Today's Golfer 308 sample issue

CLUB PRO SURVEY: ‘WE NEED TO MAKE GOLF MORE FUN’

TODAY’S GOLFER JUNE 2013 (A PR IL 18 - M AY 15)

G olfer 22 Today’s

WAYS TO THINK LIKE A WINNER

PICK THE BEST BALL FOR YOU 10 things you must consider

BEST SHOES YOU CAN BUY 20 new pairs tested

WWW. TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

30-PAGE NEW SEASON SPECIAL

FIX YOUR

GAME FROM HEAD TO TOE

FIND YOUR PERFECT SET

How to choose clubs

FIND YOUR PERFECT SWING

Understand your plane

PUTTING TIPS FROM TIGER Five drills to hole more

FIND MORE FAIRWAYS FAST With Jason Dufner

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MORE GEAR HEAVYWEIGHT TAYLORMADE & ODYSSEY PUTTERS

MORE TIPS CHECK YOUR GRIP, CHIP IT CLOSER

MORE TOUR EWEN MURRAY, MOLINARI, CHRIS WOOD, MICKELSON

FIRST TEE

NEW THIS MONTH...

15 Augusta then and now 16 Players Championship 19 Bonham’s Tour insight 20 Fantasy League prizes 24 Saving Britain’s bunkers 28 Around the UK’s clubs

COURSE ABOVE THE CLOUDS ➔

JACK NICKLAUS HAS designed

some impressive holes in his time – but few are more spectacular than this.

It’s located 1,200 metres above sea level overlooking three valleys in Italy’s Alpine Dolomites region at the San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge.

Available to play only by Lodge guests, the unique layout is the handiwork of Nicklaus and leading American course architect Ron Kirby. The duo teamed up to create six platforms, each with three separate tees. From each one you hit into a 500-square-yard green perched on the side of a mountain, to nine different pin placements. It even has its own St Andrews-style “Valley of Sin”.

Kirby told TG: “This was such a

wonderful opportunity to create a golf experience for players to enjoy while viewing the mountain panorama. Using the six different tees and nine putting locations, golfers have an 18-hole ‘course’ to play as well as a very interesting green.”

The four-bedroom San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge can be rented for up to 10 people. Besides the spectacular golf, the one-time 16th century hunting lodge features a mini spa, outdoor whirlpool and celebrated wine tasting room – the lodge’s former goat shed.

But it doesn’t come cheap – £2,042 per day based on two guests with the price increasing by £85 per additional adult. Details: www.sanlorenzo mountainlodge.com

MORE AMAZING PAR 3s...

FOUR SEASONS RESORT, PUNTA MITA, MEXICO

The optional “hole 3B” on Jack Nicklaus’ Pacific course, the ‘Tail of the Whale’, is the world’s only natural island green – at high tide you reach the green via amphibious landing craft.

THE LEGEND RESORT, SOUTH AFRICA

Take a helicopter to the tee on Hanglip mountain, 1,400ft above a green shaped like Africa. It takes half-a-minute for your ball to hit land and you’ll be a million bucks richer if you manage an ace.

COEUR D’ALENE RESORT, IDAHO, USA

The par-3 14th is the home of a real island green in the form of a dramatic 15,000sqft putting surface. It’s the world’s only floating island green, and it can move to or away from the tee.

TPC SAWGRASS, FLORIDA, USA The famous 17th

was originally designed by Pete Dye with water down one side – but the sandy soil here was dug out to the point that it became an island. See page 16 for Ewen Murray’s Players preview.

TODAYSG OLFER .CO.U K ❘ IS SU E 3 08

Francesco Molinari

My covert operation Steady progress, capped by Ryder Cup glory, has seen the Italian slip under the radar as a major contender in 2013 W O R D S G R A E M E H A M L E T T P I C T U R E S H O WA R D B O Y L A N , G E T T Y I M A G E S

I

f there was one covert operation I’d like to be part of?

Zero Dark Thirty to get Bin Laden,” reveals Francesco Molinari, having been mightily impressed by the real thing and movie. Given the planning, precision, attention to detail, courage and nerves of steel required to pull off the hunt for the world’s most wanted terrorist, it’s not hard to understand why it appeals to a keen, exacting mind like Molinari’s.

And now the Italian is on a mission of his own – to hunt down golf’s biggest titles.

He’s loaded his arsenal – when TG meets Francesco it’s at the launch of Nike’s new VR_S Covert driver and he has put the big red bomber in his bag – and the man from Turin is set to unleash his 2013 assault. After all, we saw how he proved his mettle in the heat of Ryder Cup battle at Medinah, overcoming tension and the weight of a continent’s hopes to defeat Tiger Woods in the final singles match and complete the most remarkable of triumphs.

