By JOSE CALLEJA
General Manager, Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course

The Ladies PGA was formed in 1950, the European version was formed in 1988 and the LPGA replaced the Women’s Professional Golf Association. The first Women’s Open was held in 1946 and won by Patty Berg. The LPGA is the oldest continuing women’s professional sports organisation in the United States
The greatest lady golfer of the time was Mildred ‘Babe’ Didrikson Zaharias. She took up golf after retiring from an athletic career which included three Olympic gold medals and world records.
Mildred Didrikson won the US Women’s Amateur in 1946, the Women’s British Amateur in 1947 and the US Women’s Open in 1948, 1950 and 1954.
After the war most professionals with the exception of the great Ben Hogan, chose to compete only in America because of the large prize money on offer. The R&A increased the prize money for the British Open and this helped to bring the top players back to Europe.
The 1960s brought with it something special to the game of golf, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player – the Modern Triumvirate.
Gary Player’s home was in South Africa and his decision not to reside in the US limited the amount of Majors he entered. One can only wonder how many more Majors the Black Knight may have won if he had lived in the US.
These three golfers completely dominated the game into 1970s winning nearly every major event around the world. Jack Nicklaus’ Major Championship record is still to this day unbroken, however one man is challenging it and only time will tell if Tiger Woods surpasses Jack Nicklaus.
In 1961 the PGA withdrew it’s ‘whites-only’ rule from it’s constitution. Charlie Sifford became the first black golfer to contest a PGA event and Lee Elder the first to contest the Masters in 1975.
However in 1990 when the PGA introduced further measures to end racial discrimination, more clubs such as Cypress Point, withdrew from the Tour.  Tiger Woods’ outstanding victory in the 1997 US Master has finally changed attitudes.
The most famous golf shot ever must be Alan Shephard hitting a ball on the moon in 1971 which was watched by an audience of millions around the world.
This highlights the passion we have for this amazing game, we even take our clubs to the moon. The club he used can be viewed in USGA museum.
However the Americans and Gary Players’ domination of world golf during the 1970s came to an end when Severiano Ballesteros won the British Open in 1979 and the US Masters in 1980.
European golfers would say this was the changing of the guard and golf returning home. Seve’s wins inspired other European golfers to capture the Masters Green Jacket. From left to right in the photo is Sandy Lyle, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Jose Maria Olazabal, Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo. In 1985 the European Team captained by Tony won the Ryder Cup and ended the 28 year American dominance. The Solheim Cup, the women’s version of the Ryder Cup, was launched in 1990.
By 1991, Europeans were at the top of the Sony World Rankings with Ian Woosnam as the World’s Number 1.

EQUIPMENT REVIEW AND TOUR UPDATES
By RAJNESH GOUNDON
     DIRECTOR OF GOLF NATADOLA BAY GOLF CLUB

This week we provide a review on the Wilson FG Tour Wedge.

The following are the features of the Wilson FG Tour Wedge:
•    This wedge’s Meticulous CAD design and Tour player feedback melds shape and size to deliver ultimate confidence at address.
•    This wedge features CNC Milling and Max-Spec Grooves which delivers greater ball control from wet and long grass.
•    This wedge has a unique Sole Design – The 58 and 60 degree wedges feature hand grinds in the heel to lower the leading edge, allowing the face to be opened for more creative shot-making. This clubs generous camber and bounce promote smooth turf interaction.
If you are looking for a Wedge with the above features then please contact the Natadola Bay Golf shop on 6733500 and we will order one for you.

PGA TOUR EVENTS UPDATE   
Last week’s World Challenge presented by northwestern Mutual played on the par 72, 7027 yards, Sherwood Country Club, thousand Oaks, California was won by Graeme McDowell who shot a total score of 17 under par. This is McDowell’s first win for 2012. Keegan Bradley finished runner-up, three shots behind on 14 under par. Tiger Woods the Tournament hoist and defending champion finished 4th on 9 under par.

This week’s Event
This week on the PGA Tour we have the Franklin Templeton Shootout. It is scheduled to be played from the 7th to the 9th of December. This event will be played on the par 72, 7288 yards, Tiburon Golf Club, Naples, Florida.
The prize purse for the event is $4 million. Last year PGA Champion Keegan Bradley and Brendan Steele shot a total score of 32 under par to become the first PGA TOUR rookies to win the event.

LADIES TOUR                                  

Last week’s Hero women’s Indian Open played on the DLF Golf & Country Club was won by Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum who shot a total score of 13 under par. Phatlum now 23 years has become the first women to win the Indian Open three times. Defending champion Caroline Hedwal, the defending champion finished runner-up on 9 under par.

This week’s Event
This week the Ladies European Tour heads off to Dubai for the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters. This event is scheduled from 5th December to 8th December and will be played on the Emirates Golf Course. The prize money for the event is Euro 500,000.

NEXT WEEK’S COMPETITIONS AT NATADOLA BAY GOLF COURSE

• Wednesday 12th December – Stableford Competition
• Friday 14th December – Bingo, Bongo Bango Competition
• Saturday 15th December – Stroke Competition

Mr. Paul Van Ryn

PLAYER REVIEW

This week’s between shots is Mr. Paul Van Ryn
What clubs do you use? I use Callaway X22 clubs.
Where is your home club? National Golf Club, Victoria, Australia.
Who is your favorite player? My favourite player is Rory Mcllroy.
What course do you love to play? I love to play Moonah Course – National Golf Club.
What is your favorite hole? The 17th hole at St. Andrews
What shot will you always remember? Hole-in-One at Kooyonga Golf Club, Australia.
Who are your dream playing partners? Rory Mcllroy, Greg Norman and Tom Watson
This was what Mr. Van Ryn had to say about Natadola Bay Golf Course: “Natadola Bay is a tough course off the Tee but an excellent course to play.”