FEB MOT's - NEW FOR 2024

MOT your golf game and make 2024 your best year EVER….!!

Our February MOT. We have learnt so much from previous years, we now believe we have the perfect pre season model to offer all our THSG Pupils.

We see February as a key time of the year to analyse our all round game and a great time to help our pupils hit their goals. The MOT's are designed to offer a platform for improvement, we review and analysis all areas of your game from your equipment to your performance out on the course. This really is the first stepping stone to improving your mindset both on and off the course.  

New for 2024

We are excited to announce we now offer trolley repair services at the THSG. We are now offering a full and comprehensive trolley repair service here at the club. There’s never been a better time to offer this type of service with power trolley prices at an all time high. Prolonging the life of your power trolley with a basic yearly service can save you £’s in the long run. This service will allow you to proactively look after your trolley and flag up any potential issues before they become too serious. Our basic service is £55. 

Golf Trolley Servicing - £55

Our servicing includes the following - 

·       Remove wheels. Check condition and ensure correct operation of locking system.

·       Remove lower covers. Clean

·       Assess condition of wheel bearings Lubricate.

·       Replace front bearings if worn (£10 supplement). Advise if rear bearings need replacement. 

·       Remove drive motor, re-grease.

·       Check wiring and connections in lower case.

·       Lubricate all folding joints.

·       Remove handle. Check circuit boards and wiring, tighten control switch as appropriate. 

·       Reassemble and test

We will also check for - 

·       Golf trolley water damage repair

·       Golf trolley wiring repair

·       Golf trolley accidental damage

·       Golf trolley battery inspection and testing

·       Golf trolley charger inspection and testing

·       Golf trolley electrical faults

·       Golf trolley mechanical faults

The only other cost of getting your golf trolley serviced will be the parts required.

A full report will be sent to the customer before any major work is carried out.  

We recommend that your trolley should be serviced every year with a worst case scenario of every other year.

This year we have devised 3 grades of MOT. 

The Silver MOT (30 minutes) cost - £15

This is designed to give you a basic overview of your game, you will walk away with a report on your equipment including grips, suitability of clubs and a loft/lie check on your most used irons. We will also review other key areas of your equipment including golf shoe analysis which is fast becoming a key area to improving performance. 

The Gold Package (60 minutes) cost - £55

This a comprehensive cover of your overall game including a 20 minute swing check in the performance lab. We will cover all aspects of your game and review your performance through 2021. We will also set SMART goals for the coming year. You will receive a full loft, lie, grip and shoe analysis and receive a gapping analysis on your scoring clubs (PW, 9, 8 & 7). 

** Professionals available on this package - Zach Galliford & James Dobbs **

The Platinum Package (120 minutes) cost - £110

This bespoke package is the ultimate solution in our program. You will receive a 4 hole playing assessment out on the course followed by a swing assessment held in the performance lab. We will give you a comprehensive analysis on your loft and lies of every club and also take your through a grip fitting. Other aspects such as shoe analysis will also be covered.  SMART goals will be set and swing advice sent to your email. You will also receive a free voucher for a gapping session for your whole bag, worth £30.

** Professionals available on this package - Zach Galliford & James Dobbs **

This years Feb MOT's are in conjunction with Masters Golf, for all your golf accessories and re-gripping needs. Book any MOT and receive a special 15% OFF discount on all repairs and re-grips. We will be stocking all grips this year including Golf Pride, Lamkin, Superstroke and Ping

** Please note pre-booking is essential as we only have a limited number of appointments with each professional through February. **

TO BOOK YOUR SESSION PLEASE EMAIL - thsgproshop@gmail.com and quote your package. 

The Importance of Grip

Grip can be a very important factor then many overlook. Below are some things to think about to improve your game.

The grip is the only contact you have with the club. Make sure your grips are looked after by cleaning them or by getting new grips. A worn grip can result in a few potential limitations:

• Reduce clubhead speed (Reduce distance)

• Increase grip tension (reduce feel)

• Reduce clubhead rotation (potential increase in slice ball flight)

• Decrease consistency of strike

There are many different grip models. Here is some information to consider when choosing what grip to use.

• Rubber grips such as a tour velvet (most popular grip on Tour). This grips is soft in texture giving more feel, reducing vibration up the club but is not as good as other in wet conditions or those with sweaty hands.

• Half cord/half rubber such as a multi-compound grip (multicoloured grip such as red and black). This grip is popular for being a mix where the top half is cord providing a firmer feel and more grip in wet conditions under the glove hand, and the softer texture under the non-glove hand.

