Sky TV coverage.

Is it live or not? that is the question. I've watched alot of the coverage throughout this year and at times the live scoring on the internet is way ahead of the coverage. Even though Sky say that it is live. Nearly every competition on Sky is behind, why is this? I have had it out with Sky and they always come off with the same old, blaming everyone else but I never get a straight answer. I know they cant show ever shot live but if it's a recoring of what has already happened a few hours before, then why don't they tell us.

Any thoughts?

Powakaddy cart bags.

I love the powakaddy cart bag's. I think they are amazing bags. I've had 4 over the years. Unfortunately I wont be buying a new one this time. Nothing major, just 1 little thing missing. An Umberalla holder, OK not really true. For some strange reason Powakaddy thought that everyone liked to put a wet umberalla into the bag along with their club's. Not me and I'm sure I'm not alone. OK so the umberalla holder in the bag may well keep the rain from getting onto the grips of clubs, but my problem is that (to me anyway) an umberalla sticking out of a bag where the driver should/could go looks stupid. I have emailed Powakaddy about this and they took it on board. I hope they bring back the option of the outside holder, after all, all it is are a strap and a bit of leather with a hole in it. There are lots of other good makes of cart bags and carry bags out there with outside of bag umberalla holders.
Come on Powakaddy give us back our umberalla holder.

The Grove
A great golf course in top condition, nothing new there I hear you say.....However what you also get is great service from the staff and this added value makes for a day you will remember for a long time. In these hard financial times for many, you do get value for money at the Grove, and now is a good time to play as they have some good winter offers. All aspects of the course are in top condition, quick greens can catch you out, but beware of the rough.....its Open standard!!

Derek

"Dream On" by John Richardson is a true story about a man, who, with a wife and a young daughter, and a full time job, sets himself a task to go from shooting 100+ rounds of golf to shooting a level par round of golf within 1 year , the only condition of the task being, that at the end of the year, he must still have a job, and still be married !!!!

For every golfer it's a great read, but specifically for the mid to high handicapper its a fascinating read, as along the way you relate so easily to Richardson as his golf goes from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again on so many occasions. The book takes you though the numerous rounds at Blackwood Golf Centre in Bangor, County Down, where he plays most of his golf, as well as all lessons, gismo's, gadgets, videos, magazines, and mind tricks Richardson uses (or attempts to use) to try and complete his quest.

Deep down as the reader, and avid golfer your hoping for that eureka moment where he tells you "the secret" of how to smash your handicap in such a short space of time. Does it come? Well, I’m not going to say, nor will I tell you if he achieves that level par round or not. What I will say is that you will be willing him on to do so it as you read the book,

Incidently,,,,,,,,,,"Dream On" is what Sam Torrance said when Richardson's friend ask him if he thought he could accomplish the challenge.

RULES QUIZ
The monthly rules quiz in Golf Monthly is more than a quiz.It gets you thinking and reaching for the rule book.We all have lots to learn, from the high handicap new player to the top pros. I am sometimes surprised at the lack of basic golf rules knowledge of golfers, and perhaps this is the fault of golf clubs. I think every new club member should be given a copy of the rules dvd, and then the new members invited to a club night rules quiz, to test their new knowledge and meet existing members. To know the rules can save you shots.
A rules quiz can be fun if delivered in the right way and perhaps the R&A should encourage clubs to run a quiz each year and perhaps the R&A could supply a rules toolkit via the internet for clubs to use.
Golf monthly does its bit with 3 questions each month, if readers want more perhaps the mag could develop this further,
The R&A does have a quiz section on its web page which is good but maybe it needs to be developed to make if more fun in someway and something that juniors would find interseting.

Rescue Clubs Vs Standard woods. Have just purchased a 25 Degree TaylorMade rescue and I'm converted - it sits neatly alongside my 21 degree Standard TaylorMade wood and is far easier to hit than a 4 iron

From 175 - 185 yards out im confident in getting it close.

I have played two local courses in the past week and my hat goes off to both the Aldwickbury Park and Mill Green, Green keepers for ensuring they were in such good condition considering the terrible weather.

GREAT MAGAZINE

V-Easy

It is often said that the greatest inventions are usually the simplest. The V-Easy is a new and innovative training aid designed by PGA Professional and regular GM forum contributor Bob McArthur. It has three uses and is designed to be used as an alignment aid, and to help both chipping and putting.

To use it as an alignment aid it is simply put on the floor and the legs opened up to form a triangle. There are coloured marks down the side of each leg and two dots at the apex. If the dots are aimed at the target the user and then step inside the triangle and line their feet up against the marks confident that they are aiming correctly.

However it is as a training aid that Bob has had his eureka moment. A common problem for many poor chippers is excessive wrist action and a desire to try and scoop or help the ball. By placing the two legs under the arms and resting a wedge on the hinge, the V-Easy sits perfectly on top of the hands and provides instantaneous feedback if a player breaks the wrist down. WIth practice the user will get the feel for setting the wrists and will make more solid and consistant contact with the ball

As a putting aid the principle is similar. The putter is placed on the hinge and with the hands resting on the legs it encourages the correct rocking motion with the putter through the line and takes out the urge to make a wristy and inconsistant stroke.

