OK, not quite but after last week's newsletter announcing I was reducing all Nike stock in store by 20%, which is disappearing quickly, will no longer be making clubs, bags and balls next year after a third season of much reduced sales. This is a big blow for the Sport giant but after much R and D enough enough. They tried hard to exploit the game's leading players, signing up Tiger and Rory on mega deals but again this hasn`t quite worked either. They plan to stick to what they know, shoes and clothing. 

This follows the other big brand adidas who are unloading, Ashworth, Adams and trying hard to sell off TaylorMade as well. 

Perhaps they now realise these big players should stick to what they know best? 

Much like our swings, if we are left to right players, perhaps we should just learn to control that spin and vice versa, that way, as a player we can play instinctively and less consciously, allowing us to understand and play to our strengths as much as possible.

 

Finn Cotter had been frustrated with his game, but a couple of lessons has revitalised him and given him the trust to swing the club more freely. He also has the tools to fix his swing quicker instead of going on that downward curve that happens when things breakdown. Of course there is still room for improvement but he is now consistently scoring under his handicap socially and last week in a medal (his nightmare) he played under the CSS by two. Likewise Paul Barker, in the doldrums with his game for weeks. A newly fitted driver meant more fairways hit and a handicap reduction in the same event. Nice playing gents, keep it up. 


 

Ladies cruise into the final 

Talk about playing well, how about Orsett ladies Silver Trophy team making the final of the County knockout event for the first time in many years! 

Lady Captain Sue Mason was so pleased for her team. 

"Great team spirit and belief that all the team could win their matches were the catalyst for the win. We now face a formidable Chelmsford side in the final but our team spirit is brilliant and I`m now looking forward to that match confident we can go and win. Thanks to all the caddies and supporters they were brilliant as well. Hopefully we can get even more support for the final on September 4th and cheer the girls on" 

Another side playing well are the cadets who won their quarterfinal 4-1 against The Warren. Cadet Organiser, Mark White was pleased with the outcome,

"a 4-1 win was excellent stuff, being the holders everyone wants to beat us, but the team spirit is great and strength in depth helps in case we have anyone away for some reason. Competition for places is tough, just how it should be, so complacency isn`t a word the cadets can use this season. If we can get over the next hurdle, why can`t we retain our trophy again?" 




Sam finishes 18th... 

Sam and Erin Wilson played in the US Kids World Championships last week in the wonderful North Carolina resort of Pinehurst. 

In difficult conditions, 10 year old Erin played her way into the top 100 with her best round on the last day, Sam meanwhile, determined to get in amongst the under 7 championship shot under par the last day, which included an eagle in his round to catapult him into 18th position overall. 

Well done both of you, that was great golf! 

Now Mum and Dad can relax and stop chewing their nails off!  

  




With all sorts of records being broken in the Rio Olympics, especially most empty seats at an event, how can we ignore Jim Furyk's historical 58? He is the first player to shoot the magical score in a PGA Tour event ever! The 46 year old had 10 birdies and an eagle at the Travellers event in Connecticut. He didn't even win but moved into the top 5 again. Event winner was Scottish American Russell Knox who is definitely on Darren Clarke's Ryder Cup radar. 2 wins in season must give the Scotsman a great chance of representing Europe next month in Hazeltine. If he gets in, Europe could have more rookies than established players in their side! 

Big D will have his work cut out soon. Some of his shoe-ins aren`t playing their best and those wild cards could be decisive. Knox would be an asset but who else might he pick? All will be revealed soon enough. 



PING have launched their new iBLADE. Taking the place of the S55 model, it`s their version of a blade looking iron, in that it has minimal off set but is designed on the award winning style of the Glide wedges. 

The irons themselves have a bigger CTP which helps to reduce the shot vibration through the club and a tungsten weight to not only balance the club but to increase the sweet spot. The 3, 4, 5 irons have a slightly longer head compared to the SS range. Interestingly the bounce has been changed to help off tight Orsett- like turf. 

The appearance very much screams blade but is definitely a cavity back. All in all another winner from PING. A demo head is available for use but more for fitting. So be the first to own a set and play your best.




Well, Mourinho is still spending and then some! For my views on the world record purchase of Paul Pogba and the ongoing Olympics, please click here.