ISSUE 208 | Sept 2018 | Tel: 01329 834360 | Email: peter.teetimes@gmail.com | www.teetimesgolfmagazine.com
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FAIRYTALE ENDING FOR AND THE WINNER IS. . . ‘CINDERELLA’ GEORGIA Bournemouth GOLF SPORTSMANSHIP star’s rise from Reflecting on a marvellous Masters: Justin Rose, Hampshire’s favourite golfing son, made us so proud as he played his role in one of the tightest but most gentlemanly showdowns in the history of the event
36 handicap to Major champion
NORTH Hants Golf Club in Fleet will have to find some more space in its Justin Rose Room to record the continuing exploits of the county’s favourite golfing son.
At nine, she was a 36-handicapper Room will be found for mementoes of the at2017 Ferndown Dorset.those Masters Golf to be Club placedinalongside Rose’s 2013 and his Atof11, sheU.S. setOpen the triumph ladies’ incourse OlympicofGolf record 67,Gold. which still stands. And today,Rose Bournemouth’s Georgia But while was pipped at Augusta by Hall stands theinevitable pinnacle of British Sergio Garcia,atthe disappointment golf as fans the was newcounterbalanced Women’s British for his by a displayChampion. of skill and sportsmanship which was Open a credit to both men, and to a sport which The triumph Royal still 22-year-old’s prides itself on honesty andatfairness. Lytham and St Annes, making her the round third between British woman Yes,only the final these two Ryder titans to waswin bound be emotional. inCup history thetoevent since Rose edgingahisa way towards a second Major, itwas became Major, is being and Garcia was trying to secure his first on described as a Cinderella story. the very day which would have been the Georgia a’s caddie, herSeve father 60th birthday of his hero, Ballesteros. Wayne, said they both felt quietly But the overriding for spectators confident on the emotion Lancashire links. of the final round was the way these two “ItEuropeans just felt fought right all theweek,” fight. Wayne Hall told BBC Sport. “We felt really, really confident, actually. In the final round, they were toe-to-toe rivals but not opponents, supremely competitive “We’ve been dreaming about this yet gentlemanly, acknowledging each other’s since she awas seven years skills with knuckle-touch or a old, nod. practising and knocking putts in for the British Open and it’s actually • Turn to Page 4 happened.
Dorset’s Georgia Hall: Victory in a Major hoists the Bournemouth star to the top of British ladies’ golf (and she still holds the Ferndown Golf Club course record she set at the age of eleven!)
“This is the biggest tournament for her and for us and we really, really went for it after last year when we finished third. We thought we’d really go for this one and it has paid off brilliant, unbelievable.” Georgia’s victory was all the more remarkable after very shaky start to her professional career in the United States. Off the back of her third-place finish at last year’s Women’s British Open and winning the 2017 Ladies European Tour Order of Merit, she embarked on a full-time schedule Stateside.
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Life away from home - she splits her time between Bournemouth and her boyfriend’s place in Surrey - was difficult. At June’s US Open she sought advice from former Ryder Cup player and BBC TV’s Ken Brown who was there commentating for US television. “Georgia was struggling a bit in America”, Brown told the BBC. “Not so much about her game but just getting used to playing in America.”So she said: “Will you come out and have a wander around and tell me what you can see?” It was mainly a bit of encouragement to say ‘you’ve got the game’ and that for all of us who go to play on the PGA Tour or the LPGA it is a struggle to start with. “You don’t know the courses, you don’t know the people and you have to stick in because you’ll reap the benefits along the way. Little did I think six, eight weeks later that she was going to be the Women’s British Open champion.” Brown dined with Georgia and her Well played, Masters mate: At the end and on thethat course, RoseOpen and Garcia were family during US week, sporting gentlemen getting to know better the youngster who has always had immense potential. On debut last year she was the only European to feature in all five matches at the Solheim Cup.
Turn to Page 4…
MAY 2017
TEE TIMES 3
INSIDE
Justin: Fans and I can win The Open
Rory: My Green Jacket wedding wish – Page 4 We meet the 10th tee hell hound Bus Pass Golfer – Page 16
Hampshire’s Justin Rose, number Philip’s second spell three in the world, looked back on as Hants PGA skipper his best performance in The Open – Page 16 and looked forward Championship to the day when he goes one better Hampshire than tied for second.
Jenny’s
As a 17-year-old amateur at Royal lifetime Birkdale in – 1998 accolade Pagehe16tied for fourth, but had just one other top-10 finish in 15 subsequent appearances.
Was this
But after missinggolf’s the cut with his final stroke on theworst 18th, he went on to card 64 in the third round injustice - the best score inever? an Open at Carnoustie - and –a Page final-day 24 69 propelled him to a share of second place.
PLUS
‘It just proves to me that can play 2 Course Reviews thisI month! well this tournament, BirdinHills Golf Centrethat I can win The Open,’ said-thepage former U.S. 14-15 Open champion.
Romsey ‘When I’mGolf in theClub hunt, I enjoy it. I - page 19-22 play my best golf. I don’t back away. I really enjoy it. It was great to get the crowd behind me.
Tee Times – your FREE local national golf magazine
‘I hadn’t felt the energy of the crowd for a while in The Open. That was a real positive for me and it renews the love of The Open for me.’
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From Page 3… That performance showed her mentality for the big time and she revelled in performing in front of the huge Lytham galleries. It was a long way removed from the days when she first picked up a club, hitting shots for chocolate bars as a seven-year-old. Dad Wayne said: “She was a 36-handicap at nine and she joined Ferndown Golf Club. At 10 years old she got down to 10 handicap and then she set the course record of five-under 67 when she was 11 and that still stands now. “Then she was selected for the England squads and just improved from there to where she is now.” Even Georgia’s name as it roots in golf. Her parents chose Georgia in honour of Sir Nick Faldo’s Masters win in 1996, having been born on the Friday of that victory in the Georgia town of Augusta. Ken Brown added: “It’s brilliant for ladies golf, brilliant for Georgia at 22,. Her first pro win and it will be a big stepping stone hopefully to get women’s golf over here kicked on. “What a delightful girl and family as well - it’s like a Cinderella story.”
Victory secured Georgia the top prize of £383,000. She said: “I hope it will bring more sponsorship to the Ladies European Tour. It’s definitely growing and I try to support them when I can. I’m still a member and it’s my home. “I had to miss roughly three majors because I couldn’t afford to get there, which was frustrating as I’d qualified.
“As an amateur it was hard but I knew if I played well that could get me to these places.” And she hopes her success will attract more young people into the sport: “I couldn’t believe so many young girls and boys were watching me, wanting a picture or an autograph. “Hopefully I can encourage a lot of young girls out there to take up the game. I want to be a good role model for young girls in Britain.”
