The 2020 Victoria Park Trainee Pro Am was a wet, yet successful day on the course, with the trainees competing for the title across a 36 hole event. Alexander McCoy and Nathan Waters came out on top with the joint lead at 4 under after 36 holes. With tough conditions in torrential rain, the Trainees should be commended on their dedication to the game and making it through the 36-hole event.
The amateurs joined the field for the final 18 holes, with Ian Cowie recording an incredible 41 points to take out the amateur field, and Mukhtar Basha scoring 38 points to win the sponsors division.
A big thank you to our sponsors for their support, which is very appreciated and makes events like these possible.
BOQ Algester
Ascot Plumbing
River City Displays
Vicentia
Thank you to everyone who played in the 2020 Victoria Park Trainee Pro Am!
Cameron Smith has made a lot of progress from when he first started working with Nick Randall – Victoria Park’s newest edition to the golf fitness team. Not only is Cameron now top 25 in the world, physically he has seen dramatic change into becoming a well rounded golf athlete. At age 16 he was weak, tight, had some alarming postural adaptations from golf and was in pain and discomfort in a number of areas. After working with Nick, Cameron’s game has grown to new heights. Now Nick is sharing his top 5 physical preparation techniques for golf.
Top 5 Physical Preparation Techniques For Golf – By Nick Randall
I would like to share with you what I consider to be the 5 areas that the competitive club golfer can learn from Cameron’s approach to physical preparation. If implemented properly these will not only help your golf but benefit your long-term musculo-skeletal health too.
Cameron’s approach is particularly relatable and applicable to the club golfer because he isn’t the biggest guy, or the most gifted athlete, or the hardest worker. Cameron likes to keep things simple and uses practice and training approaches that can be completed in a short amount of time with minimum fuss. Leaving more time for messing around on the range apparently!
A selection from Cameron’s large repertoire of comedy golf swings
1) Stick to the Plan
Cameron doesn’t wander from the prescribed plan; this is for three main reasons. Firstly he wants to avoid the excessive post exercise soreness that prohibits him from practicing and performing effectively. Sticking to familiar exercises and loads helps ensure this. Secondly, performing the same exercises allows him time to get familiar and comfortable with the technique, ensuring absolute best form and resultant outcome. Lastly, golf is a tough mental sport especially at the very elite level. Being able to go into the gym and carry out a familiar routine means that there is no excess mental energy being used up unnecessarily.
How you can apply this – find a good training program and stick to it. Only change up exercises when performance isn’t a priority (e.g. off season).
Banded back squats have been a staple for off season training, great for power development.
2) Warm Up Consistently
Cameron recognizes the importance of warming up properly to not only prevent injury, but also help ensure he is moving correctly. His 15-minute routine of self-massage, stretch and posture setting is quite literally a daily habit. Pre-tournament rounds, it’s also a great time to get his head in the right place and start mentally preparing for the upcoming challenge. The equipment used is a vibrating foam roller and massage ball (both made by hyperice) and the GravityFit TPro.
How you can apply this – Get yourself some basic warm up equipment, identify the key areas to release / stretch / activate and allocate 15 minutes before you play to go through the routine.
Cameron warming up at the Bay Hill Invitational, 2017
3) Train for Specific Power
The keys to hitting the ball a long way are widely considered to be combination of vertical thrust and rotational speed. Since 2015 we have focused specifically on training these areas through jump variations along with rotating against resistance. The jump variations progress from small drop jumps to squat jumps with 20kg to trap bar jumps with as much as 60kg. The rotational speed approach doesn’t change much, normally working with a strong resistance band that challenges Cameron to try to move at around the same speed he swings driver. This contributed to Cameron placing third on tour for distance gained from 2016-2017 season.
We use an accelerometer to quantify progress and drive intent by measuring speed, jump height and power output. If you are tech minded and like your training easily quantified then check out the Push Band by Train With Push.
How you can apply this – incorporate basic jump movements into your gym sessions along with some fast rotational work against resistance bands. Just remember to work on your landing mechanics (land soft) to minimize the risk of injury and work up slowly to top speeds for the rotations.
Cameron working hard on his rotational speed (push band on his arm)
4) Train Posture and Stability
To my knowledge, GravityFit make the only equipment designed to specifically train the deep muscle system responsible for holding posture and stabilising joints. The combination of axial load and the immediate feedback system means that when using the GravityFit equipment Cameron is always aware of when he is in good posture and what that feels like. We combine using the equipment with simple movements that challenge his ability to maintain balance and posture. This forms part of daily routine that can be done around the house, in the gym or on the range.
How you can apply this – Start training your posture and deep muscle system, preferably using GravityFit equipment and exercises. Your joints and golf swing will thank you for it.
