The most extreme hole you’ll ever play

08’ Open Championgives the low-down

Find the similaritiesbetween sex and golf

Buyer’s guidefor the season

46Most wins on the PGA Tour by a golfer

from 20 to 29 years of age (Tiger Woods)

US$150 millionRecord price for building a golf course

– Liberty Nation, in the USA

80,000Number of truckloads of dirt needed

to build Liberty National

US$500Price for a round of golf

at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas

300Average number of calories burnt

during a one-hour walk while playing golf

14Number of golf clubs allowed in one bag

36Average usage of putters

if it takes you two putts per green

848Number of miles Nullarbor Links will occupy

once ready, making it the world’s biggest golf course. It also crosses two time zones

3 days to one weekAverage period believed a golfer will need

to complete a game at Nullarbor Links in Australia

by the nUmberSYes, all stats were

dug up from a range of obscure

websites, including those of the Macau

Government and Macau Business

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Every player will tell you golf is a passion. If you don’t believe them, you should check out Robin Williams’ clip on the sport on Youtube (we can’t get enough of it!) and you’ll be sure to get the point then. This ‘little hobby of theirs’ has enthusiasts climbing out of bed at ungodly early hours just for a chance to flagellate themselves for hours on end through self-induced pain and suffering. Come rain or shine, golfers willingly expose themselves to the elements and risk heart attacks every time they miss a swing. And if you think the only green in golf is the stuff you play on, you’re in for a surprise. Whacking a little white ball around trying to find a tiny hole in the ground is a multi-billion-dollar global industry. The flip-side is that it raises serious money for charity (cough, don’t forget to enrol in the Macau Business Charity Golf Tournament and Gala Dinner in October, cough). Golfers love their game like an addiction: they don’t sleep with their clubs under the pillow, just because... But fret not, we’ve found how we can do something about this ‘sickness’ and actually make them feel better. How? Spending of course! Like any other addition, golfers are anything but wallet shy when it comes to their goodie bag. They spend, grandly, on everything even remotely related to golf. To begin with, there are the membership fees – it’s either that or keep coughing-up hefty course fees. And no self-respecting golfer would be caught dead on the course without hand-picked attire fit for the occasion, from cap to shoes. Then there are the tools-of-the-trade, the trusted 14 clubs to be carried around the course which need to be replaced every two years to gain those few precious extra yards. Plus, those little accessories of which golfers expect so much: a new grip, that special feathery tee to carry an extra club length, the very new and very special ball to help with the spin – it’s a never-ending list. This ESSENTIAL takes you on a guided tour of everything golf, from exotic tees to hand crafted custom made accessories, fashion trends and much, much more. See you on the green!Next month we’ll talk about... gadgets. It’s the 21st Century and you better get into the digital culture. Chances are you’re already hooked on that brilliant pest that is the Blackberry: how else could you command your hordes from a beach chair under the shade of a palm tree in some exclusive resort. It’s either that or the iPhone ‘cool’ and savvy look. The truth is, gadgets rule a big part of our lives without us even knowing, from the alarm clock to that cool plasma TV you fall asleep in front of most nights. There’s the electric shaver, digital camera, game console, headphones, Hi-Fi amplifier, bathroom scales, ab-machine, wrist watch, e-book reader, badge scanner, mall directories, laptop, palmtop, it’s a tiring never ending list. In this day and age there’s a new gadget you must (!) get every other week. Remember when they unveiled the Segway Personal Transporter, or the beeper (horrid little device) and you really, really, really just had to have one? Next month we’ll bring you the new ESSENTIAL gadgets of the cyber age. We always crave your feedback. The first issues of ESSENTIAL were met with enthusiasm from many a reader and we thank you for your encouragement and suggestions. If you have something to share please keep it clean and write to us at ESSENTIAL@macaubusiness.com. Go ahead, indulge yourself in the best the city has to offer and enjoy!

Golf gives you the opportunity to be outside, to get a good whole body workout, network with friends or business colleagues at a

leisurely pace, and to play a game that you can never perfect

One tendency of novices learning golf is to look up when they are striking the ball. This small move can result in a stroke being

counted against you even if you do not even strike the ball…

The image of golf is a bag with a set of clubs including a driver, one or two fairway woods, 4-9 irons, a wedge

or two and perhaps a putter

You need to develop a strong and solid swing in order to hit the ball in the direction you want it to go

Golf is played on an 18-hole course, each hole has its “par”, which is the number of tee shots (drives), fairway shots, chips

(short hits as you approach the green), and putts. This is a game unlike any other

Golf players need proper golf shoes and these should be waterproof so that your feet remain dry in damp conditions.

