What winter? 

Doesn't it get your goat just a little bit watching those lucky wotsits playing golf on the TV in some of the loveliest places in the world, while we have to put up without wet, miserable winters? Certainly does me but, of course, we all know there's a good chance we will get these periods so there's not a great deal of point in complaining about it.


Course improvements at Chestfield

In fact, those of you who have been to the club recently will have seen that the greenkeepers are carrying out work that will hopefully help us to stay open longer through these wet months. As a member of the greens committee, I can report that it is this kind of work that we are discussing at length. New paths and drainage are of prime importance and, most notably, our bunkers. I can confirm that over the next year or two you will be pleased to see work going on to improve those bunkers and areas that flood the worst.


Brooks is shining

Getting back to those lucky few playing on Tour, it was incredibly impressive to see Jordan Spieth winning again but also the rise and rise of Brooks Koepka. Having joined the staff of Nike this winter he has helped, almost immediately, to put to bed the questions many people had when Rory McIlroy went to Nike. Rory's first year with them was not successful and many pointed at the equipment. We now know that he had lots of things going on and the year after he was unstoppable. Koepka, free of off-course problems, is gushing about the equipment and also Nike's equipment staff at The Oven, their development centre. Interestingly, he uses the 'standard' Speed head in the new Vapor Fly driver, a range I told you about recently and one that we have demo clubs arriving soon for. 

I am in complete agreement with the Tour players that this really is Nike's best range to date, particularly in the woods section, but the new irons will appeal to far more players as well. It may well be that this year Koepka joins the top players seriously trying to win Majors - we will see.


PING launches new range

We will also be one of the first places to be able to offer demo clubs in the new PING G range of woods that are already making a big splash with Bubba Watson and co. These feature even more 'turbulators' on the head and PING are saying that whilst this is their longest driver yet, it also increases stability and therefore control. These will be arriving shortly so watch this space or come and see us in the shop.


The here and now

Our sale continues! You can save up to 60% on shirts, shoes and equipment as we get ready for the new season (which seriously cannot come soon enough!). We have all of our 2015 summer shoes on sale which makes them a great buy in preparation for this year's warm, dry (what does that word mean?) months when you will all have your casual golf shoes back on. We already have some of our 2016 shoe range as well so feel free to come and see the new gear as it continues to arrive.

Again, in preparation for the dry months, Motocaddy have launched their annual 'free bag' offer with selected trolley purchases. That means a saving of more than £100 especially as I give you, my members, a saving off the normal price, which most retailers don't. Come in and see what we can do for you.

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