We hope you're well.

As the week has progressed, I’ve sensed growing relief, as signs of the kind of life that we once knew starts to establish itself back into our lives. From the fear and swelling frustration of lockdown to the anxiety and in trepidation of a compulsory phased return to normality. Slowly and steadily we return to something of what we know.

The initially strange almost gloomy adjustment; to quieter roadways which had often become a means to courteously use to distance from fellow walkers. Careful trips to ‘essential‘ shops and the accompanying image of acrylic sneeze screens, protective gloves, masks, signage, floor arrows and forbidden cash transactions. Experiences were saddening and a constant reminder of an unwarranted change and imperative need to be safe during the COVID-19 bubble.

Alongside the uncertain psychological adjustment, the accompanying reintroduction of ‘retail’ took a leap of much-expected positivity back to normality. Not so much at the very start of this week but as the week progressed it appeared as if society had suddenly awoken. The domino effect of growing confidence to venture out and a newfound understanding of personal safety within our world is taking fold. The ‘old‘ sense of positivity and continued belief is returning.

Mid-May brought the reintroduction of the golf club to our days and a new crop of almost 50 new members. I have had the pleasure and pride to witnesses such joyful camaraderie and the welcoming encouragement of the new members. During such unprecedented times and member course exclusivity, membership categories have been conjoined and as expected, the feedback from everyone had been unsurprisingly positive. The overwhelming pride in membership has not only been a privilege and a blessing during this national crisis but a chance to enjoy the continual appreciation of the quality and historical beauty of B&C.

Back in the Pro Shop before lockdown, a normal working day was full of liaising and a juggle of endless chores. Upon our return, the introduction of various procedures has increased our workload twofold. Personally, it has been very rewarding to serve and help so many but the concern to ensure reply to requests in various forms of communication has been tiring. The current situation of three pairs of working hands has in previous years been as many as six. A number somewhere in the middle is exactly what is required and am mindful of my need to find a good new full-time member of staff.

Andy, Nick and I are all busy working the shop, coaching and club fitting. The time available and the momentum to improve, has seen our diaries flourish. The lockdown has encouraged the effective efficiency of online purchasing and since I have noticed the return of a perception that money can be saved buying golf equipment online. End of line or generally unpopular products are understandably priced to entice and difficult for me to get hold of. New supplier models are easily obtainable along with the service of a bespoke custom fit. Please feel free to ask me to price match, as online prices can often be high across the board and easily flexible for me to save you money.

This weekend marks both the longest day of the year and Father’s Day. So, if there’s anything golf-related that you want or if you need to buy a last-minute gift before Sunday, we are here to help.

In the meantime, enjoy this week’s newsletter as we ask you a simple question about your game, we take a look at one of our favourite iron ranges, and we serve up yet another brilliant video of the week.