Today's Golfer Issue 304

MEET THE PRO WHO WORKS IN AN ABATTOIR

TODAY’S GOLFER FEBRUARY 2013 (DECEMBER 27 - JA NUA RY 23)

Golfer Today’s

IT’S THE NEW TAYLORMADE

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+ NEW SRIXON BALLS + FIVE ALL-NEW WOODS

LAW OF THE DRAW

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304

PLUS RORY McILROY > DEATH OF SPIKES > WIN GEAR & HOLIDAYS > PUSH v ELECTRIC TROLLEYS > PAUL LAWRIE

FIRST TEE

WHAT THE NEW PUTTING

It’s the biggest rule change in decades and while we’ve all heard the impact DOS AND DON'TS THE TECHNIQUES THAT WILL AND WON'T BE ALLOWED

PERMITTED

What you can do (clockwise from top left) Conventional putter stroke, elbows touching torso, claw grip, left hand below right ,running putter up forearm, holding putter against forearm, long putter not anchored and normal grip on a belly or long putter are all permitted strokes.

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PROHIBITED

What you can't do (clockwise from top left) Belly putter anchoring against the body, anchoring the hand against the body, creating an anchor point with the elbow, creating an anchor point with your hands, creating an anchor point with the forearm and anchoring on the chin will all be outlawed.

RULES REALLY MEAN

it will have on Bradley, Simpson – but how does it affect you? ➔

IT’S ONE OF THE BIGGEST

rule changes in golf in a decade – and one of the most controversial. The anchoring ban has been brewing for months, as two of the four 2012 majors were won with belly putters and juniors all over the world started to anchor their flat sticks. But what does it really mean – and how will it affect you in the monthly medal? We found out.

The details Rule 14-1b would prohibit strokes made with the club, or a hand gripping the club, held directly against the player’s body, or with a forearm held against the body, to establish an anchor point that indirectly anchors the club.

The club is anchored ‘directly’ when the player intentionally holds the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of his body, except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm. An ‘anchor point’ exists when the player intentionally holds a forearm in contact with any part of his body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.

When does it come into effect?

It would take effect on January 1, 2016, in accordance with the regular four-year cycle for changes to the Rules of Golf.

This timetable would also provide an extended period in which golfers may, if necessary, adapt their method of stroke to the requirements of the Rule. There will be a period of consultation until February 28, 2013. Anyone wishing to submit comments or suggestions can email anchoring@randa.org. The R&A anticipates a final action on the proposed Rule in spring 2013.

Major change Bradley will have to change his putter or his style.

‘UNTIL RECENTLY IT WAS TYPICALLY SEEN AS A METHOD OF LAST RESORT’ Why change the rules at all?

“Throughout the 600-year history of golf, the essence of playing the game has been to grip the club with the hands and swing it freely at the ball,” said USGA Director Mike Davis. “The player’s challenge is to control the movement of the entire club in striking the ball, and anchoring the club alters the nature of that challenge. Our conclusion is that the Rules of Golf should be amended to preserve the traditional character of the golf swing by eliminating the growing practice of anchoring.”

Why do it now? According to a joint statement from The R&A and USGA:

ODYSSEY BEATS THE BAN

New putter uses forearm to aid control

In the wake of the anchored putting announcement, Odyssey revealed their new Metal-X Arm Lock Putter range. This new line conforms to the

anticipated ruling and is designed to aid consistency and control by enabling the golfer to run the shaft and grip up their lead forearm. The specs have been optimised through extensive research and testing.

“We have been anticipating the

“Though anchoring the club is not new, until recently it was uncommon and typically seen as a method of last resort by a small number of players. In the last two years, however, more and more players have adopted the anchored stroke. Golf’s governing bodies have observed this upsurge at all levels of the game and noted that more coaches and players are advocating this method. The decision to act now is based on a strong desire to reverse this trend and to preserve the traditional golf stroke.”

What if a player accidently brushes the club, hand or forearm against their body during a stroke?

The proposed Rule prohibits only intentional anchoring of the club, whether directly or indirectly. If the club or a gripping hand or forearm comes in contact with the body during the stroke but the player has not intentionally held it against the body, there would be no breach of the Rule.