This training aid has already made a significant difference to my chipping and putting. It's distributed by Yes and retails at £19.99 and in my opinion is great value for money. In these dark and wet winter days why not invest in one and groove a solid and reliable chipping and putting stroke for the warmer months ahead.

Bettinardi Black Carbon Putter

the Black Carbons look very nice and perform well. The black, white, and yellow make these putters look really sharp. For those who prefer the soft feel of an insert, the Black Carbon gives you that in a one-piece milled putter. Hopefully as these become more popular there will be some additional models or at least the ability to get different neck configurations for each model.

Bob Bettinardi wanted to create a feel that he described as "buttery" without having to use an insert. I can't think of word that better describes the feeling when the ball rolls off the F.I.T. Face. It's a nice, soft feeling. It takes a little getting used to, what with all the firm golf balls we use these days and the feel we've grown accustomed to, but it's worth the effort. I'd definitely recommend them.

I have recently bought a new pair of Footjoy Dryjoys and I must say they are the most comfortable golf shoe I have ever worn. The first pair of golf shoes I had were Footjoy Greenjoys which I hated (you get what you pay for) and this experience put me off Footjoy. Since then I have worn Adidas and Hi Tec but decided recently to try Footjoy again, afer all if they are the best selling show they must be ok. From their very first round I must say they have been as good a shoe as you could wish, offering excellent comfort, stability and waterproofness. A super buy!

Ping Rapture V2 4 Wood - Review

Strengths:
Great loft allowing versatility
Radiant, confidence inspiring design
Vivid shaft, which accompanies the club’s colour scheme

Weaknesses:
Unfamiliar grip, which does not perform too well in wet conditions

I’ve been using the Ping Rapture V2 4 wood for just under a month now and so far I have to admit that I have been very impressed. In the past I have had a low opinion of Ping products and been fairly pessimistic of Ping in general; my preconception was that they tailored clubs to better ball strikers with low handicaps, however since using the club my feelings have altered dramatically.
On first impressions the Rapture looks tremendous, a sleek head design, which sits well behind the ball. The head is sufficiently large to inspire confidence, but not overshadow the ball. The crown features an alignment aid which does exactly what it says on the tin. The clubs comes as standard with the Ping TFC 939F Shaft in luminous green which looks great in the bag, but sadly does easily mark and is fitted with the NTS grip.

The clubhead has the included technology of multi-metal, which provides explosive force off the face, this is backed up by the by a tungsten sole plate constituting for 34% of the heads mass. This increases the centre of gravity, and produces a higher launch angle with lower spin allowing for more forgiveness. The 4 wood has the same length shaft as the 3 wood so allows the same swing speed to be achieved meaning powerful, consistent shots.

I have been loving the 4 wood as it’s powerful, robust but versatile. Although the increased loft does mean a higher trajectory, this does not reduce any power or distance. Also I’ve found the club to be equally as easy to use from the tee, fairway or rough.

Overall I can’t recommend this club enough, it is brilliant, and would be a great addition to any golfer’s artillery!

GM reviews each month of the latest gear on offer is a must read before you go out and buy. Reviews are fair and well balanced. They are a great help before your readers part with their cash. I also like the comments and feedback from readers who have tested the equipment. Please keep this section in the mag and if possible, more of it.
Derek

Great news! US PGA Golf is back on Sky TV from next year. So we can all again relax and settle down to watch on Saturday and Sunday night, and keep an eye on our Euro stars who play in the states. Lets hope there are not too many play-offs, and we can all get to bed at a reasonable hour.
Derek

what type of ball is best to play in wintry conditions- 2, 3 or 4 piece with a 90 mph swing speed?

Odyssey Black Series-i # 7 Putter Review

Strengths:
Easy alignment
Great looking when behind the ball

Weaknesses:
Terrible headcover

I've been playing the Odyssey Black Series-i # 7 Putter for 3 months now and thus far I have been very impressed, however most of these rounds have been played on winter greens, so the results could be unrepresentative.

The putter has an unusual design, which could be classified as an elongated divot tool! Personally I like the unusual head-shape, especially as it acts as a weight distributor and a decent ball scoop. These tungsten steel fangs lower the centre of gravity and produce a higher MOI which keeps the putter stable on impact. The face is equipped with a tour insert which adds feel and should boost performance.

I have been pleased with the roll produced; it seems to be pure and not bobbly like some other putters. Although this putter doesn't have the roll of a Yes! C Groove, it still is by no means poor at what it does. Personally I think putters are all about individual choice. I have found the club to produce optimal results, and the same feel off the face every shot.

