Hello golfers, I trust my newsletter finds you well this week. It's been a pretty busy week here at the Valley with the weather still allowing plenty of you to take to the course. It's been a unique winter so far with no trolley bans and grass tees still in operation and we have been blessed to have retained full playing conditions. We are monitoring the teeing areas, however, and we may have to put some of the tees back on to mats soon to give the grass tees a rest.
We had a very successful Captains' Drive-In at the weekend (see report below) and this Saturday we see the first round of the Four Seasons competition. I have also been very busy this week planning some of this year's initiatives and have put together a list for you further on in the newsletter.
Saturday saw the annual Captains' Drive-In take place. A full field took to the course to play in a team event. Prior to play, the outgoing captains putted-out on the 18th green before the incoming captains drove-in to office from the first tee. On the course the weather stayed pretty kind as the players teed-off in a shotgun start.
The winning score of 82 points was returned by Alan Horn, Jon McDougall, Ian Williams and Roger Haley. Runners-up were Micky Davis, Doug Porter, Roger Carpenter and Fiona Carpenter. After play a cheque was presented by the outgoing captains to the Dreamaway charity for almost £5000. Congratulations to all those who helped raise the money.
This Saturday is the men's Medal and the first round of the Four Seasons competition. A very good sized field is playing so let's hope the weather stays kind and we get some good golf played.
The new online competition entry system is going really well. Lots of you are taking advantage of this brilliant facility but if you are unsure how to do this or are having any problems then please come and see us in the Pro Shop.
Our delivery of new stock continue to come thick and fast. This week we have had delivery of some of the superb new range of FootJoy shoes for both men and ladies. We have also had a delivery of demo clubs for the Titleist 915 range of drivers, fairways and rescues and will soon be receiving PING's exciting new range.
Ahead of the much anticipated Nike Vapor launch I have received a delivery of special addition Vapor caps which look amazing. Come and take a look next time you're up at the club.
I have been working hard the last few weeks on a number of initiatives for the coming year. I am hoping to finalise dates for these by next week. Here is a little taster of what we are going to be offering:
Nike Club Fitting Day
Nike Experience Day
Cobra Club Fitting Day
TaylorMade Club Fitting Day
PING Club Fitting Day
10 yard challenge skills challenge
Putting clinic
Wedge clinic
Game and equipment MOT
If you are interested in any of the above then make sure you keep an eye open in future newsletters.
Professional Tip - Efficiency & Smash Factor
This week's advice is based around getting the most out of your current golf swing. Of course this should be done through coaching and properly fitted clubs however a huge percentage of all golfers don't extract the most out of their game. This can be shown clearly on our GC2 HMT as a part of data called efficiency or smash factor as you may have heard golf commentators refer to it as. Efficiency is based around the ball speed produced from a certain clubhead speed - this brings in strike, spin axis/curvature and dynamic loft.
Many golfers do not create the right impact factors meaning they have more distance in the locker. As a little game next time you have a few spare moments place yourself in the impact position you believe you should be in. Your weight should be 95% on your left foot, hips just in front of the ball (partly to mostly rotated/cleared) and sternum covering the ball. The club handle should be ahead of the clubface creating that compression we all associate with a good shot. Thinking about this on the golf course and practicing getting in that position will really help your game. As shown by major champion, FedEx champion and future hall of fame player Jim Furyk as long as the impact position is efficient and repeatable the rest of the swing can look as funky as you want.
To speak to me about the above or for a lesson to work on the above, please come and speak to me at any point.
NEW Coaching Offers - Don't miss out!
February Game Improvement sessions - Perfect for golfers of all levels - have fun in a group. Sessions will run every Sunday in February (1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd) between 10.00am-11.00am and cost just £7.50 PP. These sessions will cover all elements of the swing. Posters are up around the club and a sign-up sheet in the Pro Shop.
A New Year Special
Get your game fully assessed with a playing lesson on our simulator! Sunshine with no hold ups and the rain a thing of the past. Just £25.00 for 9 holes at the beautiful Pebble Beach including video analysis and feedback. Click here to get in touch.
