How to get better at Golf? - Captain Golf

It’s been a while since I gave an update on the progress of the golf swing/development/improvements over the last few years and months.

Going forward we will blot on regular updates on my golfers journey of improvement, especially as golf opens up more post corona situation.


The Journey
Improvements really kicked in via three golf coaches.

1-Gary Smith
A fantastic short game specialist who has a unique take when it comes to the short game.

100 yards in, his technique helps you land the ball on the dance floor or close to the pin (we would hope) instead of topping it...everyone hates to top a golf ball. We have all been there where the ball launches at warp speed into the nearest Bush or housing estate behind the green itself!

I came across Gary’s teaching style at a golf exhibition at Earls Court. There are videos and apps but his short game approach lessons are excellent.

2-Robo Golf
Quite a revolution for your long game, the usage of a robot yes a robot with hydraulic arms. It sounds like a transformer or intergalactic visitor. Although it might not give you the power to win every tournament and some secret power, it does give you the muscle memory of what a golf swing should feel like.

Every lesson gets you circa 100 rotations, you maintain the golf posture whilst the robot takes back your golf club (within your hands) and you go through the golf swing plane.

Having been to a few instructors before, for me this approach worked wonders and gave me that muscle memory off pull back and follow through on the golf swing plane.

You can sign up to several packages. Nate the instructor subsequently went to China to launch the machines in several cities.

The actual machine costs around 80k USD so having a lesson or package lessons is probably the better thing to do. The company has licenced its product out to specific geographies. I was fortunatel that my driving range had licensed the machine.  I did hear that Dechambeau is a user of the robot and also uses it for practice when not on the course. Dechambeau is known for using science and other methods to improve his golf swing.

A lot of traditionalists often smile or remark when I mention the robot. However the fact is everyone wants to get better. There are different teaching methods out there that can definitely help.

3-Reeves
The most recent and inspirational golf coach is a chap called Reeves. Taking over Robo golf and emphasising a push and pull technique it is in my view a major breakthrough and revolution in the long game golf swing. In time I am convinced it will become more popular.

Not only does the swing protect your back and is based on physics, you are not given 100 things to think about, tweak or adjust. The push pull technique.

I strongly recommend signing up to Reeves and having a lesson. Likewise he has written several books on the subject. Research into his golf swing approach has been peer reviewed in the academic world which gives more claim and fact based evidence that the push and pull technique works.

What Next?

Unfortunately a knee injury (the gym) has put me on the sidelines the last six-eight months but physio  /progress should mean I get back out onto the course to further improve.

What about your handicap?

Overtime this has fallen from 30 plus (I groan but you got to start somewhere)) to around 20.

I did join a golf club but the membership base ratio was more in favour of a pay and play ratio. The initial objective was/is to get into the golf community regular games and meet knew golfers.

In reality there was no welcome email from the club captain and there was not a scheme to roll-up new golfers, facilitate the introductions.

Despite that many many golf courses were played and with the golf lessons from Gary, Nate and Reeves, the handicap dropped to around 20...a lot more improvement needed.

What is your typical round Captain Golf?

Well it was a few pars, occasional birdie, bogeys and still blow outs of that triple bogey or worse a four. The blow outs really do destroy the golf score. I call it the good the bad and the ugly. It happens but as time goes on it should become less. Tips to improve include marking your scorecard to identify where improvement is needed, golf is a game of small margins yet errors have a bit impact!

Any Recommendations

Find a golf coach if possible go for the best you can. Golf is about physics and natural talent and practice, and to keep it simple! Very few people can just step up to a ball and strike it well. However if you apply the right dynamics and flow, you get progress.

Will keep you updated on the golfing journey to reach zero handicap...it is a long quest.

Post a comment below and tell us your tips or how you are progressing with your own golfing journey.

Thanks for reading, tune in for the next Captain Golf Blog.

Captain Golf
www.captaingolf.golf
www.captaingolf.blogspot.com

Can I Play Golf in England? England Golf Lock down Update - Captain Golf

Hello,

Well some good news today from Golf England. It looks like Golf will be added to the list of activities permitted in England from Wednesday onwards.

England Golf posted an update today which largely suggests the green light has been given.


Captain Golf


The UK Government has announced that golf will be able to resume in England on Wednesday, 13 May 2020 after a seven-week hiatus.
In accordance with the Prime Minister’s statement of 10 May, all outdoor sport, including golf, must be enjoyed alone or within a household group.
Captain Golf

Unless you live with golfers or the wife/husband play, you are not permitted to play with another golfer who is not within one's household.
Regardless this is good news but please do take good care when out on the course and liasie with your local club to understand any new processes put in place.

