AMERICANS RESPONSIBLE FOR REBIRTH OF AUSTRALIAN OPEN

FROM THE GOLF.COM WEBSITE
By Mark Hayes, Special to Golf.com
SYDNEY, Australia — Australia's domestic golf circuit never quite needed life support, but it's fair to say that it has coughed and sputtered for years. The Presidents Cup always promised to be a tonic, but from the moment in late 2010 that Fred Couples all but committed his captain's picks to join him for a pre-Royal Melbourne tune-up in Australia, the vital signs improved dramatically.
The Emirates Australian Open won a protracted battle for the coveted calendar slot before the Presidents Cup. Since then, the cards have all come up aces for the once-revered tournament. When Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer used to visit as a matter of course, Nicklaus referred to the Australian Open as the "fifth major."
But that was three decades ago. It was only when big-hitting Americans Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson committed to play the event earlier this year that the Australian Open began to stir public attention Down Under.
As the big-name Aussies committed and Golf Australia officials signed the majority of the American Presidents Cup team, interest grew further with nine of the world's top 22 players on board.
Then came the pivotal moment.
With Woods's world ranking plummeting like a wrought-iron hang glider,Tiger, pictured, announced in August he was adding the Australian to his injury-shortened 2011 schedule. The tournament's marketing puzzle was solved, and the final piece of the rebirth fell into place.
When Steve Williams rocked the world with his racial slur against Woods at the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai last week, Williams's comments effectively handed the Australian Open a free ticket to global exposure and put in place the last of myriad storylines for this tournament in Australia's biggest city.
Woods hasn't played in Sydney or at the Australian Open since November 1996, when he tied for fifth at the Australian Golf Club as a 20-year-old, just six months before he took the world by storm with the first of his four Masters titles.
And November 15 will mark the second anniversary of the former world No. 1's last tournament victory — also in Australia at the JBWere Masters at Melbourne's Kingston Heath. But listen to him speak and you'll hear a man convinced that his winless drought — not unlike his run of injuries — is about to end.
"I've gone through a tough period there, because I was hurt for so long," Woods said at a press conference Tuesday. "I had an Achilles injury, a knee injury and obviously I parted ways with my coach [Hank Haney] and now I'm with Sean [Foley], so a lot of different things happened in that time span.
"Trying to get the practice time, I couldn't practice, so I'm trying to make changes in my game for Sean, you need time and we haven't had time," Woods said.
Woods played just four practice holes on Tuesday, but he will play the pro-am on Wednesday to get his first full look at the Lakes Golf Club. Woods will also be joined in the field by more top-ranked Americans than have appeared in Australia since the Accenture World Match Play Championship in Melbourne in 2001.
David Toms is another U.S. Presidents Cup team member playing the Australian Open this week. While Toms, like many of his compatriots, is primarily in preparation mode for the Presidents Cup, he said he liked the look of the storied Lakes course, redesigned by Australian professional Mike Clayton four years ago to take in its original open lay-out and expose its sandy dunes and wasteland where possible.
Toms said on Tuesday that he and his countrymen had confidence they would adapt quickly this week and next. Team-mate Dustin Johnson concurred.
"I've heard these courses are a little different to ours, but you play them pretty much the same," Johnson said. "I'm not sure about Royal Melbourne yet, but these greens roll well and the ball stops OK, so I'm looking forward to it."
Most of the eye-catching holes are on the inward nine, situated around the lake from which the course takes its name. Three back-nine par 5s — none of which run in the same direction — proved critical when Geoff Ogilvy won his first Australian Open last year.
Ogilvy tamed those three monsters, particularly the stunning 14th, which will be within reach of most of the field in two shots. But the wickedly sloping green surrounded by sand and water can wreck scorecards in a heartbeat, particularly when the pin is forward, closest to the long water carry.
Unusual for championship courses, both sides finish with par 3s, neither of which has any discernible demons apart from the need to put the ball on the same tier as the pin or risk some treacherous long putts.
The Australian Open features 11 past champions — Ogilvy, Adam Scott, Craig Parry, John Senden, Robert Allenby (2), Stephen Allan, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley (2), Greg Chalmers, Greg Norman (5) and Peter Senior — and Australia's highest-ranked player Jason Day, the world No. 7