Good socks are important too, they will wick perspiration away from your feet, keeping your feet dry and comfortable

“Attitude” in golf is to not take oneself too seriously. It takes a long time to get good at this game, even though

the professionals make it look so easy

Needs anatomically correct strategies to achieve articulation, perfect execution and artistic expression. Plus, it is done in a closed environment surrounded by mirrors

“Pulling up” is adopting the proper posture and lifting the muscles to increase turnout, quantity and quality turns

Pointing toe is the image of a ballet dancer

“Turnout” refers to the dancer’s ability to complete movements with the legs rotated outward

Techniques found in classical ballet are a framework for many other styles of dance like hip hop, modern dance and contemporary ballet

Men must wear a dance belt for support beneath their dancer while women don’t need a belt

“Attitude” is a position in which the dancer stands on one leg while the other leg is lifted and well turned out with the knee bent at approximate a 90-degree angle

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believe in yourself - means you can handle the many challenges the game presents and shake off disappointment before moving on to the next shot.

hang in there - the most important aspect is not hitting the ball solidly but being able to hang in there during lean times.

Play your own game – a misunderstood expression turned into a cliche: this means you should find out how you really play your best because it is the secret of consistency, something you won’t achieve by imitating someone else.

Go with the shot that feels right for you - even if others say differently.

Always play according to your physical and psychological characteristics – your strategy may be completely different from that of, for example, a power hitter. No one-way is right or wrong.

Don’t try to be ‘bold and aggressive’ to show off for your partners – choose wisely.

Check the clubs that might give you a bad swing – over-zealous teachers may try to cure a student’s slice by trying to change their swing when the problem might be in the club.

Forget “the taller you are, the longer your clubs should be” – take into account the length of your arms when buying clubs, not how tall you are.

Commandments

01

02

03

0405

0607

08

for mproving your game

Feed on this: If shot correctly your ball takes an average 24 seconds to land. Set high up on the impressive Hanglip Mountain and accessible only by helicopter, this par 3 hole is played from a vertical height of 430 metres and a distance of 360 meters. After a short heli ride, golfers have the opportunity of teeing off from one of three tee boxes, high up on the escarpment. With advanced technology in the form of four separate cameras and the latest tracking equipment, the golfer can follow and capture the tee shot and the very, very long flight of the ball equiped with built in trackers.

eye CAnDy

A sight to be experienced more then be seen, Legend Golf and Safari Resort’s 19th is arguably the most spectacular and dramatic hole you’ll ever play and the longest Par 3 in the world at 360 meters

Extreme 19th

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Power hungry golfer connoisseur Donald Thrump was probably the first golfer outside Japan to get one of these beauties from Honma, one of the most luxurious names in the golf apparel industry. A Premium brand in the true sense of the word, its recognition is growing in the golf world and those golfers lucky enough to own a Honma club testify to the added performance it can deliver. The brand has expert clubmakers to establish the specifications that best compliment a golfer’s swing and the clubs are made to order in Japan and adapted for each player. The order process takes several weeks because the construction process is the most comprehensive of any manufacturer and has up to 64 different stages. The brand celebrates its 50th anniversary with the release of five limited-edition products, each of which has only 500 pieces. Honma’s 50th Anniversary Amazing Spec Driver has a design that reduces missed shots caused by a delayed swing and enhances directionality while boosting carry performance to the maximum. The company’s all-new six-axis UD-SOF and a shorter gravity point (36mm) practically guarantees accuracy on impact - and significantly reduces trajectory variability on missed shots. On top of this, there is a multiplier effect between a zirconium weight added to the sole and a tungsten weight added to the heel. This shaft helps the golfer to nab the ball with unbelievable ease, and to achieve the highest trajectory they can.

Honma Golf Apparel

The fairway is seeded with Cynodon grass and contoured to funnel the ball to the green below. In celebration of the African Renaissance, the green has been shaped like the map of Africa and is protected by a large waste bunker. Golfers can choose to play this hole in addition to their round of 18 holes, or as an experience on its own. Conceived by Graham Cooke of the UK, embraced by CEO, Peet Cilliers, and designed by David Riddle, the Extreme 19th is a unique and an unforgettable golfing experience available to a privileged few.If you get to try it, don’t forget to tell us!

biG SPenDer

honma GolfModel TM-504Price: US$24,500Honma Golf, of Sakata, Japan, makes some of the world’s most expensive golf clubs. Honma’s model TM-504 set of 10 meticulously hand-made irons, adorned with 24-carat gold plating and platinum, sells for $24,500. Add to that its 420 RF high-tech driver for about $1,500 and a handmade golf bag for $1,975. Honma also makes 18 types of its own carbon fiber or composite club shafts in order to fine-tune each customized set.At: www.honmagolf.com

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N

ormally, the word business usually refers to trade, management, heavy and light industries, stocks and shares and the like. However, a branch of business often overlooked - or at worse, not taken seriously - is sport. And it is,

especially at the highest level, big, big business.Again, when talking of professional sport as a

commercial entity, people tend to think of football, or soccer if you are an American, and indeed, all the studies indicate that in economic terms, football is king, closely followed by motor sports with American football, basketball and baseball trailing behind.

