marty started the first year to make the move to the TOUR know certain things about we were out here,” Xinjun Zhang together, coconuts and all. the course, logistics of recalled. “We started with T5 or “We’re as close as guys can traveling or even about better. Now, as long as you get get out here, traveling together, life, I try to help.” top 10, you should invite every- “WE’RE AS CLOSE playing tournaments together. Of course, it’s easy to one out for dinner. When Marty Playing for our country, we’re heed advice from a peer won in the Bahamas, we all got AS GUYS CAN really proud of what we’re encountering his share together in Panama and let Carl doing,” Yuan said. “We always and Andy know that’s what we of success, as Zhang has have each other’s back and we a pair of top-five finishes do out here. Last week someone GET OUT HERE, L-R: A Zhang, X Zhang, Dou, Yuan in Abaco Islands always want to play well and this year at the Panama picked up the tab for crawfish. beat each other. I think it’s a Championship (2nd) and It’s always the local favorite or TRAVELING great thing to have, four players Chitimacha Louisiana what anyone wants to eat.” much else. I got away from my back.” The moment was just as amateur last July, then posted from the same country trying to Open (T3). He feels better In a similar position is Dou, TOGETHER, PLAYING game.” His newfound outlook on worthwhile for Yuan, a 22-year- three consecutive top-10s get through this.” prepared this time around who burst onto the scene two It was a shock to the system the game immediately paid old who turned professional less on the Tour as a pro. He also Through seven events, Yuan, to take on the rigors of years ago with a third-place fin- TOURNAMENTS for a player who for so long dividends at the season-opening than one year ago. It gave him a earned a spot into the World Dou, Xinjun Zhang and Andy PGA TOUR life, after ish in his second start and a win dominated the game. He cap- Bahamas event, where he firsthand look at something to Golf Championships-HSBC Zhang have already combined making the cut in just 12 at the Digital Ally Open in late tured several amateur and junior drained a 55-foot birdie putt strive for. Champions, where he carded a for seven top-25 finishes, four of 28 events a season ago. July. But he struggled mightily TOGETHER. events, and won four times on the 72nd hole to win by two. “After (Dou) won, it proved third-round 70 playing along- top-10s and Dou’s season- “I’ve really matured in his first stint on the TOUR, on PGA TOUR Series-China, Naturally, Zhang and Yuan that any of us can do it, even side Rory McIlroy and Kevin Na. opening victory at the Bahamas a lot over these last two making just four cuts in 23 starts. PLAYING FOR OUR including the Order of Merit joined him on the 18th green to me and Andy,” said Yuan, who But if you ask his fellow Great Exuma Classic. All but years, and I’ve grown He credited his play to a lack in 2016. These problems were celebrate, like best friends are recently celebrated his birthday Chinese competitors, he’s also Andy Zhang are currently inside in cooperation with my of proper training, as he often COUNTRY, WE’RE newfound territory. wont to do. at a dinner with his Chinese the funniest. Yuan makes a habit the top 25 on the points list and translator and coach,” he opted to focus on relaxation and “Everything went pretty “It was just me and my new colleagues and their caddies. out of bothering his friends on in solid shape for a TOUR card at said. “The maturity, the setting up his new Dallas home REALLY PROUD smoothly until last year,” he caddie out on the course, my “We’re on our first year on Tour, the range with shanks and sting- the end of the year. level of mentality that I instead of work on the course. recalled. “It was the first time family wasn’t there,” Dou said. but no, if one of us can do it, we ers aimed in their lines of sight, And that doesn’t even have, and my game, have “I was getting furniture and I felt that what I used to do “After all of that happened last all can do it.” and he continues the antics dur- include Hong Kong’s Motin all improved. If I were to the rent, getting the cars all set OF WHAT doesn’t work out here. Before, year, and then the first win, it Yuan, who was born in ing practice rounds with a bevy Yeung, who carded a T7 at the play a PGA TOUR event up,” the Henan native said. “I if I didn’t work hard I could still was pretty special to win and Dalian, might end up being of trick shots. He won’t confirm LECOM Suncoast Classic, or again, I feel much more didn’t focus on what I should WE’RE DOING.” play pretty well out there. When have my friends celebrating with the best of the bunch. He won the story, but it’s a safe bet that prodigy Norman Xiong, who prepared to handle it.” have been focusing on—practic- you’re not playing well, you me. If they didn’t come, it would the Yantai Championship on he was the mastermind behind was born in Guam to Chinese ing and not thinking about too W—CARL YUAN don’t know how to get yourself have just been me.” PGA TOUR Series-China as an the coconut incident.

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PGA Tour.indd 50-51 4/23/2019 6:17:16 PM Official Exclusive Pages of the PGA Tour Official Exclusive Pages of the PGA Tour Chinese Golf On The Rise And Yes Don’t Forget The Coconuts he new Web.com Tour parents. season was only one The 31-year-old “We like to compete with week old, and already Xinjun Zhang is the each other more than with other Tthe pressure had been elder statesmen guys,” Dou said. “Since we’re ratcheted up another level. of the group and perhaps from the same country, we want Marty Dou made sure of that, its most extraordinary to play better than the others, setting the tone for the Tour’s story. He did not begin but we’re still good friends. three other Chinese players with playing golf until he was It’s more of a prideful feeling a victory at the very first tourna- 17 and received no formal thing. We’re more motivated, ment of the season. training until earning a and when one of us plays well Two days later and the spot on the Chinese Team. it brings confidence out of the quartet was back on the course Despite that, the Shanxi others.” together in the Abaco Islands for native earned his TOUR Feeding off one another’s a practice round, each trying to card two years ago thanks success has given these players uncover the secrets that would to a pair of runner-up much more than confidence, lead to a win and another leg up finishes, though a poor though. It’s also given them full in the race for a PGA TOUR card. 2018 campaign has him bellies. But first? Coconuts. Lots and back on the Web.com If one of them cards a top-10 lots of coconuts. Tour. finish in a given tournament, “We spent 20 minutes on the Those experiences rules stipulate that they must tee just cranking out coconuts,” have positioned him as the pay for the group’s dinner the Carl Yuan said, laughing. “The wise veteran amongst his following week. It’s a tradition group behind us came up to the peers, particularly Yuan, Dou and Xinjun Zhang estab- tee and we’re like, ‘Yo, you guys who like Zhang is part lished two years ago in their first can go ahead of us, we need to of the CGA. “I definitely turn on the Tour and continues enjoy our coconuts.’” think that it’s part of my today. Meet the four Chinese stars role out here,” Zhang said. Given the success they have of golf, who are taking the Web. “Having played most of encountered through the sea- com Tour by storm and having the courses with some son’s first three-plus months, fun while doing it. Fierce com- success, I’ve tried to help that’s a whole lot of free grub. petitors on the course but best these guys as much as I “It was actually something friends off of it, they are primed can. Whether they want to that Marty started the first year to make the move to the TOUR know certain things about we were out here,” Xinjun Zhang together, coconuts and all. the course, logistics of recalled. “We started with T5 or “We’re as close as guys can traveling or even about better. Now, as long as you get get out here, traveling together, life, I try to help.” top 10, you should invite every- “WE’RE AS CLOSE playing tournaments together. Of course, it’s easy to one out for dinner. When Marty Playing for our country, we’re heed advice from a peer won in the Bahamas, we all got AS GUYS CAN really proud of what we’re encountering his share together in Panama and let Carl doing,” Yuan said. “We always and Andy know that’s what we of success, as Zhang has have each other’s back and we a pair of top-five finishes do out here. Last week someone GET OUT HERE, L-R: A Zhang, X Zhang, Dou, Yuan in Abaco Islands always want to play well and this year at the Panama picked up the tab for crawfish. beat each other. I think it’s a Championship (2nd) and It’s always the local favorite or TRAVELING great thing to have, four players Chitimacha Louisiana what anyone wants to eat.” much else. I got away from my back.” The moment was just as amateur last July, then posted from the same country trying to Open (T3). He feels better In a similar position is Dou, TOGETHER, PLAYING game.” His newfound outlook on worthwhile for Yuan, a 22-year- three consecutive top-10s get through this.” prepared this time around who burst onto the scene two It was a shock to the system the game immediately paid old who turned professional less on the Tour as a pro. He also Through seven events, Yuan, to take on the rigors of years ago with a third-place fin- TOURNAMENTS for a player who for so long dividends at the season-opening than one year ago. It gave him a earned a spot into the World Dou, Xinjun Zhang and Andy PGA TOUR life, after ish in his second start and a win dominated the game. He cap- Bahamas event, where he firsthand look at something to Golf Championships-HSBC Zhang have already combined making the cut in just 12 at the Digital Ally Open in late tured several amateur and junior drained a 55-foot birdie putt strive for. Champions, where he carded a for seven top-25 finishes, four of 28 events a season ago. July. But he struggled mightily TOGETHER. events, and won four times on the 72nd hole to win by two. “After (Dou) won, it proved third-round 70 playing along- top-10s and Dou’s season- “I’ve really matured in his first stint on the TOUR, on PGA TOUR Series-China, Naturally, Zhang and Yuan that any of us can do it, even side Rory McIlroy and Kevin Na. opening victory at the Bahamas a lot over these last two making just four cuts in 23 starts. PLAYING FOR OUR including the Order of Merit joined him on the 18th green to me and Andy,” said Yuan, who But if you ask his fellow Great Exuma Classic. All but years, and I’ve grown He credited his play to a lack in 2016. These problems were celebrate, like best friends are recently celebrated his birthday Chinese competitors, he’s also Andy Zhang are currently inside in cooperation with my of proper training, as he often COUNTRY, WE’RE newfound territory. wont to do. at a dinner with his Chinese the funniest. Yuan makes a habit the top 25 on the points list and translator and coach,” he opted to focus on relaxation and “Everything went pretty “It was just me and my new colleagues and their caddies. out of bothering his friends on in solid shape for a TOUR card at said. “The maturity, the setting up his new Dallas home REALLY PROUD smoothly until last year,” he caddie out on the course, my “We’re on our first year on Tour, the range with shanks and sting- the end of the year. level of mentality that I instead of work on the course. recalled. “It was the first time family wasn’t there,” Dou said. but no, if one of us can do it, we ers aimed in their lines of sight, And that doesn’t even have, and my game, have “I was getting furniture and I felt that what I used to do “After all of that happened last all can do it.” and he continues the antics dur- include Hong Kong’s Motin all improved. If I were to the rent, getting the cars all set OF WHAT doesn’t work out here. Before, year, and then the first win, it Yuan, who was born in ing practice rounds with a bevy Yeung, who carded a T7 at the play a PGA TOUR event up,” the Henan native said. “I if I didn’t work hard I could still was pretty special to win and Dalian, might end up being of trick shots. He won’t confirm LECOM Suncoast Classic, or again, I feel much more didn’t focus on what I should WE’RE DOING.” play pretty well out there. When have my friends celebrating with the best of the bunch. He won the story, but it’s a safe bet that prodigy Norman Xiong, who prepared to handle it.” have been focusing on—practic- you’re not playing well, you me. If they didn’t come, it would the Yantai Championship on he was the mastermind behind was born in Guam to Chinese ing and not thinking about too W—CARL YUAN don’t know how to get yourself have just been me.” PGA TOUR Series-China as an the coconut incident.

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PGA Tour.indd 50-51 4/23/2019 6:17:16 PM Official Exclusive Pages of the PGA Tour Official Exclusive Pages of the PGA Tour TOUR SNIPPETS Title sponsorship of Valspar Championship Dell Technologies extends sponsorship of extended through 2025

Paul Casey of England and his caddie John McLaren WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play celebrate after winning the Valspar Championship on the Copperhead course at Innisbrook Golf Resort Dell Technologies, sponsor of been very supportive, as well, were thrilled to bring the first the World Golf Championships- and we couldn’t have asked professional golf event to our Dell Technologies Match Play for a more ideal setting or golf hometown of Austin in 2016, since 2016, has extended its course better suited for match and we are excited to continue commitment to the event by play competition. We’re very sponsoring this world-class “MICHAEL DELL four years, through 2023. excited that this partnership will event for another four years.” The announcement was continue for another four years.” Supporting local charitable AND HIS TEAM made by Dell Technologies Austin Country Club has a organizations is a major focus Chairman and CEO Michael Dell rich history, dating back to 1899. of Dell Technologies through TOOK GREAT PRIDE and PGA TOUR Commissioner It eventually relocated and the its title sponsorship. The 2018 Jay Monahan, on behalf of the current golf course, designed event generated more than U.S. IN BRINGING THE International Federation of by Pete Dye, opened in 1984. $1.1 million for five Austin-based PGA Tours. The event first came In addition to Dye, three other organizations—Austin Parks to Austin in 2016 when Dell members of the World Golf Hall Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs EVENT TO THEIR became title sponsor. of Fame are indelibly linked of the Austin Area, The First Tee “Dell Technologies’ spon- to the club: famed instructor of Greater Austin and national HOMETOWN AND sorship and the move to Austin Harvey Penick and two of his chapters, Helping Hand Home Country Club in 2016 have really prized pupils, club member Tom for Children and Keep Austin HAVE PUT THEIR helped spur the growth of the Kite and Ben Crenshaw. Beautiful. In total, the tourna- Dell Technologies Match Play,” “The WGC-Dell Technologies ment has generated more than TIME AND ENERGY Monahan said. “Michael Dell Match Play has been a phenom- $18 million for charity since its and his team took great pride enal success for our community, inception (including past loca- in bringing the event to their our customers, the fans and the tions and title sponsors), part INTO MAKING IT hometown and have put their local charitable organizations of the more than $60 million time and energy into making it that have benefited from the raised for global charities since THE SUCCESS the success it is today. Austin more than $3 million gener- the advent of the World Golf Country Club’s membership has ated to date,” Dell said. “We Championships series in 1999. —JAY MONAHAN

he Sherwin-Williams has fully embraced the role our partnership with the PGA Company has signed of title sponsor by effectively TOUR through 2025 and look a five-year extension engaging fans, interacting with forward to making an even Tthat will take effect business partners and using greater impact in the commu- after next year’s tournament the tournament to showcase its “WITH THEIR nity in the years to come.” and continue its Valspar brand’s products. Since its debut on the PGA sponsorship of the Valspar “Additionally, they’ve TOUR in 2000, the Valspar Championship through 2025. expanded their involvement SUPPORT, OUR Championship has been held In addition to the tourna- on the PGA TOUR beyond the at the Copperhead Course, ment sponsorship, Valspar will tournament with the Valspar TOURNAMENT recognized as a favorite course remain an Official Marketing Caddie Hat Program, which among players. Paul Casey Partner with the PGA TOUR as furthers Valspar’s brand pres- WILL REACH has won each of the last two the “Official Paint Supplier” and ence throughout the season.” renditions. Sherwin-Williams will continue Valspar introduced its “We are so grateful to have to serve as a local presenting Caddie Hat Program on the PGA A QUARTER this tremendous partnership sponsor of the tournament. TOUR in 2014 where more than with Valspar,” says Keith The announcement was made 150 caddies now wear colorful CENTURY ON Robinson, general chairman by representatives of Sherwin- Valspar-logoed headwear at of the Copperheads, the Williams, the PGA TOUR and tournaments throughout the THE PGA TOUR, tournament’s local organizing host organization Copperhead season. group. “With their support, Charities at Innisbrook Resort. “We are very proud of the NEARLY TWO our tournament will reach a “We are extremely pleased Valspar Championship, The quarter century on the PGA to announce the continuation Most Colorful PGA TOUR TOUR, nearly two decades on of Valspar’s sponsorship of Tournament in the World,” DECADES ON THE the Florida Swing and at least the tournament and market- said Aaron Erter, President, 12 tournaments with the same ing partnership with the PGA Performance Coatings Group, FLORIDA SWING sponsor. We should be able TOUR,” said Brian Oliver, PGA The Sherwin-Williams in that span to push past the TOUR Executive Vice President Company. “This tournament —KEITH ROBINSON $50 million mark in donations of Corporate Partnerships. has exceeded our expectations generated for Tampa Bay “Valspar truly has had a positive in strengthening our customer importantly, investing in the area charities like Habitat for Kevin Kisner plays his tee shot during the championship match impact on the tournament’s and vendor relationships, community in a meaningful Humanity and our Birdies for at the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play success and growth and its team elevating our brand, and, most way. We are pleased to extend Tampa Bay Charity partners.”

