The hastily arranged format of a morning shot-gun start last Saturday really paid dividends for Howard Greenwood and Michael Cooke who were in 3 balls originally but we managed to turn four three balls into three fourballs. Howard and Michael took full advantage scoring 44 points to romp to victory by three shots from Dave Robinson and Mike Cooper and Philip Murtagh and Bill Dales.

Philip Murtagh is the focus of this week's lesson improvement. Philip came last winter and obviously had a very successful year which anyone who was at the annual dinner can testify having seen him collect numerous trophies. So last year we worked on trying to get a better turn and position behind the ball, which would not only strengthen the position at the top but also create more power. I think you can see from the picture that the bottom picture that Philip has really achieved this position.

We had to reinforce this during the first few sessions this winter and then worked on trying to get a stronger impact position to improve distance. Although still work in progress - again you can see the improvement clearly. 

               

Well done Philip on the improvement so far and I'm sure the trophies will keep coming if you continue this improvement.

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The Captain and I are closing off our Captain and Pro Challenges on Sunday with a 9am shot gun Stableford. Here is the tee draw for all those playing.

1a Captain & Pro                           S Laws & R Cooper 
1 Vice-Captain & M E Craven      I Esplin & M E Tomlinson 
2 D A Ellis & R N Brown               A Garnett & S R Johnson
2a T P Kirwin & J F Rhodes          R Jackson & T Flannery
17 R Fisher & R A Blackburn        J R Bruce & J D Flint
18a P A Wilson & E Pegrum          R Westmoreland & A J Helm
18 N A Preston & K Annal            M Allison & D McCartney

The greenkeepers have been really busy along with one of Geoff Mortimer's men re-ditching down the side of the practice ground to improve the drainage through under the footpath and out down the fourth hole. I'm sure it is going to make a huge difference ass there is a steady flow though already. 

  

The pipe has been added under the bridge on the pathway. (see picture left)

The top end of the practice ground looking towards the first should mean the water gets off the 1st and 18th better. (see picture centre)

All along the footpath to the left of the practice ground approximately 500 yards has been cleared and can only help with the drainage of the practice ground. (see picture right)

Whilst on course matters can I just remind everybody that the 14th bunker in front of the green is mandatory GUR you have to take relief, and please use the paths when provided - it does save your course and will mean that we won't have to have as many trolley and buggy bans.

Pro Shop Christmas Draw Now Open!

Don't miss out on the chance to enter our Christmas draw which is now available in the shop. All monies taken will be returned as cash prizes, you need to be in it to win it! Tickets are £2.00 per square, £5 for 3 squares, £10 for 8 squares or £20 for 20 squares.

The new SkyCaddie Touch is in stock ready for Christmas. It provides SkyCaddie's TrueGround mapping meaning it is accuracy you can trust. It comes preloaded with 35,000 worldwide Courses is glove friendly and has HD Graphics - it is truly the best GPS money can buy. If you would like to trial one please contact me and you can take my demo out on the course.

Two fitting this week for members with the new Callaway Big Bertha irons - I am always a bit sceptical when the companies come out with these super yardage gains until I have actually seen it with my own eyes. Both members saw at least a 10 yard gain over their current clubs with both also commenting a better feel. Distance and feel not normally two words that go together in golf. They are certainly going to be popular this next year, as will the whole new Callaway range that I saw this week. I have to sign an embargo that I won't tell you what the product is called etc etc. I am pretty sure I can tell you that with their new ball and their new clubs your current clubs will not hit the ball anywhere near as far. As soon as I have the demos in the studio I will be throwing the gauntlet down that I can definitely get you hitting it 10 yards further. Watch this space. For now check out the Big Bertha iron video further on in the newsletter.

3rd Winter Competition this Saturday let's hope we don't get the Saturday curse and this cold snap continues. Enjoy your golf.