Overall I'm pleased, apart from the dodgy headcover and for some reason the inside is made out of wool, which gets caked in mud!

i really think the whole tiger woods case has been blown out of proportion

I used to have a 3 and 5 wood combination in my bag. Both Titleists and I was reasonably comfortable hitting them. On the rare accasion I really middled the 3 wood it was almost as long as any driver I've hit. But most of the time there was really very little difference between the clubs on average hits.
So I "benched" the 3 and 5 and got hold of a Cleveland Launcher 4 wood. 17 degrees of loft and a regular flex Fujikura Flightspeed Gold shaft. This shaft is tip-active giving a lift to the shot.
I can honestly say that I have never hit a fairway wood so well. I've tried most of them but this is head and shoulders above them all. It has a fairly large head but that doesn't stop it picking the ball up cleanly from all lies except the real "rough" ones when you need a rescue or wedge. The flight is high but there doesn't seem to be any loss of distance as a result. And, perhaps most importantly of all, there is a consistency to the distance I can hit the ball - more or less the same every time, even from a slight miss-hit.
I get the feeling this club is going to stay in my bag for some time - and this from an habitual club changer!

Being new to the forum and reading all the comments on different subjects on line and in the magazine now is the time to say Tiger you are human and you made a mistake so now please can we watch golf touraments without the coverage being on him most of the time and see more of other good players .

On the subject of people commenting on slow play,what you must remember is that there are learners on the course who know the etiquette of the game but feel intimidated by fellow golfers pushing them though instead of giving words of encouragement. If this continues people will be put off playing and clubs will suffer.

I myself know that while i'm not a good player at the moment, but thouroughly enjoy the game, and getting out in all weathers, it does wind me up when i am waiting for people infront to play, golfers behind hit their ball in my way and make comments like "just get close and push them along". Surely the idea is not to go round in a world record pace.
Magazine brillant, can we please have instruction for lefty's.

Tour Tempo CD

What do Ernie Els, Tiger Woods and John Daly all have in common? The answer surprisingly is tempo and although all three have very different swings the one common attribute is the swing speed itself. Tour Tempo was devised by John Novesel Jr who noticed that all the great players had a 3:1 ratio in their swing irrespective of how fast they swung. Their down swing was three times quicker than the backswing.

What the Tour Tempo CD does is gives you this 3:1 ratio as a series of notes within a musical track. There are three distinct speeds ranging from the slowest 27/9, through, 24/8 to the quickest tempo which is 21/7. The idea is that you address the ball and on hearing the first distinctive note start the takeaway. The second note is the trigger to start the downswing and the third should be on impact with the ball.

So much for the theory. In reality it is actually much harder to achieve than it sounds especially if like me you have Jon Sargeant like musical timing. However it is worth persevering with as the results when they come are staggering. Suddenly it feels as if you have so much time going back in the swing (time for a cuppa) and that there is no need to jerk or force the club back. At the top of the swing, as the second note sounds you really feel yourself unwinding and then as the third note sounds and you swing through to a full finish the shot feels much easier and controlled. Unsurprisingly, less effort and better mechanics mean you'll strike the ball a lot better and maybe further too.

The CD and the instructional book that goes with it can be ordered from www.tourtempo.com. It won't be everyone's cup of tea but if you are struggling with timing and rhythm in your swing it may be a good investment. Download it onto your i-pod and give it a go down the range.

Go Kart Electric Trolley

Since its conception, The Go-Kart has strived to be just a little bit different from the other electric trolleys on the market. Whether its their slightly irreverent website which is humorous as well as informative, the trolley itself, manufactured as it is entirely from plastic or its after sales service which has raised the bar, not only in the golfing sector, the people at go-kart have begun to make real name for themselves.

The trolley itself is modern in design. Although it has caused marmite like reaction for its looks its thermoplastic polymers (toughened plastic to the layman) is durable, resilient and lightweight coming in at a staggeringly light 7.6kg. It folds like a master origami guru and fits into the boot of even the smallest car. It is a doddle to assemble and with the battery sliding neatly into place there are no connectors to come loose as it battles its way around even the toughest course.

The controls are ingeniously simple. There is an on/off switch and a roller to adjust the speed. What more could you want. It comes in a variety of colours and batteries can be ordered to co-ordinate with the colour of the frame. Charging is simple. Just put your battery on charge and leave it connected all the time you're not playing. The charger is a clever little chap operating automatically in three modes, it gives a fast and efficient charge, empathising beautifully with your battery and delivering exactly the right length of charge to make their life together a long and happy one.

However it is the after sales service that has perhaps really set Go-Kart apart and cultivated something of a cult following. It has been simply awesome from their 28 day no quibble return policy which lets you put the trolley through its paces and can then be returned (mud and all) with no arguments. My own trolley had a problem with battery power fading before the end of the round. One quick call and a replacement was sent out and delivered the next day and the damaged one collected. Others have even damaged their trolley (L plates required) and Go-Kart have collected it, left a replacement so the user wasn't without a trolley to use and then delivered the repaired one back. No questions asked.

If you are in the market for an electric trolley this Christmas you could do a lot worse than a new Go-Kart. It won't weigh down Santa's sled and you'll be the proud owner of an innovative, stylish and reliable chariot for your clubs

Rothesay Golf Club

Rothesay Golf Club is tucked away on the Island of Bute a 35 minute ferry crossing from Wemyss Bay. The golf course itself it a delightful affair with stunning views everywhere you look offering panoramic views up and down the Firth of Clyde, taking in the Cumbraes, Arran, and the distant hills of Argyll.

