January Newsletter

Helping you Play your Best Golf

At the Academy

I'm so excited by what 2024 holds in store...in fact so much so, that I'm looking for 5 people who feel as motivated as I do and really want to make this their best year ever. I'm going to work with them in-person and remotely online as part of a group, and help them reach their golfing goals. If you feel this is you and you would like to know more please hit the button below and let's arrange an in-person chat or call.

Annual Development Programme- £70 per month (payable by monthly debit)

This popular 12 Month Package is for the Golfer looking for gradual continued improvement and maintenance with regular expert guidance and support, helping you become the best you can be. Programme includes:

* 1 hour one to one coaching session per month (delivered as a 1 hour session)

* 12 month Goal setting/planning session included in monthly session

* Free OnForm Coaching App online training space including notes and interaction as required

* Statistical analysis of any captured game data

* TrackMan swing and ball data as required

* TrackMan putting analysis and green reading basics as required

* 10% discount on any future experience days including Short game clinics.

Development Programme- £140 per month (payable by monthly debit)

The 3 or 6 Month Package is for the serious Golfer who wants to be the best they can be, is willing to commit the time, and needs support and accountability on the journey. Programme includes:

* 2 hours one to one coaching per month (delivered as appropriate e.g. 2x1 hour sessions or 1x2 hour session)

* Game development planning/Goal setting

* Full "How to Train" support and 24/7 online assistance using OnForm Coaching App.

* TrackMan 4 swing and ball data as required

* TrackMan 4 putting analysis green reading basics as required

* Course strategy and decision making/mind skills.

* Statistical analysis of any captured game data

* VIP appointment times not available to public

* 10% Discount on any future experience days

* Please note coaching hours cannot be carried forward unless agreed, additional green fees not included. 

I will also be running a series of coaching clinics again, as well as a practice club and on-course club from the Spring onwards. More details to follow...

3 Things you need to know regarding the Ball change

The R&A and USGA have recently made the announcement regards changing the golf ball which in their eyes is going to help tackle how far the ball is going and help protect the game in future years.  The plan is to help create some stability with the ever-growing concern in the pro game regards how far the ball is starting to travel with players becoming much faster and equipment offering much higher ball speeds.

How will it effect how far the ball goes? 

The USGA confirmed that the fastest players should expect to see as much as 13-15 yards in driver distance loss, with the average pro and elite male golfer coming in at a reduction of 9-11 yards. As for LPGA and LET players, there will be a 5 – 7 yards distance loss on average. The average male golfer is set to lose 3 – 5 yards and the average female golfer is set to lose 1 – 3 yards. The changes are not going to have too large of an impact for the everyday golfer but if you are a longer hitter, you will notice this much more.

Why is it being implemented? 

Over the last 20 years, we have seen the golf ball getting quicker, golf clubs becoming faster and the everyday tour professional becoming quicker on average. The long drive game has opened some eyes to see what clubhead speed the human body can achieve with the likes of Kyle Berkshire reaching 150mph. 

Professional golfers are hitting the circuit swinging 120mph now and this will only increase as the years go by. Mark Broadie in his book “Every Shot Counts” went into detail of what are the most influential aspects of scoring. He showed that the further you hit it, the lower you will score whether you are a higher handicapper or professional.  The USGA & R & A are confident this will help protect the game and prevent golfers from “Bullying” golf courses in future years.

When will it take place?

The new golf ball is scheduled to go into play in 2028 for the pro game and elite amateurs. In 2030 the new ball will be rolled out for the recreational golfer. This is for sure going to keep the manufacturers busy over the next few years with the design of the new ball.  Will the recreational golfer feel the cost of this when it hits the market? All the manufacturing and research costs will have to be recouped in some fashion. Hopefully, the everyday golf doesn’t feel this. Buying a golf ball that goes less distance for more money will leave a sour taste for many!!

Do you use a line on your ball? 

Are you a golfer who uses a line on your ball when you putt or not? Have you tried it? Did it help or hinder your putting?

How wide are you putts?

If you are finding your putts are starting way offline it would be a good idea to check your alignment in set up to start with. Using a line on your ball can be a really easy way to help improve your overall alignment. If you are good at naturally seeing the line then I wouldn’t suggest using a line but if you find you are always well offline it may be a good time to start.  

Benefits

Firstly, it can be really useful off the tee box to give you something to build your stance around.  On the putting green I encounter a lot of players who don't align the ball in the middle of the putter, therefore strike and distance control get distorted.  Having that line on the ball running through the line on the putter can really help many golfers.  Once you hit the putt you will also get to see if the line is rolling end over end.  Choosing a nice bright colour that stands out can really help you visualise where your putt will start and the path it will follow, it also helps you build a good routine for consistency.

Pace and line

Without a doubt, these are two of the key components to good putting, but if you are lining your ball up its important you have a good understanding of the two concepts as to what are we actually lining it up to if we don`t have these skills.  A few companies now have matching putter and ball combinations available to help this process.

Could it cause me problems?

Some good putters have a tendency to pull or push their putts online and intuitively calculate or allow for this when reading them.  Using a line on the ball could hinder these golfers from putting well, as perfect alignment may cause them to start the ball on a line they are not accustomed to or lose their relationship with the distance required.  

Where you place your focus prior to hitting your putt can also have an affect here as the golfer can be heavily focused on the line on the golf ball as opposed to the target. Golfers who tend to focus on a fixed location prior to pulling the putter back can be seen to improve performance. This is known as the quiet eye.

Perception of the line 

If you are going to use a line you need to trust the line you have chosen. It can look very different when you stand over the putt. This can lead to poor commitment and guided strokes. Be sure you trust your line and commit to the putt and as always reach out to me if you have any questions around your putting.

Where to visit in 2024

The golfing destination that I highly recommend you drop on the bucket list this year if you haven't yet visited, is Pebble Beach. I personally love California the couple of times I've been fortunate enough to visit it, but Pebble Beach Links is a different beast altogether. It's also surrounded by fantastic courses, including Spyglass Hill,  the Links at Spanish Bay, Monterrey Peninsular Club and Cypress Point. 

I hope you enjoyed this month's update, as always, I appreciate your feedback. Anything you would like to see featured please get in touch and remember to keep me updated with your progress and your challenges. I'm here to support you on your journey to playing your best Golf.

Happy New Year