Dear subscriber
Welcome
We have now reached that time of the golfing season when the big tournaments are coming thick and fast.
Last month we looked ahead to the first Major of the season – The Masters. This month we look ahead to the unofficial ‘fifth Major’ The Players’ Championship at Sawgrass and its iconic 17th hole. We preview the event as well as take a look and the facts and figures as well as the weird and wonderful events that have taken place at the famous island green at Sawgrass.
There is also an in-depth look at hybrids and how they can help you to hit the ball higher and longer, as well as some tips on the best way to strike your hybrid.
There is also a special guest appearance from European Tour player Alastair Forsyth who will write a monthly column in the newsletter. The two-time European Tour winner introduces himself by answering a ‘Quick 9’.
Enjoy the news!
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2010 The Players Championship
The world’s best golfers will congregate on the beautiful Stadium Course at Sawgrass, Florida, this month for the unofficial ‘fifth major.’
TPC at Sawgrass offers the richest purse in world golf, and consequently attracts a field made up of the top 50 golfers in the world rankings.
Last year the tournament was claimed by Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, the second year in succession the event was won by a European, with Sergio Garcia winning in 2008 – before that you had to go right back to Sandy Lyle’s win in 1987 to find a European victor.
Since the early 1980s the event has been played on the Stadium Course at Sawgrass, ranked as one of the toughest golf courses in the world. It was once described by Ben Crenshaw as ‘Star Wars golf, designed by Darth Vadar.’ While the legendary Jack Nicklaus, when asked if Sawgrass suited his game, replied: “No, I’ve never been very good at stopping a five-iron on the hood of a car.”
If you want to find out more about the event and the fantastic golf course please click here.
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The Dreaded 17th Hole - Only 121 Yards!!
The 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, with its aesthetically pleasing green surrounded by water, is one of the most iconic images in the world of golf.
Over the years it has seen everything from aces to double figures and many birdies, though the most memorable must be when a seagull stole Steve Lowery’s ball’s in 1998 and dropped it in the water (click to watch).
Here we take a look at some of the key facts and amazing feats achieved at the famous hole. Click here to watch the most memorable moments at the 17th.
• In May 2007, a record 50 balls landed in the water at the 17th hole in one round, which broke the single-round tournament record of 45 set in 2000.
• Divers extract around 150,000 golf balls from the water each year
• Angela Spagnolo, who shot 66 during the ‘America’s Worst Avid Golfer’ contest held by Golf Digest in 1985, holds the worst score ever at the hole. He hit 27 balls into the water from the tee box and drop area. He finally got the ball on the green by putting around the water and down the walkway to the green.
• Bob Tway holds the unenviable record of the worst professional score when he shot 12 in 2005 (click here to watch)
• Fred Couples once made a par with a hole-in-one. During the 1999 TPC he hit his first into the water before re-teeing and hitting his third shot straight into the hole…literally
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PING G15 Hybrid
The G15 hybrid is engineered as a high launching, forgiving alternative to long- and midirons. A large internal toe pad expands the perimeter weighting to make it PING’s most forgiving and longest hybrid ever.
The stainless steel hybrid’s unique shape features an iron-style face and hosel design which positions the centre of gravity closer to the face to increase launch angle and reduce spin. The clean look at address inspires confidence for golfers of all abilities.
For more information on the PING G15 hybrid click here.
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Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid
Forgiveness. Versatility. Distance. All improved with the Baffler Rail Hybrid.
More than 30 years ago, Cobra launched the Baffler and revolutionised the way golfers play long approach shots. The tradition continued with the Baffler DWS and TWS – the number one selling hybrids in the game. Now, Cobra is combining inspiration from its original design and years of knowledge gained from making the game's best-performing hybrids to create the Baffler Rail Hybrid. It's a nod to its heritage and a huge step forward that will continue Cobra's tradition of manufacturing the game's most forgiving, versatile and powerful hybrids.
For more information on the Cobra Baffler Rail hybrid click here.
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Long Iron v Hybrid
The hybrid is fast becoming the club of choice with many golfers switching from long irons to the easier-to-hit hybrid, with some tour professionals even removing their fairway woods in favour of the rescue club.
Very rarely nowadays do you see a player pulling out a one, two, three or even four iron.
Hybrids have become so popular because they are built like a fairway wood, but are only half the size, with a wide sole and more mass than a long iron and this makes for a better opportunity to hit the shot more solid and to have shots that are hit less precisely end up better than a long iron.
The hybrid is a far more forgiving club and promotes a much higher ball flight, which is why it has become such a popular club with the professionals, as they like to approach firm greens from height, as it is easier to stop the ball.
Hybrids are extremely versatile and can be used easily from the fairway, rough or tee, and they are a great stroke saver.
Below I have listed a couple of hybrids that I would recommend and stock in the shop. Why not drop by to discuss the clubs you use.
