Looking to change your putter?

It really surprises me how long people tend to keep their putters, but I guess feeling comfortable and confident on the greens is more important than the latest gizmos and gadgets. If I were to tell you that keeping up with modern technology would help you aim the putter correctly, have a much better judgement of distance and a more consistent roll on the ball, would you then be interested in upgrading?

We tend to be put off by the price of some of the top of the range putters on sale today, but we shouldn't. On average we will use a putter 30-40 times a round and a driver 12-18 times a round. It doesn't make sense that we don't mind spending £200-£300 on a driver but for the most important club in our bag, the putter, we think it's way too expensive.

Of course putters come at all different price ranges, but I tend to stock the best putters in my shop as many years of trial and research has revolutionised their design and components. Simply speaking, they perform better.

I currently stock PING, TaylorMade and Scotty Cameron putters which we take great care to fit to our customers' putting strokes. Custom fitting has not only become a necessity when purchasing irons or woods, but also with putters, and we use video technology to identify differing types of putting strokes.

I recently fitted club member, Nick Chapple, with a new putter and the difference it has made, knowing that he has a fitted putter, has given Nick much more confidence. We looked at the correct length to suit his posture and position of the hands at address and the lie angle of the putter head. This needs to sit flat to the ground to ensure a good contact from the sweet spot and correct starting direction of the golf ball. You would be surprised how many players do not even realise their putter sits incorrectly at address, causing many missed putts, particularly from short range.

We currently have a special offer on selected TaylorMade putters. Come and get fitted to receive not only a FREE fitting but a 25% discount and a FREE TaylorMade Leather Glove. This Offer ends on 1st December 2014

Woody Update

Chris Wood's sprained wrist is slowly on the mend and he is intending to start hitting balls towards the end of the week, in an attempt to be fit to play in Turkey the week after next. He is spending a couple of days with the England Elite Squad at Formby Hall at the weekend which should give him some competitive short game practice to ease him back into making full swings and hitting balls. Not quite the end to the season that Chris wanted, but accidents happen and can never come at a good time.

Exciting News!

I have just had delivery of what I believe, to be the best ever driver and fairways woods ever made. Titleist have been renowned over the years as being a good players' brand. Not now! The new line of 915 woods are quite simply awesome and will give all of the other brands a run for their money, especially when it comes to reducing spin and providing you with an extremely forgiving club face. I now have the whole fitting kit, so whatever you do, don't drive off to Celtic Manor or Hambrook to try it. We will give you a better fitting experience and also quote you a more competitive price. A custom fitting session using our Flightscope launch monitor costs just £30 and half of this fee is refunded to you if you wish to make a purchase.

Click here to find out more about the 915 range.

So now over to Caren (she can't even shut up for one newsletter!)

Hey up chucks!   

This week I had such a lovely little card in the post from a lady who has been coming to our disabled groups. Estelle had a serious stroke some years ago, which has left her with mobility difficulties and she also has very poor balance. She is nonetheless one of the most lovely and determined ladies in our group. She has handmade the thank you card for us and I was touched by the lovely comments. I hope she will rejoin our disabled groups for spring 2015, and we look forward to coaching her again.   

We had a much smaller group of five disabled attendees last weekend, but their abilities were also greater. They were also considerably younger, ranging from Kane who is under 14 up to Phil who is 28. It was a pleasure to see all of them getting the ball in the air, and we are going to use the chipping green with them next week, as they can walk and move much more easily. I am excited to see how they all get on!

Our Spooktacular SALE has started, with 10% OFF all clothing in stock in the shop (not on special orders, sorry). We are also having a major price reduction on all our golf shoes, with an eye popping (incidentally how do eyes pop? Do they make a noise? If eyes pop in the middle of a forest, do they actually pop?) 25% (yes I did say 25%!!!) OFF all styles. Woweeeeee! Again this only applies to styles and sizes in stock, but we have lots of choices and sizes so there should be something for everyone.

Speak to you next week my pretties, and happy halloween!

Caren x

So now we move on to the final part of the newsletter, which is an instructional by Luke!

Hi everyone,

In the last few weeks I have been concentrating particularly on chipping. From the lessons I have given, I wanted to share with you three tips that will help your game.

A 'chip shot' is played from just off the green where it is not possible to putt.

Three tips that will help your chipping are:-

1. Grip down the club as demonstrated in picture 1. By doing this it will help you control the length of the swing and also the club head speed which will help control the distance of the shot.

   

2. In picture 2 you can see that I have leant into my left side. This is vital for chipping because it will give you the best chance of striking the ball correctly, will help with distance control and the direction of the shot.

3. From pictures 3 and 4 you can see that I have kept my left arm straight throughout the swing. This reduces the chance of the hands becoming active during the swing promoting a 'pendulum' action by keeping the top of the grip pointing towards my chest.

   

I hope you find this helpful, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to see me in the Pro Shop.

Thanks,

Luke

So have a brilliant week and see you next Wednesday!

Paul, Caren, Luke, Andy & Kris