Cameron is aiming to absorb the landing load softly whilst maintaining stability in spine and shoulders
5) Know When to Rest
The physical, mental and emotional demands of a tournament week make it tricky to continue to train with the same volume and intensity as usual. This makes it the ideal time to reduce the intensity and volume of gym work, focusing on posture, speed and mobility. I will often prescribe a watered down version of the usual program, reducing reps, sets and load whilst still focusing on great technique.
How you can apply this – moderate your training load to suit your performance needs. Try doing the heavy stuff earlier in the week, leaving your fresher for the weekend.
Cameron making the most of the massage chair in the locker room at CIMB Classic, 2016
My recommendations might seem pretty simple, and with good reason; golf is a complex, frustrating and often confusing game. I believe that golfer’s training should be straight forward, easy to implement and repeatable. In the is un-predictable sport, some consistency around physical preparation can go a long way to minimizing variability in performance.
Get Fit Like Cameron Smith
Nick Randall is an experienced strength and conditioning coach, contracted by PGA Tour Players and Golf Queensland to help facilitate physical development for top level performing athletes. Nick has recently joined the team at Victoria Park and is transforming his elite experiences into the every day golfer’s development.
If you want to benefit both your golf game and physical health, a fitness session with Nick Randall is highly recommended.
Initial Assessment – 90 Minute Session – $200
In this session Nick will complete a full assessment of your physical health in relation to your golf game and develop a program to help improve your fitness.
Sessions are available every Monday, 10am -8pm.
To book a session call the Golf Shop on 3252 9891.
Most golfers understand that practicing is essential to improving their golf game. Normally they either start having lessons and combine this with practice, practice without having lessons or they get on YouTube and spend hours listening to instructional videos and then practice these techniques at the range or course.
Option one is the smart way, option two is ok if you keep it simple, and option three is a short cut to frustration and golf oblivion.
Two of the questions most coaches ask new clients are:
Do you practice?
And if so, how often do you practice?
Sometimes we get the answer “No, I don’t practice, as I don’t know what to practice and am scared of creating bad habits”. This is a smart golfer. The best way to improve your golf game is to create a consistent mental focus that is based on a process where repetition is vital and success or failure is not important.
How do we learn to snow ski or surf? We fall over, accept that we are learning and get back up again. However with golf if it’s not perfect and working for every shot we move on to the next theory. Failure is an important part of the learning process and the less you allow emotion to dictate your practice the quicker you will improve.
Let’s break down your practice sessions into three areas:
Mental
Do not practice when mentally tired, stressed or pre occupied with other matters.
Have a clear objective on whether you are working on the technical process or game outcome process. Do not work on both.
If working on technique you should only focus on a limited number of key areas with the objective of being perfect in those key areas while the outcome of the actual shot may be poor. You only have two to three seconds of motion time in a golf swing so it’s extremely difficult to think about numerous technical keys and then physically execute them in the action.
If working on game outcome then it’s all about visualization, feel, set up, alignment and one hundred per cent commitment to the shot.
This type of practice is ideal leading into an important tournament or game while the technical practice needs to be done weeks and months earlier.
Physical
Limit the amount of balls you hit and the time you practice based on how your body feels and your ability to concentrate.
Tape your fingers if you have soft skin to prevent blisters and irritation and stretch, stretch and then do more stretching. Warm up but the stretch after practice is the key. Golf is very demanding physically so look after your body.
Increase your practice over time and in the summer months stay hydrated and remember the old saying quality rather than quantity.
Technique
Simplify your technical practice by breaking your action down into three simple components, set up, back swing and forward swing.
Set up involves grip, stance, posture, ball position, tee height and alignment.
Back swing is the motion of the body and club from the set up position to the top of the backswing.
Forward swing is the motion of the club and body from the top of the backswing to and through the ball to the completed follow through finish position.
When practicing technique always focus on set up as a poor set up creates a poor action. After set up focus only either on some back swing or forward swing keys.
You can only focus on one or two components not all three and set up is easy because it’s a static position and you should have reference check points to guarantee a consistent set up.
After set up the brain now can focus on those key action techniques and execute physically in the two to three seconds of motion.
Be patient, focused and consistent and remember from consistency comes confidence.
Good golfing.
Chris Chaplin
Teaching PGA Golf Professional
Victoria Park Golf Complex
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Victoria Park has launched a new ceremony space with breathtaking city views! After months of detailed planning, award winning wedding destination Victoria Park has revealed its’ new outdoor ceremony space “The Courtyard”. When choosing a location for your wedding ceremony, your surrounds are an essential element to ensuring the vision for your wedding day is realised. The Courtyard is a natural bespoke outdoor area, complete with a permanent white ceremony arbour and swoon worthy panoramic views of Brisbane City and golf course rolling greens.
