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O N T H E T E E : P L A Y I N G T H E E U R O P E A N S E N I O R M A S T E R S
P A S T C A P T A I N S S A Y R Y D E R C U P N O T A D O N E D E A L
G O L F H A C K E R
T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R T H E A V E R A G E G O L F E R
I N T E R V I E W : R Y A N E V A N S A T B R I D G E S T O N E
C H A L L E N G E
R I C H A R D O '
H A N L O N
R A N G E P R O T O B R I T I S H P A R 3
C H A M P I O N

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Richard O'
Article:
Hanlon:
Driving Range pro
From
British Par 3
to
"Next on the
Article:
Golfhacker tees
Tee..."
at the European
off
Masters
Senior
Ryan Evans:
Interview:
Tour
Challenge
talks to
graduate
Golfhacker
The Ryder
Interview:
is far from a done
Cup
according to
deal
captains Ian
former
and Sam
Woosnam
Torrance
Will Murfitt
Review:
the FatPlate a real
gives
testing. Can it
good
your game?
improve
Playing a Seve
Travel:
masterpiece
Ballesteros
Oliva Nova in the
at
Blanca
Costa
CONTENTS
Editor's Notes
Champion
GOLFHACKER
www.golfhacker.org

that time of year when the winter blues kick in. Only the
It's
and dedicated hackers brave this kind of weather.
brave
you can pop the kettle on, get comfy and unwind
Thankfully,
the latest issue of Golfhacker.
with
been a busy time for us as we have played in a few Pro-Ams
It's
future European Tour stars and Ryder Cup legends. It's
with
Evans is certainly one for the future and will be heading
Ryan
the European Tour in 2018 thanks to a great season on the
to
Tour. We played alongside him at the Bridgestone
Challenge
and you can read our interview right here.
Challenge
is proof that those who work hard ultimately get their
Ryan
and the same can be said of our cover star Richard
rewards
The driving range pro defeated an all-star cast of the
O'Hanlon.
Par 3 to claim the life-changing prize. A real Tin Cup
British
Editor
editor.golfhackermag
Kevern, William
Nick
Champions PLC,
Murfitt,
Woosnam, Sam
Ian
Peter Baker,
Torrance,
Evans, Oliva Nova,
Ryan
Premium, Forest
Valencia
Arden, Luton Hoo,
of
Bridgestone
GOLFHACKER
MAGAZINE
www.golfhacker.org
@Golfhacker_mag
@golfhacker1
IT'S COLD OUTSIDE.
BETTER WRAP UP WARM
AND GET THE KETTLE ON
EDITORIAL
NICK KEVERN
@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Medi8
WITH THANKS TO:
tough work but someone has to do it right?
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moment if ever there was one.
N I C K K E V E R N
Editor-In-Chief

Golfhacker does not work alone. In
fact, we have the pleasure of working
with the best in the business.
So when GolfPunk asked us to attend
the Media Launch of the European
Senior Masters, then who were we to
say no.
They told us, "Don't forget your golf
sticks!" Oh, don't worry about that
guys...we won't.
Just over a few months on from his
second victory in the Farmfoods British
Par 3 Championship, Pro-Am winner
Richard O’Hanlon has reflected on what
proved to be a stunning victory at
RICHARD
O'HANLON:
THE DRIVING
RANGE PRO WHO
WON THE
BRITISH PAR 3
finished as runner up in 2016,
Having
went one better this year
Richard
victory in a tense final day,
claiming
the lead changed several times.
where
an overall score of -5 he took home
With
€50,000 prize.
the
has experience in winning the
Richard
having also triumphed on
Championship,
Cromwell Course greens back in 2010
the
the competition has grown
but
since then and he spoke
significantly
how his latest win has changed his
about
for the better.
career
golf full time is expensive, I’ve
“Playing
Nailcote Hall in August.
spent the last three years playing regional
stuff but it is still hard work. So, winning
the BP3 has helped me play with less
pressure. I still want to win, I don’t want
to rest on my laurels, and if anything, it’s
made me hungrier for success."
N O M A D I C | 2 4