Resident professional, Jimmy Dougal will ensure a friendly welcome and a smart, comfortable little clubhouse will cater for your needs before and after golf.

The course is just under 5500 yards in length however dont let the lack of length fool you into believing that this will be a stroll in the park. Rothesay is a difficult track to post a score on with some extremely testing par 3's. None more so than the 4th, a 200 yard uphill par 3 played to a miniscule saucer green with steep slopes falling away on all sides. Par is an awesome score here!!! There are numerous other good holes including the par 5 16th which is a sweeping dogleg to a green that slopes away from you on approach.

The course offers a great mix of holes and its a pleasurable place to play as well as drink in the views. I would challenge anyone to find a course anywhere that has better views than those that are on offer at Rothesay Golf Club.

Anyone in the area whether passing by or living locally, organising an "away" day or just looking to try another course, do yourself a favour and give Rothesay a try, I'm quite sure you wont be disapointed.

Strengths:
Aesthetically pleasing, great design which looks amazing in any bag.
Grips which survive the wettest of conditions.
Irons provide optimal forgiveness but don't rob distance.

Weakness:
The shafts did go rusty, but TM were more than happy to swap them.

I've been playing the Taylormade r7 Irons (3-PW with regular T-Step 90g Steel Shafts) for just over 12 months now, and so far I have to say that I have been highly impressed.

The r7 iron's large head is engineered with an exceptionally deep cavity design that allows weight to be positioned strategically in order to move the CG low and well back in the clubhead. That makes the r7 iron super-easy to launch high and long. To promote accuracy, the r7 iron features moderate offset to promote a square clubface at impact.

The r7 irons include TaylorMade's distinctive shock absorption web in the cavity to absorb harsh vibration at impact to promote great feel. The web made of a thin layer of soft aluminium that reaches out to each corner of the clubhead that absorbs shock and softens the sound. The combination of shock absorption and inverted cone technology, plus the precise manner, in which the web is shaped and positioned, delivers an incredibly soft and satisfying sound and feel at impact.

The r7 irons are oversized in comparison to the TP model; but in contrast to other irons on the market oversized is an overstatement! The clubheads look sleek yet powerful behind the ball with a traditional style which has been revamped for the 21st century golfer. The black and yellow set against a silver background is an attractive colour combination, which is not aimed at a specific target audience. The clubs come fitted with the TaylorMade logo grips which are sculptured with hundreds of small slots - increasing the surface area which has the effect of increasing the frictional force allowing more traction whilst swinging. In the wettest of conditions the grips still perform as they would in dry conditions, another positive of this great set.

My only qualms with the set have been the formation of rust upon the steel shafts. After only 4 months of playing, where the clubs have been dried and stored as set out by the manufacturer, rust occurred. However after taking the clubs back to the retail outlet and contacting TaylorMade, the situation was resolved and the shafts were swapped free of charge. My second issue is the slightly chunky top line of the clubface. Although not off-putting, sometimes the ball can appear dwarfed by the clubface, comparatively some golfers prefer this appearance.

I have enjoyed using the clubs, and believe they have been one of the major contributors to my handicap falling. The long irons provide confidence and consistency which are integral factors furthermore the short irons allow maximum playability and apply sufficient spin on the ball to cause check on most greens. I would definitely recommend these clubs for any golfer looking for a solid, forgiving set of irons which still allow playability.

On a cold, wet, insanely windy Saturday morning my alarm wakes me at 7am. Loading the clubs into the car I think 'what the hell am I doing', I could wait for a better day - but I've booked my tee time and besides, how bad can that wind really be?

During the 15 miles to Cape Cornwall Golf Club the rain subsides, much to my relief. I arrive to discover I have the course to myself, so I might as well play 2 balls and get my money's worth (although at £15 a round that shouldn't be too hard). The first couple of holes are fairly standard, flat mid range par 4s, although the wind makes it testing - my stand bag has blown over 4 times before I cross the road to the 3rd tee. Things start to get interesting with a couple of par 3s and the extremely tight dog-leg par 4, playing round an old mine shaft, blind except for the last 100 yards. I cut the corner with one ball, a cracking drive that can't be far from the green, but it is never to be seen again.

A few long holes later and my bag must have blown over about 12 times, along with me (and the wind) losing 3 balls. As I search for one alongside the traditional stone Cornish hedge on the 8th hole, I'm thankful that it's cold, as there are many signs warning about adders. A few more blind holes, some over Cornish hedges, and I cross the road again, to play the final 7 holes. These holes are perched on the side of a horrendously steep slope, leading down to the sea and Cape Cornwall itself (apparently the only cape in England). The highlight of this section is a short par 3, played entirely within a sunken, walled garden, and a 300 yard par 4, with 220 yards carry directly over said garden. The fairways are tight and steep, so accuracy is paramount or you will lose almost as many balls as me. The greens, in reasonable condition, are extremely small, and anything that doesn't bite, will be through the green into one of the many gravel bunkers. As I complete my round, I'm welcomed by a roaring fire, a well stocked bar, including Cornish ales and ciders, and some very reasonably priced food. With a pint of cider and a sausage bap, and the fire warming my wind blasted face, I'm very glad I made the effort that morning. Cape Cornwall in numbers: birdies - 2, lost balls - 7, bag blown over count - 23, enjoyment - infinity plus 1.

