Golf Pro’s Pointers:

A Season Start Q&A with SGCC’s Director of Golf, Josh Tremblay, PGA & Director of Instruction, Robert Simpson, PGA

BY EMILY KAUFFMAN | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION

EMILY KAUFFMAN: We’re coming up on the start of a new golf season. What are useful etiquette reminders for players as they return to the course?

JOSH TREMBLAY: Proper pace begins with being on time for your tee time, ready to go. Too often we see members arriving at the tee at their tee time and then they need to go get a towel or a water bottle. Also, if you’re not going to use your tee time or if you need to make changes, let us know. You can call the Golf Shop or update the online tee sheet.

EK: Are there common issues you run into at the start of each golf season?

JT: When practicing on our short game areas, please do not take divots on the areas within a few feet of the chipping green. When the fairway opens up, remember to take divots in a line and not in a scattered pattern.

EK: There were several changes to the Rules of Golf that went into effect on January 1, 2023. Are there some you think are particularly relevant for our membership?

JT: I think the one our members will encounter most is the simplified back-on-the-line relief option. They are now required to drop their ball on that line and it may roll up to a club-length in any direction.

EK: Last month, Robert Simpson mentioned how important it is for golfers to temper their expectations when they return to course. What are some things you struggle with/it takes you time to get re-acclimated to when the season starts back up?

JT: Many golfers know this but the short game touch is usually one that many golfers struggle with regaining after a long break.

ROBERT SIMPSON: I recommend starting on the putting green to get readjusted to the “feel” as Josh mentioned. Putting is easy to put off and avoid paying much attention to. But from an overall game perspective, it has a huge effect on your score. A good putting round can save a bad ball striking day and your score, and a bad putting day can ruin a great ball striking day and ruin your score.

Head out to the putting green and try this 30-minute ten-ball, circle drill:

1. Mark 10 tees around the hole in a circle from 6 feet away

2. Make all 10 putts in a row, going around the circle

3. If you miss start over

4. Once you make 10 in a row, move the circle in to 3 feet

5. Repeat, making all 10 in a row from 3 feet

6. Leave the circle of tees at 3 feet, then find a 20-foot putt, make all 10 into the 3-foot circle in a row

7. Repeat again from 30 feet to finish the drill

Pro Tip: After 5 makes, take the balls out of the hole to unclog it so the last 5 putts can go into the hole.

EK: What do you do in the off season to help keep your game on point?

JT: Be realistic in your expectations those first few rounds and don’t forget to put some practice in. Using the simulator or an off-season training program with Robert Simpson would be advised. Also keep track of your distances as they could be slightly different from last year.

RS: The off-season is almost over, so if you haven’t done much so far, I would use this time to establish a good stretching routine that will increase your mobility and range of motion. Reggie Edwards and the Fitness Center can help with that. We also have some clinics kicking off this month that will be beneficial to tidy up your game.

EK: It’s hockey season. A lot of hockey players are big golfers – if our members aren’t busy slamming people into the boards, what are some other sports you think are beneficial for golfers to pick up or try out? Also, Josh, how proud are you of your Bruins?

JT: First off, I’m very proud of my Bruins and the amazing start to their season…I will give kudos to the Capitals fans here as they always seem to play us tough and recently beat us in Boston. Hockey does lend itself to a similar motion as golf with side bend and rotation to an object on the ground. In terms of other sports, I’ll let Robert weigh in on that but I think anything that keeps you active, using your muscles, and encourages stretching or lengthening of the muscles would be encouraged!

RS: Hockey players are some of the best athletes in the world! The things they can do on skates and ice is incredible. That being said, while hockey is a great sport to pick up, tennis is my personal favorite to see a golfer take up. Golf and tennis have commonalities from the way you use the ground to produce effortless power; the hip-drive and rotation all comes from the ground up. Both work the kinetic chain and the better you get at your serve the further you can hit your drives!

EK: Similarly, many of our junior golfers also participate in swim team and SGCC’s junior tennis program. Is there a noticeable difference between multi-sport junior athletes and those who focus on golf alone?

RS: When you have a junior golfer who is exposed to many sports, you’re creating a more rounded athlete. As a golf coach, I would rather see a well-rounded athlete come to my tee line over a young, specialized athlete. From a longterm development standpoint, the multi-sport athlete who specializes later (12-13 years old) will tend to peak in his/her college years as opposed to the early specialized (6-7 years old) athlete who could peak in junior/senior year of high school and potentially burn out going into college.

EK: Let’s talk about programming a bit…any exciting changes coming to the 2023 Golf Calendar?

JT: The Member/Member is one of our first big events scheduled for the first weekend in May. There are also some big changes to the registration process for the Member/Guest Tournament in June. Members should make sure to read the weekly Monday golf email to stay in the loop.

EK: What are the best programs for new/beginner golfers?

JT: Operation 36 is a great way to learn the game and you get on the course playing from 25 or 50 yards out.

EK: How about for experienced golfers?