Imag
“It breeds confidence and now I’m thinking why
It’s also allowed me to play in more tournaments.
Now I’m looking to go to the World Par 3 in March
can’t I win it next year. When I won in 2010 it was
£5,000, and then last year coming second, I won
and I have around seven overseas Pro-Ams, so they
will come with slightly less pressure. The least
£25,000 which was just fantastic. The money really is
life-changing.”
amount of pressure you can put yourself under the
better you will perform."
Since his victory, Richard has commemorated the
achievement with a personalised licence plate which
“The type of money I won at the BP3 totally
changes your life. I have a couple of years to go
has gone down a storm on social media. He said: “I
thought I deserved to treat myself! It was so hard to
until I’m eligible for the Senior Tour, which is the
long-term aim. I’ve seen what the likes of Paul
try and find something that worked but in the end, I
went for BP03 PRO. It looks great and I’ve added on
Broadhurst have done on the Tour. You can’t just
turn 50 and go straight onto the Senior Tour you
the bottom of the plate ‘British Par 3 Champion
2017’, it works brilliantly.”
need a plan. You need to get yourself fit and in
shape.”
Famed for its small greens, Richard gave an insight
into how to tackle the Cromwell course for future
competitors: “I played nine practice rounds with
Jarmo Sandelin and that is what helped me win, as
I was pretty comfortable with the yardages and the
greens. I take it seriously and I think that is what a
lot of the Tour players are doing now too and that’s
the frame of mind you need to be in to win.
N O M A D I C | 2 4

"NEXT ON THE
TEE..."
GOLFHACKER
AT THE
EUROPEAN
SENIOR
MASTERS
in any competition is nerve-
Playing
enough but this is not your
wracking
club medal that I’m talking
average
Here at the Forest of Arden this
about.
I find myself playing alongside
weekend
of the game’s legends at the
some
Senior Masters.
European
Cup heroes Steve Richardson and
Ryder
Darcy were our playing partners
Eamonn
Golfhacker tagged along as we
as
in the Alliance event. For
competed
with a 20 handicap, the
someone
was on to keep pace alongside
pressure
who had won European Tour
players
and beaten the best.
events
on the tee is Steve’s playing
“Next
Nick Kevern”, the tournament
partner,
announced. With the crowd
starter
waiting for something special all I could
think to myself was simple. Looking
B y N i c k K e v e r n
towards the sky I said a little prayer to the
golfing gods.
N O M A D I C | 2 4

fairway. Instead, I topped it. Thankfully, it was
hole. Sinking the putt meant that it worked
shot put me a couple of feet away from the
“Don’t top it, for the love of god, please don’t
top it.”
out as a birdie based on my handicap.
Kerching.
Taking aim and a deep breath, I was hoping
not to embarrass myself in front of the
Further success came on the seventh and
knowledgeable crowd let alone the Ryder Cup
eighth as the flow began. For a moment, I
stars who had the misfortune to be paired
with a hacker.
looked like a real golfer. For a couple of holes, I
didn’t feel like a high handicap player. For four
It was now or never as I drew my 3 wood back
holes, I was up there with the best. However,
golf is all about consistency. The difference
from the ball. I’d love to tell you that it was a
pure strike that sent the ball far down the
between the pros and the hacks is that they
are consistently consistent. For mere mortals
one of those better terrible shots that scurried
like myself, golf has a great way to bring you
back down to earth.
about 60 yards. Needless to say, it was not the
start I had wanted.
In my case, it was the ninth hole. Rather than
topping it, I got right underneath the ball as
With the first pressurised shot out of the way,
it did get better with some notable successes.
my tee shot headed to the heavens. With the
afternoon sun hampering our view we all had
The par 3 fifth was where I finally managed to
get some points on the board in style. The tee
no idea where it ended up. It couldn’t have
gone far but the line was towards the woods.
shot may have hit the bunker but the bunker
N O M A D I C | 2 4

amazing. This is what it was all about for the
That is what all of this was really about. The
In that moment, I was a hacker again. I enjoyed the
four holes where I felt like a king. However, it felt
European Senior Tour is where all of that happens.
Where you can rub shoulders with some of the
like a distant memory in a heartbeat.
game’s biggest names from yesteryear. However, it
also reminds us why this game is so amazing. No
The rest of the round became a scramble and yet it
really didn’t matter. The company was brilliant, the
matter your age or even your ability, you can still
compete with the best around.
course was beautiful and the experience of playing
a round with legends of the game was simply
amateurs paired with the professionals during the
Alliance event.
I may have picked up some points along the way
that helped Steve in the team event but really that
was just a bonus. For me, it was about spending
time with my heroes. Playing on the same course
in an event alongside the likes of Ian Woosnam,
Paul McGinley, and Sam Torrance. My heroes from
the past who inspired me to pick up a club in the
first place.
N O M A D I C | 2 4

