Nick's top tip of the week

Knowing Your Yardages

I hear a lot of people saying I'm not good enough for a distance measuring device but that is not true! They are designed for all abilities and are very easy to use and can certainly give you the upper hand in your fourball.

Let's say we have two golfers 100 yards to the pin both similar in playing ability. One has a measuring device he takes one look knows his yardage so knows what club to hit there is no doubt in his mind. The other player is trying to pace out how far he has left from the 150 yard marker. He then gets distracted from his playing partners playing shots and forgets to take a few steps. He then Scratches his head and goes yeah it's around 120 yards so already there's doubt and confusion, which causes a lack of commitment through the golf ball. This consequently causes a poor shot to be hit.

This small demonstration above is just one example of how knowing your yardages gives you the best opportunity to get the greatest result possible.

Therefore by having a measuring device there is no more guess work!

I would recommend looking at the Bushnell range there are two types. The GPS Watch Range which gives you front middle and back of green yardages. Or The Laser Models which provides you with the exact yardage to the flag.

Bushnell Watch

-  Pre-loaded with 33,000+ courses in more than 30 countries 
- Long Battery Life - over 3 rounds between charges 
- Auto Course Recognition and Auto Hole Advance 
- Easy-to-read Front/Centre/Back Distances 
- Hazard/Layup Distances (up to 4 per hole) 
- Comfortable Sports Band " Round Odometer 
- Shot Distance Calculator
- No Membership or Download Fees
- The Black Model features a Reverse Display for easy readability in bright sunlight

 Bushnell Tour Laser 

- PinSeeker Technology with JOLT Technology to zero-in on the flag 
-  Accuracy within 1-yard 
- 5 yards - 1,000 yards ranging performance. 300+ yards to a flag 
- 5x Magnification 
- Ergonomic design provides a stable grip 
- Posi-Thread™ Battery Door 
- 3-Volt Battery and Premium Carry Case included 
- Rainproof Construction

Sam's top tip of the week

Distance Drill 

A great drill that I often use is to help my distance and pace judgment is to hit some putts from long range, looking at the hole throughout the stroke. By concentrating on the target and not the ball you should start to develop a more natural, instinctive feel for how hard to swing. Use this before going out play and your pace control, which is crucial, will be spot on.

    

 Eyes Shut Drill 

A great drill that gives you a feel both for the greens and your stroke is to hit some putts with your eyes shut. With your eyes closed you'll become acutely aware of how your arms and body are working during the stroke. You'll notice if your body is moving unnecessarily and you should be able to find a more solid stroke. Also, by putting to a target with your eyes shut you'll gain a more acute feel for the pace of the greens. This is another drill that's great to use before going out to play in competition. 

Pressure-Proof You're Putting 

Developing a pre-shot routine is essential for anyone who wants to make a good score under pressure. In practice, when the pressure is off, take time to groove the routine. I like to line the ball up with the hole, I then set my address position and make two practice swings. I take one last look at the hole before pulling the trigger. This simple, pre-shot routine will help you switch into autopilot as the pressure mounts.

   

Recreating Pressure 

Adding a bit of pressure to your practice routine will prepare you well for a competition. I place four tees in a line on the green - 3, 6, 9 and 12ft from the hole. Hit three balls from each position, starting 3ft away and working back to 12ft. The idea is to hole 12 putts consecutively, three from each position so if at any stage you miss go back to 3ft and start again. As you move away from the hole, making the putt gets harder. To succeed and finish the game, you'll need to hold your nerve and make consistently solid strokes under mounting pressure.

If you have any questions regarding the tips mentioned above please contact us by clicking here.



The Golf Team would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the 2015 Club Captains:

Andy Horne (Mens) 
Stuart Mudie (Seniors) 
Jane Wheeler (Ladies) 

We wish you all the best for your captaincy this year.



Special Offer this February

£15 for a 30 minute lesson with Richard Tidy 

To book call 01508 473 897 and quote coach15.