TheSocialGolfer Forums

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Beginners Golf Lessons/Academy

07 Sep 2010, 18:40

Hi Pete,

Thanks for the welcome and quick response with your recommendations. I'll have a look at the SwingRite Golf School, it's always good to have feedback from someone that has experienced it. I'm hoping to get 4-6 hours of lessons initially but not sure if it's better to book individual hours or a block course; hopefully they should be able to advise.

Many thanks

Mark

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Beginners Golf Lessons/Academy

07 Sep 2010, 08:44

Hi Mark and welcome to the TSG forum.

I had several lessons with Paul Foston a few years back (when he first moved to Smarden). He has a nice setup in a large old oak barn in the garden of his house. Here he has video analysis with multiple cameras and an array of teaching aids. Paul certainly knows his stuff and is a good teacher but I didn't like the fact that I was hitting into a net and so his setup is perhaps better suited to someone who is tweaking their swing rather than someone who would like to develop their swing in conjunction with seeing the result!

I've also had a few lessons (2 years ago) with John Dale at the 'SwingRite Golf School' which is based at West Malling Golf Club (5 minutes from either J5 or J4 of the M20). The setup at West Malling GC is very good. They are all very friendly and have a driving range, video analysis, explanar swing trainer and other teaching aids. I only had a couple of lessons with John but he was exactly what I was looking for from a pro - he didn't just say "you're swinging outside the plane" or "your take away is too steep" he would try to explain what that meant and what it would mean to the ball flight (generally using the video analysis and comparison with the swing of professional golfers). Now when I hit my crap shots I know why !

As you are just getting into the game I would definitely recommend SwingRite rather than Paul Foston. There are about 5 teaching pros working at SwingRite and I've no reason to believe that they are not all very good, but I can only personally recommend John.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

06 Sep 2010, 21:32

Hello Paul, You have definetly done the right thing! this time next year you will be a millionaire ,I mean you you will be a twele handicaper !! I cant say fairer than that !!! keep taking the tablets and keep in touch and let me know of your progress lol !!!! regardsCarlos &( amazon .com)..

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Beginners Golf Lessons/Academy

06 Sep 2010, 20:34

Hi everyone,

My first time posting on here, so hello to all and hopefully someone may be able to help with recommendations.

I played very occassionaly a few years ago as a total beginner, unfortunately due to work and DIY I stopped playing; however I have now started again and bought myself a new set of clubs and really want to improve my game so my wife wants to treat me to some lessons for an upcoming birthday.

My nearest Pro is Howard Bonaccorsi at Homelands Better Golf Centre in Ashford, Kent but close by is Paul Fostons Golf Academy at Smarden and Andrew Jones Golf Academy based at Littlestone Golf Course. The prices are all reasonably similar but I just wondered if anyone has any experience of any of them that they could share. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated?

Regards

Mark

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

06 Sep 2010, 12:24

Hi Carlos,

Just ordered the book of Amazon ! so ill give that a go and report back , I live in Whitehaven Cumbria so a long way to come and hit the balls to show me :) but the views are great on the course !!!

Paul

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

05 Sep 2010, 12:15

I use the SONOCADDIE and is fine for worldwide use.

If the course is not mapped, you get in touch and give them the details and, bingo, there it is a couple of weeks later.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

05 Sep 2010, 09:46

Here's another one which seems to have come from no-where and is getting rave reviews:

- Shotmiser G500 from Optimizegolf

Anyone got one? Is it any good? What's the coverage of UK courses like? What's the cost of downloading UK & European Courses?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winter Is Coming!

04 Sep 2010, 12:19

Trust me people.

Get your base layers out now.

Give your flask the steradent treatment.

I've been looking at the signs and it's all pointing to Autumn being skipped this year!

Enjoy your golf while you can.

Russ

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\How to adjust SSS

02 Sep 2010, 09:31

TSG Members have the ability to add or update Golf Course Detail (including Basic Detail, Photos and Scorecards).

To update the detail of a specific golf course use the 'Golf Course Search' to find the golf course you are after, click on the 'Detail' link and you will be taken to the 'Golf Course Detail Page' where you will find the 'Update' options for the detail of the Golf Course (including Scorecards).

Note: The 'Golf Course Search Page' can be found under the 'Search for...' / 'Golf Courses' menu options.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winter Is Coming!

01 Sep 2010, 23:25

Nothing like a bit of forward planning Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winter Is Coming!

01 Sep 2010, 20:42

I agree with greg, going for the indian summer, no plans to put the shorts away yet

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winter Is Coming!

01 Sep 2010, 20:36

Russ

you should be a salesman mate

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\How to adjust SSS

01 Sep 2010, 19:59

Hi,

I entered my score for a round at Birchwood last month but the handicap has not been calculated correctly as the SSS on TSG is 71 and it should be 68. I tried entering a totally new scorecard but this doesn't seem to have worked. Any ideas?

Cheers,

Richard

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winter Is Coming!

01 Sep 2010, 17:21

I'm planning to play thro a nice balmy Autumn first.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winter Is Coming!

01 Sep 2010, 11:25

It's the first of September and with winter on it's way it's now the time to sort out your winter gear.

Give your waterproofs an airing and check that there are no holes in them!

What about your umbrella, had it out lately? I know mine needs changing!

Have you checked your grips and gloves? Buy a wet weather glove, once things get really wet these are a must.

Then there is your winter clothing, find it now and not an hour before you need it!

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \MONTYS WILD CARD PICKS

01 Sep 2010, 11:24

Haha Ian, been to Cornwall for two weeks relaxing in the sun. OK, we got a couple of days in the sun and the rest was cloudy! Bodyboarding isn't as relaxing as it should be.

Work is killing my golf at the moment but I'm going to have to force myself to get up early and play some golf, especially as the winter is coming!

Russ

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

31 Aug 2010, 21:04

Hi Pete,Yes that's the one! you will not be disapointed !! if it doe'st do the business for you I will go to your local course and hit the ball for you myself lol regards Carlos..

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \MONTYS WILD CARD PICKS

31 Aug 2010, 19:22

OK, sounds like we're all broadly in agreement then!!

Dougie, I AM off to Celtic Manor but alas only for one of the practice days but I will happily 'grass up' anyone next to me shouting anything like you have described!

Alan H......weve found Russ!!

Ian M

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \MONTYS WILD CARD PICKS

31 Aug 2010, 18:33

Harrington has done nothing this year so I wouldn't have picked him.

The other two players deserved to be there.

For those that missed out on a place in the team, well that is their fault.

The players based in America could have played a few more games over here to qualify, but decided to stay in America and rely on a wildcard pick.

Some players who got in the team put family events behind them and played at Gleneagles. It paid off for them!

I do think they should change the way the players qualify for the event, even get rid of the wildcards if needed. Let's just pick the top twelve players and that's the team.

All we can do now is wait and see how we do.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \MONTYS WILD CARD PICKS

31 Aug 2010, 17:27

Ok folks,

Here's my take on his picks / omissions..

Molinari : Stone wall had to pick him.. Two wins this year, held it together on Sunday afternoon under the utmost of pressure and wrapping it all up with three birdies to take the title.. Pair him up with his brother and they can mutter away in Italian without too many US opponents understanding what they're saying.. I can see the US Ryder Cup hopefuls reaching for their old "Parliamo Italiano" cassettes..

Donald : Always one of the potentials, given his ranking.. Unsure if Monty had seen his "six birdie" start on Sunday before he made his choice, but made for some interesting timing.. He has shown support for the European Tour this season, which I believe was absolutely key to his selection.

Harrington : A surprise to many, primarily due to his (comparitively) poor form this season. However, he is a triple Major winner, and an experienced Ryder Cup player.. I believe his inclusion was heavily influenced by his ongoing support and "standing" on the European tour, when compared to others in the hunt for a place..

Casey & Rose : Quite simply, their lack of support / attendance on the European Tour went against them.. I think Casey's "post PGA" interview instantly got the rug pulled from under his Footjoys, and there was no way he was going to make the team after smiling his way through that one.. Given the money these guys are making anyway, I can't understand why they wouldn't have made the effort to compete in the last two European qualifying events rather than stay in the US for the Fed Up Cup..

I don't have a hotline to Monty, so these are only my opinions.. I'm not going to judge the selections, but hope they all perform when they have to..

And I would ask anyone who is going to watch at Celtic Manor, to "grass up" any of the idiots who shout "you're the man" whilst a player is on their downswing (from either team) - this has to be the most infuriating development in golf over the past few years..

dg

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

31 Aug 2010, 09:54

Is that book Ben Hogan's Five Lessons?

If so although written in 1957 (reviewed by Hogan is 1985) it's still in print and available from Amazon for £5 - used paperback or £8 new hardback. Amazing, with such a recommendation I think I'll get myself a copy (even if it doesn't improve my game!)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \MONTYS WILD CARD PICKS

30 Aug 2010, 20:50

My understanding (although I didn't hear it myself) is that Monty committed to giving a "pick" to Harrington on Radio5 ahead of the Open. He has been far too egotistical for my liking during the whole process and I do fear that this will carry through to the match itself although I still think/hope that the European side will be strong enough to regain the trophy.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

30 Aug 2010, 20:43

Hogan dedicates the entire first chapter of this book on grip.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

30 Aug 2010, 20:40

I would say use ben hogan's five lessons (agree with carlos ramos). I picked up golf again back in May and spend 6 weeks not hitting the ball, now I hit the ball with power and can hit it straight or use a bit of fade. I would recommend you spend one week per lesson, 15-20 minutes a day for the first. As you progress through each lesson, spend 10 minutes "reviewing each lesson" by going through the steps before doing each new lesson. After practicing the current week, spend another 10 minutes putting it all together. I spent the last week just practicing it all together for 30 minutes, then hitting the range. You have to be very committed to the book and willing to forget everything you thought you knew about golf. I've read through this book countless times and feel very confident with my swing. I am only 5'9" and can carry my driver 300+ yds consistently.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \MONTYS WILD CARD PICKS

30 Aug 2010, 10:44

Amazing, quite amazing.

Montgomerie's choice of Edoardo Molinari is inspired and gives the team a fantastic edge, expecially when, as surely they must, the Molinari brothers are paired together. But he must be the only person in the world who would rank Harrington above Casey in this sort of competition.

Overall a good team but - One step forward, one back...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \MONTYS WILD CARD PICKS

29 Aug 2010, 22:12

So he's made he's choices!! What was the thought behind Harringtoin,what has he achieved over the last year,apart from winning a couple of majors.this seems to be his ticket into the team.We have not seen him on any of the leader boards this year or in contention at all.
OK he has experience from past cups,but that was only when he was playing well and with Darren Clarke as a partner.
WOULD BERNHARD LANGER been a better choice?
As for the young MOLLINARRI winning the Johnie Walker trophy,what a talent,he deserves his place in the team.
Luke Donald I remain open minded about,he has the talent on the big stage,the Ryder cup is something else,tho'
I think Rose and Casey being left out is for the best,their talents go without question,I understand their schedules are planned out but the question is the dedication to the European Tour,do the deserve to be in the team when they play most of the year in America?

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

27 Aug 2010, 14:40

Actually, I really like that one Jack, I think I'll try that next time I'm at the range!!

Good luck with your efforts Paul........

Ian M

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

27 Aug 2010, 14:27

Hi Paul, Get hold of Ben Hogan's Five Lessons (The Golf Coaching Bible) read this then Problem solved.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

27 Aug 2010, 14:09

Hi Paul,

I'm curious. You are obviously cutting & pasting your responses from a word processing package (Microsoft Word?) which is adding in the 'Style definitions' etc. Why are you doing that instead of just typing into the forum post box?

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

27 Aug 2010, 12:27

Thanks Jack ill give that one a go down the range tonight it sounmds like it will be fun , I am sure people will look at me and say poor guy what is he doing he has no idea !

Ill let you know how I get on !

Thanks to you all

Paul

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

25 Aug 2010, 23:58

One lesson I had a couple of years back gave me a better understanding of the path the club should travel on the take away and I still use it today.
It creates an IN TO OUT SWING PATH,and if adopted properly a feeling of how your weight transfers from the back swing to the follow through.
Its important to grip the club in a neutral position
Make sure the ball is in the MIDDLE OF YOUR STANCE, then keep your legs straight and feet together.and using a 7 or 8 iron take the club away so the shaft is horizontal to the ground(half swing) and try to hit the ball without loosing your balance.or falling over.
YOU WILL HAVE TO TURN YOUR SHOULDERS AND HIPS TO HIT THE BALL OTHERWISE YOU WILL LOOSE YOUR BALANCE.
ITS NOT EASY!!!! you will miss it and top the ball to start with but if you build it together slowly you will start to hit the ball with a slight draw only about 60-70 yards.
After you have done this for a while slowly move you feet apart and hit half shots you will notice the difference.
If you have done it right you cant slice the ball !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS DRILL IS DONE BETTER ON THE RANGE
Give it ago and let me know how you get on
JACK

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

25 Aug 2010, 08:56

For me the basics are:

1/ One-piece takeaway (there's a good video on TSG about this but I can't find it!) ie take the club back with a combination of arms and shoulder turn.

2/ When the club is horizontal (still in front of your body) hinge the hands such that the butt of the club is pointing to the back of the ball (obviously the longer the club the more hinge)

3/ From here it's all shoulder turn (not arms - if you use arms you'll either bend your arms or simply lift the club)

4/ To start the downswing I need to feel that I'm dropping the club slightly - if your first movement is to push the club forward ie away from your body you are 'casting' the club (as if it were a fishing rod) and you will come over the top of the ball to create an outside to inside swing path.

Try it to get it in your mind and then have another lesson - with a pro who can explain things rather than just tell you you've got an out to in swing !

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\hybrids - what do you think?

24 Aug 2010, 19:00

Don't get me wrong, they do make (and sell) complete sets of hybrids ie to replace the entire set of irons, but they don't seem to sell many (as evidence by the fact that I've not seen anyone with a complete set of hybrids). I don't know why that is. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable than me can answer?

RE you comment about the 10 minute limit before the green man in you comes out and you feel the need to smash the spots off the ball - perhaps try clubs on the range (with the radar swing speed, direction, distance tracking thing a me) in 8 minute sessions? (as a good 12 handicapper me thinks a proper set of irons is for you, just which ones...)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \NEAREST THE PIN COMP - WIN A ROUND OF GOLF AND MORE

24 Aug 2010, 18:08

Hello,

First up, what happened to the Yellow ball comp?

second

I have a tournament starting later this week

Nearest the pin OR Longdrive OR both

You can enter at your club (Assuming they have registered)

OR

At your nearest indoor golf centre

Longdrive prizes will be cash with the pot starting at $5k
Nearest the pin - top 16 will get a round of golf at Stoke Park golf course next October 5th

If you more detail on how to enter or how to register your club drop me a line / pm

thank you

Kenny
admin@uklongdriveseries.com

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\hybrids - what do you think?

24 Aug 2010, 17:43

Thanks for the reply Pete - maybe I've misunderstood then.........they're advertised as 'full set of hybrid irons' - and I have to say that they don't look like the conventional irons. I have tried the 'controlled environment' without much success. Perhaps I'm overcome with the urge to hit everything a lot harder than usual, but inside 10 mins I start to shank everything and I can practically see the pro thinking 'oh my god........'

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\hybrids - what do you think?