• Full cord such as the Z-cord grip. This grip is most popular for those who play in all weather conditions, have sweaty hands or want a firmer feel when they grip the club. The dampening of vibration up the club is limited with this grip type but the grip has a tendency to last the longest (less susceptible to wear) than other grips.

How do your hands grip the club?

There are three different types of functional grips (Full Swing):

The overlap grip - Also called the ‘Vardon Grip’. This grip is where the trail hand pinky finger overlaps the lead hands index finger. This grip is know for being a neutral grip with no bias towards hitting a fade or draw.

The interlock grip - The grip of use by Tiger Woods. This grip is where the trail hand pinky finger interlocks with the lead hand index finger. This grip is popular as many feel more connected when using it. This grip has more of a draw bias if interlock is deep but can be different on a case by case basis.

The 10-finger grip - Also called the ‘Baseball grip’. This grip is where all eight fingers are connected but not overlapping or interlocking. This grip is popular for beginner golfers as the grip can be difficult to grasp straight away. Players have a tendency to have thumbs down the centre of the grip which tends to promote a weak trail hand grip, promoting a fade bias.

With all grip types, it is recommended to have the grip in your fingers and not in the palm (lifeline) of the hand. The lead hand thumb will be on the opposite half of the top of the grip (e.g right handed golfers left hand thumb will be on the right half of the top of the grip).

Strength of Grip

The strength of the grip can affect the functionality of the grip, ball flight and wrist movement.

Neutral grip - A neutral grip is where the players lead hand has 2-3 knuckles showing when addressing the club (Your head should not move or tilt when looking down at your grip to check its strength). Providing you have a neutral lead hand, the player will have a tendency to have a flat lead wrist at the top of the backswing. If this happens, this means your clubface is neutral (square) at the top of the backswing giving greater chance of hitting a neutral (straight) ball flight. For the trail hand to be neutral, the player will have the V-shape (V-shape occurs between the trail thumb and index finger) points towards the trail shoulder with the trail forearm in a relaxed position.

This set up promotes a straight ball flight providing other variables in the swing such as wrists, shoulders and lower body movement match up.

Strong grip - A strong grip is where the players lead hand has 3-4 knuckles showing when addressing the club. If the player has a stronger lead hand, the player will have a tendency to have a cupped lead wrist at the top of the backswing to get the clubface in a square position. For the trail hand to be strong, the player will have the V-shape point behind the trail shoulder with the trail forearm in a relaxed position. This set up promotes a more draw bias ball flight providing other variables in the swing such as wrists, shoulders and lower body movement match up.

Having one hand or both hands in a stronger position can help a golfer who has a tendency to slice the golf ball to reduce the curvature and hit the ball straighter.

Weak Grip - A weak grip is where the players lead hand has zero or 1 knuckle showing when addressing the club. The lead hand thumb will typically be on the middle of the grip. If the player has a weaker lead hand, the player will have a tendency to have a bowed/flexed lead wrist at the top of the backswing to get the clubface in a square position. For the trail hand to be weak, the player will have the V-shape point towards the sternum or lead shoulder. The trail forearm will tend to be above the lead forearm at address in a straight/more tense orientation. This set up promotes a more fade bias ball flight, promotes a more out-to-in swing path as many tend to have shoulders open to the target as a result.

Having one hand or both hands in a weaker position can help a golfer who has a tendency to hook the golf ball to reduce the curvature and hit the ball straighter. It can also be a major cause in promoting a slice ball flight.

* To note, many players can have a combination between lead and trail hands of neutral/strong/weak grip conditions. Players must note that one grip may not be correct for everyone but must match up to their swing characteristics and body movement. If you believe this could be an issue, please talk to your PGA Professional.

*Putter grip is different and will be covered in the future*

Any questions, please speak to any of the THSG Team

Thanks

Zach

FEB MOT'S ARE BACK...!

MOT you golf game and make 2022 your best year EVER….!!

Our February MOT. We have learnt so much from previous years, we now believe we have the perfect pre season model to offer all our THSG Pupils.

We see February as a key time of the year to analyse our all round game and a great time to help our pupils hit their goals. The MOT's are designed to offer a platform for improvement, we review and analysis all areas of your game from your equipment to your performance out on the course. This really is the first stepping stone to improving your mindset both on and off the course.  

This year we have devised 3 grades of MOT. 

The Silver MOT (30 minutes) cost - £15

This is designed to give you a basic overview of your game, you will walk away with a report on your equipment including grips, suitability of clubs and a loft/lie check on your most used irons. We will also review other key areas of your equipment including golf shoe analysis which is fast becoming a key area to improving performance. 

