Hi everyone

What a bone-chillingly freezing week it has been. There have been a few accidents on the course this week, so please take care. Ensure you have metal spikes in your shoes and avoid slippery paths where possible. No more casualties please!

This week we had some nice news. I would love to tell you about this but I am currently sworn to secrecy. It's very annoying to not be able to share our news, but England Golf have asked us not to.....so not another word on this subject will pass my lips! All will be revealed in time......(cliffhanger!)

We have organised yet another of our Get Into Golf days this July on the 25th. This time I wanted to go to the seaside, but unfortunately a trip to the Bahamas was unaffordable (and as I am a no flight zone, I don't think you can drive to the Bahamas!), so we have settled on tropical Portishead instead woooooo hoooooooo! So you will see us, the giant net, the Huxley putting mat, the xtreme and Tri golf kit and the velcro target at the Lake Grounds in July. I can't believe this will be the last thing we do for Get Into Golf under our current county development contract, which expires in July. Where has the year gone since we signed a one year contract to get people trying the sport?! I really hope we are selected again for 2015-16 as we love helping people and the days on the road are always great fun.

Luke Fraser has started his regular Thursday and Sunday coaching clinics, so if you would like to join in one of the sessions, or as many as you want, do call us and book, or click here to get in touch if you are interested.. This is a really awesome way to get a group of friends together and benefit from quality coaching for a brilliant price. Give us a call or pop in for more details.

Andy McG is currently working hard with me on the project I can't tell you about yet (sorry, I know that's really annoying!) and we look forward to spilling the beans soon. We are also looking to sponsor his gym clothing, and he will look smart as a little button in his newly created Paul Mitchell Golf Academy and TPI crested gym wear.

Kris is working very hard towards his assignments and PGA work, but he is also playing in the Gloucester & Somerset PGA medals on Wednesday's from next week. He is a nice little golfer so I wouldn't be surprised to see some great results from him. He's also going into some primary schools on a Tri Golf recruitment drive, so I know the group will be successful with him driving it forward.

These boys work so hard, doing all the demands of a nearly full time job, a golf foundation degree, a playing schedule and all the extra inclusive and school work I ask of them. I work hard and I expect them to work hard and they don't let me down, so well done guys.

We finished our six coaching sessions with Kingsweston special school on the 22nd January, and we commence our work in Ravenswood and Baytree special schools next month. Can't wait!

The bath of beans challenge is bubbling along nicely - over £200 pledged now! Wow! If you would like to sponsor me, please click here or you can donate in the pro shop. My money giving page address is uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CarenJasmineMitchell. I have decided on a paddling pool instead of a bath (not sure how portable a bath would be!) and I have cheekily emailed Heinz to ask if they want to chuck some beans my way for free! I have also decided on a wetsuit, as I think ordinary clothes may get ruined and Paul won't thank me if my uniform becomes Satsuma! I am going to sit by the first tee so feel free to chat to me before you play! Not sure how I am going to get from the paddling pool to the clubhouse, and I do worry about bean related accidents, but where there's a will there's a way.

This week I asked Kris to use his fantastic teaching capabilities to write me an awesome instructional for you all, so over to my lovely little Kris!

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE FLOP SHOP

1. Firstly take your stance slightly wider than normal - this ensures stability and balance to help execute the shot.

2. Ball position
Keep the ball fairly central or just ahead of your centre of stance - too far forward creates a shallower impact position - runs risk of catching the ball to clean, potentially thinning/blading the shot. Too far back steepens the swing at impact - runs risk of catching the ball too heavy, potentially fatting the shot.

3. Open the clubface & stance
Next, open the face roughly 45 degrees to the target (this adds loft to the clubface helping the ball get airborne quicker) Now the clubface will be pointing right of target - to allow for this, aim your shoulders and feet roughly 45 degrees left (this then squares the clubface to the target so the ball will start in the right direction)

   

4. Hand Position
Normally when using an iron you need your hands ahead of the ball at address. However, for this shot it is vital you keep your hands level or just behind the ball at address. This prevents de-lofting the club which will therefore prevent the ball getting air born and landing softly.

 

 

     

5. Executing the shot
Finally, swing the club back and through along the line or your shoulders and feet. This well help you maintain your starting position through the ball at impact where the clubface has the best chance to slide under the ball and pop it up into the air towards the target.

The long awaited January Stableford took place on the 24th. It was as cold as an ice cube out there but at least it had been dry and we had a full course, no temps for the battle!

Winning division one was Ian James with 39 points. Division two Victor was Alex Hume with 43 points. Well played you guys!

Division 1
1st - Ian James - 39 pts
2nd - Mark Walker - 37 pts
3rd - Mike Blake - 37 pts

Division 2
1st - Alex Hume - 43 pts
2nd - Rob Bowers - 40 pts
3rd - Bobby Hearne - 38 pts

Fabulous golf guys, well done.

I would also like to do my thank yous for this week - to Mrs Mann for another delicious cake, we are so lucky, thank you!.

I would also like to thank Mary Webley for her delicious ratatouille recipe. I am not a dab hand at the slow cooker, but with lovely Mary's help I may be able to salvage something! Mary I am going to make it at the weekend so I shall report back next week.

I would also like to thank Rose and Gerry for my delicious chocs - you shouldn't have but they are Yum! I am so glad your bring and buy sale went well.

Lastly thanks to Annette who brought me some delicious chocs and some fab hats. We love them!

Have a great week my pretties

C, P, A, K and L