Hi Everyone,
As they say in one of my favourite programmes Game of Thrones "Winter is Coming", With the clocks going back it won't be long until it's dark at 4pm. Still it is not all gloom and doom, we have been blessed with a fabulous autumn and the imminent forecast remains good. My suggestion for winter golf is to play as much as you can, because there comes a time when the climate says you can't! The other thing to consider is perhaps playing 9 or 12 holes to keep your game going, but don't stay out for too long to start losing feeling in your fingers.
Of course the Tour Professionals are now coming to the end of their season, however the Road to Dubai has yet to be decided. They embark on the final 3 tournament series to decide who will take the eye watering prize home. Rory is in the frame, having won the US Version, Fedex Cup recently. Although the super swinging Swede, Henrik Stenson has pole position and judging on this years form has to be favourite. The other challenger is Danny Willett and although his form of late hasn't been so good, the adage of "form is temporary, class is permanent" applies to the 2016 Masters Champion. I thought I would include a Golf Monthly swing sequence of Danny. There are clearly so many useful positions to admire and if joints allow, to copy.
My UK season is drawing to a close and not surprisingly I am looking forward to some winter sun this month. I am hosting a golf week in Tenerife and second week of golf and coaching in Madeira for David Short Golf. Quite a few players look to the winter to change a few parts of their game and the beauty of golf is you can practice this indoors too (do watch the chandeliers though!). So I recommend weekly checks on your fundamentals in the mirror and putting on the carpet is really useful for improving your stroke.
Also over the winter, I get involved with County Coaching for the girls and ladies.
We were at Mill Green recently and I look forward to hosting a couple of sessions at Mid Herts too. Our own Emmanuelle Hewson has had a stellar season with handicap reductions and winning trophies. Last week she was confirmed winner of the Hertfordshire Girls Order of Merit both in Gross and Net. She also won the prize for best gross aggregrate for their spring and autumn meetings.
One of the many pleasures of my job is I get to meet and work with such dedicated and nice golfers like Emmanuel who is a real credit to her family and Mid Herts Golf Club.
Talking of great golfers / people our own Tom Shadbolt has secured his card for the Challenge Tour for 2017, through his excellent golf on the Alps Tour this year. He is off to Tour School hoping to improve his status, so I know you will all join me in wishing him well in his quest.
Enjoy your golf wherever you can.
All the best
Barney