HALL OF FAME (continued) Within days of her British Open triumph, Dorset’s Georgia Hall was back in the international limelight as she starred in the hugely successful inaugural European Championship. Georgia and her playing partner, four-time Major winner Laura Davies, pictured right, were pipped for a bronze medal in the women’s foursomes by fellow Brits Michelle Maclaren and Meghan McLaren. Referring to her programmes over the two weeks, Georgia said afterwards: “I think I need a week off. Having scaled the heights of the British Open, she had played several rounds with Davies as they progressed to the latter stages at a wet and windy Gleneagles. She said: “Now I need a week off! “It was hard. It was freezing. Playing so much golf today in that weather was horrible.” Golf was one of a swathe of sorts which included athletics, swimming, cycling and others in a “mini Olympics” style, split between Glasgow and Berlin, and the whole package was a huge hit with spectators and TV viewers.
4 TEE TIMES | September 2018
Tour, became the first Italian in history to claim the Claret Jug – and well deserved for his nerves to steel. ‘It is absolutely amazing,’ Molinari said. ‘I think it will take a long time to sink in. It has been a great week. ‘The course bit me a few times in the first two days, but to go bogey-free around this track at the weekend is incredible.’ Hampshire own, Justin Rose, magicked his way past the cut and registered a personal best of sublime quality. Rory McIlroy, despite having left his best, second best and third best putters at home, battled to joint second, and swashbuckling Tommy Fleetwood were in the mix. But the fact remains that 13 of the top 20 were American, and at least half of those threatened the title, and Ryder stalwarts such as warhorse Paul Casey, evergreen Lee Westwood and talisman Ian Poulter had all disappeared before the real action had begun. The U.S. will be hot to trot and full of skill and team spirit when they take on Europe next month. European captain Thomas Bjorn will have to be at his canny best to put together a side to take them on.
Tragic death of Jarrod Lyle, 36 Australian golfer Jarrod Lyle has died of cancer aged 36, his family has confirmed. Lyle overcame acute myeloid leukaemia in 1998 and 2012, before announcing it had returned last year. He died after spending his final days with family and friends in Victoria. Lyle reached a career-high 142nd in the world, and won twice on the Nationwide Tour in 2008. He last competed in 2017. He leaves a wife, Briony, and daughters Lusi, six, and Jemma, two. Riony said: “Lusi, Jemma and I are filled with grief and now must confront our lives without the greatest husband and father we could ever have wished for.”
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Clubs in the boot
“Tom has embraced the styles and design patterns of generations before us, while importantly creating a test of golf in keeping with the requirements of the 21st century.” Mackenzie added: “When we set about redesigning the bunkering, we did a lot of historic research and looked at a lot of old photographs. That always provides the foundation for everything we do. For example, we’ve been able to reinvigorate the par threes at Effingham based on the historic photographs we looked at. We really have wound the clock back.” Effingham is another fine example of Harry Colt’s skill at laying out holes on hilly ground in a way that golfers find themselves at the top of the downs without feeling like they have played an uphill hole. The downland turf also makes it a true 12-month-ofthe-year course.”
Effingham Golf Club One of my regular reads is a book called the Colt Legacy, a fascinating insight into the life of one of the greatest golf course architects of all time. He has been described as the founder of the profession, and that is not to be denied when looking at the vast number of great courses in his portfolio, said to be over three hundred in number. One of the real treasures came during the period when he was most active; it is the course at Effingham.
In the 1913 issue of Golfing by Robert H K Browning he described Effingham as “a Surrey woodland paradise”, and the clubhouse as “having few equals this side of the Atlantic, handsome without being ornate convenient without being elaborate” both descriptions which as just as true to this day.
Tour player Gary Evans all featured in a stellar line-up.
Steve Slinger stated “This is a very exciting time for the club, we’ve had a lot of fun working with the architect Tom Mackenzie and he should be congratulated for his vision. He has brought an already excellent course design to life and it is now very much a case of the old meeting the new, which is exactly what we wanted to achieve.” At the heart of the renovation has been the transformation of all 73 bunkers on the par-71 layout, with the club working closely alongside acclaimed golf course architect Mackenzie, from Mackenzie & Ebert, to enhance the original course created by Colt more than 90 years ago.
The final phase of the ambitious project was completed earlier this spring, as Effingham marked the official opening of the “new” course with a special sold-out pro-am in May. Playing for the Mackenzie Quaich trophy, the likes of former European Ryder Cup ace Steven Richardson, Ladies European Tour stars Amy Boulden and Sophie Walker and ex-European
6 TEE TIMES | September 2018
The course offers stunning views both north-west to the Chilterns some 40 miles away and sweeping northwards to the panorama of the dramatic London skyline, and the excellence of the layouts and vistas is matched by the facilities off the course. Effingham’s renowned championship course has held numerous high-profile events since opening, including hosting regional qualifying for The Open Championship from 2006 to 2010 and the Brabazon Trophy Southern Qualifier in 2014. The club is set to enjoy further acclaim after being chosen to host the PGA Surrey Masters in September and next year’s 2019 England Golf Senior Men’s County Championship Final and, judging by the feedback it received after its pro-am to mark the official reopening of the course in May, this is likely to be just the start of things. The visit confirmed all the publicity about this wonderful example of the handiwork of Colt, and exploration of the clubhouse delving into some of the fascinating history dating back to 493AD, paves the way for a follow up visit and an article expanding the history of this club, which unlike many is enjoying full membership, and a waiting list to boot.
Unlike many of the original Colt designs, the club has preserved much of the original design and the features associated with the great man. However, far from resting on its laurels, Effingham has set about writing a glorious new chapter after using a trip back in time as the inspiration to complete a major renovation and upgrade of its classic course and club facilities. Guided by the club’s forward-thinking council alongside general manager Steve Slinger, the prestigious club – which is situated nine miles north of Guildford – has invested a significant six-figure sum over the last five years to return all the bunkers on its historic layout back to their original design. During the time that work was taking place on the course, there have also been other improvements as well, including the installation of a new golf shop, golf studio, buggy store and main entrance to its Georgian clubhouse.
Set across 270 acres of picturesque countryside on Surrey’s North Downs and rising up to 500 feet above sea level at some parts, Effingham’s 6,800-yard classic layout features two very separate loops of nine and is regarded as the best draining inland course in south-east England, with its fairways having been built on an ancient layer of chalk subsoil.
Michael Rees
With the construction work expertly carried out by MJ Abbott, phased over the last five years, and with finishing touches completed by the green keeping team lead by Jon Budd, the course was fully opened to members – and non-members at specific times – ahead of the new season. Slinger added: “We have always had the stunning views here at Effingham; however the bunkers are now equally our signature. With the changes in golf club and ball technology, many had become superfluous, and the new bunkering makes it tougher off the tee for the longer hitters – and definitely more challenging in and around the greens for everyone.
