Tee Times Golf Magazine, June 2016

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Stars survive a snapping, snarling Sawgrass

The perfect storm A BIRDIE bonanza. An eagle extravaganza. And suddenly the golf course, which had been so pleasant and benign for two days, morphed into a snapping, snarling beast.

that turned every green into a skating rink and made every putt a lottery. World number one Jason Day carded two double bogeys including a four-putt.

Scores on the opening days of the Players Championship at Sawgrass were low enough for records to be threatened and broken, and professional golfers filling their wellies with low scores.

Sergio Garcia six-putted the fifth hole and four-time Major champion Rory McIlroy had five three-putts.

Overnight, the weather in Florida produced what a PGA official described as a ‘perfect storm’ of wind, humidity and cloudless skies

Day described it as ‘the toughest day I've ever had to play. We were out there for six hours trying to play a course that was practically unplayable.’

Death of Christy O’Connor Senior, aged 91 CHRISTY O'Connor Senior has died in Dublin, aged 91.

He was uncle to Christy O'Connor Junior, who died in January aged 67.

The Galway legend won more than 20 tournaments on the Irish and British circuit and finished in the top 10 of The Open on 10 occasions.

O'Connor competed in every Ryder Cup between 1955 and 1973 and was inducted into the prestigious World Golf Hall of Fame in 2009.

Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke said: ‘Christy was in many ways the father of Irish golf and his death, so soon after that of his nephew, Christy Junior, means that Ireland has lost two Ryder Cup legends in the space of five months.’

McIlroy said: ‘There were a few pins out there that I felt were just a little too much on the edge.

After leading TV analyst Johnny Miller described the greens as ‘just the wrong side of crazy’, PGA Tour rules official Mark Russell denied that the greens had been prepared to toughen up the course after the opening two days which simply gave away birdies.

‘What happened was just a perfect storm with the weather,’ he said. ‘We weren't expecting a wind all day, and humidity thirty per cent, not a cloud in the sky. They just sped up on us.’

Day maintained a four-stroke advantage to win the championship on 15-under, with American Kevin Chappell his closest rival on 11 under. Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy finished at eight and seven under respectively, while England and Hampshire’s Justin Rose was five under.

The

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Muirfield’s Open ban over ‘no women’vote MUIRFIELD will not stage another Open Championship after maintaining its ban on women members.

The vote in favour of allowing women fell just short of the two-thirds majority required. The governing body, the R&A, said it would not stage the Open ‘at a venue that does not admit women as members’.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Muirfield's stance was ‘simply indefensible’. The privately-owned links in East Lothian, run by The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, needed 432 of its 648 eligible voters to back change. But after a two-year consultation, it fell short.

Muirfield captain Henry Fairweather, who announced the result of the ballot, said: ‘We realise that this is not a politically correct result, and our club committee recommended that members should vote for the admission of women as members. But The Honorary Club is a members’ club and the members decide the rules of the club, including its membership policy.’

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St Andrews opened its membership to women in 2014 for the first time in 260 years, while Royal St George's in Kent lifted its ban on women last year. Muirfield last hosted the Open in 2013, when American Phil Mickelson won the Claret Jug. • Royal Troon ‘should not be allowed to host The Open: See Page 4.

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If you would like to advertise in Tee Times, or would like to submit any editorial copy for publication, please call us on: 01329 834360, email us at: peter.teetimes@gmail.com, or write to us at: PGL Services Limited, Shedfield House Dairy, Unit 3, Shedfield, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2HQ. Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, the publishers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. All articles published herein are without responsibility on the part of the publishers, in the occasion of loss or damage to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any views published in Tee Times Golf Publications. COPYRIGHT: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or recorded by any means whatsoever without prior permission in writing from the publishers. © PGL Services Limited 2006.

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£50,000 for flood-hit golf clubs THIRTEEN golf clubs across the north of England have received a total of over £50,000 from Sport England to help them repair damage from the winter floods.

The awards from the Emergency Flood Relief Fund ranged from just over £2,000 to £5,000. Only one club had its application refused and another was deferred for more information.

Among the successful clubs was South Moor in Durham which was shut for over four weeks after persistent rain flooded the course, damaging the paths and one of the greens where a drainage pipe collapsed. Even when the course re-opened, golfers who relied on buggies were unable to play because of the damage to the paths.

Emergency relief: Thirteen clubs shared cash from Sport England for repairs after weeks of winter rain

South Moor urges other clubs to follow their example, which has brought financial support for a par three course, an Astroturf short game practice area, including an extra putting green, a driving practice area and refurbished changing rooms.

The club received £4,926 towards the costs of repairs and Guy Carr, a member of the club’s general committee, remarked: ‘The grant application was very straightforward. We had a reply within 10 days telling us we would get the money. We couldn’t believe how fast it was, they were fantastic.’

Abbie Lench, England Golf’s Head of Club Support, said: ‘We’re pleased that so many clubs were able to access the emergency fund, it has been gratefully received.

South Moor has become expert at accessing funds – receiving over £100,000 in five years – and it was also able to help two other clubs to make successful applications for flood relief.

Sport England have produced some additional guidance around flood planning and flood prevention and clubs which would like to find out more can email info@englandgolf.org’

Royal Troon ‘should not host Open’

More players join the Rio drop-outs

ROYAL Troon should not be hosting The Open while it still does not accept women as members, says the founder of a body aimed at promoting equality in sport.

ANOTHER Australian pro golfer has joined the list of players who do not want to be considered for selection for the Rio Olympic Games.

The Ayrshire club, which is staging the 145th Open next month, announced last year that it was carrying out a review into its all-male membership policy.

Leishman cited concerns over the Zika virus, which is centred on has pulled out of the Olympic Games in Rio over concerns about the Zika virus, which is centred on northeast Brazil and declared a global public health emergency as it spreads through South America.

Maureen McGonigle of the Scottish Women in Sport Foundation said Troon had to ‘come into the 21st century’. The governing body, the R&A, said the issue was a matter for the club to decide upon.

Benefits Ms McGonigle told BBC Radio Scotland's John Beattie: ‘To have that kind of attitude and be hosting one of the top events in Scotland - I do find that quite surprising, and I don't think it is something that should happen. I think discrimination in any form, in this day and age, should not be allowed.

There has got to be equality throughout.

They (Royal Troon) have to come into the 21st century and look at the benefits that women bring to a club.’

Troon has previously considered itself as a special case in respect of its male-only membership policy as it shares facilities with the Ladies Golf Club, Troon. Both clubs are sharing the responsibility of hosting The Open through a joint championship committee.

INSPIRATIONAL!

Warren is Young Volunteer of the Year A DISABLED Hampshire teenager who inspires new golfers has been named as England Golf’s Young Volunteer of the Year.

Warren Clark received a standing ovation when he was presented with his award last at a gala dinner at England Golf’s annual conference. The event celebrated golfers and clubs which make the game great and inspire others to play.