But golf is arguably the most underestimated. Most people know its superstars like Tiger Woods or Phil

Mickelson. After all, they lead the list of top earners in the world of sport, in first and second spot respectively.

Woods earned about HK$1 billion in 2008 (91.2 million Euro) while Mickelson earned about half that, around HK$550 million (or 49,5 mil Euro) last year. Earnings-wise, Mikelson is on the same level as football superstar David Beckham – one of the most valuable marketing tools in the business – who came third with earnings of HK525 million (or 47,5 mil Euro) in 2008.

But back to Tiger: few are aware that he earned more than US$70 million during his whole career just for showing up at events. Off course, Woods has been making out like a tiger, earning more than US$500 million in endorsements and different endeavors.

Spend, spend, spend What makes us mad about golf? It used to be a boring to watch on TV until very recently, when they changed program

formats, but nowadays nearly every major tournament is broadcasted live and there are a number of TV channels dedicated to golf.

But it’s the golfer next door, the golf nut who meets with friends and business partners at 6am for a round, that makes the sport what it is. He strolls the fairways in search of a tiny white ball and, if he is lucky, he might actually hit a straight shot and not slice hopelessly into the woods.

It’s a calling, but let’s take a closer look at where and how much money is spent on this little hobby of ours.

There’s the membership fees, usually a substantial investment. Either that or keep coughing-up hefty course fees, plus the F&B bill. No self-respecting golfer would be caught dead on the course without hand-picked attire fit to the occasion, from caps to shoes. Then there are the tools-of-the-trade, the trusted 14 clubs to be carried around the course which need to be replaced every two years to gain those few precious extra yards.

Plus those little accessories of which golfers expect so much: a new grip, that special feathery tee to carry an extra club length, the very new and very special ball to help with the spin – it’s a never-ending list every golfer is intimately familiar with.

Global reachTo understand the business of golf we have to follow the money trail.

Golf equipment creates annual worldwide revenues of roughly US$16 billion. In the key US market (closely followed by the Asian Pacific region) in terms of federated events, stakeholders, spectators and general infrastructure, golf generated a total economic impact of US$195 billion in 2005 alone, including playing fees, equipment retail and travel.

The business of golf If you think the only green in golf is the stuff you play on, listen up. Whacking a little white ball around trying to find a tiny hole in the ground, is a multi-billion-dollar global industry. The flip-side is that it raises serious money for charityby Stefan Kuehn*

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Approximately two million people work in the golf industry and wages paid amount to US$61 billion. The US has about 16,000 golf courses, which generated US$20.8 billion in revenue last year. These astronomic earnings mean it’s not surprising that golf is also a top earner for charity, with thousands of outings designed to benefit local communities and their residents. The sport generates about US$3.5 billion for charitable causes each year in the US only.

The Professional Golfers Association (PGA), the sport’s US governing body, conducts more than 50 tournaments a year, creating opportunities for corporate sponsors to reach the highly sought after demographics of a typical PGA tour fan, such as the golfer-next-door.

The highest level of sponsorship golf is tournament title sponsorship. The SHELL Houston open costs the oil company around US$6 million, a fee mostly divided between prize money and a multitude of expenses including signage, tournament apparel and hospitality.

In the US alone, there are around 60 million people playing golf at any given time,with a fluctuation of about three million players a year - some pick up the game, others hang up their clubs.

China growthThe most exclusive golf market in the world is Japan, where you really have to spend millions to play. The most expensive golf club in the world is Japanese, the Koganei Country Club, where membership can go for a cool US$3 million. Nonetheless, around 11 million Japanese are hooked on the sport.

China only has a little over a million golf players. However, market analysts expect an annual growth rate of 30 percent over the next few years, making China one of the

strongest consumer markets in the medium term. On the outskirts of Shanghai a number of golf factories –

golf club factories - can be found. These ‘parallel’ factories – whose products are available just about anywhere - were not included in the global spending estimates and their inclusion could arguably bump the golf retail industry up another 30 percent in total revenues.

