Hi everyone,

Pro's news is going to be slightly different for this week and next, the main reason being that the Assistants are taking over so please let Gareth know how I do this week and how Jordan's efforts fair next week. Hopefully we can at least live up to the normal standards.

We've had another busy week in the shop with the fantastic weather bringing everyone out in their droves to enjoy the golf course, which is getting better and better every day now that the season is underway and it looks like the good weather is set to stay for a little while longer.

On Wednesday, we welcomed the parents from Hamburg-Holm Golf Club to St Nicholas as they were visiting the course ahead of their juniors visiting later this year. They were greeted by Gareth and other members of the club with a fantastic dinner prepared by Grant and his team, even the haggis went down well! 

The following two days involved team matches between the members of Holm and St Nicholas with the course playing exceptionally difficult in the dry conditions with very high winds which the Germans had never experienced before. 

All the pairs had fantastic games together, Jordan and myself had to play in individual games against the Ice Man of the German team Michael, I personally played well with a 5&4 win but the Ice Man put in a fantastic performance in the second day to beat Jordan 2&1, just shows what a bit of course knowledge can do for you. These matches were followed by a fantastic night out with some exceptional food at the Newmarket where St Nicholas raised the trophy and where too much drink was consumed.

 

Saturday was a day for fun (or a day of suffering from the night before) with another excellent day's golf at Dundonald Links. The junior section was well represented by Dylan Cairns in which he shot a gross 97 nett 78 which put my golf to shame. Gareth also had a great score in only his second round in 5 months returning a 2 over par, if that doesn't show you that he knows what he's talking about I don't know what will.

The Germans left us on Sunday with nothing but praise for the condition of our golf course, which they all said they enjoyed much more than Dundonald, and they are all looking forward to bringing their kids here later in the year.

Have a great week everyone and I hope to see you all out enjoying the great weather on the course.

Mark.


 

This week I had Ian in for a lesson where we worked on extension of the arms through the hitting area and maintain his height through the swing. In the picture with the arrow pointing down you can see the left arm giving way as well as his height whilst attacking the golf ball. 

 

I got Ian to stand on the bench at the practise area and make a few swings to feel his left arm straightening when making a swing. This you can see in the picture with the upward facing arrow.

Extension of the arms is key in ball striking consistency, direction and power. Next time you're practising at the practise area stand on the bench and make a few swings. Make sure you maintain your balance though. You may however get a few strange looks by fellow members playing the course.


Golf lesson vouchers are great gifts for all occasions and are not restricted to members of the golf club, so if you have a friend who is a member at another club but would like to treat them to a golf lesson, pop in and see us. Golf lesson prices are as follows: 

- £25 for a 45-minute lesson 
- Buy a block, buy 5 lessons and get one  FREE -  £125 for 6 x 45minute lessons 
- 9-hole playing lesson £50  
- Launch monitor lesson on FlightScope £35 for 45-minutes

Click here to book a lesson.


 

Wednesdays Hourston Trophy was won by new member Martin Hilley with a nett 67, congratulations you must be getting the hang of the course already.

Saturday's May Medal saw Paul Bryan win in division 1 shooting a fantastic 76 with 12 pars to beat David Gerrish on count back. Ian Swift was the division 2 winner after beating Ian Angus by 2 shots.


 

This week saw the first week of medal play after the 18 hole winter order of merit officially coming to an end. The points have all been calculated and the winner confirmed but everyone will need to wait and see who won the 5-month long race to be the first order of merit winner. Didn't these boys start off their medal play with some fantastic scores, Patrick Smiley was this week's winner with an incredibly low score of nett 57, which just shows that our junior section is well and truly taking off.


 

Q. Stephen, a new member to the club was playing in his first medal. On the first tee he made a stroke at the ball but missed it. He addressed the ball again and accidentally knocked it off the tee. What's the ruling?

Find out what the answer is in next week's newsletter.

Did you get the answer to last week's rule? 

Q. Gordon and Bob are playing a Jubilee Bowl Tie. On the 2nd hole Bob used a wooden tee to mark the position of his ball on the green. When Gordon played his chip shot onto the green it was deflected by Bob tee. What's the ruling?

Answer: 
A. There is no penalty and Gordon needs to play his next shot as it lies. Gordon should have requested Bob to move the tee to the side or substitute the tee for a smaller marker. Rule 20-1. Decision- 20-1/17.


 

Under Armour is the fastest growing brand in sport with its stylish clothing and accessory ranges that are packed full of innovative technologies. 

The 2017 range is now available in store with new logo'd options now available along with a fantastic selection of ladies clothing.

Pop in and see if Under Armour's performance packed clothing can make its way into you style selection.


 

This week's special offer is for the most essential piece of equipment you use in a round, the piece of equipment that you can't play golf without, the golf ball. In store, we have a selection of the leading balls and the more you buy the cheaper they get.

Why don't you play a better ball with Srixon Z Stars which are £65 per double dozen?

Or what about the ball that changed the ball? Callaway Chrome Soft which are £55 per double dozen.

We have one of the best ranges of golf balls so come in and grab yourself a bargain to help you perform on every shot.