Another year begins for us and hands up who has stuck to their resolutions? And all those who have bombed out already. . . I`m with you!

Perhaps resolutions should begin in February? it`s a shorter month and the climb down from the festivities are a little easier on the mind and body. January is a good time for reflection (courses are normally closed) and building that determination to redefine goals or solidify what we want to carry forward from last year. (All a bit heavy that)

So let's get thinking about your golfing goals, what are they and how can we achieve them this time or even surpass them?


 

Decide on what do you would like to achieve? Then consider how are you going to do it?

Should I go to the gym, perhaps flexibility classes, change my diet or some golf instruction? Perhaps fewer 3 putts might be on the agenda? More up and downs, playing better bunker shots, understanding how to finally hit that draw shot everyone else seems to hit at will, Hit the driver further or even make some equipment changes that have been threatening. 

Of course I can help and advice on all aspects of your game and change your habits but will you stick to the changes long enough for them to override the "old "stuff? Many times I follow up with clients who have had lessons for example and the replies are sometimes "it worked for a couple of games and then didn`t so I went back to my old method" 

How about resolving to stick to the changes for at least 3 months. Concentrate on nothing but those changes, practice them, yes practice and then review after 3 months. It may mean during that time more lessons may be needed if only to clarify but just stick to those changes!, bring some feedback, it gives instructors a chance to drill down and help aid faster improvement. 

If you like the idea of improving and are determined to be a money bank this season and not a cash point get in touch and lets have some fun making progress with your golf game.


 

Steve was last year's big winner. . In more ways than one. 

Member, Steve Terry`s number came out in our recent Christmas Pro Shop draw. Steve walked away with the first prize of a 4 ball at The Grove with lunch, the scene of 2016 British Masters. Although back in the summer we all thought his "other number was up" when he collapsed on the first fairway and needed both CPR and mouth to mouth resuscitation. As you can see he has made a full recovery and is just about ready to start playing 18 holes again after heart surgery. 

This of course was an very serious situation that his playing partners dealt with extremely calmly, It was only after he was loaded into the ambulance and in good hands to the hospital they realised he hadn`t put his money in the sweep. All kidding apart and there could be an awful lot more black humour (can I say that?) on a story like this. Fortunately Steve is here to tell the tale himself. He now seems to have got himself a whole load of new golfing friends. Three of the 4 ball are probably decided upon for his away day. So if you want to get in his good books, Steve is partial to a good bottle of red wine!


 

For those non-believers surely now you can admit darts is a sport! The recent World Championships in London over the festive season is like no other. For many we can remember the caller saying "best of order please, it`s Eric to throw first "and there would be a deathly hush whilst peering through the haze of smoke that hung in front of the cameras. It has truly become an international event with players qualifying from all over the world, record crowds including many celebs, some in very questionable fancy dress, singing, even giving banter throughout every match and throw. The crowd can be as entertaining as the play at times although this year's final was spectacular with records broken all over the place. MVG has taken the game to new heights. If you thought Phil Taylor was the man, I think his time may have come. Scotsman Gary Anderson may have beaten others but Michael Van Gerwen was unrelenting. A master of his sport ready to rule the roost for quite a while. 

On the flip side, what a loss to the entertainment business, George Michael passing away. One of Britain's greatest ever singers with tens of hits spanning his career. A genius song writer but genius is close to madness and George had his problems, his songs will never be forgotten. And then Carrie Fisher she of Star Wars, Princess Leia fame passed too, another teenage icon leaves us. RIP people.