The Gold Package (60 minutes) cost - £55

This a comprehensive cover of your overall game including a 20 minute swing check in the performance lab. We will cover all aspects of your game and review your performance through 2021. We will also set SMART goals for the coming year. You will receive a full loft, lie, grip and shoe analysis and receive a gapping analysis on your scoring clubs (PW, 9, 8 & 7). 

** Professionals available on this package - Zach Galliford & James Dobbs **

The Platinum Package (120 minutes) cost - £110

This bespoke package is the ultimate solution in our program. You will receive a 4 hole playing assessment out on the course followed by a swing assessment held in the performance lab. We will give you a comprehensive analysis on your loft and lies of every club and also take your through a grip fitting. Other aspects such as shoe analysis will also be covered.  SMART goals will be set and swing advice sent to your email. You will also receive a free voucher for a gapping session for your whole bag, worth £30.

** Professionals available on this package - Zach Galliford & James Dobbs **

----------

This years Feb MOT's are in conjunction with Masters Golf, for all your golf accessories and re-gripping needs. Book any MOT and receive a special 15% OFF discount on all repairs and re-grips. We will be stocking all grips this year including Golf Pride, Lamkin, Superstroke and Ping

** Please note pre-booking is essential as we only have a limited number of appointments with each professional through February. **

TO BOOK YOUR SESSION PLEASE EMAIL - tim@timhallschoolofgolf.com and quote your package. 

The Importance of Custom Fitting

Are you apprehensive about getting a custom fitting? There are a few myths related to Custom Fitting where players will see PGA Professionals trying to sell them clubs to get more revenue. This is not the case. Here at THSG, we use the latest ball data system (GC Quad) to compare data from different clubs and shafts to see what works best for you. If there is no improvement from your current gamers, then simply there is no need to change or buy new equipment. You will put your mind at ease that you have got clubs in your bag that work well for you and can go out and play.

* This time of year more and more manufactures have released new equipment such as Taylormade and their Stealth Carbonwood, Titleist and their new SM9 Vokey wedges and Ping and their Glide Forged Wedges. Do not be afraid to try these out and see what you like or dislike.

You should look at your golf bag like a tool box. You have up to 14 clubs/tools to choose from and each one provides a different job to give you the best chance of improving your game. For example, having a lofted 7/9 wood to help you land the ball softly on the green, or adding a 60 degree to help you get out of jail around the greens. There is always clubs you can recommend but some clubs can be used for a special task that you have on the course often. These task clubs do not need to go a certain distance but need to help you hit a certain shot. Discussing these shots with your Custom Fitter can help them understand the make-up of your bag and what can help you score your best.

As we are all built in different shapes and sizes, we should have clubs that work well for us. Height, strength, flexibility and technique all contribute to a club being right for you. For example, if you have a club too long for you, this could cause inconsistency of strike and loss of distance. Many believe having a longer club increases distance and swing speed. This is correct providing you hit the middle of the club face.

A variable that many players overlook on their clubs is the lie angle (The lie angle of a golf club is the angle that is formed between the club shaft and the ground when the club is soled properly at address). The lie angle can affect start direction, curvature and strike. For example, having a club with too flat of a lie angle will cause the face to point to the right. This causes the ball to start right of target and potentially promoting a slice ball flight (right-handed golfer). Making sure the lie angle is right for you will improve consistency and reduce any compensations you have to make, at set-up or in-swing, to hit a great shot.

Finally, the most overlooked equipment is the Golf Ball. We see many people use varying golf balls and use golf balls that they find on the course. This equipment is used on every shot and therefore it is important to keep this consistent. Changing golf ball changes feel and potentially performance so therefore it is important to stick to one golf ball. A few things to think about when choosing a golf ball:

• Price - Price is a determining factor in relation to golf ball choice. Better golfers generally use the premium golf balls (Titleist Pro V1, Pro V1X, AVX) for example. These golf balls are the most expensive for a reason. They provide distance of the tee but most importantly lower launch with wedges and spin around the greens. No matter what level of golfer, everyone would improve if they used a premium golf ball.

• Ball flight - some golf balls enable players to hit a different ball flight than other golf balls. For example, the Titleist Velocity is a relatively cheaper golf ball which produces a higher launch, soft feel and relatively low spin. This ball can be beneficial for a low hitting player that doesn’t want to spend too much money. Alternatively, you have a Titleist Pro V1X which is relatively harder ball which increases ball speed slightly with a driver but producing the most spin with mid irons to shots around the green. If you struggle to stop the ball on the greens, this can be a great ball for you.