Golfhacker originally published this article in its sample edition. As Golfhacker
Magazine has grown in popularity we thought it would be best to republish it.
Mark Curtis is a Sport Physiotherapist with over 12 years experience who kindly
wrote this piece to help fellow golfers prevent getting lower back pain. It is
essential reading.
______________________________________________________________________
Whether a fellow hacker or a seasoned professional, you have more than likely
picked up one or two injuries on the golf course in your time. Lower back pain is
the number one injury sustained by golfers, accounting for up to 34.5% of all
injuries.
Several factors have been linked to causing lower back pain whilst playing golf,
including altered posture and swing faults, inadequate warm up, and poor body
conditioning (areas of weakness or stiffness). But how can you identify these
problems and reduce the risk of injury to your lower back?
Making sure your posture is correct when
addressing the ball is extremely important. The two
most common posture ‘faults’ that golfers adopt are
an excessive C- Posture and S Posture.
(C-Posture above, S-Posture right)
C-Posture is used to describe a posture that occurs
when your slump forward at the address and you
have a definitive roundness to your mid back. This
limits the amount of rotation available throughout
the trunk. The golfer, therefore, has to compensate
by excessive movement at the shoulders and legs to
generate force.
S-Posture is a postural characteristic that can be
caused by the player creating too much arch in the
lower back by sticking their tail bone out and lifting
their chest up. This excessive curvature in the lower
back is caused by tight lower back and hip flex or
muscles and weak abdominal muscles.

Golfhacker does not work alone. In
fact, we have the pleasure of working
with the best in the business.
So when GolfPunk asked us to attend
the Media Launch of the European
Senior Masters, then who were we to
say no.
They told us, "Don't forget your golf
sticks!" Oh, don't worry about that
guys...we won't.
Ryan Evans. Remember the name as
you'll be hearing it a lot as the
RYAN EVANS:
CHALLENGE
TOUR GRADUATE
TALKS TO
GOLFHACKER
on the Challenge Tour in style
season
his European Tour card.
gaining
when we played alongside Ryan at
Back
Bridgestone Challenge at Luton Hoo,
the
was in reach of his dream of getting
he
European Tour card. There was still
his
to do back then. The "Chase your
plenty
Trophy may have eluded Evans
Dream"
week but that did not prevent him
that
reaching his end of season goal.
from
Evans will tee off against the likes of
Now
Rose, Henrik Stenson and Books
Justin
who have all previously
Koepka
Englishman ended his remarkable
graduated from the Challenge Tour.
B y N i c k K e v e r n
Whilst Golfhacker was true to form
hacking his way through Luton Hoo, Ryan
gave us a few moments to chat out
about life on the Challenge Tour, where
he wants to be and the importance of his
player and caddy partnership.
N O M A D I C | 2 4