The 15-year-old said: ‘I like playing golf because it’s good for my special needs. In the past I used to be shy but now I am not because I like talking to everyone at the golf club and also to whoever I teach.

‘I love volunteering because I can help others to develop the benefits I have achieved through my golf.’

Marc Leishman has pulled out, following fellow Aussie Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Vijay Singh who have all make themselves unavailable.

The virus is being linked with thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains. Leishman said he was concerned about the risks of transmitting the virus to his wife, who has a poor immune system.

The world number 35 said he almost lost his wife, Audrey, to toxic shock syndrome last year and that she was still recovering: ‘It was a difficult yet easy decision not to participate.’

The decision to readmit golf to the Olympic family for the first time in 112 years was taken back in 2009 when Tiger Woods was regarded as probably the biggest sporting star on the planet.

Golf wanted to capitalise on his status and recognised the Olympics as a perfect platform to expand the game. The IOC saw the following generated by Woods, someone who approached the sport like a genuine athlete and generated dollar signs wherever he went.

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McIlroy: I’ll be there RORY McIlroy believes he might get only two attempts to win an Olympic medal if golf’s return to the Games proves short-lived. After several top players announced they have opted not to compete in Rio in August, four-time Major winner McIlroy says he will be going all out to win.

‘I might look back in 20 years' time and a gold medal might be one of my crowning achievements,’ he said.

Golf was hitting a plateau and in some markets heading into decline. For it to grow and gain footholds in new territories, the authorities felt they needed to shake the sport up.

Scott, the Masters champion of 2013, and Oosthuizen, winner of The Open in 2010, have chosen not to be in Rio. Both cite "scheduling issues", although Scott's antipathy towards Olympic golf has been well documented.

Warren Clark: ‘I can help others’

Warren, who has disabilities including autism and dyslexia, volunteered with the professional staff at Paultons Golf Centre in Hampshire for over three years and is now volunteering at his new club, Southwick Park.

He is also a junior ambassador for the Disabled Golf Association, encouraging children and adults to get into the game and running taster sessions as a SNAG (Start New At Golf) coach.

Warren’s head teacher, Andy Evans of Great Oaks School in Southampton, commented: ‘Because Warren has learning difficulties and struggles with learning himself, it has given him real empathy and understanding of other young people.’

Warren is also a member of the England Golf Partnership’s Youth Panel and the Youth Sport Trust panel.

His mother, Dawn Osborn, said: ‘Warren is a very inspirational young man, despite his disabilities, and his dream is to become a qualified golf pro.’

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What is REAL Custom Fitting?

If your car is dirty and trashed out, you can pull it into the driveway, hook up the hose and spray off most of the surface dirt and grime. On the other hand, you can do a better job in washing your car by filling a bucket with soapy water and scrub off all of the dirt with a sponge and a little ‘elbow grease.’ Or, you can pull out all of the stops and not only scrub the outside of the car, but wash, wipe, and vacuum the inside as well and finish with a full wax.

factors. Real Custom Fitting IS the domain of the serious, professional clubmaker who ‘lives, eats and breathes’ all of the information available which will allow him or her to accurately match each golfer’s swing to the best fit set of golf clubs.

Custom clubfitting is very much the same way. If you realize that you simply bought your golf clubs in standard form, off the rack from a golf retailer or pro shop and you are curious as to whether your game may benefit from being custom fit, there are many different options available in the golf business, all which are termed by some to be a ‘custom fitting.’

Your golf clubs are the most important equipment in your golf bag. But golfers often overlook having them regularly examined and evaluated. Improve your game by inspecting your club's grips, heads, and shafts.

The problem is, since 98% of all golfers really don’t know what constitutes a real custom fitting, it’s easy to think you’re getting the ‘full detail job’ when you’re really ending up with only a ‘hose job.’

Real Custom Fitting is not answering five or six questions on a web site to be ‘fit’ into a driver or a set of irons.

Real Custom Fitting is not a cart with wheels filled with different golf clubs and sitting in a pro shop or on the practice range.

Real Custom Fitting is not attending a Demo Day at your local driving range and hitting clubs until you find something you like.

Real Custom Fitting is not something that can be accomplished from start to finish in 20 minutes or less, regardless if you are hitting balls on a launch monitor.

Real Custom Fitting is not done by altering some aspects of an existing standard made set of golf clubs.

Real Custom Fitting IS working one on one with a trained custom clubmaker over a period of at least 45 minutes or more, and frequently over the course of 2 or more visits to the clubmakers shop.

Real Custom Fitting IS being fit from scratch, in the same manner as a tailor making a custom suit, with the right clubheads, shafts, and grips being recommended by the custom clubmaker from a wide variety of different models, designs and performance

IT’S TIME TO CHECK YOUR CLUBS Golfers invest a significant amount of money in equipment these days but often neglect properly maintaining them leading to less than optimal performance on the course.

Grips Check your grips and look for signs of wear.

If the grips are in pretty good shape with minimal wear, then use a piece of fine steel wool with soap in it and scrub the grips.

above. Look for dents and dings in the shafts. A ding or ding will make the shaft weaker and should be replaced to avoid breakage during a swing.

Check to see if any of the shafts are loose.

Grab the clubhead in one hand and the grip with the other and then twist.

Any movement or squeak indicates that the head is loose and needs to be repaired.

Take a look and see if your shafts match.

Check the flex and length.

Irons generally have a half inch increment between clubs and woods usually have an inch increment between clubs.

Inconsistent shaft lengths and flexes can affect the club's accuracy and distance.

Have any anomalies sorted out by a qualified clubmaker. If you are serious about

the game, it is imperative that you regularly and thoroughly examine your golf clubs.

Be it your loft, lie, shaft or grips, it is wise to have your clubs given an annual check up.

Golf clubs can be costly and giving them the attention and care they deserve will save you money in the long tem.

A copy of this and my previous articles for Doyle’s Dilemmas can be found online at http://www.teetimesgolfmagazine.com Should you have any questions on this or any equipment matter please feel free to call me on 01256 322007 or 07859 920055.

Alternatively, email me directly at dave@madetomeasuregolf.co.uk or visit my web site at www.madetomeasuregolf.co.uk

This will clean off dirt as well as roughen the grip renewing it's tacky feel. If the grips are hard or excessively worn, then you need to replace them.

Pay attention to grip size when making the replacements. In general, the middle and ring finger of the left hand (for RH golfer) should barely touch the palm as it is placed in playing position.

Heads Inspect the heads of your clubs. If there are signs of rust, treat them with WD-40 by applying and rubbing until the rust is removed. Clean the heads with a plastic brush and warm soapy water. Make sure to dry completely. Get the loft and lie checked.

Clubs can get out of alignment during normal play. A two degree change in loft can result in as much as ten yards in distance. If your clubs have ferrules, take a look to ensure that there are no gaps between the head and the ferrule and that they are not loose.