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David’s show has travelled throughout 58 countries worldwide and he has performed at many European Tour events, including The Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and six times at The Race to Dubai. His on-course commentary has become as popular as the show itself. The video captures the ‘magic moments’ on the course, punctuated with David’s quick wit and humour and is shown in the clubhouse at the end of the day, bringing lots of laughter amongst the players and guests. David is now taking bookings for 2018, so if you are looking for something extra special, make sure an appearance by him is at the top of your ‘Wish List’ for your golf event.
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Susie’s Par 3 triumph completes a hat trick Hampshire’s Susie Cave completed a hat trick for her club when she won the English women’s Par 3 championship at her first attempt, at Ampfield Golf Club in her home county. Susie is the third member of Blackmoor Golf Club to win the individual title in the past four years, following Esther Sparrow in 2017 and Jane Shergold in 2015. Susie, a 13-handicapper, scored level par 54 to win the title by a shot. But what put the icing on the cake for her was watching the winning team of three girl golfers from Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire: Jessica Pilgrim, Rachel Mackinlay and Fraya Shiell. “It was one of those days when everything went right, it was wonderful,” she said. “But what made it for me was the team that won. It was just brilliant to see this group of young girls, the future of golf, coming through and winning something. They were in front of us all the way round and they were inspiring to watch.” The three girls are all part of the junior scholarship programme at Stoke Park. Fraya is 11 and plays off 20 handicap, Rachel is 12 and a 13-handicapper, while Jessica, 13, plays off 10 and is a Young Ambassador for England Golf and the Golf Foundation.
Jessica’s father, Rupert, commented: “We knew that all three girls would have to play well for them to have a chance at the team prize and that would mean them staying calm and focused for the whole 18 holes. “Ampfield is a difficult test due to the large number of dense trees that have to be avoided and the greenside bunkers and water which catch out wayward shots. “The girls didn’t start well with bogeys and double bogeys, but after three poor holes Jessica decided to get the others to relax and talk about the animals around and on the course - and anything else that would take their mind off the pressure.
The popular championship provides a mix of good competition and a dash of garden party atmosphere – helped by cake and Pimm’s for the (adult) competitors. “The venue is really nice, friendly and warm and has a real party atmosphere about it, said Susie. She added: “It was so nice to play a course that was really green – so many round here have burned up – and the greens were immaculate.”
“At one point a lady took out the flag stick and a duck walked up and stuck its head in the hole! They all relaxed, settled down and found a rhythm, and they started hitting in pars and a birdie. “The nicest moment of the day came on the 16th hole, where all the competitors who had finished watched Fraya, then Rachel, then Jessica hit their balls onto the green. A large warm round of applause was heard after each shot and the competing ladies were so very supportive. That is why women’s golf is so special!”
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TEE TIMES | September 2018 7
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Why Lexi was missing from British Open World number five Lexi Thompson pulled out of the British Open next month so she could “recharge her mental batteries”. In a social media post, the 23-year-old American said the past 18 months had taken a “tremendous toll”. In March, Thompson said she still had nightmares about the fourstroke penalty which cost her victory at the ANA Inspiration in April 2017.
Lexi Thompson: Distraught after she was hit with a fourstroke penalty which cost her a Major
“I realised recently that I need to take some time to work on myself,” she wrote on Instagram. “I am therefore taking this time to recharge my mental batteries, and to focus on myself away from the game of professional golf.” As Lexi sat out the Major won by Dorset’s Georgia Hall, the American said she hoped to return to action to defend her title at the Indy Women in Tech Championship. She was left in tears after being penalised while leading the final round of the ANA Inspiration - the first Major of the season although the incident prompted a rule change. “The events of the past year and a half (on and off the golf course) have taken a tremendous toll on me both mentally and emotionally,” Thompson said. “It is extremely difficult for me not to play in this prestigious major.”
8 TEE TIMES | September 2018
GOLF ON THE NHS? Health professionals are being urged to refer older and inactive patients for golf lessons, after a new report showed that golf builds muscle strength, reduces blood pressure and improves life satisfaction. Golf on Referral, a joint report from ukactive, England Golf and Mytime Active, is based on two research pilots that saw selected patients referred for a six-week behaviour change and golf lesson programme, with their wellbeing tracked over the course of the project. England Golf said the programme was designed to take inactive people at risk of chronic conditions and introduce them to golf at the same time as incorporating group support, helping improve patients’ physical, mental and emotional health. Researchers found that grip strength, a strong indicator of vitality in older people, increased significantly over the course of the study – suggesting improvements in muscle strength and therefore reduced risk of falls or disability. Life satisfaction levels also rose across the vast majority of participants, along with happiness, highlighting clear benefits from the programme. Anxiety was shown to increase slightly – although it remained below the national average.
Doctors urged to refer unfit patients for lessons Other findings showed that participants: • Trebled their amount of vigorous exercise per week • Saw reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure • Improved their golfing skills significantly
Older patients on the Golf on Referral trials registered significant health improvements
Steven Ward, ukactive CEO said: “We all know our national activity levels are well over par on where we need to be. “Golf is a fantastic way to encourage people to be more active, particularly among parts of the population who
may not be too engaged with other activities. “This research shows that there are clear mental, physical and emotional benefits for Golf on Referral - we should look to roll out more of these programmes across the country as part of wider efforts to get the nation moving.” Abbie Lench, England Golf Head of Club Support, commented: “We’re thrilled to see this scheme developing from our earlier research into the impact of playing golf on health and wellbeing, which we carried out with the support of Mytime Active and ukactive. “It’s been exciting to see the results of the pilot schemes and to gain even more evidence that golf is good for health. We hope that golf on referral can be made more widely available in 2019.” Pippa Bagnall, Mytime Active Head of Wellbeing said: “Improving physical strength, enjoying exercise in the fresh air, reducing health risks and developing new friendships is a wonderful way of enjoying life rather than giving in to ill-health.”
Bebb’s 62 reels in the Players Championship Sion Bebb shot nine-under-par 62 to win the Players Championship at Cumberwell Park despite languishing down the field after the first round. The Morlais Castle club professional and former European Tour player was so dissatisfied with an opening two-under 69 he immediately went to the practice ground. He said: “I was getting stuck, leaning far too much to the right and hitting poor shots. Only my putting saved me. Fortunately I managed to sort it out for the second round which was probably my lowest in this country. “I remember shooting ten under on a mini-tour in America many years ago but this was my best over here.
