Monday, May 27, 2013

Best of Mates...


winter_golf_iii_by_laama_harakas-d3a4p0o

Hello Golfers,

There's plenty happening in the news recently, both at home and overseas. Footy season is also in full swing, all the talk about town is about who should be selected for origin, then you know June is looming just around the corner and that means the start of winter golf, our favourite golfing season, here at GT.
But all that aside it has been a bumpy week for golf and for two of it’s biggest personalities. The on going feud between Tiger and Sergio has been plastered over every news article going from here to Timbucctoo.
It was a shame Garcia said that because it was shaping up as a nice bit of niggle between two of the biggest characters in the game. Instead he has made himself look rather stupid.
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TIGER_SERGIO

Best of Mates!

Garcia, 33, had joked he would invite Woods for dinner to settle their recent argument and serve fried chicken.
In a press conference on Wednesday, a contrite Garcia said: "Most importantly I want to apologise to Tiger, I feel sick about it and I'm truly sorry."
“I didn't sleep at all last night. It has been difficult to hit a shot without thinking about it. The only thing I can do is say sorry”
Shortly beforehand, 37-year-old Woods wrote on Twitter: "The comment that was made wasn't silly. It was wrong, hurtful and clearly inappropriate".
"I'm confident that there is real regret that the remark was made."
Woods and Garcia have been involved in a public spat since The Players Championship earlier this month, when Garcia accused Woods of gamesmanship.
World number one Woods angered Garcia during the third round of the tournament at Sawgrass by preparing for his own shot as the Spaniard was about to play an approach shot.
The Spaniard's remark was similar to one made by veteran American Fuzzy Zoeller to Woods in 1997. After Woods won the Masters which entitled him to choose the champions' dinner menu for the following year, Zoeller said: "You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year".
"Got it? Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve."
Zoeller later apologised and said he had been misconstrued.
At a packed press conference at Wentworth ahead of Thursday's BMW PGA Championship, Garcia said: "I obviously was caught off guard by the question but I understand my answer was totally out of place and I can't say sorry enough about that.
"Also I'd like to say sorry to the European Tour and my Ryder team-mates for taking the shine away from what was a wonderful awards dinner and most importantly I want to apologise to Tiger.
"I don't have his phone number but I've called his manager. He didn't pick up but I left a message saying I would love to talk as soon as possible telling him how sorry I am and say it was a bad comment."
Garcia added that he did not expect to face disciplinary action, having spoken to PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem and European Tour chief executive George O'Grady.
Asked if he had considered withdrawing from this week's Wentworth event, Garcia said: "If you asked me this morning I might have but I feel like the tournament deserves to have me, I want to go out there and give everything I have and make sure the people enjoy watching me play.
"As soon as I left the dinner I had a sick feeling in my body. I didn't sleep at all last night, I felt like my heart was coming out of my body. It has been difficult to hit a shot without thinking about it. The only thing I can do is say sorry."
***
tumblr_masq4wmOAL1rd710ho1_500

ITALIAN STALLION

Italy's Matteo Manassero became the youngest winner of the PGA Championship when he beat Simon Khan and Marc Warren in a play-off at Wentworth.
The 20-year-old birdied the fourth extra hole to edge 2010 champion Khan after Scotland's Marc Warren dropped out on the first hole.
The trio ended on 10 under, one clear of Spaniards Miguel Angel Jimenez and overnight leader Alejandro Canizares.
Manassero, who has now won four European Tour titles, is 60 days younger than Bernard Gallacher was when the Briton lifted the title in 1969 at the age of 20 years and 97 days.
Matteo Manassero factfile
"It's been an amazing week, I've always felt something special about this place and this tournament," said Manassero, who booked his place in the upcoming US Open and Open championship. "I'm the happiest man in the world right now."
Manassero reached 10 under on the 13th and parred his way home for a 69 to join Khan. Warren, meanwhile, had four straight birdies from the 10th to edge into the sole lead, but dropped a shot at the 15th to make it a threesome at the top.
"I was less tense in the play-off than walking the last few holes because you have done all you can in 72 holes and the rest is about trying to hit good normal shots," said Manassero.
Manassero became the youngest winner of the PGA Championship at Wentworth when he beat Britain's Simon Khan with a birdie four at the fourth hole of their sudden-death playoff on Sunday.
***
Whats in the Bag