Molinari the competitor is steely, a triple European Tour winner and Ryder Cup hero twice over. But Molinari the man is effortlessly polite and charming, speaking in his deep voice, the dark brown eyes focused and bright in response to TG’s questions.

Molinari is relaxed after a day’s practice at The Wisley, but more so because of the happy times spent at home in London with his wife Valentina and baby son Tommaso. He smiles when he begins to talk about them and 2013 so far.

“I had a nice time at home over Christmas and New Year. We went back to Italy to see the family. Little Tommaso is keeping me on my toes! Always. It’s fun! Am I a natural father? It’s not easy but I try my best and it’s getting more fun with the interaction. It’s been special since he was born. Life is pretty good right now.”

In truth it has been for some time, especially going back to Medinah. “It was a huge high of a great season,” he says breaking into a huge grin as joyful memories come flooding back. “After the Ryder Cup it wasn’t easy to go back to regular tournaments and it took a while to fully appreciate what we did and get a bit of ➔ IS SU E 3 08 ❘ TODAYSG OLFER .CO.U K

TOUR INTERVIEW

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R U O Y X FI

E M A G D G A M ES

MIPNLAN AND FOCCUESSTSO SECURE SU

C

Win more in 2013 Strategy and mental tips to beat your partners – whether it’s for a £1 match this weekend or the club championship WORDS KARL STEPTOE AND KIT ALEXANDER

MIND GAMES

1

WIN AT... STROKEPLAY

While the individual formats of the game give us complete control and responsibility over performances they can also provide pressures that seem to only emerge when you have a card in your hand. Players that perform well in strokeplay recognise an opportunity to demonstrate their ability, shoot low scores and reduce their handicap, whereas others are consumed by a fear of failure and the numerous threats to confidence and self-esteem that accompany playing poorly.

The route of many of these challenges can originate from a healthy competitive approach to the game in which you have very clear outcome goals for both the round ahead, and your game in general.

The problem is that the brain will look for evidence at all times to check that you are on target to achieve your aims and this can provoke negative thoughts and self-talk which subsequently impacts confidence and enjoyment. For example, if your goal is to become a single-figure handicap player and you take a double bogey down the first hole, this might trigger an automatic thought about what it takes to play at that level such as “single-figure players don’t make doubles” and your goal is already under threat.

Our beliefs about what it takes to score well and win matches have to be continually assessed and managed during a game of golf.

Many golfers display perfectionist tendencies that are evident in their dissatisfaction with most shots and minimal acknowledgement of good play, they do not allow themselves any margin for error and accept very few mistakes.

Such an approach leads to constant correction and a constant search for the “correct” swing.

Coming down the stretch when the round is going well and a good score is in sight, it is easy to start thinking ahead. Thoughts can turn to your victory speech or the pleasure you will feel in beating others. Some become pessimistic, predicting things falling apart and the embarrassment you will feel!

Strategy n Multiple goals If you’re playing competitive sport it is absolutely about the winning. It is therefore vital for motivation to have some exciting outcome goals both long term and for the round ahead. However, these alone are not sufficient to keep you on track. Before the game, create a list of a number of “personal best” goals and you will start to recognise the amount of opportunities that the round presents to demonstrate improvement across a number of areas. These can be absolutely anything as long as they are personally meaningful to you. By doing this you will be aware of multiple opportunities to “win” and

needed. If you are playing in competition then many of your skills are well-learned, so should be performed more automatically. Rather than correct, simply remind yourself of the feelings by having a rehearsal swing before you move onto the next shot.

2

Keep focus Break your round down into small games.

achieve something on the golf course, whether you start well or poorly.

Break the round down into smaller games such as six games of three holes or even three games of six. Give yourself a target for each of the games and see how many you can win.

This is a great strategy for keeping you focused and putting any disappointments behind you. n Routine Completion of strong pre and post-shot routines that have been engrained in practice allow you to play on autopilot so that extra meaning associated with playing in a competition is not added to the shot. These are personal, but should include motivational self-talk that accepts any outcome and strategies for controlling emotions after the shot, such as holding your finish until the ball stops... When you are coming down the stretch, control unwanted negative thoughts with, for example, a slap on the leg and only begin your routine when you have reminded yourself of the opportunity that the shot presents. n Remind, don’t search One of the main reasons for games unravelling so quickly is a golfer’s belief that every bad shot is because of poor technique Matchplay and that king: Poulter’s corrections are strategy is key.

WIN AT... MATCHPLAY

Matchplay introduces the mental challenges that can be created by paying increased attention to your opponent.

The psychological “mantra” may be to play the golf course one shot at a time, however, this format encourages golfers to make comparisons and can influence decision making at different stages as you respond to the outcome and results of your competitor.