* A new ball has been produced by Titleist which is called the Pro V1X Left dash. This ball is currently in the shop and has a similar feel to the Pro V1X but produces slightly less spin. This ball is worth a try so ask any PGA Professional in the THSG shop for more information.

Any questions, please talk to a PGA Professional or book a fitting with Zach.

Thanks

THSG

The Importance Of Course Management

We at the THSG hope everyone is well and healthy. THSG hope you have enjoyed your time back on the course after so many weeks away by hitting long straight drives and holing putts. We are sure that those practicing while away as not gone unnoticed by your fellow members and playing partners.

As we are sure you are all aware that competition golf is just around the corner. This can be an anxious time for some with having a scorecard in your hand, but we see this as an exciting time to challenge yourself with a scorecard in your hands and hopefully go some way in to helping you do this by achieving your goals and achieving your career best rounds.

Are you nervous when you have a scorecard in your hand?

Do you feel anxious on the first tee?

Do you change your thinking depending on your score?

Course Management can result in a huge difference in the way you score especially if you don’t have your “A game”. Zach has a few tips on how he has used course management to his advantage during his playing career when playing for his country or playing in international tournaments. Zach has used a more analytical approach in his course management to out-smart his opposition to win tournaments or to win matches when the opponent has had better physical attributes such as hitting it 50 yards past him in some cases.

Zach breaks down a course very similar to that of Seve Ballesteros in which he would look at match play as one hole at a time. This enabled him to focus on the task at hand and ultimately be one of the most successful match play players in history. Zach looks at a round of golf as 18 holes, which is 18 individual jobs at hand to combat. Focusing only on that one individual job and ticking that box off once you have successfully navigated it can be very beneficial when counting up your score at the end of the round.

Green - Tee Approach

One way to look at these individual jobs is to break down the hole even further. Zach looks at the hole and identifies that for example, par is the goal (no matter what level par is of great importance which we will discuss in future blogs). For us golfers to have the best chance of making a par, we must find the green in regulation (GIR). If we miss the green , PGA Tour average is 57% which shows that missing the green can limit our chance of making par. This is why we look at the green first and where do we want to place that ball on the green to give us the best chance of making par or better and the best chance to hit that green. Therefore it is vitally important to look at how are we going to hit the green and what is going to give us the best chance of hitting that green….. being in the fairway!

Playing from the fairway can be vitally important as this is when we have the most control of the golf ball in terms of strike, spin and consistency. If we hit it in the rough, we may have a poor lie and the lie may dictate the shot we can play and ultimate loose our control of the golf ball due to us not knowing how that ball will react when it leaves the club face.

Going back further to the tee. For us to have the best chance of hitting the green goes back to hitting the fairway off the tee and how we are going to that. Studies have shown that our longest drive is also our straightest! Therefore it is important to have full commitment in the club you use off the tee whether that is a Driver, fairway wood or iron and also our target off the tee to have the best chance of hitting our longest drive down the fairway.

This may be a different approach to one you utilise or have utilised in the past. I would experiment and try and practice this approach and see if it is for you.

One thing to add is that this can be incorporated to look at where we can error towards whether that be the left side of the fairway or green to give us the best chance of scoring our ball.

We will leave this here for you………. The more patient you are when it comes to course management by not trying to force the issue to try and get the ball close to the hole and make birdies, the less errors we will produce. The more often we think smart and play patiently the higher the percentage we will hit greens and get the ball closer to the hole……. and hole putts that we may not have expected to make!

THSG

Zach's Performance Clinics

NEW FOR 2021……..>

Zach’s performance clinics will be all on course looking at different ways to improve your score on the course. Zach will use his previous experience and knowledge at breaking down how to tackle a hole to get the best possible score. Zach will use potentially different ways of looking at a shot that you may not have thought of before to break through some of your scoring barriers and get the best scores you have had.

Friday 23rd April: 6pm-7.30pm

This session we will look at the importance of tee shots.

This will be looking into how to approach what club to take off the tee depending on the hole and conditions we face. Where we should tee the ball up on the tee area depending on the hole, wind and our shot trajectory. How to identify dangers on the hole and play away from the trouble. How to pick confident target lines and commit to our shot!

BOOK HERE

Saturday 24th April 5pm-6.30pm

This session we will look at approach shots.

We will identify important areas with shots into the green. Identify our target line into greens depending on our club, distance from the hole and our dispersion with that club. This is often overlooked and can really change how we approach that shot. We will also give you real life examples and delve into how the very best golfers play from differing lies out on the course.