Golfhacker: What do you think has been the secret
tournament. Stepping up to the Pro game for the
winning. From there I got my main tour card and
Masters. Then I won the Turkish Airlines Challenge
game, believing in yourself and getting a good
Golfhacker: And it’s obviously working because you
events. Kazakhstan is huge, huge prize fund. Then
Golfhacker: You look at players like Jordan Smith
confidence. If you get a win then it is huge in your
Golfhacker: But that also goes to show just how
Golfhacker: And you are certainly doing that at the
behind your successful year so far?
Ryan Evans: “It’s difficult to say. I was a reasonably
good amateur, had some good wins as an amateur
so I got the feeling of what it was like to win a
first year I played on the Challenge Tour and had a
couple of top three finishes so I was close to
come third, which was my best result at the Czech
which is a Challenge Tour event. I don’t know what
I put it down to really? Working hard on your
team around you. I feel like I have tried to make
the game simpler over the last few weeks. I was
putting a bit more pressure on myself when I won
and was trying to win again, probably not too soon,
but I put it on myself to win. So I’ve just gone back
to enjoying it, swinging easy and go from there.”
are currently fourth on the Road to Oman and
looking good for your European Tour Card.
Ryan Evans: “I’d say the last six events are the big
you have two in China, Dubai, and Oman. There will
be a lot of movement in them few weeks. There will
be guys in the top 15 who might not be there at the
good the Challenge Tour is in bringing fresh talent. I
end. I’ve just got to make sure I’m not one of them.
mean you’ve had Brooks Koepka, Jordan Smith...
I’ve got to go on and keep playing well like I have
and the results should take care of it. I don’t feel
Ryan Evans: "You can go through the list of guys that
like I need to win because I’ve got myself in a good
and as long as I can do that then I will be fine.”
Cup players. The Challenge Tour is a great tour.
Ryder
Imag
have come through. Some are major champions,
position but I still need to put in some good golf
The standard is fantastic. You’ve got to be 20 under
nearly every week to win a tournament. Anyone can
win and like I say, the guys that graduate, some
who are doing so well on the European Tour. He
come back down but some go on to do great things.
won the Road to Oman last year, is that where you
You’ve got to take your chances when you get
want to be this time next year?
them."
Ryan Evans: "Yeah, of course. Jordan has had a
phenomenal couple of seasons. He’s won on all
moment, the future’s bright.
tours and even a top ten in a major. He’ll probably
go on and make the Ryder Cup team. Tyrrell
Ryan Evans: “Yeah I got a win early in the year then I
Hatton is the same, he came through the
hit a bad patch, I was struggling. Probably trying to
Challenge Tour. I feel like we all have the talent it’s
force things. I’ve gone back to feeling like how I used
just putting it together, getting on that waves of
to play. I’ve got a guy on the bag over the past few
career. Confidence is the biggest thing I think."
weeks who has been a great help. He’s very good at
N O M A D I C | 2 4

Golfhacker: You’ve got a good partnership going
Jordan. His friend Harry is on the bag and they are
world, but me and Steve might not get on, we
Golfhacker: And that journey has plenty of miles to
years. Plenty more ups than downs would be nice
Golfhacker: That’s the right attitude I think. Having
tournament. Afterall, who wants the media getting
unfolded. With our fingers crossed we were hoping
Ryan Evans: “Cheers I appreciate that mate.”
making sure I see the shot, that I’m happy with the
right club, we have a good discussion and results,
It was time to leave Ryan to get ready for the
five top 10’s out of six says that something is
working."
in the way. However, we did bump into Ryan the
following day as the tournament was in full swing.
haven't you?
He acknowledged that we were there with a wave
and we had a little chat once the round was over.
Perhaps that is the nature of things here on the
Ryan Evans: “Yeah, I feel like we bounce off each
Challenge Tour. Whilst deeply competitive with a
other well. You have some caddies that you gel
with and some you don’t. It’s finding that right
lot at stake, players still show their human side.
Then again, perhaps we just struck it lucky playing
person for you and I feel that’s a big help. If you
look at the guys doing well at the minute, like
alongside someone like Ryan. A modest man
playing the game he loves as a career. When it
doing well. Tommy Fleetwood has got his best
comes to chasing dreams he is certainly doing
exactly that whilst keeping both feet firmly on the
mate on the bag and doing well. I’d say Steve
ground.
Williams and Tiger Woods were the best in the
We kept up with Ryan's progress as the season
might not work. So just because he’s the best
caddie doesn’t mean I’d become the best golfer.
that he got his card. When he did it was proof that
So it’s finding someone right for you, sticking with
and enjoying the journey.
nice guys don't finish last, in fact, their dreams
come true thanks to hard work, the support of
friends and family and of course, their caddy.
go.
Ryan was one of 15 players who gained their full
membership to the European Tour through the
Ryan Evans “I hope so. I hope I’ve got many many
Challenge Tour. Now it's time for those to prepare
for their biggest challenge. To play against the best
but I’ll just take it day by day.”
the game has to offer. I have no doubt that Ryan is
more than up for that. But who else joined Ryan in
seen what I’ve seen today I think you have every
gaining their card? Below is the final standings.
Congratulations to all of them.
chance mate.
N O M A D I C | 2 4

