The THSG 2022 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......Don’t 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 21st - Sunday 23rd October is your ticket to improvement. 

The THSG 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.

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 up to 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 new Ping 2023 putter range and the state of the art wedge fitting kit provided by Ping, showcasing their Glide 4.0 and Glide Forged wedge 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 21st October

10am-11am - 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. 

Coached by: Zach
CLICK HERE to sign up

11am-12pm - 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.

Coached by: Zach
CLICK HERE to sign up

1pm-2pm - Putting - Learning From The Pro’s  
We 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.

Coached by: Zach
CLICK HERE to sign up

2pm-3pm - 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, we will take you through the perfect 60 minute practice session.

Coached by: Zach
Full

3pm-4pm - 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. 

Coached by: Zach
CLICK HERE to sign up


4pm-6pm -On Course Problem Shots & Q&A With Zach
Zach will be taking this session out on the course, where it matters…!! He will be covering all shots from 40yards and in. This session will be all about those problem shots, bad lies, 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.

Coached by: Zach
Full

4pm-6pm - On Course Approach Shots & Q&A With Tim

This session will be out on the course, looking at approach shots. This will help to tackle wedge shots from the fairway, rough and even trees and help you get the ball closer to the hole and hit the green more consistently from all kind of lies and understand what shot and club to use. We will also leave 30minutes for a Q and A back in the clubhouse talking through those key decisions.

Coached by: Tim
CLICK HERE to sign up

Saturday 22nd October

10am-11am - The Only Bunker Lesson You Will Ever Need…!   
Same as above.....

Coached by: James
CLICK HERE to sign up

11am-12noon - How To Use Bounce When Chipping & Pitching
Same as above .....

Coached by: James
CLICK HERE to sign up

1pm-2pm - Distance Wedges - Know Your Numbers   
Distance Control is King!! The pros are dynamite when it comes to wedges and 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 30-100 yards. During this session we will be working with our GC Quad launch monitors so you will have accurate information on your yardages from the key the distances. 

Coached by: James
Full

1pm-2pm - Learn how to play the “Putt Chip” Chipping Technique
Ever wondered why it is difficult to putt from off the green and need a bulletproof system to make these shots from just off the green easier. Learning this chipping technique and mastering it with not only a less lofted club like a 7iron but implementing it with any club in the bag can help you get the ball closer to the hole consistently and eliminate some of the dreaded… uh oh shots.

Coached by: Zach
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. Zach 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. He will touch on the importance of green reading, positive visualisation, positive self talk, breathing and our think/play box theory. 

Coached by: Zach
CLICK HERE to sign up

3pm-4pm - Putting - Green Reading
There are many different methods in how to read greens and this session will look into many different systems in how to read greens. This session will identify a system that works for you and how this can be implemented on the course. This session will also go through difficult breaking putts, double breaking putts and how to read these types of putts. One of the most popular green reading systems on tour, Aimpoint Express will be discussed.

Coached by: Zach

CLICK HERE to sign up

Sunday 23rd October

1pm-2pm - Putting Under Pressure
Take your 'A' game to the course, its what the PGA Tour players do so well!! James will give you an insight into the processes on how to hole those important short putts under pressure and give you tips on how to start the ball on Line more consistently.

Coached by: James
CLICK HERE to sign up

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.

Coached by: James
CLICK HERE to sign up

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

Coached by: James
CLICK HERE to sign up

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

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

Pro Career Beckons for Niall

We have all followed Niall’s career from watching him play as a junior to now taking his first steps into the professional ranks. Personally it’s been an amazing journey for me watching him develop both on and off the golf course. His hard work and determination to be better each day is what sets him apart from the rest. I have know doubt over the next 5 years of his life he will put 110% in being better each day.

Niall starts his journey on the up and coming Clutch pro tour which is a UK wide tour with 25+ events. They are a forward thinking tour with lots of new ideas for tournaments including amateurs, juniors and touring professionals.

As he embarks on his new career the excitement builds with his second tournament at the prestigious Princes Golf Club, Kent. He has been working hard over the last few months maintaining his fitness and mental well being. He has also been working for the greens team earning money to fund his dream.

Niall is actively looking for sponsors and has written up proposals for anyone who is interested in helping him out during his journey. The average tournament is around £300-£400 in entry and expenses, he is looking to play around 20 tournaments this year. He has already received support from members at ROWGC which has hugely helped fund his future.

If you would like to help Niall and be a part of his journey, please click below.

Niall’s Schedule

Niall’s Sponsorship Proposal

Niall’s Five Year Plan

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.

ROWGC Finals Day 2020

Congratulations to all finals day players, it was another fantastic day for the club with some great golf on display. This really is the pinnacle day for any ROWGC member and to reach the finals is a huge achievement in itself.

The winners of the competitions were as follows ...

CompetitionWinner(s)

Mens Club Championship - Cameron Haines
Ladies Club Championship - Rhian McGinley
Ladies Bronze Scratch Cup - Pam Duke
Ladies 18 Hole Knockout - Ruth Kirchmeier
Huggett Putter - June Savidge
Yates Cup - David Warwick
Len Weston Trophy - Steve Woods
Trevor Lane Cup - David Warwick
Hospital Cup - Paul Warwick
Harold Bradley Cup - Andrew Reeves
Cinderford Cup - Richard Moore & Jason Gale

Congratulations to all the winners and obvious commiserations to all those who came so close but lost in their respective finals.