If the ferrules have lost their shine, applying a light coat of acetone will restore their luster.

Shake the club and listen for rattles in the head. Have repaired any rattles or loose heads.

Shafts Take a close look at the shafts. Inspect for rust and use WD-40 to remove as mentioned

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Caer Beris Manor Hotel

Caer Beris Manor Hotel

THE HEART OF WALES A return to The Heart of Wales has been on the agenda for some time, and opportunity to play three excellent golf courses, each Michael Rees very different in nature, and enjoy a stay in a delightful three star country hotel, the Caer Beris Manor, set on the hillside overlooking the historic River Irfon which eventually runs into the River Wye.at Builth Wells.

The Heart of Wales Golf Breaks programme offers three fine courses, Llandrindod Wells Golf Club, Builth Wells Golf Club and Cradoc Golf Club, all within a short driving distance, which can be combined with a choice of accommodation, with a choice in each category. The most popular package is the two nights and three rounds combination, enabling all the courses to be played.

We elected to stay at the Caer Beris Manor Hotel, and a great choice it proved to be. A historic manor house, once the home of Lord Swansea and now a spectacular three star country hotel. With twenty three elegantly decorated rooms it is an ideal base, excellent facilities and set in extensive gardens, twenty seven acres running alongside the river, populated by specimen trees, abundant wild life, including a family of resident otters, for which a hide is conveniently sited. The River Irfon is a delight, and provides a real bonus for residents, as the fishing on the river is free to guests. The site is steeped in history, once an ancient fortification and the home of a Welsh dynasty. To add to the structure there is a superb restaurant with excellent food, which kept us dining in every evening.

The attentive, knowledgeable and efficient staff complete the picture.

First on the golfing menu was a visit to Llandrindod Wells Golf Club, set on the high heath overlooking the town, it is a classic course that has hosted over fifty

Llandrindod Wells Golf Club

Builth Wells Golf Club

Cradoc Golf Club

Llandrindod Wells Golf Club

Builth Wells Golf Club

Cradoc Golf Club

championship events. Designed by Harry Vardon and later altered by James Braid, it is a great course with spectacular panoramic views across to the Brecon Beacons. From the first intimidating hole which climbs to a plateau green, across the road to the rolling and undulating fairways that make the driver an essential tool to achieve a good score, it offers challenges to the end. The last three holes are memorable, the elevated drive for the 16th, the stone outcrop dominating the short 17th, and the final hole, Death or Glory, a great finishing stretch to remember.

Builth Wells Golf Club is located just across the road from the hotel, a two minute drive, distinguished by the unique clubhouse, which was originally a Welsh 15th century long house, which still has several of the original oak rafters. The second of the three courses on the schedule was originally a nine hole course which was extended to eighteen holes in 1973, when an adjoining farm known as The Glanne farm was acquired. Described as The Jewel in the

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Crown of Mid Wales, it is a course of two very different parts, the River Chewfri runs through and the course runs in the valley, and the river comes into play. The newer holes are a challenge, and the 16th, a dogleg over the river proved to be my choice for signature hole to remember. Good golf and a warm welcome on return to the clubhouse for refreshment.

Cradoc Golf Club is just outside the town of Brecon, a parkland course set on the slope of a hill, with spectacular views across the valley to the peak of Pen Y Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales.

Cradoc was born when there was some doubt concerning the future of the original nine hole Brecon course, and although the doubts eventually proved groundless, some members lead by two enthusiasts, John Morrell and Les Watkins had already sought an alternative site to relocate. They happened on the land in the grounds of Penoyre House, which had been the family

seat of the Watkins family. The mansion dates back to 1799, the name derived from the welsh means “head of gold� and today it is in fine condition and forms a delightful backdrop to three holes, the 4th, and 13th and the most striking of all the 6th, where the view at the back of the green is through an arch in the hedge to the fountain, the steps and the terrace of the house.

The course was opened in 1967, designed by the well-known architect CK Cotton, who was noted for getting the most picturesque results with his designs, he was certainly successful at Cradoc, creating wonderful holes and utilising the changes in elevation to the very best effect. It proved to be a fitting conclusion to a great three day golfing expedition taking in three wonderful courses, all in excellent condition despite a horrendous winter. Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells and Cradoc, three to enjoy, and if you take my recommendation and stay at the Caer Beris Manor Hotel, you will have perfection in every aspect. A trip to be repeated ere too long.

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Sacré bleu!

World record 34 seconds for fastest par-five hole HOST Sergio Garcia led a three-team, international challenge ahead of the Real Club Valderrama Open de España, as a Guinness World Records title was broken in spectacular fashion.

The official attempt on the record for The Fastest Hole in Golf by a Team of Four was held on the iconic par five fourth at the Andalucia venue. It involved four-man teams from host country Spain, plus France and Denmark, vying to complete the hole – which played at 500 yards – in the fastest time possible as a relay.

Skates on: Pablo Larrazabal

Garcia’s Spanish squad featured compatriots Rafa Cabrera Bello, Pablo Larrazabal and Nacho Elvira, while Thorbjørn Olesen captained a Danish team completed by Lucas Bjerregaard, Morten Ørum Madsen and Lasse Jensen.

Levy, Gregory Havret and Romain Wattel, which set the fastest time in a blistering 34.8 seconds to smash the target time for this new Guinness World Records title – which had been set at 68 seconds.

But it was the French team led by Raphael Jacquelin and featuring Alex

Jacquelin said: ‘I mean, 34 seconds, that’s unbelievable! It’s the best feeling

ever and very cool to have the Guinness World Records title and hopefully get in that famous book.’

Guinness World Records Official Adjudicator Anna Orford: ‘An officially amazing record breaking moment.’

Watchdog’s worries over golfing jollies a substitute for commission, and are hosting social events which are not directly helpful for their business – such as inviting advisers to play golf or attend rugby matches.

A ROUND of golf is less a sport and more a networking opportunity for many businessmen.

But the City watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority, is concerned that this kind of corporate hospitality may be going a touch too far.

The authority is looking closely at fund managers, insurance company salesmen and financial advisers who seem to be still spending too much wining and dining clients in an attempt to win their business.

And it has found that some firms are overdoing the hospitality despite a crackdown on excessive perks and gifts two

A day’s golf as corporate entertainment: Does it go too far?

years ago, introduced alongside a ban on commission payments to financial advisers after a string of mis-selling scandals.

The watchdog has expressed concern that some firms may be using corporate freebies as

RORY OPTS FOR LE GOLF RORY McIlroy will skip the WGCBridgestone Invitational this summer after choosing instead to play in the 100th French Open at Le Golf National.

which will host the 2018 Ryder Cup - on 30 June, two weeks before the year's third Major begins on the links of Royal Troon in Ayrshire.

The two tournaments clash as a result of the PGA Tour's 2016 calendar being reworked to accommodate the Olympics.