PAUL CASEY TELLS OF HEARTBREAK AS HE LOST HIS US CARD

FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEBSITE
By OLIVER BROWN
Paul Casey has broken his silence on the marital problems that have tormented him throughout a distressing season.
The Englishman, who has lost his American tour card after a wretched run of results, spoke emotively of his difficulties with Jocelyn, his wife of three years, claiming: “My career was costing Jocelyn her dreams.”
The couple finalised their divorce last week.
While Casey surged back to prominence with fourth place in the HSBC Champions in Shanghai, his year has been overshadowed by personal crisis.
The former world No 3 had previously been reluctant to discuss the breakdown of his marriage, instead ascribing the problems in his golf to a foot injury. But he disclosed for the first time the toll that his split from Jocelyn had taken.
Describing his struggle to be in a “better place both emotionally and physically”, Casey admitted: “Our life on tour was fun at the start but, little by little, it took its toll. My career was costing Jocelyn her dreams.”
Casey and his former wife had tended to eschew the trappings of the elite golf lifestyle, choosing to live on a remote ranch in rural Arizona.
Jocelyn Hefner — a distant cousin of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner — was an accomplished amateur horsewoman, and her husband would often watch her compete in local equestrian events. “She has a fantastic way with animals,” he said.
But she was forced to abandon an interior design course due to the demands of Casey’s touring, and when she began to lose her interest in horses Casey claimed he could see she was also losing her sense of the woman she was.
He explained that they had talked together at length before deciding with great sadness that their relationship did not have a future. They filed for divorce in June.
“It was a mutual decision — very sad but for the best,” Casey told Global Golf Post. He said that he was certain they would stay friends. “Now she is working as a therapeutic riding instructor and making a great success of it. It’s something she wanted to do.”
The agony of their parting was acute for Casey, who had attributed one of the finest periods in his form with his happiness at being married. Within six months of his wedding at the end of 2008, he had won titles in Abu Dhabi and Houston and finished runner-up in the Accenture World Matchplay.
“I should have got married sooner, shouldn’t I?” he joked at the time. “Maybe I should renew the vows regularly to keep the form going.”
Casey’s anguish off the fairways has been compounded by severe discomfort on them. Ever since his victory in Bahrain’s Volvo Champions tournament in March, the 34 year-old has found himself stricken with an episode of 'turf toe’, characterised by acute swelling and inflammation of the foot.
This serious condition is prevalent in impact sports such as ice hockey but almost unheard of in golf. The bruising of his bone marrow led Casey to make several damaging compensations in his swing. Since his diagnosis, Casey has required a series of “weird” stretching exercises prescribed by Gary Gray, a pre-eminent physical therapist in Michigan.
The intervention appears to have worked, to judge by his formidable display last week in China. But pangs of another kind are never from the surface.
During his first round in Shanghai, Casey needed only to hear a couple of loud barks from a nearby park to remember more contented times. “It made me sad,” he said. “I worked out that it was six months since I had seen our dogs.”

WEST OF SCOTLAND ALLIANCE PRIZEWINNERS AT TROON PORTLAND

REPORT BY MARGARET CARRELL
West of Scotland Golfers' Alliance travelled to Troon Portland today in what proved to be overcast but dry day.
This was our first outing to Troon Portland and hopefully we can make this an annual event. Many thanks to everyone involved in making our day one to remember.
Prizewinners:
SCRATCH
1 Alan Welsh (Cathkin Braes) (+1) 67, overall winner hot on the heels of his win at Buchanan Castle at the Scottish Alliance Championship.
2 Bill Lockie (North Gailes) pro 68.
T3 David Ferguson (Paisley) (scr) 70 and John Fowler (Hayston) (scr) both gross 70.
HANDICAP
T1 on net 67: John Junor (Hilton Park) (13), Neil McGarva (Kilmacolm) (5), Brian Robertson (Forrester Park) (10), Kieron Stark (Crow Wood) (9).
SENIOR
1 John Greene (Cowglen) (12) 67
T2 Wilson Ferguson (Cochrane Castle) (11) 68 and Hamish Tod (Clober) (18) 68

Next fixture will be at Glasgow Gailes on Tuesday, November 15. Anyone wishing to join us can E-Mail the secretary on secretary@westalliance.co.uk.