The immaculate grounds of Victoria Park combined with sweeping views of the Brisbane city create the perfect relaxed setting for outdoor ceremonies in Brisbane. The Courtyard’s signature feature, its white ceremony arbour, has been designed in a classic style that can be dressed up or down depending on a couples individual style. When planning your wedding it’s understandable you want to add a bit of flair to your day.
Image credits: Kwintowski Photography, My Little Flower Shoppe, When Freddie Met Lilly Bridal Wear, Bella Brides Makeup & Hair.
Victoria Park is home to 5 wedding venues, complete with sparkling chandeliers and stunning views of Brisbane’s city skyline. The destination has more than 400 complimentary guest car parks, a golf course perfect for wedding photos, and an on-site Bistro for guests to relax between wedding ceremony and reception. Located in the heart of Brisbane, Victoria Park is the winner of the 2018 Global Wedding Awards “Most Romantic Brisbane Wedding Venue”.
For more information on Victoria Park’s wedding ceremony and reception spaces, visit victoriapark.com.au/weddings or call 07 3252 0666.
Once in a while Flight Network writes blog posts to recommend places to see and explore in the cities where they send their customers. Flight Network is a leading global travel agency, and they are responsible for sending countless tourists to Brisbane, all around Australia and the rest of the world every month.
When they wrote their recent blog post about Brisbane they made sure to highlight Victoria Park as a place you cannot miss while you are visiting our beautiful city of Brisbane.
“…this isn’t your ordinary park with some swings and flowers. No, in Victoria Park the activities are endless. Come here to golf, putt, play, eat and drink. There is something for visitors of all ages and you might just want to spend an entire day here”.
This is just some of the great things they had to say about what we offer visitors coming to Brisbane and stop by Victoria Park.
Check out our calendar to see what fun might be taking place when you’re visiting town. Flight Network only sends their customers to the very best places, so follow their advice and spend a day at Victoria Park!
The 2018 Schweppes City of Brisbane Pro Am at Victoria Park attracted a strong field this year with amateurs and professionals from across South East Queensland and beyond all competing for one of the fantastic prizes provided by our generous sponsors. The course was looking better than ever and despite the tough windy conditions there were some low scoring amateurs and professionals to make the day hotly contested.
Schweppes City of Brisbane Pro Am Champions
Golf professionals Dale Brandt-Richards & Brett Rankin found themselves at the top tied at 8 under to take out this year’s Schweppes City of Brisbane Pro Am at Victoria Park on Tuesday 7 August.
(From left to right: Dale Brandt-Richards (joint winner), Brad Jones (Major Sponsor Schweppes Representative, Brett Rankin (joint winner)
Amateur Results
In the amateur morning field, Matt Lake was the outright winner with a solid 40 points and also a hole in one on the 17th hole – his first shot of the day! No hole in one’s in the afternoon field, but Jordy McGary of just 14 years of age took out the amateur field with a fantastic score of 44 points.
There were plenty of delicious on-course offerings provided by our sponsors including Mr & Mrs G Riverbar with their famous duck pies, Schweppes refresh stations and Victoria Park’s market cart stall with fresh fruit, lolly buffet, Maleny Dairies ice cream and dutch pancakes.
(Didier di Stefano attempts the long putt up the 8th green)
Longest Drive Competition
The competition continued off the course with our Peroni Longest Drive Competition taking place from the Marquee Deck. Long Drive World Champions kept the crowd entertained with Karl Peters absolutely cracking one 344 metres! Next up were the professional players from the pro-am, aiming to be the longest AND most accurate with their drive. Christopher Wood prevailed as the winner with a 274 metre drive within a 10 metre goal post.
(Long drive champion Brendan Moylan shows the crowd how it’s done)
Thank You To Our Sponsors
A special thank you to the sponsors of the 2018 Schweppes City of Brisbane Pro Am. Without their support, events like this cannot happen and their continued support to help drive the growth of professional golf is sincerely appreciated.
Major Sponsor
Schweppes Australia
Silver Sponsors
Bank of Queensland
NuTurf
Supporting Sponsors
Asahi
Quality Food Services
Queensland Reef and Beef
Mr & Mrs G Riverbar
Cellarbrations
Golf Cars International
Brisbane City Council
Carlton United Brewing
Top 5 Gift Ideas at Victoria Park
Putt Putt
Whether it’s a present for friends, family or lovers, our putt putt course is a great challenge for everyone! Open from 6am – 10pm (and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays!) our putt putt course has twists, turns, bridges and water hazards to keep even the best golfers on their toes.
Shout someone special to breakfast or brunch in Bistro in our alfresco dining spaces. Open from 7am – 11am daily, it’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee and meal while taking in the city views and rolling green hills.