McIlroy believes the Paris course will better prepare him for The Open.

McIlroy said: ‘Le Golf National might not be a pure links course, but it is traditionally firm and fast and can throw up some tricky conditions. It is a great test of golf and I think playing there, as well as staying in Europe, will be the best way to prepare for The Open at Troon.’

The French Open starts on Le Golf National's exacting Albatros course -

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‘Hospitality provided or received did not always appear to be designed to enhance the quality of service to the client,’ it said in a report.

‘There were instances of sporting activities like playing golf or attending rugby games provided after participation in training events.’

Fund managers are said to be still regularly organising expensive trips to New York and Japa, and this has become a sensitive issue since the financial crisis.

The Royal Bank of Scotland, which is backed by the taxpayer, was singled out last year for splashing out £350,000 on taking guests to Wimbledon.

David Buik, a veteran city commentator from stockbroker Panmure Gordon, accused the City watchdog of ‘taking the fun out of business’ and said its crackdown on corporate hospitality has gone too far.

He said: ‘It’s now ridiculously draconian – it’s crazy and is taking the fun out of business. I accept if you invite people to the Monaco Grand Prix it’s unacceptable because firms will expect something in return.

‘But if someone wants to take a client for a round of golf at Wentworth there’s nothing wrong with that. It benefits everybody.'

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Anton du Beke, above, and Irish comedian Brendan O’Carroll, better known as the title character in TV sitcom Mrs Brown’s Boys, are among the latest star names announced for next month’s celebrity golf event at Celtic Manor.

Professional dancer du Beke makes his debut in the Celebrity Cup presented by Bulmers at the Welsh resort from July 9-10. A keen golfer, Anton said: ‘I love golf and play in as many pro-ams and celebrity golf days as my schedule will allow, but it’s a real honour to be asked to play for your country.’

The event pits teams of six celebrities from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales on the Roman Road golf course.

As well as golfing action and on and offcourse banter, there will be live music and food and bar outlets in the tented village and the opportunity to ‘Get Into Golf’ in an interactive zone sponsored by Principality Building Society.

Visitors can also experience the VIP treatment in Hospitality or the Premier Lounge. For information and tickets visit celtic-manor.com/thecelebrity-cup

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Hampshire Ladies Golf

WELLOW 25TH CELEBRATIONS

DIANE ORAM AND KERRY SMITH RETAIN FOURSOMES TITLE

Prize Winners From Back Row, Left to right - P. Wilkins, B. Bright, Geoff Heale, M. Hastings, M. Wood, K. Watson, H. Dobbins, P. Hill, N. Wingett, D. Flower, P. Blakeman, J. Heale, A. Burt, J. Wingett, G. Sims.

On May 1st 2016, Wellow Golf Club celebrated a milestone in its history. It’s hard to believe it is 25years since the course opened.

Kerry Smith & Diane Oram

Yvonne de Mellow & Debbie Tapply

On a beautiful, crisp but extremely chilly late April morning, 38 pairs arrived at North Hants GC for the 2016 Foursomes Championships.

The course was in tremendous condition and the greens true and fast, as described by those who mastered them. Others found lots of sand and with the sun shining most of the time for some it was as if at the beach!

A wonderful start to the season with warm hospitality laid on by the North Hampshire club and staff.

Congratulations to Diane Oram (Basingstoke) and Kerry Smith (Waterlooville) who retained their title as Gross Champions with a score of 77, and to Yvonne de Mellow and Debbie Tapply (Rowlands Castle) who were crowned Handicap Champions with a net score of 73.5.

OLIVIA RIPINER TO COMPETE FOR ABRAHAM TROPHY Olivia, who is a member at Meon Valley Golf Club has been confirmed as one of eight regional winners who will go forward to compete in England Golf’s Abraham Trophy event this summer.

The competition, which aims to find the most improved under 18 girl golfer of the year, requires entrants to submit their six best nett scores between 1st March 2015 and 31st March 2016.

Olivia Ripiner

For more information about all the upcoming events in Hampshire, visit our website www.hlcga.com

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Celebrations took place at the end of April to mark the 25th anniversary with a dinner dance and on May 1st a golf day was held supported by some 180 members. The club is going from strength to strength, so here’s to the next 25 years.

ACE ARTHUR, AGED 94, HAS A BALL AT DUNSTON HALL TO WIN GOLF BREAK Sprightly Arthur Ball has added another amazing achievement to his golfing CV after recording his first-ever hole-in-one – at the age of 94.

The golf veteran, who beat his age for 18 holes around his home club Wellingborough when he scored 89 during a round two years ago, achieved every golfer’s dream on a seniors’ away trip to Dunston Hall in Norwich on April Fools’ Day. And not only did the leading Norfolk venue – part of the QHotels group of 26 fourstar hotels and the UK’s largest golf resort operator – give Arthur a bottle of champagne to celebrate on the day, but Dunston Hall has now invited the great grandfather back with a friend to enjoy a free one-night golf break to help mark his memorable feat further.

The 26-handicapper, who has been playing golf for 50 years, stunned playing partners Trevor Sherington and Ian Jolly when he carded the ace on the 169-yard ninth hole at Dunston Hall, and he had double reason to celebrate as his hole-in-one played a key part in helping his three-ball to win the team competition.

Olivia only received her official 36 Congu handicap in April last year and has more than halved it in 12 months, a fantastic achievement.

As well as attending the national final at The Nottinghamshire on Monday 25th July, Olivia will also receive a Salver for qualifying. We wish her all the very best and look forward to reporting on her future success.

Wellow Golf Club is still owned and run by the Windell family. They remain committed to increasing golf participation and promoting the game from grassroots, as well as improving the course and its facilities year after year, and this year saw the completion of an additional covered practice area.

At the beginning of the 25 years, there were only 9 holes open but within a few weeks the second 9 holes had been opened.

Today it boasts 27 holes and an extensive clubhouse that opened in 1992.

Arthur said: “It was an amazing day and one that I’ll never forget, especially as it was before 12 o’clock on April Fools’ Day. The club gave me a bottle of champagne on the day to celebrate, and to have now received this extra gift from Dunston Hall is very special. I’m very grateful to everyone. I always aim at the middle of the green, and don’t even think about trying to get it in the hole.

“My playing partners said it was in the hole, but I told them that it must have rolled off the back of the green. However, when I got to the green it was there in the hole. I’ve been close on several previous occasions, but the ball has never dropped before - you need a bit of luck and I got it this time.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Dunston Hall. Everyone in the pro shop was as excited as I was at what happened and I’m looking forward to going back later this year.”

John Angus, group director of golf for QHotels, said: “To be playing golf regularly at the age of 94 is an achievement in itself, so to get a holein-one is a remarkable feat and one which Arthur should be very proud of.

“QHotels’ ethos is ‘Inspired by You’ – and what could be more inspiring than Arthur’s story?