Equipment sales in the US rounded up to US$6.3 billion in 2007, and 80 percent of that amount was generated in the shops outside golf clubs/ courses (once can easily see the potential ‘niche’ market China will provide in the future). Equipment manufacturers bank on the assumption that golfers will spend just about any amount on equipment to improve their game, and revenues could reach phenomenal levels.

Golf has spread arguably to every corner of the world, from Scotland to the lush desert greens of Abu Dhabi. There’s even online golfing.

But the real surprise is the numbers: cyber revenues have amounted to more than US$500 million to date. EA Sports, a software gaming company has recently released their new Tiger Woods PGA Tour installment, which has an online community of 100 million users. Switching from digital to the table-top, there are also dozens of fantasy leagues which account for substantial parts of overall annual golf revenues.

Back in the traditional media, golf magazines. Approximately US$230 million is spent on advertising campaigns in such mags each year.

All in all, quite a business.

* Group director of SKSupport, a globally operating sport agency based in Macau. He is also the co-managing director of MacauBusiness SK Event Ltd, promoters and organizers of the Annual Macau Business Charity Golf Tournament and Gala Dinner, which will run its third edition on October 16th 2009.

Top 10 earners in the world of Sport:Tiger Woods

Phil Mickelson

David Beckham

Michael Jordan

Oscar de la Hoya

Valentino Rossi

LeBron James

Roger Federer

Jeff Gordon

Dale Ernhardt

123456789

10

130.2 million

70.6 million

67.7million

50.6 million

47 million

46.3 million

45 million

39.2 million

36.3 million

34.9 million

Golf

Golf

Soccer

Basketball

Boxing

Motor sports

Basketball

Tennis

Motor sports

Motor sports

SOURCES: FORBES

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

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What brought you to the game of golf in the first place?A few of my brothers played socially and Mum and Dad just loved golf. Sport in our family was very important, any sport we played Dad was happy.

Why and how did you turn pro?I just had to, there was nothing else I was going to do. Amateur golf was over for me when I was about 18 years old, so I went to the Australian Tour School and a few months later I went to the Asian Q School. I’ve been in Asia ever since really.

Action - The spin of a ball when it strikes the putting green.

Albatross - A hole played three strokes under par.

Amateur - A player who has not competed for prize money - as opposed to professional.

backswing - The initial movement of the club away from the ball until it reverses direction and moves into the downswing.

best ball - The best score on a hole by two or more players in a best ball match.

birdie - A score of one under par on a given hole.

blind shot - A shot where the player cannot see the target.

Carry - The distance from where the ball is hit, to where it first lands.

Clone - A copy of a brand-name club.

Closed face - When the blade of the club points to the left of the target.

Closed stance - When a player faces slightly away from the target at address.

Club fitting - A club assembled for a specific golfer.

Die in the hole - When the ball has just enough momentum to make it into the hole.

Divot - A chunk of turf sliced out of the ground by a player’s stroke.

english - When the ball has a lot of spin in flight.

etiquette - Code of conduct on a golf course.

executive course - A shorter course with mainly par three and par four holes.

Fast green - When a putting green is dry and/or hard allowing the ball to travel far with little effort.

Fat shot - Striking the ground before striking the ball.

Fringe - The area of longer grass around the green.

Front nine - The first nine holes on an eighteen-hole course.

David, a 31 year-old Aussie, started golf early in life, playing alongside the likes of Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy and Brett Rumford during his amateur days, but was late to catch up. His victory at the 2008 Macau Golf Open, the second of his career, came a few years after his maiden success at the 2002 Volvo China Open. As an amateur, he was highly rated in the mid 1990s, won the Australian Amateur Championship in 1996 and was a member of the team that won the Eisenhower Trophy in the Philippines in 1996. He started playing regularly in Asia in 1999, a year after turning pro, and has been at it ever since. David says his dip in form after his China success was due to the fact that he tinkered with his game and equipment constantly. He’s married with one son and lives in Taiwan.

Asian Tour has become world class

intervieW

you’ve been playing in Asia, and particularly in China for a while now. how is it different from playing in other tours?The Asian Tour did have many tournaments in China in ‘05-’06. Tournaments in China are always a good experience. If you look at all the golf destinations in Asia now, no country in the region can compare their golf courses to China’s. Am well aware it’s a big country but they just are making awesome courses. When it comes down to what is important for a golf tournament, most players will give up other facilities to have a good track to play on.

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by Luis Pereira

Goldie bounce - When the ball strikes a tree deep in the rough and bounces out onto the fairway.

Good leave - When a long putt ends close to the hole.

Gooseneck - The “S” bend in the shaft of some putters.

high-handicapper - A player of marginal skill.

honor - The right to hit first from the tee.