You can find out more via this link: https://www.englandgolf.org/clubs-golfers-covid-19/

It is likely that capacity of courses will be drastically reduced but demand for those spaces available will no doubt be high both within member clubs and pay as you play clubs.

No news as of yet on driving ranges. We would expect capacity to also be reduced accordingly.

Take good care.

Tune in again for the next blog update. Exciting topics to follow.

Captain Golf

www.captaingolf.golf
www.captaingolf.blogspot.com


Can I Play Golf in Ireland? Golf Union Lock Down Update - Captain Golf

Good day to all.

Captain Golf
Royal Portrush

A quick update here from Captain Golf. The Golf Union of Ireland has released an update on Corona and golf in Ireland. There are five phases. See the table below:



It could be similar the approach adopted by Golf England in the coming days. We shall see.

Thanks for reading tune in for the next blog entry.

Take good care.

Captain Golf
www.captaingolf.golf
www.captaingolf.blogspot.com

Walk the Golf Course and Walton Heath - Captain Golf


So we now have the covid-19 count down for the lock down to end or be relaxed. 

Recently we looked at the situation of golf courses and whether they would reopen or not.

We expect an update in the UK tomorrow (10th May 2020), and golf might be given a green light to go ahead.

In Ireland it was announced that golf clubs would only be open to members who live within 5km on the 18th of May.

The Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) are to publish a document advising golf clubs on how they can implement safe golf with social distance in place.

So....meanwhile walk the course.

This morning I was fortunate to see the delight of Walton Heath Golf course, a true gem. Famous for being the golf club of Sir Winston Churchill the war hero and also held the 1981 Ryder Cup. You can find out more here about the golf club: www.waltonheath.com 

Walton Heath

The Old course is ranked 27th in the Top 100 Golf Courses in the UK and the 'New course' ranked 51st. More information on golf course ranking can be found here at golf monthly: www.golf-monthly.co.uk/courses/top-100-courses/walton-heath-golf-club-old-course-review-60514

The Walton Heath ground staff were busy working away, respecting social distance and working on the numerous greens. I have to say the course looked truly amazing in the early hours of the morning, the fresh dew on the fairways, purple heather and brightness of the sunshine. I tried to picture the 100 yard approach shot, the greens looked incredible.  I have not played this course but do know a member who recommends the course.

Here are some snaps showing the great condition of the Walton Heath golf course.

A fantastic sunny morning.

Walton Heath Golf Course










In the next Captain Golf Blog we look at Golf in Scotland.....

Thanks for reading, take good care.

Captain Golf
www.captaingolf.golf
www.captaingolf.blogspot.com








Will The Open 2020 be on? - Captain Golf

Will the Open 2020 take place many of you have asked?

The answer is unfortunately 'No'. It was to take place in Kent at Royal St George.

For me Augusta and The Open are two massive golfing events I look forward to them both every year.

What Will Happen Now?

The event has been postponed to 2021.

It is a shame as we will not get a follow-up to the 2019 open held at Royal Port Rush.

Why not try and get a round in before at Royal St George, the course will be in great condition as it was prepped to go live in 2020. You can find out more via their golf club website: www.royalstgeorges.com

The Open 2019 - Recap

Last year I embarked on a bucket list adventure, flew to Dublin, rented a car and drove to Northern Ireland for The Open at Royal Port Rush.

Captain Golf


It was an amazing spectacle. Although cold and it rained at times (umbrellas sold out at The Open Gift Shop...yes sold out), Captain Golf strongly recommends that you go to a future 'Open' Event.

Captain Golf


Reasons to Visit The Open Event

1. The people are great, everyone is in good spirit.

2. The volunteers are also in good spirit and want you to have a good day.

3. The actual Links course/outdoors/fresh air captures your imagination, you will not get bored.

4. The Tented Villages are good fun, here can bask on a big beanie couch/bench/sip a hot drink or cold beer if the sun is shining.

5. The quality of golf. You get top golfers from both the PGA and European Tour playing 'The Open', it is one of the main Majors for the year.


Top Tips with The Open

1. Get a ticket early, consider a week long pass if possible.

2. Get a round in a few months prior to the Open or after the Open. Bookings usually rocket in demand a year or so before and a few years after the event. Captain golf has been fortunate to play Royal Birkdale before the event, the conditions were pristine, likewise quite special playing when the grand stands are up. The grandstands are a great memory, thankfully for me they were empty! 

3. Identify your favourite golfer or golfers from the day planner and follow their round.

4. Alternatively find a decent grandstand overseeing 2-3 holes (sometimes between tee off zones and greens) and sit, golf meditate and enjoy the spectacle. 

Thanks for reading,

Take good care.

Captain Golf