When our team heard what happened, we were determined to acknowledge and celebrate Arthur’s achievement and can’t wait to see what he achieves on his return visit!”

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MEMORABILIA GOL TTJUNE02

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n the Victorian and Edwardian eras, The Open Championship was dominated by three marvellous golfers, Harry Vardon from Jersey, J H Taylor from England and Scotsman James Braid, christened The Great Triumvirate, they would win the coveted Claret Jug a total of sixteen times between them in the years from 1896 to 1914. Taylor and Braid won five times each, but Harry Vardon was the supreme Champion with six wins, a record that is unbeaten to this day. These great champions, as well as other recognised players and course designers were in great demand, the game of golf was expanding at a tremendous rate, and new courses needed to be designed and built.

HERITAGE GOLF IN WALES

A nine hole course had been in existence in the spa town of Llandrindod Wells in Radnorshire since 1889, it belonged to The Pump House Hotel, and had been designed by Alexander Patrick of the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, one of the oldest in the country. It was principally for the use of hotel guests, but sadly in 1905 the Town Council took over the land occupied by the golf course, and forced the hotel to close it for the use of golf, they stated that as the land was common ground it was used by many visitors who would be endangered by flying golf balls.

By 1906 the new clubhouse and the course were ready to use, and the Llandrindod Wells Golf Club was formed and active – The Official Opening of the club took place on the 18th May 1907.

I

One of the regular golfers was a prominent businessman named Tom Norton; he was a successful car dealer and was also a member of the St Giles Golf Club in nearby Newtown. He led a movement to form a new club to replace the one that was forced out of existence, realising that a new club would attract visitors to the town, and bring added prosperity. Together with a group of like-minded individuals, he looked for a suitable site and came upon a marvellous stretch of heathland high on the hillside overlooking the lake and the town.

He began negotiations immediately to acquire the land, and the story of the Llandrindod Wells Golf Club had taken root.

Large areas of bracken had to be cleared, and Open Champion Harry Vardon was commissioned to design the golf course. Construction took place using horse and carts, wheelbarrows and the ubiquitous picks and shovels. A real endeavour for the numerous navvies of the locality. The fairways and greens were cut using hand mowers,

Harry Vardon

LLANDRINDOD WELLS GOLF CLUB A FASCINATING HISTORY occasionally assisted by a horse drawn mower, the horses having to wear special leather boots over their hooves to avoid damage to the newly sown surfaces.

It was a glorious sunny day, and the opening was to be celebrated with a series of exhibition matches. Firstly two singles matches, the first between local Professional George Humble against James Braid of Walton Heath, and the second between Harry Vardon of the Totteridge club against J H Taylor of Royal Mid Surrey, three Open Champions performing on the course. Not surprisingly the morning victors were Braid and Vardon. The afternoon session was graced with two foursomes matches to add to the superb exhibition of golf given in the morning.

The exhibition was to be a forerunner of many such matches, the most famous and distinguished of which took place a few years later, in 1911. On that occasion there were four Open Champions, the Great Triumvirate of Taylor, Braid and Vardon was joined by Sandy Herd, who had won the Open in 1902. Four Open Champions making it a truly unique event in Wales, and spectators came from far and wide to witness the great champions in action. Abe Mitchell, who was the personal professional to Sam Ryder, and who is depicted on the top of the Ryder Cup, was another noted golfer who came to the course. In modern times the tradition has continued, and modern major winners Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam have both been to the course on more than one occasion.

James Braid

Sandy Herd

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Horse drawn mower with hoof boots clearly shown

Several years later, when he had retired from competitive golf, James Braid embarked on a very successful career as a course architect and designer, and in 1937 he was invited back to the club to upgrade the course. He came to the club, and subsequently submitted his report and plans for the improvements he felt were necessary. His fee came to the princely sum of eleven guineas.

He lengthened several holes and improved the course to match the demands of the changing game impacted by the newer equipment and golf balls, a comment which is repeated at many venues to this very day.

Anyone who has played this special upland heath course will have a favourite hole, there are several choices with spectacular panoramic views – but everyone will remember the 18th, played from an elevated tee over a valley to a green just across the road. Christened by Vardon as “Death or Glory” it is an apt title for a spectacular finishing hole.

The course that exists today is an amalgam of the ideas of two of the greatest golfers the game has seen, Harry Vardon and James Braid, who was also responsible for the design of many other classic courses which include Carnoustie, Gleneagles, Hoylake and St Enodoc. It is no surprise that it is ranked in the top three courses in the Principality, thanks to the skill and foresight of the champions of old.

With a history full of such tales, Llandindod Wells fully justifies a place in the Heritage of Golf In Wales.

Michael Rees

John Henry Taylor

The Triumvirate

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WHATS HOT OR NOT HOW MUCH DOES YOUR MIND YOUR GAME? in the World of Ladies Golf INFLUENCE There is a lot of time to think and have conversations

Your Monthly Blog by

Claire Kane with ourselves in our heads when playing a round of golf.

Is golf healthy for you?

We worry about the past 'Should I have used a 5 iron instead of that 7?

I always play that hole badly?'

We predict the future 'I'm bound to take at least three to putt the 14th. The 16th is going to be tricky.'

We criticise ourselves 'Why did you do that?' and occasionally label ourselves 'I'm such a bad putter.'

Judging by the number of golfers with knee or hip replacements these days, I’ve come to the conclusion the average golf course is full of players held together with bits of plastic, metal rods or titanium implants.

After all, it’s not unusual to see a golfer on the first tee strapping up their limbs and popping pain killers so they can survive the next four hours. Many an injured golfer struggles on for years with strains and pains and a reduced swing rather than opt for an operation despite the fact a medical procedure can transform a golfing life.

This is something a friend of mine discovered when he reluctantly underwent a wrist operation as his new fused bones meant he stopped flicking his wrists when he struck the ball and as a result his handicap tumbled. I wonder if there’s a gadget on the market that could do something similar?

Many golfers have had a previous sporting life playing hockey, squash, badminton, tennis or something similar, so it’s not surprising there is already wear and tear, never mind the effect of the odd dodgy swing which can completely jar the body.

So is golf actually good for you? Well, according to a study from the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet, the death rate for golfers is 40 percent lower

than for other people of the same sex, age and socioeconomic status.

Sounds good to me, what’s more the research indicates that we golfers not only live longer but we are healthier for longer and we have a similar mortality rate to athletes from the world of cycling, rowing, gymnastics and tennis!

I’ve never thought of golf as being particular healthy but maybe it’s because we soak up all that vitamin d from the sunshine so we sleep better.

Perhaps it’s because we’re likely to burn off roughly 1500 calories as we take 10,000 steps and walk 5 miles over the average round.

Or is it just because going out and swinging a club with your mates helps blow away the cobwebs of life and reduces stress.

Whatever, the health benefits, the average golfer keeps coming back for more because of that eureka moment when they hit a decent shot or manage to play to their handicap at least once a year!