Knock off - An inexpensive club made to look like a name-brand.

Lag - The time the club spends at the top of the swing.

mid-length putter - A putter with a shaft length that falls between a conventional putter and a long putter. Same as a belly putter.

mid-line - The center line of the fairway running from the tee to green.

misclub - To use a club inappropriate for the distance.

On the bag - To be the caddie.

Pitch shot - A short high shot to the putting green.

rifle shot - To hit the ball straight and far.

Shooting the lights out - To play quite well.

Stance - The way a player stands when preparing to play.

Starter - The person running the order of play from the first tee.

tee - 1) The wooden or plastic device placed in the ground that the ball rests on. 2) The area where the ball is first hit from.

Unplayable - When a player determines a ball cannot be played and takes a penalty stroke.

Whiff - A swing that completely misses the ball.

Wood - A long-shafted club with a large, deep head used for long drives. So called because it used to be made of wood.

yips - Nervous twitching that interferes with a golfer’s play.

yardage chart - Maps of the course showing the length of holes.

Driver: TaylorMade, Tour Burner 9º w/Aldila 80X shaft

Fairway woods: Fourteen, 15º w/Diamana 83X shaftFourteen 18º w/Diamana 83X shaft

tell us about your win in the macau Open, how did it go for you?The week started great with two low scores but closing out a tournament is always tough. I held my nerves together well in closing the tournament. I think in golf if you know you can play well under the gun it’s a great feeling.

how excited are you in preparation for joining the european tour?The European Tour is somewhere I would like to go next to build on my career. Not taking anything away from the Asian Tour, it has become a world class tour, I just hope to move on soon and play in a new environment and then on to the PGA Tour.

What’s the one golf golden rule you keep remembering to bring into your game?Believe in your own skills. You only have your own skills so there is no need trying to be like someone else. This was difficult for me early in my career as I had little coaching. I would swing and play like all the top players but never had my own swing. Once I got over this about 2 years ago, my game improved seemingly overnight.

What’s your advice for newcomers to the sport, namely to aspiring pros?Get good advice and more importantly get lots of advice. Since when you turn pro everyone will be in your ear, a young professional golfer needs experience to sift through all the rubbish advice, there is plenty around. You may never get to the good stuff if you can’t sift through the poor advice.

And to the aspiring par golfers?Golf goes for four hours, the intensity an aspiring par golfer brings to the first tee is normally about 300 percent too much. There is just no possible way they can keep it up for the entire round. Basically how they feel on the 12th tee is how they should try and feel on the 1st.

irons: Fourteen, TC 10003-iron: 220 yards4-iron: 210 yards5-iron: 200 yards6-iron: 186 yards7-iron: 170 yards8-iron: 160 yards9-iron: 150 yardsP (47º): yards 138

Wedges: Titleist - Vokey, 52º and 58º

Putter: Yes, Dianna

ball: Pro V1

best Shot: Irons

Favourite club: All of them of course!

Practice swing ritual: I try not to make a practice swing, why waste the good ones.

inside David’s bag

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rani ni Ketut

Driver: Ping G 10|230 yardsFairway woods: TaylorMade R7 3 Titanium|200 yardsTaylorMade R7 5 Titanium|190 yardsTaylorMade R7 Titanium|180 yards

Favourite club56º Wedge. “Because I can play a lot of different shots with it”Practice swing ritual“I choose my target then I take one or two swings along the target line. I look at the target once again, address the ball and just hit it - simple!” Best Shot everHole in one at the Macau Golf and Country Club from the white tee at hole #6 - with a pitching wedge!Best score ever at the MGCC (Par 71): 66, in May last year.HandycapScratch (!) Playing for10 years

Rani Ni Ketut, a regular at the MGCC, turns 29 this month and has been working in the golf industry for around 10 years. Her first experience with the game was on a golf course in Bali, Indonesia.She turned pro earlier this year and is now a full time coach at the Kowloon Water Fall Driving Range, Hong Kong, teaching all ages, all levels. She’s now under a training program with the Hong Kong PGA, and USLPGA for qualification. Rani used to train or practice at least six days a week, but that was before she turned pro and while on tour in amateur competitions. Now she only plays once or twice a week: “There’s no competition at my level” in Macau or Hong Kong, Rani dispairs.

hybrid:None. Rani does’t like their look.

irons:Henry-Griffitts TS-14-iron: 170 yards|5-iron: 160 yards6-iron: 150 yards|7-iron: 140 yards8-iron: 130 yards|9-iron: 120 yardsP: 110 yards

Wedges:Henry-Griffitts51º: 100 yards56º: 80 yards

Putter: Gel, Rubyball: Titleist Pro V1 (normal)

The ProWhAt’S in their

bAGS?