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Image: Champions PLC
Image: Pvt pauline ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)
IAN WOOSNAM
AND SAM
TORRANCE
GIVE THEIR
OPINIONS ON
THE 2018
RYDER CUP
the 2018 Ryder Cup is going to be another
that
victory and that the previous dominance of
USA
Europeans is over. It is easy to understand
the
they think that. The USA has a strong
why
team that has played together for a
youthful
while.
the Ryder Cup is never a
However,
affair. What looks like a strong
straightforward
on paper can sometimes underachieve.
team
captains set up the golf course to their
Home
and of course, there is the issue of
advantage
Previously the Europeans have had fewer
picks.
than our American cousins. With Thomas
picks
now having four picks could that help in
Bjorn
quest to regain the Ryder Cup from the
Europe’s
USA?
so many questions surrounding the Ryder
With
There are some in the golfing media that believe
Cup in France, we thought we would ask those
who had been there and done it. Ian Woosnam
and Sam Torrance have both captained Europe
to Ryder Cup victory. Woosnam’s team
destroyed the Americans in 2006 and still holds
the record for the biggest margin of victory. If
anyone has an opinion on the Ryder Cup, then it
is these two men.
N O M A D I C | 2 4

The first point of call was the tag of “favourites”.
Following the victory at Hazeltine, the USA will be
considered the favourites going into this Ryder
Cup.
Neither man looked concerned with Europe being
the underdog. Instead, Woosnam was quick to
point out that it happens all the time. “They are
always the favourites usually”, he said in a very
matter of fact way. Torrance, on the other hand,
emphasised that the tag doesn’t matter opting to
focus that regardless, it will be closer than we
think.
The 2002 captain said: “I think we were the
favourites once but it doesn’t matter who the
favourites are. I think Thomas will do a great job
that can take on anyone.” Before Torrance could
but both teams are building up fantastically. It’s a
continue, Woosie quickly interjected by saying that:
changing of the guard on both sides. The young
“All of sudden it seems to have kicked in. For me, the
players that are coming through look great on
team looks much stronger now than what it was
both sides so it’s looking like a great contest.”
three months ago. They are a group of lads that are
just waiting to burst out like they have in the States.”
Home advantage is often important. Next year the
Ryder Cup heads to Le Golf Nationale just outside
The issue of captain’s picks followed. Now the
Paris. The choice of course and the set up is in
Europeans have four picks just like their opponents.
European hands as hosts. Both Woosnam and
Some will see this as a level playing field. Woosnam
Torrance agree that this will be a major factor.
is firmly in that camp: “If we want to win the Ryder
Torrance focused on the fact that being on the
Cup we have to have four picks. You want to have
European Tour schedule for so long it will be the
your best team. Paul Casey hasn’t been in for a few
Europeans that know the course better. He said:
times and should have been in. But that’s the rules.
“We’ve played it many times. The players know the
The top players are what you want isn’t it?”
course well. Thomas will set the course up to suit
the Europeans. There’s no better advantage really
It is difficult to disagree with him but Torrance does
than being at home.”
see some pitfalls. He highlighted that: “He’s (Bjorn)
given himself tough decisions. He’s really going to
Woosnam added: “It’s not like it’s a boomer’s
a look at his selections and pick carefully. He’s
have
Imag
course either. You’ve got to be a good iron player
given himself more options and there is nothing
really. The more you play that golf course the
wrong with having four picks but it might
better it is. Going across that water...the more you
complicate things when it comes to picking your
play the easier, well not easier but the more you
team.”
could know what it’s it going to do.”
In some respects the jury is still out in terms of
Strength in depth has sometimes been an issue for
whether the Ryder Cup will be in European hands at
the Europeans with the top players often carrying
the end of the contest but with many in the game
the load. Torrance and Woosnam, however, believe
suggesting that the Ryder Cup is already a done deal
that that has improved with the European Tour
in terms of a USA victory, then I suggest you come
producing some fine players such as Tyrrell Hatton
and have a chat with Ian Woosnam and Sam
and Tommy Fleetwood. Torrance was quick to
Torrence. They think it is still up for grabs and if
answer when we asked if strength in depth better
anything, they will suggest that Europe is used to
than it used to be?
being the underdog and that Thomas Bjorn will have
a team ready for a good contest.
“Oh 100% yeah, we are always used to the top five
N O M A D I C | 2 4

M A R T E R
S
i l l i a m M u r f i t t
W
F A T P L A T E – P R A C T I C E
Unless you have been living in a cave you would have had seen the latest product that is
taking the practicing world by storm. Social media is awash with video footage of the
FatPlate being used by both amateurs and pros. Our equipment guru, William Murfitt, digs a
little deeper to find out what it’s all about.
At present FatPlate have three products on
So what is the FatPlate all about? Well, in
short, it’s a training aid that helps to promote
the market;
a better strike and impact position and to
FatPlate & FatPlate Lady – The thickest of the
replicate the ball then turf fundamentals
that every golfer should dream of having.
line, with an artificial grass section on the
front, in my opinion, this is the most versatile
Hitting shot after shot at the same time
provides the user with the ultimate
of the products, with the added grass
allowing the use in the home, and in the
feedback.