EDZELL PRO WEBSTER WINS SUCCESSIVE MIDLAND ALLIANCES

Edzell Golf Club professional Alastair Webster followed up last week's victory on the Midland Golfers' Alliance circuit by winning again at today's fixture at Alloa Golf Club.
A par round of 71 gave Alastair the first scratch prize, a shot ahead of joint runners-up Paul Jameson, professional at Dunblane New, and Edzell amateur Jim Watt who won the leading handicap award with a net 70 off two.
The K M Thomson team competition was won by Richard Taylor (Crieff) (4), Brian Beaumont (Crieff) (9) and Rich McLean (Dunnikier Park) (7) with a net score of 63.
LEADING SCRATCH
Par 71
71 A J Webster (Edzell).
72 P Jamieson (Dunblane New), J Watt (Edzell).
74 A Lockhart (Ladybank), D West (Burntisland), J Stevenson (Braehead).
76 W Hutton (Pitlochry), C Ferguson (Muckhart).
78 R Brownhill (Edzell), R Stewart (Tulliallan).
79 R McLean (Dunnikier Park), K Salmoni (Muckhart).
LEADING HANDICAP
J Watt (Edzell) (2) 70; D West (Burntisland) (3) 71; R McLean (Dunnikier Park) (7), C Ferguson (Muckhart) (4), J Brown (Kirkcaldy) (9) 72; J Breen (Kirkcaldy) (14), M Arnold (Kirkcaldy) (12), R Brownhill (Edzell) (5) 73; G Muir (Burntisland) (7) R Lamont (Bathgate) (10), G Cant (Monifieth) (10) 74.
LEADING TEAMS
63 R Taylor (Crieff) (4), B Beaumont (Crieff) (9), R McLean (Dunnikier Park) (7)
64 D Wilson (Monifieth) (3), G Cant (Monifieth) (10), J Brown (Kirkcaldy) (9) (bih); D Hutchison (Murrayshall) (9), D Redford (Murrayshall) (8), D West (Burntisland) (3).

Qualifiers for the JTC Kitchen Express Midland Golfer’s Alliance Championship in April at Carnoustie

C Ferguson (Muckhart)

R Brownhill (Edzell)

R Stewart (Tulliallan)

Qualifiers for the JTC McQueen Shield in April at Carnoustie

D West (Burntisland)

Next week's Meeting

(Thursday, October 20)

The Duke's Course, St Andrews

Sponsored by SAS LTD

Tee reserved: 8.30am  - 12.30

Lee Sutherland

SGU RENEWS CALL TO CLUBS TO HAVE ADEQUATE INSURANCE

MEDIA RELEASE ISSUE BY THE SCOTTISH GOLF UNION

The Scottish Golf Union has today (8 November, 2011) issued renewed calls for all clubs and golfers to be fully aware of health and safety guidelines while considering insurance cover, given the recent high-profile case in the media which saw a golfer awarded almost £400,000 in damages following an unfortunate incident on the course.

In a judgement that should prompt players and clubs around the country to exercise greater care, Anthony Phee was awarded £397,000 having lost an eye after being struck by a wayward drive.

At Niddry Castle Golf Club, Winchburgh, James Gordon’s tee-shot from the 18th hole struck Mr Phee walking on a path between the 6th and 7th holes. Mr Gordon was deemed 70% liable, while the club 30% liable for having no warning signs at the tee or the path.

The decision brings into sharp focus the liability for golfers, club committee members and office bearers. Whilst such incidents are rare, accidents can happen.

Hamish Grey, SGU Chief Executive, said: “We express our great sympathy for Mr Phee, this was an unfortunate incident. We all have a duty of care that, if in doubt as a golfer and you think someone is in range, then don’t hit the ball – wait until they are clear.”

The SGU are extremely aware of such incidents arising and, for a number of years, have enjoyed a partnership with Carrick Neill as our official insurance broker. Carrick Neill were chosen due to their extensive experience, technical expertise and focus on providing a first-class customer service. Golfers and golf clubs, wherever possible, ought to be covered by specialist insurance.

Carrick Neill, a UK-based broker also endorsed by the English Golf Union and the Ladies’ Golf Union, currently place the insurance for hundreds of clubs and thousands of individual golfers – but many clubs and golfers are simply not properly covered despite having a variety of options they can choose to protect themselves.

David Miller, Golf Director of Carrick Neill, explains: “We live in a compensation culture and we are all bombarded by offers from no-win, no fee companies which make it significantly easier for claimants to seek compensation.