BOOK HERE

Thursday 29th April 6pm-7.30pm

This session will look at how to calculate a ‘playing’ yardage.

We will look at a step by step guide just like tour professionals use to work out how far the shot is playing and the shot needed to get the best result. We will look at how different scenarios and conditions affect the ‘playing’ yardage of the shot and how we can play or not play a certain shot because of the environment.

BOOK HERE

Friday 30th April 6pm-7.30pm

This session we will look at green side shots and how to play to our percentages.

We will look at varying lies and different scenarios on the course and talk through what shots we can play to get the ball closer to the hole. We will talk through what shots we can play and potentially new techniques to play different shots and get better results

BOOK HERE

Each session will be followed by refreshments back at the pro shop with a debrief from Zach. Start your improvement program today and don’t wait to be great…!

Zach Settles Into New Position

Its been a whirlwind couple of months for our new PGA Professional Zach Galliford. Joining us from Royal St Davids GC Zac brings a wealth of experience in custom fitting and coaching.

Zac had this say regarding his first couple of months with us -

My first couple of months as PGA Professional at Ross on Wye GC could not have gone better. I’ve had a very warm welcome from the THSG Team, the members and visitors at Ross on Wye GC and already feel at home. It has been great to work with such a proactive professional team with a passion of helping golfers of all ages to achieve their goals socially and competitively. Being a part of a busy and thriving membership will give me the opportunity to develop my skills and experience as a PGA Professional.

Previously, I have been an Assistant professional at Royal St. David’s GC in Harlech, North Wales from July 2019 which has enabled me to learn first-hand the role of a PGA Professional. I have also been fortunate enough to compete at the highest level of amateur golf nationally and internationally, travelling all over the world playing against the best players in the world including the likes of Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele and Matthew Fitzpatrick. I have represented Wales at all age groups and my biggest win to date was capturing the Welsh Amateur Championship in 2016.

Learning from such experienced individuals of the THSG team, who specialise in all aspects of the game of golf will help me to develop as a person and as a professional. I have a keen interest in on course coaching and custom fitting to help players get the most out of their game. If you would like to get a lesson or custom fitting, please come into the shop or call and we can arrange a time to improve your golf.

Zach’s passion in the game is easy to see and hes been a credit to the team during these busy times. If you haven’t met Zach as yet, please pop along to the pro shop and book in for a game with him or even better book in for a lesson.

March Group Clinics

March is the perfect month to PLAN, ACT and REVIEW your game. Strengths and Weaknesses, what part of the game is letting you down ?? Whats going to make the biggest difference heading into the 2020 summer golfing season. Dont keep putting your improvement off, your improvement plan needs to start in March if you haven’t done so already.

Group sessions are a great way to learn with link minded golfers in an interactive environment. We cover all areas and especially through March with some new look sessions.

This is the perfect time of year to work on your game away from competitive competitions. Investing time into your game in the off season will allow you to improve, change patterns and look forward to hitting your goals in 2020.

Sunday 8th March - 11am-12noon - Unlock The Power In 2020

Venue - Range / Driver & Tees

Our game is changing and we are heading into a new era of golfer on the PGA tour, 300+yards is now the norm on the tour but what can we learn from how they do it. We have never before known as much as we know about driver the ball further. Key moves and key positions are a must when trying to gain distance, during this sessions we will pick out and implement these key areas of the swing.

Monday 9th March 11-30am-12-30pm - How To Make 2020 The Best Ball Striking Year Ever!

Venue - Driving Range / 9,8,7 & 6 iron

Approach play is certainly a key area of the game when we are talking about lowering scores. The importance of a centr’d strike is really what the game is all about and without this, we can’t control the desired result of any shot. We will cover the key fundamentals of better ball striking and delve into what we see in the worlds greatest ball strikers.

Saturday 21st March - 2pm-3pm - Become Your Own Golf Detective

Venue - Range - ALL CLUBS

A golfer that understands IMPACT and the various impact factors that effect the end result of a golf shot is a golfer that can make change in their game. Whether or not its a short chip or a driver off the tee a more educated golfing mind can help aid the road to improvement and enhance change. This could be the most important group clinic ever attended and certainly will get the cogs turning on improving all areas of the game.

Sunday 22nd March 12-30pm-1-30pm - Pitch It Like The Pro’s

Venue - Driving Range / 9,PW,SW,LW

Distance wedges is often overlooked in practice but is an area i get asked about all the time. During this session we will cover distance control and give you a system that suits your game, we will delve into the importance of set-up and the key roles they play in controlling shot trajectory. We will also touch on the basic swing principles that we look for in this unique stye of shot.

