WARM-UP
H HITOW T IROYOU O BE N R TT S ER
A lesson with... Hunter Mahan The Ryder Cup star shows how to get your set-up spot on The PRobleMs:
Features writer Kit Alexander loves his irons. It’s just a shame he’s started hooking them! Fortunately, American Ryder Cup debutant Hunter Mahan was on hand to help: “It looks like a lot of your problems are coming from your set-up,” said the 26-yearold. “You’ve got a very strong grip and your feet are a bit too close to the ball.” The CURes:
“First, we’ve got to sort your grip out. We can see far too much of your left hand – you should only be able to see two knuckles – at the moment we can see three. Your thumb is also in the wrong position. It should be pointing straight down the shaft. “Getting the correct grip will make sure the clubhead is in the right position at impact. With your strong grip your clubhead is probably a bit closed when you strike the ball, hence your draw. “Now your grip is sorted, we need to get your feet in the right position. Shuffle them back a couple of inches but make sure you keep your bum sticking out. It may feel a bit weird, but once you’re used to this new posture and grip it’ll feel natural and you’ll really see and feel the difference in your shots. “Now you just need to swing the club. Make sure you move your shoulders through the swing and rocking your right knee forward as you approach the ball will help move your weight and clear your body through the shot.”
A grip that is too strong leads to the clubface being closed at impact, causing a hook. Video tips at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/golf/videotips
14 Today’s Golfer Issue 249
WORLD EXCLUSIVE
NIKE’S FLEXIBLE FRIEND
They struck gold with the SasQuatch Sumo. Now Nike’s ultra-adjustable SQ Dymo STR8-FIT is set to impress by JON GREATHEAD PHOTOGRAPHy ANGUS MURRAY
WHO WANTS TO BE A GOLFING MILLIONAIRE? Next time you dream about what to spend your first million on... add some of these dream getaways to your wish list... by KEVIN bROWN phOtOgRaphy by aNgus muRRay
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COURSES CASTLE COURSE
making waves Overlooking the North Sea, St Andrews’ first new championship course in over 100 years has caused controversy. Why all the fuss? by KeVIN bROWN
he Castle Course – St Andrews’ seventh venue, and the Home of Golf’s first for more than a century – has been at the centre of some heated debate since the first ball was struck this summer. The layout has come under heavy verbal attack from a small band of critics – some golf journalists, as well as a number of equally feisty locals who reckon it is not a worthy member of the St Andrews clan. Most of the controversy has centred on the amazing rollercoaster-type greens, which can cause untold putting grief – especially if your approach is even ever-soslightly off the mark. Apparently course designer David McLay Kidd moulded the greens in a glass box full of sand. The course shapers would then take a picture of the sandbox before going out to recreate the undulations and contours with JCBs. McLay Kidd has also caused a major stir with his rough-covered fairway mounds – locals refer to them as ‘hairy knolls’ among other not-so-publishable names – which are sprinkled all over the course and very often crop up where you least expect them to… slap bang in the middle of the fairway. But the highly-respected designer hasn’t been surprised by the mixed reaction to his latest creation: “I’ve built something bold and when you’re pushing the edge of the envelope you’ll get a ‘love it, or hate it’ reaction. “The Scots love to moan and groan. I should know, I’m one of them! ➤
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NNORTH SOUTH EAST WEST
The glorious 17th The penultimate hole at The Castle is a superb par 3 played over a rocky cove – and the North Sea.
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