April News...

Dear TSGers, Well now The Masters is out of the way, we can hopefully look forward to a COVID free golfing season for the first time since 2019! Meanwhile, here at HQ, we are now in 'testing' phase of the TSG-WHS which we hope to launch in May. In addition, we can confirm that Farleigh GC will once again play host to The TSG MatchPlay final. Let the golf commence! 'Til next time... Ian - Editor

#TSGISAHAPPYPLACE  #BEHAPPY 

TSG MATCHPLAY DRAW: The Race to Farleigh GC...

With the deadline for entries in this year's TSG Matchplay competition now closed, we can confirm the draw for the 1st round has taken place. Please note that the usual TSG matchplay rules apply. Here we go, the first round draw is as follows:

1. Peter O'Hearn v Jordan Ryan
2. Martin Kelly v John Cross
3. James Blair v Wayne Bell
4. Chris Myatt v Brigitte Lockwood
5. Alex Ballard v Tony Moss
6. Marky Mark v Chris Els
7. Martin Eyles v Steve Slater
8. Chrissey Peacham v David Johnson
9. John Donaldson v Dave Allchorne
10. John Barber v Bye
11. Jonathan Knowles v Bye
12. Alan Y v Bye
13. Roger Dickson v Bye
14. Steve Goss v Bye
15. David Wilkinson v Bye
16. Steve Maggs v Bye

#GoodLuck

TSG BLOG: Know Your Club Yardages with GC Quad Technology

As indoor golf studios become ever more popular, more and more golfers will get the chance to experience the benefits of today’s modern technology. We asked Andrew Pestell, PGA Golf Pro and co-owner of The Swing Warehouse in East Hanningfield in Essex, to explain to us the importance of Club Gapping. And how to get the most from golf simulator technology.

Do you really know how far you hit the ball?

Whatever level of golf you play, there are always things you can do to improve, whether it’s your short game, driving, course management or iron play. These can all take some time and effort to get significant improvement. However, the quickest and easiest way to improve your golf at any level, from Professional to a beginner, is knowing how far you hit the golf ball. Now, we aren’t talking about how far it rolls out; we are talking about how far the ball flies through the air to landing. Knowing your numbers and having a regular club gapping session are so key to getting those handicaps down.

Many ranges are now adding club testing technology to their set-up, from Trackman, Top Tracer, to our own preferred system, Foresight Sports and the GC Quad. The good news is that you can now – in as little as an hour – hit shots with every club in your bag and get an average distance you hit the ball.

How many times have you stood on a par 3 or in the fairway, having to carry the ball 150 yards over a bunker or water, pulled out the 7 iron and come up short?

Suddenly, and before you know where you are, you hit the self-destruct button right? Or worse, been scared to come up short and hit way too much club and got in trouble. When picking the club for the shot you’re trying to hit, the most important thing is being confident that you can commit to hitting that shot in front of you. If in the back of your mind you don’t know how far the ball goes with that club, how can you ever mentally be ready to hit a good shot?

Acceptance in golf is the key to moving on after a bad shot. We can accept hitting a bad shot if we do everything possible, beforehand, to hit a good shot. No one tries to hit a bad shot, but what makes it hard to accept is when you haven’t done the simple things first to give you the best possible chance for success.

Golf Studio Advanced Technology

Foresight Sports, with the use of GC Quad, allows you to do a full club gapping session to take the guesswork out of your tee shots. However, let’s not forget the approach shots too. By hitting a minimum of 3 shots with each club, you can create an average distance with each club. At the end of this process, you can then review all the distances between each club. Thus allowing you to identify if there are any distance problems between clubs immediately, giving you instant feedback, which you can then address with your PGA professional..read more >>

Get 20% OFF Bay Prices at The Swing Warehouse 

when you mention the code TSG22!

TSG INTERVIEW: Meet The Manager - Steve Cookson 

In the first in a new series of interviews with TSG Club Partners, we tee off the articles with none other than Steve Cookson at Bletchingley Golf Club, home of the TSG OPEN Championship.

1. How long have you been at BGC and what's the most rewarding part of the job? I started here 8 years ago and the biggest kick I get is seeing the club now starting to reach its full potential.

2.     What are the most significant changes that you have made to the club in that time? Probably the driving range. We now have six teaching professionals onsite covering everything from Junior lessons to Seniors and Tour Pros.

3.      What is the most frustrating thing about a General Manager's job? You don't always have the funds to do exactly what you want, when you want to, but we are well supported by the owners when it comes to new initiatives.