Friday 27th March 4pm-5pm - Turn Bogeys Into Pars

Venue - ON Course - ALL Clubs

Some of the best players i have been lucky enough to play with and coach over the years have had some of best scrambling powers i have seen. So much truth in the saying “Theirs no pictures on the scorecard”…!! The ability to scramble well is a skill that can be taught with the right mindset and a good practice regime the possibilities are endless…!!

Sunday 29th March 2pm-3pm - Bunker Basics
Venue -SHORT GAME AREA / PW, SW & LW

We strongly believe here at the THSG if you can conquer your bunker play woes then you can become a better player in short game full stop!! Understanding the science behind impact and the factors that help us hit these shots close is key and will be covered during this masterclass. We will cover all shots from high soft spinners too low runners.

** To sign up for any of the above clinics please email tim@timhallschoolofgolf.com or call 01989 720439, you can also sign up in the golf shop with one of the team. These sessions are £10 per person unless otherwise stated, which includes an evaluation with coffee, in the pro shop after the session. **   

Pro's Prize Dates Announced

What better way to learn to play better golf than watching and playing with your professional out where it matters. Your professional team here at the club are all very much looking forward to getting out their and doing battle against each other and hopefully treating you to some great golf along the way.

The Format -

Teams 4 - Waltz Sford / 75% Handicap / Double points on Par 3’s
Entry fee is £3 per player
Prizes awarded on 1st April 2020 -
1st place F9
2nd place F9
1st place B9
2nd place B9

Here are the dates for January & February -

Tim’s
Thurs 9th Jan @ 10am
Wed 15th Jan @ 9am
Fri 24th Jan @ 2pm
Mon 3rd Feb @ 10am
Thurs 20th Feb @ 1pm
Fri 28th Feb @ 2pm

Oli
Mon 20th Jan @ 2pm
Mon 27th Jan @ 2pm
Wed 5th Feb @ 2pm
Thurs 13th Feb 2pm
Mon 24th Feb 2pm

James
Fri 10th Jan @ 9am
Thurs 16th Jan @ 9am
Mon 20th Jan @ 9am
Mon 3rd Feb @ 12noon
Wed 12th Feb @ 9am
Mon 24th Feb @ 8am

Neil -
Thurs 16th Jan @ 2pm
Thurs 13th Feb @ 2pm

Niall -
Mon 6th Jan @ 10am

To book any of the above time slots please click here

The 2019 THSG Short Game Weekend

Its one of the most anticipated weekends of the coaching calendar for THSG pupils, yes the Short game weekend is back and this year…..BIGGER and BETTER. We are so excited to bring you the very latest theory behind making all shots from 100 yards and in easier for you!! Don't forget the average golfer takes around 75% of his/her shots from 100yards and in......Dont you think its time to get good at this part of the game!?? 

If your serious about improving this weekend simply can not be missed!! Our THSG short game festival which runs from Friday 19th - Sunday 21st July is your ticket to improvement in 2019 and beyond. 

Myself and the team have designed an improvement program that caters for all golfers that need help from 100 yards and in. Our sole focus is to offer clinics both on and off the course that cover all aspects of approach play and the short game. We are even offering special clinics with our putting guru Oli Leett who will be on hand giving expert advice on the flatstick. 

Our clinics will be held in a group format that will be limited to just 6 golfers. Sign up will be on a first come first serve basis. We want to create an interactive learning environment that will help us work closely with each pupil within the group. Our group clinics are always well subscribed so if you want to sign upto any of the below please don't hesitate. We will be charging our normal group clinic of £10 p/p, per clinic. 

All weekend we will be doing demonstrations using the Vokey SM7 wedges and Scotty Cameron range. If you would like to book a VIP fitting over that weekend, please get in touch.     

Here is the Itinerary of the weekend - 

Friday 19th July  

11am-12noon - The Only Bunker Lesson You Will Ever Need..!  
If you struggle out of the sand and want to learn more about how easy this shot can become then sign up to this clinic. We will take you through the basics and give you an insight into how the tour players play this shot so well. 
CLICK HERE to sign up

1pm-2pm - Improve Your Bunker Mentality - Problem Shots  
We will cover all shots from greenside bunkers with just one club and explain the reasons why the pros on TV make it look so easy. We will cover plugged ball, high/low shots, playing out of different sands and varying the length of shot.
CLICK HERE to sign up

2pm-3pm - Putting - Learning From The Pro’s  
Our putting specialist Oli will take you through the attributes of a great putter and what we can learn from the worlds best. He will explain how you can take these attributes and apply them in your game, helping you hole more putts and improve confidence in your all round game.
CLICK HERE to sign up