52 golf digest india | may 2019 may 2019 | golf digest india 53

PGA Tour.indd 52-53 4/23/2019 6:16:39 PM Official Exclusive Pages of the PGA Tour Official Exclusive Pages of the PGA Tour TOUR SNIPPETS Title sponsorship of Valspar Championship Dell Technologies extends sponsorship of extended through 2025

52 golf digest india | may 2019 may 2019 | golf digest india 53

PGA Tour.indd 52-53 4/23/2019 6:16:39 PM Official Exclusive Pages of the PGA Tour Els names Choi, Immelman, Weir as captain’s assistants for 2019 Presidents Cup Golfer Ernie Els of South Africa poses during The Big Easy’s BBQ at Brighton Beach Boxes. Eels will be International Team Captain at the Presidents Cup next year in Melbourne

Presidents Cup International nationalities and have them after serving for Nick Price at Team Captain Ernie Els blend well together. It’s our role the 2017 Presidents Cup. He has has announced Korea’s K.J. to have them open up to us and competed in five Presidents Choi, South Africa’s Trevor help relieve some of the pres- Cups (2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, Immelman and Canada’s sure they might feel.” “IT’S OUR ROLE 2009) and was a teammate of Mike Weir as his final three Els also tabbed fellow Els four times. The eight-time captain’s assistants for the South African Immelman, PGA TOUR winner is 13-9-2 2019 Presidents Cup, which who will make his debut as a AS CAPTAIN’S all-time at the Presidents Cup will return to The Royal captain’s assistant with two and one of five International Melbourne Golf Club in Presidents Cup berths on his ASSISTANTS TO Team members with 10 or more Melbourne, Australia for a resume (2005, 2007); he and match wins in the competition. third time Dec. 9-15. Els previ- Els shared one Presidents Cup BRING TOGETHER In 2007, the Presidents Cup was ously named Australia’s Geoff appearance together in 2007. staged in Canada for the first Ogilvy as captain’s assistant in In 2017, Immelman served as PLAYERS OF time, and Weir put on a show FOLLOW THE RACE FOR THE late November. the first-ever International for his Canadians fans with a Choi will return as an assis- Team Captain for the Junior 3-1-1 record that was capped FEDEXCUP ALL SEASON LONG tant for the second time after Presidents Cup, which debuted DIFFERENT by a thrilling 1-up victory over serving as vice captain to Nick at Plainfield Country Club just Tiger Woods in Singles. Price when the Presidents Cup days prior to the Presidents Cup NATIONALITIES “The Presidents Cup has made its debut in Korea in 2015. at Liberty National. been a big part of my career. I A three-time Presidents Cup “I’m very excited. I can’t wait AND HAVE THEM grew up playing a lot of team competitor (2003, 2007, 2011), really. I thoroughly enjoyed the sports and when I made my Choi owns a 6-8 overall record opportunities to play in ’05 and BLEND WELL first Presidents Cup team in and posted a 3-2 mark in 2011 ’07, and it was a very enjoyable 2000 it was really one of the at Royal Melbourne, where he time in my career,” Immelman highlights,” Weir said. “So it’s partnered with fellow captain’s said. “For me, I probably know TOGETHER. been special to still be part assistant Ogilvy to win two [Ernie] better than any of the of the team as an assistant to COVERAGE AVAILABLE ON Four-ball matches. other people on TOUR and —K.J. CHOI Nick and now Ernie. We have “I’m personally very happy so hopefully that’s what I can a long history. We’re basically and honored,” Choi said. “You bring to the team is the fact that the same age, we’ve played a need amazing teamwork to win I really understand the captain. be a good conduit from players lot of golf together so it’s going the Presidents Cup. It’s our role I know his history, I know his to the team captain.” to be really fun to try to get the as captain’s assistants to bring record, I obviously hold him in Weir will return for his sec- Internationals over the line together players of different great esteem and so maybe I can ond stint as a captain’s assistant this time.” © 2017 PGA TOUR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Player appearance subject to change.

54 golf digest india | may 2019

PGA Tour.indd 54-55 4/23/2019 6:17:43 PM Official Exclusive Pages of the PGA Tour Els names Choi, Immelman, Weir as captain’s assistants for 2019 Presidents Cup Golfer Ernie Els of South Africa poses during The Big Easy’s BBQ at Brighton Beach Boxes. Eels will be International Team Captain at the Presidents Cup next year in Melbourne

54 golf digest india | may 2019

PGA Tour.indd 54-55 4/23/2019 6:17:43 PM how to get up and down the spicy way by jordan spieth ▶ i’ve heard it said that a chip shot is a miniature version of a full swing. I couldn’t disagree more. Some of the same fundamentals apply, sure, but chipping has way more going on. I have one basic full swing that gets me around the golf course, and I make only minor adjustments to hit draws and fades, low shots and high. On the other hand, I have at least 10 chipping motions—and I’m constantly learning and exploring new ones. I believe there’s no such thing as a standard chip, and that you should always be brave and try to execute the shot that the situation and lie demand. What shot offers the best chance of getting close to the hole? You have to channel your creativity and feel to find the answer, which is fun.▶ One of my favorite chip shots is what I call the “nip- spinner.” It comes out hot and low, takes one big hop, then quickly settles. I love hitting it in front of crowds. Everyone thinks you’ve skulled it across the green, but you just smile and wait for the sizzle. I’ll use it when I’m just off the collar without much room between myself and the flag, and the slope is such that I won’t be able to control the distance as well with a putter. ▶ I’m going to show you the technique to hit this specialty chip—as well as how to sink the putt. Even if it’s just the other guys in your group watching, I guarantee you’ll get some applause. —with max adler ZIP

56 golf digest india | may 2019 angle your attack | a steep downswing will make the ball come out lower. GD050119_INST_SPIETH.inddIT 56-57 ... 4/23/2019 6:23:47 PM how to get up and down the spicy way by jordan spieth ▶ i’ve heard it said that a chip shot is a miniature version of a full swing. I couldn’t disagree more. Some of the same fundamentals apply, sure, but chipping has way more going on. I have one basic full swing that gets me around the golf course, and I make only minor adjustments to hit draws and fades, low shots and high. On the other hand, I have at least 10 chipping motions—and I’m constantly learning and exploring new ones. I believe there’s no such thing as a standard chip, and that you should always be brave and try to execute the shot that the situation and lie demand. What shot offers the best chance of getting close to the hole? You have to channel your creativity and feel to find the answer, which is fun.▶ One of my favorite chip shots is what I call the “nip- spinner.” It comes out hot and low, takes one big hop, then quickly settles. I love hitting it in front of crowds. Everyone thinks you’ve skulled it across the green, but you just smile and wait for the sizzle. I’ll use it when I’m just off the collar without much room between myself and the flag, and the slope is such that I won’t be able to control the distance as well with a putter. ▶ I’m going to show you the technique to hit this specialty chip—as well as how to sink the putt. Even if it’s just the other guys in your group watching, I guarantee you’ll get some applause. —with max adler ZIP

56 golf digest india | may 2019 angle your attack | a steep downswing will make the ball come out lower. GD050119_INST_SPIETH.inddIT 56-57 ... 4/23/2019 6:23:47 PM ...THEN

commit to speed maintain belief

HOLE▶ I learned how to hit the ▶ When you first practice this nip-spinner when I was 13 or 14. shot, be prepared that you’ll Before then, I didn’t have the probably blade a lot of them. strength and swing speed to Don’t worry. Stick with it, and pull it off. I use a lob wedge, and you’ll figure out the feeling of to the untrained eye the motion suppleness in the wrists that looks similar to a flop shot. It’s a lets you pinch the ball off the long backswing relative to how turf. Keep asking yourself: short the shot travels, and the How fast can I swing while downswing path is heavy out- making the ball travel the to-in, cutting across the ball. shortest distance possible? The difference between it and When I’m in a tournament a flop is impact. With a flop, the and the opportunity comes club comes in shallow and slides to hit this shot, my typical bury the putt under the ball. With the mistake is not committing to nip-spinner, the club comes the necessary speed. I’ll ▶ HopefullyIT you’ve chipped to McCormick, did an amazing. in steep to meet the ball first, decelerate, and the ball will within gimme distance. But the amount of work studying video then the turf. There’s a lot of pop up high, right and short nip-spinner is often needed for of me from 2015 and 2016. We interaction between the club and of where I intended. Depending tough situations, so even leaving discovered that I had developed the turf, so you’ll make a divot— on the slope of the green, a six- or seven-foot putt might this unnatural C-shape look to or at least scuff the grass pretty the ball still might finish a be a good outcome. Regardless my back and that my arm plane good. My main swing thought reasonable distance from the of the length, I’m going to let was disconnected from the shaft is, hold my left wrist flat through hole, so it’s not a horrible miss. you in on a recent revelation I’ve plane. Though these problems the shot so the clubhead never Still, if you want to get it had with my putting: I need to were unique to me and my passes the hands. It’s a low, close, you’ve got to keep the get lazy. By that, I mean I want cross-handed putting style, the cut motion at the bottom of the speed up through impact. everything about my stance and universal lesson is that whenever swing. Instead of the ball sliding stroke to feel super-relaxed, you have a great putting day, ask up the clubface, the grooves grip almost sleepy. When my putting someone to snap a photo of you the cover of the ball to create a is off, there’s usually tension at setup. If/when things go awry, lower trajectory and a ton of spin. somewhere in my body. I think you’ll have a useful image to work everybody is the same when back to. It’s about the easiest they start missing putts—they way for golfers to make use of start making tiny adjustments as their phones, and it’s visual proof they search for something that that you’re capable of burying a “IF YOU FEEL TENSE works. Before you know it, you’re putt and saving par. • standing uncomfortably. Get lazy OVER A PUTT, is a great thought to get back to making a good stroke. When I was struggling with my putting BACK OFF AND RESET.” for a period, my coach, Cameron

strike a pose | when you’re rolling it great, have someone photograph you putting and use it for reference. Photographs by Walter Iooss Jr.

GD050119_INST_SPIETH.indd 58-59 4/23/2019 6:22:48 PM ...THEN

commit to speed maintain belief

GD050119_INST_SPIETH.indd 58-59 4/23/2019 6:22:48 PM GD050119_INST_LEADBETTER.indd 60-61 Photographs by Dom Furore Dom by Photographs

gutter credit tk

gutter credit tk LET TON IT GET some of the names that come to mind. Their ability to con ability Their come to mind. that some names of the iron players—Hogan, Nicklaus, Faldo just Woods and are thing. Read on for morething. advice. aregular regulation in er for greens Make you. goal: The losophy for enough good is it them, should ano-brain be tougher to achieve center-face way. that contact phi that If iron because it’s Thebest players full-out, effort. rarely go what feels 80-percent (2) like with normal; swing ger than (1) me tips: to two mywhich next brings one Take club lon yourself, within get you to swing will It contact. also crisp of making part help important you hitball—an down on the will shoulder This width. than less to alittle row your stance now. right incorporate you afew that nar can with First, workyou up. ramps can your Let’s on golf as season start tips and you improve some drills with your iron accuracy help Iwill article, golf. this pin-high In distance—playing help about you controlling iron play good score, and all is really iron good play game, of the will underemphasized part closer.shots it’s funny, It an often Although was but true. she approach famously told to hit his putting, him his with struggling really he was that wife complained to his gan Ho Ben When apart. them set distance and trajectory trol ▶

history shown has make greens in regulation in greens make that the greatest golfers were greatest great the that

by david leadbetter david by may 2019 — a regular thing regular a with ron kaspriske with | golfdigest india ’ S 4/23/2019 6:31:24PM 61 ------

GD050119_INST_LEADBETTER.indd 60-61 Photographs by Dom Furore Dom by Photographs

gutter credit tk

gutter credit tk LET TON IT GET thing. Read on for morething. advice. aregular regulation in er for greens Make you. goal: The losophy for enough good is it them, should ano-brain be tougher to achieve center-face way. that contact phi that If iron because it’s Thebest players full-out, effort. rarely go what feels 80-percent (2) like with normal; swing ger than (1) me tips: to two mywhich next brings one Take club lon yourself, within get you to swing will It contact. also crisp of making part help important you hitball—an down on the will shoulder This width. than less to alittle row your stance now. right incorporate you afew that nar can with First, workyou up. ramps can your Let’s on golf as season start tips and you improve some drills with your iron accuracy help Iwill article, golf. this pin-high In distance—playing help about you controlling iron play good score, and all is really iron good play game, of the will underemphasized part closer.shots it’s funny, It an often Although was but true. she approach famously told to hit his putting, him his with struggling really he was that wife complained to his gan Ho Ben When apart. them set distance and trajectory trol to con ability Their come to mind. that some names of the iron players—Hogan, Nicklaus, Faldo just Woods and are ▶

history shown has make greens in regulation in greens make that the greatest golfers were greatest great the that

by david leadbetter david by may 2019 — a regular thing regular a with ron kaspriske with | golfdigest india ’ S