“In the previous 12 months, we have settled over 1,200 golf-related claims. For such a modest charge, we would strongly urge all golfers to seriously consider arranging specific golf insurance.

“It is important to bear in mind the quality of the product you choose and not be swayed by cheap premiums and free gifts. The old adage “cheapest is not always best” is likely to be true and most importantly, you need cover you can trust.”

Please refer to the golfer’s policy section of the Carrick Neill website www.golferspolicy.co.uk for further information on various cover available or contact a member of their golf team on 0131 225 7777.

The incident in West Lothian, which received widespread media coverage, also highlighted the responsibility that lies with clubs in assessing risk and taking necessary preventative measures.

For some time now, the SGU have advised clubs on health and safety as well as insurance issues and the governing body are about to launch a comprehensive health and safety web tool for clubs with our partners, XACT.

Full support including completion of all risk assessments for all areas of your club, including clubhouse, course, greenkeeping activities and professional shop can be provided by the package.

For further information, please visit http://www.scottishgolf.org/go/club-services

TIGER MEETS WILLIAMS AND ACCEPTS HIS APOLOGY FACE-TO-FACE

FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEBSITE
By JONATHAN PEARLMAN, in Sydney
Tiger Woods says a provocative slur by Steve Williams was hurtful and regrettable but “not racist” and has accepted an apology from his former caddie.
Woods said he met with Williams on Tuesday morning in Sydney and shook hands with the New Zealander, who used the term “black a--------” at an awards dinner in Shanghai last Friday.
“Obviously, it was the wrong thing to say – something we both acknowledged,” Woods said. “It was hurtful, certainly. But life goes forward.”
Woods, in Sydney for the Australian Open at the Lakes golf course, said he and Williams had “met face to face” and the caddie showed remorse.
“We talked it through,” he said. “Steve is certainly not a racist. There is no doubt about that. It was a comment that should not have been made.
"It was one he wished he did not make.”
Asked about the source of the apparent animosity with his former caddie, who accompanied Woods to 13 major championship wins over 12 years, he said: “That is between Steve and me.”

PAUL McKECHNIE TRIES NEW COACHING VENTURE THIS WINTER

                 Paul McKechnie - a new career move (image by Cal Carson Golf Agency)            

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com
A great season for Paul McKechnie could get even better if he can progress to and graduate from the European Tour Qualifying School in Spain next month.
So what do you think is the 34-year-old Braid Hills Golf Centre tour pro’s next move?
If your unlikely answer is “Coaching,” then you’ve got it in one!
“I have had a great year. However, with Stage 2 of the Q School looming and first baby on the way in March, I need to try to generate some interest in my venture to fund both,” said Paul.
“That venture is a slight change to my usual routine in that I am going to be doing some coaching at Braid Hills Golf Centre for the first time this winter, hopefully passing on some of my 15+ years of experience to my pupils.
“This will be the first time I have ever done any coaching, even though I finished second in Scotland for my final PGA degree. So the emphasis switches from thinking about my own game to other people’s games and how to make them better players and increase their enjoyment of the game.”
Glasgow-born McKechnie was a Scottish schoolboys, youths and full Scotland amateur international before he turned pro in 2000. He is a three-time winner on the PGA EuroPro tour, including the the tour championship with a £20,000 first prize,
He has also played on the Challenge Tour and made multiple European Tour starts.
In the 2011 Tartan Tour season recently ended, he was fourth in the Order of Merit and third in the mone table. He played in all four rounds of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and finished fifth in the European Tour School Stage 1 event at Dundonald and is now looking forward to Stage 2 at the beginning of next month.
He also won three times on the 2011 Optical Express Tour – run by Alan Tait – and won its Order of Merit.
“Without boasting about it, I have the experience that only years of competing on various tours and at the highest levels can give you. I’ve been a winner on most of the tours and I am sure I can channel that into coaching, helping amateur golfers improve,”says Paul.
“My plan is to teach on Thursdays and Sundays at Braid Hills Golf Centre in Edinburgh throughout the winter months and to build up a good client base.
“However, my primary focus remains the same as always and that is to play and compete on the European Tour.”

• +Paul McKechnie’s contact number is: 0131 658 111. Appointments for lessons can also be made through his website: www.paulmckechnie.co.uk