In the early stages of the round you may look to gain confidence by assessing your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses; comparing the length of your drives or the quality of your short games – all of which can be useful information to inform strategy, but can also lead to unhelpful predictions that affect your shot selection. For example, you may assume a player will get up and down from 50 yards as you believe that they have a strong short game and this may encourage you to take on a bolder choice of shot than you are comfortable with.

A common difficulty in matchplay is to stay in the present. There is a temptation to think ahead and working out which holes that you are likely to win, where the opportunities are to claw some holes back or which are the holes that you receive shots on.

When you are leading it is vital that complacency does not set in. When you are behind, calmness and control are needed to ensure that you do not force situations.

Strategy n Make them win the hole The biggest barrier to performing at your best comes from uncertainty in decision making and taking on shots you are uncomfortable with because of a perceived need to respond to your opponent. While there are stages of the round where this becomes necessary (for example, trying to hole a 7-iron down the last to halve the match), in the main you will always benefit from making sure that your competitor has to win the hole rather than being handed it. In your pre-shot routine confirm your strategy and decision ➔

YOUR PERFECT SET

HOW TO CHOOSE A PERFECT SET With so many great clubs available, how do you know which is best for you? Our advice can help you decide W O R D S J O E L TA D M A N P I C T U R E S H O WA R D B O Y L A N

Choosing new clubs isn’t easy. A new driver, or a set of irons, is a big purchase – and one that can make or break your game. If you’re in the market for new clubs, we’re here to help point you in the right direction.

Every golfer needs a distinct set make-up, one to help your swing and game. What works best for your friend may not necessarily function for you.

So how do you pin down the right combination of woods, hybrids, irons and wedges that’s most ideal for you?

The first bit of advice is to get custom fitted. A quality clubfitter will guide you through all of the necessary steps to arrive at a set unique to your personal requirements and preferences, no matter what level you are at.

He will determine the proper shaft model, length and flex; clubhead lie angle; driver loft; iron clubhead type; grip type and size; wedge lofts and bounces; and the most effective, efficient club mix for your set. He might even throw in some tips.

In addition to clubfitting, you should do some research – and that’s where we come in. Over the next 10 pages, we’ve picked some of our favourite clubs of 2013, and

➔

broken them down into ability and price.

As well as general buying advice based on your handicap, we’ve enlisted the help of Mark Crossfield – a PGA qualified coach and clubfitter not affiliated to any one club manufacturer – to provide some unbiased advice about specific clubs.

This is not a test, nor a “definitive” list of the best gear on sale this year. It’s a starting point to get you thinking about your set make-up, while highlighting just some of the many clubs that have impressed us – and Mark – so far this year with their performance.

FINDING CHOICE AND VALUE Thanks to the American Golf store in New Malden, Surrey for their help with this feature. American Golf is Europe’s largest golf retailer with 100 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Each offers unbeatable value and an extensive range of golf equipment for golfers of all levels including irons, drivers, wedges, putters, package sets, balls, shoes, clothing, plus much more. They also prioritise value and offer a Price Match promise, plus a series of exclusive deals on the latest equipment.

Visit www.americangolf.co.uk ➔

IS SU E 3 08 ❘ TODAYSG OLFER .CO.U K

MARK CROSSFIELD Mark Crossfield is a PGA pro and KVest Certified Level 2 instructor. His gear video reviews are an online hit – find him on YouTube www. youtube.com/ user/4golfonline or get his app for Apple or Android, which brings all the videos into one place. You can also find him on Facebook www.facebook.com/ AskGolfGuru and twitter @4golfonline

R U O Y FIX E M A GQUIPMENTR E T GEA RIGH E H T E S O C H O R YO U R G A M E FO

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Let’s get physical

FITNESS FOR GOLF

Dr Steve McGregor, a sport scientist who has worked with Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy reveals how important good health is on tour – and for you

S

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

even years ago Lee Westwood could barely balance on one leg and was floating around the edge of the world’s top 50. Today, the man who turned 40 on April 24 can deadlift 190kg and has been in the top 10 for over three years, including 22 weeks at No.1. Improving his physical fitness has been at the heart of this improvement, and Steve McGregor is the man who’s helped him do it.

“The heavy demands of golf surprised me at first,” admitted McGregor, who had previously worked with football teams.

“People generally perceive golf as a leisurely sport and that’s a total myth. The demands players face on a weekly basis and the amount of travel makes it a hugely demanding sport.

Golf shouldn’t be seen as less physical than other sports; it isn’t the case in my experience.

An understanding of what happens to muscle mass, power, flexibility and range of movement as an individual goes into their 30s, 40s and 50s is really interesting because it doesn’t happen in any other sports.”

Whether you’re an elite player or a club golfer, the demands on your body from a round of golf are the same. And it’s a lot more strenuous than you might think.

