THE LEGENDS GOLF AND SAFARI RESORT, Limpopo, South Africa, features the “Extreme 19th” which is the world's longest and highest par 3, only accessible by helicopter. Golfers are faced with a 394 yd. tee shot, and the ball takes 30 seconds to drop to the Africa-shaped green 470 yds below. Nobody has yet claimed the million dollars for a hole in one.
It costs over $1000 per foursome for the helicopter and six balls with tracking devices in case of a lost ball (in case?) All that is needed is deep pockets. And a good head for heights.
PRESIDENT DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, five star general, 34th president of the United States, was golf mad. His popularity was high in post-war America and the public decided that “If Ike likes it it's good enough for me.” The number of golfers approximately doubled during Eisenhower's two terms (1953-1960.) He had a practice net in the White House basement and used the South Lawn as a practice range. His State of the Union address was written at Augusta National in a “cabin” built for his use. However, even Ike couldn't get the 65ft pine tree he often came in contact with removed from the course.
Eisenhower saw a golf course as a place to build relationships, and a way to foster goodwill and understanding among the international community.
Nearly a quarter of President Trump's time since January has been spent on the golf course, apparently it helps him make calm and considered decisions. If he can be persuaded to spend even more time there civilization may yet be saved.
RORY MCILROY'S Boston Common Golf team has yet to beat Tiger Woods' Jupiter Links G.C. in their new, fast-paced, indoor competition called TGL (Tomorrow Golf League.) The action is played out on two very sophisticated golf simulators and combines virtual and real-life play. On a playing area roughly the size of a football pitch, half the arena is dedicated to “Screen Play” where balls are hit from a natural surface. When the ball lands within 50 yds of the virtual pin the action switches to the short-game area which includes an adjustable green. The shows are apparently highly successful, Tiger and Rory both emphasise that it's not just about winning but bringing the sport to a younger more tech-savvy audience. (The ones who can't get off their backsides and find a golf course.)
EDWARD STIMPSON, the Massachusetts amateur champion, was a spectator at Oakmont in 1935. After watching a putt by Gene Sarazen roll off a green he went away and invented a simple device and method to accurately measure the speed of greens.. Hence the “Stimpmeter.”
THE PORSCHE SINGAPORE CLASSIC takes place at Laguna National Golf Resort 20-23rd March. Hosted by Brand Ambassador Paul Casey this prestigious DP World Tour event is being hailed as an unmissable spectacle for golf enthusiasts and Porsche fans alike. The streets of Singapore will be awash with courtesy Porsches, the golfer who makes a hole in one on the 17th will drive away the latest model Porsche and spectators can compete to qualify for the Porsche Shootout, where the ultimate prize is: you guessed it.
THE TAYLOR MADE Qi35 driver features the most multi-material construction in the industry; titanium, tungsten, carbon fibre, aluminium and steel. Weight savings from the carbon face are redistributed to improve CG and MOI. The Qi35 Max driver retains it's 10,000 MOI but reduces spin by 200 RPM, catering for golfers who want forgiveness, accuracy and distance. And as Rick Shiel says: “It looks fantastic!”
Letter to the Telegraph: “Years ago my husband proposed to me on the sand dunes of my favourite beach overlooking the beautiful Camel estuary in North Cornwall. Accepting, I congratulated him on choosing such a romantic location, then he confessed that he'd actually chosen the spot for the view in the opposite direction: the golf hole where he'd hit a hole in one the day before!”
Until next time: Happy Golfing.
Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. 638 859 475.