4/23/2019 6:31:24PM

61 ------

your chest is over the top of that by rehearsing impact as you “A COMPACT IRON the ball. When I talk about address the ball like I’m doing compressing the ball, squeezing here (left). Make sure the SWING WILL it off the turf, this is what I mean. shaft is leaning forward, your You never want to try to get weight is into your left side, and HELP YOU DRIVE the ball airborne. The dynamics your chest is covering the ball. of this club-ball-then-turf Then return to address and try THROUGH THE interaction creates backspin, to re-create that impact position and that will get it up. Keep doing when you swing. SHOT AND this divot drill until you routinely I want to stress that your get that feel of compression. weight shift is only a slight lateral COMPRESS IT.” movement, not a sway. You might 3 rehearse the move not exactly match that rehearsal of impact, but the closer you ▶ Assuming you worked on the can come to it, the better your 2 hit down on it half swing and divot drills, you’re chance of a solid shot. now ready to try your new iron ▶ The most common issue with game on the course. For many 4 know your hybrids poor iron play is trying to hit up of you, this will take you out of on the ball. If it’s resting on a your comfort zone. Different lies, ▶ I encourage you to add as many tee, a cushy fairway lie or even a small greens, the pressure of the hybrids to your set as you can. range mat, you can get away with match—you might be tempted to There’s no reason to hit a 5-iron an iron swing that’s ascending go back to your old, scoopy, off- off a tight lie unless you’re trying as it strikes the ball, but you’ll the-back-foot iron swing. to impress someone. It’s much never control distance or Instead of letting the situation easier to hit it high and solid with trajectory this way. You want to get the best of you, let me offer a hybrid. Just remember one hit down on the ball, taking a suggestion: Don’t focus on thing: A hybrid is much more like a divot only after impact. what could go wrong. Block out an iron than a fairway wood. That A great drill to help you do distractions like that by thinking means you want to play the ball that is to place a second ball next about what position your body roughly center in your stance, to the far side of the one you’re needs to be in at impact to 3 just like an iron, and you want to about to hit (below, left). After compress the ball. You can do hit down on it (below, left), even you hit the shot, note where taking a bit of a divot. your divot mark is in relation Because distance gaps with 4 to the ball that’s still sitting there hybrids tend to be bigger than (below, right). It should be closer with irons, I also suggest you to the target. If the mark adopt two grips per hybrid—at starts behind the ball, you’re the top of the handle and an inch still probably trying to scoop it or so down. This will give you two off the turf. You’re not hitting distances per club, so you can hit down on the ball. more approaches pin-high. The typical reason is that Let me leave you with one you’re not shifting your weight more overall thought about to the front leg (left for righties) approach shots: Be honest with as you swing down. You should yourself. You might have hit a 1 feel like all your weight is being 6-iron 170 yards—once—but you supported by the left leg, and don’t do it regularly. So don’t take out the 6 when a 5-iron is the 1 trim your swing more reliable choice. Even if you 2 catch one perfectly, and the ball ▶ We first have to get you in the off the turf (more on that later). flies over the pin, flushing it is habit of making solid contact Practice this body-controlled going to feel pretty darn good. • virtually every time you hit an swing by hitting half shots iron shot. That’s going to make (photos, above). Take the club your distance control a lot more back with good coil in your torso, reliable. An abbreviated swing, but only to the point where your “CHECK YOUR three-quarter length on both lead arm (left for righties) is sides of the ball, will help do that. parallel to the ground. Then stop Jack Nicklaus almost never had your swing after impact when IMPACT POSITION. a full follow-through with his your trail arm is close to parallel middle-to-short irons, because to the ground. You might be IS THE SHAFT OF a shorter swing makes it easier pleasantly surprised to realize to hit it out of the center of the how good your ball-striking THE IRON LEANING clubface. It also gets you to drive becomes despite making such a through the ball, compressing it truncated swing. FORWARD?”

62 golf digest india | may 2019

GD050119_INST_LEADBETTER.indd 62-63 4/23/2019 6:32:25 PM your chest is over the top of that by rehearsing impact as you “A COMPACT IRON the ball. When I talk about address the ball like I’m doing compressing the ball, squeezing here (left). Make sure the SWING WILL it off the turf, this is what I mean. shaft is leaning forward, your You never want to try to get weight is into your left side, and HELP YOU DRIVE the ball airborne. The dynamics your chest is covering the ball. of this club-ball-then-turf Then return to address and try THROUGH THE interaction creates backspin, to re-create that impact position and that will get it up. Keep doing when you swing. SHOT AND this divot drill until you routinely I want to stress that your get that feel of compression. weight shift is only a slight lateral COMPRESS IT.” movement, not a sway. You might 3 rehearse the move not exactly match that rehearsal of impact, but the closer you ▶ Assuming you worked on the can come to it, the better your 2 hit down on it half swing and divot drills, you’re chance of a solid shot. now ready to try your new iron ▶ The most common issue with game on the course. For many 4 know your hybrids poor iron play is trying to hit up of you, this will take you out of on the ball. If it’s resting on a your comfort zone. Different lies, ▶ I encourage you to add as many tee, a cushy fairway lie or even a small greens, the pressure of the hybrids to your set as you can. range mat, you can get away with match—you might be tempted to There’s no reason to hit a 5-iron an iron swing that’s ascending go back to your old, scoopy, off- off a tight lie unless you’re trying as it strikes the ball, but you’ll the-back-foot iron swing. to impress someone. It’s much never control distance or Instead of letting the situation easier to hit it high and solid with trajectory this way. You want to get the best of you, let me offer a hybrid. Just remember one hit down on the ball, taking a suggestion: Don’t focus on thing: A hybrid is much more like a divot only after impact. what could go wrong. Block out an iron than a fairway wood. That A great drill to help you do distractions like that by thinking means you want to play the ball that is to place a second ball next about what position your body roughly center in your stance, to the far side of the one you’re needs to be in at impact to 3 just like an iron, and you want to about to hit (below, left). After compress the ball. You can do hit down on it (below, left), even you hit the shot, note where taking a bit of a divot. your divot mark is in relation Because distance gaps with 4 to the ball that’s still sitting there hybrids tend to be bigger than (below, right). It should be closer with irons, I also suggest you to the target. If the mark adopt two grips per hybrid—at starts behind the ball, you’re the top of the handle and an inch still probably trying to scoop it or so down. This will give you two off the turf. You’re not hitting distances per club, so you can hit down on the ball. more approaches pin-high. The typical reason is that Let me leave you with one you’re not shifting your weight more overall thought about to the front leg (left for righties) approach shots: Be honest with as you swing down. You should yourself. You might have hit a 1 feel like all your weight is being 6-iron 170 yards—once—but you supported by the left leg, and don’t do it regularly. So don’t take out the 6 when a 5-iron is the 1 trim your swing more reliable choice. Even if you 2 catch one perfectly, and the ball ▶ We first have to get you in the off the turf (more on that later). flies over the pin, flushing it is habit of making solid contact Practice this body-controlled going to feel pretty darn good. • virtually every time you hit an swing by hitting half shots iron shot. That’s going to make (photos, above). Take the club your distance control a lot more back with good coil in your torso, reliable. An abbreviated swing, but only to the point where your “CHECK YOUR three-quarter length on both lead arm (left for righties) is sides of the ball, will help do that. parallel to the ground. Then stop Jack Nicklaus almost never had your swing after impact when IMPACT POSITION. a full follow-through with his your trail arm is close to parallel middle-to-short irons, because to the ground. You might be IS THE SHAFT OF a shorter swing makes it easier pleasantly surprised to realize to hit it out of the center of the how good your ball-striking THE IRON LEANING clubface. It also gets you to drive becomes despite making such a through the ball, compressing it truncated swing. FORWARD?”

62 golf digest india | may 2019

GD050119_INST_LEADBETTER.indd 62-63 4/23/2019 6:32:25 PM ▶ PGA of America ceo Seth Waugh on Thinking golf, business, new ideas BIG and the NJA Rule with Guy Yocom

GD050119_FEAT_PGA_SETH_WAUGH.indd 64-65 4/23/2019 6:34:02 PM ▶ PGA of America ceo Seth Waugh on Thinking golf, business, new ideas BIG and the NJA Rule with Guy Yocom

GD050119_FEAT_PGA_SETH_WAUGH.indd 64-65 4/23/2019 6:34:02 PM my Shot • 60 • North Palm Beach • Florida a friend of mine from Boston CEO—is following the PGA ‘In business and recently sent me a picture of members in the field. Watching ‘Some feel the his teenage son holding up a them is irresistible because it’s certainly the people sign that read, “16 years old, serious stuff, something they game as a whole 10 parades,” referencing how aren’t accustomed to doing I choose to hang many times he’d been to cel- every week. They go from being is diminishing. I’M the youngest ebrations for the Patriots and stars at their clubs and state of five brothers. Al, who is just ahead of me and was always big for his age, did most of out with on the Red Sox. I thought, This kid events to arguably the biggest I don’t buy it.’ the brotherly hazing. He invented a two-player football game he called Cut-down. We doesn’t know pain. Neither of underdogs in pro sports on one each got four downs, and on my possession he’d let me get to the equivalent of his five- golf course, those teams won champion- of the biggest stages. Cool stuff. ● ● ● yard line, and then he’d steamroll me. It wasn’t designed so much to prevent me from ships my entire childhood. ● ● ● when i was about 10, I got I abide by the I came out of that experience a month after the September 11 my hands on a little transistor scoring but rather to humiliate. Completely humiliate. When he had the ball, he’d tending to pull for the under- attacks, I took my son, Clancy, radio. From our home in New pretend to struggle, but he’d drag me across the goal line, pumping his knees into my the nJA Rule: dog not just in sports, but in to Yankee Stadium for Game 5 Jersey, I could pick up Boston chin. We played in all the same sports leagues, and to get in the games I had to “play up” business and life. One of the of the World Series against the Celtics broadcasts if I oriented No Jerks coolest things about the PGA Diamondbacks. It was emotion- the radio just right. My favorite and overachieve. It was good for me, though I can’t say the memory of those Cut-down Championship—and I had this al for me in so many ways. player was John Havlicek, who games is a pleasant one. Al, who has long been my best friend, just laughs about it. Allowed.’ opinion long before I became I was a longtime New Yorker wasn’t particularly flashy but with Deutsche Bank Americas invaluable in all kinds of ways. and knew hundreds of people He was the consummate team who were in the towers. I lost player. Much later I was fortu- two of my absolute closest nate to play golf with John, friends. It was a time of soul- and he was the type who looked wrenching sadness and trauma, harder for your lost ball than but also heroic acts. Clancy he did his own. In business, was 7 then, and he knew only I came to value people who were the Yankees. They hit a two- like John. Those who make run homer in the bottom of everyone around them better. the ninth to tie things up and The lone-wolf star types can then won it in extra innings. be highly productive individu- An incredible moment to share ally, but their selfishness can be with your son. But the real story disruptive in ways that diminish came the next year on opening the team, not make it better. As day. Clancy and I were watching an executive, I’ve always tried “SportsCenter” going through hard to weed out those types the scores when he turned to and reward those who put the me and said, “Dad, I don’t think team first. I’ve always believed I want to be a Yankees fan any- that life is a team sport.

more.” I said, “Why’s that?” ● ● ● He said, “They’re just too in business and certainly good.” I tousled his hair and the people I choose to hang out said, “Welcome to my world.” with on the golf course, I abide by the NJA Rule: No Jerks Allowed. It’s my golden rule. Jerks come in a lot of forms but are generally easy to spot. It usually takes about three holes in golf and life. They’re sort of ‘Wayne Gretzky the anti-Havlicek—they don’t look for your ball or compli- says players should ment your good shots because usually they haven’t actually skate to watched you take a swing all day. It’s all about them. Too where the puck often, they’re caddie haters as well. No fun. It’s even worse is going, if it happens to be a player who’s treated deferentially, not not where it’s been, because he’s a great guy but because he’s a good golfer. It’s and that applies to not OK to be a jerk, no matter how you play. They might be in- how we look vited to a lot of member-guests by people who are trying to at golf.’ “buy the tournament,” which

Photographs by Finlay MacKay may 2019 | golf digest india 67

GD050119_FEAT_PGA_SETH_WAUGH.indd 66-67 4/23/2019 6:34:34 PM my Shot • 60 • North Palm Beach • Florida a friend of mine from Boston CEO—is following the PGA ‘In business and recently sent me a picture of members in the field. Watching ‘Some feel the his teenage son holding up a them is irresistible because it’s certainly the people sign that read, “16 years old, serious stuff, something they game as a whole 10 parades,” referencing how aren’t accustomed to doing I choose to hang many times he’d been to cel- every week. They go from being is diminishing. I’M the youngest ebrations for the Patriots and stars at their clubs and state of five brothers. Al, who is just ahead of me and was always big for his age, did most of out with on the Red Sox. I thought, This kid events to arguably the biggest I don’t buy it.’ the brotherly hazing. He invented a two-player football game he called Cut-down. We doesn’t know pain. Neither of underdogs in pro sports on one each got four downs, and on my possession he’d let me get to the equivalent of his five- golf course, those teams won champion- of the biggest stages. Cool stuff. ● ● ● yard line, and then he’d steamroll me. It wasn’t designed so much to prevent me from ships my entire childhood. ● ● ● when i was about 10, I got I abide by the I came out of that experience a month after the September 11 my hands on a little transistor scoring but rather to humiliate. Completely humiliate. When he had the ball, he’d tending to pull for the under- attacks, I took my son, Clancy, radio. From our home in New pretend to struggle, but he’d drag me across the goal line, pumping his knees into my the nJA Rule: dog not just in sports, but in to Yankee Stadium for Game 5 Jersey, I could pick up Boston chin. We played in all the same sports leagues, and to get in the games I had to “play up” business and life. One of the of the World Series against the Celtics broadcasts if I oriented No Jerks coolest things about the PGA Diamondbacks. It was emotion- the radio just right. My favorite and overachieve. It was good for me, though I can’t say the memory of those Cut-down Championship—and I had this al for me in so many ways. player was John Havlicek, who games is a pleasant one. Al, who has long been my best friend, just laughs about it. Allowed.’ opinion long before I became I was a longtime New Yorker wasn’t particularly flashy but with Deutsche Bank Americas invaluable in all kinds of ways. and knew hundreds of people He was the consummate team who were in the towers. I lost player. Much later I was fortu- two of my absolute closest nate to play golf with John, friends. It was a time of soul- and he was the type who looked wrenching sadness and trauma, harder for your lost ball than but also heroic acts. Clancy he did his own. In business, was 7 then, and he knew only I came to value people who were the Yankees. They hit a two- like John. Those who make run homer in the bottom of everyone around them better. the ninth to tie things up and The lone-wolf star types can then won it in extra innings. be highly productive individu- An incredible moment to share ally, but their selfishness can be with your son. But the real story disruptive in ways that diminish came the next year on opening the team, not make it better. As day. Clancy and I were watching an executive, I’ve always tried “SportsCenter” going through hard to weed out those types the scores when he turned to and reward those who put the me and said, “Dad, I don’t think team first. I’ve always believed I want to be a Yankees fan any- that life is a team sport.