“The distance a golfer covers in a round is similar to a Premier League footballer in 90 minutes; 10-12km, if not further. That in itself brings an energy requirement and the expenditure during a round of golf is around 1,200-1,300 calories, again similar to 90 minutes on a football pitch. That has physical IS SU E 3 08 ❘ TODAYSG OLFER .CO.U K

Converted: Westwood was previously a sceptic.

and nutritional demands; if that expenditure isn’t matched by intake then people suffer from depletion and dehydration. In a 12-15°C temperature players lose around two litres of fluid per round, so there are consequences if that’s not replaced, especially if it’s numerous times a week. The forces produced in a golf swing are demanding and replicated 60 or 70 times a round – this all accumulates to make golf a physically demanding sport.”

Clearly then, golf requires a certain amount of health, fitness and nutritional awareness.

But just like aimlessly hitting range balls won’t improve your technique, random running or weightlifting won’t improve your fitness for golf either; training and nutrition must be specific to what you want to achieve.

“Like a golf swing, every individual is different, so a programme must be specific to the individual’s strengths and weaknesses.

Everything we do in the gym is specific for

golf. It should improve your weakest areas in relation to the golf swing.”

In Westwood’s case, McGregor recognised in 2006 one area he needed to improve. “Lee was 33 when we started working together and had done relatively little physical conditioning. We identified his swing was very arm dominant, so the forces he was generating were through his shoulders and he was getting relatively little force through his lower body. Our tests identified he had relatively little leg strength. For example, he couldn’t stand on one leg with balance and control.

“It was integral to bring in more stability and now his legs are extremely strong and he can deadlift up to 190kg. His development has equated back into a golf swing that gives him greater stability in his lower legs, so he has to generate less force through his shoulders and the sequencing of his swing can become more consistent and robust.”

Eating and drinking the right foods before you play and replacing the 1,200-1,300 calories you burn during a round is also vital.

“You want to make sure you have an adequate amount of carbohydrate, fats and proteins in your diet and it’s very important to maintain your energy levels when you’re playing. Concentration is dictated by carbohydrate – that’s the fuel to the brain. So, if you’ve not had carbohydrate before you play, your concentration will be affected.”

Though relating improved fitness to better golf is not a new concept, sports science and ➔

R U O Y X I F

GHAEAMLTHE

U R B O DYTIS O Y E R U S EN Y BES AT ITS V E R

1996

2000

2008

2013

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TIGER WOODS

TIGER 4.0

You can learn a lot from the new version of Tiger Woods and how he’s improved his game this season – and got back on top of the world

T

WORDS KIT ALEXANDER AND GRAEME HAMLETT PICTURES GETT Y

he new Tiger Woods is taking shape. The fourth incarnation of his swing is bedding in, he’s fit and healthy and there’s a beaming smile back on his face. What’s more, Tiger has rediscovered his magic on the greens. For even the most sceptical, there’s no denying that Woods is back where his talent belongs; at the very top of the golfing world.

Woods surpassed his idol Jack Nicklaus in PGA Tour wins with his 76th victory at the WGC – Cadillac Championship in March and defended the Arnold Palmer Invitational to make it six wins in 19 strokeplay events over the past 12 months. And having been written off following his off-course tribulations and yet more knee surgery in 2008, he’s keen to make up for lost time and hunt down Jack’s record of 18 Majors.

“I remember a time when people were saying I would never win again and here we are now,” says Tiger. “I could see the pieces coming together. Just give me time, just stay the course, give me a little bit more time and I will do the things I can do.”

And it’s clear after all the turmoil and doubts of the past few years, he’s excited by the progress he has made with swing coach Sean Foley. “I’m just trying to get better. It’s very simple. I feel like my game’s becoming more efficient, and it’s more consistent day-in and day-out. I’m very pleased with the

progress I’ve made with Sean.

“It does get irritating being asked about the state of my game all the time. The knee is finally a non-issue. It’s been a very long time since I felt this good, and more comfortable, more trusting of my swing,” he opined.

“Some days it’s better than others; we are all human. I try everything I possibly can and give everything I can. Welcome to golf. It’s a game that tests our patience. I’ve been out here a long time and I understand what it’s like to have to grind and fight. If you have a positive tournament you try and ride that. If you have a negative tournament, that didn’t exist.”

But despite all the positives, Woods’ career will only be judged by the Majors – and he knows that not even one or two more of them will be enough to silence all his critics. “I think even if I do win a Major championship, it will still be; ‘You’re not to 18 yet,’ or ‘When will you get to 19?’ It’s always something. I’ve dealt with that my entire career, ever since I was an amateur and playing all the way through to professional golf, so it hasn’t changed.”

Yet for Tiger, winning still fuels his hunger and gives him as much joy. “They still feel good, but wins now are certainly different.

When I won tournaments when my dad was sick and obviously when my dad passed away, there was a different type of feeling, and then obviously when I won The Open with my son Sam there for the first time too.