Let’s hope the researchers have taken into account the fun and frolics on the 19th hole!

© Claire Kane Follow my tales on twitter @golfsnippets

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That chatterbox in your head is extremely influential, not only does it affect your mood but it can also influence your physiology, which in turn affects your game.

Look at the merry-go-round that this simple diagram can create. 'I'm such a terrible putter' can lead to feeling down about your game which then leads to your putting getting worse.

If I asked you 'How much does your mind influence your game?' just before you went to play an important round , what would your answer be? 50%? 70%?

It is not possible to feel sad without a sad thought, it is not possible to feel happy without a happy thought. Try it. Therefore it only stands to reason that to feel confident we need confident thoughts.

Every golfer takes time to practice their swing, hit some balls on the driving range, maybe has the odd lesson but how many spend time working on their mind training?

If an element of your game has such a big impact it makes sense to work on it.

This is a big subject with lots of great tools that you can use to improve your game so let's start by concentrating on just one thing that will impact your game in a positive way. Let's look more closely at the language that you are using when thinking to yourself before during and after your game.

The reason we need to look at this is that how you think influences how you feel which, in turn, influences how you behave. Have you ever wondered why some days everything goes well and you are pleased with your play making you feel happy and confident but on other days the opposite happens? It is a three way triangle with each part interrelated.

To change things to your advantage, follow these simple steps.

1. Be aware of your internal dialogue 2. Recognise detrimental language 3. Alter the feel of the words you are thinking 4. Remove any 'catastrophe' words from your thoughts about your game eg I always.........I never.........

5. Remember a time when you felt confident/ calm or whatever the state is you want to replicate 6. Talk to yourself as if that was how you were feeling now Just being aware and becoming consistent in making a few alterations will help you to influence your game in a positive way.

Helen Clarke DipCH NLPP NT Co-author '10 secrets to sporting success' www.effectivechanges.com

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LATE BIRDIE LIFTS HIGH-FLYING JOSH January. He is a member of the England Golf men's A squad. James Walker (The Oaks) won the Selborne Salver with a pair of 68s for a two-under total which put him one clear of Jack Yule (Middleton Hall) and Jack Singh Brar (Remedy Oak).

SOMERSET’S Josh Hilleard kept his impressive form going with a one-shot win in the prestigious Hampshire Salver.

The trophy is awarded to the player with the best total from the 72 holes played during Saturday’s Selborne Salver at Blackmoor Golf Club and Sunday’s Hampshire Hog at North Hants.

Matthew Jordan (Royal Liverpool) was the clear winner of the Hampshire Hog on fiveunder par and four shots clear of the field.

England player Hilleard (Farrington Park) was level par overall, having been fifth in the Selborne Salver on one-over par, and joint runner-up in the Hampshire Hog on one-under.

Impressive streak of form: Josh Hilleard

He clinched his win with a birdie-par finish in the Hog, to leapfrog Tom Robson (Rowlands Castle), who had the misfortune to close with a double bogey on the 17th, followed by par on 18.

This is Hilleard’s second individual win of the new season, following his success in the Berkhamsted Trophy. He was also a member of the winning England team in the Costa Ballena Quadrangular Tournament in

He had rounds of 67 and 68 – and could have been much lower had it not been for his solitary blemish in his second round, a triple bogey seven on the sixth. He came back in style, playing the back nine in four under 31.

Hilleard, Robson and Ryan Fricker (Yelverton) were his closest rivals, each scoring oneunder for the event.

Ten regional qualifiers for Grand Medal Final SAMANTHA Rowan has led 10 qualifiers into the England Golf Grand Medal Final to find the country's champion woman medal player.

Samantha, from Drift Golf Club, won the South Region final at Blackmoor Golf Club in Hampshire with a net score of 70, two-under par.

Cawley of Windlesham Golf Club, Surrey; Sally Brown of Ifield Golf & Country Club, Sussex; Kaylin Screene of Croham Hurst Golf Club, Surrey; Lynne Bray of Dummer Golf Club, Hampshire; Colleen Alton of Nevill Golf Club, Sussex; Susan Crossen of Bognor Regis Golf Club, Sussex; Heather Kitson of Cranleigh Golf & Country Club, Surrey; and Susan Eccles of Rye Golf Club, Sussex.

The regional final was contested by players from across England Golf’s South region which covers Hampshire, Kent, Middlesex, Surrey and Sussex.

The successful 10 players will meet qualifiers from five other regional finals at the Grand Medal Final at Frilford Heath in Oxfordshire on Thursday, 13 August.

The other qualifiers for the Grand Medal Final are: Mandy Hiscocks of Banstead Downs Golf Club, Surrey; Jacquie

The Grand Final will be a feature of Golf Week, staged by England Golf.

Wentworth fees U-turn THE Chinese owners of Wentworth have abandoned plans to reduce the number of members by hugely increasing fees.

The Beijing-based Reignwood group wanted to cut membership at the Surrey club from 4,000 to 900 to make it the most exclusive club in the world. It planned to charge existing members a £100,000 debenture and increase annual subscriptions from £8,000 to £16,000.

Now the club has said existing members will not have to pay the new debenture. Residents of the neighbouring Wentworth Estate, where houses can cost many millions, will also get reduced rates.

The club announced in October it would be charging existing members £100,000 and new joiners £125,000.

Club members and Wentworth Estate residents threatened legal action against the proposals which they said would fundamentally change its nature and character. Residents also threatened to block roads during the European Tour's PGA championship, held at the course every year.

Cort hangs on for Cornish Festival triumph AFTER finishing sixth last year and fourth on his debut Leicestershire’s Matthew Cort clinched the narrowest victory in the 54-hole £20,000 PGA in England and Wales (South West) Cornish Festival.

He started one shot ahead of new European Tour player Laurie Canter, who started the final day as slight favourite as he was playing at the easier Trevose course. Cort faced the more testing St Enodoc links.

And when the 41-year-old from Beedles Lake made two bogeys in the final three holes after a steady two-under 33 on the front nine he feared the worst. But an impressive par round of 69 proved to be just enough.

He said: ‘I hit quality shots all day but I always have trouble at the 16th. It’s a tough finish there and I didn’t think I had done enough for I imagined Laurie would be at least a couple under at Trevose and move past me.

‘I managed to hang on in better conditions than the previous days as there was not so much wind. The only slight disappointment was that Laurie’s team finished one point

Special report by Peter Godsiff ahead of us. But my lads enjoyed it and it was good to come to Cornwall and play decent courses on pretty firm greens – better than in the soggy Midlands.’

Cort, who collected £2,950 for his efforts, finished on eight-under-par 204 from rounds of 65, 70 and 69.

The win, following earlier success in a pro-am in La Manga, has set him up for what promises to be a special season. Cort, the National Assistants champion three times and winner of the Midlands Order of Merit for the last three years, finished second in the Play-Offs in Turkey in November.