José Angeja

Driver: King Cobra 450 CC 10|5 Loft 270/250 yardsFairway woods: King Cobra SS 350 9 loft|250 yardsKing Cobra SS 3 220/200 yardsTaylorMade R7 Draw|200/190 yards hybrid: No Hybrid yards

Favourite club8 Iron / Driver 450CCPractice swing ritual1 Swing / Focus on alignment and wristsBest Shot everHole in One in an Official Tournament of Portuguese Federation 6MAR99 Azores.Handycap7.2 Ega (8)Playing for15 years

irons:Callaway FT3-iron: 200 yards4-iron: 185 yards5-iron: 175 yards6-iron: 160 yards

The Enthusiast

7-iron: 155 yards8-iron: 135/140 yards/ Club used for chipping9-iron: 135/115 yardsPitch 115

Wedges:TaylorMade 58º|60 yards MAXSpalding 54º|75 yards Max /Used as Sand Wedge

Putter: Yes Tiffanyball: Titleist Pro V1 100% Compression

You’ve got a top golfing experience on your doorstep, what are you waiting for?Established in 1994, Mission Hills is an out of this world site for golfing enthusiasts and a great weekend getaway, just a short boat trip away.

With no less than twelve (!) 18-hole courses designed by the greatest golfers of our time including Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus, not only is it in the Guinness Book of Records, it is also a credited course for the US PGA Tour. Mission Hills was named the Golf resort of the Year in 2004. If all this doesn’t tempt you, how about pampering yourself in one of the largest spas ever built? The spa concept was created around a natural tropical environment, with “pre-teen” to more senior treatments. It is a family friendly place with residences, hotels and fine dining. Still not convinced? Lets go for a tour of the golf courses.

miSSiOn hiLLS GOLF CLUb,

ChinA

Golf crazy!

Ozaki Course You will play in valleys with elevated tees and native slopes. The course ends with the tee shot on the 18th lined up with the hotel/clubhouse framed between two mountain peaks. Jumbo Ozaki is called “Super-man” at home in Japan.

Faldo Course The “European hero” as the golfing com-munity in Europe calls him, Nick Faldo is the British who helped the European Team to the most Ryder Cup wins. His course has one of the world’s toughest island greens – the 16th hole. Breathtaking.

vijay Course mission hills World Cup CourseDesigned by Jack Nicklaus and considered to be the most impressive golfing challenge in Asia this was the venue of the 41st World Cup Course in 1995. It was the first course accredited by the US PGA Tour for professional competitions.

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A beach bunker as Mission Hills calls it, this course designed by

Pete Dey Course Created in 2007, the renowned golf course architect included railroad sleepers, sandy waste bunkers and wild greens with steep bunkering on this course. It is to be admired, even if you think it’s too hard for your skills.

Golf AcademiesIf your game needs encouragement, you might want to take a few lessons at Leadbetter’s Academy. As well as Leadbetter, one of the world’s best-known golf instructors, there is also the Cindy Reid Academy at Mission Hills. She is recognised as the world’s #1 golf instructor. It targets players of all skills. If you need a lot of learning and don’t want to expose yourself to a super-pro, you can start at the Mission Hills Golf Academy where you will find elite instructors and professional golfers as well as amateur. Prices range from 500RMB for an hour-long class for two with a private instructor, to 7,500RMB for a six hour package on a one-on--one basis.

Driving ranges – There are six driving ranges scattered throughout Shenzhen, Dongguan and the Faldo Course.

Kid’s Club – The world’s largest outdoor playground for kids. The huge playground units from Sweden underwent rigorous safety checks.

restaurants - There are nine restaurants catering to all tastes and nationalities.

Spa – Asia’s largest spa, it has several outlets offering over 60 treatments. Staff are trained at an in-house spa academy. Inquiries: Spa Service Center (86 755) 2802 0888 Ext 38088

Leadbetter CourseThis was the first course he designed and to play it you’ll need every club in your bag. David Leadbetter, the “Godfather” of the golfing community, leads an academy in Mission Hills. Not surprisingly, he created a course to test all your skills.

Annika CourseFor extreme golfers, it requires precise strokes. The course, designed by Annika Sorenstam, is like a beautiful woman, offering spectacu-lar sights and hiding wonderfully manicured landscapes. It is a 465-yard 18-hole course with a classic signature-fishing hole.

Vijay Singh stretches along sand and ends in water - one of the most spectacular in Asia.