“I guess it’s the evolution of life. We have our parents and then next thing you know, we become parents and I think it’s more of the evolutionary process of that and that’s how the wins have evolved.”

The evolution in Tiger’s life away from golf has been echoed by the evolution of his game on it. He takes a great deal of satisfaction from winning regularly with each of the four swings he’s had; from amateur to Butch Harmon to Hank Haney to Sean Foley. “Is it my best achievement? I don’t know. Winning four (Majors) in a row is. No one’s ever done that, not in this modern configuration. That’s something I’m very proud of.

“Obviously, to be able to change my game over the years, to try to become better and become more efficient; and to be able to have won throughout those changes... it feels good now. That’s why I work my tail off and lift all those weights, hit all those balls and spend those countless hours out there; to be in that position. I enjoy being there and my record’s been pretty good over the years.”

Tiger is back in the position to hold 54hole leads and finish off tournaments thanks to two key improvements in recent weeks; his putting and swing arc.

Over the page, Woods reveals his five keys for pure putting, while TG’s Adrian Fryer highlights how he’s able to hit more accurate approaches to set up more birdie chances. ➔

FRIENDLY ADVICE A PUTTING LESSON FROM STEVE STRICKER Tiger led the field with just 100 putts in winning the WGCCadillac Championship, prompting former coach Butch Harmon to say it was the best he’d seen from his old pupil. Tiger rediscovered

his touch on the greens with pal Steve Stricker. “We tend to help each other out with putting. I know what he looks like when he putts his best and vice versa. He basically got me in the same

body position that I was at Torrey Pines (where he won the Farmers Insurance Open). The main thing in putting, whether it’s your grip, posture, stance or ball position, is to be comfortable.”

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EXCLUSIVE SURVEY

Inside the changing world of the club pro An exclusive new survey of Britain’s pros reveals most play less than once a week in the summer, their main objective is increasing our enjoyment – and we don’t hit the ball as far as we think 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 F O R E M O S T G O L F, G E T T Y , H O W A R D B O Y L A N

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CLUB PRO SURVEY

What is the most common reason for golfers coming to you for a lesson?

It seems the vast majority of us only go to a pro for a lesson when we are playing very badly. The most common fault the pros see is a slice.

Curing this and hitting the ball longer and straighter off the tee is a priority for many golfers. Slightly worryingly, 10 pros said golfers were looking for a quick fix while only one said players came to them specifically looking for a long-term programme for improvement and only one highlighted the short game as a common reason. Two pros even stated “desperation” as a reason. Club pros are an invaluable resource for any golfer hoping to improve their game. The most effective way to do this is with a long term development plan with a pro who understands your game. You don’t have to wait until you’re playing your worst before having a lesson.

Too many golfers wait until they’re playing badly to seek advice.

T

he club professional is an integral part of all of our golfing experiences. The vast majority of clubs will have at least one pro based at their facilities and we all regularly interact with them, whether it’s having lessons, buying and being fitted for equipment or simply signing in at the pro shop and having a quick chat before a round. They use their knowledge and experience to help and advise members, visitors and the clubs themselves – and they do it for the love of the game.

We’ve teamed up with Foremost Golf, the largest Golf Retail Group in the UK with just under 1,000 professional members, to tap into this knowledge, experience and passion and give club pros the chance to have their say about what their role really entails in these turbulent

times. We sent out a 20-question anonymous survey and hundreds filled it out. The results lift the lid on the men and women who are the lifeblood of our golfing community.

Above: From a chat before your round, to lessons and gear advice, a pro’s role is varied and vital.

What type of club do you work at?

Proprietary club 15%

How many lessons do you give a month?

Answers ranged from just three right up to 200, which works out at roughly eight lessons a day for six days a week. But the vast majority of pros give 20-60 lessons per week. If we assume the average pro is towards the top end of this range and each lesson is an hour long, that accounts for more than two hours a day in a six-day working week. It’s clear that teaching still accounts for a significant proportion of a pro’s working week.

Why should golfers take more lessons?

Two key themes ran through virtually every answer to this question; increasing enjoyment of the game and improving their ability on the course. The two go hand-in-hand as many of us ➔

20% 18% 15%

Municipal club 3%

13%

13%

During April to October how many 18-hole rounds would you play on average each month?

5%

Private members’ club 82%

3%

None

2% One

Two

Three

Four

Five

1% Six

Seven

5%

5%

Ten

Ten+

0% Eight

Nine

TODAYSG OLFER .CO.U K ❘ IS SU E 3 08

INSTRUCTION Free video tips See more great short game video tips at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/ Golf/Improve-Your-Golf

Open the face for extra bounce I always play the clubface slightly open when I chip, especially off tight lies. This brings more of the club’s bounce into play, helping me get a clean contact. A shallow attack angle helps this, too.

Three more keys Remember to keep your weight on the left side during the swing. Gently accelerate the club through impact and keep the body turning to the finish.