What's in the bag

2012
Name: Bernd Wiesberger
Age: 27
Professional Wins: 6
Clubs: Titleist
Driver: Titleist 910D3
Irons: CB
Wedges: Vokey SM4
Putter: Scotty Cameron
Wiesberger claimed his maiden title on the European Tour in 2012 at the Ballantine's Championship, twice setting the course record and winning the championship by the margin of five strokes. The win moved him into the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking.
In July 2012, Wiesberger won his second title of the year and of his European Tour career at the Lyoness Open, held in his home country of Austria. He started the final round four strokes back of Thorbjørn Olesen, but a round of 65 seven under par, including birdies at three of the last four holes secured a three stroke victory. He became only the second Austrian to win his home Open, after Markus Brier in 2006. After the victory he said:
"It's the best day of my life so far. It seems like it went my way, especially the last two holes. I had such a great country and such great fans backing me. I'm very proud to be following in such big footsteps [as Brier]. I'm sure I'm not going to be the last home winner."
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colinM

Hall of Fame or Greatness

Colin Montgomerie's induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame  is richly deserved even though he never won the major title he craved throughout an otherwise glittering career.
Some observers claim the absence of one of the big four titles and his failure to win a Tour event in the United States should bar him from Hall of Fame status.
They argue that every truly great player has won a major and that certainly is a point of view that has genuine merit. But whether you consider Montgomerie one of the game's greats is a separate issue.
Profile:
* 2010 Captained Europe to the Ryder Cup
* 1987 Turned professional
* 1988 Won first title - the Portuguese Open
* 40 The number of tournaments he has won since
* 14 Years he was in top 10 of The Order of Merit
* 8 Unbeaten singles matches in the Ryder Cup 4 European Tour Golfer of the Year awards
Montgomerie was inducted alongside former European Tour executive director Ken Schofield. The significance of both Scots cannot be underestimated.
Schofield was the architect of the massive expansion of the European Tour that harnessed the golden era of Severiano Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam.
He created the circuit where Montgomerie prospered with 31 Tour wins. Monty was also able to come into a Ryder Cup team that had learned how to beat America. Meanwhile in eight attempts the US never found a way to beat the burly Scot in a final day singles.
Whichever way you look at it, Montgomerie's standing in European golf cannot be disputed. A stunning eight Orders of Merit, seven of them coming in consecutive years between 1993 and 1999, illustrate his dominance.
Five times he was runner up in majors, the most of any player not to have landed a green jacket, claret jug, US Open or Wannamaker Trophy somewhere along the way.
He has been a total one-off; ploughing a lone, often successful, often controversial furrow wherever he has played.
One moment he is charm personified - the most engaging sportsman you will ever meet. The next he can be boorish, angry and rude. He will always be dogged by the contentious replacing of his ball in Jakarta in 2005 that had many questioning his integrity. Yet he will never be forgotten as a Ryder Cup hero and winning captain in 2010.
Monty is a walking contradiction. He is always forthright, always interesting and insightful. They are qualities that should make for a perfect TV commentator.
***

Hot Picks

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Old clubs?

We'll buy them from you...

Golf Traders and The Custom Golf Shop have joined forces to offer customers another fantastic service.
With the golf season in full swing and Christmas just passed, we all have clubs that are being made redundant every day. Instead of letting them collect dust in the garage, turn them into cash...
or at least let them go some way to buying the new clubs you so desperately need.
View all of our stock here or come in store and have a shot on our Triple Surround Simulator to try before you buy!
The Custom Golf Group
24 Burleigh Street
Burwood, NSW 2134
Australia

thecustomgolfshop.com.au
custom golf burwood
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crazy-golf-deals-2
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PRO TIP:

Posture and Alignment

The pros make a powerful, fluid swing look effortless. A beginner, on the other hand, can often find himself missing the ball entirely and, if he's really unfortunate, spinning himself around with such force that he winds up on the ground. To avoid this unfortunate comedy of errors, give proper consideration to your stance before you take a whack at the ball.
Alignment: Picture a set of railroad tracks running from the tee box to the green. Your body is aligned on the inside rail. Your ball is on the outside rail, which runs in a straight line from the tee box to the pin.
Spread the feet: Your feet should be roughly shoulder width apart, with your weight balanced on the balls of your feet.
Posture: Flex your knees slightly, bend at the hips and keep your spine straight. No slouching!
Relax: Loosen your death like grip on the club. You want to hold the club securely without squeezing too tightly. (like your holding a steering wheel) You also want to keep your body relaxed and not too rigid, then pull the trigger.
Signature
David Fearns (PGA)
Golf Traders

Monday, May 20, 2013

Dear oh Deer...


Winter_Golf copy

Hello Golfers,

I was going to wait until winter to post this image, but after enduring the cold southerly yesterday, I deemed it appropriate as I had the overwhelming feeling that winter golf was on it’s way.
In all honesty the weather caught me out a little bit, instead of preparing for winter, I was still thinking of Summer. Make sure to pack items of clothing that protect you against the wind, keep you warm and does not impede your swing.
***
Tam-Dao-Golf-Vietnam

Golf Vietnam

Endorsed by Sir Nick Faldo

Never short of a word or two to say, Sir Nick Faldo has endorsed Vietnam as the ultimate modern day golf retreat. The Laguna Lang Co golf course in Vietnam pictured above boasts 36 holes on a well established coastal strip to the south of Da Nang and also nearby on big courses by Greg Norman and Colin Montgomerie, central Vietnam is rapidly acquiring critical mass for golf holidays seasoned with local colour, culture and history.
“The first thing that strikes me is how easy it is,” Faldo replies to a question from a journalist, apparently everyone in the room sighs, after enduring hours of turmoil looking for balls in swamps and endless traps.
Vietnam has reached a nice place on its journey from remote to mainstream: visitor-friendly, but not yet tourist-weary. Gappers and explorers are hurrying there before the rot sets in, and golfers are coming on direct flights to Da Nang from Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore. The trip from Australia is not exactly a gimme, but makable.
“Brilliant white sands still, as yet, markedly undeveloped”
Vietnam has come a long way in a short space of time, the place is no stranger to Australian tourists, but now we will see a steady stream of golfers, looking for the next big overseas golfing experience.
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vijay-singh-580

Dear oh Deer

Vijay Singh’s lawsuit against the P.G.A. Tour, filed before the start of The Players Championship, the tour’s shiniest, richest event, states that for the past twelve weeks Singh has been the victim of a smear campaign.
The tour, his suit claims, has dragged his name through the mud, exposing him to “public humiliation and ridicule” after his admission to Sports Illustrated that he used a spray, made from deer antlers, that briefly appeared on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned-substance list. Absent its own list, the tour relied on W.A.D.A.’s, Singh’s suit claims. Once W.A.D.A. determined the spray wasn’t potent enough to warrant banned status, they de-listed it; subsequently, the tour dropped its investigation into Singh. He was free to play.
But, days after getting the green flag, Singh sued. John Daly said doing so was a bad idea. Adam Scott, this year’s Masters Tournament champion, said a good amount of nothing.
“Overall, these situations should be managed to be avoided.”
Tim Finchem, the commissioner of the P.G.A. Tour, doesn’t yet have an opinion, at least not publicly, the tour says Finchem is waiting to see Singh’s lawsuit in its entirety before commenting.
Athletes are always trying to find that extra advantage over their peers. Sometimes the line gets unintentionally crossed and the blame game starts!
***
Whats in the Bag