Olazabal Course

Duval Course

els Course

Zhang Lianwei Course

norman Course

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Some say golf and sex are the only things you can enjoy without being really good at them. Perhaps this leads us to our next thought: both pursuits also help you get to know the person you are with, much quicker than years of casual time spent together.In golf, taller men tend to have an advantage over shorter ones. Just like in bed – you never think you have it long enough (think about it, both sexes). But remember, although length is important, it can be overrated.In both, modern technology has made it easier for those who are not very good, to get to the hole as effortlessly as possible.Men are always trying to figure out how to score better and women tend to sense that a relaxed man works better.On both occasions, fear of success and guilt are mental obstacles that need to be overcome in order for one to perform at one’s best, and control over mind and body, as well as emotions, are critical to achieving maximum performance.And usually, everyone prefers private courses to public ones…

GOLF trenDS

Porsche The concept behind Porsche Design Golf was simple: provide ideal conditions for maximum results. State-of-the-art technologies from TaylorMade and adidas - combined with the unmistakable Porsche Design signature resulted in extraordinary pieces that enhance technical capabilities. Available only in selected stores. Price on demand.

the Chanel SegwayPrice upon request.Ideal for a trip to the golf course, in style and effortless…Chanel,at Four Seasons

the Suunto G6, “New Golf Watch”, gives you, the golfer, the ability to measure your swing, improve swing consistency and keep score all in one watch! After swinging you can check the tempo, rhythm, backswing, length and speed of your shot. This way you can keep track of your best shots and improve muscle memory to repeat only the good ones! The watch includes three acceleration sensors (took more than two years to develop) which accurately measure 200 times a second the movement of your wrist. The integrated scorekeeper removes the need for score and handicap paperwork and Suunto’s software helps identify the areas that need improvement at the end of the round.At: Selected CityChain stores

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DriverStaylormade r9 tPFeatures inverted cone technology for enhanced ball speed and distance on off centre and a lightweight Fujikura Motore F1 65 Graphite Shaft for a quicker swing speed, as a result, increased distance. $4,800.00

Callaway big bertha DiabloA hyperbolic face combines with the ultra-stable head to generate faster ball speeds on offcenter hits (resulting in less distance loss) than previous titanium drivers.

$2,400.00, graphite

FAirWAy WOODSCobra S9-1The S9-1 has a large, shallow face that kicks the center of gravity lower and farther rearward. You should expect high-launching shots and good carry.

$1,600.00, graphite

irOnSCallaway X-22The sixth iteration, the X-22, has a thinner topline and narrower sole than the X-20. This unites with a bigger, wider cavity “notch” that shifts more discretionary weight to the heel or toe.

$7,100.00, graphite

reSCUetaylormade tP rescueRescue TP has a compact adjustable mechanism, which allows to dial in preferred lateral trajectory within eight face angle settings (2° closed to 2° open) to provide up to 30 yards difference in left-to-right flight.

$1,600.00, graphite

WeDGeSPing tour-W tSThe TS (for “thin sole”) gives you more freedom to play finesse shots. At the same time, however, thin-soled clubs require greater shot precision. Comes in 58°, 60° and 64° lofts.

$870.00

Cleveland Golf niblick WedgeGreater forgiveness and consistency as you approach the green. The Niblick Wedge brings together the greatest characteristics of a wedge, putter, iron and hybrid into an ultimate scoring.

$1,200.00

PUtternike OZ 6The Nike Oz 6 is a face balanced putter and the milled face ensures consistency across the whole hitting area, whilst the dual site lines aid alignment to ensure the putter head is square at address.

$800.00

bAGbag boy revolver ProA removable cooler pocket, eight roomy pockets, an external ball sleeve, and a key clip enhance the package. The entire centre tube compartment rotates 360 degrees to make your clubs more accessible.

$1,600.00

FOr herFancy taking her to the green? Get her the very forgiving Nickent 3DX RC 12-piece set, triangular 460 cc driver, 3- and 5-woods, 4- and 5-hybrids, 6-iron to SW and mallet putter. The matching cart bag (which she will love) has six head covers and rain cover.