Photographs by Finlay MacKay may 2019 | golf digest india 67

GD050119_FEAT_PGA_SETH_WAUGH.indd 66-67 4/23/2019 6:34:34 PM is kind of a jerk move, too. It’s about being CEO of Deutsche ● ● ● and business people. At its core, Suzy Whaley, doesn’t work some answer—your answer. people in the industry and the much more important to have Bank Americas was helping the westhampton country it’s a noble profession, because ‘coming to that way. Not only does she The goal was always to light the pro game come immediately to your phone ring a lot because of company’s entry into golf. In club on Long Island, 1985. Big they’re always serving. They can start things on time, she moves flame and then remove himself mind. But preserving the status what you’re like to be around, 2003, the first year of our spon- member-guest with some pres- have a huge influence, they’re the PGA of America through an agenda like no one from the conversation and let it quo is dangerous. Wayne Gretz- and not how you play. Every sorship of our PGA Tour event tige and a lot of bragging rights. trusted and they care. They’re I’ve ever seen. She’s helped me do the teaching. Not quite Lord ky says players should skate to day in golf is another opportu- in Boston, I got a call from Jay I was a very raw 12-handicapper sort of ministers with a different has exposed a restructure the way I work. of the Flies, but a way to learn. where the puck is going, not nity to make a new friend, to Monahan, whom we’d brought or so back then. My great friend pulpit. I took this job for the op- ● ● ● Because you found your answer where it’s been, and that ap- learn something about yourself in as tournament director. We and host, Tim Thornton, and portunity to make 29,000 mem- weakness of a lot of ideas for improving in your way, you then owned it, plies to how we look at golf. and whomever you’re with. had a sponsor exemption left I play our way into contention bers’ lives better, and because the game are going to come not just accepted it. The school ● ● ● ● ● ● to give out under the foreign- and wind up in a sudden-death of how that can impact the lives mine. . . . from outside of golf. Arjun sits students and teachers at an so where’s the puck going? my favorite type of golf player category, and we agreed playoff. On the par-3 third hole, of the millions of people that Chowdri, who we just named ingeniously devised, oval-shape In Korea, there are two mil- is the simple two-on-two stuff that Justin Rose, who’d strug- both our opponents are on the they touch every day. I’d like to The PGA of America as the PGA of America’s first table called a Harkness table, lion green-grass golfers and you see in every foursome. gled early on in Europe, would green. Tim hits into a greenside utilize these traits more to their Chief Innovation Officer, told perfect for discourse, especially three million virtual golfers. In But two or three times a year, be a great choice. Neither of us bunker and whispers to me, benefit. It’s just an idea, but say happens to be the most us recently about a discovery in smaller groups. Fifty percent America, Topgolf is growing at I’ll tee it up individually, in had met Justin, but early that “I need you, partner.” With your PGA member drove a Ca- prompted by the problem of or more of a student’s grade is 20 percent per year. I believe tournaments—the club cham- week at the pro-am draw party, maybe 40 people watching, dillac. Could he or she, as a local punctual waste in grocery stores. The based on the quality of their par- the PGA of America was afraid pionship at Seminole, the which was at the Massachusetts I hit a shank into the forest. thought leader, drive sales for amount and cost of produce ticipation at the table. of Topgolf’s onset and initial singles events at National, or State House, I met him for the Silence. We lose. There was no the nearby dealer through club organization going bad before it moves off Many sat at the table, in- popularity. It just wasn’t what in the past, the Travis at Garden first time. After several of us, hole big enough for me to crawl members and benefit from that the shelves is staggering. Ar- cluding our two daughters, we did. A few years later, here City. I like to feel on occasion including then-governor Mitt into. The embarrassment was in some way? Can we do this on I’ve ever seen.’ jun noted that scientists have some more famous than oth- we are partnering with Topgolf, that uncomfortable sensation Romney, gave our speeches, I overwhelming. After everyone a national scale? Everyone wins. developed a safe polymer that, ers. At an AT&T Pebble Beach even staffing them with PGA that comes when you have to walked into an adjoining room had gone home, I took a bag of ● ● ● when sprayed on fruit and veg- Pro-Am some years ago, I intro- professionals. Far from being post a number, no Equitable and saw this tall, skinny kid 50 balls and hit them into the are there limitations to is the meditative thing, silence etables, makes them last several duced myself to Huey Lewis, intimidated or confused by Stroke Control, no excuses and standing alone, nibbling at a ocean, trying to cleanse myself. what the PGA can provide for interspersed only with conver- days longer. Arjun is wondering knowing he’d been a student of Topgolf, we’re embracing it. I’d nowhere to hide. It’s a little tray of shrimp. I approached It didn’t work. I was so trauma- its members? Of course. We’re sation, our thoughts and the if there might be a use for that my father’s. “Your dad was Jim like to see us not merely utilize scary, given my day job and him and said, “Excuse me, but tized, I couldn’t sleep. not the members’ employ- game’s unique sounds. I hope it polymer on golf courses. Could Waugh?” he said. He turned to these innovations, but expand a Handicap Index of 8.6, and aren’t you Justin Rose?” He I sought out Ed Kelly, the pro at ers—the clubs do that, or else always remains a primary rea- it mean less water usage, which Alice Cooper. “Alice, get over on them and perhaps originate there’s always the possibility replied that he was. As we made my home club, Cherry Valley, they’re entrepreneurs. We’re an son for playing. we know is an increasingly here. You see this guy? His some of our own. I’d like to I could go completely off the a little small talk, I learned he for a lobotomy. Ed not only was umbrella organization whose ● ● ● critical issue in golf? Can it dad is the man—best teacher see traditional golf as the end rails toward Humiliation Sta- was staying down in Provi- sympathetic in the way only a role is to spread educational clancy is 24 now, and I still keep the azaleas in bloom at the ever!” Huey is a brilliant guy, point, but how we get there is tion. But I like it. My friend dence, R.I., a good 90-minute special club pro can be, he truly resources and best practices, caddie for him just as I did Masters a week longer? Maybe, scored 800 on his math SATs wide open. Vinny Giles said it best: “Golf’s drive away. I said, “It’s nice to cared. He worked with me, in- provide them with guidance whenever I could for junior maybe not. But we’re going to back in the day. He majored ● ● ● a lot different when you’ve got meet you, but why in the world vested himself in me. He gave and the tools to succeed. Our golf. As he gets older, better be encouraging and investing in engineering at Cornell. He remember the scene in a pencil in your hand.” are you here?” Justin said, me a game and changed my life. job is to foster an environment and more experienced, the in that type of alternative think- also played a little music along “Back to the Future” where ● ● ● “Well, Deutsche Bank was so It was the hours I spent with Ed where they can perform their dynamic between us has also ing. One benefit of moving our the way. Michael J. Fox plays “Johnny vinny would know, because nice to invite me, I just thought that made me fall in love with best. It’s the talent, hard work evolved. Last year, when he at- headquarters to Frisco, Tex.— My dad is my hero, my B. Goode” and the crowd goes he won the U.S. Amateur and I should thank somebody.” That the game. Over the years that and determination of the mem- tempted to qualify for the PGA we’ll have golf courses and oth- role model, because of how wild at the innovation? And British Amateur titles in the blew me away. followed, I’ve been honored to bers themselves that ultimately Tour Canada, he asked me to er state-of-the-art facilities—is many lives he’s impacted, how how he breaks into Jimi Hen- 1970s. He’s 76 now and is one ● ● ● have many extraordinary pros make the difference. be on his bag. We came up with to create a laboratory for the many lives he’s made better. At drix-like stuff, and suddenly of those guys to whom age is justin and i became good and human beings like him in ● ● ● three ground rules. One, he’s game in all forms. It will be the 92, he’s still doing that every there’s silence, and he realizes just a number. His knowledge friends—stayed at each other’s my life, but Eddie will always be phones have obviously be- the boss. I provide the yardages canvas to incubate ideas, and day. Our dining-room table at he’s gone too far? That’s where of what’s going on at every golf houses; we’ve won the Semi- my first love. come a constant companion in but club him only when asked. to test and develop concepts in home? A Harkness, of course. we are, risk-wise, in golf. Top-

organization, the scuttlebutt nole pro-member three times ● ● ● today’s life, and golf is adapt- Two, I read putts but only of- real-world settings. ● ● ● golf is rocking it, found a sweet and inner workings of the together as partners. In one when tiger was at the peak ing to that reality. Many places fer my opinion when asked. ● ● ● when i think of the future of spot, been the perfect disrupter. game, is staggering. On the of the great honors of my life, of his powers, he revealed some- have relaxed policies; some Three, if he ever behaves like a my father, Jim Waugh, taught golf, the Harkness table comes We’re going to support inven- course he’ll just work you to I’m the godfather to his and thing about his game to me I have not. I would say one thing, jerk, I’m his dad. Clancy missed English at the Groton School to mind. Creativity is going to be tions like it, and we’ll likely hit a death, and he practices so hard Kate’s daughter, Charlotte, who think is so telling. He said he I’m pretty sure I’ve never hit a qualifying by one, and I’m hap- in Massachusetts and later at key, because golf is facing some Hendrix-like chord or two. We’ll you’d think he was preparing lights up my life. I know that in devoted 80 percent of his prac- good shot after checking my py to say I didn’t have to invoke the Lawrenceville School in serious existential threats that learn from it and move on. Suc- for a major. There are an in- my new job I’m not supposed tice time to his short game. Of phone. I get that it’s hard to the third rule. New Jersey. He had a Socratic can’t be solved by policy or any cess never comes at zero risk; it creasing number of people like to play favorites—I’m lucky that parcel, 80 percent he spent unplug for a few hours, but it’s ● ● ● method of teaching in which single mandate. All sports face doesn’t work that way. We want that in my life who inspire me. enough to call many tour play- chipping. He said he ended his healthy to do so. Hopefully it’s coming to the PGA of America the students became the teach- challenges today, and golf is no to be a part of the inevitable dis- Sam Reeves, a fellow member ers a friend—but you can guess sessions by throwing 20 balls a time to live in the moment, to has exposed a weakness of ers, often of themselves. He exception. Our sport has issus ruption, not a victim of it. at Seminole and mentor to so which one has a special place in randomly into crappy lies. enjoy the walk, the company, mine. I’m not an on-time per- would ask the questions, not with time constraints, societal many, won the pro-member my heart. When the 20 balls were finished, the beauty of the surroundings, son, and the PGA happens to be provide the answers. He ex- ADD, access and sheer difficulty. with Nick Watney a couple of he threw down several more and and the game. And appreciate the most punctual organization posed multiple paths toward It’s complicated, and we’ve been years ago at age 82. I’m 60 and didn’t quit until he holed one. the reminder that golf’s great- I’ve ever seen. The principle of too preoccupied with protecting fairly active, but I always feel ● ● ● est weakness is also its greatest always making your tee time successful formulas of the past so inadequate, unworthy and the pga professional is strength. Much of golf’s appeal must have sunk in, because rather than looking creatively sloth-like when I’m around the most revered person in the every meeting starts on the toward the future. The PGA of Sam. Guys like those two in- game. He or she is admired dot. At Deutsche Bank, I was on America can do better here. I’m spire you to think young and and respected, much the way time first thing in the morning not making a call to blow any- get after it, doing good for your- doctors, teachers and football and then late the rest of the day thing up, because golf obviously self and the world. coaches are in our communities. because I tend to take on one remains an incredible engine for ● ● ● They come into contact with extra task or have one more good. Charity, health, social op- one of the coolest things a lot of charities, civic leaders conversation. Our president, portunities, material benefit for

