Hello and welcome to this week's newsletter. 

 

Yesterday saw the club hold the Beds and Cambs winter Pro am. The course as ever was presented in superb condition, the greens were fast and true for the time of year and the fairways still dry. This did not go unnoticed by the majority of visitors whose clubs have been on temporary greens and makeshift courses at best over the past few months.

All three Professionals played and I'm pleased to report performed well. 

Sarah had a game of two halves, playing the course back to front went out in 42 but came back in a brilliant three under 34. 

I bored the course to tears managing 2 birdies and 2 bogeys to come in with a 72 and finish third, which I was very pleased with having not played a competitive round since August. 

Aaron was the star performer in the Pro shop with an adventurous five birdies and three bogeys for a -2 70. This earned him second place after Noel Quinn came in with a 66 to win by four shots. 

The team stableford score was won with 89 points by the John O'Gaunt B team with Professional James Clark.


 

Ball Position

Ball position is something that is often over looked or misinterpreted in the set up. It can cause you to compensate with the swing path as the initial starting point of the ball will be incorrect. 

If the ball position is too far forward, the ball is inclined to start left and encourage an out to in swing path resulting in pulls and slices. 

Notice how the weight is left sided and the shoulders are open

And vice versa if it's too far back, the ball is likely to start to the right on an in to out path. It's very easy for players to try and compensate by over working the hands to square up the face and hook the ball.

See how the weight is now on the right side and the shoulders are closed to the target line

There is no golden rule for ball position as it may vary depending on the player's technique and flexibility, but as a general rule I tend to start with the driver off the left heel, for a right handed player and moving back to just beyond half way in the stance for a wedge. We want the driver position at the front of the stance as it's where you deliver maximum speed, and as the driving action moves the centre of the swing further to the right, the angle of approach will be shallower than that of an iron.

As I mentioned earlier you can alter the ball position to suit the players swing. If a player slices the ball they would benefit from moving it further back and vice versa if you hook it. Also someone who struggles with flexibility and has limited lateral/side to side movement in the swing should also play the ball more central to ensure a crisper strike.

To ensure you get your ball position correct when you practice, either use alignment sticks or clubs laid out across the floor with one pointing down the target line and one pointing at the ball. This will give you the correct feeling that you are looking for and allow you to see and get used to the correct ball position.

We hope this helps, and as always we want to hear how you get on, so please click here to get in touch, or come and have a chat with us in the pro shop.