Will the Tours implement the rule change before 2016? The PGA Tour said: “As with any rule change, we will go through our normal process of evaluating the potential impact this will have to all our constituents. It will be discussed at our next annual player meeting on January 22 in San Diego, and it is anticipated that it will be reviewed by our Policy Board during its March meeting. During this review process, we will provide periodic updates to our stakeholders.”

The European Tour had nothing to add to The R&A and USGA statement. n See a video on the rule change at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/anchoring

proposed ban on the anchoring technique for some time now, and working with our Tour players, have identified an alternative and Tourproven putting method,” said Chris Koske, Global Director of Odyssey Golf.

The putters will be available from January 2013 with two models initially hitting shelves – the Metal-X #7 and the Metal-X Dart. Both will be priced at £159.

PLAYER REACTION Keegan Bradley “I feel like the USGA has put an ‘X’ on our back, and I don’t know if that’s fair. I hope people look at us for the type of players we are and accomplishments we’ve had, and not because we use a belly putter, and now the USGA says it’s going to be illegal.

Rory McIlroy “Fully agree with the anchoring ban.

Better image for golf, skill and nerves are part of golf. Level playing field in ‘16.”

Gary Player “It’s time for bifurcation. If you think the game is the same for all, just watch Rory versus your club champ.”

Tom Lehman “Many young players have grown up with the belly putter, never using traditional methods. To tell them it is illegal or against the spirit of the game is way late, very unfair and unethical.”

Webb Simpson “Keegan, Ernie and I winning Majors has been a big thing. My argument is to change something that drastic, it needs to be based on facts and not what certain people think the tradition of the game looks like.”

TaylorMade says...

“The proposed change bans the act of anchoring the putter to the body, and not long and mid-length putters, so we’ll continue making them.

“It’s possible to use a broomstick putter without anchoring it, so I think we would see players who currently anchor the putter who will find ways to use a long putter without anchoring it.”

Mark King, CEO

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FIRST TEE

HOWARD CLARK

Sky Sports will show more than 200 golf tournaments in 2013.

With extensive live European and PGA Tour coverage, including three Majors, plus Ladies, Senior and amateur Tour events. Sky Sports is your home of golf.

DAVID LIVINGSTONE

WHAT AN EPIC YEAR What was the most impressive win of the year and why?

Rory McIlroy’s win at The Race to Dubai World Final. He’d just had a busy run of events which ended in a missed cut. He had been feeling weak in Dubai and was diagnosed with a virus, which was being treated with antibiotics. That, combined with the dry heat of the desert, meant he did well to perform to anywhere near his best.

It was so impressive for him to finish off the event in style, making birdies at the last five holes to win by two shots. Top job!

What was your favourite moment of the year and why?

The Ryder Cup had many things to admire, the sportsmanship, the fans, and a Major Championship golf course set up for excitement. My favourite moment was happening high up in the skies above Medinah. A sky writing team kept everyone entertained with their Sky-Tweets. I think the best one of the week was on Sunday spelling out ‘DO IT FOR SEVE - GO EUROPE’ - and they certainly did.

Who was the most improved golfer this year and why?

South African Branden Grace gets my vote in this category. He made an unbelievable start to 2012 after regaining his card at the European Tour Qualifying school. He claimed his first win in Johannesburg and then a week later beat Ernie Els and Retief Goosen in a play-off to win the Volvo Champions event. He went on to win again in China, Scotland and again on his home tour.

What was the best shot of the year and why?

Bubba Watson’s second to 10 (left) at Augusta during the Masters play-off.

He made the most out of a very difficult situation. The slope of the land allowed him to close the face of one of his wedges and hit a hook of about 150 yards around the trees, which landed perfectly onto the green.

What was the biggest surprise of the year?

The comeback of the European team at The Ryder Cup was to me the biggest surprise. I thought it was too much to ask for them to win eightand-a-half points in the singles. I was asked on Sunday morning how they would do and I said that I thought they would win more matches than the Americans, but I didn’t think it would be quite enough to claim the trophy. I’m glad I was wrong!

Who was the player of the year and why?

Rory McIlroy gets my vote. As well as his Dubai World Final win he won four times in the USA, one of them the US PGA championship by a street. He is at the top on both money lists to back up his Number 1 ranking in the world. His scoring average is a very impressive 69.68 in Europe and 69.63 in the USA.

What can we expect from 2013?