Make a shorter backswing Amateurs tend to swing back too far then decelerate into impact, which is impossible to control. Focus on making a shorter backswing and forward swing using the arms to control the motion.

TOUR TIP

SIMPLIFY YOUR CHIPS

Cabrera-Bello’s easy tips can get your short shots closer to the hole ➔

Rafael Cabrera-Bello A two-time European Tour winner, finished 17th in the 2012 Race to Dubai

SPANIARD’S ARE RENOWNED

for their exquisite touch and feel around the greens and Rafael CabreraBello is no exception. TG caught up with him at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi to get his tips for amateurs to improve their chipping.

“With amateurs I see two very common mistakes. They either decelerate into impact, or they get way too anxious and look up to see the ball before they’ve hit it, often topping it.

IS SU E 3 08 ❘ TODAYSG OLFER .CO.U K

The key is to make a smooth and slow swing and focus on rhythm.

“When I am practising, I focus a lot on impact – trying to make a shallow approach. I don’t want a steep attack angle as this will make the ball leave the clubface too quickly. Which club you use for chip shots depends on the situation. You should be able to use any club in the bag. Different clubs are just different tools – there’s none that are exclusive to chipping.”

Try my connection drill The feeling you want is one of moving together, everything connected. Put your hands together, palms up and make short, wide turns guided by the upper body with the lower body stable.

Powerful set-up Your sternum should be slightly tilted with the right shoulder lower than left, feet shoulder width apart and weight distributed 50-50.

Shorter swing arc Feeling as though your hands stop at shoulder height in the followthrough should shorten your swing arc and stop your ball ballooning.

Correct ball position It should be the same as a long iron, not a fairway wood. The ball should be below your left ear for an optimal, slightly downward blow.

Shot on location at Buenavista Golf, Tenerife. Visit www. buenavistagolf.es for more information.

RESCUES

RIGHT HYBRID FLIGHT

Hit more penetrating shots by controlling your hybrid strike ➔

Gareth Johnston Gareth is the Head PGA Professional at Calcot Park Golf Club, Reading.

HYBRIDS HAVE LARGELY

replaced long irons in recent years, and while their higher ball flight is a bonus, there will still be occasions when you need to hit a more penetrative trajectory – especially off the tee or in strong winds. Ballooning a hybrid is often caused by adding loft at impact, which can be a symptom of trying to sweep the ball away with a shallow attack angle as if you were using a fairway wood, rather than compressing the ball like an iron.

Hip slide in the backswing is another factor that can contribute to a poor strike angle and failure to hit the ball out of the centre of the clubface. You can encourage your hips and pelvis to rotate rather than slide by practising with a cane or umbrella vertically in the ground from the instep of your right shoe. Your right hip will touch the cane if you slide, but a more centred coil will increase stability and promote the correct attack angle and a centred strike.

Choke down for more control Gripping a couple of inches from the end of the shaft will help control the clubhead during the ball’s launch.

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NEW GEAR Marching on TG Editor Chris Jones, left, and Equipment Editor Joel Tadman lace up two more pairs, ready to put them to the turf test.

A SHIFT IN SHOE DEMAND

Shoes are a long-term investment and what suits one golfer, won’t suit another.

It’s even more difficult to place a style of shoe on an age or handicap of golfer. Some are looking for flexibility, allowing a much more free motion of the foot while others crave stability in their footwear. Looks are another area where personal preference takes priority and we realise that, though a pair of shoes may not appeal to the eyes of our testers, they might be right up your alley. Everybody’s sense of style is different, which is why we’ve left the “looks” category up to you to decide.

FootJoy has always been a brand known for producing a stylish, stable shoe but Russell Lawes, European Marketing Manager, says it realised it quickly needed to embrace the demand for a more minimalist shoe in their 2013 range.

IS SU E 3 08 ❘ TODAYSG OLFER .CO.U K

“As a brand we’ve always been about stability with all the technology being in the sole. But what we’ve found is that consumers are looking for a minimalist shoe and that’s why we’ve created the M:Project. Performance now comes in different forms. Locking people down to one type of shoe isn’t necessarily the best way to go. What we know is that people who’ve got knee or ankle issues, locking them down can put more stress through that joint. For those who get stuck on their right side in the downswing, giving them more stability in the shoe makes it harder to get through the ball.”

To get the best-fitting shoe for our designated testers, Equipment Editor Joel Tadman and Editor Chris Jones, got their feet properly measured using a Brannock device. We invited all the major shoe brands to send in two pairs of each model

WHERE WE TESTED

We put all the shoes through their paces at Greetham Valley Golf Club, Rutland.

It has 45 holes including two championship courses, each providing their own unique challenge.