24 Aug 2010, 11:56

Hybrids are a great replacement for the long irons but I've never seen someone with a complete set of hybrid irons. Would you not just replace your irons with something that works for you (get your swing speed measured and try a few different clubs in a controlled environment - Haywards Heath Golf Club have a very nice club fitting setup) and then perhaps replace say the 3 & 4 iron with easyier to hit hybrids?

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

24 Aug 2010, 11:36

once you have addressed the ball,move both feet a couple of mm away;you may be standing too close.
Hope it helps.

Lav Jhingan

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\hybrids - what do you think?

23 Aug 2010, 18:38

I've decided that the time has come to ditch my ping i3's (mens, steel shaft, blades, stiff - in case anyone wants to buy 'em!), and go for something very different. Over the last few weeks I've tried loads of clubs, with varying results, and at the weekend I tried a set of hybrid irons. I found them easy to use, very accurate and pretty consistent. But - could this just be the honeymoon period? Has anyone out there gone over to hybrids? Do you still like them or did the novelty wear off? Any advice would be appreciated!

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

20 Aug 2010, 16:10

Thanks all for the advice!

I took a lesson and was told I had a out to in swing and then also some casting.

My hand movement was where I sometimes hit the ball on the toe which was moving my hands and that will sort itself out when I correct my swing.

Now he did not really tell me how to stop this other than practice - so any other advise on drills etc... would be most welcome .

Thanks

Paul

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

20 Aug 2010, 09:50

It could be the grip (see Ian's response) but if the ball starts out straight and then curves off right it could just as easily be the swing plane.

A simple visual pointer about your swing plane is, having played a shot off the grass, stand still and check your divot - what is the alignment of the divot/grass scaping in relation to you and your target? I bet it is not square to your body and straight at the target but is instead running from 'out to in' ie starting wide of your target line and coming in towards your left foot.

If so then (probably as well as your grip !) you should concentrate on making sure you are not 'casting' the club from the top of the swing (ie your first movement must not be pushing your hands forward away from your body instead you should feel like you are dropping your hands slightly - this will make sure you don't go over the top...)

Why don't you upload a video then we can have a proper look?

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

19 Aug 2010, 16:56

[quote=Pete Connon][quote=Matt Culling]Hi Richard, I'm with Russ on this. I bought an SG5 and I couldn't be more pleased with it. The stats tracking when you save your scores in it is excellent once you upload it to the skycaddie website. I'm using it to keep track of my number of putts, greens in regulation and fairways in regulation.

Great piece of kit.
[/quote]

Why don't you use TSG to maintain these stats for you ?

If you enter the detail as part of the 'Enter Scores' process (fairway in regulation, penalty shots, lost balls, bunker shots etc) it not only automatically maintains your playing record and your handicap but also automatically feeds into the 'Game analysis' section giving you all the charts, graphs and 'compare' me options for free![/quote]

Because I have to enter my scores manually into TSG to do this, whereas my skycaddie provides all the funcitionality above and uploads my scores automatically.

If TSG was to build an interface to take scores from my skycaddie then I would consider a switch, but I don't think there's any plans for this

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

19 Aug 2010, 16:32

[quote=Stephen Slater]

I have just taken delivery of the next variant Snooper Shotsaver, the s320 - which appears to have addressed all the critique of the previous version and done a whole lot more. Screen display is bigger, brighter and better, the version I have is just Golf-oriented (I didn't need the navigation I can get lost on my own).

Simple upload and a choice of over 4,000 courses from a data base that is always expanding, and no monthly subscription charges at all...

Ful colour, High Res screen, with interim yardages, player tracking, club yardages... etc etc...

The whole thing (plus a wide array of mounting brackets and power supply connections) including free access to the entire list of golf courses (more being added daily - in fact pretty much guarranteed to map a new course within 2 weeks), comes in a just under £200.00 - brand new and boxed with access to all sorts of technical support.

I'll take it out on my next foray and see how it compares to my olde (but perfectly useful) shotsaver...

Happy to share my experiences and who knows perhaps there could be bulk discounts in tiem for Christmas Presents... and no monthly/annual subscription...

Rgds

[/quote]

I'd be very interested in a comparison of the two because I got the Skycaddie SG5 and whilst it's good (and apparently the new version is even better) I did like the marketing blurb for the Shotsaver

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

19 Aug 2010, 16:29

[quote=Matt Culling]Hi Richard, I'm with Russ on this. I bought an SG5 and I couldn't be more pleased with it. The stats tracking when you save your scores in it is excellent once you upload it to the skycaddie website. I'm using it to keep track of my number of putts, greens in regulation and fairways in regulation.

Great piece of kit.
[/quote]

Why don't you use TSG to maintain these stats for you ?

If you enter the detail as part of the 'Enter Scores' process (fairway in regulation, penalty shots, lost balls, bunker shots etc) it not only automatically maintains your playing record and your handicap but also automatically feeds into the 'Game analysis' section giving you all the charts, graphs and 'compare' me options for free!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Woburn - Which course to Play????????

19 Aug 2010, 16:22

well if I go in September, I won't be eating anything!!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Woburn - Which course to Play????????

19 Aug 2010, 16:12

That's one of the reason's I go to Woburn is the food they serve,it's well known for it's very high standard's of exellence and has been quoted in many of the National golf magazines about the quality.its "GRUB TO DIE FOR".
It's a mistake I made on my first visit there,I ate to much at lunch time (3course meal) and still had 18 holes to play in the afternoon.be careful how much you eat its very easy to over do it

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

19 Aug 2010, 14:55

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

19 Aug 2010, 10:08

Hi Paul,

I think I can help on this one!!

I had the same problem until a few weeks ago - can you see 3 knuckles on your LEFT hand when its in position? If not, then try turning your left hand clockwise until you can...............I changed to this grip after hearing the tip from Tom Watson and have been consistently straighter ever since and am no longer getting the exaggerated slice.

It worked for me!

Good luck.....

Ian

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \energy

18 Aug 2010, 22:13

Yes Rog a buggy ha ha only kidding..Having played many a round with you,firstly a good nights sleep,a light breakfast .Has suggested banana's plus a mars bar(glucose) thru your round and water.The body needs fuel every couple of hours,it varies for people,We burn lots of energy(calories)and we need to replace them.Try having some carbs the night before or if your playing in the afternoon that day..Rog trying slowing down and relaxing before you go out and having a good stretch.I will ask at the gym for more tips .

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Some advice Please on my Grip

18 Aug 2010, 20:35

I am slicing the ball it starts straight then curves to the right.

I know that at the point of contact the club face is open and if I hold my follow through then bring the club back to where I just hit the ball it is definably open and I notice that my right hand has moved a fair bit clockwise. - so is that what is causing it could it be an out to in swing ?

No matter what I try I just cannot seem to keep my right hand in the same position - am I holding to tight with my right hand?

Any idea how I can sure my right hand moving - appart from a gafa tape ?!

Thanks

paul

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Woburn - Which course to Play????????

18 Aug 2010, 09:23

Jack, they are offering the standard 'two round package' but split over two days. However, they have advised that the kitchen will be closed for refurbishment in September and so the lunch will not be available (no mention of a discount though ...)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \energy

17 Aug 2010, 17:19

http://wantbettergolf.com/2010/08/09/5-power-foods-for-the-golf-course/#more-74 I have just come across this and it might be of interest. Good Luck - Julie

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \energy

16 Aug 2010, 19:19

M & Ms work well, stay fresh, and full of energy

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \energy

16 Aug 2010, 14:56

I take a container full of Muesli, Yoghurt and Fruit. Over the years I have had to contend with much micky taking about this but it has been like water off a ducks back as it works for me! I do have to admit that I normally have a post round snooze now though and the times of 36 hole days are well behind me....! Roger.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Woburn - Which course to Play????????

14 Aug 2010, 13:38

if you decide to take the offer of a 2 round deal over 2 days I would be interested to know what the details are,and the price

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Woburn - Which course to Play????????

14 Aug 2010, 09:07

[quote=JACK SHELTON]As a choice of all three course,I think that playing the Marquess and Dukes in one day would be to much,they are the Championship courses that are played on when they hold any European tour events,for me now it would be too much.
I would always play the Duchess with one of the others,on a day there,however I would not turn down the offer of playing the Dukes and Marquess if that was the only choice.
JACK[/quote]

I don't think I could play any permutation of two of these courses on one day any more! I was intending to play them on consequtive days and stay overnight to catch up with some friends in Milton Keynes (Woburn say they would give me the 'two round deal' but spread over the two days).

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \energy

13 Aug 2010, 19:35

When I remember to take them, bananas do the trick for me Roger.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Woburn - Which course to Play????????

13 Aug 2010, 18:41

As a choice of all three course,I think that playing the Marquess and Dukes in one day would be to much,they are the Championship courses that are played on when they hold any European tour events,for me now it would be too much.
I would always play the Duchess with one of the others,on a day there,however I would not turn down the offer of playing the Dukes and Marquess if that was the only choice.
JACK

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \energy

13 Aug 2010, 17:23

Just Lately I have found that I am getting very tired over the back 9 holes( yes I know it comes with old age)And I got to wonder if anyone else suffers like this and is there a answer, I have tried things like Red Bull they just don't seem to work for me. so come on guys I need some help here, as I am not ready to give up yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Woburn - Which course to Play????????

13 Aug 2010, 09:12

Thanks to all for the advice, very useful.

It would seem that the two to (initially) play are the Dukes and the Marquess (leaving the Dutchess for another time).

Sorry Jack, I did look at your game but it's wedding anniversary time so trying the old - I thought you'd prefer to have the day to yourself... would probably ensure there weren't too many more anniversaries!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Woburn - Which course to Play????????

12 Aug 2010, 23:11

My advice is Pete, come and join us in October,there is a game posted .It's not booked yet,I will do that in the next couple of weeks,there is still one place left..
It's my intention to play 2 rounds there on the day,not decided which courses tho',I Know it sounds expensive for a days golf,but you will have to go along way to beat the Woburn Experience "it is quite unique"
Read my feed back from our last visit in APRIL
Jack

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Car Boot Sizes

12 Aug 2010, 19:29

Hi Jane

That would be the sensible option sadly I was left to my own devices:-)
I checked out my friends car in the end and it looks I'll be ok with the saloon......just!

I always thought Saab looked a great car unfortunately it wasn't on my list of choices.
Thanks for replying.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Woburn - Which course to Play????????

12 Aug 2010, 19:20

Hi Pete
They are all great courses so dont worry which one you play just make sure you get back to play all 3 over time.

Dukes, classic golf course and a very fair test.
Duchess, tight tight tight, every time I have played a match against Woburn Golf teams they seem to use this course. Maybe a co incidence but I doubt it!!!
Marquess, absolutely majestic. You'll have fun banging the big stick around here.

Check out the website, they seem to have a few opens nowadays.
Have fun

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Woburn - Which course to Play????????

11 Aug 2010, 18:32

Pete, Jack Shelton (played H4H's) is the man to talk to about Woburn, he has a game posted to play the Dukes and Duchess courses around the 7th October.

I played the same two courses back in April along with Jack, both are great courses and I would recommend both of them.
Yes they are "tree lined" but not tight enough to put me off hitting the driver and I was still working on a swing re-build and was not that confident, can only remember losing one ball to the woods in the 36 holes.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Car Boot Sizes

11 Aug 2010, 12:40

Hi Gary, This may sound obvious but i went to a main dealer of the car make i wanted then picked the most practical model for the social side as well as work. its best to make sure it all fits... I have a Saab and they have a good boot size...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Woburn - Which course to Play????????

11 Aug 2010, 11:24

I've heard people raving about playing Woburn and I thought, I'd like to experience a course like that.

Then I find Woburn Golf Club has not one but three courses! All apparently are different and all ranked within the Top 100 UK Golf Courses.

So the question is what are the major differences (I like pretty, parkland courses but not ones where I can't take the driver out without losing a ball for each swing) and, which should I opt to play, the Dukes, Dutchess or Marquess?

Advice please?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Car Boot Sizes

10 Aug 2010, 15:14

Hi Pete
Thanks for taking time to reply.
The boot on the saloon actually looks a bit wider than the Tourer when I have looked in the garage
so I'm thinking the Saloon boot maybe the best of a bad option.

Regards

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Car Boot Sizes

10 Aug 2010, 09:33

Hi Gary,

I've got a BMW 3 series saloon (320 si) and the boot is rubbish. I have to take the woods out of the bag otherwise it won't fit (I lay the woods diagonally across the boot) and I haven't bought an electric trolley because of the hassle of getting it plus the clubs easily in the boot.

The Tourer is obviously better because you haven't got the boot lid reducing the available space but it'll still be the same width. Nice car to drive though...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Car Boot Sizes

09 Aug 2010, 21:54

Sorry if this has been done before but I have a choice of company cars to make. Business first of course!! but need a car that will take the clubs and trolley at weekends.
Like the look of a BMW 3 series tourer but I am not sure the sticks will fit. Does anyone have a Tourer and can you offer your thoughts.
Regards

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Leaderboard Handicaps.........

09 Aug 2010, 17:21

Very well articulated John, I dont think anyone here by any means, wants to single out a particular golfer but when things like this occur, it can only help to improve the site as a whole for everyone!

I think the idea of fixing the entry point handicap is a good solution (with any changes to be discussed/sanctioned by the TSG moderators thereafter!)

Ian M

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Lee Westwood World Number 1

07 Aug 2010, 11:07

Well you certainly put the mockers on Lee... he could be World Number 1...... now he'll be lucky if he's (a) fit for and (b) ready for the Ryder Cup !!!!!!!

Did you also by chance fancy Tiger Woods for a comeback? (he's currently lying at +6 !!!)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Lee Westwood World Number 1

07 Aug 2010, 08:25

Just hear'd he might be out of RC because of his injury thing! ....perhaps this is just psychology against the Yanks......watch this space.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Lee Westwood World Number 1

05 Aug 2010, 12:16

just seen a bbc news article which says LEE WESTWOOD would be racked WORLD NUMBER 1 if he wins the pga golf at bridgestone this week and tiger doesn't come 2nd.

About time we had a british number 1, READY FOR THE RYDER CUP :)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Leaderboard Handicaps.........

04 Aug 2010, 21:57

Lets put this particular scoring anomoly into perspective:

Played 30/6 and recorded a start h/c of 13
Played 8/7 and recorded a start h/c of 24
now plays off 12

Has never posted a score before 30/6 for handicap purposes.
You cannot chop and change your start handicap - that should only be down to the entry of your scores to do for you.

To play this way is to go against the basis for the game - the only person you cheat at the end of the day is yourself as others will end up refusing to play competitions with you.

A VALID certificate is possible from TSG, all you need do is put in three cards with the marker named and bob´s your uncle there it is.

There is a problem with this site, in as far as you are able to re-adjust you handicap, but this needs to be done only by the moderators, and you should have a very compelling reason for it to happen.

At the end of the day every player needs a legit and valid certificate, be they club player or social golfer

JohnB

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Leaderboard Handicaps.........

04 Aug 2010, 21:25

Whilst I dont condone cheating in anyway and dont want to start a witch hunt on this by any means, and being really new to golf I dont understand how handicaps are calculated in any case, and observation maybe that the player in question is a new member to site and therefore the points calculated are on a higher handicap than the players true club handicap. Thus indicating that he/ she has scored points than they did on the actual round? Before anyone goes casting any dispersions (and no one has to date, i accept) Is it not worth cheacking the players profile to see what handicap they consider themselves to be playing off, and if they are an experienced golfer who is just new to the site then i suspect they may have enetered their true handicap on thier profile.