What's in the bag

2012
Name: Cameron Percy
Age: 39
Professional Wins: 5
Clubs: Cleveland
Driver: Cleveland Classic driver
Irons: CG1 Tour
Wedges: All Reg 588
Putter: Never Compromise
Percy turned professional in 1998. He joined the second tier Nationwide Tour in 2005 but enjoyed little success and returned to Australia where he won twice on the developmental Von Nida Tour in 2006.
  • Got his start in golf by using an old set of his grandmother's clubs.
  • Non-golf related jobs include working as a sports reporter and a bartender.
  • Favourite golf course played is St. Andrews. Would most like to play Augusta National.
  • Never travels without his laptop.
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golf bag airline

Golfer Friendly Airline

Golf bags travel FREE

Passports at the ready, Thai Airways International will waive golf bag fees to support a “Golf Friendly Airline” campaign.Unfortunately the promotion is targeting Indian travellers flying from India to Thailand. I am sure it will not be long before this promotion will roll around to our airlines.
The national airline is backing a Tourism Authority of Thailand campaign in India to draw more up-scale sports tourists to Thailand.
“Luggage fees will be waived on golf bags for flights to and from India on both THAI and THAI Smile, but the announcement said it was for selected classes and only valid until 31 October 2013.”
To really make a mark in the lucrative golf market the two airlines will have to do better than  offering a deal subject to travel class and season. Until October, the southwest monsoon blows across the country bringing heavy rains, less than ideal conditions for a four to six-hour game of golf. Also, golfers may be in an upscale category financially, but they will still consider flying economy class when embarking on a golf holiday.
Golfing is one of the niche markets identified by the TAT. The others are ecotourism, health and wellness, and wedding and honeymoon.
Why not combine two or three of the above options together, on your next trip, worth a shot!
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Hot Picks

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Old clubs?

We'll buy them from you...

Golf Traders and The Custom Golf Shop have joined forces to offer customers another fantastic service.
With the golf season in full swing and Christmas just passed, we all have clubs that are being made redundant every day. Instead of letting them collect dust in the garage, turn them into cash...
or at least let them go some way to buying the new clubs you so desperately need.
View all of our stock here or come in store and have a shot on our Triple Surround Simulator to try before you buy!
The Custom Golf Group
24 Burleigh Street
Burwood, NSW 2134
Australia

thecustomgolfshop.com.au
custom golf burwood
***
crazy-golf-deals-2
***

PRO TIP:

Strike

Improve your ball striking, there's nothing in golf quite like making pure contact. A pure golf shot is truly a magical feeling! Once you experience this sensation, you'll be hooked, trying to repeat it over and over again.
Achieving solid contact tends to be difficult for many golfers; it's what separates the pros and better players from average to higher-handicap golfers.
Hands forward upon impact
As you strike the golf ball, the grip end of the club needs to be leading the hands and club head through the hitting area (a mandatory ingredient for hitting solid iron shots). This move causes the club head to compress the ball into the ground, which helps make your divot after the ball, not before. (Many times you hear golf instructors say strike the ball first on iron shots - this is what they are talking about.)
So always have those hands ahead of the ball.
Signature
David Fearns (PGA)
Golf Traders

Monday, May 13, 2013

Back to Back...


Brett Rumford

Hello Golfers

First things first, a belated happy Mothers Day for yesterday, it was cracking weather across the whole country for that special day for our special loved one(s).
Another special mention this week goes out to Brett Rumford who had back to back victories recently in China and Korea. With a commanding victory in China, so quickly after his triumph at Tianjin Binhai Lake Golf Club, Korea, Brett must feel as though he is on top of the world right now.
It capped a remarkable fortnight that has seen him bank over a million dollars and soar up the world rankings from 253 to the mid 80s.
It was Rumford's fifth career win in his 15th season on the European tour.
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groove0201

Swing to the groove!

