The new 4th hole had its debut this week and I have heard nothing but compliments about it. Most people thought the changes will make the hole play easier than before and it will be interesting to analyse the stats at the end of this season and see if this is the case. Credit to Nick and the lads for accomplishing a huge success.

Summer rules are in force so no more lift, clean and place. With the recent dry weather the course has dried up incredibly quickly, and I believe the good spell is here to stay for a while.

There were two limited edition signed prints in the Masters Draw this year. Derek Simpkins is the winner of the 18th and Graham Davies won the picture of the 13th. Thank you again to everyone that entered.

In the main event, Jordan Spieth was the clear winner of the Masters and it looked as though he was playing a different course to all the rest. Augusta was clearly set up differently to previous years and was playing easier. Those balls that we normally watch screwing back off the greens and disappearing into the water were staying up, and never have we seen so many putts come up short. I bet the greens will be drier and quicker again next year.

FREE Introductory Sessions

The first person to book in and receive his FREE introductory session was Marc Singleton. Since then I have been inundated with these free trial sessions so if you haven't yet had yours please take advantage. I think it's fair to say the Swing Room is rather different to what most people who have seen it were expecting, and the main surprise is how realistic it is. Yes you do use real golf balls, clubs and play golf courses in there! Come along and see for yourself.

Custom Fitting in the Swing Room

The first customer to be fitted in the Swing Room was Steve Bardsley. Steve tried a few different irons and the GC2 showed that the Titleist AP1 irons produced the best results for him. Steve benefitted from the lightweight dynalite gold (steel) shaft and irons two degrees more upright than standard. Steve's custom fitted irons arrived this week and after taking them on the practice ground Steve described the results as 'marvellous!'.

Steve has also replaced a 20 year old Callaway Big Bertha 3-wood with a new PING G30 3-wood. Steve tried my demo and said the difference is 'amazing' compared to his old one, and how the new 3-wood feels as though it 'trampolines' the ball off the face. I remember selling the Big Bertha range in the mid to late 90s when they were easily the best fairway wood on the market, but quite a lot of improvements have been made in the last 20 years.

More firsts in the Swing Room

First person to hit a shot in there - me! (Abbie was a very close second!) This facility has given us the opportunity to practice playing golf without having to drive out on a buggy, pick the balls up and drive back in again.

First person to hit a wood shot - Allan Duffy. Prior to his drive-in, the Captain warmed up with a few well struck drives (on the first tee at Kingsbarns).

First paying customer - Peter Hodson. Peter bought a gift voucher for 30 minutes in the Swing Room several weeks before the room was even opened!

First to receive a lesson - Anne Jones. There are too many benefits to receiving a lesson in the Swing Room to list, although I am mad busy doing lessons outside aswell at the moment.

Lots of people are benefitting from coaching, and my lesson diary is so full that there simply aren't enough hours in the day or days in the week at the moment! If you wish to lower your scores come and see me I am here to help you.

New Practice Area - I had a chat with Nick about the new short game facility this week and Nick was telling me how he is about to put the levels in. This means making the surface level enough so that a green's cutter can cut the grass to a consistent height all over rather than shaving some areas and missing others. Nick is hoping to have the area in use within the next couple of weeks or so. I am particularly looking forward to it as it forms an important part of this year's coaching plan - particularly for group coaching, details to follow.

Sat 11 Apr - Saturday was the April Trial Medal; On a tough day we had two outstanding scores in Division 1, but unfortunately being a medal in divisions only one player wins a prize. Despite having a 10 on his card, Phil Houghton's excellent 76-10=66 beat John Schofield's 66 on a countback. Neil Crewdson was the winner of Division 2 with 86-17=69. And Division 3 was won by Graham Taylor with 88-18=70. Adam Stott has the lowest gross of the day with 71.

Sun 12 Apr - Dave Hamilton won Sunday's Pro's Stableford with an exceptional 39 points, finishing two shots ahead of Anthony Phillips in second place with 37 points. There was only two 2s each worth £24.50. Click here to see the full results.

Wed 15 Apr - Wednesday was the first qualifier of the year, with 73 players entering the comp. Keith Pownall has his first Wednesday section victory by winning Division 1 with 39 points. Keith is clearly fitting in here very well and a very solid player off his handicap of four. Graham Withnall won Divison 2 with 36 points and Division 3 was won by Paddy Weadick with 37 points. There were 15 twos worth £4.86 each.

We have some fantastic offers in store for you at the moment, including:

ProQuip (plain) and Stuburt shirts - 2 for £39.99 
M:Project - £20 OFF P/X 
Bridgestone E6's - £19.99 per dozen - Great ball, limited stock