I have never putted so well before.” He birdied all four par threes in a flawless all-round display as he gradually leapt through the field with halves of 30 and 32 making four decisive birdies in the final six holes. He will be 50 in October and remains ambitious. He the Play Offs at Walton Heath last year and would love to qualify again for this year’s trip. Leading scores: 131 Sion Bebb (Morlais Castle) 69 62, £1,800, 133 David Dixon (Enmore Park) 66 67, £1,400, 134 Chris Gill (Newquay), 71 63, £1,050, 135 Stuart Little (Minchinhampton) 68 67, Toby Hunt (St Mellons ) 66 69,, £712 each, 136 Kevin Harper (East Devon) 70
66, Matthew Turner (Oake Manor) 64 72, £475 each, 138 Brian Lee (Parc Golf Club/Asbri Golf) 69 69, Scott Drummond (Plymouth) 68 70, £375 each, 139 William Farley (Bovey Castle) 71 68, Danny White (Broome Manor) 71 68, James Lee (Lansdown) 69 70, Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge) 68 71, £287, 140 Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre) 73 67, Ashley Mansell (Clevedon ) 72 68, Craig Melding (Neath) 70 70, Mark Wiggett (Dudsbury) 69 71, Jacob Hunter (Broadstone) 67 73, 140, £193 each, 141 Matt Law (Chippenham ) 71 70, Louis Boston (Chippenham) 70 71, Ryan Pope (Exeter Golf & Country Club) 69 72, Matthew Moseley (Tenby) 65 76, £146 each.
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Golf is getting easier? Ever weekend watching the golf on television, I get more and more frustrated by the comments by the so called esteem experts. All we keep hearing is the wonderful new equipment that is so easy to use and how far today’s golfers are hitting the ball compared to previous years. Sadly the reality is not what “they” keep preaching. Supposedly according to what we hear, golf is so much easier than before and we have never had it so good. As always the truth is somewhat different from that. In truth the quality of equipment available today is of a much higher quality than available before. But the average golfer does not always get what they are think they are getting. Statistics as they say can be a dangerous thing, however sometimes they can show you what is really happening. If golf is getting easier, we would be correct in assuming that the average handicap would be reducing. However, that is not the case. Not only has the average handicap not reduced, it has in fact increased, albeit by less that one point. But if golf is getting easier the handicap would definitely come down. I do believe that I can explain this apparent discrepancy. The first point to discuss is this feeling that the golfer today is hitting the ball further than before. The manufacturers and the media always push the point that distance is the elixir of golf. Everyday I have people coming to see me asking to make them a driver. I have 28 handicap golfers who believe that if I make them a driver that can hit 250 yards their golf is going to improve. A 28 handicap who can not hit a 3 wood straight, is not going to hit a driver straight! As Harvey Penick said “The trees are full of big hitters.” Butch Harmon wrote an article about 10 years ago that to play to scratch you only needed to be able to carry the ball 200 yards. The most important thing was that you had to be able to hit you irons consistently, within 10% ever time. This means what ever iron you use to hit 150 yards has to be within 15 yards ever time. More importantly,the iron you use to hit 80 yards has to be within 8 yards every time. This is where high handicap golfers go wrong. Using statistics again, irrespective of your handicap, 70-80% of your shots will be within 100 yards. The secret of good golf is consistency not distance. It has been proved many times that if you can hit the ball fairly consistently 150 yards, you can play to 18 handicap. Tee shot 150 yards, second shot 150 yards down the fairway, chip onto the green and two putts. Do that and you are 18 handicap!
Going back to the belief that you have to hit the ball further and more importantly the marketing claim that today’s clubs hit the ball further. I have written before about the disease in the industry of vanishing loft. If you compare the latest clubs with a set of 20 years ago, the 7 iron loft was 40°, the pitching wedge today on some clubs is 42°. To put this in context, 20 years ago if Jack Nicklaus was chipping over a bunker to a tight flag, he didn’t say to his caddy pass me my 7 iron and I will put it close to the pin. All golfers will realise that a pitch with a 7 iron instead of a pitching wedge will make it harder to get the ball closer and easier to stop. Yet in today’s sets, that is what a lot of golfers are doing. When I was younger I could hit my 7 iron 150 yards and that is why a lot of today young golfers can hit their pitching wedge 150 yards. It is not modern technologies that have done this – it is cheating!! If you want to hit your existing irons further, don’t bother with lessons, just get a marker pen and re-write the number on the bottom of your clubs and you will get instant improvement and if you believe the manufacturers, your handicap will come down. That may seem very childish, but it illustrates the point. Modern irons are not hitting the ball further, it is just an apparent increase. The other major mis-information is that drivers hit the ball further than before. One of the major factors in driver distance is ball speed, which is predominately determined by club head speed. The premise is the longer the club the faster the club head speed. This is only correct if you can control a longer club. When a comparison of drivers is carried out on TV or magazines, they always compare a persimmon club with the modern driver. The persimmon club is 43½” with a 130 gram shaft. The modern driver is up to 46½” long with a 50 gram shaft. We have to keep in mind a golfing truth.
10 TEE TIMES | September 2018
The longer the club, the more potential for distance, but the longer the club the harder it is to hit. Not just the average, the most common length of driver on the PGA tour is 44.5”. If a pro could consistantly and persistantly hit a 46.5” driver, you be be sure that they would. In addition, if we swapped the heads over and made a perfect swing with both, the persimmon headed club would sail past the titanium headed club. In that case I could argue that persimmon headed clubs are much better than titanium headed clubs – not the argument the industry would like to hear!
The secret of better golf is not distance but consistency. This can only be achieved through custom made clubs, which not only match you, but more importantly match each other. A copy of this and my previous articles for Doyle’s Dilemmas can be found online at www.teetimesgolfmagazine.com Should you have any questions on this or any equipment matter please feel free to call 01256 322007 or 07859 920055 Alternatively, email me directly at dave@ madetomeasuregolf.co.uk or visit my web site www.madetomeasuregolf.co.uk
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MEON VALLEY HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB
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Minimum of 2 people required. Non-refundable pre-payment required at the time of booking.
A NEW CHAPTER OPENS FOR
Major changes and large-scale improvements are on the cards for Southampton’s Meon Valley Hotel and Country Club.
MEON VALLEY
Architects have already been asked to explore plans for a modern clubhouse as new owners are promising extensive investment in all aspects of the 225-acre site.
HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB
A fresh look is being taken at all the facilities, the two golf courses and the relationship with Meon Valley members. Mr Lee Jones, Area Manager for Elite Venues, which will run Meon Valley along with other recent acquisitions of the Britannia hotel group, said the management team was examining every aspect of the club.
GOLF WINTER SPECIAL Mr Lee Jones, Area Manager for Elite Venues: “We will be making investments to improve the experience for both guests and club members.There is great potential here. There is a fabulous hotel building, a golf academy and the Meon and Valley golf courses. All-round improvement will be at the heart of our planning over the coming months.
OFFER AVAILABLE FROM OCTOBER 1ST - 31ST MARCH As well as improving the whole property, we want to enhance the membership experience. We want to re-engage with the club membership, asking them what they want. All avenues will be explored. We want first-class facilities, and service levels to match. We invest. And we are thinking long-term.”