A number of competitions were unable to be decided on Saturday and the winners of these will be emailed out as soon as they have all been completed.

ROWGC Press Officer Keith Ray has already written the report on the mens final which i have included below. The ladies final report will feature in next weeks newsletter.

'Cam & Tim Make Worthy Finalists'

It reflected well on the Ross Club's Competitions Committee combined with the 'collective spirit' of members from all sections, that the pandemic did not prevent the traditional Annual Knock-Out Finals Day of matches from taking place. Social distancing regulations in place did mean however that the Trophy Presentation evening which in normal times completes a marvellous occasion had to wait for another day.

As customary there were some intriguing contests for members to savour with the 36 holes men's singles final to decide the 2020 Men Club Champion bringing together two in-form players in 20 years old reigning Champion Cam Haines, a scratch handicap player and 4 handicapper Tim Wyatt. However, Tim is no stranger to major honours board successes winning a hat-full in his 2012 season and he added to his collection only recently when he won the Winston Wildsmith Salver in which 136 members took part.

While most of their morning 18 holes session promised a close match, in his winning 3 of the last 6 holes, Cam was best placed to enjoy his lunch break being 4 holes up at the half-way stage. The afternoon round saw Cam make a blistering start with 2 birdies in the first 3 holes and after 27 holes he stood on the verge of victory. Cam and Tim ultimately exchanged acknowledgements on the 11th green enabling Cam to celebrate his 3rd Ross Club Men Champion status in the past 4 years. For Cam, a former Ross Juniors Captain, he is a real credit to the Gorsley based Club and to himself and can reflect upon an ongoing highly meaningful golfing career since he joined in 2014 as a 16 handicapper. In this respect Cam will point to being in the care of the Ross Club's Head Professional Tim Hall and his School of Golf Academy team and their 'continuous improvement' culture as having provided the key ingredients.

In the final of the Harold Bradley Cup, affectionately known as the Rabbits Cup being for players with handicaps 18+ Andrew Reeves found himself competing against a newcomer in Joe Hiram. Joe has enjoyed an impressive first season with the Ross Club including being runner-up with 40 points in his inaugural competitive seniors stableford event in June, shortly after 'Project restart' in which 137 players took part. With both Andrew and Joe sporting 20 handicaps the scene was set for a good tussle although on the day it was Andrew who enjoyed his first taste of silverware with a 4/3 victory. Like Club Champion Cam Haines, it was typical of Andrew to graciously dedicate his success to the short-game learning he has received from Tim Hall's School of Golf team and in particular Oli Leett, their specialized Aimpoint Level 3 Putting coach who is highly rated nationally within the industry.  

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

Junior Academy School Holiday Camps

Please see below details of our 2019 Junior Academy School Holiday Camps. We run a comprehensive program during the school holidays for all age groups so please get in touch to book or for more info.

THSG Pupil Wins National Title

Its been an awesome journey for the THSG so far working with some very talented young players over the past few years. We have been lucky enough to work with some high level elite amateurs and pro's playing at the highest level. 

Our US College contingent includes players all across the UK and america playing in various leagues. Close to home Niall has been flying the THSG/ROWGC flag at Kirkwood college based in Cedar rapids in Iowa. Over the past 6 months Niall has introduced us to a fine young player called George Kalpakas who is in his first year at Kirkwood. George is originally based in Cyprus where he grew up and played the majority of his golf at his home course Aphrodite Hills. We have put together a program for George and taught him online via various teaching platforms. Our holistic approach to his improvement has allowed us to build in change to technique and given him the pillars in place to practice better and improve performance both on and off the course. Like Niall, George is a real pleasure to work with and is a real student of the game.  

After a busy first year at Kirkwood George headed back home to Cyprus at the start of May, to prepare for a busy summer season playing various competitions at his home club. His major the Cypriot Amateur championships just so happened to be in his first week back home. Players from all over the world fly into play this championships which was held at Elea golf club close to Georges home town. This competition is steeped in history and ironically has never had a Cypriot winner. The tournament is recognised all over the world, with world ranking points up for grabs. 

The course was set up really tough and unseasonably hot and windy conditions plagued the opening rounds. George showed fantastic mental strength to battle hard in the first two rounds which saw him leading by just one shot heading into the final round.

After speaking with George after every round i could tell that his mind and game plan was solid and just following it could see him through for the victory. We all know how hard it is to cross the finish line but George did it in style, when it mattered he shot a -1 par back 9 to win by 4 shots from the nearest competitor. George passionately knocked in a 6 footer on the 18th, followed by a 'Tiger' esq fist pump to take the title and be the first ever Cypriot to win the championships. The hometown crowd around the 18th cheered George in and i was lucky enough to get a FaceTime with him straight after, congratulating him on the impressive win. 

Myself, Oli, James and Niall who have all been part of George's improvements are so proud of him. George is going to be spending sometime with us in June training with the THSG at the club, if anyone fancies a game with him while he is here, please let me know.  

Well done again George ....