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Short Game Academy in Association with Ping Golf
Ever watched the pros playing and wondered how they get the ball to spin so much on the greens?
There are a number of factors that will impact how much the golf ball will spin, like the type of green and even the weather.
But here are some quick tips on how to get your golf ball dancing on the greens.
• Firstly, you need to use a soft golf ball to generate plenty of spin
• Set the ball up in the centre of your stance with a little extra weight on your left foot (right for left handed players) to promote a steeper downswing
• Aim to catch the ball at the very bottom using a downward blow to nip the ball off the turf as clean as possible
If you would like to discuss any part of your game please don't hestiate to drop by the shop.
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A Quick 9 with Alastair Forsyth
Over the coming months two-time European Tour winner Alastair Forsyth will be giving us a unique insight into life on tour.
In the first of a monthly column the 34-year-old Scot introduces himself thorough a ‘Quick 9’ questions.
1st: When did you get your Tour card?
I qualified by winning European Tour Qualifying School at the end of 1999.
2nd: What’s been you greatest achievement on Tour?
My two European Tour wins which both came after sudden death play offs. I beat Stephen Leaney to win the 2002 Malaysian Open. Then, two years ago, I had to go through a play off again to beat Hennie Otto at the Madeira Open.
3rd: What’s the best thing about being a professional golfer?
Taking something that I started as a hobby when I was a child and being able to do that for a living and make a career out of it.
4th: What about the worst?
Travel. Being constantly on the move to all four corners of the globe can take its toll.
5th: What’s your favourite club in your bag? And why?
My Callaway FT 5-wood. It’s such a versatile club, I can hit it out of the rough so much easier than a long iron. It also gives me the ability to hit high soft landing shots when required while still being able to hit a low penetrating shots in the wind.
6th: Best piece of advice you’ve received and who from?
Sports physiologist Jamil Quershi, who has worked with a number of tour players, once told me: “Whatever work you put into your game, you will only achieve a percentage of that back in performance and results.” It is something that has stuck with me and drives me on.
7th: What golf ball do you use?
I use the Callaway TOUR iX, because its soft inner core means it is great to control around the greens, while the heavier outer core allows me to still hit long and straight drives.
8th: If you could change one thing about golf, what would it be?
Pace of play during competition and practice rounds.
9th: If you weren’t a professional golfer, what would you be?
If I was not playing on the Tour I’m sure I would still be involved in golf as a professional player, either as a PGA professional based at a club or a teaching professional.
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New Members Golf Day
Congratulations to Andrew Robertson, Jonathan Firth, David Boyle and Marten Fraser on winning the April New Members Golf Day with a score of 84pts. I hope all the new members who played in the day enjoyed there golf.
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GreenKeepers Report
• We have fertilized the greens tee and walkways.
• Sprayed for fuserium
• The green over seeding program has begun and the new top dresser has been used twice with great successes.
• The left of the first hole has now been planted up to the approval of Steve Taylor. Also the right of the 9th to hide the tipped rubble.
• Bunker rakes have now been fitted with the new stands.
• The STRI Have provided there report. We hope to get to this in the coming weeks.
• The 16th bunkers are now in play apart from the left hand side turfed area that is still settling.
• Short ditches at the 2nd and 6th wood side have been filled in.
• A New drain has been connected from the 8th woods to the 9th open ditch.
• Repairs have been carried out to the supply to the water fountain at the 11th.
• The 360 excavator course has now taken place so we comply with H&S.
• All bunkers have now been topped up with sand and edged.
• All the heaters at the pond have now been relocated to the back of 16th and the pond banking has been re turfed.
• Par 4 irrigation has now charged up the irrigation system and carried out any required repair /service work.
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Social News
April got off to a good start with the Captain’s Play-in, held on Saturday 3rd preceded by a cheese and wine introduction to our new Captain, Peter Smith. A great start for Peter’s golfing year!
Easter Monday saw the usual Bank Holiday Mixed competition and was followed by a well attended meal in the evening.
An evening of a different kind was held on Saturday 17th. This was a Gourm et Evening, a black tie event which featured an excellent 4 course meal and a tasting of the new wines chosen to be featured at the Club. The wines were included in the cost of the meal and, before each course,Mike Luke,who is a Club member and wine professional,explained the wine making process and the features and characteristics of the particular wine we were tasting. Everyone attending thoroughly enjoyed the evening and felt that this type of evening is something that could be repeated sometime in the future.
Coming events in May, on the following Saturday 8th, Member’s Day, which will be followed by an evening with a Mexican theme together with dancing.This looks like being very well attended judging by the list in the foyer. A great variety of Mexican and Tex-Mex food will be offered and fancy dress is encouraged so wake up from your siesta in your adobe, grab your sombrero and poncho and head for the cantina!
Finally, on Monday 31st May is another Bank Holiday Mixed event with an evening meal to follow. These events are always popular and well subscribed so keep a lookout at the noticeboard in the foyer to ensure you can reserve your place.