We will see either Ian Poulter or Justin Rose (if not both) claim their first Major. I think Rory McIlroy will add another Major to his name, if not at Augusta, then Muirfield, which will surely suit his game... but it may well depend on the weather. And I hope the Solheim Cup matches will be played without undue delay! I am surely not alone in thinking that fiveand-a-half hours for one match is far too long.

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Rory McIlroy’s US PGA Championship. It was his second Major title and he won it in the same emphatic style as his first but, more than that, it was absolutely pivotal to a year that, until then, was going nowhere.

Just think about everything that might not have happened in the three months after the final Major had he not won.

Rory’s embrace with his dad Gerry after the US PGA win.

Before Kiawah, Rory’s season had been a huge disappointment and his poor form had led to a great deal of media criticism about his scheduling and lifestyle. Gerry quietly supported his son throughout and the week before he gave me a nod saying: “Watch out for Rory next week.”

Branden Grace. If improvement is measured by results, no one comes close. From nowhere he jumped several places in the production line of impressive young South African golfers. After Els, Goosen, Oosthuizen, and Schwartzel, all the indications were that perhaps George Coetzee was next in line. Then came Branden’s first win in his home town and three more to follow in an incredible season.

It has to be Bubba Watson’s (left) recovery from the trees to win the Masters. Any player in his situation would have been forgiven for playing as safe a shot as possible, hoping he could perhaps keep the play-off going with a bogey. I don’t know if what he did was an act of blind faith or breathtaking bravado but, either way, it was, for me, the most amazing shot of the year.

Ernie Els winning the Open. Despite being a long-time member of the Ernie Els fan club, I had finally resigned myself in the early part of the year to the likelihood that the big fella would never get close to another Major. His performance in the US Open suggested I had been somewhat premature in my judgement and what happened at Royal Lytham a month later confirmed that Ernie could still hold his nerve when others were faltering.

Ian Poulter (left). What he did at the Ryder Cup on Saturday afternoon was beyond analysis. He entered the realms of mind-over-matter, something previously only achieved – in my lifetime at least – by Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros and Jack Nicklaus. For that alone, never mind his other achievements, Ian is my Player of the Year.

Legal action over long putters, controversy over the European Ryder Cup captaincy, a resolution of Rory’s dilemma about which country to represent at the 2016 Olympics (the decision will be made for him), a Major championship for an Englishman, someone finally shoots 59 on the European Tour, and I get through an entire broadcast without mentioning Tiger Woods.

Sky Sports covered virtually every golf shot struck in 2012. Here, four of their leading pundits share their views on a riveting year for the game

EWEN MURRAY

SARAH STIRK

CLEAN YOUR SPIKES

Rory McIlroy’s PGA Championship win at Kiawah Island. The media had put pressure on him after a quiet spell. Was his attention drifting too much towards his tennis star girlfriend, Caroline Wozniacki? Rory came up with all the answers in South Carolina. His second Major was a huge hurdle to get over, but like his US Open win a year previously, he won in style by the same eight-shot margin.

Rory McIlory picking up his second Major by a record eight strokes at the US PGA Championship. Eight strokes! It was a completely dominant performance and observing his demeanour, his body language and confidence during the week, especially on Sunday, was pretty awe inspiring. His putting in particular was phenomenal. When every facet of his game is on top form, he is unbeatable.

The picture of Rory hugging his dad at Kiawah, Rory crying and his dad saying, “pull yourself together, you have just won a Major, so stop the tears”. There are pushy parents, too many of them, but the way Gerry and his wife have stayed in the background has enabled their son to develop into not just the golfer he is, but a fine young man.

Ian Poulter. His heroics on the Saturday of the Ryder Cup confirmed what Ian had always told us. Many thought his comments down the years had come from a brash and, at times, conceited player. Medinah was where Poulter matured into a world-class player. Single-handedly, he gave Europe hope of a comeback, and they followed his lead.

Louis Oosthuizen’s (right) second to the 2nd at Augusta, the first ever two there. Louis tossed his ball into the gallery. A businessman caught it.

Within moments, officials invited him to the clubhouse. Next morning Louis’ ball was in the glass case along with the other albatross balls.

The man won’t have to worry about tickets now!

The Ryder Cup! Sport at its most dramatic.

For me there was something very spiritual about it. Seve definitely had a hand in Europe’s success and to see a player so ‘in the zone’, as Ian Poulter was on Saturday afternoon, is for me one of the sport's most enduring images.