However I do feel that the TSG handicaps do need to be considered for what they are, a free indication of how well your doing with your golf. I have only been playing 2 months and TSG have me as playing of 19, but no way would i consder myself to have got anywhere near the low 20's let alone 19 this quickly in 6/7 rounds of golf with only one round of 90 being below 100.

I do feel that if people do want to achieve a handicap (me included) then in the long run they will pay the money and achieve a club awarded handicap. However for a new comer to the sport the TSG option is a far cheaper alternative method of self motivation in bringing your scores down and keeping track of your progress.

sorry that turned out to be longer than planned!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Leaderboard Handicaps.........

04 Aug 2010, 16:09

Handicap 'cheats' exist in clubs as well as societies and communities.

I played in the Help For Heroes Charity Golf Day at Chart Hills and whilst on the driving range the guy next to me was blasting shots down the range, nice draw, nice flight, lovely golf swing. Then his friend came over and asked what he was playing off, to which he replied I've said 24 because I haven't played for a while... At which point his friend said but you used to be 16 (and he still looked a very good 16), but he was adament - I haven't played in any club competitions so my handicap has lapsed and I've decided to start again from 24.

PS. The winning team (best 2 scores from the 4 man team) came in with 104 Stableford Points (we worked out that to achieve 104 needed a minimum of 33 Nett Birdies plus 3 Nett Pars for the 36 scores). Bandits away...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Leaderboard Handicaps.........

04 Aug 2010, 13:45

Phew - not just me then! Like the idea of having a alarm system for anyone over 50 points - that way the TSG team could then discuss with the player and perhaps come to an agreement!

I suspect in this case, the player hadnt played for a while and so started back at 28.

However, maybe on reflection he should be excluded from the leaderboard stats for July - harsh but fair?

Ian M

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Leaderboard Handicaps.........

04 Aug 2010, 12:12

Big difference between TSG and a golf club awarding someone their first h/c.

At a golf club you have to submit three cards played with and signed by a another member, one of which should be played off the back tee's for a h/c.

Here on TSG you can post one score, witnessed by no one and get a h/c.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Leaderboard Handicaps.........

04 Aug 2010, 10:38

Those were my sentiments exactly when I saw the July leader-board, Ian. I suppose the only saving grace is that the 51 off 24 handicap calculation does give 19 (Providing the ´24´ was below 24). I would hope that the new handicap after the 55 off 19 was no more than 15.

Even playing off 15 with stableford scores like that is excessive - 15 would have given a stableford of 51.

I think on a real handicap adjustment through a club, the committee would be looking at least at another 5 shots off.

Unfortunately there is probably nothing that can be done on an open handicap system like TSG´s. You will always have these anomalies that just could not happen at club level. Unless of course TSG can put an alarm in place that brings the excessive point scores to their notice and THEY act as the handicap committee...

John B

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Leaderboard Handicaps.........

04 Aug 2010, 10:16

Not wanting to be a doubting anyones honesty in any way but does anyone else find the idea of someone shooting a 51 (off 24) quickly followed by a 55 (off 19) as credible?

I am sure the scores currently at the top of the leaderboard are all true but it seems a little harsh on everyone else, who have probably been working very hard all year at their game to reach 45 points, let alone a 50+ score.......

What does everyone else think? And is there a solution to this happening in the future?

Ian M

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Huxley putting greens

03 Aug 2010, 11:27

I do not drive so I have to get my son to golf clubs by bus some times he gets a lift, want to get him a huxley putting green he wants to try and get a golo scolership in America will be 13 end of this month is 15 handy cap at the moment so will have to get down to scrach by 16 these greens are very expencive between £1035 - £1345 he has his own money so can pay foi it himself. I would not concider letting him get this if I drove or lived close to a golf club, do you think I should let him or just say no. He has the potencial of becoming a very good golfer but what hold s him back in the winter is not being able to go to the range or golf club as much as he could when he has a long day at school and comes home he has to walk to bus stop then get bus then walk to range so is tired out by the time he gets to range.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Chinese knock-off clubs...

02 Aug 2010, 17:07

I came across this site when looking to buy my Ping G15 irons. i went through the online help system, where i asked plenty of questions to see if they were genuine. It all seemed too good as the irons retailed at about £425 in my pro shop & these were £230. I had a feeling that something wasn't quite right so didn't go through with it...I just kept thinking..'if it seems too good to be true, it probably is'

Got them from the pro shop in the end!

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Handicap

02 Aug 2010, 14:54

Last score I put in before yesterday was April 2009 when his 1st club was Wanstead have not put any in since then till yesterday he won Crowlands junior open 7 under his handy cap for 36 holes he was 23 handy cap the then won a comp at Wanstead 5 under his handy cap he was a 21 handy cap then won another comp at Wanstead 6 under his handy cap went into a few comps at Maylands his 1st club now and his handy cap was put down to 15 a few weeks ago he has a comp every week at Maylands. In the comps he hands his cards in so I dont get to put the score down but yesterday looked at his sky cady and put the score in from that, his coach said he is capable of getting down to a 10 by the end of the summer, he is at golf course nealy every day will be 13 end of this month so not doing too badly

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Handicap

02 Aug 2010, 09:06

Hi Heather,

I've had a very quick look at the scores you have posted on behalf of your son and the TSG calculation is correct starting at the game at Wanstead on 20th April. At Wanstead he played as a 25 handicapper and since then he's been, correctly, cut each game.

I'd guess the difference between his TSG handicap (18) and his club handicap (15) is based on the difference in starting position (what was his club handicap when he played at Wanstead in April?) plus the number of games taken into account (with TSG you have posted all his games, from different clubs, and he's been doing well, but his club handicap will only be based on the competition games played at his club - very few).

Hope that helps.

TSG Golf Team

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Handicap

01 Aug 2010, 21:18

I put my sons score into from a comp he went into at his clob Maylands he is a 15 handicap which is the handy cap he is on the centrel id ref so he played to a 15 handy cap sky cady makes it 15 but on here is 20 just wondered why

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Away scores for handicapping

01 Aug 2010, 18:54

Hi golfers
I am a senior golfer and we play 3 of our competitions on away courses, this was the wish of the trophy donors.

Question is are those scores acceptable for handicapping purposes, the courses we play are measured with appropriate SS, our club match secretary will not accept them as he claims it is only away "open competitions" which qualify. I do not agree, how about you?

cheers

Ian

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Chinese knock-off clubs...

31 Jul 2010, 10:45

I suspected as much. So cheap clubs sold cheaply, nice and pretty and new but when you use them the clubhead falls off after 3 rounds...

what I am surprised about is that Ping, Taylormade, Callaway etc haven't shut them down - they've got a page 1 rank in google so they should be high enough profile for the club makers to see and easy enough to target.

Won't google shut them down? Or is it not that easy?

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Chinese knock-off clubs...

30 Jul 2010, 23:30

I've asked the lads on the golf forum I post on if they've had any experience of that particular company

Will come back with any info

Edit

had a couple of quick replies

definately Chinese snides, approach with caution

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Second Hand practise nets and putting mats

30 Jul 2010, 21:52

Found one on ebay for £38 just have to find a huxley putting mat expect I will have to buyn a new one in the end

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Second Hand practise nets and putting mats

30 Jul 2010, 18:13

Don't know a site offering second-hand nets (except ebay) but I would say that when I looked for one I found there was a massive variation in price so it's definitely worth doing some internet searching to find the cheapest option (it is after all only a net to stop him knocking out the neighbour's windows!)

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Chinese knock-off clubs...

30 Jul 2010, 18:11

When trying to find the best deal for a set of TaylorMade R9 irons (which several reputable discount sites were offering for between £450 - £500 I found these guys - http://www.mygolfpurchase.com offering them at £299.

Now the site is pretty slick with a 'Chat Now' option and they quote a London telephone number but there is no contact address details and the person who answered the online 'chat now' session definitely didn't have English as their first language.

So the question is - Is this a pretty sophisticated off-shore site offering Chinese Knock-offs of major club brands in a format which would probably fool many people, or am I mis-juding them and they are a major, major UK based wholesaler selling pucker gear at super low prices ???????????

Your thoughts please.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Second Hand practise nets and putting mats

30 Jul 2010, 13:57

Before I pay out for a huxley putting mat and a practise mat wondered if any one noes of a site where I could get them second hand. My son has just gone down to a 15 handy cap he is 12 nealy 13 his coach thinks he is capable of getting to a 10 by the end of summer as I dont drive coach has said to get a huxley putting mat and a practise net to help him when he is not at the golf club they are very expencive so before I buy any thing want to see if I could buy them second hand so if any one can give me details of a site that sells second hand equpitment that would be great thanks.

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Game Invite Emails

29 Jul 2010, 16:30

Yes that makes sense.

I doubt it was a routing issue since the half-dozen people I asked all received the email about the same time, several hours after I posted the game. They can't all have dodgy ISP's :-)

Thanks for the reply though.

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Game Invite Emails

29 Jul 2010, 09:35

For 'general' messages each TSG Member controls the type and frequency of email notifications they receive - in the 'Account Settings' section (under 'Home') you will see that you can set email notification of 'general events' to 'Imediate', 'Daily', 'Twice Weekly', 'Weekly' or 'Never'.

For 'game' notifications (new game, change to game you are involved in etc) the options (again under 'Account Settings') is Receive them or Not (Yes/No).

The Email Create Process for a New Game is attached to the 'Confirm Details' button. So the emails would have been sent into the ether (to everyone in the area who has said 'Y' I want email notification of new games) the moment you confirmed the game.

We are not aware of any problem with our email servers on Sunday (or indeed for several months). So the only thing I can think of is that the emails which arrived late were sent to accounts where the email was bounced all around the world to get next door! (usually AOL).

Does that make sense?

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Game Invite Emails

28 Jul 2010, 11:31

Hi,

I posted a same-day game on Sunday 25/7 but I've been told by several people that they didn't receive their emails until hours after I posted the game.

Is this normal or was there an issue with emails on Sunday?

Thanks,

John

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\spanish golf prices

26 Jul 2010, 18:33

Cheers Steve, I've found a golf booking shop based in Fuengirola who have cheaper tee times than the courses offer and also hire clubs for 50 euros a week. here is there websire for anyone who is interested. WWW.Elitegolfservices.com
Garry

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \The British Par 3 championship the Social Golfer Team try for a second Midlands Title

26 Jul 2010, 15:33

a team representing The Social Golfer including myself and that Short Game Machine Roger Hurcombe are at the National Par 3 Championship at Nailcote Hall on 10th August.
see www.britishpar3championship.co.uk. Its a fantastic week of golf if your in the area.

ian

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Hammer

24 Jul 2010, 10:26

Sorry danny, I've not seen that particular 'off main brand' driver advertised in the UK so can't comment specifically, but I've seen others like them - lots of Golf Channel advertising, promising great things, but the result is an average club of average quality which was obviously demonstrated on the TV by a player of above average ability (I've seen a right-handed trick shot golf pro use a left-handed driver to smack the ball 250 yards down the fairway, but I wasn't tempted to buy the left-handed driver...)

By the sounds of it you should in any case stick with the HRG, I'd certainly be happy with a 15 degree club which I could hit 250 yards consistently down the middle!!!!

PS. I once played with a guy who had a driver which looked like a can of beans on the end of a pole, unusual but he could certainly hit it a long way, just too often a long way in the wrong direction...

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Hammer

23 Jul 2010, 16:22

All of us are looking for ways to inprove our game. Seems like there are hundreds of companies that advertise devices to improve your game.
Has anyone used the Hammer driver? I bought the driver and 3-wood. I am able to hit the 3-wood off the fairwood about 220 average. I can't hit the driver straight. Push slice or slight slice.
I hit my 15 degrees HRG wood about 250 average and can keep it in-play most of the time. Maybe I'll just be happy with the HRG and forget the extra distance advertised.

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Area not found when posting availability

23 Jul 2010, 09:59

Hi Tiaan,

We've investigated and found that the system was appending your local country to the Location you specified and, not unsurprisingly, it couldn't identify Kuala Lumpur in the United Kingdom.

It's been fixed now.

Sorry for the irritation and I hope you find a game or two during your travels (as I believe you have previously).

TSG Tech Team

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Now the fabulous La Cala Resort in Spain becomes a TSG partner!

22 Jul 2010, 18:08

As members will know, TSG has already partnered with two of the biggest names in European golf, Oceanico Group and Pestana Group in the Western Algarve.

Now we are delighted to announce that the finest new resort in Spain, the La Cala Resort on the Costa del Sol, has become a TSG partner. La Cala will be offering TSG members some amazing deals and fantastic investment opportunities.

If Spain is your idea of golfing heaven, watch out for further announcements shortly. Alternatively, if you would like a sneak preview of what's going to be available, simply contact us here for more exciting details.

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Area not found when posting availability

22 Jul 2010, 15:43

Hi
I am trying to post availability for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in October, but the form can't find it when I have to put down the area.

I managed to do it last year and got to play golf over there by doing it.

Any ideas or fixes for this?

Thanks

Tiaan

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \WALKING OFF THE COURSE HALFWAY THRU THE ROUND

21 Jul 2010, 19:02

This is not really a tough question to answer. Walking of the course, except in exceptional circumstances, is just not accpetable. I have had my share of bad days but never failed to finish the round. SH

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who do you fancy to win the British Open at St Andrews - only 10 days to go :)

20 Jul 2010, 11:43

If you want to make money on golf gambling become a bookie

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who do you fancy to win the British Open at St Andrews - only 10 days to go :)

18 Jul 2010, 19:20

I Think Louis Oosterhuizen might do it by 7 shots!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Is the Tiger scandal, good or bad for the game?

16 Jul 2010, 12:35

I would agree that Tiger's behaviour has surprised and irritated many golfers (irrespective of his personal problems the spitting, swearing, taking chunks out of the tee with his driver when smashing a drive out of bounds and ignoring fans requests for autographs - even the kids is appalling and not good for the game) but we may not like him but we all still want to watch him - he's on at 2:20 today...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Is the Tiger scandal, good or bad for the game?

16 Jul 2010, 09:59

Dave's got it spot on, tiger's midemeanors won't draw any new people to golf (communities like TSG are more likely to get people into the game) and definitely watching the £5m per year prima donnas giving there all to get a draw with the likes of America and Algeria and then firing on all cylinders to scrape a win against the smallest country in the comp was a great acheivement and made for a fantastic sporting event :( Give me the British Open every time (even in the rain)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \WALKING OFF THE COURSE HALFWAY THRU THE ROUND

16 Jul 2010, 01:11

Frankly, I feel that walking off half way thru a round is not on! The whole point of the game, in my opinion is to gain control of your emotions, and play the best you possibly can. Heaven knows I have had a strop on occasion, and immediately regretted it....haven't we all...but walking off IMHO is the ultimate strop.
If you can't lose with grace, or accept that today isn't your day, then you should not be playing the game.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who do you fancy to win the British Open at St Andrews - only 10 days to go :)

15 Jul 2010, 15:10

My bet on McIlroy is looking good...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Is the Tiger scandal, good or bad for the game?

15 Jul 2010, 15:02

Whatever you think about Tiger he has an aura about him that enhances any tournament that he plays in. Not really sure in the long run that the extra publicity makes a lot of difference to golf in general.Will more people take the game up? probably not All I do know is that I have had more enjoyment in a few hours this morning than in the whole of the last five weeks watching that overpaid, overrated bunch of pampered primadonnas out in South Africa

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Is the Tiger scandal, good or bad for the game?