F A T P L A T E
FatPlate Sand – with the same thickness of
garden without damaging your beloved
the lite, offering that visual only feel and
lawn. And with the height of the product, it
feedback. Along with helping to improve
won’t affect the feedback you get from
bunker play.
your practice.
Attention to detail is something that hasn’t
FatPlate Lite & FatPlate Lite Lady – A
been missed on any of the FatPlate
slimmer version of FatPlate with the
products. Clearly labelled it removes any
AstroTurf removed, providing excellent
need for additional instructions. All of the
feedback on the grass or driving range mat,
products are made of a super strong
ideal to slip into your bag and used while
plastic and as you can see, they are very
out on the course too.
pleasing to the eye.
A T T E N T I O N T O D E T A I L I S S O M E T H I N G T H A T H A S N ’ T
B E E N M I S S E D O N A N Y O F T H E F A T P L A T E P R O D U C T S
How does it work? Aiming the product
Using the StrikeStrips stickers (similar to
towards your selected target, place your
those used during club fitting), during a
ball on the desired spot on the turf on
poor swing if you happen to catch the turf
either of the four markers (depending on
first you will mark the SrikeStrip to ensure
club selection), address the ball, swing as
that you improve on your next swing. But
normal then hitting the ball first followed
don’t panic if you don’t have the
by turf then watch the ball fly. Simple as
StrikeStrip’s as one of the beauties of this
that but what happens if you catch the turf
product is the noise feedback. You hear the
first, well this is where the FatPlate really
impact, so regardless if you’ve stickered up
shines whereby the feedback is so
or not you are getting that 100% feedback.
important to improve.

the ground repairs to recover as quickly as
This all sounds extremely positive so what
about any negatives? Well, in short, I can’t
possible.
find any! I originally had some concerns
surrounding the FatPlate Lite’s thickness
In my opinion, the FatPlate is the way
forward here as it will save you time and
but with some testing and some poor shots
on my behalf. FatPlate’s development
upset whilst still providing you with
excellent feedback, plus with the added
really withstood the test! The only thing
that I actually found wasn’t a fault with the
turf it can be used anywhere.
FatPlate but more of a gripe that green
The Verdict – I’ve tested a number of
staff may have and could steer you towards
a FatPlate. I used both products at the
training products now and for me, FatPlate
really top this list for the reasons that they
driving range and at the practice area at
my home course. Both products performed
have set out to design a product that not
only is pleasing to the eye but one that
well and little difference was felt in the
terms of feedback provided but once the
actually helps to improve your game
almost instantly! I tested this product
practice session finished on the grass
especially, with the FatPlate I could pack
extensively and I would recommend you
get yourselves one of these FatPlate
up and go home.
products, along with some lessons from
your local pro to ensure that you are
However, with the lite, to ensure the visual
feedback was at it’s best the divots were
practicing the right things. I managed to
get on really well with the FatPlate and the
spread far and wide. 10-15 minutes of
collecting and repairing grass to leave a
FatPlate Lite, but I found it hard to adjust
to the FatPlate Sand, with my clubface
suitably repaired practice area to ensure

FatPlate: £65
hitting the sand at the wrong points (too
far behind the ball) giving me
FatPlate Lite: £35
inconsistencies but when I managed
FatPlate Sand: £30
catching the sand 1 or 2 inches behind the
Strikestrip: £14 per 100 or £25 per 250
N O P L A C E I S E V E R
ball the results were far more consistent. A
little tweak and a guidance from a PGA
A S B A D A S T H E Y
Professional and you will sure to be the
envy of all your friends. The costs seem a
little steep at first glance but when you
start to dig a little deeper, can you really
put a cost on improvement? If you are
serious about improving your game and
hitting that clean strike time after time,
T E L L Y O U I T ’ S
G O I N G T O B E .
then this is a solid investment that you
won’t be disappointed with.
Facebook - @FatPlateGolf
Twitter - @FatPlateGolf
Website - www.fatplate.golf/