Nicolas Colsaerts. I interviewed him in Sicily earlier this year and he was known as a player with huge potential. He has started to really fulfil that potential. His Friday performance at the Ryder Cup showed he has a ‘big game’ temperament and what he’s really capable of. He’s working hard on his short game, but as you saw at the Ryder Cup, when it all comes together, he’s an amazing talent.

Mats, especially ones worn out from overuse, won’t have much traction. So be sure to remove any grass or mud from the sole of the shoes with a tee peg before you swing. This will help you gain the maximum traction from the mat’s surface.

ALIGN YOURSELF

Many golfers take the alignment of the mat for granted and aim the club based on the edge in front of them; but often the edges of the mat do not align parallel with your target.

So stand behind the ball and pick your target as usual, ignoring where the mat guides you.

Without question, Tiger Woods, 16th hole, final round of the Memorial. He had such a small landing area and he judged it absolutely perfectly. Jack Nicklaus said at the time it was the ‘most unbelievable, gutsy shot I’ve ever seen’ – and I agree!

ADJUST TEE HEIGHT

Branden Grace. A year ago he was playing for his future at the qualifying school. Two months later he had recorded his first two victories on the main tour. In the latter, he defeated boyhood idols Goosen and Els in a play-off. Fairytale stuff, but it was only the beginning. Further wins came in China and Scotland. His caddie, Zak Rasego, was named Caddie of the Year. Yes, it was surprise, but what a heartwarming story.

Branden Grace (right). To get through Q School and gain your first European Tour win early in the season was special; to then win three more times during the year was just magical. You can’t imagine that sort of success in a rookie season, so surprising but amazing at the same time.

Rory McIlroy. After a strong start to the season, there was understandably a dip in form, but from his magical performance in the year’s final Major, he moved through the gears into overdrive and dominated the game. No player has come close to his achievements and he has ended the year number one in all of the important categories.

Rory McIlroy. When Luke Donald won the money list on both sides of the Atlantic in 2011, we wondered how long it would take for someone to emulate that feat. We didn’t have to wait long. Add his Major win, number one status and success at the DP World Tour Championship... it was Rory’s year.

The rivalry between Rory and Tiger will capture imagination of everyone. There will be more to come from Matteo Manassero (left).

Westwood, Rose and Donald have been mentioned as Major winners without delivering; should Poulter find his Ryder Cup form in elite events, he may beat them to it.

RANGE MAT TACTICS

Another Rory year! Let’s just hope the equipment change doesn’t affect him as some think it might. I personally don’t.

He won one Major in 2011, one in 2012 and I’ll go for two in 2013. I’d like to see Tiger really perform in the Majors in 2013.

I also think Justin Rose will have a great year, and expect big things from Thorbjorn Olesen, a talented, quality player, with a great temperament and attitude.

Mats will often come with a rubber tee. It can be a hindrance if it differs to your usual tee height. When it is too low, slide a normal tee in behind it to your usual height. If it’s too high, hover the club and feel like you hit up on the ball a little more to avoid a skied drive.

MOVE AROUND

Mats often become worn in where you place your feet. So wherever possible, move around to give yourself a fresh piece of mat. It will help your stability and ability to strike the ball cleanly. The corners will usually be less used, softer and easier to hit from.

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Rory

Things are looking up for

He’s the European and PGA Tour Player of the Year, a double Major champion and has the biggest lead in the world rankings since Tiger in his pomp. We caught up with him after his epic 2012

W

W O R D S K I T A L E X A N D E R P I C T U R E S N E A L E H AY N E S / C O N T O U R B Y G E T T Y I M A G E S

e’re officially in the Rory era, and 2012 was the year when the Northern Irishman went from potential superstar to dominant global golfing phenomenon.

McIlroy started the year as world No.2 with four wins in four years since turning professional. But in the last 12 months he’s added a second Major, a further four wins, the Race to Dubai and the PGA Tour money list to his CV. He played a pivotal role in the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history (when he finally arrived at the course) and he has the biggest lead at the top of the world rankings since a certain Mr Woods was in his pomp. All in all, it’s been quite a year for the 23-year-old, so we asked him about 2012 – and what he expects to accomplish in 2013.