68 golf digest india | may 2019 may 2019 | golf digest india 69

GD050119_FEAT_PGA_SETH_WAUGH.indd 68-69 4/23/2019 6:35:05 PM is kind of a jerk move, too. It’s about being CEO of Deutsche ● ● ● and business people. At its core, Suzy Whaley, doesn’t work some answer—your answer. people in the industry and the much more important to have Bank Americas was helping the westhampton country it’s a noble profession, because ‘coming to that way. Not only does she The goal was always to light the pro game come immediately to your phone ring a lot because of company’s entry into golf. In club on Long Island, 1985. Big they’re always serving. They can start things on time, she moves flame and then remove himself mind. But preserving the status what you’re like to be around, 2003, the first year of our spon- member-guest with some pres- have a huge influence, they’re the PGA of America through an agenda like no one from the conversation and let it quo is dangerous. Wayne Gretz- and not how you play. Every sorship of our PGA Tour event tige and a lot of bragging rights. trusted and they care. They’re I’ve ever seen. She’s helped me do the teaching. Not quite Lord ky says players should skate to day in golf is another opportu- in Boston, I got a call from Jay I was a very raw 12-handicapper sort of ministers with a different has exposed a restructure the way I work. of the Flies, but a way to learn. where the puck is going, not nity to make a new friend, to Monahan, whom we’d brought or so back then. My great friend pulpit. I took this job for the op- ● ● ● Because you found your answer where it’s been, and that ap- learn something about yourself in as tournament director. We and host, Tim Thornton, and portunity to make 29,000 mem- weakness of a lot of ideas for improving in your way, you then owned it, plies to how we look at golf. and whomever you’re with. had a sponsor exemption left I play our way into contention bers’ lives better, and because the game are going to come not just accepted it. The school ● ● ● ● ● ● to give out under the foreign- and wind up in a sudden-death of how that can impact the lives mine. . . . from outside of golf. Arjun sits students and teachers at an so where’s the puck going? my favorite type of golf player category, and we agreed playoff. On the par-3 third hole, of the millions of people that Chowdri, who we just named ingeniously devised, oval-shape In Korea, there are two mil- is the simple two-on-two stuff that Justin Rose, who’d strug- both our opponents are on the they touch every day. I’d like to The PGA of America as the PGA of America’s first table called a Harkness table, lion green-grass golfers and you see in every foursome. gled early on in Europe, would green. Tim hits into a greenside utilize these traits more to their Chief Innovation Officer, told perfect for discourse, especially three million virtual golfers. In But two or three times a year, be a great choice. Neither of us bunker and whispers to me, benefit. It’s just an idea, but say happens to be the most us recently about a discovery in smaller groups. Fifty percent America, Topgolf is growing at I’ll tee it up individually, in had met Justin, but early that “I need you, partner.” With your PGA member drove a Ca- prompted by the problem of or more of a student’s grade is 20 percent per year. I believe tournaments—the club cham- week at the pro-am draw party, maybe 40 people watching, dillac. Could he or she, as a local punctual waste in grocery stores. The based on the quality of their par- the PGA of America was afraid pionship at Seminole, the which was at the Massachusetts I hit a shank into the forest. thought leader, drive sales for amount and cost of produce ticipation at the table. of Topgolf’s onset and initial singles events at National, or State House, I met him for the Silence. We lose. There was no the nearby dealer through club organization going bad before it moves off Many sat at the table, in- popularity. It just wasn’t what in the past, the Travis at Garden first time. After several of us, hole big enough for me to crawl members and benefit from that the shelves is staggering. Ar- cluding our two daughters, we did. A few years later, here City. I like to feel on occasion including then-governor Mitt into. The embarrassment was in some way? Can we do this on I’ve ever seen.’ jun noted that scientists have some more famous than oth- we are partnering with Topgolf, that uncomfortable sensation Romney, gave our speeches, I overwhelming. After everyone a national scale? Everyone wins. developed a safe polymer that, ers. At an AT&T Pebble Beach even staffing them with PGA that comes when you have to walked into an adjoining room had gone home, I took a bag of ● ● ● when sprayed on fruit and veg- Pro-Am some years ago, I intro- professionals. Far from being post a number, no Equitable and saw this tall, skinny kid 50 balls and hit them into the are there limitations to is the meditative thing, silence etables, makes them last several duced myself to Huey Lewis, intimidated or confused by Stroke Control, no excuses and standing alone, nibbling at a ocean, trying to cleanse myself. what the PGA can provide for interspersed only with conver- days longer. Arjun is wondering knowing he’d been a student of Topgolf, we’re embracing it. I’d nowhere to hide. It’s a little tray of shrimp. I approached It didn’t work. I was so trauma- its members? Of course. We’re sation, our thoughts and the if there might be a use for that my father’s. “Your dad was Jim like to see us not merely utilize scary, given my day job and him and said, “Excuse me, but tized, I couldn’t sleep. not the members’ employ- game’s unique sounds. I hope it polymer on golf courses. Could Waugh?” he said. He turned to these innovations, but expand a Handicap Index of 8.6, and aren’t you Justin Rose?” He I sought out Ed Kelly, the pro at ers—the clubs do that, or else always remains a primary rea- it mean less water usage, which Alice Cooper. “Alice, get over on them and perhaps originate there’s always the possibility replied that he was. As we made my home club, Cherry Valley, they’re entrepreneurs. We’re an son for playing. we know is an increasingly here. You see this guy? His some of our own. I’d like to I could go completely off the a little small talk, I learned he for a lobotomy. Ed not only was umbrella organization whose ● ● ● critical issue in golf? Can it dad is the man—best teacher see traditional golf as the end rails toward Humiliation Sta- was staying down in Provi- sympathetic in the way only a role is to spread educational clancy is 24 now, and I still keep the azaleas in bloom at the ever!” Huey is a brilliant guy, point, but how we get there is tion. But I like it. My friend dence, R.I., a good 90-minute special club pro can be, he truly resources and best practices, caddie for him just as I did Masters a week longer? Maybe, scored 800 on his math SATs wide open. Vinny Giles said it best: “Golf’s drive away. I said, “It’s nice to cared. He worked with me, in- provide them with guidance whenever I could for junior maybe not. But we’re going to back in the day. He majored ● ● ● a lot different when you’ve got meet you, but why in the world vested himself in me. He gave and the tools to succeed. Our golf. As he gets older, better be encouraging and investing in engineering at Cornell. He remember the scene in a pencil in your hand.” are you here?” Justin said, me a game and changed my life. job is to foster an environment and more experienced, the in that type of alternative think- also played a little music along “Back to the Future” where ● ● ● “Well, Deutsche Bank was so It was the hours I spent with Ed where they can perform their dynamic between us has also ing. One benefit of moving our the way. Michael J. Fox plays “Johnny vinny would know, because nice to invite me, I just thought that made me fall in love with best. It’s the talent, hard work evolved. Last year, when he at- headquarters to Frisco, Tex.— My dad is my hero, my B. Goode” and the crowd goes he won the U.S. Amateur and I should thank somebody.” That the game. Over the years that and determination of the mem- tempted to qualify for the PGA we’ll have golf courses and oth- role model, because of how wild at the innovation? And British Amateur titles in the blew me away. followed, I’ve been honored to bers themselves that ultimately Tour Canada, he asked me to er state-of-the-art facilities—is many lives he’s impacted, how how he breaks into Jimi Hen- 1970s. He’s 76 now and is one ● ● ● have many extraordinary pros make the difference. be on his bag. We came up with to create a laboratory for the many lives he’s made better. At drix-like stuff, and suddenly of those guys to whom age is justin and i became good and human beings like him in ● ● ● three ground rules. One, he’s game in all forms. It will be the 92, he’s still doing that every there’s silence, and he realizes just a number. His knowledge friends—stayed at each other’s my life, but Eddie will always be phones have obviously be- the boss. I provide the yardages canvas to incubate ideas, and day. Our dining-room table at he’s gone too far? That’s where of what’s going on at every golf houses; we’ve won the Semi- my first love. come a constant companion in but club him only when asked. to test and develop concepts in home? A Harkness, of course. we are, risk-wise, in golf. Top- organization, the scuttlebutt nole pro-member three times ● ● ● today’s life, and golf is adapt- Two, I read putts but only of- real-world settings. ● ● ● golf is rocking it, found a sweet and inner workings of the together as partners. In one when tiger was at the peak ing to that reality. Many places fer my opinion when asked. ● ● ● when i think of the future of spot, been the perfect disrupter. game, is staggering. On the of the great honors of my life, of his powers, he revealed some- have relaxed policies; some Three, if he ever behaves like a my father, Jim Waugh, taught golf, the Harkness table comes We’re going to support inven- course he’ll just work you to I’m the godfather to his and thing about his game to me I have not. I would say one thing, jerk, I’m his dad. Clancy missed English at the Groton School to mind. Creativity is going to be tions like it, and we’ll likely hit a death, and he practices so hard Kate’s daughter, Charlotte, who think is so telling. He said he I’m pretty sure I’ve never hit a qualifying by one, and I’m hap- in Massachusetts and later at key, because golf is facing some Hendrix-like chord or two. We’ll you’d think he was preparing lights up my life. I know that in devoted 80 percent of his prac- good shot after checking my py to say I didn’t have to invoke the Lawrenceville School in serious existential threats that learn from it and move on. Suc- for a major. There are an in- my new job I’m not supposed tice time to his short game. Of phone. I get that it’s hard to the third rule. New Jersey. He had a Socratic can’t be solved by policy or any cess never comes at zero risk; it creasing number of people like to play favorites—I’m lucky that parcel, 80 percent he spent unplug for a few hours, but it’s ● ● ● method of teaching in which single mandate. All sports face doesn’t work that way. We want that in my life who inspire me. enough to call many tour play- chipping. He said he ended his healthy to do so. Hopefully it’s coming to the PGA of America the students became the teach- challenges today, and golf is no to be a part of the inevitable dis- Sam Reeves, a fellow member ers a friend—but you can guess sessions by throwing 20 balls a time to live in the moment, to has exposed a weakness of ers, often of themselves. He exception. Our sport has issus ruption, not a victim of it. at Seminole and mentor to so which one has a special place in randomly into crappy lies. enjoy the walk, the company, mine. I’m not an on-time per- would ask the questions, not with time constraints, societal many, won the pro-member my heart. When the 20 balls were finished, the beauty of the surroundings, son, and the PGA happens to be provide the answers. He ex- ADD, access and sheer difficulty. with Nick Watney a couple of he threw down several more and and the game. And appreciate the most punctual organization posed multiple paths toward It’s complicated, and we’ve been years ago at age 82. I’m 60 and didn’t quit until he holed one. the reminder that golf’s great- I’ve ever seen. The principle of too preoccupied with protecting fairly active, but I always feel ● ● ● est weakness is also its greatest always making your tee time successful formulas of the past so inadequate, unworthy and the pga professional is strength. Much of golf’s appeal must have sunk in, because rather than looking creatively sloth-like when I’m around the most revered person in the every meeting starts on the toward the future. The PGA of Sam. Guys like those two in- game. He or she is admired dot. At Deutsche Bank, I was on America can do better here. I’m spire you to think young and and respected, much the way time first thing in the morning not making a call to blow any- get after it, doing good for your- doctors, teachers and football and then late the rest of the day thing up, because golf obviously self and the world. coaches are in our communities. because I tend to take on one remains an incredible engine for ● ● ● They come into contact with extra task or have one more good. Charity, health, social op- one of the coolest things a lot of charities, civic leaders conversation. Our president, portunities, material benefit for

68 golf digest india | may 2019 may 2019 | golf digest india 69

GD050119_FEAT_PGA_SETH_WAUGH.indd 68-69 4/23/2019 6:35:05 PM GD050119_INST_FINAU.indd 70-71 70 golfdigest.com | month 2019 Photograph by First Lastname First by Photograph

gutter credit tk

gutter credit tk POOF PRO SLICE SWING but you’re if systematic about it, process the slice, your out you shots. straighten all It can won’t happen overnight, to help you. about youIf what hearing we’ve hit aslice, Ithink done going really is my teacher, with hard Boyd Summerhays, to get rid of big that curve. fiveOver past the I’ve years, why a learned slicer, I was and I’ve worked tour player who tee watching shots to right. 30, peel was his the yards 40 Yeah, Ihad plenty of power, how Iknew and to play but a curve, Iwas the tracking miles left. Man, I like this one alot Ilike this better. Man, left. miles tracking I would’ve up, standing been my shoulder right club the way and high up out. or spinning straightening With my posture—no in old swing, still it’s left just because (pointing square impact);is after my and upper body is ▶ with dread. You’ll dread. with more hit ball solidly the control and where it goes. you and ball, won’t the roomneeding on left to the start right looking be to golf differently, see courses start as Ihave. You’ll aboutstop worrying me from afew weeks ( ago from out ball the across to cuts Check in. that photo outsteep swing this of ▶

At the heart of open every slice clubface. an heart At is the a with goes it And usually when i got on igot tourwhen ▶ If youIf the effort the make movesto thata causeaddress in left I was hitting aslicethe off hitting tee. Iwas No joke. 2014, ). below is My arm my clubface right the left; might be just what you need you what just be might why my swing changes swing my why will may 2019

— work. you’ll time, In with peterwith morrice | by tony finau tony by golfdigest india

4/23/2019 6:36:50PM 71

GD050119_INST_FINAU.indd 70-71 70 golfdigest.com | month 2019 Photograph by First Lastname First by Photograph

gutter credit tk

gutter credit tk POOF PRO SLICE SWING but you’re if systematic about it, process the slice, your out you shots. straighten all It can won’t happen overnight, to help you. about youIf what hearing we’ve hit aslice, Ithink done going really is my teacher, with hard Boyd Summerhays, to get rid of big that curve. fiveOver past the I’ve years, why a learned slicer, I was and I’ve worked tour player who tee watching shots to right. 30, peel was his the yards 40 Yeah, Ihad plenty of power, how Iknew and to play but a curve, Iwas the tracking miles left. Man, I like this one alot Ilike this better. Man, left. miles tracking I would’ve up, standing been my shoulder right club the way and high up out. or spinning straightening With my posture—no in old swing, still it’s left just because (pointing square impact);is after my and upper body is ▶ me from afew weeks ( ago from out ball the across to cuts Check in. that photo outsteep swing this of ▶ You’ll dread. with more hit ball solidly the control and where it goes. you and ball, won’t the roomneeding on left to the start right looking be to golf differently, see courses start as Ihave. You’ll aboutstop worrying

— work. you’ll time, In with peterwith morrice | by tony finau tony by golfdigest india

4/23/2019 6:36:50PM

staying to the inside learning new sightlines right side down ▶ The first move down is when is taken care of, so I can swing ▶ People see my swing has I used to think I was hitting a ▶ I used to have my right hand slicers think, Oh no, I have to freely out to the ball without changed a lot, and they ask me draw at times, and the ball was too much on top of the grip and start this thing left, and I was worrying about losing it right. what was the toughest part. still curving to the right! I still my right arm straight at setup. no exception. I used to throw As I said before, I can stay in Boyd and I worked hard on the prefer to play a little fade, but I’ve If you’d laid a club across my the club out on the downswing my posture, too. I used to pull setup fundamentals, which natu- had to recalibrate my visuals. forearms, it would’ve pointed to force my swing more to the my head away from the ball and rally began to change my swing One drill we use is setting up dead left. To offset that, I’d roll left. That made me steeper and yank the club left. I know now, the mechanics. I started seeing less a gate for my shots using two the clubface open going back. opened the face even more. more you go left, the more open curve immediately. The funny alignment rods. We set the gate That one move set up my slice. Check out how the shaft is in the face is relative to the path— thing is, I was able to adapt my about two feet wide just to the The first change Boyd and I line with my right arm (below); it’s an ugly cycle. Boyd and I joke technique quicker than my eye. left of the target line and about made was to move my right hand it used to be in line with my left. about holes I used to play where I’ve had to get used to new sight- 10 yards in front of me. I work more under the grip. I quickly These days I just keep that I didn’t have room to hit driver lines when I play. For so many on starting the ball through the started curving the ball less. feeling of the right arm staying in because there was a tree on the years I was watching my tee gate. If I do that, I know my ball You might think tour pros make close. I’m confident that the face left. I hit driver everywhere now. shots slide hard to the right. will fade a touch to the target. only sophisticated changes, but that simple move made a huge difference. If I feel a little off one day, it’s the first thing we check. “TO SWING FROM THE INSIDE, YOU HAVE TO BE CONFIDENT THE FACE ISN’T OPEN.” The stronger right hand also helps me put some bend in my right arm and set it close to my side. As Boyd is showing (right), I want my right arm under my left. The feel for me is, the right elbow is bent and tucked. This change— and the new grip—helps me get a good start to my swing, with the clubface rotating naturally. I don’t even think about the face.

square at the top

▶ My left arm used to be more vertical at the top of the swing, with the shaft pointing out to the right. Now my left arm is across my chest, and the shaft is parallel to the target line at the top (left). Also, you can see the clubface is at the same angle as my left forearm; that’s square. My clubface used to be wide open, the toe hanging straight down. I know we’re getting a little technical here, but I want you to see these changes—they literally set up the rest of my swing. Now I don’t have to make any last-ditch effort coming down to compensate for an open face. My swing is also shorter, because I love the feeling of my right arm staying close throughout the swing. If that means short of parallel, so be it. Boyd and I don’t look for textbook positions; we let the ball flight tell us what’s right. I have plenty of room to create speed, and most important, the face is in a strong position. No slicing from here.

