Golf has been played in Australia since 1839 and, according to Golf Australia, there are an estimated 1,204,000 golf participants. “CityNews” has compiled a list of people and places who can help to advance individual golfing skills.

WHETHER it’s a one-off hit or a regular competition, there are plenty of golfing options across Canberra and surrounding regions.

Golf has been played in Australia since 1839 and, according to Golf Australia, there were an estimated 1,204,000 golf participants Australia-wide in the 2020-21 period.

“CityNews” has compiled a list of people and places who can help to advance individual golfing skills.

Family golf store helping the community

Rohan Madgwick took on ownership of The Golf Factory from his mum and dad earlier this year, because he’s always loved it.

“I play golf as much as I can,” he says.

“We are a retail factory outlet that sells all the golf gear, at lower prices.

“Our range helps us stand out from other, similar shops. We’ve got a big 600 square metre store that is completely full.”

The Golf Factory has been open for 25 years, and offers golf clubs, balls, cart and stand bags, golf shoes, club covers and gift vouchers.

The Golf Factory was opened initially because the original owners noticed a need for a bigger golf store.

“One that wasn’t just like your local pro shop on the course,” he says.

“It is a friendly store that provides a family experience. It’s just a nice little attraction that has been helping the community for a long time.”

The Golf Factory, 269 High Street, Penrith. Call 4722 8640 or visit thegolffactory.com.au

Keeping golfers playing stronger longer

PRIORITIES for Golf Fit participants at Higher Function are injury risk reduction, increased longevity, improvements in joint ranges and strength/power production, says exercise physiologist Sam Catherall.

Sam recently completed a certification with the Titleist Performance Institute which, he says, allows him to identify areas of interest regarding hip and spine mobility, strength and function.

“Higher Function and Yowani Country Club have combined their expertise to announce the eight-week Golf Fit Package, providing golfers across Canberra the opportunity to assess and develop multiple facets of their game,” he says.

“Golfers are repeatedly exposing their bodies to high amounts of force every time they swing the club. If lacking strength, mobility and, importantly, technique, golfers are highly likely to experience injury and have lower driving distance.”

The Golf Fit Package includes three, 45-minute, one-on-one lessons with Sam Pasquali, a “teaching professional” from Yowani Country Club, as well as a one hour physical golf assessment with Sam Catherall, and eight Golf Fit group exercise classes led by Catherall.

“Being stronger has a correlation to club head speed, and club head speed has a correlation with better players,” says Sam.

“But the point of strength training is not just to hit the ball further. At its most basic level, a strengthening program is a long-term robustness strategy, reducing injury risk and keeping you playing longer.”

Higher Function Physio & Pilates, Suite 4, Level 1/23 Petrie Plaza. Call 6262 9664 or visit higherfunction.com.au

‘Exceptionally maintained’ nine-hole golf course

THE Braidwood Servicemens Club was opened in the ‘50s, says manager Michelle Griggs.

“The golf course was built and the clubhouse was added later,” she says.

“The Servicemens Club is home to the Braidwood golf, bowls, squash, fishing and rugby clubs.

Michelle says their slogan is “the friendly club in the heart of Braidwood”.

“We are an all-inclusive venue and families and visitors are most welcome,” she says.

Braidwood Servicemens Club has all the usual club facilities, including Keno, TAB, gaming machines, meeting rooms, outdoor dining, a barbecue area and a kids’ play area.

“We have a huge car park for large vehicles and offer overnight stays for self-contained caravans,” says Michelle.

“We also have regular live music, and we’re open from 10am daily – closed Mondays – although the golf course is still open for play.

“Our nine-hole golf course is exceptionally maintained by our green keeper and wonderful volunteers. A chook run is held Thursday afternoon and comp is from noon on Saturday.”

The Pine Garden Restaurant offers Chinese and Australian cuisine too, including lunch specials and banquets.

Braidwood Servicemens Club, 15 Victory Street, Braidwood. Call 4842 2108, or visit braidwoodservicemensclub.com.au

Calling amateur golfers to play in tournament

DUNTRYLEAGUE Golf Club in Orange is encouraging golfers to enter the 99th Hahn Open Amateur Golf Championship, say head PGA club professionals Nathan King and Matthew Barrett.

“We joined Duntryleague in August, 2021. We have a big interest in growing the game and grassroots events to increase participation across all levels of golfing abilities,” they say.

The 99th Hahn Golf Open Amateur Championship at Duntryleague is open to men with handicaps of plus to 36, and will be played November 19 and 20.

“Steeped in history, Duntryleague is one of the region’s premier venues and is visited by many from the greater Sydney area and the state for yearly golfing tours,” they say.

“Nestled on the picturesque grounds of a championship 18-hole golf course and adorned with stylish gardens, Orange is the perfect destination for your golfing getaway, rich in food and wine culture that Duntryleague provides.

“The historical mansion offers entrants a unique experience with stay play packages available overlooking the golf course.”

Nathan and Matthew say Duntryleague stocks a full range of golf equipment from all leading brands and provides tuition from four PGA teaching professions to extensive club-fitting technology for the complete player package.

Duntryleague Golf Club, Woodward Street, Orange. Call 6362 3466 or visit duntryleague.com.au