15 Jul 2010, 11:57

Despite all the media frenzy of the last few months.....it suddenly occurred to me this morning that maybe this isn't such a bad thing for golf as a whole?

Clearly, the worlds media has now condemned Woods for his behaviour and given that this has probably given the sport, more column inches of editorial than it would normally have received in 5 years, on the front pages as well as back.......is it such a bad thing for the game?

I do wonder whether he has brought into question 'The spirit of the game' with his overall demeanour and attitude on the course.....

But there is an old addage "There no such thing as bad publicity!"

I wondered what everyone else thought?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \WALKING OFF THE COURSE HALFWAY THRU THE ROUND

14 Jul 2010, 19:52

I am in the gang of walking off only in club competitions and not in a two ball. Not very often but if im having a nightmare and i think im spoiling other peoples game by them continually looking for my ball i would decide to go for their benefit´as well as mine. Never in a four ball match as im prone to just picking my ball up to stop the pain and hoping my partner selection was the correct one on the day

PS got my first eagle last week after 20 years of golf. 120 yard shot to the green, straight in. Down side was i never saw it as i was way below the hole. Never crossed my mind to walk uin then though. Isnt golf funny!!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who do you fancy to win the British Open at St Andrews - only 10 days to go :)

14 Jul 2010, 15:46

Tiger at 6.8 to 1 on betfair has to be the pick, plus a little bit of the form horses Justin Rose [22to 1],Steve Stricker [40 to 1] and Graeme McDowell [37 to 1]

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\TSG GOLFSHOP

13 Jul 2010, 23:54

PRICES ARE STILL THE SAME THO'

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who do you fancy to win the British Open at St Andrews - only 10 days to go :)

13 Jul 2010, 10:13

Looks like my bet on Rory McIlroy is looking better by the day, even Tiger has said he thinks McIlroy is the main challenger. Being a Northern Irish man hes certainly got the links game. Has he got the tempreament???

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Charlie Wie bending the rules or fair play?

13 Jul 2010, 09:44

Hi Laurie, I accept what you are saying and he was clearly within the rules so I guess it comes down to whether you would take advantage of the rules like he did.

For me I'd say definitely not in a game with friends (I'd never hear the end of it!), definitely in a grudge match or when finding myself playing with someone I didn't particularly like, so a competition is probably in the middle - would I want to win so much I'd use the rules so blatently to my advantage. I don't know :)

PS. I remember Nick Faldo (now Sir Nick) getting to the 18th in something like the Open and doing a similar thing - his approach shot meant he had to play over a bunker with little green to work with so he claimed the scaffold grandstand was 'interfering with his play' - not his swing, not his stance but it was he claimed in his vision. The commentators said he can't do that, but the regulations official said he could. Result - he was allowed to move the ball far enough around to take the bunker out of play much to the astonishment of everyone. Allowable, yes, right, I don't think so.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Charlie Wie bending the rules or fair play?

12 Jul 2010, 12:35

It may seem he is taking advantage of the rules. When playing tournament golf it is very important to have a great knowledge of the rules. Sometimes the rules can work in your favor and you can still be within the rules. Laurie

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

10 Jul 2010, 20:08

Hi put me down for a Towel + Bag Tag & bobtail + I would like R.A.F socks like my hero Frank!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \ANYONE FANCY A ROUND TODAY?! I AM IN ENFIELD!!

10 Jul 2010, 11:10

If anyone near me woud like a game today let me know

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

08 Jul 2010, 13:08

Hi David,

I agree with Ian and Russ.

Remember we all started for the first time on TSG at some point so we all know what it is like to turn up for the first time at your first event.

Everyone on TSG is friendly and we all have a common goal, to have fun playing golf.

I always try to introduce a first time person to the rest of the group at the events I set up. You will never remember everyones name but once your in a two/three or four ball it is easier.

This site needs new people like you, it needs to retain those already here. Remember without us, TSG doesn't function.

So play............

Don't forget you can always set up a game........we need event creators as well!!

Welcome and good luck,
John.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \WALKING OFF THE COURSE HALFWAY THRU THE ROUND

08 Jul 2010, 10:25

If I am having a particularly bad round (Happens occasionally!) I try and pull my game together by changing things (Grip, stance,attitude, trousers!) I usually get to a stage where I know I am not going to win, or even get any Order of merit points. So I completely think outside the box.

Use it as a practice round to improve faults.
Do the stuff you have read & seen on video, but only ever tried on the range.
have this thought ' i know this drive will go in the rough, but it doesn't matter because I am alive and playing the game I love (albeit badly!)
Walk a little faster to get your heart rate & adrenaline up.
set a target number of shots to finish the round, then reward yourself if you beat it. (new golf glove?!)
Ignore how well everyone else is playing, because next week they will be you! (Playing badly)

I must say I have never walked off, but can understand that sometimes it might be for the best.

Good golfing

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

08 Jul 2010, 09:52

I agree with Russ, playing with lots of different people has really improved my game. I was playing off 20 for years but since joining TSG, playing new courses and different players this has tumbled, at one stage earlier this year I was playing off 14!

As for being shy at posting games and even joining games, dont be, you'll soon get over that and see that we're all pretty normal and we all here to enjoy the beautiful game.

Good Luck!

Ian M

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

08 Jul 2010, 00:40

I've just posted a game for Thursday 15th July if anyone is interested. At present its at Selsdon Park in Croydon but am willing to change it if someone has a better suggestion. I tried St Andrews but tee times were full for that day, some other competition or something!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

07 Jul 2010, 12:35

Playing with 'New' people will help to improve your game.

As you say, if you're playing with the same group every week then you might feel uncomfortable when playing with people you don't know.

Once you have joined a few games you will lose these nerves and just concentrate on swinging the club.

I play the majority of my club competitions plus I joined the Norman Plum and Jubilee Cup teams. These two competitions are played against other clubs.

Nothing more nervous than standing on the first tee of an away course with lots of people watching you, strange how it doesn't bother me at all now!

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

07 Jul 2010, 12:22

Guys Hi,
Very interested in the trail of comments.,yes aim one of those " New People " who have joined the site, but, as yet have not taken the plunge and had a day out with any groups.

I think the comment raised about being on the tee with a group of new people does play a big part in taking that first step!! we are all creatures of habit and very rarely like to step out of our comfort zones, but in saying that we all had to start somewhere ! so i will be looking out for some games that are close to where i live .
Regards

David

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \WALKING OFF THE COURSE HALFWAY THRU THE ROUND

07 Jul 2010, 12:06

Anything other then a Two ball -

May be they are really not enjoying the round (good or bad), not enjoying the company, fed up with playing with people who might not adhere to the rules or etiquette of the game, maybe they just don't want to be there.

I have been playing a round and even though playing/scoring well, felt so bad that I just did not want to be there, to the point of feeling sick............. its a form of depression. Same thing that Ronnie O'Sullivan suffers from, it affects me every now and again and not just when playing golf.

I have walked in for all the above reasons whilst playing "competitive golf" and have seen plenty do the same.
I have also played in competitions and wished that one of the group would pack up and walk in because they are playing so bad, cursing/swearing,having a hissy fit and throwing the odd "club" out of the pram.
(not a bad sign if it is a foursome/fourball and they are on the other team)

I would not hesitate to walk and would not blame anyone I was playing with from doing the same if that is what they decide.

Golf is a hobbie, how can you relax if your playing so bad you are forever apologizing to the people your playing with and feeling even worse because you know your affecting their game as well.

As for passion and love of the game, rain or shine............. I know plenty who pack up the clubs as soon as the first rain drops land, ........by the time they have walked the next hole on their way in, chances are the shower has stopped, but if thats what they decide fine.

How many times in some PGA tour event do you see some pro suddenly become injured and withdraw, usually when they are +6 or more.

Or are you really saying, regardless of how the person is feeling within themselves they must continue the round so as not to upset you ?

As you finish with a "so what" !

So what, just carrying on, play your own game and enjoy the round with the other partner/partners.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who do you fancy to win the British Open at St Andrews - only 10 days to go :)

07 Jul 2010, 10:26

I'd also go for Harrington. He's not a flash golfer and I think he knows his limits which means he doesn't tend to go for the big shot, just good, solid, steady play and then see if the others fall away.

But, if it wasn't for the fact that it seems Tiger is headed for a very expensive and no doubt messy divorce I'd go for him. He likes St Andrews and, when on form, his iron play is superb (and that's whats needed on the Old Course).

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\TSG GOLFSHOP

07 Jul 2010, 10:08

Hi Jack,

Yes, sorry about that but the TSG Golf Shop has been temporarily replaced by the TSG Offers BUT it will be coming back very soon accessed from a new joint menu item TSG Shop/Offers)

All the best,
TSG Admin

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \WALKING OFF THE COURSE HALFWAY THRU THE ROUND

06 Jul 2010, 18:25

What is it that makes people pack up there clubs and walk off halfway thru the round.Is it frustration,ignorance,or what i dont understand it,i look at it this way,golf is a hobbie and time to relax with friends or with other golfers is a passion,a sport we all love to play,good or bad,rain or shine.So why do people feel the need to walk off and leave ther playing partners bemused,bewildered angry, in ther actions to stop,come on this is supposed to be a social game even competitive golf...If the round is going bad so what ..............

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Charlie Wie bending the rules or fair play?

06 Jul 2010, 08:56

I think that what we all need to bear in mind is that whatever decisions we take on the course we are eventually beholden to the "golfing gods"! They got Mr Wie back by making sure that he bogied the 18th, slipped down the leaderboard and lost a lot of dollars as a result!.

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\TSG GOLFSHOP

06 Jul 2010, 00:11

What has happened to the T S G golf shop that was on the site, has it been withdrawn as I cant seem to locate it.?
Anyone else noticed this, or can someone tell me how to find it's location?
Thanks
Jack

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who do you fancy to win the British Open at St Andrews - only 10 days to go :)

05 Jul 2010, 18:02

I don't think i'd be tempted to part with any hard earned money on him and i'm not really a fan, (not sure why), but given that he seems to have struck some form at the right time, Justin Rose will have to be considered, personally i'd plump for Harrington.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who do you fancy to win the British Open at St Andrews - only 10 days to go :)

05 Jul 2010, 16:31

With Westwood struggling with his leg problem I'm now going for Rory McIlroy and Graeme Mcdowell as the best chance we have to keep the winner this side of the pond (dismissing Ernie Els because South Africa is as far away from Scotland as the US is)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Charlie Wie bending the rules or fair play?

05 Jul 2010, 16:24

Watching the AT&T National yesterday and was amazed at the blatent exploitation of the rules to get personal advantage which raised a question:

Is what Charlie Wie did to get on to the green a fair use of the rules or do you think he broke the unwritten laws about playing in the spirit of the game???

When you're in the rough off the side of the green should you be allowed to demand relief from a sprinkler head because it 'might' affect your stance and then deliberately go one club length towards another sprinkler head so that you can then get relief from that which lets you drop on the edge of the green.........

Doesn't seem right to me but I might be outdated. Who think if the rules are there it's fair game to use them however you can to get ahead?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who do you fancy to win the British Open at St Andrews - only 10 days to go :)

04 Jul 2010, 18:18

Ps I also think Choi will be a good outside bet!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who do you fancy to win the British Open at St Andrews - only 10 days to go :)

04 Jul 2010, 18:13

I dont think you can overlook Woods and Mickleson but personally I think Poulter & Westwood will take some inspiration from the McDowell win and hopefully kick on and do it for the English lads.

And given Westwood has just ripped his calf muscle again.........

.......My tip is Poulter!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who do you fancy to win the British Open at St Andrews - only 10 days to go :)

04 Jul 2010, 09:54

The British Open is at St Andrews again so who's got a tip for the betting.

Tiger woods is the clear bookies favorite at 3 -1 with phil mickelson, ernie els, lee westwood, rory mcilroy and padrig harrington out at 14-1 and grahame mcdowell out at 25-1.

I think St Andrews will favour the likes of westwood and mcdowell because it's all about positional iron play and thinking your way around and so they have got to be good odds but if tiger leaves the driver in the bag he could also be in there at the end. what do others think?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Yellow Ball Competition

03 Jul 2010, 15:33

Dave, you seem to have commitment from at least 4 teams and I'm sure more will surface once it's up and running. So is it a go-er?

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\spanish golf prices

02 Jul 2010, 15:17

Hi,
Garry sorry about the delay in responding had pc trouble. We booked directly with the courses.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \What is the correct ruling ??

28 Jun 2010, 10:05

i think we all agree what we would have done, but im still confused, mesmorised as to why johnson went back to the tee............i may see him or gmc when i return in august to orlando , i wil ask them and let you all know.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \What is the correct ruling ??

27 Jun 2010, 19:54

YOU CANNOT DECLARE A BALL LOST.

Sorry to shout, but the number of people who seem think you can declare a ball lost is astounding. You cannot. If you find it you have to play it or declare it unplayable except when you have already played a provisional from a point nearer the hole than where the original is found (and before it is found).

Oh, and you cannot 'agree' that the ball is lost in the hazard. It "must be known or virtually certain" that the ball is in the hazard so to answer the original question;

if it is "known or virtually certain" that the ball is in the hazard the player can drop in accordance with Rule 26.

if it is not "known or ...etc" that the ball is in the hazard and the ball isn't found within 5 minutes it is lost and the player plays his provisional.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Disaster Areas!!!

27 Jun 2010, 11:22

I've got a whole course like that - it's called Red Libbets.

No matter how well I'm playing that course never lets me score well, beautiful course but, for a man who typically fades the ball, there are too many dog-leg lefts with too many big trees along the way......

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \What is the correct ruling ??

27 Jun 2010, 11:16

I beleive that everyone is right!

1/ If you and your playing partners agree that your first ball is most likely in the hazard you can drop another ball based on a 'penalty drop' (lateral hazard - red stakes, 2 club lengths from estimated point of entry; water hazard - yellow stakes, 2 clubs lengths keeping point of entry to hazard between you and the hole - big difference 'cos may mean you have to go around the other side of the hazard).

2/ If you and your playing partners can't agree that your first ball is most likely in the hazard you go and play your provisional ball (4th shot).

3/ If when walking to the point of your first ball you think, I'm not sure it's in the hazard and if it's not I don't want to find it then you can declare it lost (without even looking for it) and walk straight to your provisional ball and play your 4th shot.

Clear as mud?

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

26 Jun 2010, 10:21

Towels and Bag Tags are the clear favourite (see Poll above).

We're now waiting for samples of golf towels and golf bag tags as we don't want to place any order until we see the quality of the product - TSG Members only deserve quality products!

But, I'd guess we won't be in a position to supply the gear for 4-6 weeks. So, in the interim you may need to 'borrow' a cheap towel from somewehere...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \What is the correct ruling ??

26 Jun 2010, 05:08

[quote=Dougie Gray]Folks,

I'd like to ask your opinion on the correct ruling for a situation I was involved in last week.. I'm hoping to tell the story in an unbiased manner...

Three guys are playing a course they've not played before. On a hole, Player A tees off and his ball heads left towards small trees and a marked water hazard, so he plays another ball, declaring it as a provisional before he hits it etc.

When the players reach the area the initial ball headed, they can't find the ball and conclude it must be lost in the hazard..

This is where the fun begins..

Player A reckons he can drop a ball at estimated point of entry to the hazard and play his 3rd stroke from there, and pick up the provisional ball.

Player B reckons he has to play the provisional ball he has hit from the tee, and play his 4th stroke from where it is lying.