$4,000.00, graphite

Louis vuitton Golf bagThis is the only time you can buy Louis Vuitton for someone other than your wife and not be accused of having an affair. For inquiries: Louis Vuitton at the Esplanade, WynnPrice: US$9,050

tri marker executive SeriesThis is taking status symbols to a whole new level. The Tri Marker Executive Series ball marker is made from 18-carat white gold and studded diamonds, citrine, amethyst and peridots. The company recommends the ladies adding a platinum chain to transform the marker into quite a fashionable necklace.At: www.tri-markgolf.comPrice: US$10,500

hermès Golfers beltHermès have released this belt specifically for golfers. The belt provides the wearer with a pouch in which to keep a score book, pencil and other necessities. The belt also provides space for up to twelve golf tee’s. The belt is made of cotton and is available in a number of colors.Hermès, at the Esplanade, WynnPrice on demand

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Shinies for every occasion

à la carteRolodex of where-to-eat-and-spend

Cruise control pick up sites for your next sweet ride

blueprintto the best design in town

Shoppes | listing of luxury shopping arcades

4S | the Shoppes at the Four Seasons W | esplanade at Wynn v | Grand Canal Shoppes at the venetianm | mandarin Oriental

Alfa romeo(852) 23056128Audi(853) 28703383bentley(853) 28703383bmW (macau)(853) 87976119Ferrari(852) 28739233Ford hong Kong(852) 28147286harper’s(853) 28768975Jaguar(853) 28316338maseratti(852) 28739238maybach(852) 25948138mazda(853) 28316338mercedes- benz(853) 28831283mini(853) 87976112Porsche(852) 29262208volkswagen(853) 28703383volvo(853) 28703383

Chang Chun massage Centre Rua Coelho Amaral, 1 D, Edf. Lai Hou phase 2, 1L, Macau(853) 2895 5822the Spa @ Crown macauAvenida de Kwong Tung, Taipa, Macau (853) 2886 8888the Spa @ the Four Seasons macauEstrada da N. Senhora da Baía, Taipa, Macau(853) 2881 8888Six Senses Spa @ mGm Grand macauAvenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Macau(853) 8802 3838nirvana SpaChina Law Building403 Avenida da Praia Grande, Macau(853) 2833 1521Su Sek massage CentreMei lai Kok Building Macau Stadium Roundabout, Taipa, Macau(853) 2884 0039v Spa @ the venetian macaoEstrada da Nossa Senhora da Baía, Taipa, Macau(853) 2882 8882Wong Chio massage CentreEdf. Kin Heng Long264 Alameda Dr. Carlos D’Assumpção, Macau(853) 2875 0332 the Spa @ Wynn macauRua Cidade de Sintra, Macau(853) 8986 3228

Cle de Peau / Shiseidocledepeau-beaute.com(available @ New Yaohan, Canal Shoppes)Crème de la mer cremedelamer.co.uk(available @ New Yaohan, DFS)estèe Lauderesteelauder.com(available @ DFS, New Yaohan)Giorgio Armanigiorgioarmani.com(available @ New Yaohan)hommage hommage.com(available @ Wynn Macau)Kiehl’skiehls.com(available @ New Yaohan, Canal Shoppes)Lancômelancome.com(available @ New Yaohan, DFS)La Prairielaprairie.com(available @ DFS)natura bissè naturabisse.es(available @ The Four Seasons )Sisleysisley.com(available @ Canal Shoppes, New Yaohan)

blue bar (853) 2881 8888 Cubic(852) 2828 6696roka (853) 28825666rossio(853) 8802 3888veuve Clicquot Lounge(853) 8802 3888

Spas | indulging pleasures

enhance | the beauty within

new yaohan Department Store(853) 2872 5338www.newyaohan.comthe Shoppes at the Four Seasons (853) 8117 7800 www.shoppesatfourseasons.comthe Grand Canal Shoppes at the venetian(853) 2882 8888www.venetianmacao.comesplanade at Wynn (853) 2888 9966 www.wynnmacau.commandarin Oriental(853) 8793 3261 www.mandarinoriental.com/macau

Audemars Piguet 4S

Blancpain V

Boucheron V

Breil V

Butani 4S V

Bvlgari W V

Caran d’Ache V

CARAT* V

Carl F. Bucherer V

Cartier 4S M

Chanel 4S W

Charriol V

Chopard 4S V

Dior 4S

Christian Dior 4S W M

Damiani V

David Yurman 4S

Debeers 4S

Diamond SA 4S V

ENZO V

Franck Muller V

Glashütte Original V

Grossé V

Gucci 4S W

Hatta Fine Jewellery V

Hearts On Fire V

Hublot V

IWC 4S V

Jaeger-LeCoultre V

Jaquet Droz V

KEGO V

Kiehl’s 4S

LOANG & NOI V

Louis Vuitton 4S W M

Luk Fook Jewellery V

MIKIMOTO V

Montblanc V

Omega 4S V M

Panerai V

Piaget W V

Rado V

Richard Mille V

S.T Dupont V

Shamwari 4S V

Shimansky 4S V

Swarovski 4S V

TAG 4S

TASAKI V

Tiffany & Co. W V

Tissot V

Tourneau V

Vacheron Constatin 4S

Van Cleef & Arpels 4S W

Vertu W V

ZYDO Italy V

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