Know an avid golfer or someone keen to get into the game? Get them a golf lesson in our 2 story golf coaching facility! Golf lessons start as small as a 30 minute session through to lesson packages. We recommend a lesson package for anyone starting out, it’s the best way to learn!
The perfect idea to save time searching for gifts! Victoria Park Gift Cards can be used towards the Bistro for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and for activities, clothing and equipment in the golf shop. Gift cards are available to purchase online or in the Golf Shop.
The Golf Shop at Victoria Park is fully stocked with latest golf equipment and apparel. There are plenty of gift options in the shop, from stocking fillers to the best gift ever! Open from 6am – 10pm daily, visit the shop today to pickup a great gift.
Get your clubs custom fit to your swing
Looking to get a new set of clubs, replace your driver or find the perfect putter? Custom club fittings are the best way to make sure your new club will perfectly match your swing. We recommend starting at our Demo Nights to test out a few of the brands and narrow down your options, then book in your custom club fitting with on of our PGA golf professionals.
Performance improvement with custom club fitting
Golf equipment companies highly recommend getting both new and second hand clubs fitted to your swing. More and more golfers are reporting key performance improvements after having custom club fitting sessions, and with equipment companies releasing models with dozens of adjustable settings that influence the results of the shot, it’s becoming harder to just make a few tweaks and think a club will continue to work for you.
You might say to yourself that “I’m not a good golfer, so why do I need to do a custom fitting session?” when the reality is the worse you are at golf the more you can actually gain from this process.
What to expect in a custom club fitting session
You’ll arrive at the Golf Learning Centre and be greeted by your PGA Golf Professional. They’ll ask you some background questions to identify patterns in your golf game and also find out where you would like to take your golf – i.e. weekend warrior or club champion. You’ll then hit a few balls and your golf professional will build benchmark data using our industry leading Trackman technology, including club head speed, angle of attack, club path and launch angle to measure your new clubs against. This process enables you to see first-hand ball flight performance changes as you cycle through a couple of different club options and specifications, giving you reassurance that new golf clubs can indeed improve your game.
In your hitting assessment we will identify a the clubs to test hit that will suit your game best. We are a brand neutral fitting centre, meaning we fit our customers with the equipment that will perform best for them. We stock all major golf equipment brands including Callaway, Taylormade, Ping, Titleist, Mizuno, Wilson, Cobra, Cleveland, Srixon, and an extensive range of left hand and Tour level shafts, you will definitely be spoilt for choice.
What will I walk away with after my session?
Once the session is completed, you will walk away armed with a complete rundown on your individual specifications. This will ensure you are able to make an informed purchase knowing your clubs are fitted perfectly. If you’re ready to buy straight away, our golf team can provide equipment pricing on the spot PLUS the cost of your fitting session can even be deducted off your purchase!*
I’m ready to book my session
That’s great news!
Call us today on 3252 9891 to make a booking
30 minute custom single club fitting – $75
60 minute custom multiple club fitting – $140
Members also enjoy 10% of equipment and fitting sessions*
3 Frequently Asked Questions:
1. I’ve had a club fitting in the past, can’t I just use the same specs?
It’s not best practice – it can be tempting to save time and money by using previous specs, however it’s likely your last session was a few years ago and there will have been numerous upgrades to golf equipment and subtle changes to your swing that will change the specs you need.
2. What do I bring to my club fitting session?
First timer club purchasers don’t need to bring anything. If you are looking to upgrade your existing clubs – then yes, bring your current clubs along.
3. Should I customise my grips?
Absolutely! – Research shows correctly fitted grips is a valuable piece of the custom club fitting process, and can improve your game without any swing changes!
*Victoria Park Member discount applies to full price stock only.
The 2018 NEDS Victoria Park Trainee Pro Am was a successful day on the course, with the trainees competing for the title across a 36 hole event. Gavin Fairfax posted an incredible 15-under par across the 36 holes to take out the top prize. Conditions were difficult out on the course after a wet weekend and a hot/humid day, but that didn’t stop the low scores rolling in with 15 trainees scoring under par for the event. Scores were also good in the amateur division, with Tony Hogg taking out the win on 43 points.
After the main event, the trainees battled it out in a nearest the pin chipping contest from the Garden Marquee deck to the 10th green. Victoria Park’s very own Hannah Mason pitched to just 4 foot and with a supportive roar from the crowd went on to be the winner of the shoot-out.
A big thank you to our sponsors for their support, which is very appreciated and makes events like these possible.
Major Sponsor
Neds
Supporting Sponsors
TJM Group
Ascot Plumbing
Bank of Queensland
River City Displays
Thank you to everyone who played in the 2018 NEDS Victoria Park Trainee Pro Am and we look forward to seeing you all back again in 2019!