O L I V A N O V A : P L A Y I N G
A S E V E M A S T E R P I E C E
Oliva Nova is one of three Seve Ballesteros
With water dominating the course and it’s
designed courses in the Costa Blanca
thin fairways, this is a course where you too
region of Spain. With the beach only a
can be placed in trouble just like Seve
stone's throw from the course, the resort
himself. The only difference whether you
has everything needed to accommodate
have the talent to get out of it like Seve
not only golfers but also their families. But
himself.
we were here it sample a design by one of
the games icons.
Seve once said that: “I’d like to see the
fairways more narrow. Then everyone
It could be said that Seve was a magician
would have to play from the rough, not just
of the game. A player who mastered the
me.” In that sense, Seve used his design
greatest shots was almost impossible
here to do just that. With only three holes
situations. His course at Oliva Nova allows
not having any water obstacles to face, it
you to walk in the footsteps of his
would be fair to say that he has given you
greatness in more ways than one.
plenty to think about on either your tee
shot or approach shot.

T H E R E ' S A
C O N S T A N T N O I S E
O U T S I D E N E V E R
S I L E N C E D A T N I G H T
A I N T N O W A Y T O
H I D E F R O M T H E
C I T Y L I F E
I T Y L I F E \ \ A S H T R Y U T Z
C L U B H O U S E \ \ O L I V A N O V A

O L I V A N O V A
Speaking about Oliva Nova, Seve
The course also at times leads you into a
false sense of your own ability. Whilst the
mentioned that: “This course offers great
possibilities to all golfers, as it has short,
first two holes are pretty straightforward
you could be forgiven for thinking that this
medium and long holes, and fairways with
left and right doglegs. I think it poses a
Seve designed course is pretty easy. Then
the par 3 third awaits to remind you that it
challenge to any golfer.” He is right.
Although the course is flat and easy to
is anything but. The 148-yard hole may not
seem long but there is trouble waiting for
walk around, it is a challenge. With so
much water around, the need to bring
you everywhere. Water on the left, a bunker
on the right and thick rough around it.
some extra balls is a must for higher
handicap golfers.
Hitting the green is the only way to make a
sure par.
T H E 1 4 8 - Y A R D H O L E M A Y N O T S E E M L O N G B U T T H E R E
I S T R O U B L E W A I T I N G F O R Y O U E V E R Y W H E R E .
In terms of resort golf, Oliva Nova is perfect
by a stream that many a ball has fallen
for all ages, abilities and even those who may
victim to. Playing for the green will require
usually find some courses difficult to
nerve as many will simply lay up in order to
navigate. On our round, I even saw a disabled
tackle the stream. A par here will feel like a
golfer playing golf from his wheelchair. The
birdie that is for sure.
flatness of the course may allow all to play
but there are some really difficult holes on
The seventh is a par 4 that has only ever
this course.
been eagled once. Another Spaniard,
Miguel Angel Jimenez is the only man to
Hole six is called “Seve’s Revenge”. It is the
have ever done so on course to his course
most difficult par 3 on the course in terms of
record of 63 at Oliva Nova.
length and design. The green is protected

The lit swimming pool and vast amounts of
We managed to play 12 holes in total before
the setting sun hampered our view but we
rooms remind you that there is more to this
resort than just the golf.
were itching to continue. Playing in near
dark we finally accepted defeat but the
Coming all this way and not seeing the beach
course certainly left an impression on us.
There were times when we had to escape
would have been criminal. Even though it was
dark we headed to the beach bar. Gin and
like Seve but lacked the talent to do so. We
took on the water and lost a few balls along
tonics would be our nightcap as we listened to
tide gently caress the beach. A remixed version
the way. In truth, we played it the way Seve
wanted us to play it. Taking on the shots he
of Fleetwood Mac’s "Sara" was playing in the
background with Stevie Nicks raspy voice
would have wanted us to rather than
cowering away. The spirit of Seve lives here
adding to the atmosphere. If anything it was
the perfect end to a perfect stay. I even raised
and in the heart of every golfer that takes it
on.
my glass to toast Seve, thanking him for
creating a masterpiece that I was privileged to
With our visit coming to an end we were
play in the way he would have wanted me to.
Although, unlike the great man, my ability may
invited to the event’s dinner that night. We
were eating outside. Here Oliva
have fallen short and balls were lost to his traps
I can at least say that I tried to do it his way.
Nova becomes something special.

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