4.      Who is harder to please, the members or pay & players (e.g, Nomads) Definitely members!

5.      What tips can you give Golf Societies when dealing with clubs?  Try to have a good idea of what you want from your day from the outset. Try to add some variation by adding golf clinics, putting competitions and make sure your guests all know where they're supposed to be and at what time!

6.      Tell us a funny golfing story, that still makes you smile? If you have not played Bletchingley, the 12th hole is a lovely but relatively short par 3 measuring 136 yards with water all up the left-hand side of the hole. At the Ladies Spring meeting, one of our ladies hit her ball close to the water's edge but luckily her ball did not meet a watery grave and was still on terra firma after her tee shot. When she walked down to her ball, she noticed that in order to play her shot she would have to take a precarious stance in order to play her shot as her heels would be dangerously hanging off the edge of the bank. At the time she felt it was worth the risk, and she made her strike at the ball, she lost complete balance and fell straight in the pond, and completely submerged under the black murky stagnant water. Her playing partners were unaware of her mishap until the lady in question rose from the water. Needless to say, her golfing day ended on the 12th hole!

7.      How often do you play and do you still enjoy the game? Mostly only on holiday now. I still practice a few hours a week, as it gets me out of the office.

8.      How has the new WHS system been received by the members & visitors? Well, it's definitely had its teething problems but we seem to be coming through them now. I truly believe in online handicaps though, as it introduces new people to the game.

9. What one thing would you ask nomadic golfers to do when visiting BGC? Come and introduce yourself to me and I'll see if I can sell you something. LOL.

10.  How do see golf changing in the next 5 and 10 years? Well, we've had a superb opportunity to grow participation during COVID but it's down to the clubs to create a welcoming atmosphere and ensure their staff treat everyone with courtesy. If we continue to provide a good experience, the new golfers will stay with us. It's down to the clubs!

TSG PARTNER OFFER: Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris, Paphos

This 4* all-inclusive hotel offers the perfect base for your next golf holiday to Cyprus. Sat on the beach, with bars, restaurants, a spa, and other facilities, plus access to the four finest golf courses on the island - what more could you ask for? 

• 5 nights (Twin room)
• All-inclusive
• 3 rounds (Aphrodite Hills/Minthis/Elea/Secret Valley)
• Free room upgrade
• Buggies at Aphrodite
• Airport & golf course transfers 

All for just £619!

For more info go to  www.golf-escapes.com/leonardo-plaza-cypria-maris 

N.B. As things continue to improve and travel becomes a real possibility, when you are ready to discuss the latest options and travel advice, give the team a call to find out more on 01342 811 777.  Their impartial advice is second to none, and with more years of experience in the team than we would like to admit, we will find the perfect escape for you and your group.

Don't forget to mention THE SOCIAL GOLFER and get £25 off your booking!

TSG LEADERBOARD: (sponsored by 2fore1.co.uk)

John Day at Rivenhall GC (White tees) with an EXCEPTIONAL = 44 pts. 

Well done to John on his FIRST leaderboard win and the first since joining the site in 2008! Welcome to the 2023 TSG Masters, Mr Day.

The TSG GREEN towel is on its way to you.

H'cap change: 25.8 to 20.6   

 TSG POLO SHIRT(in Green or Black)

• Micro-fine Pique
• Permanent wicking yarn technology
• Regular fit with 2 button placket
• 1×1 ribbed collar
• Weight 180 gsm
• Sizes from XXS-3XL (Black to 5XL)
• Forest Green or Black

Cost = £25.00 (Incl. P&P)

REVIEW OF THE MONTH: Dunton Hills GC, West Horndon, Essex, UK.

This month we're featuring TWO positive reviews, meaning the club must be doing something right!

"Little Gem..." 

I'd heard the stories and read the reviews and was expecting a tatty little muddy course, but boy was I surprised. Apparently, there has been a lot of work put into the place. The fairways are in excellent condition and the Greens are pretty good, apart from one. Some really interesting and challenging holes, some blind tee shots to contend with, hedges to get over and some shrewdly placed water. Overall a very good course which I am keen to play again and probably again. A very pleasant round in bright sunshine!

Martin Kelly (11)

"A whole lot better than when I played it many years ago"

Dunton Hills - this is now an excellent course. Fairways in very good condition, greens also fair, as they are working on them. I think even better than Blake's. Worth the visit, so go and play the course, it's pay and play!

David Selmes (25)