3pm-4pm - Putting - Practice Properly Don't Waste Your Practice Time
We are massive on making everyones practice time more useful and new research has certainly showed us that there is a real skill to practising properly. Don't waste you practice time on the putting green, Oli will take you through the perfect 60 minute practice session. 
CLICK HERE to sign up

4pm-5pm - How To Use Bounce When Chipping & Pitching
Understanding the term 'Bounce' and using it in technique could be the secret to unlocking your short game. We will cover all shots in and around the green (inside 30yards) with just one club and explain the reasons why the pros on TV make it look so easy. You will walk away from the session with clarity and a formula that is easy to understand. 
CLICK HERE to sign up FULLY BOOKED


5-00pm - 7-00pm -On Course Problem Shots & Q&A With Tim
Tim will be taking this session out on the course, where it matters…!! He will be covering all shots from 60yards and in. This session will be all about those problem shots, low, high, medium shots, in bunkers, over bunkers…..you name it, we will go through it. We will also leave 30minutes for a Q and A back in the clubhouse talking through those key decisions.

CLICK HERE to sign up FULLY BOOKED

5-00pm-7-00pm - On Course Putting & Q&A With Oli
Oli will be giving a practical insight into putting out on the course, going through key pre shot processes, playing on slopy greens, tackling green reading and adapting your game to differing green speeds. He will also be joining up with the other group in clubhouse for a Q & A.
CLICK HERE to sign up

Saturday 20th July

10am-11am - The Only Bunker Lesson You Will Ever Need…!   
Same as above.....
CLICK HERE to sign up

11am-12noon - How To Use Bounce When Chipping & Pitching
Same as above .....
CLICK HERE to sign up

12-30pm-1-30pm - Distance Wedges - Know Your Numbers   
Did you know from 100yards the tour average is around 10ft from the hole?? Pretty impressive, hey ?? Their distance control is the most impressive part of this and this doesn't just come down to feel, they have a bullet proof system which we will cover in this session. We will cover all shots from 100-30yards. During this session we will be working with our GC2 launch monitors so you will have accurate information on your yardages from the key the distances. 
CLICK HERE to sign up FULLY BOOKED

12-30pm-1-30pm - Putting Under Pressure
Take your 'A' game to the course, its what the PGA Tour players do so well!! Oli will give you an insight into the processes that involved pre-swing, these processes will include the crucial steps that need to be taken when preparing for all putts. He will touch on the importance of green reading, positive visualisation, positive self talk, breathing and our think/play box theory. 
CLICK HERE to sign up

2pm-3pm - Putting - Is your grip holding you back
We see a whole range of grips on the PGA tour, but which are better than others. Oli will take you through the pro's and con's of the different grips in putting. He will explain the importance of grip pressure, placement and how this has a direct influence on the outcome. 
CLICK HERE to sign up

3-00pm-5-00pm - Putting -Aimpoint Express Clinic   
This new green reading method has certainly taken the golfing world by storm. Oli is one of the few coaches in the UK that is fully qualified to coach this method and for this weekend only, he is charging £50 for this two hour clinic.

** PLEASE NOTE this is a 2 hour clinic for £50 per person **

CLICK HERE to sign up

Sunday 21st July

2pm-3pm - Zone In Your Approach Play
Distance wedges is often overlooked in practice but is an area i get asked about all the time. During this session we will cover distance control and give you a system that suits your game, we will delve into the importance of set-up and the key roles they play in controlling shot trajectory. We will also touch on the basic swing principles that we look for in this unique stye of shot.

CLICK HERE to sign up

3pm-4pm - Improve Your Bunker Mentality - Problem Shots   
Same as above

CLICK HERE to sign up

Don't forget we will be limiting these group clinics to just 6 golfers so sign up now. Please bring 9iron-LW to all clinics except for the putting ones. 

Please be aware that pre-payment for these clinics is compulsory. 

We will also be looking to add to these clinics in due course depending on early bird bookings. 

THSG Equipment Testers Report

Its been a busy start to the 2019 season for the top manufacturers, their has been some awesome product releases from Ping with the G410, Taylormade with their M5 & M6 range and Titleist with their TS project family.

Sometimes we get bias reviews on these products from various media sources within the Industry, here at the THSG we have our own panel of testers and this week we are looking at drivers….!!! In particular the G410, M5 and TS2/TS3.

First up we had ROWGC member Tim Rigden file his report on the highly anticipated Ping G410 driver. The G410 comes in two different heads the SFT (straight flight technology) and the plus head.