Both the Lakes course and the Valley course have plenty of undulations, perfect for testing grip and traction, comfort and durability. Call 01780 461824 or visit greetham valley.co.uk

they wished to be involved. Our test here is more of a compilation of first impressions as we understand that the true performance of a shoe can only be judged after months of regular wear through different ground conditions.

Only then can you assess things like the durability, performance of the sole on different terrains and the true comfort of the shoe properly. But we’ve tried here to give you enough insight to assist you should you be looking to purchase a new pair this spring.

We tested 20 pairs of shoes during several rounds. We then ranked them out of 10 for traction and comfort. March was the perfect time for us to put the shoes through their paces as there was enough give in the turf to assess the traction on the sole, but not so much that wellies would have been a better choice.

Ecco Tour Hybrid £160 Sizes: 6-12 Details: www.eccogolf.co.uk Tech: Special leather utilises Hydromax and Stain Resistant Technology so it remains soft, breathable and water resistant, while Ecco’s “Second Skin” lining helps support the foot’s movement.

A low profile offers stability and a dual-

density TPU outsole with 100 moulded traction bars provide stylish performance.

CJ: Comfortable straight out of the box.

Classic style, spikeless sole is very grippy.

JT: Surprisingly comfortable. I love the classy look; deserve to be kept spotless.

Structure

R A T I N G S Traction: 8 Comfort: 9

Flexibility

Ecco Golf Street Sport £115 Sizes: 6-12 Details: www.eccogolf.co.uk Tech: Ecco’s Street Sport features a new upper pattern including Hydromax treated leathers for superior waterproofing and breathability. The outsole design has approximately 100 moulded traction bars and 800-plus traction angles made from

a highly durable, wear-resistant material to provide superior grip in all conditions.

CJ: Lots of grip, stylish and comfortable – but not “golfy” enough for me to play in.

JT: Feet heaven. Incredibly soft feel and look stylish.

Structure

R A T I N G S Traction: 8 Comfort: 9.5

Flexibility

Callaway RAZR White £119.99 Sizes: 7-11 (whole and half sizes) Details: www.callawaygolf.com Tech: The RAZR features 11 biomechanically positioned cleats creating 20 triangles of traction for more ground contact points than any other shoe. It uses an Ortholite X40 moulded dual density footbed and lightweight dual density EVA

midsole combined with a waterproof, fullgrain leather for comfort and performance.

CJ: A good base; modern styling, but still looks “traditional”.

JT: The leather took a little long to soften, but I got good grip in wet conditions.

Structure

R A T I N G S Traction: 9 Comfort: 7.5

Flexibility

Callaway Sport Era Black £59.99 Sizes: 7-11 (whole and half sizes) Details: www.callawaygolf.com Tech: Athletic styling combined with quality materials and lightweight outsoles is the message behind the Sport Era Black.

The shoe also features a waterproof microfibre upper, Callaway’s comfort footbed, a rubber & EVA force flex control II outsole,

six chevron comfort spikes and includes a one-year waterproof warranty.

CJ: Good grip and great value; a solid option for those winter shoes.

JT: Felt soft, lots of ankle support. Wasn’t blown away by the look, but good value.

Structure

R A T I N G S Traction: 8 Comfort: 8

Flexibility

FootJoy M:Project £105 Sizes: 7-11 (whole and half sizes) Details: www.footjoy.co.uk Tech: Designed to get you lower to the turf for more stability, while aiding weight transfer during the swing. The lightweight shoe uses thin, strong and supple highquality leather while a generous forefront shape allows your toes to spread and grip.

The sole features a laser-thin Duramax rubber compound and thinner cleats.

CJ: Like wearing grippy slippers. Very flexible and light; looks will split opinion.

JT: They helped me roll on to my instep through the ball. Very lightweight.

Structure

R A T I N G S Traction: 8 Comfort: 9

Flexibility

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➔

PLAYING Magnifique!

A view down the 18th hole of the Dunes course at Hardelot.

IS SU E 3 08 â?˜ TODAYSG OLFER .CO.U K

TRAVEL

NORTHERN FRANCE Hop across the Channel by boat or train and enjoy some of Europe’s finest courses – at terrific prices WORDS KEVIN BROWN

➔

THE FRENCH OPAL COAST,

or Cote d’Opale as it is known locally (it really is, this isn’t some kind of Del Boy attempt at appearing bilingual) is chiefly renowned for its majestic cliffs and dunesland.

This interesting terrain is also ideal for housing golf courses and the quality of venues mean it is a popular retreat for golfers travelling from this side of the Channel.

It is easy to understand why so many make the trip – and why you should consider it for your next foreign golf holiday.

Firstly, it couldn’t be easier to get to: there is no hanging around airport car parks or terminals – thanks to Eurotunnel you can get there via rail within a couple of hours from Kent.

As a similarly convenient and hasslefree alternative, you can select the fun but more leisurely ferry option.