£25 PER PERSON
COFFEE AND BACON ROLLS Neal Grist-Director of Golf/PGA Professional: £5 TO UPGRADE TO FULL BUFFET BREAKFAST. “These are very exciting times for the club. Since the change of ownership there have been some great proposals to upgrade our facilities here at Meon Valley. contact: events764@theelitevenueselection.co.uk The planned upgrade will be very welcomed by the members and visitors alike.”
Minimum of 2 people required. Non-refundable pre-payment required at the time of booking.
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New move to get along with golf’s wildlife neighbours England Golf marked World Environment Day by announcing a new partnership with the GEO Foundation, the not-forprofit organisation dedicated to supporting sustainability in and through golf. The partnership will promote the business benefits of good environmental management to England Golf’s 1900+ affiliated clubs. This includes a 25% discount on
the subscription to OnCourse®, a custom made, web based programme for sustainable club and course management. OnCourse® is part of a package of support and recognition being offered to help clubs meet their environmental and social responsibilities, and create strong, sustainable businesses. Nick Pink, England Golf Chief Executive said: “Our goal is to help clubs unlock a range of new business
opportunities by providing high quality guidance and tools and sharing best practice across the sport. We believe that OnCourse® will help clubs to embed sustainability into their operations, to discover new efficiencies and ways to enhance their courses.” Details of the partnership and much more help around the topic can be found in the Greener Golf section of the England Golf website.
TIGER ON THE PROWL AGAIN It was a sight to behold, and one which we thought we might never see again. Yet we have – twice in quick succession. Tiger Woods, red-shirted on the final day of a Major, roared on by adoring fans, powering his drives and sliding in the birdie putts. The old Tiger, prowling, purring and ready to roar. Only, this time he was not on his way to securi8ng a 15th Major and poised to reach or pass Jack Nicklaus’ re4cord of 18. This time, he was trying to win his first Major in the 10 years since his world imploded with domestic crisis followed by form-shattering back troubles. After The Open Championship this year, where a Sunday afternoon charge so nearly put him within reach of the Claret Jug again, he said he felt ready to win again. Along came the USPGA, the last Major of the season, and his second place proved it. Warriors The army of Woods fans were cock-a-hoop – and American Ryder Cup officials were paying attention too. Woods had already been chosen as part of the U.S. backroom team, but now there was talk of the 42-year-old being drafted in as a player. Woods grinned: “That’s cool”. The conclusion of the US PGA Championship brought an end
Return to form sparks a double Major challenge (and even a Ryder spot?)
Getting along together: New partnership will encourage sustainability in and through the sport
PGA news Boston triumphs Louis Boston continued to impress during his best season as a professional by winning the pre-tournament Players Championship pro-am at Cumberwell Park. The former Somerset amateur star from Bath finished three shots clear in a strong field on six-under-par 65 after making a flying start. He picked up three shots in the opening four holes, was seven under par after 14 and his only setback came when he took four at the short 16th.
The Pied Piper of the USPGA: Adoring crowds willing him on to rediscovered glory. Who else but Tiger Woods?
to automatic qualification for the United States Ryder Cup team. Brooks Keopka, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Webb Simpson could start digging out their French phrase books for the working visit to Paris later this month. But that still left skipper Jim Furyk with wildcard picks, and the pundits are ticking the names of Woods and Phil Mickelson. The European team will take a little longer to assemble. Francesco Molinari, Hampshire’s Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood have already booked their slots.
14 TEE TIMES | September 2018
The race for automatic places in the European team may not feature s Ryder stalwarts such as Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia, so wildcards from captain Thomas Bjorn would be needed. And what about “old” warriors such as Casey and Poulter? The automatic qualifiers for the 12man team will be decided by the European Tour events this week. To a certain extent, Furyk has a tougher choice than Bjorn. Can he really leave out the greatest golfer of his age who is clearly returning towards the top? The U.S. captain dare not turn to the fans and put it to the vote.
“I played steady golf, started well and didn’t make too many mistakes,” said the 30-year-old Chippenham Golf Club assistant. He left Stockwood Vale in January after starting his belated PGA career began at Windmill Golf Academy in Bristol. It’s Enoch again Rhys Enoch was given a hero’s welcome when he returned to Truro Golf Club for the club’s annual pro-am following his success in this year’s Open at Carnoustie. And he delighted members and friends by taking first place with a round of twounder-par 65 on a difficult day for scoring. Austin top spot Barry Austin loves playing at Woodbury Park and leapfrogged the field to win one of the largest West pro-ams with a super seven-under-par 66 in the sunshine. “I first played here more than 20 years ago when the clubhouse was just a portacabin,” the Downes Crediton club pro said after a round that could have been even better.
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No Joining Fee to Pay whilst offer lasts For more information contact Romsey Golf Club on 02380 734637 ext. 3 or Email: secretary@romseyglfclub.co.uk Romsey Golf Club, Romsey Rd, Nursling, Southampton, Hants, SO16 0XW
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ROMSEY JUNIORS ARE RUNNERS U HOT OR NOT WHATS HOT OR NOT IN HOMEWHATS NATIONS FINAL, PORTUG in the World of Ladies Golf in the World of Ladies Golf Your Monthly Blog by
Claire Kane
Your Monthly Blog by
Claire Kan
olf through Golf through the Ages e Ages Celebrating a silver milestone at Cams Hall Golf Club
Back in 1992, Peter Allis and Clive Clark were regular visitors to Cams Hall Estate, supervising and putting the finishing touches to the 27 hole golf complex they’d designed on the shores of Fareham Estuary and in the shadow of the magnificent, 18th century Cams Hall House.
started out, the inaugural Captains, Gina Hunt and David Houlihan proved a breath of fresh air when it came to setting-up the new rules and club structure. They didn’t automatically superimpose layers of old-fashioned procedures, formed years ago by traditional, male dominated committees.
Having a blank canvas and a refreshing approach set the scene for a healthy integration between the sections, resulting in a popular Mixed Seniors’ Section, where men and ladies compete together weekly and a joint Drive-in for Men & Ladies, something many clubs still fail to have today. Even the R&A only admitted women after 260 years in 2014 and to this day, Muirfield still haven’t accepted any female members!
(aged 7) to play an inspiring gamein the ‘Legend & Superstar’ alternate shot competition. So, what’s changed over the last 25 years? For a start Cams is now part of the Crown group, so members have the opportunity to play all 21 Crown courses as part of their membership. Club administration used to be laborious and time-consuming with copious sign-up lists but these days technology has truly taken over and like many other clubs, tee times and competition results are now browsed in the comfort of our homes.
