This week we have launched our new website and email newsletter. My team and I hope you like it. This new website and email is fully responsive in design, so irrespective what digital device you are using the content will adjust accordingly, giving a perfect display every time.

This will allow you to read our weekly words of wisdom from the comfort of, for example your sofa, office or even a train. Please click here to visit the new site.

We would love you to explore the website and investigate the tips and drills, product catalogue and interact with any features we have on the website.

We look forward to any feedback you may have so click here and tell us what you think about our new email and website.

On Monday it finally looked as though Spring had arrived as you can see from the first picture. The sun was out, it felt warm and the green staff were hand cutting the greens. The second image below was taken 5 hours later from the back of the pro shop, and as you can see I was greeted by some ducks! Incredibly all this has gone and it was back to normal by Tuesday morning.

Last weekend saw the first qualifying medal of the year, normally a good wake up call after playing off a shortened course all winter, and this year proved to be no different. Again, credit has to be given to the greens staff for getting the course fit for a qualifying competition, especially after the winter we have had as many courses locally are struggling to be open let alone have a medal played on them. Even as late as Friday with another deluge of rain, plans b and c were ready to be put into action fearing the worst. Thankfully the water subsided and the main concern became mist which passed by late morning.

The scoring as ever for the first medal was hard going but was won by Dave Burt with a magnificent 75 nett 70. This score also won Dave the scratch prize. Dave was one of only two players to shoot below their handicaps, the other been Ed Welch. Division 2 was won by Jim Ludden with a nett 73 and Division 3 was won by Nigel Ball with a nett 78.

This week you will have received a email from the office regarding beginner ladies group classes which are to be run from next month. Aaron and myself will be running an introductory course for women who are interested in taking up the game or who have not played for some time.

The program will start on Thursday 10th April and run for 7 weeks at the cost of £70. There will be an option of a morning or evening class, at the end of which there will be an opportunity to join the club on a trial basis. No previous playing experience is needed, all equipment is provided and all levels are welcome.

The program is designed to grow the game within the community, and give people on the fringes of the game the chance to play it. We are lucky at Saffron Walden to have a fantastic ladies section, and they would love to see some new faces at the club. So if you know someone who fancies giving golf a try, now is the perfect time to start. Anyone wishing to take part please contact the pro shop on 01799 527728 or click here to get in touch. 

Here is an exercise designed to relieve tension at the start of the swing and get the correct muscles involved and relaxed in the takeaway. Generally when you watch people swing the club in their practice swing, it always looks a lot better than their actual swing. Two reasons for this are tension and starting the swing with the correct muscles.

This drill is designed to take away the tension at the start of the swing and to let it happen more naturally without thinking. Hover the club above the ball, push the club forwards then start the club back and let the momentum of the movement make the swing happen. This is a great warm up exercise which is guaranteed to ease tension and improve your ball striking. Click here or on the image to watch the video.

We are currently running a fantastic promotion on Titleist Pro V1 golf balls. Buy 3 dozen and get a 4th dozen FREE, plus FREE ball personalisation. Last orders will be taken on the 17th of April, so don't miss out on this great offer. Come and see us in store for more details.