Rob McNicholas

Sky Sports European Junior Championships

As you can see the bad weather is clearly not affecting two of our juniors who are out in Spain at the Sky Sports European Junior Championships.

This is Will's debut in the tournament and Josh’s third year playing in it and both have made the cut.

I’ll get a full report next week when they are back.

Centenary Dinner

Last Friday saw the Centenary Dinner dance been held at the club. As you will see from Simons pictures a good night was had by all.

Thank you to Simon Hawkins for the photos.

To view the full gallery, click here

My daughter has got into her swimming with the Saffron Seals which means that my wife has started to spend many a Friday and Saturday touring deepest darkest Essex, last week was a bit closer to home in Braintree bit still meant she was unable to attend.

Luckily for me, Ian was going solo too so we were able to make a happy couple.

A Great Year

Tony and Dee have the AGM and the putt out at the weekend and their year is done. It’s been fun, hectic and tiring but when they have time to look back and reflect I’m sure they will look at the year with great fondness.

From the Pro shop staff I’d like to say thanks for the year, we have had great fun and it’s been a pleasure to be part of the Centenary year at the club.

Also thanks to Nick Rose the Seniors Captain and Josh Izod the junior captain. On the junior side, I’d like to pay a special thanks to Josh and his parents for their input and support this year.

Without them, I doubt we would have had such a successful season and won the County Foursomes championship the St. Ives cup. Following on from that is Janina, Colin, Clive and Alex. Good luck on Sunday and have a great year.

Club news

County Triumph for Jaine Fieldhouse

At the recent Annual General Meeting of the Cambs & Hunts Ladies County Golf Association at Gog Magog Golf Club, Jaine Fieldhouse was presented with the Nancie Carter Trophy by County President Maureen Mansfield.

The trophy, which was first presented in 1948, is awarded to the player with the best nett score achieved in the Cambs & Hunts Margery Newport Trophy (Division 1) and the Audrey Nicole Trophy (Division 2) competitions.

I believe this is the first time a lady from Saffron Walden Golf Club has won this trophy.

Congratulations Jaine Fieldhouse

Jaine Fieldhouse with Maureen Mansfield

Coaching news

Friday's Free Swing Advice!

As the cold weather is hitting us this week it’s so important to warm up before hitting the first tee. A good golf swing related muscle groups in the body to all work together, this basic warm-up will give you easy exercises to prepare your body to swing the club.

Increased flexibility not only prevents injuries but encourages power through the torso of your backswing. Young or old, beginner or expert, balance is also important and will help support and stabilise the swing allowing you to shoot low score!

Wrist/Forearm Stretch

Warming up the hands and wrists are key as this is the part of the body we use to hinge and create control with the club. Hold your club in front of you, and rotate clockwise to anti-clockwise, repeat.

Wrist/Forearm Stretch

Backswing Stretch

This is a great golf specific stretch which will do wonders to your torso mobility. Place a towel across your back and get yourself into your golf posture. Focus on the move you’d use for your backswing, turn back and through but hold each side for 15 seconds. Once you’ve done this a few times you will recognise a flow to this move!

Hamstring Stretch

Tight hamstrings have a negative effect on maintaining good angles in our swing. Without this strength/flexibility, it’s also hard to stay ‘grounded’ through the shot which can lead to inconsistency. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms hanging in front of your body holding a club in your hand. Lean down as far as you can, keeping your knees locked until you feel the stretch.

Remember to perform each of these stretches to your own ability and slowly- make sure you never hold your breath.

Click here and get in touch if you would like help with your game.

Backswing Stretch

Hamstring Stretch

Your Winter Coaching Package

4 Month Coaching Programme, Tailor-Made To Suit You.

BE READY FOR THE SEASON!

Only £249 For 5 Hours Of Coaching

Your Coaching Time Can Be Made Up Of:

30 Minute Lessons
1 Hour Lessons
2 Hour On Course Lesson
Gapping Sessions On SkyTrak

Your Lessons Include:

Goals Set Before Each Lesson
Swing Analysis For Each Lesson Using Hudl Technique Video Aid
Coaching Notes After Each Lesson

Click here for all the details

Email- sarah@smithperformancegolf.co.uk

Telephone- 07766 727491

Click the image to expand the poster

Saturday Junior Development Groups And Roll-Up Class

**The 10am Saturday roll up class is available this weekend for all juniors at £9 per person. Please contact to confirm further dates and availability**

The junior development block classes at 11am and 12pm are again Fully Booked. However, the new blocks will start again next term on Saturday 11th January.

Please don’t delay in registering. There are only a total of 10 spaces available in each class and it is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Please contact me on 07768686865 or email aahgolf@googlemail.com if you would like to enquire about any class.

Etiquette down to a tee

You already know the softer ground in winter makes it easier to take divots – especially on par-3s. With this in mind, it’s important to be aware of tee box etiquette when taking practice swings to help us keep the course in the best possible condition.

Taking a divot is easy to do if you’re not concentrating whilst eyeing up your tee shot. Unfortunately, at this time of the year, it can cause lasting damage to the turf.

When taking your pre-shot swings, make sure you step off to the side and find a section of longer grass away from the tee, which will let you brush the top without taking a nasty divot!

get in touch here >

Trim the fat

In winter, the softer ground makes it far easier to fat a high lofted chip shot where your ball comes to rest about two feet in front of your toes – not ideal. But there is another way, with the bump and run shot being a great alternative if you’re in the enviable position of having a clear run to the green.

The bump and run

The key to playing a bump and run is to set up with a narrow stance and your weight slightly favouring your front foot.

During the stroke – a bit like a putt – keep your weight stable and don't hinge your wrists to ensure solid contact with the ball.

We recommend playing this shot with an 8 or 7-iron, which means you need to land the ball 25% of the way to the hole so it runs out the remainder.

Just remember to allow for the contours of the green as your ball will behave like a putt for the second part of its journey.

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Spotlight | FootJoy UltraFIT Boa shoes

It's December next week and that not only means we can start tucking into our advent calendars each morning, but a waterproof golf shoe is going to be key over the coming months.

One that we can't recommend highly enough is FootJoy's UltraFIT Boa, which ticks all the boxes: black (or white) colourway, waterproof leather upper and a cleated outsole.

They're available at a brilliant price point too, so why not come down and a try a pair on before your next round?

watch our review >

I hope you have enjoyed this week's update.
We hope to see you soon
Rob

Saffron Walden Golf Club
Windmill Hill
Saffron Walden
CB10 1BX

Phone: 01799 527728

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