Your feedback on who is correct would be welcome..

dg [/quote]

I believe that if the ball has been declared lost the player must then play the provisional ball. The subsequent stroke would therefore be his fourth stroke.

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

25 Jun 2010, 23:53

Im up for the towel and a bag tag is also a good idea..

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

25 Jun 2010, 22:17

Hi all,

any news on the merchadise? Am new to golf, new to the site, voted for the towel when i joined social golfer and really need to get a towel sorted out for my bag. Got into golf on the cheap with 2nd handclubs and upgrading slowly through beg borrow and steal process from friends/ family (ok less of the steal) but dont really want to be spending money on a towel if there is one just round the corner from TSG!

if you could let us know would be great.

cheers

Dave

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \What is the correct ruling ??

24 Jun 2010, 10:12

As of 1st January 2008 the R&A and USGA use the new combined rules. So the rules are the same across the world.

PGA rule 26-1 clearly states - 'It is a question of fact whether a ball that has not been found after having been struck towards a water hazard is in the hazard. In order to apply this Rule, it must be known or virtually certain that the ball is in the hazard.' ie if the players agree the ball is virtually certain to be in the hazard then it is and a 'one stroke penalty drop' can be taken.

So, none the wiser why Johnson and his playing partners couldn't agree the ball 'virtually certain' to have been lost in the hazard but for the rest of us it seems clear.

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\spanish golf prices

24 Jun 2010, 09:15

managed to persuade a group of chums to hit florida instead of spain...... flights and accom put £200 on week but golf they played 6 rounds, all booked the day before on golfnow.com

harmony   $18, Sugarloaf $ 22, Celebration $ 32.   Solvita   $18     Ridgewood   $17   Legends $23

in otherwords none cost more than twenty quid all with compulsory buggy.

add this to the all you can eat at ponderosa for $5.99         and all agreed it was no dearer than the costas.

ian

Polls & Surveys\Active Forum Threads at Top or Forum Categories at Top?

24 Jun 2010, 09:08

Yes, voting poll at top of page (click on your selection)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \What is the correct ruling ??

24 Jun 2010, 09:07

Johnsons case was pretty peculiar, in that the tv clearly showed it went into the hazard area. the spectators said it had, i presume gmc thought so too, but beause it could not be seen, he walks back.... now i cant see under water so if you hit into a water hazard but cant see the ball, well i think you can see my problem... wise sages out there........ help please.

Polls & Surveys\Active Forum Threads at Top or Forum Categories at Top?

23 Jun 2010, 17:39

Active Threads for me.
Is there a Voting Button I should be using?

Polls & Surveys\Active Forum Threads at Top or Forum Categories at Top?

23 Jun 2010, 09:30

Well we've had a few members say they like the Forum Categories section to be at the top when they go to the Forums and a few members say they preferred it when the first thing they saw was the Active Threads.

So, lets put it to a vote...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \What is the correct ruling ??

23 Jun 2010, 08:33

Gents,

Thanks for the responses.. Clear now if the situation were to come up again.

dg

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Disaster Areas!!!

22 Jun 2010, 20:17

Am I the only person who has a few disaster areas on my home courses?

The last three times I've played the third hole on the Priors Course I've thinned my approach shot through the back of the green and OOBs!

It's a par 5 hole, 471 yards. So I take a driver and then whatever iron I need to leave me about 100 yards short of the green.

This hole has two bunkers about 40 or 50 yards short of the green, and with the out of bounds behind it makes going for the green in two an unattractive option.

Today I played this hole, hit my driver which went about 240 yards but just off the fairway to the right. I then hit my 8 iron to the end of the fairway.

When I arrived at my golf ball my SkyCaddie said I had 88 yards to the flag. Allowing for the slight breeze from behind and for the ball to run a couple of yards I decided on 80 yards as the distance needed to get the ball close.

80 yards is a three quarter swing with my 53 degree gap wedge.

I've had a couple of practice swings and then set myself up for the shot.

Taking my time I made my swing, and low and behold I thinned it through the back of the green and out of bounds!

Dropped another ball and got it onto the green, then I was so angry with myself that I hit my first putt way to hard and put it nine feet past the flag, so I ended up three putting.

Shot 8 on a hole that I should have got a par on.

So does anyone else have problem areas on their home course?

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \What is the correct ruling ??

22 Jun 2010, 20:16

Posted a similar question a few weeks back and the replies I had were,

If you are certain the ball went into the water hazard then you drop a ball and take the penalty shot (rules for ball lost in a hazard).

If you are not sure the ball went into the water hazard, either you think you might have gone over it, etc. Then play the provisional ball.

That's the conclusions that were reached from my question.

The main point here is to decide if the ball went into the water hazard or not! Once you have decided that question then the way you continue your round of golf is already decided for you.

Russ

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\spanish golf prices

22 Jun 2010, 19:52

Thanks for that, I'll be going in a few weeks time & was looking at Santana & El Chapparal. Did you book directly at the course or through an agency ?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \What is the correct ruling ??

22 Jun 2010, 15:47

All players agreed it had to be in the hazard.. The ground surrounding it was fairly clear / open, so we concluded / all agreed it couldn't be anywhere else..

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Anyone want to buy a 2nd-hand Calloway FTi (square) driver?

22 Jun 2010, 14:29

Anyone looking to buy a secondhand Calloway 'square head' driver?

I bought the Calloway FTi squarehead driver (right hand, graphite shaft, draw bias) and it's a great club but I don't like the noise it makes off the club so I've replaced it with a Mizuno driver.

You can see it here: http://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/ft-i-drivers/drivers-ft-i,default,pd.html?gcid=g100 )

Anyone interested? Send me a message.

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\spanish golf prices

22 Jun 2010, 14:26

Hi, went to spain last week to play golf and found that maybe the spanish are realising there is a recession on. We played Santana and got 18 holes with a buggy for 120 euros a pair. I didnt think that was bad as last year we paid 80 euros each. The top courses which we swerved this year are still stupid money (175 for La Reserva + buggy). It makes you think about the courses you want to play and the audience. This year we had two high handicappers and it seemed pointless for them paying that much. enjoyment versus cost is a major factor now. Hope some of the other courses will drop there costs as well.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \What is the correct ruling ??

22 Jun 2010, 14:18

It depends on how serious the game is. The rule for a hazard (my understanding) is you must be able to confirm 100% your ball is in the hazard. If so you can drop at point of entry. That would be the way we play it. If you are not sure you are in the hazard, perhaps you may have flown the hazard but still cant be sure then the provisional is in play. As a futher point in the US open Johnson did it and they could not confirm it was in as they couldnt see the ball so he had to go back to the tee.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \What is the correct ruling ??

22 Jun 2010, 10:50

Folks,

I'd like to ask your opinion on the correct ruling for a situation I was involved in last week.. I'm hoping to tell the story in an unbiased manner...

Three guys are playing a course they've not played before. On a hole, Player A tees off and his ball heads left towards small trees and a marked water hazard, so he plays another ball, declaring it as a provisional before he hits it etc.

When the players reach the area the initial ball headed, they can't find the ball and conclude it must be lost in the hazard..

This is where the fun begins..

Player A reckons he can drop a ball at estimated point of entry to the hazard and play his 3rd stroke from there, and pick up the provisional ball.

Player B reckons he has to play the provisional ball he has hit from the tee, and play his 4th stroke from where it is lying.

Your feedback on who is correct would be welcome..

dg

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Great Win For McDowell

22 Jun 2010, 10:14

It was a great finish by McDowell (and good to see a European winning) but you had to feel sorry for Johnson who just seemed to go to pieces. Made for good television though, kept you there to the very end

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Strength of the Pound helps make dreams come true for many expat golfers

21 Jun 2010, 19:51

As the pound has continued to rise against the euro, and with excellent discounts already available, the interest in the quality overseas property market has increased significantly in recent weeks. Major developers are reporting a sharp increase in both enquiries and sales as top quality property has become increasingly affordable and as UK investors now see real investment potential on offer.

For example, a studio property at Oceanico's fabulous, newly launched, Belmar Spa and Beach Resort was on the market at the end of 2009 for €165,000 or, at the exchange rate of the time (around 1.06) approximately £155,000. The exclusive TSG price for the same unit is just €123,250 which, at todays exchange rate of just under 1.20, equates to only £102,708, an effective reduction in price of almost 34%. And this is for a state-of-the-art, fully furnished unit in one of the most exciting, beach-front Spa resorts in the Algarve!

Other property, from one, two and three bedroom apartments, or villas on any of our three partner resorts have all seen similar, dramatic price reductions with two bedroom golf resort apartments down from £264,622 to just £187,000 and 3 bedroom golf side villas from £513,679 to just £363,000.

For more information on prices, discounts and exclusive inspection visits, please contact us by clicking Property Enquiries here.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Yellow Ball Competition

21 Jun 2010, 16:04

any news for this event? Would like to play, but the diary is starting to stretch to later this year so would love to get it confirmed

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Great Win For McDowell

21 Jun 2010, 14:05

I was working last night so had to listen to the US Open golf on the radio.

A great win for Graeme McDowell

Russ

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\TSG Golf Handicap Certificate (UK and USGA)

21 Jun 2010, 10:44

As you know TSG offer FREE:

- Game Scorecard Tracking
- Graphical Game Analysis Tools
- Golf Handicap Tracking Software
-  Golf HANDICAP CERTIFICATE (downloaded to your PC as many times as you want).

Some members have asked us to clarify the difference between the FREE TSG Handicap Certificate and a Club Handicap Certificate and an Internet Handicap Certificate.

So, ...

- An affiliated Golf Club in the UK (ie a club 'affiliated' to one of the Golf Unions) will use scores submitted in club competitions to calculate changes in Player's Handicaps. The actual calculation methods used are the same for all clubs ie the CONGU UHS Calculation method (Council of Golf Unions Unified Handicap System)

- An affiliated Golf Club in the USA (ie a club 'affiliated' to the USGA) will use scores submitted in club competitions to calculate changes in Player's Handicaps. The actual calculation methods used are the same for all clubs ie the USGA Handicap Calculation method (similar to the UK calculation but includes use of Course Rating, calculation of Playing Handicap based on Slope etc).

-  The TSG Handicap Tracking system provides TSG Members with the ability to track their handicap based on an implementation of either UK or USGA Handicap Calculation methods. The major differences between a TSG Handicap and a Club Handicap is that:

1/  A TSG Handicap is arguably more accurate and more flexible in that it will invariably be based on consideration of more scorecards and from playing a variety of golf courses. Whereas a club handicap can be based on as few as three cards from your 'home' course in a 12 month period.

2/ TSG uses the UK SSS (Standard Scratch Score) or US Course Rating & Slope from the Score Card as opposed to calculating it based on the scores from a particular competition on a specific day.

3/ TSG allows you to switch between UK and USGA Calculation Methods (there can be a wide difference)

In summary, a TSG Handicap Certificate is acknowledged as being correctly and accurately calculated and is therefore accepted by most clubs who require a handicap certificate as proof of your playing standard BUT it is likely that for entry onto *some* golf clubs and entry into *some* Open Golf Competitions they will demand a handicap issued from a CONGU or USGA Affiliated Golf Club (so please check with the Golf Club Secretary when booking).

Finally, handicaps offered on the internet cannot be better than a TSG Handicap Certificate so don't be tempted to pay for one when the TSG Handicap Tracking System and TSG Handicap Certificate are FREE to TSG Members.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Yellow Ball Competition

19 Jun 2010, 17:27

I'm happy to join a team, my signing on fee is slightly on the cheap side.

Robin

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Yellow Ball Competition

19 Jun 2010, 12:58

I would be happy to enter a team on behalf of the Essex contingent of the site!!

Ian M

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Club Fitting Service...

18 Jun 2010, 18:22

Well, on the advice of both Mark Rowley and Gary Moth I went down to Haywards Heath Golf Club where for £50 they put you through a 1 hour session where they measure your grip size, hand to floor length, club 'lie' etc and then use a piece of pretty sophisticated ball tracking solution to check your swing speed, record ball trajectory, distance, grouping etc when you're trying different clubs with different shaft, heads etc.

All good stuff and it does mean that you get to try out clubs from Mizuno, Ping, TaylorMade, Wilson, Yonex (a few more I can't remember !). Then when you've found the one that you like the best (and the computer verifies that it was a good one) they can order in those clubs custom fitted to you.

Impressive, except with a pretty consistent swing speed (irons) of 82-84mph the standard shaft was right for me and, being of average build, the standard shaft length was good and, having an okay swing plane, the lie was good and the standard grip was good... you're getting the picture. Just call me Mr. Standard.

Whatever, trying out so many different clubs in that high tech environment was worth the £50 because there were three clear favourites Mizuno mx200; Wilson Ci9; TaylorMade R9 and I've now ordered myself a gleaming new set of TaylorMade (actually my most consistent shots were with the Wilson but the final decision was based on the fact I've always had TaylorMade and the R9s - and the Mizumo - came a very close second in consistency).

Looking forward to a game next week to try my new clubs out (as long as they arrive as promised on Monday).

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Can you recommend a 'Must Play' course?

18 Jun 2010, 18:09

Those Northern Michingan golf course looks fantastic (and actually very good value for the quality) but, unfortunately, a little too far to travel...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Yellow Ball Competition

18 Jun 2010, 14:07

Yellow golf balls?

I can help you there, drop me a line at admin@uklongdriveseries.com

ta

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Golf Club Theft - Beware...........

17 Jun 2010, 16:37

Sorry to hear about the theft of your clubs Ian.

I've often said that if you had the balls you could walk into any golf club at a weekend and walk away with any bag you want!

Everywhere else security is paramount but when it comes to having a beer after your round then everyone leaves their clubs outside the clubhouse.

I do hope they catch them but I wouldn't hold your breath.

Russ

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Golf Club Theft - Beware...........

15 Jun 2010, 13:30

Thanks for the sympathies everyone....yes, it really did hit me yesterday when I added up the cost of replacing everything for the insurance company and it came to £2037!! Luckily the house insurance covers me for £2500 for personal items but not for the £85 cab fare home + £100 excess. So whilst I may get some new clubs out of it, one way or the other I am going to be out of pocket.

Good idea Pete, I would be happy to but knowing the way things work in this country Kent Police would probably then arrest ME for abuse of THEIR image rights!!

However, for the record, the vehicle used was a Black Audi A3 and the number plate (subject to final CCTV inspection) we think ended in ??54 WDZ.

I will keep you updated on the progress of the case but let me reiterate to everyone - be vigilant when leaving your bag unattended and check your insurance properly covers you!

Ian M

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Golf Club Theft - Beware...........

15 Jun 2010, 10:34

Bummer, I hope you get your stuff back (especially the watch), but at least your house insurance is going to pay out for the other stuff.

When I bought my range finder I suddenly thought there is a golf bag sitting there with stuff in it which would cost me a £1,000 to replace so I checked my house insurance and it was pathetic for anything not taken from the property (Nationwide Insurance). So I paid my £50 for specific golf insurance (which I hope I never have to use).

How about seeing if you can get a copy of the CCTV picture and post it here to see if anyone can tell you who they are...

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Golf Club Theft - Beware...........

15 Jun 2010, 09:42

Hi Ian,

I am so sorry to here about that.

You do not expect to have your clubs stolen from right under your nose and it puts a bad taste in your mouth after having enjoyed a days golf.

I hope that the b******ds are caught and I hope you get a great set of clubs off the back of this without spending money out of your pocket.

Unfortunately some items cannot be replaced and I feel for you on that score!

Sorry mate.

See you on a golf course soon.