Cams Hall finally opened in 1993, as an exclusive, private golf club and was launched with an all-day grand celebration of champagne, Another big change is the plethora of golfing fireworks, lavish dinner and dancing well into gadgets available these days, such as distance the night. The club has always had a vibrant finders and hi-tech golf clubs that frequently social scene over the years with Black Tie boast more distance. What’s really interesting is dinners, themed occasions such as James that, was despite all the improved technology, Cams Twenty five years on, 75 Captains haverounds taken the wait After 2 practice Bond Evenings, Pearly Kings & Queens, Murder still proves the helm, hundreds of thousands of rounds over and Romsey found out who they a challenge as the course record of Mysteries, Racing Nights as well as activities 2007 still stands! have been played and I suspect a few hundred would be facing in their group stages. such as Raft Races, BBQs and Line Dancing. thousand golf balls have been lost or at least This light-hearted theme extends to golf and a Who could have possibly imagined back in ‘recycled’ on the course! the England Home number of non-qualifier competitions also have 1993 that our weather pattern could change They Not wereforgetting drawn with nations many thousands of hours volunteered by a fun twist to them such as the Ladies ‘Vertical much?from According to the Met Office, 2018 champions Cuddington, BothwellsoCastle members sitting on Committee Meetings to Challenge’, where the tallest ladies (usually the well be our hottest summer in 400 years Scotland and Pyle & Kenfig fromcould Wales. discuss the club’s business and activities over winners!) play the shortest ladies. and a recent report from the Climate Coalition the years! It’s compare saw the states miserable partner.years They consider sixVof our seven wettest have it far more o compare theyears pass in amiserable They consider it far more Golfing flash butpartner. a 25 year Dayinteresting 1 of main to tournament Romsey been recorded since 2000. This year’s proved A thriving golf club is far more than the bricks differences between someone starting important to have a good day out with mates ween someone starting important to have a good day out with mates anniversary is a significant milestone. Cuddington in a 6 person Matchplay format particularly extreme with non-stop rain for the and mortar of the clubhouse, or its acreage of out playing golf and an experienced on a pleasant but forgiving course. Cams may be a on mere youngster and anOkay, experienced a pleasant butinforgiving course. on the Morgado course. It was a tough first four months, followed by four months of golfing fairways. Contented golfers return week golfer their twilight golfing years. comparison to the older UK clubs, some of wilight golfing years. matchinwith some fantastic Romsey sun and drought conditions - a real after week for the feel-good factor created by golf.scorching which were established over 150can years ago in struggle Beginners can sometimes struggle with Beginners sometimes with triumphed with a 4-2 win. Green-keeping friendships andFor a warm welcome from mid-1800s newer clubsand candog-legs have due fun, instance, newbies are keen tochallenge play as to the longCams carries and dog-legsteam, due to wbies arethe keen to play asbut thelong carries to who have worked their magic to keep the members and staff although the occasional significant advantages. For a start, modern much golf as possible so they’ll play in any inexperience and misjudgement. Sadly, sible so they’ll play in any inexperience and misjudgement. Sadly, Dayalso 2 saw Romsey v Bothwell Castle courseininaplay. ‘come back again’ shot helps! Life-long courses are tailored to suit the lifestyle and conditions. Whereas, older golfers are some elderly golfers also fail to cope with eas, older golfers are some elderly golfers also fail tofriendships cope with and camaraderie thrilling match on the course. have been at Alamos the requirements of today’s golfer and Cams Hall is Naturally, there are big plans afoot to mark the reluctant to venture onto the course if the long carries as they lose their muscle re onto the course if the long carries as they lose their muscle heart of Cams over the years,once including strong Romsey againawin 4-2, and now go top There are special Anniversary no exception. With three 9 hole loops returning first 25 years. weather’s looking a bit dodgy and are more power and distance. g a bit dodgy and are more power and distance. link with fellow golfers in the USA through an of their group! This meant that they only to the clubhouse, there’s a challenge for the Salver competitions to look forward to than happy to while away time in the ile awaybusy timegolfer, in the whilst novices can work on their annual Ryder Club style challenge thefinal PIGSgroupwhere needed a drawwith in the matchmembers to will also be able to peruse clubhouse until the clouds pass by. New golfers are pretty naïve when it come International Golf Society. he cloudsgame, pass plus by. older golfers New golfers are pretty naïve when it comes qualify for the final. can keep playing (and memorabilia collected over the years, plus course management but they to course management but they competing) over a shorter course. Did you know enjoy a buffettoand entertainment. There’s also gradually a It’sgradually particularly inspiring When beginners initially enter competitions learn where to place the ball, nevertheless initially enter competitions learn where to place the ball, nevertheless, playing golf can add 5 years to your life? to see so many founder Day 3, Romsey v Pyle & Kenfig splendid was to befounders Dinner to mark the occasion. they realisefinest they need more lessons to5-1 they tend to remain bullish and optimistic need more lessons Itofind it extremely they tend to remain bullish andmembers optimisticstill part of Romsey's performance with Personally, convenient So, awhat does the next 25 years hold? improve their scores. The difference with even when they are in deep trouble. the club and mixingvictory! with They make the final against res. Thetodifference with 9 holes, even theyladies are in deep trouble. the other into teammates at thewill laststill minute. Ther park-up after nipwhen into the Hopefully Zach and histhe golfing older golfers is they’ve already developed However, senior golfers know precisely newer members , young ey’ve already developed However, golfers know precisely and order a freshly made latte insenior the winter group winners Beadlow Manor from England. a lotwell Romsey's cou be enjoying golf atnot Cams into theirJosh 90sHannam just the techniques but it’s just a question of Whowhere to they placemay the even ball, even if they can’t So, it wasn’t ut it’s just a question of tackle where to place During the ball, even ifand theyold. can’t months to help the back-nine. like Alan. knows, be part of and the match went to Beadlow Mano a surprise to hear ofwhether a hips, or shoulders will Anniversary always reach it, or see it! They’re s, kneesthe or shoulders will reach it,anorice-lolly see it! They’re recent heatwave, Ialways even enjoyed the 100th So it wastheir to be an knees all England affair with halvecelebration! the match 3-3. founder member Alan cope with the challenge. experienced and realistic enough to know 10th, although allenge. whilst trudging up the experienced andI quickly realistic enough to know if neither team expected to make © it past theKane 2018 Claire Griffith (aged 93) recently they’ve just played a lousy shot it’s discovered a sticky grip doesn’t youragolf! they’ve justhelp played lousy shot it’s group stage. Unfortunately the tournaments rules s pairing up with the Initially, See for yourself Founder member it Alan andbe difficult as a beginner, can probably unrecoverable and the chance of nner, it can be difficult probably unrecoverable and the chance of It’s not just the layout of the course where that if a Match is halved then the win youngest active junior a talented junior to shots www.facebook.com/ trying toZach, remember how many you’ve scoring is pretty remote. er how many shots you’ve is pretty modern clubs can havescoring an edge. Whenremote. Cams The final was held on the Morgado course watch out for be decided on the number of holes w member, Zach Wheeler CamsHallGC/videos/1736440673129775/ taken – let’s face it, multi-tasking trickyon it, multi-tasking is tricky and Beadlow Manor took an earlyis lead when you’re so focused on striking Beginners soon understand a good part of ocused on striking and Beginners soon understand a good part of the front 9. Things changed on theand back Beadlow Manor were to crowned cha tracking the ball. Interestingly, it’s not of golf is about friendship but Interestingly, it’s not the pleasure of golf is about friendship but nine with Romsey's Owen Grimes bringing inthe pleasure as they won 10-7 on countback. Rom 16 TEE TIMES | September 2018 uncommon for elderly golfers to also it’s the senior golfer who appreciates the derly golfers to also it’s the senior golfer who appreciates the the first win, followed by George Nicholsonwere gutted as they lost on a technic ‘mislay’ the odd shot due to short term ‘good feel’ factor of the constant cracks
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TEE TIMES | September 2018 17
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Heritage Golf of England
Effingham Golf Club
The heritage of England stretches back well before the emergence of golf as a sporting recreation, but many of the locations over which it is played today are linked forever with the history of the nation. None more prestigious than that of the Effingham Golf Club, located on beautiful Surrey downland, offering panoramic views that stretch far to the South and north to the skyline of London. The records show that in around 493AD, a Saxon nobleman called Aeffing built his “ham” or house in the area now known as Effingham. A charter of 727AD granted twenty dwellings in Bookham and Effingham to the Benedictine Monastery at Chertsey and by the 14th century a manor house stood on the site of the current clubhouse, it was owned by Sir John Poultney, five times Mayor of London.
