Hello golfers,

So after all the hype it is finally here! As you read the newsletter the 2015 Masters will be underway with everyone keen to see if Rory can complete the career Grand Slam or if Tiger can return to some where near his old form. It really does promise to be a brilliant tournament with lots of the usual thrills and spills along the way. It really does feel now as though the golf season is under way with the light evenings and a spell of warmer and brighter weather with us this week. Let's hope that whoever dons the Green Jacket has played their part in giving us a feast of quality golf to watch.

'Pop then Shop' over the Masters Weekend - Over the weekend of the Masters we are holding a "pop then shop" promotion. Basically the shop will be full of green and yellow balloons and every balloon will have a ticket inside offering some kind of discount or FREE product. Anyone spending £1 or more will get the opportunity to pop a balloon and see what ticket comes out. They then will have until 6pm on Sunday, 12 April to use whatever is on their ticket. Celebrate the Masters in style.

Masters Putting Challenge - In tribute to the Masters we are holding a Masters putting competition on Saturday, 11 April. Held on the putting green players pay £1 for five putts and are putting to a hole with surrounding target. Players receive points depending on where they putt their balls. Players can have as many goes as they like. Be aware that as it is a Masters putting challenge the putt is likely to be quick!! Who's up to the challenge?? There is a great prize on offer to the winner!

Masters Sweepstake - The draw for our Masters Sweepstake has been done and is in the shop. Good luck and thank you to all those who have taken part.

Here in the Pro Shop we are your complete golfing solution. Our team with Myself, James and Chris are experts in the fields that matter most to all golfers, the standard of their golf game and the equipment they use. So what services can we offer and who can deliver those services?


Custom Fitting - All three of us are trained to be able to custom fit any golfer. We can help establish the correct type of equipment that would best suit your game and fit you with the correct shaft, grip, lie angle and much more. All this is done at no cost if you purchase the equipment you are fitted for from us. We can book fittings any time of the week to suit the individual. To book a fitting come and talk to either Myself, James or Chris.

Gap Testings and Ball Fittings - All three of us are trained to be able to give a customer either a complete gap testing which will allow us to show you how far you hit each of the clubs in your bag on average including carry distances and total distances. We can then print out a complete list for you to take away as a reminder. Either of the three of us are again trained to fit you for the correct golf ball that best suits your game. This can be based around a certain feel you like from a ball or how much spin you create which can affect distance. Once we have fitted you with the correct ball you will given a sleeve of the chosen ball to take away and play with. To book a fitting come and talk to either Myself, James or Chris.

Coaching - Both James and I are both PGA Qualified golf coaches. James is here as a full-time coach/custom fitter. I am also available for coaching if any one specifically requires me and of course am around full time for custom fittings. Lesson packages can be tailored to suit a player's game or if is just a quick brush up session or quick fix then this can also be catered for. To book a fitting come and talk to myself or James.

So as you can see we really are your complete golfing solution and are here to help and advise you on your way to better golf.

We are currently running the following fantastic Trade-In campagins for our customers to take advantage of.

Battery Trade-In - This is a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your current lead acid battery for a new lithium version. Lithium is not only lighter but also takes less time to charge and has a 5-year guarantee. If you trade in your old lead acid battery you will receive £25 OFF the retail price off a new lithium battery.

Shoe Trade-In - We are offering a great trade in campaign on certain pairs of new golf shoes from FootJoy and adidas. All you have to do is bring in your old golf shoes and we will give you up to £20 OFF certain models.

   

This year's Nike Experience Day on Sunday, 26 April will be better than ever! Played in a pairs betterball format there are bonus points on offer through on course nearest the pin and straightest drive challenges as well as a putting challenge. There is a fantastic prize table for prize winners with the added chance to win tickets to this year's Open Championship. There will also be the opportunity to have custom fitting sessions with the Nike Technicians. The event is open to members and visitors alike but be quick to reserve your slot as it is filling up already. Get in touch here.

Men's Medal and Lombard Qualifier - A good field took to the course to compete in the first major and white tee competition of the year. The winner of the Lombard Qualifier and now having the dubious honour of playing with me in the Regional Final was Tom Sheffield with a nett 66. Division One's winner also with nett 66 was Kieran Hewings. Division Two's winner was Roger Carpenter with nett 67 and Lee Chatham won Division Three with a nett 71.

Ladies Easter Salver - The ladies Easter Salver was won by Serena Skinner with 35 points. Divisional winners included Viv Masterson with 34 points in Division One and Pauline Robinson with 32 points in Division Three.

Midweek Stableford - Congratulations to Kim Hurley on her first competition win in last week's Midweek Stableford. Kim's return of 39 points also earned her a two shot handicap cut. Chris Davey was runner-up.

With Masters week upon us many will tune in to watch the hardest place to execute a normal chip shot due to the lightening fast greens and huge cambers. With this in mind I will run through a few games you could play to make chipping practice more interesting, or use as a good testing measure in your own game.

Par 10 - This simple game focuses on both chipping and putting. When next around the chipping green throw five balls into different spots. Your task is to play them as they lie and chip each ball towards a different hole. As you will guess with the name you are hoping to get up and down each time scoring 10. This quick game sharpens up touch around the green.

Hole-Out Challenge - From the same greenside spot, play a ball to every hole. Count how many chip shots you have made before you hole it. Next time you do the game see if you can better your attempts.

The Seve Approach - Choose one hard chip shot and one you think is quite easy. Again five balls will be needed but to the same target. Use five different clubs for the same shot - i.e LW, GW, 9i, 7i, 5i - this makes you aware of controlling loft and makes sure dodgy technique is not covered up by not experimenting. It will also make you very confident and proud if you can make a chip shot look easy with a lob wedge and 5-iron.

Short Game Masterclass - 30 minute putting and greenside chipping session; 30 minute pitching session; 30 minute bunker and trouble shots session. Yours for just £50.00 !!

Dates for your diary:

• Sat 11 Apr - 10.00am-11.00am - Junior Coaching