The course, while not long, is very testing, and a variety of shots are required, most notably the low punch on a windy day. One thing that you cannot fail to appreciate, even in a howling gale, is the beauty of the location, right on the sea, 4 miles from Lands End, you get a real 'end of the world' feel. The waves crashing in, the Longships Lighthouse in the distance, and the remnants of tin mines all around you, this place really is like nowhere else. While not easy to get to for most people, being 9 miles west of Penzance, if you're ever way out west, I'd thoroughly recommend it, even in a Force 8 - remember to take your camera to record the dramatic scenery. While not the most manicured track in the world, the course and elements will test you to your limits, and you will laugh shout and possibly swear, but by heck it's fun - crazy crazy Cape Cornwall.

great comps! i'm going to win !

Benross V6 Review

Strengths:
Great value - £40 for a quality club
High performance Aldila shaft fitted as standard
Variable Mass Control works a treat, the ball flight is controllable at the twist of a wrench
High quality grip fitted as standard
Powerful, low ball flight – especially from the fairway.

Weakness:
On mishits the club isn’t overly forgiving.

£39.99 – that’s the price I paid for this great 3 wood. Around 8 months ago I found myself in limbo; I had just parted company with a much loved friend, a Ping G2 to be precise, and didn’t know what to do. Did I go out and spend £150 on an expensive club which would be used maybe 3 times at most during a round, or go for the budget option. I elected to go for the budget option, and I have to say it was a great golfing decision.

Benross are an upcoming brand, who is beginning to forge a reputation for top quality clubs at low prices; this means that they have established a large fan base in the process. The Benross V6 Trimass VMC Fairway features Variable Mass Control to promote a neutral or draw bias- this can be swiftly altered by rearranging the weighting system in the clubhead. The clubhead itself is made from a high grade two-piece 15-5 cast steel construction with a robot plasma weld face and thin crown technology for a deeper centre of gravity with a greater moment of inertia for accuracy, forgiveness and distance. The club is fitted, as standard, with a green Aldila NV 75 Shaft, another top quality component which improves the overall style of the club. Finally the Golf Pride Lime Grip finishes the club superbly.

Using the club I have found a long, low, punishing ball flight which travels a great distance. Using from the tee the 3 wood is exceptionally easy to use and has a high ball flight with long carry. Off the floor, as with any 3 wood, the club is more difficult to use. The club seems to be fairly forgiving and versatile but when struck severely incorrectly then the results are disastrous to say the least. The clubhead is fairly heavy, and when coupled with the lightweight shaft promotes a faster swing speed which should equate to a greater distance. For just short of £40 this has been an ideal 3 wood and I would highly recommend it to any level of golfer.

ADAMS A2OS - Not my cup of tea!

Strength:
Good shaft fitted as standard

Weaknesses (and there are numerous):
Unforgiving to say the least!
Chunky, bulky, unattractive clubhead!
A ballooning ball flight which lacks distance.
Far too much offset, which instead of promoting a draw promotes an uncontrollable hook.

Just over a year ago I decided to jump onto the hybrid bandwagon. Hybrids were the hype, the be all and end all of golf. I had heard that Adams was a good, solid brand to go with, so I went for the OS model of the A2. Since the day of purchase I have been regretting the decision!

The clubhead itself is very chunky and bulky which does not inspire confidence behind the ball and unlike other hybrids on the market this club does not feel powerful. The underneath of the club has not been designed particularly well and at best can only be described as basic. The club is fitted with a regular flex Grafalloy Red ProLaunch shaft which has so far been a good shat (the only feature of the club I have enjoyed using).

The manufacturer claims that the club offers: 11% lower centre of gravity and 2.5 times deeper clubhead when compared to conventional irons. This allows the CG to flow evenly and consistently through the set and delivers high launch, increased distance & precise gapping. 30% higher MOI provides more forgiveness. However I have experienced the complete opposite, I have found the club to be lacking forgiveness. Even when struck well the club seems to balloon into the sky on a high, weak ball flight. The amount of offset is frankly laughable… any self respecting golfer does not require the clubface closed at what appears to be 45° to the ball. I can understand promoting a draw, but forcing a hook is not my idea of a versatile club?

As you can imagine I do not regard the club as a good purchase, so I do not recommend this club.

best magazine in the wotrld!

Golf is not a game of perfect by Dr Bob Rotella.

I initially bought this book not really sure what it was all about and certainly didn't know anything about golf psychology or mind coaches for golfers. The biggest compliment I can say is that almost 5 years later it is a constant on my bedside table and I regularly flick through it to pick up on old threads and refresh what I need to be thinking about and concentrating on.