72 golf digest india | may 2019 Photographs by Walter Iooss Jr.

GD050119_INST_FINAU.indd 72-73 4/23/2019 6:37:11 PM staying to the inside learning new sightlines right side down ▶ The first move down is when is taken care of, so I can swing ▶ People see my swing has I used to think I was hitting a ▶ I used to have my right hand slicers think, Oh no, I have to freely out to the ball without changed a lot, and they ask me draw at times, and the ball was too much on top of the grip and start this thing left, and I was worrying about losing it right. what was the toughest part. still curving to the right! I still my right arm straight at setup. no exception. I used to throw As I said before, I can stay in Boyd and I worked hard on the prefer to play a little fade, but I’ve If you’d laid a club across my the club out on the downswing my posture, too. I used to pull setup fundamentals, which natu- had to recalibrate my visuals. forearms, it would’ve pointed to force my swing more to the my head away from the ball and rally began to change my swing One drill we use is setting up dead left. To offset that, I’d roll left. That made me steeper and yank the club left. I know now, the mechanics. I started seeing less a gate for my shots using two the clubface open going back. opened the face even more. more you go left, the more open curve immediately. The funny alignment rods. We set the gate That one move set up my slice. Check out how the shaft is in the face is relative to the path— thing is, I was able to adapt my about two feet wide just to the The first change Boyd and I line with my right arm (below); it’s an ugly cycle. Boyd and I joke technique quicker than my eye. left of the target line and about made was to move my right hand it used to be in line with my left. about holes I used to play where I’ve had to get used to new sight- 10 yards in front of me. I work more under the grip. I quickly These days I just keep that I didn’t have room to hit driver lines when I play. For so many on starting the ball through the started curving the ball less. feeling of the right arm staying in because there was a tree on the years I was watching my tee gate. If I do that, I know my ball You might think tour pros make close. I’m confident that the face left. I hit driver everywhere now. shots slide hard to the right. will fade a touch to the target. only sophisticated changes, but that simple move made a huge difference. If I feel a little off one day, it’s the first thing we check. “TO SWING FROM THE INSIDE, YOU HAVE TO BE CONFIDENT THE FACE ISN’T OPEN.” The stronger right hand also helps me put some bend in my right arm and set it close to my side. As Boyd is showing (right), I want my right arm under my left. The feel for me is, the right elbow is bent and tucked. This change— and the new grip—helps me get a good start to my swing, with the clubface rotating naturally. I don’t even think about the face.

square at the top

72 golf digest india | may 2019 Photographs by Walter Iooss Jr.

GD050119_INST_FINAU.indd 72-73 4/23/2019 6:37:11 PM GD050119_INST_FINAU.indd 74 to be on tour awhile. awhile. tour on be to through. I’ll take plan reliable—I turn just and set, all face the have to Better fix. unreliable an That’s slice a of rid get to face the close thinking, be You might here. (square) upward point to ( club the with sync in through body my rotating I’m face. the control to move handsy no there’s meaning we call a “passive release,” what on worked have I and Boyd follow-through. your of image an rip. athletic good, a ball the give can you back, going and address at job your do you If closed. face the flipping or left club the jerking by impact at swing the save to try Slicers off. pay will strike the angles—so body path, swing things—clubface, right the up setting about talking we’re because here, impact on part “RESIST THE LAST-SECONDTHEFLIP. “RESIST THROUGH—ANDBODYYOUR TURN WATCHFLY!” IT 74 ▶ finish funny no

I’m purposely not doing a big big a doing not purposely I’m That said, it’s smart to have have to smart it’s said, That golfdigest india above ). I want the toe toe the want I ). • Why not not Why | may 2019 ? sports-crazed family. But golf is is golf But family. sports-crazed a were we so BYU-Hawaii, at volleyball played mom my and then. back knew we all That’s game. the play to needed we what us gave parents our and age, early an at golf with love in fell I and Gipper brother My have. didn’t we what know didn’t we But bedroom. a shared I and brothers four My City. Lake Salt siblings in ain small apartment seven with up grew I day. every with confidence and positivity me filled who lady, amazing an was She accident. car a in mom ▶ remembering mom

In 2011, when I was 22, I lost my my lost I 22, was I when 2011, In My dad was a great athlete, athlete, great a was dad My was there. She really didn’t know know didn’t really She there. was she something, do could I hear especially. Whenever I needed to mother my career, my of part huge a been has family My that. than more much been always it’s an individual’s game, but for me, for granted. People say golf is that take never I and far, so golf my biggest accomplishment in is card my Getting up. me lifted always support and enthusiasm mom’s my how about thinking down broke I 2013, in did finally I when and school, tour through I knew my mother never would. when myself on up give to hard was It down. me wearing was game the when even strong and special feel me made She life. my in good for force incredible an had I mother, my In sports. perseverance more than other golf requires commitment and downs, and ups its With part. beyonddifferent, the financial It took me six tries to get get to tries six me took It

when you have it every day. day. every it have you when feeling that deny to hard it’s and life, my in strong very is influence mother’s My side. my on special very something have I know I but golf, professional in climb to high is mountain The her. have to was I blessed how about think I was. really mother my rare how about thinking myself find I own, our of kids four have I and biggest difference for me. the made that things very The had. she attributes the on carrying is me to important more but golf, in do to able been I’ve what of proud she’s know I loved. feel them making and kindness with people Treating lived. happy remembering how she I’m mostly but Day, Mother’s around special times like moments, sad my have I strong.” “Be means which Malosi,” “Fa’a Samoan in me telling me. loved she smiling. Showing how much and upbeat there, always was she but thing, good a probably was which golf, about much golfdigest.com/allaccess. program: Schools Digest Golf our of part as it Watch on. work coach and player top a what at look unfiltered An shots. tee of types different demonstrates and drivers Tony pounds as give-and-take fascinating their Hear Scottsdale. in Club Golf Mountain McDowell at session practice 30-minute a ▶ meet them at the range Tony and Boyd let us video video us let Boyd Tonyand Now that my wife, Alayna, me, with still she’s know I 4/23/2019 6:37:56PM

Courtesy of the finau family Play

One Golfer, Three Drives Add some variety to your game off the tee

by nelly korda

may 2019 | golf digest india 75

GD050119_PLAY_Opener.indd 75 4/23/2019 6:40:06 PM Play Your Best Tour Technique “Little adjustments are all you need to move the ball any way you want.”

an on-plane swing will improve your accuracy

▶ you’re probably wondering what I’m doing here (right) and on the opening page of this article. This is my one-handed drill to help me get a feel for the type of swing I need to make when I can’t afford to miss the fairway. I actually use it as part of my pre-shot routine. I’ll explain how to do it in a moment but first, always remember to check your alignment before you tee off. I’m talking everything: feet, hips, shoulders, clubface, etc. Give yourself the best chance to hit the fairway before you ever take the club back by making sure you’re not lined up in a way that will put the ball in the rough. It’s a forgotten fundamental on the amateur level, but we’re constantly checking it on tour.

▶ now it’s time for the one-handed drill. To do it, take your grip with your right hand only (if you’re a righty) while bracing the top of your left-hand fingers under your right elbow. Keeping your left arm bent at a 90-degree angle, make one- handed rehearsal swings. Go to he view from every tee box is different, the top of your backswing, and so when you’ve got a driver in your hands, it’s then swing down a little past T useful to know how to play more than one where the ball would be. You’ll probably have to do this a few if you’re going to curve it, you have to control it type of shot. Good news: You don’t have to be a pro to times until you really get a good hit a variety of them. I’ll teach you three, starting with feel for the plane your arms are ▶ if you’re like almost every this path but open to the target the one you’re probably most interested in: the power swinging on. golfer I play with, you want to be when it meets the ball, you’ll get able to hit a big, high draw off that draw (right). shot. To pick up some extra yardage with your driver, ▶ i see a lot of amateurs loop- the tee. That’s the shot for right- you don’t have to swing harder than usual. Instead, ing the club up and around on ies that starts a little right of the ▶ to help swing down from address the ball with more weight on your back foot, multiple planes, and it’s a big target but curves back toward it. the inside, set up with the align- reason they can’t find the fair- It’s a nice ball flight to look at, ment of your shoulders pointing about 70 percent (above). It creates a more solid base, way when they need to. Why? It and it has a lot of utility if you right of the target line while your so you can maintain balance and increase the chance makes it a lot harder to deliver can do it on command. It’s my hips and feet are still in line with of hitting the ball in the sweet spot. This stance also a square clubface into the ball. stock shot on tour. it. Then swing along your shoul- Sometimes they can get away der line, and the ball should will help you catch the ball on the upswing provided with it, but it’s not reliable. ▶ there are a lot of ways to draw. One more note: Only tee you play it far enough forward. If you hit up on the nelly korda That’s why I like to do this drill get the ball to draw, but it hap- the ball so about half of it is ball, you’ll launch your drives higher with less back- age 20 before I take the club back. It pens for only one reason: At im- above the top of the driver. Any lives Bradenton, Fla. helps me feel how the arms pact, the clubface is open to the higher and you risk popping the spin, and that creates more distance. I like the visual should move the club during a target but closed to the swing ball up and losing distance. of the ball being at least somewhere near my left heel. story Qualified for the good on-plane swing. If you can path. So the first thing you need It promotes good extension for longer drives and U.S. Women’s Open at 14 stay on plane going back and to do is make sure your swing ▶ i hope the tips for these and has won twice on the down, you’ll give yourself the path comes from inside the three drives sound simple. Why makes me feel like I can really smash it. Read on for LPGA Tour, including the best chance of a square club- target line on the downswing. would you want to make it any my other two tee shots. —with keely levins Australian Open in February. face at impact. If your clubface is closed to harder to hit them on command?

Photographs by Dom Furore may 2019 | golf digest india 77

GD050119_PLAY_Opener.indd 76-77 4/23/2019 6:40:16 PM Play Your Best Tour Technique “Little adjustments are all you need to move the ball any way you want.”

an on-plane swing will improve your accuracy

Photographs by Dom Furore may 2019 | golf digest india 77

GD050119_PLAY_Opener.indd 76-77 4/23/2019 6:40:16 PM Play Your Best Swing Sequence

he palm beach post golf ball and led the tour in does,” says his longtime coach, he says things really started T called him a “no-name swing speed in 2018 (125 miles Chan Reeves, director of in- to click when he switched to a “Even though I’m fading it, my tournament champion” after he per hour). Cameron Champ is struction at the Atlanta Athlet- power fade, largely controlled won the Honda Classic in early now the fastest man in pro golf ic Club. “Now that other parts by a hard rotation of his torso March, but Keith Mitchell and at 129 mph, but Mitchell is still of his game are coming into in the downswing. ball speed is around 187 miles per hour.” his driver have quickly become significantly above the tour av- form, that length advantage is “I was worried it wouldn’t known quantities on the PGA erage of 113 mph. really going to help him.” go as far as a straight ball or a Tour. The second-year player “He has a huge advantage Although Mitchell has draw,” he says. “I’m not worried from Chattanooga can roast a hitting the golf ball as far as he always been long off the tee, anymore.” —Ron kaspRiske

A GREAT START MOVING ON UP TURNING TOGETHER START YOUR ENGINES QUIET HANDS 300-PLUS FADE MIRROR IMAGE PRO-FILE Keith Mitchell Looking at these Reeves likes that Mitchell isn’t afraid to The transition into the There’s very little hand Unless there’s a stiff A hallmark of Mitchell’s keith mitchell photos taken the week Mitchell isn’t hinging create more coil in his downswing should be action in Mitchell’s headwind, Mitchell says swing is that the club 27 / 6-1 / 190 pounds Giving new meaning St. Simons Island, Ga. of Mitchell’s win at the club up too soon. backswing by letting powerful, but Reeves swing, Reeves says. “His he’ll take on bunkers 310 moves around his body to the term power fade the Honda Classic, his “Here the club is hinging his hips rotate with his likes to see clubhead arms keep pace with his yards out. He hits a fade equally on plane during driver coach, Chan Reeves, itself,” Reeves says. “It’s trunk. “But he’s not speed gather and body, but he’s not trying by rotating his torso the backswing and Mizuno ST190 immediately checks the the effect of creating swaying off the ball— culminate through to pull the club into the hard in the downswing follow-through, Reeves (9.5 degrees) takeaway. “We want so much width in the that’s key,” Reeves says. impact. “I feel like I’m ball.” Mitchell says it while preserving his says. “We’re constantly the club initially on line swing arc going back. “He’s fully rotated, but swinging at 97 percent feels like his hands are spine tilt. The fast working on this. I also ball with the target and then That wide takeaway is he’s still pretty quiet of my max,” Mitchell “naturally falling” when rotation makes it nearly like how much his Titleist Pro V1 moving inside,” Reeves a big reason he’s able from the waist down and says. That’s fine, Reeves he hits a big drive. “I’m impossible for the club shoulders have turned says. “If his arms get to swing so fast. He’s very stable. All golfers says, “if the 97 percent counting on my big to out-race the body, as he finishes. If his away from his body, it giving the club a lot of can benefit from a stable is at the bottom of the muscles, not my hands, leaving it slightly open torso keeps moving, you leads to weaker fades.” space to build speed.” move like this.” swing—not the top.” to deliver speed.” to his path at impact. can bet he crushed it.”

