What exactly are you trying to do?

Now this is a great question, I use it a lot during my coaching sessions and it seems quite a simple question doesn't it? However, I'm always amazed at varied responses I get when I ask it. If we focus on full swings for the moment, I'm stunned at how often golfers change their swing thoughts during a round in an effort to make the next shot their best ever…..Sound familiar?? Then you'd better read on…..

Most golfers would benefit massively from a much clearer approach. The first step to take is to decide exactly what we are trying to achieve. You are either practicing or playing……. The two don't mix very well! So, if you're on the golf course you should be in playing mode - you shouldn't be filling your head with lots of ideas about how you should swing! If you're on the practice ground working on your technique then you should be in practice mode - you should be focusing on a particular aspect of your swing, not always just the outcome of the shot!

I read a great quote from Phil Mickelson who sums it up perfectly, he said:

"When you get into the heat and the pressure of competition golf, you end up always reverting back to your old habits, whether they are good or not. One of things I like to do is make golf more or a reactionary sport, where I look at the shot, try to see the shot and just react to it; let myself react to the shot without over thinking it or thinking about the mechanics or technique or what you have"

The way I look at golf is if it's practiced in an effective way then the playing side of the game is just so much more rewarding. If there's no effective practice then why would you expect your golf to be consistent?

Please get in touch here if you'd like to know more about how to practice efficiently, learn habits that will benefit your game and ultimately improve your enjoyment playing golf.

May is National Golf Month and to celebrate we are running some FREE taster sessions. Golf is a game for life and the whole family. These programmes are designed for ladies, gents and children of all ages who simply want to try golf! Our special coaching offers will take you through a group introduction experience, matching skills and ability. Jo (your PGA qualified professional) will explain golfing etiquette and enable you to understand the basic rules so you can get out playing golf as quickly as possible.

The programmes include: Free group taster sessions for 60 minutes. Find out more about the sport, tour the golf club, meet the golfing professionals, Q&A session, brush up on the basics and hit some balls in a mini-coaching session.

Our sessions are on the following dates and times:

• Sun 10 May - 1.00pm
• Sun 17 May - 1.00pm
• Sat 23 May - 11.00pm
• Sat 30 May - 11.00pm

Your next step is simple! Sign up to our exciting taster sessions at Tyrrells Wood. Booking is easy, just click here to send us an email and we'll book you into the group session you'd prefer or give us a call in the shop today 01372 376025. Go ahead and invite family and friends as well!! All that is left is to simply turn up and enjoy, it's as easy as that. No equipment is required for the taster sessions and equipment will be supplied by us. So book your golfing experience today and start enjoying the fun, exercise and friendships that golf can bring.

Please note that as of Friday, 1 May winter rules will NO LONGER be in play!

This weekend is our Club Drawn Medal with the option of entering the largest Pro-Am in Europe, the Lombard Trophy. The event attracts entries from more than 1,000 clubs, has more than 100,000 amateurs taking part and requires 16 regional finals to cater for the huge demand. The best nett score over the whole weekend will qualifying to join me in the South regions qualifying competition on the Old Course at Walton Heath on Wednesday, 8 July. The winners of the regional qualifier will play in the all-expenses paid Grand Final to be held at Gleneagles. I was fortunate enough to play in the Grand Final many years ago (1999!!), the final was held at San Lorenzo in Portugal back then and it was a remarkable trip. Entry is just £2, good luck to all!

Please click here to see the next 10 days of golf at Tyrrells Wood.

Wed 22 Apr - Congratulations to Chris Snell for winning the EB's April Stableford with a score of 38 points. Roger Keep finished in second place with 37 points. For the full results please click here.

Sat 25 Apr - Well played Gill Staunton who won the Ladies Stableford with a score of 37 points. Marianne Gibson finished in second place with 35 points. For the full results please click here.

Sun 26 Apr - Congratulations to Dave Simson who won the Bank Of England Board Competition with an excellent score of nett 67, this was just enough to beat Paul Harris into second place on countback. For the full results please click here. Well played Junior Captain Nic Long who won the Junior Stableford with 34 points. For the full results please click here.

Mon 27 Apr - Well played Mario Viscione who won the Club Medal with a nett 69 just beating his RJS partner, Chris Baron, on countback. You'd feel sorry for the pair who have to play those two in the first round, oh, hang on, it's Chris Olney and Paul Sheather!! For the full results please click here.

Tue 28 Apr - Congratulations to Marie Munt who put her new Callaway XR woods to good work winning the Ladies Stableford with 34 points, well done Marie! For the full results please click here.