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Rabbits News
A Club member said recently that he felt there was a real buzz about the Rabbits and the season has certainly got underway with encouraging enthusiasm.
The event that starts the Rabbits season, providing an opportunity for established members to meet and an introduction for new members, is the Welcome Evening held this year on 31st March. Although the traditional golf game was rained off 37, including 12 new members to the Rabbits, attended for a golf quiz won by a team comprising Tony Leigh, David Lewis, Marten Fraser, John Kay and Brian Black. Interspersing the humorous banter that pervaded the whole evening a sausage and mash meal was enjoyed and the committee members and the coming year competitions introduced.
The competition season teed off mid-month when 52 Rabbits contested the Henry Town Trophy Qualifier won by Lee Seaton with a net 63, followed by David Walkden (67) and Colin Geddes (70). The lowest gross score of 87 was recorded by John Hall; but sorry John no cuddly toy.
The draw for the knock-out phase has been made, as has the draw for the Tipping Greensome, which has a full compliment of 32 teams.
Scarcroft Rabbits have also been involved in the Yorkshire Rabbits Golf Association Fowler Trophy where Tom Binks and John Kay join Ian Elliott and Tony Cawood in the first round having overcome Crosland Heath GC in the preliminary round.
14 SGC Rabbits have been entered in the Leeds & District RGA Individual Matchplay Trophy and I hope to have successes to report next month.
In the Premier Division L&DRGA Two Man League Simon Ambrose and Martin Cocker have got the Rabbits off to a wonderful start with a 6/5 win over last year’s champions, Headingley. The pressure is now on our Vice-Captain as he has raised our expectations.
The first two ‘friendlies’ to be played against Knaresborough and Sand Moor early in May have been over subscribed, but do not let this put you off putting your name forward as these matches will be shared around. This year Moor Allerton has been added to our fixture list making 14 matches, plus games against the Ladies and Tigers and the Millennium Trophy in August.
Men with a golf handicap of 16+ qualify for the Rabbits and if you qualify and are not yet involved it is not too late.
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Ladies News
April began with snow so the often postponed Spring Flower Competition had to be played indoors. A 'course' of 6 holes was arranged to look like 'Augusta', 42 golfers took part, and the winners were :N.Gledhill, S. Evans, E Heathwaite, 55, 2nd: C.Thompson, E.Walkden, C.Shaw 59 who were presented with lovely pots of spring flowers.
Northern Foursomes, Pontifract Golf Club, 13th,14th,15th April. 4 couples,L.Aspland,M.Welch,D.Bennett, J.Manson, S.Brayshaw, S.Coles and M.Lewis, S.Evans entered this foursome matchplay knockout competition. 2 rounds of golf are played on each day until 64 couples are reduced to the 2 finalists. Sheila and Shirley went through to the 2nd day but lost to Charlotte Austwick and Helen Searle (handicaps 2). Sheila and Maggie made it through to the last 8 but they too lost to the same delightful girls. Congratulations to all who took part and gave support to Sheila and Maggie on the last afternoon.
Competition results: April Medal: Silver: P.Sumner net 77
Bronze1: S.Evans net 72,Bronze2: A.Berridge net76.
Coronation Foursomes: W.Williams,J.Ambrose 34pts
YLCGA County Foursomes: G.Hinchcliffe, J.Henson 741/2
P.Lennon, J, Ashbee Prize Day: 1st: P.Sumner, A.Berridge,E.Walkden 81pts, 2nd: I.Hale, J.Sarginson, H.Palmer 72pts
April Stableford: Silver: U.Turner 38pts, Bronze1:J.Ambrose 42pts, Bronze2: M.Price 40pts.
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News from Finance and General Purposes Committee
Our sub committee looks after the Club's financial position, marketing of the Club and the bar. The following matters may be of interest to members.
1. On Members' Day on 8 May we will be launching a small range of benefits for members which will not cost the Club money. The first 3 suppliers will be Westfield Health, who are offering membership of their health plan at a discounted rate, Leeds Chamber of Commerce, who are allowing our members to have the benefit of discounts offered by other Chamber members, and Oddbins, who are offering substantial discounts on wine purchases. We hope these offers will be useful to at least some of our members. More details of these offers are on notice boards, and a copy is set out at the end of this newsletter.
2. A group of members have selected a new wine list which is now on offer at the bar. Please do try out the list as our view is that it includes some very pleasant wines.
3. The Friday prize draw now takes place every Friday at 8pm and the numbers attending appear to be growing. We have had 2 winners since the start in late March, Tom Binks and Tony Hicks. Why not come to the Club on Friday evening either for a meal or a drink and see if you can be lucky too. There is no cost for entering the draw but the winner has to be on the premises at draw time to take the money.
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Snooker final
Friday 7th May 2010
Russell Stancliffe
V
Stuart Garside
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