Has 2012 been above and beyond your expectations? Yes, I had a few goals starting off the year. Obviously I wanted to win a Major. I think I wanted to win four times around the world and the Race to Dubai. I wanted to be the world No.1, which I

achieved earlier in the year. I guess every goal that I set myself at the start of 2012, I’ve achieved this year. So it doesn’t really get much better than that.

Where would you rank all of your achievements in 2012? I haven’t thought about it too much. I guess the US PGA is going to be my highlight of 2012. The Ryder Cup, as well, is up there. I probably need to think about it and reflect over the next couple of weeks. It’s just been non-stop. It would be nice to have a few weeks off.

How does it feel to top the European Tour for the first time? I’m obviously very proud and very honoured to have won the Race to Dubai. I’ve had four attempts at it since 2009.

I’ve come close on a couple of occasions and it was great to be able to do it this year.

Earlier in the season you suffered a mini blip.

Is the most satisfying thing about this year the fact that you are sitting here now with all of the accolades coming your way? It wasn’t as bad as people were making out, and I was just trying to tell everyone that at the time.

I knew it was close. I just needed a couple of good rounds to get my confidence back. I felt like I did that in Akron at the Bridgestone, and then went on to win my second Major the week after. It’s very nice knowing that if I’m having a few struggles here and there, it can turn around quickly and if I ever have

those struggles again, there’s no need to panic. Just keep working hard.

Do you agree that you’ve proven that you can contend even when you’re not at your best?

I guess that’s been the big difference this year – when I’m not playing my best, I’m still able to compete and win. That’s something I said earlier in the year that I wanted to try and get better at. I felt my previous wins before this year, I’ve just played great golf and no one could really get near me in any way. But being able to win not with your best game is what Tiger has done for so many years. That’s why he’s won so many tournaments. I feel like I’m definitely not at that level quite yet, but I’m learning how to do it.

When you’re playing well it’s a joy to watch; what does it feel like? I think it’s more of a subconscious thing. You can call it a trance or you can call it getting in the zone. I just feel very confident. You’ve got total self‑belief. You’re hitting it at your target, you’re hitting it close to the pins. You’re seeing every putt go in. All aspects of your game are fully on. Sometimes all aspects of your game are fully on, but you get in your own way and you start thinking about it too much and you start to talk yourself out of it.

Whereas when you’re mentally in a great place, you just go with it and keep it going. ➔

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CHASING A DREAM

My other job’s a tour pro...

Duncan Stewart works in an abattoir. But in the summer, he’ll join dozens of other pros chasing the dream on feeder tours WO R D S K I T A L E X A N D ER P I C T U R E S H OWA R D B OY L A N , M A R K A L E X A N D ER IS SU E 3 0 4 ❘ TODAYSG OLFER .CO.U K

Making the cut Duncan Stewart swaps clubs for cleavers in the off-season.

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SERGIO GARCIA MY 3 KEYS FOR HITTING A DRAW

Follow his simple swing thoughts to make a soft draw your go-to shot

I

like to shape the ball both ways off the tee but I feel more comfortable hitting a little draw that moves between 5-8 yards right-to-left in the air, starting out right and curving back to my target. For top players, the adjustments that we make are fairly minor, but if you struggle with a slice, practising these keys will help you develop a more powerful, in-to-out swingpath that will give you some big distance gains. The three keys for me when I hit a draw are in set-up, the first move as I begin my downswing and the way my hands release through impact. Hopefully you will be able to work them into your practice to start hitting powerful soft draw shots.

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LAW OF THE DRAW

THE DRAW BEGINS WITH ALIGNMENT It sounds obvious, but you can’t hit a solid draw unless you get the fundamentals of alignment correct.

Although it is the clubface angle that dictates the direction the ball will fly at impact, you can only promote a good into-out swingpath by aligning right of target with a slightly closed stance.

With this tee shot on the 9th hole of the

Vital feedback When you’re practising, use alignment aids to ensure your set-up position is correct and to make sure your feet are aimed parallel to the path you want your club to swing along. For a draw, my body needs to aim right.

SET THE CLUBFACE FIRST

Els Club, if I want the ball to draw back towards the big tree in the middle of the fairway, I would aim at those three bushes down the right with my body alignment. This will ensure that the angle of my swing path from in-to-out is greater than my slightly open clubface at impact, which is what produces that gentle, controlled drawspin.

