The Open is underway and the course looks superb. St Andrews - The home of golf - is the most historical Open venue there is. There is simply no place that feels like St Andrews where everything revolves around golf.
Abbie made the journey up there on Tuesday and watched the final practice day on Wednesday. The practice days are some of the best to watch; particularly at St Andrews where being a spectator is not always easy, especially when busy.
As you can see Abbie certainly got close to the action.
One of the most memorable shots I ever witnessed was Constantino Rocca holing his putt from the 'Valley of Sin' on the 72nd hole to tie with John Daly in 1995 - view a video here. It was a magic moment and I was lucky to be standing right at the front with a great view. I told Abbie about this and Abbie commented she wasn't quite one years old then…thanks Abbie! Alas Constantino still didn't win the Claret Jug, but who will win this year? If you bet on anyone other than Jordan Spieth I think Louis Oosthuizen would be a good choice.
Well done to Curtis Brokenbrow who won The Jubilee Trophy. During the four rounds, Curtis shot 68+70+74+72=284 to win by two from Paul Wheelton and Andy Hutchison. Curtis reduced his handicap to +1 during the comp which is the lowest he has ever been. He is set to fly to America at the start of August to begin his golf scholarship at Missouri Baptist University. We wish Curtis all the best on his venture to the States, good luck Curtis.
The next Presentation is Saturday, 18 July (tomorrow) at 6.00pm. Please ensure you are wearing your jacket and tie.
The upcoming Saturday Junior Coaching is starting soon and already half the spaces have gone! If you are interested please come and see us in the shop ASAP.
We had European Tour Player David Horsey here on Wednesday who came for a game with Lee Norcross, Sam Phillips and Charlie Simpson who are former members of Styal Golf Club where David is attached. If you didn't know, David has links to Reddish as his Grandad Derek was a member here some years ago. During an interview, David was asked of his earliest golfing memory; his answer 'caddying for his Grandad at Reddish Vale'. Could there be a better course to inspire people to play golf?
Anyway, I know Charles Simpson bettered David's score at the 9th as he rose to the occasion and produced a hole-in-one! Charles' ace wins half of the twos pot (£42.00) leaving the remaining twos worth £2.80 each. Jamie Greig won Division One with 37 points, the same score as Ross Paton carded to win Division Two. Les Jones won Division Three with 38 points.
Do you want to know how far you hit every club?
If so book a gapping session with me. With the accuracy of the GC2 game changer, we measure your yardages in carry and total with each club - this is recorded onto the computer and emailed to you for your usage. I also transfer this data onto a gapping card as seen in the photo, and I will laminate this card so you can attach it to your golf bag!
This is a new complete service and a very worthwhile one that will save you shots. What's more, I have decided to provide this service for £25 per session for the first five people to book one.
Book yours now by clicking here
Gapping tests have also shown up inconsistencies in sets of irons. If you struggle with a certain yardage it may be you have a gap in your set. I have found some big gaps in sets of irons recently, and particularly at the lower end of the set where some people have a crucial wedge or two missing.
Likewise, if you notice that you hit clubs a very similar distance it could be that the lofts are too close together. Lofts on irons (particularly forged irons with them being softer) do move over time and generally become slightly more lofted due to impacts with the ball and the ground. I have even found new sets of irons (none PING or Titleist by the way) where the irons are not spaced correctly apart. One person was effectively carrying two 6-irons! One 'leading' manufacturer is noticeably worse at making matched sets than any other, should I name them? Better not, but I don't stock them!
A gapping session will highlight any of the issues above. Too many players still don't know how far they actually hit the ball with each club, and don't realise how their equipment or lack of it is holding them back.
I have heard nothing but praise from both members and visitors alike regarding the golf course recently. The whole course is in excellent condition, fairways like carpets and the greens like glass. The greens at St Andrews might be as good as ours, but with 66 greenstaff and a rather generous budget to work with they should be!
Nick cut our greens to a height of 2.85mm yesterday, yes 2.85mm; and then ironed them this morning! Nick has used a micrometre to set the height of the cutting blade this week so working to 1/20th of a millimetre you could say Nick is quite precise. The surface is smooth and quick and I have certainly never seen the course in such good condition, and having spent a decade working and playing at Moor Allerton and Moortown Golf Clubs in Leeds I can never remember greens this good either. The stimpmeter reading last Saturday was 12.
The speed of the greens has been catching a few people out though
Anyone who has played on other local courses, spend a bit of time on the putting green prior to play and get the speed of these. You may be better going to the bottom of the putting green and putting up the hill, as putting down it is very quick and faster than most on the course.
Anyone with a long backswing or a wristy putting action, these greens will find you out. Don't moan the greens are too fast, they aren't; these are greens at their best. Come and see your pro for a putting lesson and learn how to putt better.
