All excitement in the shop as all the new kit starts arriving - this will no doubt be tempered when the bills need paying! New this week is the Callaway XR16 drivers and fairway woods, along with the XR oversize irons. The XR irons were without doubt the best irons of 2015 and I'm sure the OS model will be even more beneficial for the higher handicapper.

On the face of it, the changes to the XR 16 driver don't visually look like much, but having seen behind the scenes the lengths that Callaway has gone to improve the XR 16, then I would have to say that it is a more complete driver than before. They have worked with Boeing (yes the airplane people) with both parties gaining in different ways from the liaison. What Callaway took away was learning how to manipulate air flow over an object to alter the amount of air friction. Boeing had researched this for their planes and use dots along the front of the wings to break up the airflow to reduce drag and make their planes more fuel efficient. What they learnt from Boeing was an insight into the airflow over their head, which was almost the opposite to that of an aerodynamic wing because they need to keep the air flow attached to the head for longer before it disperses. The result is the XR 16 driver that has a 30% lower head drag and a 10% lower face drag than the original XR driver, and you've guessed it the ball goes further! But even though you trust Boeing whenever you get in one of their planes that they know what they are talking about, don't take their word for it come along and book an appointment to try it for yourself - if it's not faster than your own driver then Boeing are offering two free round the world tickets - OK that's a lie but I'm pretty sure it will be!!

Teachers Pet of the Week

This week goes to Sue Whitten - Sue had been struggling with her golf, the main reason being down to Sue trying to adapt her swing around a badly injured left shoulder. This caused Sue to be trying to lift the club up using too much body. Weeks of stretching and exercises (and consultation with Moortown's sports physio Stephen Kirk) has really produced a much more repeatable swing with with a greatly improved angle of attack into the ball resulting in much more consistent strikes. 

The hardest thing has been convincing Sue that she only has to swing to her limitations, and that all the other movement was a waste of time. The stability at the top of her backswing now and her centre of gravity over the ball has greatly improved.

Saturday's Competition

Weather permitting the course will be open on Saturday and due to the drainage work (see here) the 666 competition will become a 466 competition (1 score to count on the first 4 holes, 2 scores to count on the next six holes and 3 scores to count on the last 6 holes) I am trying the CONGU recommendations of 90% handicap allowance so we'll see if it makes a difference to the leaderboard.

From The Green Chairman

In case you missed the Greens update newsletter this week After last week's work to improve the 14th boundary and ditch infrastructure, this week the team have turned their attentions to the 5th hole.

Over the last few days work has been undertaken to regrade the lateral ditch that separates the 5th and 6th holes. This ditch is one of the main carriers of water on the course, so by removing the built up silt and re-grading the ditch we will increase the flow of water away from the clubhouse end of the course. The work will also improve the definition of the hazard making rulings easier for golfers.

To complete the work there has been selective tree removal to allow for machine access to the ditch, this work will also allow space and light for the previously planted pines to establish themselves and prosper.

Whilst completing this work a new section of pathway has been constructed to the rear of the 8th blue tee. At this point the two old bridges are to be reconstructed so that buggies and machinery can cross safely. In the long term this will enable us to remove the path that runs close to the 9th hole providing a safer and more direct route between the 7th green and 8th tees.

Jim Tennant - Green Chairman

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