I especially like the way Dr Bob puts across his messages with a series of anecdotal stories. The way he also uses his experiences from other sports is good, one which sticks out is in connection with practicing for golf and basketball. "When a basketball player pratices freeshots they always aim at the basket but how many golfers do you see on the range blindly hitting balls into the ether" So true.

The best lesson I, as a high handicapper (18), learned, was to try and separate the the training and trusting mentalities. ie when on the range practicing you can work on technique, swing thoughts etc but when on the course it should be as simple as target, routine and acceptance. Now I try, but it is v hard, only to think of the shot and not any swing techniques.

The other big issue with him is the importance of the short game and how we must all strive to improve that part of the game. He also has a simple attitude on putting ie Attitude makes a great putter !!

So, in summary, this has turned out to be a great tool in my golf development and if you only buy one of these types of books I would reccomend this one thoroughly.

I borrowed a set of Mizuno MX-300 Irons to try as my Pro-2's are now getting on in years. What a fantastic set of clubs!! They are forgiving yet retain the forged feel I am used to and I felt that I increased in length by a whole club. I rarely hit a poor shot for any other reason than a poor swing(!) and will definitely be buying a set once I have chance to have them fitted properly. My only negative comment is that because I play with more traditional wedges, I found the ones with the set to be clumsy in comparison - maybe I will just have to treat myself to new wedges as well!

Review of the Dukes Course - St Andrews

I play a lot of golf around the world and can honestly say that you overlook the Dukes at your peril if you visit Scotland a miss the chance of a round here.

Putting aside the drop dead gorgeous setting, the course itself is rarely busy and can allow you a relaxed round on what I would describe as an undiscovered masterpiece from the legendary Peter Thompson.

Starting at the first, each hole delivers a vista that helps you to start the process of plotting your way down its length - what you see is literally what you get however, stray from the fairway and you will be offered challenges. Thoses challenges are broadly fair and in proportion to the level of your errors - the further into the rough you go the harsher your job to extracate yourself.

Bunkers - you can't help but love the fairway bunkers on the Dukes, even if you are not a master in the sand as each is a miniture work of art. They are not so much sculptured from, as woven into the land surrounding the hazard itself. The majority are surrounded by tussocks of rough grasses and heathers that force the sensible golfer to make sure he reaches the fairway rather than try to blast forward carelessly.

When at last you reach the green you are treated to some fantastic surfaces that ripple and undulate giving you real cause for celebration should you manage to sink a 30 foot snake - they are challenging but, the qualifty of the greens equates to a feeling of having played & been fairly tested with your flatstick.

Once your round is complete you can guarantee that the welcome you will get from the bar staff is second to none and the stories that you'll swap on the terrace overlooking the 18th will be some of the best remembered of your golfing life as the Dukes is a class act that takes some beating.

Stay for the food too -as the chef is a master whose skills in the kitchen match those of Mr Thompson on the course. The sticky toffee pudding is one of the best I've ever tasted.

Just played Nelson Golf Club, Lancashire. Very nice. Hilly course with outstanding views. A bit squelchy in places, to be expected. 12 winter greens, but the "real" greens looked excellent. A good test where you dont have to be too long, but need to be straight. We are definitely coming back in the summer to give it a proper try.

The biggest misconception in golf is the emphasis on or need to hit the ball a long way with the driver. The biggest singlemost drop in my handicap came about by ditching the driver and finding a long iron that I was not only very comfortable off the tee with but more importantly hit straight 99 times out of 100. Once I had my 'banker' club I could then plot my way around the golf course. Its all very well hitting the ball 300 yards with a driver but if you can't hit it straight what the hell is the point?

Dear GM team, Loving the advent calendar competition as hopefully it will beef up the user opinions on site to balance against your reviews. I've been bitten and you're probably sock to death of seeing my comments popping up in your inbox. But I have a plea. I've not normally paid much attention to the office blogs but I am now. As you are asking us to contribute more copy on the site could we perhaps return the request for more frequent amusing, informative or debate starting blogs just during the festive season. I mean it's not as if you've got to turn the February edition around in less time than normal is it? Ta muchly, Tiger

Are golf balls becoming like Dishwasher tablets?

Taylormade are about to launch the Penta - with 5 layers - how many do us mere mortals need? Im sure the other manufactureres R&D departments are planning another layer or two!

Remember it used to be dimples - 384 , 392 - what happened to the DDH - was a great one!

I guess marketing works on us golfers!!

Golf Park Pilsen,Czech Republic.

Golf Park Pilsen was built in 2003 by architect Christopher Stadtler on the northeastern outskirts of Pilsen. The 18-hole course (par 71) presents a tempting challenge to golfers of all skill levels. It is set amongst numerous birch and alder groves embraced by the Klabava river and the beautiful Ejpovice lake.

Golfing facilities of Golf Park Pilsen include a clubhouse, large practice grounds, reception, golf shop, restaurant with a huge beautiful summer terrace overlooking the 18th green,lockers with showers and toilets and a snug cadide room.