He qualified to play in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth next month, the British Masters at The Grove in October and three Challenge Tour events. He is also competing on the EuroPro Tour.

Canter, 26, from Cumberwell Park, shot level par 71 on a far more benign Trevose course

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than previously. An opening 65 at Carlyon followed by 69 at St Enodoc left him on 205.

Former winner Peter Baker shot 67 for the best round of the week at Trevose as 13 players equalled or bettered par.

Canter, who finished third last year, recovered from a slow start and lost shots at the fifth and 12th but successive birdie threes at the 14th and 15th brought him level.

His consolation was winning the team section for the second year with the same trio of Andy Carter (Letchworth, off nine), Shane Rowe (Cumberwell Park, eight) and Johnny Grace (Bath, scratch). Cort led Brendan Delaney, Jamie Simpson and Dean Brigg into second.

Bournemouth’s Danny Lee, teaching professional at Rushmore for almost six years, showed his class by finishing third. His threeunder 69 at Carlyon Bay with four birdies held off better-known players as he finished at fiveunder 207 after earlier scores of 67 and 71.

Andrew Jones (Marriott Forest of Arden) carded 68 at Carlyon to share fourth on 209 with PGA champion and PGA Cup player Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge) who came on with 66 as the last man on the course.

Defending champion Paul Broadhurst (Northants County) put up a stern defence to take sixth as the only other player to finish under par on 210 after a final 72 at Trevose.

Chris Gane (Left Handed Golf at Silvermere) was seventh on 212 while Rhys Enoch (Celtic Manor) and Scott Drummond shared eighth a further shot back. Last year’s runner up Phillip Price and Stuart Little (Minchinhampton) competed the top ten on 214.

James Whatley (Morley Hayes Golf) boosted his final score with an ace at the 15th at St Enodoc.

Tournament director Tom Sheffield felt the festival was one of the best ever. He said: “It’s been a good week, thanks to the tireless efforts of all the PGA staff at all three courses.

Carlyon Bay made an impressive debut as a host and we are grateful for the many compliments made by the players.”

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Where to find the best winter golf in the Algarve

H

arsh winter months are not the best time to play golf and last winter’s frequent heavy rain falls and strong winds didn’t help, with many courses forced to close and some badly waterlogged holes out of action for several weeks. After one particular gruelling game I ended up with more mud on my trolley, clubs and shoes than the course conditions were unbelievably dire and dragging a mud-laden trolley was often extremely exhausting. This is why I chose to spend a few pleasant days playing golf in warmer climes.

Portugal’s sunny Algarve beckoned and that’s where I ended up in late January for a well deserved winter golf break. Blessed with warm sunny weather throughout our stay with temperatures in their twenties on most days except one particular warm day when the temperature actually it 24 degrees – imagine - the equivalent of an average summer’s day back in England. Be warned though, evenings are surprisingly cool and best is to pack a couple of warm woollies.

Faro airport is currently undergoing a major refurbishment but the warm sunshine when we arrived soon put me in a good mood for the days ahead. A shuttle bus was waiting outside to take us to the Morgado Golf and Country Club but first I had to chase up Clubs to Hire’s temporary premises and pick up the clubs I had arranged to hire for the week.

Morgado do Reguengo is an understated but delightful golf resort lying a few miles inland from the coastal town of Portimao, on the west and more rugged side of the Algarve.

The resort boasts two excellent championship courses neatly nestling between the lower slopes of the Monchique hills. With a pre-booked early afternoon tee time to look forward to I soon dashed off to the large practice range to hit a few balls before driving off on the 1st tee in what can only described as blissful weather. What a difference a flight makes! It almost felt as if I had only just waved goodbye to England’s miserable winter and here I was ready to play 18 holes wearing light golf gear. I really felt like pinching myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming after all!

Playing winter golf in the Algarve does have its advantages, many courses are rarely full to capacity and there’s always a chance of a ten minute gap between tee off times.

Morgado’s par 73 course is perfect for this.

The first nine are relatively benign while the back hillier and more challenging, and where several hazards have been created by the course’s natural contours producing comparable characteristics to a links course with flat fairways. Scottish inspired bunkers and three challenging par 5s on the back 9 need careful consideration when approached but I did find this course a dream to play. The palatial club house has a large sunny terrace with stunning views over the 10th and18th holes and where you can quietly sip a cold beer while watching the evening sun slowly slip behind nearby hills in a relaxing and therapeutic atmosphere.

The Alamos par 71 course is also within walking distance of club house and often regarded as the sister course to Morgado although a lot shorter, it is a trickier course to play and this is where we played our next round of golf. The course was first opened in 2005, and its layout was designed under PGA European Tour supervision. There are several strategically placed lakes and bunkers but all blends perfectly into the surroundings. This is without a doubt another of the Algarve’s exceptional course to play, and has several challenging undulating fairways and greens but most noticeably are the stunning views of the Algarve’s peaceful interior.

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After three days staying at the Morgado golf resort we headed off to the coastal and more established resort of Salgados about an hour’s drive from Morgado, and checked into the Salgados Dunos Suit hotel which is not very far from the vibrant seaside town of Albufeira with its countless restaurants and nightclubs. A short walk from the hotel I found endless sandy beaches all but empty but then this was late January with few tourists were making use of the beaches.

Also within walking distance of the hotel is Salgados golf course, a course that apparently has more water hazards than any other European golf course and something you get used to when playing.

Some of the fairways are quite narrow and need accurate drives to avoid water hazards and manmade lakes but that’s half the fun of this course. Uncharacteristically, this coastal region actually lies on unnaturally flat land and most of the course has been built below sea level.

Despite fierce winds coming off the Atlantic ocean, I thoroughly enjoyed playing this course and surprisingly scored well below my handicap which is why I decided on another 18 holes the next day but unfortunately this time even the course’s familiarity was unable to improve my score.

With time on my hands before leaving for the late afternoon flight back to London, I decided to indulge in a full body massage in the nearby spa which is part of the hotel.

What better way to finish a wonderful winter golf break – I shall certainly be back again next year and felt a hundred times better when I finally arrived home. Winter golf breaks are a great means of getting your golf back on track and judging from the spring in my step when I returned this was clearly the answer to my prayers.

April Tod

FACT BOX For further information on Morgado and Salgados golf courses and hotels where I stayed can be found on following websites : www.nauhotels.com golf@nauhotels.com info@salgadosgolf.com For information on hiring clubs: www.clubstohire.com For information where to stay and play in the Algarve contact: Colin O’Mahoney – colin@best4golfers@best 4golfers.com www.best4golfers.com

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TEE TIMES 23

THE PRO SHOP East Horton Golf Club

The East Horton Golf Club Pro Shop offers ranges of equipment and clothing from many of the major manufacturers. Prices regularly checked against internet suppliers and we try to be competitive whilst offering professional advice, custom fit and trial facilities. Tuition is available both on the driving range and courses, for all ages and standards of golfers on an individual or small group basis.

