Greetings golfers, 

Welcome to another edition of your action-packed newsletter with club match reports and the latest competition winners. Plus, resident professional, Jon Haines gives you tips on how to lower your scores by improving your wedge play from 100 yards-and-in. 

Enjoy this week's read. 

Captain’s Match Report – Home at Herons’ Reach GC – WON 3 ½ to 2 ½

Yes, we wanted to win. But perhaps not under the circumstances that occurred on the day. Weather and course conditions caused the match to be abandoned. Torrential persistent rain caused standing water on the Greens and Fairways and was not conducive to golf. The Captains agreed to abandon the match with an intention of rescheduling it to a mutually agreeable date; however, the Constitution intervened:

“In the event that the Course is closed or becomes unplayable due to adverse weather conditions, i.e. Thunder & lightning or greens becoming waterlogged, the status of the game will stand irrespective of their position on the course. In the event that one or more games have not teed off, the match will be abandoned and replayed.”

For clarification, all the 4-balls had teed off; Group 1 were on the 6th and Group 6 were on the 3rd. Reluctantly and regrettably the Fairhaven Captain has agreed the result to be in favour of Herons’ Reach 3 ½ to 2 ½ (7 points to 5 points).

Captain’s Match Report – Away to Fairhaven GC – LOST 3 ½ to 2 ½

I’m not going to pretend and hide my disappointment - I didn’t play well enough on the day, gutted. Our opposition, Captain Ken and playing partner John were always one shot better and we were never up. Fortunately, the remainder of the team had better matches!

We, the Team, survived sufficiently to reverse the previous week’s score and pride was not too damaged. Dennis and I tried a new maxim to boost our morale: “The cue is not in the rack yet”, but it was firmly placed on the 12th.

"Don’t worry, don’t hurry and remember to smell the flowers along the way."

Looking forward

We’re looking forward to our matches against St Annes Old Links GC with our Away match scheduled for Friday 18 August 2017, and the first tee-time will be 10:00 (tea/coffee will be available from 09:15 hours). The Home fixture is scheduled for Tuesday 5 September 2017, and the first tee-time will be 10:05 (tea/coffee will be available from 09:15 hours).

Competitions are coming thick and fast

Now that we are well and truly into the season the board competitions come thick and fast with the most recent being Captain’s Day and the Ferguson Pairs Trophy. Congratulations to the winners of the Ferguson Pairs, Jeff Park & Steve Johnson, Janis Smith for winning Lady Captain’s Day, and Mike Pickering for claiming the Men’s Captain’s Day.

Date for your diary - Club Championship

Don’t Forget to get your name down for the Club Championship taking place on the 19th & 20th August.

Improve your game from 100 yards and in

This week our resident professional Jon Haines gives you a few pointers on how to improve that nightmare-ish 100 yards-and-in shot.

From 100 Yards is where you can really make a difference to your scorecard and is an area where all golfers can improve! Why not try and implement the following 3 tips into your game:

• Swing the club back to waist height, no wrist action then through to waist height, again with no wrist action.
• Swing back to waist height, this time hinging your wrists so that the club points vertically, then swing through to the same position.
• Swing back until your hands are level with your right shoulder then swing smoothly through to your left shoulder.

By implementing these 3 simple tips with each of your wedges you will get a better idea of your wedge yardages from 100 yards and in. The most important thing to remember is to keep a consistent smooth tempo.

Click here to book a 100 yard wedge lesson.

A week of records...

Witnessing a player shoot a course record is something rather special, but having three golfers card the same course record in a major tournament is unheard of – until now. Kingsbarns hosted the Ricoh Women’s British Open last weekend where Jodi Shadoff, Michelle Wie and Inbee Park all signed for course record 64s, albeit in vain as Korea’s I.K Kim triumphed on Sunday to claim her maiden major victory.

Across the pond, at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational, Hideki Matsuyama stole the show with a scintillating nine-under-par 61 on Sunday to secure his sixth victory in his last 20 starts. Another man showing form going into the USPGA Championship this weekend is Rory McIlroy, who, alongside his new caddie, managed a T5th finish at the WGC to follow up his T4th position at The Open a couple of weeks ago.

Both golfers are sure to be among the favourites at Quail Hollow come Thursday morning, but will it be Spieth's time to cement his place in golfing history by completing a career grand slam at the tender age of 24? We can't wait to find out...

New in-store

We have just taken delivery of some brand new Under Armour stock along with Nike & Adidas. So why not come in and kit yourself out for the remainder of the season! And your members’ discount still applies. Along with the new clothing we have also taken delivery of TaylorMade’s new TP5 & TP5 X golf ball, which are designed to rival the Titleist Pro V1 & Pro V1X, so if you fancy a change why not give them a go!

The SALE

Now the bit you’ve all been waiting for - the SALE. We currently have selected Nike & ECCO shoes at our lowest ever price! Why not come in and grab a bargain? Availability is limited, so you’ll have to be quick! T&C’s apply. Along with this we also have the PING G Driver at just £248, saving you £50.