Hello golfers,
I hope this finds you well and the golf is in good shape. Well we have reached that water shed moment where we know winter is on its way, the clocks have gone back! Evening golf is no more for a few months so let's hope the weather stays like it is and allows us the opportunity to play some weekend golf.
It's funny, though, how all of a sudden the mind set for golf changes. I was packing my golf bag last night and am now paranoid of getting caught out by the weather so I was putting in bobble hats, winter mitts and rain gloves just in case! You just never know when it may turn and there is nothing worse than not being prepared. Later in the newsletter I will be covering some essential winter items to carry in your golf bag.
Life in the old dog
My playing time is very restricted these days but I still love to play when I can and this week played in a Devon PGA Order of Merit Event at Tiverton Golf Club. The tight tree line fairways are not usually my thing but I drove the ball great all day and apart from a couple of poor short putts played really nicely to shoot 72 and finish fourth. Nice to get the competitive juices flowing.
Medal, Autumn Equinox and Prestercott Trophy
New member Ian Williams was undoubtedly the star man at the weekend as he claimed a hatrick of wins as he recorded a quite staggering nett 60!! This gave him wins in Division Three in the medal but. more importantly. wins in two silverware competitions: The Autumn Equinox and The Prestercott Trophy; which ran alongside the medal. Congratulations, Ian! What a fantastic start to life here at the Valley and a well deserved five shot handicap cut.
Elsewhere, the scoring was surprisingly high and for the first time ever in my four years here the standard scratch went up to 73! Shaun Douglas recorded a fine nett 66 to take Division One honours and Vince Floyd recorded an excellent nett 67 to win Division Three.
White Tees and Winter Rules
We will shortly be switching to winter tees and winter rules will come in to operation. It is likely that the tees may still be on grass for another week but Saturday's competition will be off Yellow tees. We are monitoring the course condition daily to see the appropriate time to enforce winter rules. When the decision has been made notices will be posted notifying you all.
Bunker Renovation Programme
We are very pleased with the way our bunker Renovation Programme has taken shape. There have been some very positive comments from a lot of customers as well as the usual few grumbles, but on the whole it has been received in a positive way. I'd like to take the time to run you through our thoughts behind each bunker change or addition so you are all aware of our thinking behind the actions.
1st Green
Partly filled in and re-shaped around the edges to encourage rain fall to go around the bunker rather than in it.
2nd Green
Dug out and re-layered with new drainage ditch cut to help water flow out of the bunker.
4th Green
Dug out and re-layered.
7th Green
Two new bunkers added, one left to stop balls bouncing left down the bank and one right to stop balls bouncing into the hedge.
8th Fairway just short of the Green
One bunker added to tighten up the approach. Lots of comments about the fact you could hit it along the ground from 200 yards away and the ball still rolls on to the green so this bunker means a re-think on strategy.
12th Green
Filled in one of the bunkers on the left by the green, doesn't really get used and always washes out when it rains.
13th Fairway
New bunker added down the left side of the fairway, gives the hole a much improved visual look with good definition from the tee.
15th Fairway and Green
Filled in the bunker on the right side of the fairway 40 yards short of the green as doesn't really get used. Added one bunker up by the green on the left hand side to help stop balls going down towards the tunnel.
16th Green
Bunker on the left has been shallowed out at the back and levelled in the middle to make the bunker shot easier to play.
18th Fairway
Bunker down the left side of the hole in the trees will be filled in as it's not really used.
Next year we will be having the golf course re-assessed under the USGA rating system and we are hopeful of being able to maintain our standard scratch with our bunker improvements. We hope you can see our strategy behind the alterations and enjoy the benefits it will bring.
Question
You hit your ball and it comes to rest against a staked tree and this interferes with your backswing, what is the ruling?
Answer
You must find your nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole, where you can stand and play a shot without the staked tree interfering with stance or swing. This spot must be marked with a tee peg and then after removing the headcover from your driver you may measure one club length from that spot not nearer the hole. The ball must be then dropped within that club length under no penalty.
The winter punch shot
Of course this shot is one that can be used all year round, however with the winter conditions normally come more than a zephyr of wind. Standing faced with a long iron and a strong headwind can be a very daunting place. The key to this shot is understanding a few points helping to execute it correctly.
To bring down the initial height of the golf ball we play this shot from further back in the stance than normal. The middle of the stance is normally a good start - of course with practice this can be varied to produce the best results. To reduce the loft on the face slightly more we can just nudge the hands forward at address and make sure our sternum is staying relatively over the ball and not behind it. By doing the above we reduce the dynamic loft on the club through impact and promote a downward strike.
A huge point is not to stop through impact or when the ground is struck. Stopping this motion hugely affects the power placed on the shot. A 3/4 finish paired with a smooth swing can be used effectively to keep the ball flight down. Hitting the ball too hard will cause it to rise up and not be of use in the wind.
