Happy New Year

Well it's been a very busy Christmas break! I certainly hope you all had a great time and I'd like to wish you all a happy New Year. Let's hope it's a great one in 2016.




The usual fun and games started with the Kids Party and thanks really do need to go to David and Sue Bone and their helpers who, as usual, organised a lovely day for nearly 50 children. I couldn't even get in the clubhouse so it says just how well loved and supported the day is. Bring a Prize, Win a Prize followed, which was won by Tony Baldwin with 42 points. The day before, Tony was looking very stressed as he was one of the helpers at the kids party being Dave's son-in-law. Well done, Tony, for both efforts!

We then had the announcement of the new Vice (vice) Captain who will follow Paul Robertson in 2017. This was an exciting day for me as I had an idea that it could just possibly be someone who, for the first time in my Head Professional career, might be shorter than me! And so it came to pass as Peter Thomason was announced as our future Captain! On a serious note, I'd like to wish Pete all the best for his year and the year leading up to it. I have no doubt he will be a strong captain who will help the club to continue to prosper and move forward.

In other results we saw Matt and Derek Broadbent winning the Wall Game with 49 points, and in Division One last weekend, before the rain came, Bob Thompson and John Burnage both won. Division Two however, was dominated by Mr Vince Kohler who had 42 points and 39 points in two days! Well done to all of you - perhaps a few handicap reductions on the way?

Moving forward, the course is certainly damp at the moment. I write to you as I look out over a closed golf course so we all need to hope that the rain doesn't continue for long. We all know this will happen but I also know that the club is doing everything it can to keep the course open and playable during these wet months. The warm months can't come soon enough for me though! Again we all know that just a couple of weeks of good weather and the course is transformed so let's hope it's not too far away.


 

Regardless of that though, we are moving into an exciting year both for the club and for golf in general. I and the club are investing to bring you new facilities which will increase the value of being a member at Chestfield. I already have the SkyTrak system that is in operation and my aim is to widen the use of the system with an indoor facility. That may take some time but I want you all to know it is being investigated.

Meanwhile, on the world stage, I can't think of a previous year when I was more excited about how the year will turn out. We have three young players battling it out for the top spot who all seem to be able to produce their best when it matters at majors. On top of that the Ryder Cup comes up later in the year so as usual the better players will start to really turn it on through this season to make the team.


 

Putter rule change

One important change this year is, of course, the alteration to the rules on anchoring putters. Now, let's be clear - this means that if you are playing in an official club competition you must not break the rule as of the 1st January. 

But exactly what is the rule?

We have all heard about anchoring and that it is now banned but what exactly does that mean in reality? Well firstly, it does not mean that your long putters, whether that's a belly putter or a 'chin' putter, are banned, it's just how you use them. In short, you can use them as long as:

The top is not attached to a part of your body like your stomach or if you hold it with your top hand that the hand in question, or the forearm of that hand, is not pressed against your body.

Oddly though, you can put the grip of your putter up your forearm so that it is pressed against it. That to me is anchoring but not according to the new rules. So the obvious answer, if you have been used to holding a long putter with your top hand, is just to make sure you now hold your hand and forearm away from your side or chest. That gets around the rule without changing your putter.

Having said that, the manufacturers have been quick in the last few season to investigate new ideas and counter weighted putters really are a great alternative. If you have any questions regarding the rules or alternative putters or methods please feel free to talk to me.

New stock has already started arriving for the new season. Our new range of FootJoy shoes are here and this year they include the DryJoys Tour Casual, which was sported by numerous pros on Tour last year, and the HyperFlex in both laced and Boa versions. This was one of FootJoy's biggest sellers last year so I am very happy to include it in our stock range this year.

That also means we now have a big sale on! A selection of last year's shoes are available at up to 50% discount and we also have selected shirts and cover-ups in the sale too. Whilst the course is closed it may be a great time to do some shopping and replenish the wardrobe in anticipation of the coming months. 

I'm sure some of you will also be getting golf in elsewhere as well including abroad so now is the time to get prepared and to grab a bargain at the same time. Our winter lesson package is also still available which is 5 x 30 minute lessons for £99 so there is still time to take advantage of the offer. Contact us here if you're interested.