I will always set the clubface at address before taking my stance and you should too. Amateurs will often set up to the ball, look down the fairway and realise they’re not aligned correctly and then change the clubface angle. But if you do that, your ball position will be wrong. So align the clubface first, then build your stance around it.

➔

Ball position Another way you could promote a draw is to move the ball back in your stance to say an inch behind the left heel.

This encourages the ball to be struck while the clubhead is travelling more out to the right, promoting a draw.

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Turn your old clubs into cash MONEY FOR METAL

Golfbidder can turn your old golf clubs into money and offer some great deals on second-hand gear WO R D S K I T A L E X A N D ER P I C T U R E S H OWA R D B OY L A N

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Heads, you win Golfbidder’s club hoard runs to some 9,000 units.

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NEW GEAR Flexible friend R1 sole plate does the face angle, the hosel takes care of loft and the weights promote a certain shot shape.

FIRST LOOK

R1: THE NEW FACE OF TAYLORMADE’S DRIVERS

Radical crown design and easier adjustability are the big changes for 2013 ➔

WHEN YOU BUILD A DRIVER

with 12 loft options and seven face angle settings, you’d better make sure it’s easy to use. In developing their new R1 driver, TaylorMade have shown a pleasing intent to make its adjustability mechanisms more intuitive. Both the sole-housed face angle dial and the hosel-based loft setting are easier to use, and feel more solid.

It’s part of a driver that represents a considerable advance on the R11S it will replace, in terms of cosmetics and, most importantly, in terms of technology and ease of use.

The crown is certainly different; TaylorMade consulted a Professor of

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Sports Optometry, Dr Steve Hitzeman, for input on its striking black, grey and orange look.

“We are constantly improving the structural, weight, aerodynamic, adjustable and acoustic performance of every metal wood we make,” says Chief Technical Officer Benoit Vincent.

“We use each and every prototype in the development to learn more about the manufacture and design of our drivers; and many things on the R1 have been improved from the R11S.” The regular 460cc version has an rrp of £349, and will be available from February 1. A TP model will cost £399, with a different stock shaft.

Six things to know...

1

Loft adjustability is easier By analysing data from their MAT-T fitting system, TaylorMade discovered 80% of golfers are using a driver with the incorrect loft; they claim 35% of players are off by 2° or more. So the R1 has 12 loft settings; seven standard and five upright, between 8 and 12 degrees.

More loft means a higher launch and less spin; and “upright” loft raises the toe slightly, pointing the face left to combat a slice.

2

Face angle adjustability There’s also seven face angle

1

TaylorMade’s club designer

The inside line on the R1 with Benoit Vincent

2 3 1 There is a more industrial feel to the sole – the dial is more prominent, and it is more intuitive than previous models. 2 The retro look of the crown has a real purpose – as well as being stylish, vision experts insist it helps alignment. 3 TaylorMade says Inverted Cone Technology helps deliver high ball speeds across the face.

settings – neutral square, open, medium-open, maximum-open, closed, medium-closed and maximum-closed. They are set using a spanner (below) and the intuitive new sole plate, which is much easier to adjust and understand than previous drivers. TaylorMade says the new model is up to 10 yards longer than the R11S.

3

Better aerodynamics There has been a massive emphasis in recent years on improving the aerodynamics.

TaylorMade says the R1’s enhanced aerodynamics reduce the amount of drag generated through the swing – crucially, that promotes faster clubhead speed for more distance. The lightweight, Aldila RIP Phenom 55g shaft (65g in the TP version) also helps when it comes to generating more clubhead speed.

4

New aesthetics This is the third generation of white woods from TaylorMade, but the R1 is by far the boldest in terms of what’s happening on the crown. It will split opinion, but it’s based on science explained by designer Benoit

Vincent (right) – and it does seem to focus your eyes on the bit of the crown just behind the ball.

5

More forgiveness TaylorMade’s drivers have a substantial presence on both the European and PGA Tours, but they’ve always worked for us regular club golfers, too. The R1 is no different. Inverted Cone Technology has been milled into the inner side of the clubface, which expands the portion of the face that delivers high ball speeds – essentially offering greater distance on shots which aren’t struck out of the middle. By optimising weight in the crown, TaylorMade engineers have been able to lower the centre of gravity, but at the same time move it forward which, they say, leads to a high ball flight, fast ball speed, but with low spin for maximum distance.