78 golf digest india | may 2019 Photographs by J.D. Cuban

GD050119_PLAY_Sequence.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 6:41:47 PM Play Your Best Swing Sequence he palm beach post golf ball and led the tour in does,” says his longtime coach, he says things really started T called him a “no-name swing speed in 2018 (125 miles Chan Reeves, director of in- to click when he switched to a “Even though I’m fading it, my tournament champion” after he per hour). Cameron Champ is struction at the Atlanta Athlet- power fade, largely controlled won the Honda Classic in early now the fastest man in pro golf ic Club. “Now that other parts by a hard rotation of his torso March, but Keith Mitchell and at 129 mph, but Mitchell is still of his game are coming into in the downswing. ball speed is around 187 miles per hour.” his driver have quickly become significantly above the tour av- form, that length advantage is “I was worried it wouldn’t known quantities on the PGA erage of 113 mph. really going to help him.” go as far as a straight ball or a Tour. The second-year player “He has a huge advantage Although Mitchell has draw,” he says. “I’m not worried from Chattanooga can roast a hitting the golf ball as far as he always been long off the tee, anymore.” —Ron kaspRiske

78 golf digest india | may 2019 Photographs by J.D. Cuban

GD050119_PLAY_Sequence.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 6:41:47 PM GD050119_PLAY_Butch.indd 80 Play Your Best 80 Match your setup and swing to the lie ChippingWhen the Rough Gets force atechnique, you introuble. get When tototo different adapt lies. you try butyouing itsimpleonstandard chips, have the top oftheclubface. downward.clubhead You catch theballon itdrives the onthedownswing, shift forward whenyou because Thathappens the shot. and flub underit toslide theclubhead easy When theballissittingontop it’s ofthegrass, lie. lie and the buried theperched narios: play theballinmiddle. On theback Takethick grass. alittlewiderstance, and to springtheballfrom action thedigging gives forward your you knees muchdig. too et onthedownswing—remember, driving firm ( yourback andthrough whilekeeping wrists like alongputt,turningyour body upper a sweepingwith the clubhead, Make motion row tall,andplay stance, legs theballback. A golfdigest india Let’s attwo look commonchippingsce To lie, handle up in athe nar perched set When the ball is buried, youWhen the ball is buried, that need right ll too often it nomatter thelie. I’m all forkeep basic chippingstroke, andtheyuse ). Your shouldstay lower body qui

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4/23/2019 6:43:05PM - -

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Play Your Best - - - 4/23/2019 6:44:36PM

ron barrett Play Your Best Golf Digest Tested Only in the rarest of cases is a flagstick going to “catch” a missing putt.

Take the Flagstick Out! STRAIGHT PUTTS THREE-PUTT FACTOR THE 99.9967% SOLUTION

▶ Flagstick in or not, all putts ▶ Keeping the flagstick in ▶ Based on probability and On putts, the pin hurts more than it helps aimed for dead-center went in, can help avoid three-putts. standard deviation calculations even at speeds rolling eight feet The flagstick kills much of the and PGA Tour statistics, the by tom mase, ph.d. past the hole. At nine to 12 feet ball’s velocity on a putt hit too best tour players would strike past, almost all putts missed hard, even a glancing blow. the flagstick dead-center from new rule this year allowing golfers to putt with the without a flagstick in. Almost That leaves a shorter second 20 to 25 feet about 3.3 percent BRYSON’S LOGIC A flagstick in without incurring a penalty is generating THE METHODOLOGY THE NUMBERS all were made with flagsticks in putt—assuming the putt hits of the time. If you assume the serious debate among pros and amateurs. The USGA (fiberglass, tapered). that half-inch-wide flagstick. best pros would rarely roll their ▶ Bryson DeChambeau has been made the change to help speed up play, but some tour players ▶ The testing involved ▶ For putts rolling 2½ feet first putt nine feet past the hole an advocate for putting with the are leaving the flagstick in because they believe it helps them college golfers and the by the hole, putts aimed —perhaps one in a thousand flagstick in: “I haven’t studied make more putts. Is this true? USGA officials say the new Perfect Putter training aid to hit the flagstick dead- times—that would make leaving all the variables in this research, rule “wasn’t based on research but how the game is played.” at the Cal Poly golf-team center or off-center went in the flagstick in a benefit on only but I’m out here doing this, and So Golf Digest asked if I would help them bring some clar- practice facility at Dairy the hole every time—with .0033 percent of all putts from 20 I know it works. I had a putt in ity to the issue. Using the golf teams at California Polytech- Creek Golf Course. Using or without the flagstick in. to 25 feet. And that’s for the best Dubai that was going at least four nic State University, plus a lot of physics, engineering and the Perfect Putter, putts For putts rolling 4½ feet by pros. For a typical amateur, those feet by the hole, and that putt statistics, I methodically analyzed how a putted ball inter- were rolled for straight-on the hole and aimed to strike percentages are much worse. wouldn’t have gone in had I not acts with a flagstick. After numerous tests with real golfers, and off-center impacts and the flagstick off-center, 90 had the flag in. There’s more to it machines and multiple types of flagsticks, the data is clear: at multiple speeds that percent of putts were holed than geometry. There’s the visual Leaving the flagstick in hurts a putt’s chance of being holed ended up 2.5 feet, 4.5 feet without the flagstick in. Only aspect. It allows you to see the much more often than it helps hole putts that otherwise and up to 12 feet past the 45 percent were made with target. There are times it helps to would not have gone in. Only in the rarest of cases is a flagstick hole. All scenarios were the flagstick in. leave the flag in, and I know it’s going to “catch” a missing putt and drop it in the hole. Even tested in random rounds more than .0033 percent.” the most highly skilled putter—given standard deviations— of 30 putts each. is going to hit the flagstick dead-center only 27.6 percent of the time. For that remaining 72.4 percent, the golfer isn’t hit- ▶ see full testing methods ting the pin straight-on, and it’s always a disadvantage for at golfdigest.com/go/flagstick. making putts in these instances. —with mike stachura

tom mase, a member of the Golf Digest Technical Panel, is a professor of mechanical engineering at California Polytechnic State University. He has spent more than 30 years in academia and in golf research and development. He was co-captain of the WIND ADVISORY golf team at Michigan State in 1980. ▶ In strong winds, the flagstick can bend, creating more space on one half of the hole and less on the other. In tests, that change opened up one side of the hole by an eighth of an inch—or the size of a golf-ball dimple. Seems inconsequential compared to just pulling out the flagstick, which opens up the entire hole.

DIFFERENT STICKS, SAME EFFECT VISUAL AID OR DISTRACTION?

▶ Putts rolling just off-center and 4½ feet ▶ Does leaving the flagstick in provide beyond the hole were tested with three a visual benefit? Sports-vision experts believe flagsticks: fiberglass (the one played most it would, but a test of elite players was often on the PGA Tour), tapered aluminum inconclusive. A group of 36 elite college and multi-diamater aluminum. All measured golfers hit 25-foot putts at holes with the A FINAL POINT approximately one-half inch in diameter at flagstick in and out. In both situations, the green level. Fiberglass, the lightest, had the average putt finished about two feet from ▶ This data argues against least negative results with 61 percent made, the hole. Another point to consider: Because leaving the flagstick in. One more followed by multi-diameter (38 percent) and putting with the flagstick in is different, its reason: Retrieving putts made then tapered (36 percent). Each was worse presence could be physically and mentally with the flagstick in also could than no flagstick (90 percent). distracting to your pre-putt routine. lead to hole damage.

82 golf digest india | may 2019 Illustrations by Todd Detwiler

GD050119_PLAY_FLAG STICK.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 6:46:44 PM Play Your Best Golf Digest Tested Only in the rarest of cases is a flagstick going to “catch” a missing putt.

Take the Flagstick Out! STRAIGHT PUTTS THREE-PUTT FACTOR THE 99.9967% SOLUTION

DIFFERENT STICKS, SAME EFFECT VISUAL AID OR DISTRACTION?

82 golf digest india | may 2019 Illustrations by Todd Detwiler

GD050119_PLAY_FLAG STICK.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 6:46:44 PM Play Your Best Hot List We evaluated 65 balls across three categories.

▶ You might think golf balls are like gum balls—different looks, but really only one flavor. That might be why Golf Datatech research says only one in seven golfers plays the same brand every round—let alone the same model. It’s time to get more committed with your choice. To guide you away from gum-ball logic, we present the 2019 Ball Hot List. We rated products based on our four criteria (Perfor- mance, Innovation, Feel and Demand) and conducted player testing at the Mar- riott Grande Vista Resort in Orlando. Our process includes full swings and a lot of short-game shots. Yours should, 2019 Ball too. ▶ We evaluated 65 entries at three Hot List prices (Over $35, $26-$35 and $25 and Under). We believe Commit the best balls cost to a ball, more because their designs don’t make and your any compromises tee to green. Still, the score will other price points offer choices that thank you might satisfy what your game requires. by mike stachura and ▶ So review these 30 e. michael johnson winners with one thought: Will this ball help me execute all the shots I need? It might be a multiple-choice question, but it shouldn’t be a multiple-choice answer. ▶

84 golf digest india | may 2019 Photographs by Nathaniel Welch

GD050119_PLAY_Hotlist_Balls.indd 84 4/23/2019 6:58:23 PM Hot List Play Your Best Which model will help you execute all the shots you need? ▶ OVER $35

bridgestone callaway callaway mizuno srixon tour b chrome soft erc soft rb tour z-star x/xs/rx/rxs with chrome soft x with rb tour x with z-star xv

$45 ▶ The X and XS are $45 ▶ The nano- $40 ▶ new The dual $43 ▶ new Twelve $40 ▶ new The firmer, for better players who substance graphene core uses the same years of wind-tunnel dual-core XV and the don’t mis-hit it often. For strengthens a thin outer Nobel Prize nanoparticle testing yielded a cone- standard Z-Star have the rest of us who need core over a larger, soft found in Chrome Soft. dimple design. The graduated cores and a low-compression help inner core. The inner That strengthens the shape has more surface more resilient mantle for our average swing core offers less spin outer core, allowing points, which provide for better long-game speeds, there’s RX and and high launch on long the large inner core to more efficient airflow for distance. The thin RXS. The firmer X and shots. The firm outer create distance through better distance. The RB cover still provides the softer RX promote core boosts energy and less driver spin. A hybrid Tour reduces spin on optimal spin thanks to less curve on driver helps pinch the soft cover brings more short- swings with a downward a supermolecule in the shots. The XS and RXS cover for short-shot shot spin than typical attack angle. The X urethane coating offer softer feel and the spin. Fast swings will distance balls, and three favors fast swings with that better grabs your most greenside spin. prefer the X version. lines focus your aim. an upward attack angle. wedge grooves.

performance ★ ★ ★★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ demand ★ ★ ½ demand ★ ★ ★ demand ★ ★ demand ★ demand ★ ★

taylormade titleist titleist volvik wilson staff tp5 avx pro v1 s3 fg tour with tp5x with pro v1x with s4

$45 ▶ new These five- $48 ▶ The low- $48 ▶ new The $50 ▶ new These $45 ▶ new The firm layer balls feature a new compression alternative changes to golf’s top two balls use bismuth core on this four-piece mantle material that’s in the Titleist multilayer, seller might measure mixed in the core to design is surrounded designed to increase urethane-cover ball small, but the effect add density for better by two firm mantle ball speed. How does lineup combines a new on distance is big. energy transfer. The layers, but an extra-soft it work? The material is urethane cover with a Reducing the cover by S4 features a firmer urethane cover provides stiffer and more durable flexible mantle layer. .005 inches and adding compression and is relatively higher spin so that when the ball is Those two elements a thicker mantle boost designed for swing on all clubs, including compressed on driver work with the core to driver and iron ball speeds of more than the driver. This results in and long-iron shots, the provide greenside spin speed. As usual, the X 105 mph. The slightly a more workable ball ball returns to shape for short shots and ball will fly higher, spin more softer S3 is meant for flight off the tee and and comes off the face speed off the driver and and feel firmer than the those swinging 95 to a high-spinning ball into with more velocity. long and middle irons. standard Pro V1. 110 mph. the green.

performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ demand ★ ★ ★ demand ★ ★ ½ demand ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ demand ★ ★ demand ★ ★

listed alphabetically

GD050119_PLAY_Hotlist_Balls.indd 85 4/23/2019 6:58:01 PM Play Your Best Hot List We tested each ball with full swings and lots of short-game shots. ▶ $26 TO $35

bridgestone oncore snell srixon taylormade e12 soft elixr mtb black q-star tour project (a)

$30 ▶ new The core $35 ▶ new Golf- $33 ▶ A direct-to- $30 ▶ new Average $35 ▶ To get driver is often referred to as ball chemistry is like consumer ball with a swing speeds often distance and soft feel “the engine.” But what baking—adding different strong pedigree (founder benefit from a urethane- around the greens, more if you could have two ingredients alters the Dean Snell’s name is cover ball with a soft than two layers help. In engines? That’s the final product. In this on the Pro V1 patent), inner core. That’s the case of Project (a), approach Bridgestone instance, a composite the MTB Black is a because the soft core there are three: A large, took. A new mantle core combines with a three-piece ball with a is easier to compress soft core combines with layer uses a compound new mantle infused with cast urethane cover that for low spin and high a firm mantle layer to that produces a more high-density particles produces greenside launch off the tee, and increase velocity and cohesive bond to the to boost perimeter checking. The dimple the tour-like cover (it’s mitigate spin on longer core and cover that weighting. That raises pattern delivers low lift virtually the same as the shots. The urethane helps deliver more the ball’s stability for and low drag to keep company’s higher-end cover gives a tour-ball energy at impact in a better control in breezy shots from floating in Z-Star models) provides type of grab on shorter low-compression ball. conditions. the wind. grip around the green. shots.

performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ demand ★ ★ ★ ½ demand ★ demand ★ demand ★ ★ ½ demand ★ ★ ★ ½

titleist vice wilson staff maxfli pearl tour soft pro duo professional tour pure pro w/ pro plus/pro soft with tour x with pure pro x

$35 ▶ Consumers $35 ▶ new The three- $35 ▶ new This isn’t $35 ▶ new The Tour $32 ▶ new Another want distance without piece Pro has a higher merely an upgrade (three-piece) and Tour online-only option, sacrificing feel and compression to help but an overhaul of X (four-piece) feature the Pure Pro X is a ideally without spending increase ball speed. The the previous version. multilayer construction four-piece ball with a $50 a dozen when four-piece Pro Plus is The focus on soft feel with urethane covers. firm outer mantle to losing a couple sleeves for faster swingers, and remains, but among the The focus here is the increase ball speed and a round. Titleist checks the three-piece, matte- improvements is a new center of gravity. After lower spin to power those boxes with this finish Pro Soft has a urethane cover that is locating the CG, the tee shots on a flatter large-core (the largest lower compression for 40-percent thinner than sidestamp is applied: trajectory. The three- of any Titleist ball), moderate swing speeds. its predecessor, creating The idea is that placing piece Pure Pro feels thin-cover design. The A new cover formulation added short-game the line with the CG softer and spins higher cover is made from a is designed to reduce spin when interacting facing toward the target on approach shots so combination of four discoloration and with the firmer mantle leads to more consistent that average golfers can ionomers and polymers. scuffing on all models. section. tee shots. hold more greens.

performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ performance ★ ★ ★★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ demand ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ demand ★ ★ demand ★ ★ demand ★ demand ★

86 golf digest india | may 2019 listed alphabetically

GD050119_PLAY_Hotlist_Balls.indd 86 4/23/2019 6:58:52 PM Hot List Play Your Best Only one in seven golfers plays the same brand every round. ▶ $25 AND UNDER

callaway callaway srixon srixon taylormade supersoft supersoft magna q-star soft feel project (s)