Taylor Made aero burner sale ... Rescues £79 Fairways £99 Drivers £129 Puma Titanlite shoes from £40 FREE Under Armour hat with any Under Armour shoes All golf bags over £90 receive a dozen Callaway super soft balls foc with this advert Buy a pair of Foot Joy Freestyle or Hyper Flex shoes and get a foot joy leather glove for £1 (stock items only)

MAJOR STOCKISTS FOR Sketchers, Under Armour, Callaway, Puma, Taylor Made, Ping, Foot-Joy, Odyssey, Srixon and Motocaddy TRY BEFORE YOU BY on our driving range or book a fitting with our PGA professionals using flightscope technology THE PRO SHOP East Horton Golf Club Ltd, Mortimers Lane, Fair Oak, Hampshire, SO50 7EA Pro Shop and Tee Time Bookings Contact us on: 023 8060 2111 option 1 or pro@easthorton.com www.milesharding.co.uk

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GET YOUR POSTURE WIMBLEDON FIT THIS MONTH!

The Putting D Plane Like many players and teachers of golf, for years I have been looking for the answers to this wonderful game. Not a day passes when I haven’t tried to find another piece of the gigantic jigsaw puzzle that is golf. I get really excited when I think I’ve managed to work something out that no-one has thought of. I’ve always been like this. At school I was one of only a few kids that liked maths. As a child I was always taking things apart to see how they worked, which infuriated my parents! What follows is a glimpse inside my head. I hope that what I say gets some of you thinking.

The putting stroke. How do I get the perfect stroke?

What is the ideal stroke?

Are your shots lacking consistency?

Is your strike far from sweet?

Chances are your posture might need a Murray make over. Take some inspiration for Centre Court this month and give your posture an injection of athleticism.

ready to run or jump, just get ready for action. On or off the courts you'll find you feel more athletic and stable at address. For your golf posture this will see a transformation if you've struggled with posture in the past.

Many a golfers game is suffering due to poor posture. Posture that is lacking angles and therefore balance, equals a lack lustre game.

So get match ready and set up as if you're about to return Novak's best serve!

It's an odd feeling to begin with but a strangely safe one. Start by getting your pitching posture centre court fit, get used to striking the balls from the turf with half shots. Then progress to full swings. Check your posture out in a mirror at home and compare to a golf pro who mirrors your own build.

This means you should be ready to react (with a look of vague panic on your face) Tipped from your hips and the weight nestled on the balls of your feet. Primed for action.

I know you are not about to prance into said action but you NEED to be balanced to consistently get that club head back to the ball. If you are not then you will be wobbling about and you certainly won't be able to wind yourself up in an efficient manner.

Lack of torque means not a lot of stored power available so don't expect effortless yardage! Your golf swing will be powered by your arms as you don't have the stable base for your core to get involved.

If you are a tennis player (or any racket sport) simply getting yourself ready to return a serve will be an adequate sensation to put you in a pretty strong golfing position at address. If you don't play tennis then getting

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Here's a really simple test. Can you tap your toes at address or your heels? If you are a toe tapper then that weight is sat back and you'll be lacking athleticism for sure. Get those heels gently tapping at address, it will keep you chilled as well as ensure you are ready for action.

If unsure seek help from your local PGA pro.

Using a handy bit of video analysis they'll be able to get you seeing and believing you can afford to exaggerate those angles. Good luck and enjoy both the tennis and of course the US Open this month. I for one am looking forward to Tiger's return.

For lessons on all areas and especially playing lessons at Cowdray Golf, contact me on katiedawkinsgolf@hotmail.co.uk I'd love to help you reach your golfing potential.

Before contemplating the stroke, let’s think about how the ball should be hit. It should be hit in such a way that it has a tiny bit of topspin. The ball has to launch high enough so that it can ride along the top of grass. A very fast green with very short grass would require an ideal launch angle of two degrees.

On a slow green with long grass, the most effective angle would be four degrees. A golfer who hits his or her putt on a low launch won’t be as good on slow greens because the ball won’t get high enough to ride on top of the grass.

Why topspin? The advantage of hitting the ball with a little topspin is that the ball lands soon after launch and begins rolling early. A ball hit with backspin will stay in the air longer and jump on landing. This will make distance control harder, plus the ball can be easily deflected.

How do you create top spin on your putts?

Basically you have to have the putter head rising at impact. The degree of rise must be slightly more than the loft of the putter. This is because the loft on the putter creates backspin and the rising up of the putter head creates top spin.

Now, what is the ideal stroke? The ideal stroke would have the putter moving in a very slight arc. The face of the club would be exactly square to that arc. At impact the face and the arc would be pointing at the target.

Sounds simple enough!! But there is a factor that throws a spanner in the works. That is the rising of the putter!!

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To understand the next paragraph, you need to know what the D-Plane is. Basically when the club is swinging downwards it is generally swinging away from the player and to the right of the target. When it is swinging upwards it is generally swinging to the left and towards the golfer. That’s D-Plane. If you want to see a demonstration of this, check out D-Plane on YouTube.

I was curious about the effect of the D-Plane on putting, so I placed a “putting plane blade” on my SAM Putt Lab. I very carefully lined it up with a laser. I then hit some putts, keeping the putter on the blade all the way through the stroke. Sure enough, because of the rise in my stroke, the ball was struck slightly off centre towards the toe. At the point of impact, the line of the putter was a shade left. So basically, for me to hit the putt perfectly on line I would have to hold the blade slightly open to the line. If I was using the blade to practice with and the bottom of the arc was at the ball then I could have a perfectly “on plane” stroke with no manipulation, but I wouldn’t get the ideal roll because I would produce backspin. If I then used a putter with no loft I wouldn’t be able to get the ball riding on top of the grass.

So does this mean then, that the perfect swing plane and aim for a rising putting stroke, with no compensations, is slightly to the right of the intended line and addressed slightly off centre towards the heel? Food for thought!!

Picture shows the effect of the rise. The sticks are attached to a putting plane. The yellow stick is on a three degree rise. See how much it has difference it makes over a short distance.

Martin Butcher

BLACKMOOR GOLF CLUB

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Romsey Golf Club Welcomes you all

Romsey Golf Club is an oasis of beauty on the edge of Southampton. Described by a journalist as ‘A real woodland gem’ the course makes its way through undulating ground with tree lined fairways, raised greens and deep bunkers.

WEEKDAY SUMMER 4 BALL Available Monday to Friday from 9am

£100 per 4 ball (Throughout May and June 2016) Prior Booking is Required Twilight Golf is available after 3pm for £20pp

“We have had some of the best greens around over the past year and we continue to develop and improve the quality of the course” Romsey Golf Club, Romsey Road, Nursling, Southampton, SO16 0XW Telephone: 023 8073 4637 www.romseygolfclub.com

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