Lord Howard’s ships, a factual link with one of the most important events in English naval history. The magnificent cedar of Lebanon tree which forms the club logo and which towers alongside the clubhouse and the 18th green dates from the same period.
From that humble beginning, the club blossomed, survived the hazards of the Second World War and developed into the excellent club of today. The house and the lands subsequently passed through the hands of many distinguished people until it came into the possession of Sir Thomas Hussey Apreece, the 1st Baronet of Washingly, who acquired the house and 358 acres in 1815. It stayed in the family for many years, and the final private owner was Charles Lambert of Lambert & Butler cigarette fame, who used it as his country retreat until 1910. Then in 1927 the Surrey Land & Development Company negotiated a lease on behalf of a group of people who wished to build a golf course. Effingham Manor Golf Club was duly formed and the artisan clubhouse was housed in cottages on the estate.
By 1550 Henry VIII was hunting on the land that is now occupied by the golf course, while he was staying at nearby Hampton Court. The manor house and grounds were owned by Lord William Howard who was Henry’s Lord High Admiral, and whose son was in command of the English fleet which fought against and finally defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588. Over three hundred ships were sent by Philip 11 to invade England; many were destroyed, captured or lost in storms before returning to Cadiz. The spectacular carved oak fireplace in the Armada Room dated 1591 originated on one of
18 TEE TIMES | September 2018
Secretary of the R & A and fortunately for the benefit of the golfing world was not appointed by that venerable club, and took to golf course design. For which he gained fame throughout the golfing world. Effingham could not have chosen a better man for the job of creating their course on the Surrey downs.
The club commissioned Harry Shapland Colt, the renowned golf course architect to design their new course. Colt came to course design more by accident than by planning. After Cambridge, where he won his golfing Blue, he went to practice as a Solicitor in Hastings, and designed the marvellous golf course at Rye. He applied for the job as
The recent improvements have provided a new professionals shop, training facilities and dressing rooms, all ultra-modern and efficient, but the main part of the clubhouse is the most interesting, parts dating back to the 1770’s. Apart from the famed Armada Room, used for small dinner parties and meetings, the rooms all have that charismatic appeal that modern buildings cannot replicate. The members have the good fortune that the club has retained the snooker room, a facility lost to so many clubs, and none other than multi world champion and icon of the green baize, Steve Davis came to play to celebrate the refurbishment. Although much of the history relates to the buildings, the course and the surrounds are not outshone by any means. The magnificent cedar tree alongside the 18th green and the sheer quality of the golf course, two examples that guarantee it will be continued. A course wonderfully created by Harry Colt ninety years ago and brilliantly modernised by Tom Mackenzie and Martin Ebert in recent times thanks to the foresight and commitment of the management and the committee of the club. The history is strong and impressive, but the future is where the club is headed, well equipped to add to the richness and quality that has gone before. The membership of Effingham has much to be proud of, and more importantly to be enjoyed. Michael Rees
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London to get two new 18-hole golf courses NORTH LONDON UK - Golfers in the south east of England will soon get two spectacular new 18-hole courses to play on, plus improvements to one of London’s most prominent existing golf courses, in a partnership announced today between USA golf architects the Dye family and UK golf course developers the Menai-Davis family of north London.
Pete Dye, venerated throughout the sport, is the only living golf course architect in the World Golf Hall of Fame. To further deepen the partnership, the Dye family are also consulting on further course developments at The Shire London, a Seve Ballesteros design which opened in summer 2007 to great acclaim, and which was subsequently voted London’s #1 golfing attraction in an online poll*. Matt McGarey is consulting with the team at The Shire London on the development of a comprehensive new short game area there, plus the reshaping and reconditioning of several key bunkers on the 7,028 yard par 72 Ballesteros Masters Course. The Shire London’s 13th hole is also being remodelled during the work.
(From left) Matt McGarey, Cynthia Dye, Tony Menai-Davis, Perry Dye, Ceri Menai-Davis and Nigel Ely during a course inspection at West London Links in summer 2018. Photo by Robert Parfitt
The Dye family of golf course architects is renowned throughout the sport for courses familiar to millions of TV viewers such as the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Florida, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island in South Carolina and Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, which is the venue for The Ryder Cup in 2020. In Northolt, north-west London, the West London Links will open in the summer of 2020 to offer golfers a modern vision of links golf not far from Wembley Stadium.
Hall of Fame golf course architect Pete Dye (centre) with (from back left), Cae Menai-Davis, Tony Menai-Davis, Alice Dye, Perry Dye and Ceri Menai-Davis at the Dye family home in Florida, spring 2018
“These two brand-new golf courses will offer player-friendly family golf for all lovers of the sport, and of course we are also delighted to be consulting at The Shire London, which is already well-known for its modern, inclusive nature” said Perry Dye. “This sport needs more people like the Menai-Davis family, who are among a very small number of people creating original, accessible golf courses in the UK at the moment. We are looking forward to getting started at The Dye London in September, and of course work on the West London Links and at The Shire London is already well underway.”