I played here in June 08 as part of our 1st boys tour of the Czech Republic. We were not to sure on what to expect golf course wise but this track blew us away!It is an unbelievable test of golf with only holes 17 and 18 letting it down a touch.There are some fantastic holes. Hole 1 is a short risk and reward par 4 played from an elevated tee then holes .2,3,4,5 and 6 leading along the floodplain of the river all being superb holes.The land slowly rises elevation again before levelling out at hole number 10 then you come across hole 11....... a sawgrass type par 3 to an island green in a stunning location on the lake,a simply majestic hole.Turning for home again there are 2 brilliant par 3's in 13 and 15 before the pick of the homeward holes the 16th,another short risk and reward par 4 which is also played alongside the river and played from an elavated tee.The condition of the course was superb and all 8 of us would gladly go back again if only to enjoy the halfway house,the lovely friendly people who work at this gem of a place and the post match pint of Pilsner lager which is brewed 1000 metres from this majestic course!

I will definately return to the Czech Republic to golf again.

What a good idea for a competition and it certainly makes you read all the comments and gets you involved if you want to contribute.

Royal Cinque Ports
You may also know this great course as "Deal" Its rated by GM at number 53 in its top 100.
I have played this course about 10 times now and each time its a different test, and what a test. The weather of course plays a major part in how the course allows you to play it. Each day is different, but one thing is constant.....the wind. Even if it seems like a calm day when you leave home when you arrive at Deal, even a 10 mph wind will cause you problems. The course makes you think, and you have to invent shots. Often when you play to a green, do not aim for the flag, you must use the contours to your advantage.The course has had excellent improvements in recent years, and the bunkers are a real hazard. They held the Open here in 1909 and 1920, and I think it would still be a test for the modern golfers today. If you enjoy golf you must try Deal, but bring your A game.
Derek

I know I am venturing into dangerous territory but -
Should the PGA be requested/required to introduce a formal grading system for golf professionals offering golf lessons & advice to both club & non-club members? I have something in mind such as the A.A. hotel grading system - from one to five stars and based on annual reviews.
As I understand it, once qualified as a professional, there is no obligation to undertake further study/training.
Golf lessons are not inexpensive at £15/£25 for half an hour or so and unless you have a recommendation, you have no real indication of how good or otherwise will be the instruction you are paying for - until it's too late.
Does a recently qualified young professional really appreciate the problems of an absolute beginner or someone in their 60's? Does the long serving pro. really know enough about modern methods & equipment to properly advise or is it a question of 'one glove fits all '? Is he really up to date with modern manufacturing methods and golf equipment or is it (perhaps understandably) try what is in the shop?
I have no wish whatsoever to upset any of the good, hardworking professionals out there encouraging and supporting our game. When paying for their advice and guidance however, I would really appreciate some proper guidance as to whether I am dealing with a one star or a five star professional.
Is that unreasonable?

Club de Golf Son Servera

Club de Golf Son Servera is a brilliant course. Although only 9 holes, it still poses a real challenge to all levels of golfer. The atmosphere at this club is much more relaxed than courses like Pula, and there is a strong contingent of English members who are always willing to help visitors. The price of this course is quite low in comparison to other clubs on the island, especially for the hire of clubs. The course has its own character, with sumptuous views of the Mediterranean Sea. Each hole is different. With plans of expansion to make the course 18 holes, this is definitely one of the best on the island.

As an older golfer of seventy i would love to get a gross score the same or less than my age. This would be a great incentive for the older golfer and more satisfying than a hole in one even.

Scoresaver 2

Maybe it's the boyhood trainspotter in me or the sixteen years crunching numbers in a payroll environment but I like figures and statistics in particular. The subject of collating golfing statistics (fairways hit, greens in regulation, number of putts etc) is one of those that has polarised opinion on the forum. Many regularly measure their performances by recording a number of key points while there are those in the other camp that think the whole thing is a waste of time and that the collectors really need to get out more.

Never one to be scared of being labelled a statto my software of choice is Scoresaver 2 which was produced by one of the GM Forum members Andy Richmond (aka SS2). It is as complex and robust a piece of software as you will find on the market and is great value at £35 (although if you ask nicely Andy does give discounts to GM forummers). The great thing is that they even give you a chance to download it and try it out for a month before buying.

The system records key statistics. These are fairways hit, greens in regulation (GIR), putts per round, sand saves, birdie conversions, par scrambles, driving distance (optional) and penalty shots per round. Collection of the information could not be easier. There is a simple scorecard size table that can be printed where the relevant information can be recorded. It takes literally seconds and can be done when doing the normal scorecard duties.

On completion of the round the information is easily transferred onto a simple and easy to follow screen. The course information and player details (handicap etc) are only entered once. For example of you only play one course regularly you can enter the yardages from both the white and yellow tees. When the initial set up is complete each round can then be entered and by putting in the CSS for the round it will even recalculate the handicap if you desire. Once the information has been entered it will show you the results against the key criteria and cross reference that to a mark comparable with your handicap. One of the great features is that you can even record part rounds so even if you play a quick summer nine you can collate the data.