Application of Groove Condition in all PGA of Australia Tournaments

A recent posting from the PGA of Australia, has announced that they intend to closely monitor the condition of grooves so as to conform to PGA Tour of Australia rules. This new directive shall effect more levels of competition that previously thought.
'PGA of Australia wishes to advise you that the condition requiring clubs to conform to the 2010 groove and punch mark specifications will be in effect at all PGA of Australia Tournaments (Tier 1, 2 and 3 which includes Legends Tour and Trainee Events) from 1 January 2014, including all qualifying events applicable to those Tournaments. The full details of this condition can be found in Decision 4-1/1 of Decisions on the Rules of Golf and it is applicable to all clubs, apart from drivers and putters.
Up until 31 December 2013, the condition will continue to only be in effect at PGA Tour of Australasia Tournaments (Tier 1 and 2). However, from 1 January 2014 onwards, the condition will also be in effect at all Tier 3 Tournaments (Pro-Ams, Legends Tour and Trainee events) and Pre-Qualifying Tournaments for PGA Tour of Australasia Tournaments.
The PGA of Australia strongly suggests that all Members verify the status of their clubs against this condition well in advance of 2014 and in order to assist with that process, the following provisions have been put in place and will be available throughout the 2013 season:
A searchable database of pre-2010 models of clubs is on The R&A’s website is available here. Please note that new models of clubs submitted to the governing bodies on or after 1 January 2010 are not included in the database and such clubs manufactured after this date are required to meet the 2010 groove specifications by the Rules of Golf. If you have a new model of club which was manufactured after 1 January 2010, but would like some reassurance that it does meet the new specifications, please contact The R&A’s Equipment Standards department (see details below).'
Guidance on how to interpret the search results and other general information can be found on the PGA website.
  1. A searchable database of pre-2010 models of clubs is on The R&A’s website is available here. Please note that new models of clubs submitted to the governing bodies on or after 1 January 2010 are not included in the database and such clubs manufactured after this date are required to meet the 2010 groove specifications by the Rules of Golf. If you have a new model of club which was manufactured after 1 January 2010, but would like some reassurance that it does meet the new specifications, please contact The R&A’s Equipment Standards department (see details below).
  2. Guidance on how to interpret the search results and other general information can be found here.
  3. In the first instance, you may be able to obtain assistance in respect to your search by contacting Graeme Scott at the PGA National Office in Sandhurst on gscott@pga.org.au or 03 8320 1911, or by contacting your State Division Tournament Administrator with whom you will interact directly at many of the Tier 3 events in your State.
  4. The R&A’s Equipment Standards department will be available to answer any questions you might have on this issue - particularly if your club does not appear on the database or if it is listed as ‘ATR’ (Additional Testing Required). In such cases, players are encouraged to complete and return this form as soon as possible and a member of staff will contact you.
  5. For clubs which need to be tested in order to ascertain their status, the PGA will be offering a test service out of its National Office in Sandhurst throughout 2013. To request further details of this service please call 03 8320 1998 to speak with Graeme Scott or email me at gscott@pga.org.au
***
Whats in the Bag

What's in the bag

2012
Name: Thongchai Jaidee
Age: 43
Professional Wins: 16
Clubs: Callaway
Driver: Callaway RAZR Fit
Fairway Wood: Callaway RAZR X
Irons: Callaway RAZR X Muscleback
Putter: Odyssey Metal-X 2-Ball Belly
Thongchai Jaidee is a Thai professional golfer who plays on the Asian Tour and the European Tour. On the Asian Tour, he holds the record for the most career earnings and is second in victories with 13. He has won the Order of Merit on the Asian Tour three times.
Jaidee did not start playing golf until he was sixteen, and he later went into the Royal Thai Army where he was a paratrooper. Jaidee did not turn professional until he was thirty years old, but he soon achieved success on the Asian Tour, topping the tour's order of merit in 2001 and 2004. He first played in a major championship in the 2001 U.S. Open and finished tied 74th.
In February 2004 he became the first Thai to win a tournament on the European Tour by winning the Carlsberg Malaysian Open, an event which was co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour. In 2005 he successfully defended his Malaysian Open title. In 2006 he received a special invitation to play in the Masters Tournament. He was the second Thai to play in the Masters after Sukree Onsham, who did so in 1970 and 1971, and by doing so, he became the first Thai to play in all four major championships.
After his victory in the Volvo Masters of Asia in 2006 he reached 75 in the Official World Golf Rankings. His best year-end ranking on the European Order of Merit has been 19th in 2009. He topped the Asian Tour order of merit for a third time in 2009.
Jaidee won for the fifth time on the European Tour in June 2012 at the ISPS Handa Wales Open. This was even more significant as it marked the first occasion that Jaidee had won on the European Tour outside of Asia. He shot a final round one over 72, but won by a single stroke from four other players.
Jaidee was the first man to win US$2 and US$3 million on the Asian Tour.
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Night_Golf3

