Remembering Bill
It's half term week, the first of the year. This week kicks off the cadet season and what a way to start. The Bill Pember Trophy gets the season off to a flying start. Bill was an avid supporter of the cadet section and could always be found on the first tee on cadet comp days, making sure the juniors started in the right fashion not only in the competition but in their golfing careers. Once the tee was clear and the competition under way Bill would keep a watchful eye on the days play. Such was the influence of Bill with the cadet section there was a tournament played in his name. Sadly Bill passed away last year and the junior section felt the loss across the board. He was and is sadly missed to this day, the first tee on junior comp day is definitely missing an integral member to proceedings. This week saw the Bill Pember Trophy being contested for the first time without Bill, but he would be more than proud to see that a very strong turnout in his honour by the juniors clearly shows how they felt about the late, great Bill Pember. Although Bill is sadly no longer with us, the juniors wanted something to carry on his memory at the club so we would never forget the time, effort and generosity offered by Bill to the cadet members. They decided to club together for a bench with a plaque in Bill's name to remember him by. The bench will be placed on the 13th hole, and we should all take a moment when we see the bench to appreciate what this unforgettable man did for the future golfing generations here at Orsett. Thank you Bill, true friends are never forgotten you will live on in our hearts.
Ever thought what your ball is made of?
Yes!! Ball technology. Titleist recently unveiled the new Pro v1 and Pro v1x, which have been two years in the making. Back in the 15th century in Scotland, where the game was starting to develop, golf balls were first made of wood that would primarily come from hardwood trees like beech. After creating the wooden golf ball, different types of golf balls were created throughout time that were made with a variety of different materials. The “featherie” was composed of a hard leather shell that was stuffed with feathers from chicken or geese. Unfortunately, the featherie was very expensive at the time and was easily damaged during play . However, during the mid 19th century, the gutta percha ball was the newly designed golf ball that everyone wanted to play golf with as this ball was made of soften gutta strips (sap from a Sapodilla tree) which created an indestructible golf ball. Soon afterwards, golf balls were further developed with a rubber core and a white and dimpled shell we all know today.
so where are we today? We will look at the new Titleist Pro v1s and xs
CORE
The Next Generation 2.0 ZG Process Core contributes to longer distance on all shots through lower long game spin and faster ball speed.
CASING LAYER
The thin, responsive ionomeric casing layer enhances speed and controls spin on full shots.
COVER SYSTEM
The soft Urethane Elastomer cover system helps to deliver Drop-and-Stop green side control and soft feel with long-lasting durability.
DIMPLE DESIGN
The new spherically-tiled 352 tetrahedral dimple design provides even more consistent flight.
As you can see there have been drastic changes in golf ball technology and materials even to this day, the next questions are,do you want low launching but faster spin (Pro V1),or would you prefer,Higher launching lower spin from the driver (Pro V1X)?
It`s your decision.
Rules Night success.
Normally if someone mentions a rules night,most people switch off.Last week,Orsett enjoyed an interactive rules night with the help of 60 members and ,England and Essex Official, Steve Bonnington.It was practicals all the way and with members being asked to give their ruling to yours truly each time,over seen by Steve,it became apparent that the interpretations of the laws of the game were now significantly easier to understand.Amazingly 2 and a quarter hours flew by with everyone learning something they were not aware of beforehand.I have since had emails and words of thanks for a good evening,smaller sections of the Club who were represented are considering follow ups for outdoor seminars in the Spring. Even though it was inside and members did need a bit of imagination at times with some of the props ,the points were definitely got across.It lead to some excellent questions and with Steves`perfect responses even when trying to get "caught out" their were plenty of nodding heads in the audience(no,not falling asleep either) rather than blank not knowing looks.
Other events...
England snuck past unfortunate Wales in another fabulous 6 Nations match at the weekend.England Head Coach, Eddie Jones has now got the squad he needs with the belief they can beat anyone.The game itself was on a knife edge with just 4 minutes to go when Wales made a mistake by missing touch only for England to score a great try in the corner.It hurts to see my Country lose to the "blazers from HQ"who should now go on and win the Grand Slam,but England were just that little bit better when it mattered.Their I said it!
Scotland gave a great performance in France only to literally run out of steam and players at times.They gave everything but in a brutal game ,tackling opposition players often 4 stone heavier something had to give.In the end France overcame the Scots but all credit to them for playing their hearts out for the shirt.
Speith is back..
Jordan Speith looked a cut above everyone at Pebble Beach last week .An effortless weekend for him with his swing back in the groove and that oh so dangerous putter back on form it was a matter of by how many not if he will win.Speith is another just sharpening the knives for some big events just around the Amen corner.If he continues to keep the putter warm he too will be in the mix come Sunday and on one of the most famous back nines in golf.
After last weekends snow and freezing temperatures,the weather looks to be on the up again for a change.Look forward to seeing you around the Club this weekend.
If you have any rules questions you only have to ask.
regards,
David