Okay so the system works. So what? Well for me and other devotees on the forum the data stored over a period of time really shows where the strengths and weaknesses are in your game and so these can then be addressed. The system is really powerful and lets you drill down in as much or as little detail as you like and data can be shown for the calendar year, current month, or the whole period since records were entered. The choices are huge.

However Scoresaver 2 doesn't stop there. For those who practice regularly you can enter details of each practice session including where and when, how long you spent on a particular facet and it also lets you record details against each one so that you can build up a complete diary to look back over. It shows you in a simple pie chart how much time over specified periods you have been dedicating to driving, putting chipping, bunkers, irons etc. Similarly there is a section to record any lessons. Again you can enter details or maybe even practice drills which over time act as a great aide memoir when things go a little askew. It takes seconds to pull up old information and maybe see notes about a set up change or a swing move.

It can also act as a great tool for the teaching pro too as a number of different reports can be printed or downloaded showing things like the key stats to date, the time spent practicing etc so that lessons can be tailored to fit a particular problem at that specific time.

Quite simply it is the easiest, most versatile package of its type on the market. With the free months trial it gives anybody remotely interested in using the power of statistics to improve to get to grips with the convenience and detail in the system. If it is good enough for top tour players and amateurs alike to record their statistics to help them improve then surely for the average club golfer there is even more to be gained. Its quick and simple. Try it and see for yourself

Sky coverage could be so much better. My husband is a keen golfer and I am an almost-golf widow (almost because I like to watch it myself and occasionally go up the range with him with my clubs). However, one thing we both talk about is just how poor the coverage of the LPGA is, not just on Sky but other sports channels too. Even when there is no male tournament on they often fail to cover major female tournaments. Clearly the TV channels are still living in the dark ages - Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden - seems to apply to TV too!!!

Where is all going to end? Golf club manufacturers bring new clubs out every few months. You think you have the latest and upto date, then wham the version 15 comes out. I feel sure that golf club manufacturers are exploiting the vulnerable amateur out of money for their own benefit and not the amateur.

Have to say that i would agree to some extent with Ken 180y comments .It is definitely true that the huge plethera of clubs updates ,newest editions etc can be very confusing and even intimidating especialy to newcomers or even people like me who were golfers in their younger carefree days but then lapsed for a decade or so to raise kids /career etc. However i have to say that the improvements in design, feel, and most importantly preformance is truely remarkable. Not only in clubs but balls,shoes apparel etc.Mabey it is just that i did take a very extended break from the game and so it is more apparent to me but I have to say i am very impressed with the quality ,range and value that is available out there! Heres loking forward to getting out there and testing as many as possible over the coming years

Last year I bought a PING G10 driver. Although relatively pleased with it, the results were never consistant. I only hit the fairway about 50% of the time, with the rest either hooking or indeed slicing. So I bit the bullet and traded it for a PING RAPTURE....and what a diference 9 out of 10 drives hit the fairway, although perhaps with a slight loss of distance on the G10's 'good' drives. However, I put this down to the higher ball flight the RAPTURE produces due mainly to the 10.5 degree loft, as opposed to the 9 degree loft on the G10. But I'm sure you'll all agree , being in a good position on the fairway is crucial to a good round.

I'm not a super golfer, on my day a good ball striker but wild. I love using pro v's or something similar but with my game I'd need to remortgage!. Can anyone suggest a reasonably priced ball thats still good quality!

Pula Golf is idyllically located, with great panoramic views across the island and the backdrop of the mountains - so it's a must to take the camera to the course. When I played the course I hired a half set of clubs, which cost €15 pricey for what I received. The course was well kept, with many challenging holes and was looked after by an army of greens staff. For the round I hired a buggy, which came with a built in GPS system, this allowed the player to get accurate distances, which in my opinion enhanced the experience of the round. Overall the course is very nice, but is costly especially when compared to Club de Golf Son Servera, which is just around the corner.

I have been Footjoy wearer for a number of years now, mainly due to the range of sizes on offer (I need a wide fitting) and the fact that you can wear them straight from the box.
I bought a pair of AQL's in time for the Spring Forum Meeting at Royal Ascot in April. They felt like a pair of well fitting slippers with the softspikes providing me with enough grip and a gentle bounce while walking on the paths.
9 months and many rounds later they are still going very strong. It is at this point I must admit to not really taking care of my shoes. They get a quick brush before going back in the shoe bag until next time.
The AQL's are up to the job. Through hard summer fairways to soggy winter rough they've kept my feet dry, even though I've neglected them. A thoroughly good pair of shoes that do exactly what they're supposed to and they don't break the bank either.

I know sky's golf coverage as been up for debate, but after watching the South Africe Open hosted by Gary Player. The commentry was spread across various networks, I am so pleased we do have sky, after listening to a turn from the CBS team it was appauling, the spoke about everything except the golf. Continually talking over the players shots and putts and repeatedly asking for viewers e-mails which they read out non stop. I am as a whole not a fan of Sky as a company but you cannot fault there fantastic coverage of golf.