To talk to me about any of the points above, or to work on how to do this shot consistently, pop in and we can discuss it further. If anyone would like to put a testimonial together talking about any work we have done together, be it on course work, group sessions or swing work it would be greatly appreciated.
Dates for your diary
Saturday 1st - 10.00-11.00am - Junior Roll Up session
Sunday 2nd - 11.00-12.00pm - Game Improvement session 2 of 4 (Putting) £7.50 per person - open to everyone
Tuesday 4th - 2.00-3.00pm - Ladies' Coffee and Coaching (Bunkers) - 6 of 6 weather permitting
No testimonials this week however a congratulations to Micky Davis and Geoff Garrett for great Saturday performances. They both have really benefited from swing fixes in the recent weeks and made use of looking at their swings after Saturday performances.
Please remember that I am here to coach until 8pm on both Monday and Thursday so if weather or work stops you playing, You can still keep working on your game. Don't let the above stop you improving.
More deliveries in store
We have had delivery of some winter golf shoes. The FootJoy range of Sport and Hydrolite shoes offer the golfer great comfort and stability as well as offering a waterproof warranty. We have a full run of sizes in stock so next time you're at the club why not pop in and try some on.
The adidas winter range is perfect for all your winter golfing needs. With compression tops for warmth and half zip therma cover up tops an ideal additional layer you will be ready to tackle the winter temperatures. The Goretex range of waterproofs will give you that guaranteed waterproof protection on those wet winters day. They also offer exceptional playability with zero restrictions through your golf swing.
Christmas Trolley Dash
I will reveal details next week regarding this year's Christmas Trolley Dash grand draw. Once again we will be offering one lucky winner the chance to run around the Pro Shop for 15 seconds collecting golf goods of their choice. The past two years have seen the lucky winners receive £745 and £580 worth of golfing goods so it really is not be missed in next week's newsletter.
Let us help you play better golf
As a golfer I am sure you are keen to improve your game and reduce your handicap or even obtain a handicap. My staff and I are the most qualified people to help you do this. We are trained to the highest standard in custom fitting and coaching - the two key areas to look at if you really want to improve your golf. I have managed to help many of you this year by custom fitting you correctly to a product that will undoubtedly help your game. Whether it be a set of irons, a driver or even a wedge or putter we have the skill set to correctly fit you in to the correct product to improve your game.
Our custom fitting is completely FREE when you make a purchase within one month of your fitting and with our wide range of choice aided by our state of the art GC2 Launch Monitor and Simulator.
Winter Golf inside this year
As winter approaches it's a good time to remind you of the fantastic indoor facility we have here at the Valley. Our GC2 Simulator and Launch Monitor is state of the art and a fantastic way to keep your golf going this winter. Whether it is through coaching, fitting or just playing on one of the five courses we have you will be able to keep your game sharp over the coming months.
I am currently working on some winter promotions based around the simulator and will add these in to next week's newsletter. We will also be running a competition where someone will win FREE use of the simulator for the winter and we will be reducing the hire cost of playing the simulator at certain times over the winter period. I myself will be sharpening my game up in the warmth of the simulator this winter!
Winter Stock
We have a great selection of waterproofs, cover ups, compression tops, fleeces, bobble hats and beanies as well as winter mitts and umbrellas. Basically everything a golfer needs to keep playing this winter. With brands such as Nike, adidas, Under Armour, FootJoy and Stuburt, we have all bases covered at various price points for men and ladies. With our price promise we are ultra-competitive with price and are service is second to none so please come in and get fitted for winter.
Our Price Promise to all our Customers
I take great pride in not only the amount of great product that we stock, but also how competitive our pricing is. I make it one of my weekly tasks to sit down and look at other retailers and compile a list of what price they are selling the products that we stock. Without having to move my pricing I am always sitting there right alongside the best pricing online. The one thing that I can give ALL my customers that the online retailers cannot is face to face advice and service.
We are here seven days a week to help you with all of your enquiries and queries and are the best people qualified to recommend and fit you for correct product. We also offer a complete after sales service package on all items we sell which gives our customers complete piece of mind.
If by any chance anyone finds a product we sell and the price is cheaper than us, then I am more than happy to match that price without compromising on our quality of service. Please feel free to come in to the Pro Shop and chat to us about our services.
Motocaddy Rentals For Sale
I am now taking down names for anyone wanting to purchase one of my Motocaddy rental trolleys. I have six to sell and all of them are in excellent condition and come with a 36 hole lead battery. They are S1 digital models and are selling for £190 each. They will be available from mid November so if you are interested then please contact me in the Pro Shop.
The perfect treat/gift this Christmas