6

Movable weights As well as assisting the gameimprover, TaylorMade has ensured better players are catered for by employing movable weights, which help promote a straight flight or a distanceenhancing draw.

What are the key improvements from the R11S? There are five key additions to the R1: n More adjustability range allows us to only make one head model and fit almost all golfers, from tour pros to average handicap players. n More distance comes from slightly lower “Shot Shape” weights which lower the CG and provide increased launch angle with slightly less spin. n Improved sound and feel makes it softer than the R11S through reengineering of the head structure for optimum power and contact feedbacks. n Ease of use is also much improved by marking the lofts on the Loft Sleeve as well as the aggressive, new crown look, which greatly aids alignment. n We know most golfers don’t get the proper fit and the R1 will make that even easier. Because the adjustability range is large, you can experiment with the same head to find your optimum.

Tell us the story behind the new crown. The design was changed after some feedback from our consultant, Dr Steve Hitzeman, who has been working with us even before the launch of the R11 to create products with more visual benefit. He suggested that adding linear features to what is typically a rounded shape of the clubhead will give more references that are beneficial to alignment. Therefore we worked with our internal experts to develop designs that are more beneficial to our human vision system in golf.

First hit : Joel Tadman, 3 hcp PROS Your eye is immediately drawn to the crown’s design, which I like.

And the face angle adjustability on the sole is so easy to do – a lot easier than previous adjustable drivers I’ve used.

The head feels light when you swing, making power seem effortless.

CONS I liked it, but the crown will divide people. And even though the adjustability is simpler than ever, it will be too complex for some.

For exclusive R1 videos visit www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/gear

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INSTRUCTION

TG EXCLUSIVE

MY SAND SECRETS

World-renowned short-game expert Dave Stockton shares the best bunker tips from his new book to help you save vital shots from sand ➔

Dave Stockton Coach of the short game for 45 years.

Clients include Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson

IT’S EASY TO JOKE around

about being bad out of the sand, but that problem – whether it’s real or in your head - has a huge negative impact on your entire game. If your game plan is based on fear and avoiding a bunker shot, you’re going to put a tremendous

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amount of stress on yourself. It affects your decision-making, and prevents you from hitting certain shots in certain situations. I’m not saying that avoiding trouble isn’t a legitimate part of strategy. But plotting out a hole to avoid out-ofbounds and water is a lot different

than trying to avoid something straightforward like a greenside bunker. You obviously don’t want to find the sand, but a basic bunker shot doesn’t need to be a source of fear. Here, I give you a go-to technique for fairway and greenside bunker shots and some drills to try.

FAIRWAY BUNKER SHOTS The first key to a fairway bunker shot is understanding that the lip of the bunker dictates what you do. It’s always nice to be able to hit it on the green, but the first goal is to clear the lip and get the ball out of trouble and somewhere safe.

I like to approach every fairway bunker shot as being between clubs. I’ll take the longer club,

1

Set the face open, ball back

My set-up for a fairway bunker shot is the same as my iron set-up from fairway grass, but with the ball slightly forward and clubface slightly open to the target.

EXTRA SET-UP KEYS

Bury your feet and grip down

Dig your feet in to make sure you have a stable base. Since your feet will be lower, compensate by choking down the grip a couple of inches. This will also take distance off the shot.

choke up on the handle and hit an intentional fade. By hitting the fade, I increase the loft on the face of the club, which helps clear the lip, and I increase my chances of hitting the ball before the sand. When you’re trying to hit a draw, you tend to hang back and swing the hands very aggressively through impact – which often

2

Quiet legs going back

In the backswing, keep your lower body quiet while making an arms and upper body swing.

This produces less power, so you’re generally going to need at least one more club.

causes you to hit behind the ball. That’s fatal on a fairway bunker shot, and almost always results in a fat shot left in the bunker, or one that just trickles out if you’re lucky. If anything, you want to err on the side of hitting the ball a bit thin. You can often get away with that, even if it ends up going a bit longer than you intended.

3

Make sure you hit ball first

Moving the ball back should make sure you hit the ball before you hit the sand. Playing a fade, with an out-to-in swing, moves the low point of the swing towards the target, which helps.