Cheers, John.

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Can you recommend a 'Must Play' course?

14 Jun 2010, 22:24

I'll put in a plug for northern Michigan golf -- check out the link (watch the slide show) for www.arcadiabluffs.com/

Pretty much directly across Lake Michigan from Whistling Straits, home of the 92nd PGA Championship Tournament in August -- and some say Arcadia Bluffs is every bit as difficult and much prettier due to the beautiful sunsets. Whistling Straits is on the sunrise side of the big lake.

Then, after playing Arcadia Bluffs, you can go to "The Bear" in Traverse City (Nicklaus course), or any of the Gaylord golf mecca courses, like "Treetops" -- or "Dunmaglas" in Charlevoix, "Bay Harbor" in Petosky, "Boyne Highlands" -- the list goes on and on.

Then, when you have overspent your budget on the showcase courses, there are countless public courses in the northern Michigan counties which are a half-step behind in quality and just as much a test of your golfing skills.

The economy has reduced play this year and created great bargains, great for us, less-so for the courses!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Mcllory v Westwood who's going to win there first major

14 Jun 2010, 22:23

What an unbelievable finish in the St. Jude Classic last night ! Three shots behind with one hole to play it looked like another 2nd place finish for Lee Westwood. You have to feel sorry for Robert Garrigus but that must a fantastic boost for our man leading up to next weeks US Open.

What price back to back victories?

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Golf Club Theft - Beware...........

14 Jun 2010, 19:39

Wow, Ian - so sorry to hear that. But I guess all the money you took from us on the day will help offset the loss!

I left my clubs down there as well, and just ran up to make my contribution to the pot ... I guess I'm lucky that I had to leave right away, or mine might have been gone too!

Hope they catch those a$$holes....

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Golf Club Theft - Beware...........

14 Jun 2010, 17:42

Hi Ian
Really sorry to hear about the theft. This must have made you feel sick in the stomache, I know it would me. especially as I have just bought a set of ping g15 irons for £420!

i have heard of a couple of people having clubs stolen, in fact a mate of mine who is a young pro, Had his Callaways stolen from his own club as he popped to the loo!. Another guy had his Driver & his putter taken (The 2 most expensive in his bag)

I hope these B******s are identified & duly prosecuted & I really hope you get everything back, including the watch.

In the meantime I agree with your advice, don't leave your clubs unattended put them back in the car!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \SOCIAL GOLFERS win SHOW AM Celeb Classis at Henley on Arden Golf and Country Club

14 Jun 2010, 13:41

know what you mean we took some stick too next was 83..... but roger never blobbed, we only had one 4 pointer, rest 5,6 and one 7....great day

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Golf Club Theft - Beware...........

14 Jun 2010, 11:43

Dear All,

Sadly at the weekend I suffered the indignity of having my clubs stolen!!

Having enjoyed a great day at Broke Hill in Kent on Saturday (organised on TSG), after the round I made the mistake of leaving my clubs outside the golf shop while I went to catch up with the other players in the group.

Within 5-6 minutes of leaving the the bag unattended, the clubs were stolen from right under the noses of all those, both in the shop and the clubhouse. Luckily we have the perpetrators (thats the polite term for what they are!) on CCTV cameras and as such there will now be a full police investigation into the theft.

However, whilst the club have so far been very helpful and my house insurance have said they will cover the financial loss and the replacement cars/house keys - nothing can replace the fondness I had for the equipment that I have gathered over a 10 period or the loss of the watch my Father bought me for my 40th birthday!

So PLEASE be very vigilant when leaving your clubs unattended (and any items you keep in the bag) and make sure you check your insurance cover - there is clearly a set of undesirables out there who will see your bags as a cash cow and they may well be operating in other areas!

Regards

Ian M

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Members who have scored an 'Ace'

13 Jun 2010, 18:56

TSG Members who have record an 'Ace' (hole in 1) on a scorecard entered into the TSG Scorecard System will automatically be included here - drinks all round....

Not a single one so far. Now what does that say about community of avid golfers - either we are not as good as we think we are OR we play hard courses :)

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\What is SSS, CSS, Course Rating and Slope Rating?

13 Jun 2010, 17:59

Very useful - thanks.
As an aside, why is the Slope Neutral rating 113 - this seems a "random" number to work around!

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\What is SSS, CSS, Course Rating and Slope Rating?

13 Jun 2010, 10:10

We've been asked a few times what the difference is between the UK SSS and CSS. Plus what is the US Slope Rating. So, all rolled into one:

The UK:

- The SSS (Standard Scratch Score) is the score it is deemed that a 'scratch' golfer would shoot on the course (the difference between the Par and SSS gives an indication of whether the course plays harder or easier than its given Par layout)

- The CSS (Competition Standard Scratch) is a varient of the standard scratch for the course and it is based on a computation using the scores achieved on that particular day/in that competition. The reason it is used is that if it's a fantastic, calm, sunny day (ie not normal) and everyone is ripping up the course it would be wrong to cut players handicaps because it is not normal course conditions (and vice versa).

The US (and most of Europe):

- The Course Rating is the score it is deemed that a 'scratch' golfer would shoot on the course (the difference between the Par and Course Rating gives an indication of whether the course plays harder or easier than its given Par layout) ie this is directly analogous to the UK SSS.

The 'Slope Rating' is a USPGA invention which, is an additional 'rating' for the Course (ie in addition to the Course Rating) and seeks to level the playing field for 'bogey' golfers. The USPGA Slope Rating is awarded based on a separate review team which look at the course from the eyes of a 'bogey' player (18 handicapper I think). This team may look at a Par 4 and say an 18 handicapper can't play this as a Par4 because there is a lake in front of the green which means you have to drive 250 yards off the tee to give you a chance of attacking the green (which an 18 handicapper is not deemed to be able to do). So for the 18 handicapper this is really a Par 5. So having taken all this into consideration they award the course a Slope Rating which is then used to alter a Playing Handicap for this course.

A Slope rating of 113 is 'neutral' ie your Playing Handicap for this course is the same as your Handicap. More than 113 and you get extra Handicap allowance. Less than 113 and you get a reduced Handicap allowance - the actual calculation is [(Handicap / 113) * Slope rating)]

As an aside there are courses in the US which have a Slope Rating of 155 meaning that if you are normally an 18 handicapper, for that course, you would play off 25 (now that must be a tough course....)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \SOCIAL GOLFERS win SHOW AM Celeb Classis at Henley on Arden Golf and Country Club

13 Jun 2010, 09:57

Fantastic result by TheSocialGolfer team, well done to all.

and a winning score of 95 suggests that there weren't any 'bandit' teams in the event (too often I go in for Charity Days or Team events using the 'best 2 from 4 scores' system and see the winning team come in with 103-105 points - whhhhaaaat....., hooooowwww and no wayyyyy)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Mcllory v Westwood who's going to win there first major

13 Jun 2010, 09:54

Wellll, McIlroy certainly answered the question about him or Lee best placed to win their first major...

With Westwood three off the lead going into the final day he's in a fantastic position - If he can claw it back (which he is capable of) and win that will be fantastic for his confidence going into the Open next week. If he can hold it together and stay in the top 3 he'll also feel very confident going into the Open next week.

He's looking more and more like it's only a matter of time for him - probably worth a small wager for at least a top 5 finish next week

On another player - I didn't realise that Robert Karlsson is 6' 7" tall - no wonder he hits the ball miles!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Funny old game!

12 Jun 2010, 10:11

God yes...i was 6over for the first 3,then went 1 over for the next 6.More off a mental thing, i swear my body forgets how to swing halfway round ,so frustrating...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Mcllory v Westwood who's going to win there first major

11 Jun 2010, 22:38

[quote=TSG Golf Properties][quote=Richard Lane-Blackwell]I think I'd have to go for Westwood to get one first. His record in the last three majors is not far short of brilliant and he has got to get past the finishing line soon. Rory definately looked on form with his win in America and I hope he keeps it up but I just think that at the moment Lee is a little bit closer to getting the big win.[/quote]

It looks as though you might be right after last nights first round of the St. Jude Classic in Memphis. The Oceanico-sponsored player shot a course record 63 which must put him in great shape for next weeks US Open.
[/quote]

Just to make things even more interesting, Westwood has just been paired with Tiger Woods for the first two rounds at next weeks US Open.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Mcllory v Westwood who's going to win there first major

11 Jun 2010, 08:10

[quote=Richard Lane-Blackwell]I think I'd have to go for Westwood to get one first. His record in the last three majors is not far short of brilliant and he has got to get past the finishing line soon. Rory definately looked on form with his win in America and I hope he keeps it up but I just think that at the moment Lee is a little bit closer to getting the big win.[/quote]

It looks as though you might be right after last nights first round of the St. Jude Classic in Memphis. The Oceanico-sponsored player shot a course record 63 which must put him in great shape for next weeks US Open.

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\So, what happens on these "free" inspection visits?

10 Jun 2010, 19:48

[quote=S H]I guess a very hard sell routine. Nothing in this world is free. [/quote]

Of course, they would love visitors to buy something from them but, like all the best businesses, they rely on courtesy, professionalism and a really great product to convince people.

Oceanico have always had a great reputation for quality and service, an outlook that, thankfully, they have maintained even in today's challenging climate. They believe in the old adage that a good reputation takes years to build but just minutes to lose!!

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\So, what happens on these "free" inspection visits?

10 Jun 2010, 18:27

I guess a very hard sell routine. Nothing in this world is free.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Yellow Ball Competition

09 Jun 2010, 21:41

Sadly working both days, but would certainly of been interested.

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\So, what happens on these "free" inspection visits?

09 Jun 2010, 19:20

As TSG members will know, we have negotiated some great deals with our partners, Oceanico Group and Pestana Group. As part of our agreement, we are able to offer some fantastic inspection visits with a host of benefits, from free golf on some of Europe's top courses, to free accommodation and much more.

Understandably, there has been great interest shown from TSG members with many either booked up for a visit over the next few weeks or who have already completed your trips. So, what sort of experience can you expect when you are there?

Well, we asked the thoughts of one of our first members to take advantage of the offers, Geoff Saunders, who has recently returned from Oceanico's amazing Amendoeira Golf Resort. Geoff said of his visit: "Both myself and my guest had a great experience at Oceanico's O'Connor course and were looked after by friendly and competent staff. Many thanks for the introduction".

Both Oceanico and Pestana want you to enjoy your time with them and to be, as we are sure you will be, impressed by the fantastic facilities and properties available. There is no hard sell, just completely professional, knowledgeable and friendly staff to help answer your questions.

For any other members wanting to take advantage of these fantastic deals, please contact us here.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Funny old game!

09 Jun 2010, 19:12

'consistently inconsistent' I like that as a description for lots of things, I'll no doubt be using that phrase many times in the future :)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Yellow Ball Competition

09 Jun 2010, 19:10

Definitely put me (and a team) down as long as the venue is in the Surrey/Kent/Essex area

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Yellow Ball Competition

09 Jun 2010, 19:07

Sounds like fun - I'll try to organise my team and let you know.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Yellow Ball Competition

09 Jun 2010, 13:30

I'm thinking of running a Yellow Ball Comp, so I'm putting the feelers out to see if anyone would be interested.

The teams would consist of 3, one captain and two others, the combined handicap of the team when divided by 3 should be between 20 - 24 and each player would then play off 3/4 of their handicap

If you fancy having a go then let me know. What I need to know is:-
HOW MANY TEAMS SO GET TOGETHER NOMINATE A CAPTAIN AND HAVE THEM E-MAIL ME
so I can judge the response and see if it's is worth running
The Date would be 11th - 12th September Venue and Cost TBA

Cheers Dave

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \SOCIAL GOLFERS win SHOW AM Celeb Classis at Henley on Arden Golf and Country Club

08 Jun 2010, 16:42

I am pleased to report that a Social Golfer team, including two community members, myself and Roger Hurcombe joined by my Golf Director Steve Skitt and Floridian Golfing Partner Rich Poore compiled a massive 95 points in the better two ball stableford and won this prestigious event.

Roger was quite imperious on the day, with a wonderful solid display which saw him score 41 points personally. I scored 33 points, Steve 32 and Rich 39....... a great Days Golf followed by super black tie evening presentation when we celebrated in great style.

Ian W Halliwell

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Funny old game!

07 Jun 2010, 21:39

I've always found golf to be consistently inconsistent.

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Fantastic Free Four Day Visit to an amazing Pestana Golf Resort

07 Jun 2010, 18:01

Not particularly new, Peter - it was initially built in the early 1990's with Nick Price as co-designer.

It's a lovely course with some really nice properties available around it. You can see more details at www.pestanagolf.com/en/courses/gramacho.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Funny old game!

07 Jun 2010, 13:29

My trouble is that I can play like an absolute beginner and like a pro on the same hole never mind during the same round!

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\TSG Exclusive Investment Opportunity - available only until 12th June

07 Jun 2010, 13:22

If any other members want to take advantage of this offer or they want to join the information day at the Pestana hotel in Chelsea, London they better act fast beacuse it's on 12th June.

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Fantastic Free Four Day Visit to an amazing Pestana Golf Resort

07 Jun 2010, 13:18

I've played Vale da Pinta, it's a lovely course well recommended (and the villas around it looked pretty good too) - http://www.thesocialgolfer.com/viewcourse.aspx?id=53621

Never heard of Quinta do Gramacho, is it a new one?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Funny old game!

06 Jun 2010, 20:50

yes mate funny old game! I am alwasy amazed that one minute i seem to play like a beginner the next i am playing out of my skin!

Consistancy, dont ya just love it!!! lol

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Funny old game!

06 Jun 2010, 10:37

I played the Priors course last Friday and when I arrived on the 11th tee I was one under par for my handicap.

The 11th hole is a short par five, but the green is an island so it requires a very good drive to have any chance to go for the green in two!

Having played this hole many times I take a three iron then lay-up short of the green. I'd rather do the three iron, eight iron option than hit my driver and have to lay-up with a gap wedge!

So I'm playing well and the sun is shining.

I take my three iron and hook my golf ball into the rough on the left of the fairway. After a few harsh words with myself I take a provisional ball, and do exactly the same thing. Now I'm really annoyed at myself!

I start walking towards where my golf balls have gone into the rough saying to myself that I'm bound to find one of those two balls!

Withing fifteen seconds of looking I have found my first ball and it's not in a bad position. It took me a couple more minutes to find my second ball (nobody behind me).

So having found my first golf ball and having a chance to get a full swing at it I'm feeling much better.

Well I hit a pitching wedge out of the rough over a tree in front of me, straight onto the fairway.

Standing at my golf ball I look at my SkyCaddie and it's telling me it's 145 yards to the flag, slightly downhill but with a breeze blowing towards me. It's a nice, smooth seven iron for me, no need to hit it hard, just a nice, smooth swing.

I hit a great shot (even if I say so myself!), straight at the flag. The ball landed about ten feet short and took one bounce and ended up about four feet past the flag.

Taking my time with the putt I rolled it into the middle of the cup for a birdie, what a funny, old game golf can be!

So I'm now two under my handicap as I don't get a shot on this hole!

Went on to shoot a 77 (par 70, sss 68) and reduced my handicap by 0.6

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Golf Lesson Disasters!

05 Jun 2010, 15:06

I had a few lessons with John Dale down at West Malling GC. He bothered to explain the mechanics of the swing and then changed my swing plane which has made me much more consistent. Roll on the summer and handicap reduction...

Anyone looking for a coach Id thoroughly recommend John (if he's still there !)