$23 ▶ new The $23 ▶ new The Magna $25 ▶ This two-piece $20 ▶ new This lower- $25 ▶ This three-piece update to Callaway’s is 3-percent larger than ball features a mid-level compression ball’s model emphasizes soft low-compression, two- standard balls. This soft compression that’s approach to distance feel through a lower- piece ball focuses on means its center of designed to maximize stays true to its name, compression rubber improving distance gravity (CG) is higher the performance of but engineers were core, a flexible mantle through a revise of than standard balls and average golfers. The careful not to go too layer and a resilient the ball’s hexagonal higher in relation to low compression helps soft. Why? The mid- ionomer cover. The dimple pattern for the club’s CG. That tee shots spin less for level compression offers cover generates more better performance at makes higher launch better distance and soft feel and low spin speed on driver shots low-spin rates. Offered easier. A special surface accuracy. It also has the yet retains the energy than a urethane cover, in six colors, a softer pattern is dialed in for same dimple pattern as transfer for optimal but it offers a softer feel cover enhances feel and the ball’s larger cross- the company’s tour-level distance through its than many ionomer- boosts greenside spin. sectional area. balls for extra distance. tour-ball dimple pattern. cover balls.

performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★½ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★★ ½ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ demand ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ demand ★ ★ ★ demand ★ ★ demand ★ ★ ★ ½ demand ★ ★ ★ ½

titleist top-flite wilson staff cut oncore dt trusoft gamer urethane duo soft blue avant 55

$22 ▶ The focus on soft $20 ▶ This three- $22 ▶ The leader in $20 ▶ new Building $24 ▶ new Designed starts with the larger piece model brings the lowest compression on its original four- for players with low to core in this two-piece groove-grabbing effects (29), this two-piece piece design, this mid swing speeds, this model, the softest in of a urethane cover for ball uses its soft feel version has two resilient two-piece ball features the Titleist line. The higher wedge spin to to reduce spin for mantle layers to build a low compression size provides energy for the low-price category. maximum distance. The ball speed and boost that drops into the more ball speed, and The design benefits ultra-large core provides trajectory. The urethane mid-50s to produce the low compression from a firm mantle layer energy for even more cover is now softer for distance off the driver improves feel and that helps limit driver distance, and the firmer greenside spin. The by reducing spin. The reduces driver spin. The spin for better distance. cover enhances energy core’s redesign seeks low compression assists flexible cover material Each dimple’s interior transfer at impact. to improve the feel and high launch and makes gives your shorter shots dimple creates tighter Shallower dimples key consistency of full shots for a soft feel on wedge some grab. air flow for longer carry. high flight. through the bag. shots and putts.

performance ★ ★ ★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★½ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ performance ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ feel ★ ★ ★ ★ demand ★ ★ ★ ½ demand ★ ★ demand ★ ★ ★ demand ★ demand ★

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GD050119_PLAY_Hotlist_Balls.indd 87 4/23/2019 6:59:02 PM The Golf Life The View from Pebble Beach How I choked during my first encounter with Jack Nicklaus.

has it become the new No. 1? I fumbled at my pockets. I clear- Jim Nantz ly was choking, which I’m sure Jack noticed. After his two-putt par, he said deliberately, “This A loop with a boyhood hero will now be ball No. 1.” As if to remind me, he added, “The ini- ne of my favorite pastimes on tour is watching kids get tial ball doesn’t come out again until the third tee.” autographs from their golf heroes. I never weary of the star- The third hole produced O struck expressions on the kids’ faces, the way they’re some- a three-putt and Jack’s only bogey of the day. Thankfully times rendered speechless. I love the way the players interact with his performance the rest of them and the joy that pervades that environment. It always reminds the way prevented any further chance for confusion on my me of my first encounter with Jack Nicklaus, one of my boyhood part. The balls played out in heroes. The fact it happened when I was 25 years old is irrelevant. their reworked order, and Jack hit every green in regulation. Park City, Utah, June 1, He and Johnny couldn’t have 1984. I was still finding my been more gracious. The match legs as a sports anchor at KSL, ended in a tie. then the local CBS affiliate A week later, I got a beauti- in Salt Lake City. A couple of ful handwritten note from weeks earlier, someone want- Jack. Enclosed was an auto- ing publicity arranged for me graphed picture of the two of us to caddie for Jack at the open- “strategizing” over club selec- ing of Park Meadows, a course tion: Dear Jim, Remembering he’d designed. The unspoken our round at Park Meadows. return favor was the under- Thanks for your help. See you standing I would follow up soon, Jack Nicklaus. with a first-person report on I had no idea that “soon” the 10 o’clock news. would be less than two years It should’ve been no sweat. later, on a warm Sunday in I knew golf, having played on ▶ learning from the best Nantz survived his test. April of 1986, when he knocked the team at the University of home a four-footer for birdie on Houston. A few days before golf balls and handed one to me. myself a mulligan.” The gallery the par-3 16th hole at Augusta the 18-hole exhibition, which “See this ball here, Jim? This is laughed. Jack then looked at National. At that point, his I learned would be a “match” ball No. 1. It will be used today me expectantly. In the heat former looper declared from between Jack and the local on the first, fourth, seventh, of the moment, I’d forgotten the CBS tower overlooking the Utah hero, Johnny Miller, I 10th, 13th and 16th holes.” He I was carrying the other two hole, “There’s no doubt about even scouted the course and pulled out another. “This is ball balls, one in each pocket for it, the Bear has come out of carefully walked off yardages. No. 2. Please give it to me on the inventory control. “Jim, may I hibernation!” I was going to come prepared. second, fifth, eighth, 11th, 14th have another ball, please?” he I’ve visited with Jack hun- Jack arrived fresh off a win and 17th holes.” I accepted the requested, patiently. Snapping dreds of times since, in the in his Memorial Tournament third ball and nodded, indicat- out of my fog, I retrieved a ball booth at his Memorial Tourna- the week before. There were ing I understood the rotation. and walked toward him. “That’s ment, at the Masters, at his about 3,000 invited guests, I discovered later that Jack OK, Jim, you can just toss it,” home in Florida, at my home in and the crowd made me a believed wound balata balls he said. Jack snatched my pitch Pebble Beach, and even at the little nervous. After a brief needed time to “rest” before out of the air and then ripped it Congressional Gold Medal cer- warm-up, Mr. Nicklaus—I they were put back into play. long and straight into the thin emony in the U.S. Capitol Ro- wouldn’t have dreamed After some warm remarks Wasatch Mountains air. tunda, where I was honored to of calling him “Jack” back and a ribbon-cutting, Jack pull- As we came upon Jack’s co-serve as his presenter along then—pulled me aside and hooked his opening tee shot first tee ball in the rough, he with his son, Jackie. I’d like to asked about my golf back- over the heads of the gallery said, “You can pick that one up; say I’m no longer star-struck, ground. He was aware some- on the side of the fairway. He we’re playing the other one.” but who would I be kidding? one had set up my role as his looked around at the shocked At that point my brain became Some 35 years later, this old caddie, and he expressed his faces and declared, “Since I de- even more addled. Does the caddie still considers Jack the appreciation for my advance signed the place, I’m allowing first ball go to the back of the greatest player of all time. prep work. 1-2-3 lineup and get rebranded Then Jack got down to as ball No. 3? What about the

business. He pulled out a one in the middle of the fair- S Strau

sleeve of MacGregor Tourney way—is that still ball No. 2, or Bo B

88 golf digest india | may 2019

GD050119_LIFE_Nantz.indd 88 4/23/2019 7:00:33 PM GD050119_LIFE_undercover.indd 89 for hiring club caddies 101 Economics UndercoverTour Pro right thing.Ornot. holds allthepower to do the an offer low.was too The pro caddie walking away because here. AndI’ve never ofa heard out commondeal is themost the week”—which, by the way, you’ll attheendof acheck get a top 10, forawin, 10 percent of cent ofamadecut,7percent say, 5per fortheweek, “$1,500 conversationeight-second to player itout.It’s to spell an it’sstakes, theobligationof Given agreement. clear the withouta bag thattheystart ten happy they’re a to get so Too lot. are of adesperate dies that player?might Inudge Cad paid theminawhile, and hasn’tcall to say theirnewboss who worked formepreviously I’ve hadcaddies Multiple times what theythinkthey’re owed. hasn’t paid been Somebody E very week ancy overancy money. Tour there’s adiscrep on the PGA onthePGA - - - - percentages are sacrosanct. are sacrosanct. percentages those Ibelieve expenses—but who hasn’t travel incurred event orIhave caddie alocal weekly rate ifit’s aWeb.com the government. to chunkwillgo a muchbigger the lives ofthatman’s family, ofchanging Instead expense. written itoffasabusiness given thecaddie$129,000 and could’ve Kooch tax perspective. itmadefrom a how littlesense pay to $50,000), butIwilladd Kucharprompting to upthe already has(rightly,the media skewer himfurther, because guy.stand-up I’m to going not andknow himasawitty,Matt outto dinnerwith I’ve been millioninMexico.won $1.29 caddiefivelocal grandafter he Kuchar Matt payingabout the There’s inthe room wiggle whenIheard I was floored

new people, it’snew people, funandeco days. Butifyou meeting enjoy forfive personality with agoofy ously, saddled theriskisgetting Obvi me (andhim)thatweek. was ofmoneyfor alot worth guy saved which metwo shots, worked Ithinkthe outgreat. andit alocal, to reserve ahead moved to TrinityForest, Icalled year whentheByron Nelson Last times. puttathousand ery rather have aguy who’s ev seen if it’s I’d anunfamiliarcourse, it only ifthey’re inapinch,but do pros Most caddies. of local work to hangwithme. caddie. My aweek off budtook I’dpercentage give afull-time paycheck, he’s thesame getting IfImakea andbartabs. food I’ll cover theairfare, hotel, payingnot aweekly rate, but I’ll invite afriendto loop. I’m Rico, orPuerto often Phoenix a “vacation” like destination IfI’m included. dies to going Bud oftheaction. part him be career. Icandoislet Theleast a situationthatcouldalter my influence to potentially person I’m science, rocket this trusting Althoughcaddieingisn’tnities. He’s opportu upother passed mine. hat intheringalongside hasthrown his A humanbeing In my career I’ve used a lot In my alot I’ve career used - - - - - thought he was part oftheteam. thought hewas part Tour,the PGA he butbecause was inthearena excited of to be he of spirit.Not only because caddiewas abundle Mexican to playme pumped well. ear. whichgets They’re pumped, always to asmilefrom ear see bib withyour nameonit,you’ll the when aclubcaddieisissued to work professionally. But itseems because together stick who hate oneanother, but they die/player Tour onthePGA duos tagious energy. There are cad isthepower ofcon discounted the rest. two right, Icando things those get Ifaguy can the flagstick. playerlast puttingoutreplaces flawlessly, andthecaddieof tour, raked to be need bunkers ofonly twominded On things: tax, thatis. tax, he saved 20grand.Pre- almost andso week, of$600per base Ithinkhepaida tournaments. and employed in22 22caddies tocommitted thatforaseason nomical. Iknow one pro who You Kuchar’s canbet to be elementnot Another A club caddie needs to be re to be A clubcaddieneeds Mr. X —

with maxadler

The GolfLife 4/23/2019 7:02:30PM - - -

Brad Mangin/getty iMages First Post DS.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 5:40:48 PM First Post DS.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 5:40:48 PM RNSM DSP.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 5:40:15 PM RNSM DSP.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 5:40:15 PM CONGRATULATIONS ACERS

January 1, 2019 onward

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Hole in One Final.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 5:41:44 PM CONGRATULATIONS ACERS

January 1, 2019 onward

Sudhakar Kumar Kharghar Valley Golf Course Navi Mumbai HOLE-IN- March 1, 2019 Tejaswi Sabharwal Kharghar Valley Golf Course ONE CLUB Navi Mumbai March 2, 2019

Rajeev Kulgod Karma Lakelands Gurugram March 30, 2019

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Hole in One Final.indd All Pages 4/23/2019 5:41:44 PM

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Subs ADS new.indd 98-99 4/23/2019 5:42:45 PM 18 Holes with Prithvi Reddy “The Game Just Grows On You” Prithvi Reddy is the CEO of Vooty Golf County, the dream project of his and Pacific Coast Design in Hyderabad. He is confident of Vooty becoming the best- golfing destination in South India soon.

1 GDI: When did you start playing golf? I have always been very passionate about the game and I started playing Golf since I was 13 years old. In the initial years I used to play at my own Golf Club at Dream Valley and my love for the game has grown.

GDI: What do you love about 2 the game? The game just grows on you. It’s a sport that keeps you way ahead and provides a relaxation from your busy schedule.

GDI: Who have you played golf 3 with the most? I have enjoyed playing the game with my brother Akash. Also its very satisfying to play with clients.

GDI: If you had a chance to 4 play with your favorite golfer, who would it be? Playing with Tiger Woods or teeing off with Dustin Johnson. I like their approach towards the game. Playing with Tiger Woods or teeing off with GDI: Favorite golf course, both 5 in India and abroad Dustin Johnson will make my dream come true Vooty in India & Tanjong golf course in Singapore are my favorite golf courses. GDI: Please describe concept-driven ideology. His GDI: Mid-round power snack 9 your most memorable support in planting the seed of 16 A good Energy Drink to keep GDI: Your thoughts on doing golfing experience entrepreneurship within me has me focused. 6 business on the golf course… The most memorable golfing been immense. Golf is a great opportunity to experience was when I played a GDI: Favourite 19th hole drink build a strong network. It allows full 18 holes course for the first GDI: Your lowest handicap 17 Beer is my all-time favorite. you to unwind and provides time at Hyderabad Golf Club 12 It’s Fourteen! excellent opportunity to know GDI: Your advice to young your partners and associates. GDI: Your current reading list GDI: On an average, how long 18 golfers/players 10 I love to read books on 13 do you drive the ball? Golf is a game of passion with an GDI: How often do you get to business strategies and planning. 220-240 yards emotion that stirs within every 7 play? golfer. It is a game that develops Once in a week GDI: Any inspiration in life, GDI: Your favorite holiday focus and concentration within an at Vooty Golf County! 11 which has led to what you are 14 destination. individual. It also makes you stay in doing now? Paris is my favourite destination the present, fostering consistency GDI: Favorite male and female My Father, Mr. Santosh Reddy is and calmness. Practice your best 8 golfers my inspiration. He is a visionary, GDI: Favorite dish on course because this game will definitely Shiv Kapur and Aditi Ashok. an out of the box thinker with a 15 Chicken Sandwich. help you reach your goal. Total Number of pages (including cover pages) is 102 100 golf digest india | may 2019 Monthly Magazine, RNI N0. HARENG/2016/66983 Daikin AD.indd 101 4/23/2019 5:43:19 PM Rolex AD.indd 102 4/23/2019 5:44:45 PM