TRY THIS DRILL USE A TEE AS A REFERENCE

Divots start at the tee

One way to practise catching the ball first in fairway bunkers is to use a tee as a reference point. Place a tee directly outside the ball as to not interfere with the clubhead.

Ball first, sand second

Hit some shots making sure your divots splash out of the bunker starting beyond the tee. Any contact behind the tee means you caught the ball fat and the ball may not carry the lip.

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➔

PLAYING OUR EXPERTS THIS MONTH MIKE JOHNSON Age: 71 HCP: 16 Job: Retired.

Golfing claim to fame: My name is on both the president’s and captain’s prize boards at Porthmadog.

Favourite type of course: Seaside.

GINNY JONES Age: 65 HCP: 15 Job: Retired.

Golfing claim to fame: I was chairman of Llandudno Maesdu’s management council for 15 years.

Favourite type of course: Coastal.

ROGER LEWIS Age: 58 HCP: 3 Job: North Wales golf clubs co-ordinator for the Tourist Partnership.

Golfing claim to fame: I played alongside Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam.

Favourite type of course: Links.

MIKE BRYANT Age: 65 HCP: 16 Job: Retired corporate treasurer.

Golfing claim to fame: I represented Wales in the Home Internationals for handicap golfers.

Favourite type of course: Links.

SIMON DENNIS Age: 49 HCP: 11 Job: Nefyn & District GC sec/manager.

Golfing claim to fame: I shanked a few shots at Carnoustie, nearly killing Torrance and Grady.

Favourite type of course: Links.

Nefyn is spectacular and capable of challenging even the finest golfers.

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REGIONAL GUIDE

THE LOCAL GUIDE TO NORTH-WEST WALES TG spends the day with five fanatical Welsh golfers to get their insight on this stunning area WO R D S K E V I N B R OW N P I C T U R E S H OWA R D B OY L A N

Firstly, what is the area’s most challenging course?

Ginny: Royal David’s is a natural links with lots of dunes and you’ve got to put your ball in the correct places, specially on the demanding back nine.

Mike B: You’ve got to be a very handy player to play Conwy off the back tees.

It’s right on the coast so it’s generally windy and you also encounter thick rough and fairly deep penal bunkers.

They’ve had to moderate the course at the members’ request and it’s not as user-friendly as other courses around.

Simon: There are many challenging courses but most are prepared in a way which accommodates the average club golfer and visitor. They’re not all links but most are close to the coastline so the elements often play a big role.

TG input: Nefyn’s spectacularly dramatic Old Course can be a tad intimidating with some serious carries, specially when the wind is blowing.

And the best for value?

Roger: Nefyn is often considered an Old Head (Ireland) lookalike – but you can play Nefyn for a whole week for the price you’d pay for a day’s golf at Old Head.

Mike B: Everton FC had a day at St Deiniol (Bangor) last year and they reckoned green fees in Liverpool and Manchester are two or three times higher than north-west Wales.

Ginny: The competition in the area means prices are kept down. Llandudno is a popular tourist town which has two clubs (Maesdu and North Wales) and both are priced at a reasonable level.

TG input: A winter midweek round at Porthmadog, including bacon bap and coffee, is just £23 and represents unbeatable value-for-money.

Above: Inside track TG’s Kevin Brown picks the brains of our north-west Wales experts.

What course springs to mind for tees and greens?

Roger: We’re lucky we’ve got so many links courses around here. They all drain very well and are open and available to play year-round. Fortunately, even at this time of year we don’t suffer with too many boggy courses.

Mike J: Abersoch is one of the smaller clubs in the area but it’s in a lovely natural setting right alongside the beach. It’s always in first-class condition.

Mike B: For me, Royal St David’s boasts the quickest winter greens I’ve putted on around here – they’re as good in January as they are in July.

Ginny: I would have to say Nefyn which is incredibly well manicured throughout the year. It’s always very tidy.

TG input: Royal St David’s looked and played a treat when we visited and Aberdovey has to be in the mix again.

What is the area’s no.1?

Roger: Conwy is well known for staging Open qualifying, Nefyn for the iconic images of the dramatic peninsula holes, and then there’s Royal St David’s and Aberdovey. These are the Big Four and it’s impossible to choose just one.

Mike B: Royal St David’s and Aberdovey ➔ TODAYSG OLFER .CO.U K ❘ IS SU E 3 0 4