Tim’s Report -

I am pleased to have the opportunity to offer the following observations on the new Ping G410.

Currently, my handicap is 11 and I am playing with a Nike VRS Covert which has an 11 degree flight, a stiff shaft and more often than not I use a Titleist Pro V1X.

The Ping G410 was matched with a 12 degree flight and a slightly open set up and again to give it a fair test I used the Titleist Pro V1X golf ball.

First impression  -  it looks good, which is hugely important for me, it is well balanced and is very comfortable in the set up and having a matt grey/black head negates any dazzle on a bright, sunny day!

When using this driver from the tee, with an orange castle, the sound of the ball strike had a very pleasing resonance and not all tinny or clumpy.  For me the sound and look of any club is very important from a confidence, point of view, and the mental aspect.

The Ping G410 had an excellent high flight and a tight angle of dispersion which enabled me to obtain good distance, approximately 10-15 metres further than my current club.

Overall, it was an extremely pleasing and enjoyable driver to play with and if I was in the market for a new driver, then it would be one that would be well worth considering, not withstanding the price.

ROWGC member Andy Baldwin was up next testing the new Taylormade M6 driver. Taylormade always have huge presence on tour with some of the worlds best players playing their products inducing Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods….to name just a few!!

Andy’s Report -

I currently use a PING G Series Driver (SF Tec 10 degrees) and the M6 i tried out was set up to give a similar loft to my PING.

First impressions of the M6 were that it was a well balanced club that felt good to swing and in that it seemed similar to my own club.

However as a relatively high handicap golfer (19) the big problem I had with the club was its lack of forgiveness, if I got the sweet spot it went really well and the "Twist Face" did seem to straighten the shots out a bit.

If I didn't get the sweet spot - which didn't seem all that large to me - then it all went horribly wrong, much worse that my own PING

The ball flight was also similar (when it came out the middle) quite a high trajectory from a 10.5 degree setting, distance off the tee was longer than my current club - but not much maybe 5 yards.

In summary a good well made club but probably aimed at the low handicapper who can consistently hit it out of the middle. With a price tag of £440 it is not an investment i will be making.

Steve Jones - THSG Pupil / Tested the new TS2 Titleist driver set-up 10.5 tensei blue - stiff shaft

I play off a 17 handicap and have always struggled with a driver off the tee, short and wild is not a good mix around any course and in the past i often just settled with using my 4iron just to keep it in play.

I was a little bit fearful of being a tester for a driver because this area of the game has plagued me for years…….I bit the bullet and tested out the new Titleist TS2 driver set up with a stiff shaft and 10.5 loft. My previous driver is a Callaway Rogue and as mentioned i have never got on with it.

As soon as i put the TS2 behind the ball i gained confidence, the looks are sleek and streamline and gave me an inner confidence that this area of the game could improve. Upon on strike it felt solid and with the adjustments in the shaft i started to get rid of my slice. Tim set it up on a draw setting and my it made a difference.

Never before have i hit the ball so well off the tee, the TS2 made a huge difference and i reckon i was 20-30yards further. This confused me as i was now hitting 3 clubs shorter into the greens!!! First time out in testing i shot under my handicap for the first time in 8months……For me the testing was a real eye opener, Titleist have come up trumps and made a driver that sorted out my slice and helped me gain yards…..so much so i have booked in for a custom fit with Tim to purchase one myself!!

John Palmer ROWGC Member - Ping G410 SFT driver 10.5 degree

Tested by John Palmer, senior, handicap 12.7. played for 40 years.

Current driver Ping G25 - 10.5 degree

First impressions on sight was very good.

The head is shallower and less bulky than the G25 and with the turbulators give it a more streamlined look.

The club feels light and nicely balanced.

It is comfortable to play with and seems easier to swing and to generate a greater speed.

On impact it produces a nice sound with a high ball trajectory and straight. The weight in the head obviously getting rid of any fade. Distance is slightly longer than the G25 probably due to the 410 going straight and the slight fade i usually get with my existing driver.

The only drawback i found, when i tried to fade a shot, the ball went straight out at an angle which is a problem for example the 11th hole around the tree.

Overall:- a beautifully balanced club with straight flight and high trajectory. An ideal driver for anyone who tends to slice.

Thank you to all the testers that took part in the driver testing. It makes a huge difference listening to real golfers give their honest opinions on these latest clubs. Hopefully this will help you shape your decisions when it comes to purchasing a new driver in the future. If you would like any further information on custom fitting or club testing please see one of the team.