This week in the shop we have had the new Mizuno heads and shafts dropped off for the DNA fitting cart, and yesterday I had the pleasure of seeing and hitting the new Mizuno JPX 900 range of irons. As luck would have it, when we went up to the range Callum was practicing ahead of today's junior open, so rather than me telling you about them, here's Callum's thoughts and some video footage of him striking them. 

He was literally like a kid in a sweet shop.


On Thursday I had the pleasure of testing the new Mizuno JPX iron range thanks to Rob and Mizuno representative Jason after they caught me hitting balls on the range.

The first iron I tested was the new JPX900 Hot Metal, this iron is made from a new compound called Chromoly. This is a harder compound than the last allowing for higher ball speeds of the face resulting in more distance.

When I began to hit the iron I was very impressed from the results, despite it being made from a harder compound it didn't lack feel of the face. On top of this the iron did exactly what it's supposed to do with me gaining around 15 yards carry on my current set with a consistent high penetrating flight, it would definitely be an iron I would recommend for those looking to gain distance, forgiveness and a higher ball flight. 

When I tried this iron at first glance, for a more forgiving game improvement iron it looked sleeker than others out on the market, however still gave me confidence that I could hit it from a wider sole. The new JPX range all have a satin finish which for me I liked as this way the sun wasn't going to reflect when it sat next to the balls.

Click here to watch Callum striking the JPX900 Hot Metal irons


The JPX900 Forged was the second iron I tested. This is only the 2nd generation of JPX iron to include boron within the head allowing for greater forgiveness and distance. These irons looked great against the ball and although they are still out there as a game improvement iron, they looked very sleek whilst giving me confidence I could still hit in the longer irons. When testing them they did not disappoint, I felt the incorporation of boron with the metal in the head made a difference with my mis-hit still producing a great penetrating flight and not spinning up on me which is something I struggle with. 

The feel off the face felt great whilst I gained around 5 yard of carry. 

I was really impressed by the results of the irons and I could definitely consider putting the longer irons into my bag.

Click here to watch Callum striking the JPX900 Forged


Last but not least I tried the new JPX900 Tour iron which is a new addition to the JPX range and something I was very excited to be testing. The club is forged from the highest grade steel available allowing for a super soft feel off the face whilst maintaining ball speeds. Down by the ball the irons looked great with the head being small and compact accompanied by a sleek silhouette finished by a matte satin finish. To me this iron looked amazing and was not a let down on performance. 

The feel off the face of the iron really felt soft, and forgiving at the same time. The ball flight was a great penetrating flight but did not spin up, despite the soft feel the iron didn't sacrifice distance. 

As I moved onto the 6 and 4 iron I was worried I wouldn't be able to hit them. However I was very wrong, the irons really were easier to hit than I expected and produce a nice high soft ball flight which is something that is hard to find. 

After trying this club I really feel I could game them and a set may end up in my bag fairly soon.

Click here to watch Callum striking the JPX900 Tour

If you would like to be one of the first at Saffron Walden to have a fitting for these superb new irons, click here to get in touch, and we can help find the perfect combination of club head and shaft to benefit your game the most.


PING Vault Putters 

Precision-milled PING Vault putters draw inspiration from PING's legendary Gold Putter Vault. Players will experience improved putting touch and speed control with the patented True-Roll (TR) face technology, one of the most significant and measurable innovations in putting performance in the last several years. 

The individually milled face pattern varies in depth and pitch across the face, which speeds up off-center impacts, ultimately leading to fewer three-putts. All four models are offered in a Platinum or Slate finish.

Being fitted by a professional for your putter could be the most important fitting you have, as different putters suit different swing types. Drop in and have a chat with one of our professional team and we can help find the perfect putter for you.

Click here to find out more about the PING Vault putters

Click here to get in touch if you would like to arrange your putter fitting here at Saffron Walden.


 

Saffron Walden Ladies Open Attracts Capacity Entry

A capacity entry of 104 ladies from 32 different clubs across the region endorsed the popularity of the annual Ladies Open held at Saffron Walden Golf Club. In beautiful weather and with the course in perfect condition there were some very competitive scores among the leading contenders. 

Marilyn Campbell from East Herts and Marian Addison from Brickenden had an amazing front 9 holes, scoring 27 points, but fell away on the back 9 with only16, leaving them with a total of 43 points. 

Susan Latham and Sybil Paton of Stoke by Nayland also finished on 43, however their score of 18 points on the back 9 ensured their victory on count back. The winners put their victory down to dovetailing well as partners, staying out of bunkers, and putting well on the tricky Saffron Walden greens. Neither has played at Saffron Walden in recent years, but both were positive that they would return to defend their title. 

In third place were Anne Henwood and Helen Gifford from Epping.

  

Support for Sight were also among the winners, as the raffle raised £360 for the local charity


 

On Monday, 15 August the Seniors played East Herts at home in their 19th match of the season. It was a close game but we lost 4.5 to 3.5. There are now 5 matches left - see the notice board. 

Millennium Week - the entry notice is in the changing room. Please add your name if you would like to play.

The Seniors AGM & Prize Giving will take place after lunch on Friday, 7 October. 

See you all there,

Malcolm Thorne


 

An update from PGA Professional Sarah Smith:

By finishing 7th in the Order Of Merit for the WPGA one series events, I have been invited to play in a Ladies European Tour Access Series event! 

The International Challenge is held on the Gainsborough Course at Stoke By Nayland Golf Club between the 6th & 8th October. It's played over 3 days with a cut after the 2nd day from the field of 93 lady professionals. 

I have played in this event before and it's a lot different to the WPGA series, it's great seeing the girls who play golf full time and from previous years I have gained experience for the different sort of nerves you feel on the first tee. 

Any support over the days would be greatly appreciated, I'm very excited and happy to be invited to play in this event as it's the next level up for me and something I've always been working towards throughout the year. 

Please let me know if you'd like to come and watch!