Secondly, the courses on offer in the region – which covers Pas de Calais and stretches from Bray Dunes in the north to Berck in the south – are not only out of the top drawer, but also provide a variety of challenges and are reasonably priced.

In addition to the golf, there are myriad off-course attractions, from the food and wine to the weather and popular tourists attractions – some of which we touch on later.

It was painter Edouard Leveque who first referred to the region as the Opal Coast in 1911 when describing

its distinctive light. The name stuck and, if you’ll forgive us one little pun, you’ll be blinded by the golf on offer.

Playing Le Touquet is plotted amid natural surroundings between the inland forest and coastal dunesland and is one of the most beautiful yet rugged sites in France, if not Europe. Since 1904 it has been of prime importance to this gem of a seaside resort on the Opal Coast. It’s the home of three courses, led by the 18-hole La Mer, a links designed in 1931 by the legendary Harry Colt. Often ranked in the Top

‘LE TOUQUET’S LA MER IS A LINKS DESIGNED BY THE LEGENDARY COLT’ 100 courses of Europe, it has hosted the French Open on numerous occasions, the last winner there being Seve Ballesteros.

Its sister course – La Forêt – weaves through a stunning pine forest. You’re sheltered from the wind by the tall timber and it offers a very different game to La Mer, with accuracy with every club in your bag essential.

The nine-hole Manoir course, laid out in the dunes, is ideal for beginners or for a warm-up prior to tackling the two main attractions.

The Dunes and Pines courses at ➔ TODAYSG OLFER .CO.U K ❘ IS SU E 3 08

Wanna change your game? Better change your balls! Custom fit your ball today at www.srixon.co.uk

TOUR TIP

HOW TO PITCH IT CLOSE

Check your divots

What I like about this shot is the divot I’ve taken. It’s not too big and it’s not missing one. This shows my attack angle was downward, but not overly so.

Graeme McDowell shares the pitching tips that work for him ➔

ONE OF THE BIG MISTAKES

I see is people pitching with too much loft. They drive the shaft forwards with their 60-degree wedge and they try to make the ball go far enough by driving the ball forwards. This gets the hands too far ahead of the ball, which activates the leading edge and brings in the dreaded chunk because you get too “diggy” and stick the club in the ground.

So pick a conservative amount of loft, like 52 or 54 degrees. Set that loft at address and try and return the club to that same position at impact without driving or flipping the clubhead over. Stay over the ball with your chest.

Play the shot with as little wrist break as you can and use your body and arms.

Really feel like you lock in your wrists as much as possible and play the shot with body turn with a stiff-arm type of feel.

You don’t need to use your wrists to create loft. The loft on the club is designed to pop the ball up in the air.

Ultimately, it all comes down to practice. I’m typically trying to reduce the amount of spin I get with pitches because I don’t want my ball checking up too much. Keeping the hands and arms quiet will produce a flatter flight with less spin. Spin is cool and sexy and looks great on TV, but it’s very difficult to do in certain situations and amateurs have to remember that the greens we’re playing on are very fast and slopey so any amount of backspin is exaggerated. So don’t be sucked in by what you see on TV – spend your time on learning how to hit basic, simple pitch shots well. Here, I will share some of my basics.

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Graeme’s wedge specs

PW: Cleveland CG16; 48° bent to 46°, Project X flighted 6.5 shaft, 35 5/8in GW: Cleveland 588; 51°, Project X 6.5 flighted shaft, 35 1/4 in LW: Cleveland 588 RTX Blade; 58°, KBS shaft, 35in

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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1. NEUTRAL SET-UP I like to have the shaft with perhaps a light bit of lean, but very close to vertical. A pitch is hit from a fairly normal setup with a slightly narrower stance. Generally, the position and distance of the ball remains similar to a full shot.

If the lie is particularly tight, like it is here, I’ll open the clubface a little to introduce more bounce to the shot.

2. DISTANCE CONTROL You should vary distance by varying your arm swing. The common mistake is swinging the club too long and then decelerating into the impact area. I work on a clockface for the backswing. Go to the range and see how far you hit at 7, 8, 9 and 10 O’clock. You don’t need to change the speed of your arm swing and the rhythm.

3. USE THE BOUNCE Bounce is very important.

Your bounce has to match up to your technique. I’m a drivey, front-edgey kind of guy because I grew up on links turf and that was all about getting the ball forwards, low. When the turf is very firm you don’t need much bounce. But when the turf is very soft you need a lot of bounce to stop the front edge digging.

4. RETURN THE SHAFT From a vertical shaft at setup, the goal is to return that shaft to vertical at impact.

This ensures we present the bounce to the ball and adopt a shallow angle of attack. If the shaft leans forward too much at impact the attack angle gets too steep. If the shaft leans back, the clubhead is likely to be rising as it strikes the ball, causing thin shots.

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