Night Owls

The origins of Night Golf have a wide variety of reasons, it became popular in some countries as golfers found a way to beat the heat during summers when daytime temperatures, in the USA African American caddies learned to play golf at night because of “whites only” rules at most private and public golf courses before the 1960’s; under the cover of darkness but with the light of the moon, African American golfers would practice the swings that they observed as caddies during the day.
Nowadays Night golf is popular around the world, with the invention of the patented Nitelite golf ball back in 1986, over 150,000 Night Golf tournaments have been played in 62 countries. In the United Kingdom alone 1,500 golf clubs enjoy regular Night Golf events, either to raise money for charity, to encourage new members or simply bring a little fun to the game! Many golfers would like to play golf at night due to a number of reasons, some people work late, while others live in countries where the unbearable heat during the day.
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golf

Club Storage

We have mentioned this subject previously, but with the recent good weather and great golf on television people are pulling their clubs out for a game and not storing them away again afterwards. Leaving equipment out in the most inappropriate locations, i.e. the shed, storage unit or even under the house.
Rust is one of the most common issues club owners face when they put their clubs away. To combat this problem, give the club shafts, head and handle a thorough wiping to make sure there isn't any condensation before you store them away.
Finding the right spot? There are a number of places you can keep your clubs (if you take up closet space, you better watch out!) Basements and garages are usually not okay, but if they are properly insulated and maintained can provide a good spot.
Most golf experts advise against leaving them in your trunk, as the motion of your vehicle might cause them to bounce around and potentially get damaged. Or if you have an older car like mine, there can be water damage!
For the most part, finding a good place well away from the wardrobe, inside your home will guarantee that they are protected from anything that could cause damage.
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Hot Picks

***
Screen Shot 2013-01-28 at 6.10.13 PM

Old clubs?

We'll buy them from you...

Golf Traders and The Custom Golf Shop have joined forces to offer customers another fantastic service.
With the golf season in full swing and Christmas just passed, we all have clubs that are being made redundant every day. Instead of letting them collect dust in the garage, turn them into cash...
or at least let them go some way to buying the new clubs you so desperately need.
View all of our stock here or come in store and have a shot on our Triple Surround Simulator to try before you buy!
The Custom Golf Group
24 Burleigh Street
Burwood, NSW 2134
Australia

thecustomgolfshop.com.au
custom golf burwood
***
crazy-golf-deals-2
***

PRO TIP:

Club Head Speed

A faster golf swing starts with the proper grip, both hands working together in unison. The V's between the thumb and forefingers of both hands should point toward your back shoulder. Second, make sure you grip the club lightly. Grip the club as if you were holding a steering wheel.
Next, extend your arms through the impact area. As you feel the club head strike the ball your arms should be fully extended upon impact. Most average golfers tend to pull the club in toward their body as they strike the ball. This actually slows your swing, leading to a loss of distance.
Finally, fast club head speed always results from fast hips moving correctly during the down swing. As the front hip clears correctly during the down swing, the golf club acts as a slingshot, releasing energy with great centrifugal force during impact. The sequence of events should be:
  1. Start with the proper grip, just enough pressure to hold onto the club with both hands working together in unison.
  2. Beginning from the top of your back swing, feel your arms starting to straighten out, fully extending upon impact.
  3. On the down swing, as you feel your weight shift from your back foot toward the target, let your front hip open as fast as possible. This move will encourage your hands to naturally release the club head during impact.
Signature
David Fearns (PGA)
Golf Traders