A great Masters and it was well worth staying up for the right outcome, an English winner in Danny Willett, originally from Sheffield. We also saw the collapse of Jordan Spieth who, in truth, never looked happy all week.

We also saw three hole-in-ones at the 16th hole on the last day, from Shane Lowry, Davis Love III and Louis Oosthuizen. The most unique hole-in-one must go to Louis Oosthuizen, if you haven't seen it then click here to view. You won't be disappointed.


Course Design

You may have heard Ken Brown talking about how the course at Augusta was designed, which was a joint effort between Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie. Bobby Jones was the most prolific player of the day and remains the only player to win the Grand Slam which he achieved in 1930. Alister MacKenzie (also designer of Reddish Vale) is arguably the most prolific course designer of all time, a true genius so together they made a dream pair and shared a liking of similar golf courses.

This picture (courtesy of Getty images) really grabbed my interest and shows the par-5 8th hole at Augusta while the course was being constructed in about 1931. Take a look at the picture; on the tee driving balls down the fairway is Bobby Jones, and to his right watching on is Alister MacKenzie, they are choosing exactly where to place one of very few fairway bunkers at Augusta.

When the course opened in 1933 the 8th was a par-5 of 500 yards. The hole still looks very similar today, although the original bunker was extended so became longer and further to the right in an effort to keep up with the ever-advancing golf equipment. In 2009, the hole was extended to 570 yards as the equipment, particularly drivers and golf balls, has improved so much in recent times. MacKenzie was still alive when Augusta first opened, but never actually saw it completed and didn't live long enough to see the first US Masters played there in 1934.




On Sunday, 17 April we will be holding the first of this year's Junior Gatherings, where all children and grandchildren are welcome to turn up and have a go. This is a fun-based session which will start at 2pm and will last for a maximum of two hours. They will learn how to putt, chip and will have the chance to go out onto the course and put their skills to the test. There will be various competitions on the day with prizes available. It would be helpful to have an idea of numbers so if you can contact us here to book your child in we would appreciate it. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions regarding the event. The cost is £2 per child.




Swinging a golf club does put load on the human body in a way that it hasn't really evolved for. These forces cause injuries and more players are taking golf lessons because they not only want to play better golf, but because they want to know how best protect an ailment or injury.

How many of you warm up before you play?

Bad backs, wrists and elbows are among the most common golfing injuries that I come across, and much of this could be avoided. Minor changes can make a big difference, and there is much you can do differently to reduce wear on certain parts of the body. If we look at leading players, they are typically younger, more athletic but with shorter careers, a bit like footballers really and Tiger Woods is probably the best example of this. A brilliant swing when younger, but by no means a golf swing for life. Improved technique and specific to your individual needs will help you play better golf and play golf for longer.

Come and see me if you wish to discuss this any further.

For latest news, photos, special offers, course information and just all-sorts really, please like us on Facebook 'Andrew Myers Golf' and follow us on Twitter 'Reddish Vale Golf Club'.

The next Presentation will be this Saturday, 16 April at 6pm. Please turn up and support our new Captain Tony Barnes. Everybody who attends the meeting will receive a free drink on the house. Jacket and tie must be worn to receive a voucher from the Captain. Click here to see the vouchers being presented.


 

Saturday's April Trial Medal was our first Saturday competition of the season. Division One was won by Lee Costello with a nett 67, Pete Simister Jnr won Division Two with a nett 68 and Division Three was won by John Wright with a nett 71, beating Andy Mackenzie on a card play-off. There were 14 twos worth £8.78 each.

Lewis Cooper won Sunday's Pro's Stableford with 38 points, second was Ryan Swift with 37 points beating several players on a card play-off. The twos were worth £6.85 each. Click here to see the full results.

Wednesday's Medal was played in rare sunshine. Ryan Jackson won Division One with a nett 69, Division 2 was won by Colin Barr with the same score and Martin Boocock won Division Three with a nett 71. The twos were worth £8.62 each.




Bag Trade-In - Is your golf bag looking tired? If you bring in any old golf bag you can receive up to £15 for it against selected trolley and carry bags, while stocks last.