Dye family member Matt McGarey is teaming up with golf course construction expert Nigel Ely, former Chairman of the British Association of Golf Course Constructors, to shape its greens, bunkers and undulating fairways.
“Speaking as someone who, in the late eighties, was barred from joining a golf club because my face didn’t fit, I have been fortunate to have worked subsequently with the world’s best golfer, Seve Ballesteros, and with the world’s best golf architects, the Dye family” said Tony Menai-Davis, managing director of The Shire London, West London Links, West London Golf Centre and The Dye London.
Ceri Menai-Davis, director of The Shire London, West London Links, West London Golf Centre and The Dye London, said: “West London Links is a bold, brave design. We are pushing the boundaries of what is possible as regards sculpting a golfing landscape, with dramatic shaping which UK golfers have not seen before at an inland links.
“It was a privilege to introduce my sons and fellow directors Ceri and Cae to Pete and his wife Alice Dye at their home in Florida earlier this year, and we are thrilled to be teaming up with the Dye family in bringing these brand-new golf courses to life. It is also special to have their expertise now involved at The Shire London as we enter our second decade there.
“The Dye family and Nigel Ely are bringing a huge amount of collective experience of links courses around the world, and will be applying everything they have learnt to West London Links.
“Both of our new courses will echo the sort of golfing tests which Tour superstars face in Major championships” he said, “but thanks to multiple tees golfers of all levels and all ages will be able to enjoy them. We have some real treats and surprises in store for London’s golfers, and hopefully our new golf courses will also attract visitors from much further afield, like The Shire London has been doing since we opened it in 2007.”
“Expect surprises! Golfers will encounter imaginative new green shapes, surrounds and run-offs, and a variety of authentic links golf hazards including pot bunkers and steep revetted faces. We will have fast-running fairways, slick greens, multiple tee positions and classic links-style blind shots, plus extensive short game and practice areas. It will be a championship-length golf course to test elite golfers from the back tees, but it is also designed to be accessible even to beginner golfers.” The second new golf course is located near Edgware in north London, where construction starts next month on The Dye London, a Tour-style golf course scheduled to open in 2023.
“It is certainly an exciting time to be a golfer in London” he said. Further announcements will be made about the West London Links over the coming year, as the Dye and Menai-Davis teams put the finishing touches to the new golf course. For the latest news see www.theshirelondon.com
It will be the first UK golf course designed from scratch by Dye Designs, whose architects Perry Dye and Cynthia Dye McGarey will be teaming up on the project. Perry and Cynthia have earnt individual worldwide acclaim for their designs including Dreamland in Azerbaijan, Trump National in the USA, San Roque’s New Course in Spain, Mission Hills Country Club in China, and the magnificent West Cliffs in Portugal, a new course which opened in 2017 and is already ranked inside continental Europe’s Top 30 golf courses. Dye Designs founders Pete and Alice Dye were also involved in the initial plans for The Dye London in 2011 after meeting Tony Menai-Davis at the genesis of the project.
20 TEE TIMES | September 2018
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Stop Those Thins! When close to the green do you sometimes see your ball disappearing across the other side following a thinned chip shot? Certainly with the burnt out fairways we’ve experienced this Summer its easily done from bare lies. This can be a costly occurrence and one that happens all too often for some.
So WHY does this happen? Firstly many golfers try and HELP the ball up in the air, forgetting that there is more than enough loft already on the club in hand. They tend to SCOOP the ball and use their wrists too much in a flicking actions. This results in the ball being struck by the leading edge of the club. Another common fault occurs at set-up, by placing the ball towards your front foot in an attempt to lift it up more, the weight tends to then be placed on the back foot and a lean away from the target is apparent! The golfer tries to lift the ball even further. Unfortunately all this tends to do is to stop the ball from being struck out of the middle if the club and on the up-swing. All of the above cause a scampering shot that runs past the flag and off the green. So how do you gain that control back and get the ball rolling out to the hole. The key is firstly in the set-up. This needs to see the ball central in the stance and the weight favouring the foot nearest the target. This will encourage a descending strike on the ball and pop the ball UP in the air. Make sure that as well as setting up correctly you also keep the wrists quiet in the swing itself. Any attempt to flick up will result in the thin!! So keep wrists firm and bruise the grass accelerating through. This solid thump on the ground as you stroke through the ball will give you that crisp strike.
Just a Thought • Practice this in the garden or on the practice ground by lying another club about a foot behind your ball and ensuring you miss this as you chip. Any hint of a scoop and you could well find yourself clanging into the shaft. • LOOK for the bit of grass underneath your ball as you hit. A common habit is to peek up at the target prior to the ball being struck. Concentrate on bruising the ground and the ball will always pop up!! • Try and maintain the triangle made up between your arms and shoulders when chipping. Practice little chip shots with a football between your arms to gain this sensation. For any more tips on fixing your faults email me katie@katiedawkinsgolf.co.uk I’m currently on maternity leave but will be back in action soon.
22 TEE TIMES | September 2018
Drink yourself fit for golf I suppose the title of this article sounds a little contradictory! How could drinking possible help to keep you fit for golf? Unfortunately I’m not talking about alcohol when I say drink! It would definitely be a mistake to dump the gym membership and head down to pub in order to get into shape. All joking aside, keeping your body properly hydrated has many benefits; benefits that will help your golf and your life. In this article I’m going to give you a few bits of information that I hope you find interesting and that will, hopefully, encourage you to drink more water. The cartilage of your joints contains a significant amount of water. When they are properly hydrated, the joints move virtually friction free and are able to absorb shock. Research tells us that they glide smoother than steel on ice. The problems come when your body becomes dehydrated. The body will scavenge water from the cartilage to aid things like blood production. The joint cartilage starts to become fibrous and won’t slide so smoothly. This, in turn, causes them to wear. Joint aches and pains are often a sign of dehydration. Playing golf, which is a difficult game in the first place, with less than ideal joint mechanics, makes a hard game even harder! Water also has a lot to do with the health of the spine. As you all know, the spine is made up of small bones and in between the bones are discs. Seventy five percent of the weight of the upper body is supported by water volume stored in the inner core or nucleus of the discs. The other twenty five percent is supported by a fibrous outer ring called the Anulus. When the body becomes dehydrated, water is scavenged from the disc core, making it shrink. More weight then has to be supported by the outer disc, making it wear out. The spine can become unstable as a result, making a consistent swing all but imposible. There are other effects on the body brought on by dehydration, but the two mentioned will really have an adverse effect on your golf. As a general guide line, try and drink a couple of litres of water daily. Things like, sugar, coffee, tea and alcohol will cause you to get rid of more water so you may need a little more. I hope this article inspires you to drink water. Your game will definitely benefit! If you’d like to check out your sequence on my 3D system give me a ring Mob: 07787 887578 Email: martin.butcher@aim.com Web: mbtourcoach.com
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