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Fantastic Free Four Day Visit to an amazing Pestana Golf Resort

05 Jun 2010, 12:46

The offer is available for either Vale da Pinta or Quinta do Gramacho, although both are subject to availability of course.

Once a member has registered interest in an inspection visit, we just need some basic information - including a preference for resort - before being able to confirm dates and other details with Pestana.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Would you choose England to win the Football World Cup?

05 Jun 2010, 10:03

Have you seen the advert on here with the World Cup offer from Your Golf Travel. I haven't read it properly but it seems to offer your money back if you book a golf holiday to the country which goes on to win the Football World Cup.

All I can say is that if people are deciding where to go for a golf holiday based on the chance of getting their money back if that country wins the world cup then Spain and Holland are looking a damn sight more attractive than England!

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Fantastic Free Four Day Visit to an amazing Pestana Golf Resort

05 Jun 2010, 09:21

Which Pestana golf resort is this?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Kent Members - Fancy a 'Two Game Eclectic' Competition?

04 Jun 2010, 16:38

I could be interested, depending on the dates. I can only do mid- weeks though.

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Fantastic Free Four Day Visit to an amazing Pestana Golf Resort

04 Jun 2010, 15:21

For a very limited period, TSG has negotiated a fantastic three-night, four day inspection trip to one of Pestana's fabulous golf resort properties. With prices from little more than €200,000 for a two bedroom apartment, this is a truly amazing opportunity to buy into a dream holiday lifestyle.

The TSG/Pestana Inspection Visit includes the following fabulous schedule:

Day 1

Airport pick up
Resort introduction and orientation
Dinner

Day 2

Breakfast at club house (on terrace when possible)
Buying procedure explained and questions answered
Tour properties
Lunch
Tour local area, - Monchique, Lagoa, Portimão, beaches
Dinner

Day 3

Breakfast
Golf/Beauty treatments
Lunch
Review your property choices and options
Dinner (Champagne celebration either brought to your villa or at the Club House)

Day 4

Breakfast
Having made reservation, choice of golf/beauty treatment/beach or property tour
Lift to airport

Includes:
Accommodation, food and golf/beauty treatments.

This fantastic offer is available for a limited period only so, to be sure to make your reservation, please contact us as soon as possible.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Golf Lesson Disasters!

04 Jun 2010, 12:11

In that case....BRAVO mate.....well done.

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\TSG Exclusive Investment Opportunity - available only until 12th June

03 Jun 2010, 12:00

You already know about the fantastic property prices available to TSG Members at two of the Algarve's finest golf resorts.

We are now able to offer an even more exciting opportunity for the serious property investor.

For a very limited period, we have agreed a discount of 35% for investors buying at least two properties at any of Pestana's exclusive golf resorts.

Finance of up to 75% of valuation will be available at extremely low rates to qualifying applicants PLUS rental options can be offered to offset any cost of borrowing.

This exceptional deal will be available only until the 12th of June on which date senior representatives of Pestana Group will be in the UK, inviting potential investors to an exclusive briefing at their flagship UK hotel, the Pestana Chelsea Bridge.

For members wanting more information about this unique deal, or who wish to express interest in meeting Pestana's senior management in London on the 12th of June, please contact us

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Kent Members - Fancy a 'Two Game Eclectic' Competition?

03 Jun 2010, 09:51

Problem with allowing people to play whenever and mark the card is that it works for the first game but you really want everyone together for the second/final match so that you can sit in the sun with a cold drink, tally up the cards and announce me (oops), announce the winner...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Golf Lesson Disasters!

03 Jun 2010, 09:37

I have to use my club handicap in all official competitions!

The Jubilee Cup singles players all play off scratch, no shots to any players so on this game my handicap didn't matter, it was real golf!

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Kent Members - Fancy a 'Two Game Eclectic' Competition?

02 Jun 2010, 20:55

count me in broke hill if a choice.

do we all have to play together or can we arrange a couple of games with tsg members to mark card within a set period ie July? I prefer to play in the week but i know other people prefer weekends.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \How to top the TSG Leader board?

02 Jun 2010, 12:42

The system only includes scores from members who have submitted, at least, three scores into TSG and, whilst I wouldn't want to play the man off of 28, he did get himself cut to 23 for the score in question...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \How to top the TSG Leader board?

02 Jun 2010, 10:46

Join on a dodgy handicap & score 50 points! Enough said!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Golf Lesson Disasters!

01 Jun 2010, 19:08

Off which handicap were you playing Russ - TSG or SAGC ??? ;-)

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Fantastic Property Finance - Now available in the UK for TSG members

01 Jun 2010, 11:39

To complement the fantastic property deals now available through TSG, we can now announce even more amazing finance deals, available here in the UK.

Banco Espirito Santo (BES) is one of Portugal's most respected banks, offering exceptional loan facilities to TSG members from as low as 2.5% p.a. Mortgages are available on an standard variable, fixed rate or interest only basis. Better still, applications are processed here in the UK, making it as easy to apply as it's possible to be.

With repayments for a 2 bedroom apartment on one of Europe's finest golf Resorts now from as little as £380 per month, and with the prospect of strong rental income in return, the combination of great property, great prices and fantastic finance options is hard to beat. For more information, please click here to contact us

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Kent Members - Fancy a 'Two Game Eclectic' Competition?

31 May 2010, 07:27

worth the drive if i'm off i'm up for it ... broke hill ... crown member

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Golf Lesson Disasters!

30 May 2010, 21:17

I take it all back!

Played in the Jubilee Cup today and won my match 6 & 4, was dormie 7.

Hitting everything much straighter than before and my pitching, chipping and putting was on fire.

The lesson certainly got me back on track.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Golf Lesson Disasters!

30 May 2010, 21:14

I phoned Hank but he said that as I only had a wife, and no mistress then he couldn't help me!!!

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Golf Lesson Disasters!

30 May 2010, 09:34

I had my first ever golf lesson a few weeks ago. I was shown how to have a stronger wrist by showing more knuckles etc & had my stance & swing plane adjusted.... I hit some very nice 6 irons during the session. I then went out with my son in a buggy & played the front 9 on Waterloo (Sherfield oaks) & took 41 shots equalling my best ever 9........... Since then I have played a lot more steady & have dropped to 18 HC on here.....I also bought some G15 irons which might also have made a difference!

So basically I am in the group ' Yes to a lesson' but listen & remember what you are told & keep doing it, & keep practising.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Golf Lesson Disasters!

29 May 2010, 22:11

Hi Russ

if you cant track down your golf pro try this guy ------------Hank Haney----------------, I hear he is looking for work and may improve your game.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Kent Members - Fancy a 'Two Game Eclectic' Competition?

29 May 2010, 18:08

I'm interested but I'd need to know the dates before I could put my name down.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Golf Lesson Disasters!

29 May 2010, 17:42

Had my first golf lesson for about five months this morning.

I've only left it this long as it's been difficult to tie down the golf pro but I got there eventually!

My golf game hasn't been too good lately, playing OK but just not scoring!!!

So I turned up this morning for my lesson only to find out that I couldn't hit a thing.

It turns out that I've gradually started to swing the golf club further and further around my body.

So the pro puts me right and I start to swing the golf club on the correct plane, only to find out that I then cannot get a good contact with the ball!

This is not good news as I had arranged for my matchplay singles game to take place this afternoon.

When I have a golf lesson I always stay on after for about an hour just to continue with what I've been taught. So I continued to do what the pro had shown me and it started to come together.

At the end of the session I was back to swinging the club on the correct plane and striking the ball really well.

I was playing a guy who plays off an eight handicap and lost my matchplay singles 2 up, but not too sad. I played well enough and he played well below his handicap.

More practice required I think and maybe I shouldn't book a golf lesson on the day of a competition!

Russ

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

29 May 2010, 14:33

Golf Towel YES,Bag Tag Yes,has anyone mentioned Polo Shirts embroidered with TSG Logo,sleeveless pullovers it goes on :-)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Kent Members - Fancy a 'Two Game Eclectic' Competition?

29 May 2010, 10:19

Any one up for a two game 'eclectic' competitions ie where you play the same course twice and then select your best score from the two rounds for each hole.

I'm open for suggestions but I'd propose either Broke Hill (Crown course and accept Open Fairrways discount card); Red Libbets (accept Open Fairways discount card) or West Malling (£25 for a great course).

I'd say £5 per entrant giving winner, 2nd and 3rd a payout.

If you fancy joining it then check out the TSG Golf Group - KENT 2010 TWO GAME ECLECTIC COMPETITION - http://www.thesocialgolfer.com/viewgroup.aspx?id=79

Up for it?

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

29 May 2010, 09:08

Sorry for the delay in responding to Greg but...

Greg, I think the reason that there have been nearly 200 views of this thread but only 20 people voted is that the system tries to be helpful when you click on a forum thread and positions you at the most recent addition ie at the bottom. Whereas the Poll is at the top !

We're investigating options. In the interim I'll change the heading to make it more obvious that there is a POLL here for members to express their views.

Roly, did I understand it correctly that you're asking for a pink towel?

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

28 May 2010, 09:15

Hi Roly - I think if you look at my card I played to my exact handicap so El Bandito can fly out of the window. Nice pink for a towel - yes I'll go for that to liven things up a bit!

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

27 May 2010, 22:07

Hi Linda

Thought you would have a towel in the Mexican national colours with a sombrero & a mask embroidered into it....El Bandito.....Failing that something in a nice pink!

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

27 May 2010, 21:36

Golf towel in black sounds with green TSG logo good to me - I would buy one.

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

26 May 2010, 19:25

Perhaps the forum header leads them to believe that these might be free!! I have 3 towels attached to my bag, so don't really need another.

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

25 May 2010, 20:38

Why has this topic had 161 views, but only 13 votes.........is this another case of voter apathy?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Help 4 Heros - Help Needed

25 May 2010, 09:37

Hi, Just a quick report on the day. Weather hot, course in good condition greens were good. Our team played extremely well and got 94 points which would have been in the frame at most events. But we had a great day, good laughs and managed to get two balls out of four on the green at the beat the pro on the 17th par 3 (another £20 lost!). Had a few beers after and the meal which again was good. Didnt stay for the evening entertainment but the singer they had lined seemed professional.

Overall a great day was had by our team and really liked the format. Best 2 from 4 allows everyone to have a mishap hoping the other team members take up the slack. Dont think we could have done much better and looking back at the card couldnt see us getting anywhere near the winning score of 104.

Hope they raised plenty of cash on the day.

Steve

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

25 May 2010, 09:17

Hi, as with Russell i voted for the towel but would be interested in the cap as well

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Disappointing PGA tournament at Wentworth

24 May 2010, 15:30

I agree Alan - see my post under the "Changes at Wentworth" thread.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Disappointing PGA tournament at Wentworth

24 May 2010, 12:19

Was anyone else disappointed, not only at the quality of play, but also the attitude of the players at the PGA last week? Contrast the event with those in the US where roars of approval ring out for great shots...at Wentworth, there were no great shots to shout about and only luke warm applause all the way round. Luke Donalds comment, that he might, MIGHT, be disappointed for a couple of days, but there's always tomorrow....a similar statement to that given by Westwood at the US open, says it all. These players will never be major winners. There didn't appear to be any fight in any of them. Just playing for a decent pay cheque perhaps? Lets face it...a couple of tournaments a month, even making the cut will earn them £10,000 min. That with appearance fees and sponsorship deals, puts even journeymen in the millionaire bracket.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

24 May 2010, 10:52

If you're interested in Open Fairways then quote 'TSG' when you get a quote as TSG Members get discounts with them

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

24 May 2010, 00:26

Roger, the Open Fairways deal is very good too, can save bundles...but you always need to be a twosome at least. If you havent done so , have a look at their website, via the Daily Telegraph...they publish several prices....I have gone with a 12 month deal, where they give me a 3 month free trial...cost if I remember correctly was £49

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Changes at Wentworth

23 May 2010, 20:57

I agree Roger.
I have enjoyed the tournament more this year seeing the Pro's "struggle" with the additional challenges that they now face, and feel that -6 is a much more appropriate winning score than has hitherto been the case.
I was though disappointed in the standard of play on the final day (today), with so many of the leading players coming in well over par for their final round - I'm not sure that this can be "blamed" on the course especially when Karlsson shot -9 yesterday!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Changes at Wentworth

23 May 2010, 19:25

What do we all think about the changes to the course at Wentworth? Do you think they have made it more of a spectacle for the spectators in particular the 8th & 18th ?

I know that the likes of Westwood and Co. have been critical of the change, but should golf courses be designed for the professional golfer or the viewing public?

I think the changes have made Wentworth a much tougher course for the pros, and more of a theatre for the public so well done Ernie.

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

23 May 2010, 09:48

Put me down for a towel.....

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

22 May 2010, 17:55

Yes, towel or bag-tag (or both!)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

22 May 2010, 13:21

Alan I agree that the cost are taking a toll on our pensions, you are lucky to have crown courses near you the nearest one to me is a 50 mile drive and with the cost of fuel it makes you think twice about where you play these days. I do belong to a club but also I enjoy playing different course, Or Did

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

22 May 2010, 12:53

I agree with most of the posts here, but for me, and I believe many like me, golf has become quite expensive, taking into account not only green fees, which are £28-£30 at weekends, but the cost of travel etc., £50 incl. a day is the norm, and on my pension, which has been squeezed dramatically, I have to be very circumspect when I decide where and when I play. Crown Golf does help in that for a flat rate, I have the option of playing as often as I like at several courses in my area.

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

22 May 2010, 10:48

Golf towel sounds good to me and black would match my new bag! However would also happily have a bag tag too!

Ian M

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Fantastic Day at Help The Heroes Charity Day, Chart Hills

22 May 2010, 08:16

As Pete has already said, the day at chart hills was a fantastic event enjoyed by all. I would like to say a special thanks to both Mark and Graham for attending at such short notice, much appreciated guys. certainly roll on for future entries to this charity day.

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

22 May 2010, 08:10

Love a towel

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

21 May 2010, 20:00

Neil, where are you?

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

21 May 2010, 19:56

towel and tag, or a nice smart polo shirt.

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

21 May 2010, 19:10

Yes to the towel, Like Russ would be interested in a cap at the right price

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

21 May 2010, 16:07

I know I havent listed much this month just gone as work has got in the way ( GRRR! ) surrey crown will be back with a vengence in june .. think maybe time to get someone (RR,NW) anyone involved in listing games with me , as in joint captain . maybe even slip jobs a weekend and a midweek captain ?

happy for any help .. it still is as its always been ... about great golf days and a good turn out

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

21 May 2010, 15:40

Golf towel at £6 delivered, yes please.

Bag tag, not interested.

Cap, if the price is right!

Russ

PS - Voted for the towel as it wouldn't let me vote for two things!!! lol

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

21 May 2010, 14:06

bag tag .. 100%

Polls & Surveys\Member POLL Question - How many Members want a TSG Golf Towel?

21 May 2010, 12:58

We keep getting asked why we don't organise some form of TSG emblazoned golf accessory (towel, bag-tag, cap, golf balls etc) because it would be useful and help identify other TSG Members at the golf club.

We can't do the golf balls because the TSG Logo is too big for the printable area.

Any of the other options could be supplied at realistic prices if we can secure bulk discounts (and if only 5% of TSG Members want something that would give us massive buying power!).

I've had a price for the 'Tri-fold' towel in black and, based on sufficient numbers, it would come in at about £6 / €8 / $10 inc postage, but we need to know if it's just a few people who would want one or lots of people.

Your votes please.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Fantastic Day at Help The Heroes Charity Day, Chart Hills

21 May 2010, 10:16

The two TSG Teams entered into the Help the Heroes Charity Day at Chart Hills yesterday both had great days but unfortunately neither of us won the event.

It was full handicap allowance, best 2 Stableford Points Scores from the 4 team members counted for each hole.

Based on taking your best 2 from 4 each hole the winning team should be looking to get around 90 points (a 'nett' Par and a 'nett' Birdie from your four scores on each hole).

- TSG 'A' Team came in with a very good 86 points (Mark Rowley, Gary Moth, Jack Shelton & Matt Taylor).
- TSG 'B' Team came in with a superb 94 points (Pete Connon, Steve Connon, Mark Fossey and Graham Garland)

BUT, another team (not TSG - booo) came in with an unbelieveable 102 (meaning they carded no less than 31 Birdies and 5 Pars for their 36 scores - like I said unbelieveable!!)

Anyway, a great day had by all and everybody happy to have helped raise funds for a great cause.

Roll on next year...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

21 May 2010, 03:38

Hi all,

I think for those of us with memberships when it comes to playing other courses its got to be one we really want to play ..

but on the plus side will be looking to join alot more of the weekend games (7day crown member).
I do also play other clubs.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

21 May 2010, 00:41

HI Guys I have played with a fair few of the people on here now and when I have been able to get away from work it has usually been a game in the week which is tricky to arrange. If we have enough of the southern mob here able to play in the Hampshire, Surrey, west Sussex area on a weekend I would glady put a game up. I think the season is just starting come alive again. Maybe we should try to post some more over the coming months and try to find some deals so that the prices are equal to a weekday game.....lots of 2-1 and twighlight offers around.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Mcllory v Westwood who's going to win there first major

19 May 2010, 16:13

I think I'd have to go for Westwood to get one first. His record in the last three majors is not far short of brilliant and he has got to get past the finishing line soon. Rory definately looked on form with his win in America and I hope he keeps it up but I just think that at the moment Lee is a little bit closer to getting the big win.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Gillingham Football Club Golf Day

19 May 2010, 14:36

Gillingham Football Club are hosting a golf day at the Weald of Kent Golf Club. Teams consist of 4 players, 3 from your party and 1 being a 1st team Gillingham player. The event is on 14th July and teams cost £350+vat.
Your day will include:
- Full english breakfast upon arrival
- 18 holes of golf
- Presentations in the evening
- 3 course meal after presentations.

Any players who are interested in this please feel free to call me for further information on 01634 350 209

Many thanks

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Help 4 Heros - Help Needed

19 May 2010, 09:23

Second team filled again. Thanks for all your support. Lets hope the day raises good money for a worthy cause.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Help 4 Heros - Help Needed

19 May 2010, 08:32

As this day is for such a good cause,and my son is in the Army.I will also pay another £10 off each,so that means if you can join us at such short notice it will cost £10 each.
WHAT A BARGAIN AND ON A FANTASTIC VENUE, AND A GREAT CAUSE!!
SO COME AND SUPPORT THE HELP FOR HERO'S GOLFDAY

Jack

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Help 4 Heros - Help Needed

19 May 2010, 07:55

Short notice request for a couple of players to take part in The Help 4 Heros Charity Event at Chart Hills Tomorrow.

Due to an injury one of the Team members has had to sadly drop out, regretfully he was also bringing a guest who also can no longer make the event.

This is a full day event at a great course in aid of a very worthy cause, TSG managed to get two teams entered. myself, Pete and Steve Connon, Gary Moth, Jack Shelton and Matt Taylor.

Format is teams of four, stapleford with the best two scores on each hole to count. further details can be found on Pete's posted game, which if anyone would like to take part can join the team.

The original cost per a player was £65, but the deposits had been paid by the two who have had to withdraw so Pete is looking for £30 per person.

Being Ex forces this event means a lot to me so I will personally pay £10 for each, so the event will only cost you £20 if you can join at short notice.

so come on golfers, the weather forecast is excellent, the course is one of the best in the south east, the event is in aid of a great cause and you will get to represent TSG all for £20.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Mcllory v Westwood who's going to win there first major

18 May 2010, 18:15

Hello everyone just been wondering who out off Mcllory and Westwood is going to win ther first Major............Westwood has a better record in the Majors and has become the new monty or even Mickleson to a point ....Mcllory has the talent ,abillities,but does he have the big game temperment,has every time he seems to fade away....what do you think.....

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \If you could construct the perfect golfer....

18 May 2010, 14:44

In Ryder Cup year....

Driving - Westwood
Irons - McIlroy
Short game - Harrington
Putting - Poulter

Dress - Wie/Gulbis!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \If you could construct the perfect golfer....

18 May 2010, 09:25

mine would be: Out Of my friends it would be

Driver--Quivos Jamie
Irons--Westwood Lance
Wedge-- Mickleson Ryan
Bunker--Player Andy (I only hit woods out of fairway bunkers)
Putting-- Palmer Howard
Dress--Poulter Yours Truly (eat your heart out Ryan)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \If you could construct the perfect golfer....

17 May 2010, 19:34

If you could construct the perfect golfer,who and what attributes would you use..ie

Driving   Alvaro Quiros
irons      Tiger
wedge   Phil Mickleson
Bunker   Seve
Putting   Nicklaus
Just an example............
You get the idea,lets have some fun from everyone,get thinking im sure we can get some intresting ideas...Lets get the forum rocking again have fun............

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \£5 off green fee at Hoebridge

17 May 2010, 17:02

Hi Rich, Where is Hoebridge?

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Two Scores

17 May 2010, 12:01

Hi Russ,

We have been looking into this and have made a slight change which should resolve this issue. We believe that the problem was due to the system preventing duplicate scorecards from being entered when a user accidentally submits the same card twice. Because you were trying to enter two scorecards for the same course for the same day it thought it was a duplicate. It should be working now, but please let us know if you have any problems

Regards,
Neil, TSG Golf Team

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

17 May 2010, 11:24

From a personal perspective the rapid increase in petrol prices has dampened my appetite/ability to travel away from my local area to play, paricularly at a time of year when the weather is uncertain. I expect to be out and about more during the summer months but will still be more "choosy" than I was during 2009.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

17 May 2010, 10:03

There used to be lots of games posted by certain individuals (eg NW) The peak of these games were just before the so called credit crunch. I think that as Kevin hints, the novelty of TSG games, was getting new players out together, dealing with those 'new player nerves' without having to join a club where everyone seems to know each other.

I personally have gained a great deal of confidence from playing games with TSG. This has helped my handicap go from 28 to 18 in 2 years. regarding players wanting to only play with people they know, I can understand again this might be the 'nervous of playing with new people' syndrome.

I have tried to get involved with games & groups all over the south & have met some great guys & gals from as far as Portsmouth, southampton, Oxford, Woking, Kent, North London, etc........oh & Bracknell!

Perhaps someone could organise a special event for those who have joined, but not yet ventured out for a game. There could be a weekend event (JW?) & a midweek event (DS?) Perhaps TSG could offer some incentives (Prizes) & we could talk to our regularly used clubs to get a good price........weather getting HOTTER! Let's play more golf!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

17 May 2010, 09:14

Hi
I must say that I agree with all the comments so far. But its not just weekend games that are suffering Because all the games that I post are mid week and now some evening games for those that fancy a game after work, and the response is still very poor. It appear that the whole site is slowing down re another thread from Roly on forum topic's. So I say come on every one this is a great site the guys have worked so hard to give it to us so lets all try and get Involved a bit more

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

17 May 2010, 08:19

Hi Kevin,

You may be right.

Although most of the people I play with would normally play the game rather than make sure that they play with only those they know.
In the past we used to get the large events like Pine Ridge competitions created by Frances Pendle attended by 28 or more each time the event was staged. Now you're lucky to get 16.

My thought is that a number of the regulars which even at the peak would only hit 20-25 have most likley joined golf clubs. As a result and as mentioned by Russell, they have so many club events that makes it less likely to need to join or create a game through TSG.

With less members to go round less events will be created and less will attend.

I am not sure of how this can be resolved but we don't want it to be like VGS site as I want to play. I am happy to book events when I am able to play but for the next two weeks I can't and as you can see, there are not many games around on the weekends!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

17 May 2010, 06:44

I agree with Kevin - I can only play on weekends, and often if there is no game listed, I'll put one up myself after booking a tee time. Sometimes I get no responses at all ... not sure what's up with that.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

16 May 2010, 19:55

Due to work and golf club competition I have hardly put up any games over the last two months.

My summer league games are going to have to be played in a much smaller time period, again due to my participation in the singles and pairs competitions.

At my golf club we have a large number of major competitons being played this month as well.

Then I put myself forwards to play in the Jubilee Cup team and that takes up another Sunday each month.

Once the number of games have reduced I'll post the Summer League games and be able to put up other one-off games.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

16 May 2010, 19:40

Hi john

I could possibly anwser this and speak for others to, I have put up various games in the past and have had hardly any response, now i just want to play golf and i dont care who I play with(even if it was an alien from mars) ive always had the impression that some members like to stick to there same groups of players that they like playing with, sometimes I look at the site and feel they should rename it THE CROWN social golfer, if you look at VGS there were only 7 games available when i last looked and maybe TSG may be going down the same route.

I would hate to come across negative but one thing I feel has made me a better player than say 12 months ago is playing with people I dont know.

We all know the saying "I get nervous on the 1st tee because everyone is watching me" but I can say I don't feel that now and that is down to the TSG and also joining and playing in various Golf societys mixing with fellow golfers I have never met before.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the games gone?

16 May 2010, 12:58

Have noticed a decline in games [I put up as many as I can], but there seems to be a decline in the number available especially at weekends.

Have we lost some players to golf clubs?
Have we lost some players due to recession?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \£5 off green fee at Hoebridge

14 May 2010, 19:52

Hi

I have just received 12 £5 off Monday to Thursday green fee on the Hoebridge course and was wondering if anyone would like me to post them some since I won't use them all before the expiry date of 31st July.

Rich

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Two Scores

13 May 2010, 17:50

Any fixes for this problem yet?

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Home & away Handicaps

13 May 2010, 13:14

Carol B, all qualifying cards should be accepted,good or bad.The good ones to decrease your handicap and the bad ones to increase your handicap.This is the essence of a CONGU handicap.Basically if you have a score that is better than the CSS(competition standard scratch)your handicap is reduced.If your score is say 4 stokes better you will be reduced by .8 . If the opposite is the case you should be getting .1 added to your handicap.Have a look online ,type in CONGU and have a good read on all the rules and regulations. rgds peter hayes

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the interesting Forum topics gone?

13 May 2010, 00:38

Robin
so I am not alone telling the wife little white one's.Must confess tho' I had a bit of a guilt trip after,thing is you can only use the car breaking down excuse once.
There have been a couple of times I have done it over the years,only been caught out once and that was enough,you have to have a good memory to be a good PORKY PIE TELLER and mines crap.
It was fun when I done it at the time and look back and laugh now.
If I want to go and play I clear it with the Mrs because of the boys and 95% of the time its no problem!!
KEEP THEM COMING IF YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL I will put one of mine on soon, will see how it goes
Cheers
Jack

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the interesting Forum topics gone?

12 May 2010, 09:02

Robin, I would have done exactly the same thing!!!

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the interesting Forum topics gone?

12 May 2010, 02:00

Jack I have a confession. A few months ago I was driving to the course, its about an hour from home. Unfortunately my clutch went, so I had a choice. Call in the repairmen and waste a day getting it fixed. Or, as I was only a 10 minute walk from the course, make the walk, play the game, and then get it fixed up after.
Obviously I enjoyed a thoroughly enjoyable round, and then told a little white lie to the wife, breaking the bad news that my clutch had gone on the way home.

I feel better already getting that off my chest.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the interesting Forum topics gone?

11 May 2010, 16:14

My name is Ian.....and I am a golfaholic!

:-)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Home & away Handicaps

11 May 2010, 06:48

A quick query for Peter Hayes re his posting.
I agree that you should have only one playing handicap, but in theory, putting in a card from another course that you've played is an 'adjustment' in itself. eg. I played in a competition at a much easier course than my own - I had assumed it was a friendly, but was told at the end that it was actually a qualifier. my gross score was considerably lower than my handicap warranted, and the away club insisted that I gave it to our club handicap secretary. This didn't particularly upset me, but it then gave me a handicap at my own club that I found difficult to play to for a few months. However, my club won't accept away cards that have scores higher than my handicap.
I would really appreciate an explanation of this seemingly double standard please Peter.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the interesting Forum topics gone?

11 May 2010, 00:26

Thats a great idea,start up GOLFERS ANONYMOUS. why didn't I think of that?Everyone sharing their experiences,strengths and hopes,with each other.
It could be run like the way A.A runs,its meetings,if it was not for A.A. I would not be able to write on this forum,they helped me in a time of need......
The topic's of conversation are endless! On the course and off,virtually anything goes.
Lets start by asking,to what lengths have you gone to to make a game,?have you ever been on the course when you should have been else where ?have you ever thrown a sickie at work to play golf,and best of all has anyone ever been caught out?
TELL US YOUR STORIES!! I bet there are plenty out there!!
Jack

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the interesting Forum topics gone?

10 May 2010, 22:41

"One final point you raised, about the cost of playing. I pay my 5 day membership at Sherfield Oaks £600 per year, I play approx 3 times per week on lots of different Crown courses for no extra expense. If I play at a non crown course, I usually book it through online offers that come by email every week & give me up to 80% discount. I deduce from this, that as I can afford it, then my addiction, is not a problem!!"

Im not a memebr of a club, i play twice a week, rounds ranginging from £15 to £40(weekend), as well as adding petrol on top of that, and a round of drinks in the bar afterwards.
The last year i have overspent in buying golf clubs, balls and other golf equipment i dont use, i feel so guilty about buying all these clubs that when i counted my bag last week i had 18 clubs in it, i know the max is 14 and i dont carry 18 to cheat, its just i dont want to leave any in the garage, i used to carry 2 putters and it was only a couple of months ago that i was able to leave 1 in the garage.
Last week playing surrey downs i shot 89 and walked off feeling like Tiger Woods only to play sunday and shoot 109 and feel like being hit by Mike Tyson the amount of times i hooked my tee shot with my driver.
im playing and spending so much on golf that everytime i leave the house my wife thinks im having an affair knowing that i have made her a golf widow, my main aim is to be playing off a genuine 18 handicap at the end of the year and sometimes i think is it all worth it (think of the exercise i tell myself)
Anyway playing 36 holes at traditions on wednesday and then off to golfers anonymous straight after to confess my sins to everyone who attends.

Am i an addict

thanks for listlening

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Home & away Handicaps

10 May 2010, 21:36

Hi Peter, glad to have your official perspective, but my point is that someone who has earned a 15 handicap at somewhere like Princes, Carnoustie, Lytham St Annes etc is likely going to be a better player than someone who has earned a 15 handicap at their local course which is a Par 70, SSS 68 open field afair - blast it 30 degrees off line but never mind because you're just on the next fairway...

So, the option of building a handicap based on games played at a variety of courses is likely to give a fairer indication of your 'general' playing ability as opposed to how well you play your own specific course.

Anyway, no more for me for now 'cos, ash cloud permitting, I'm off for a week.

Have fun golfing.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Home & away Handicaps

10 May 2010, 19:48

Pete,
As a serving Handicap Sect, you should have ONLY 1 playing handicap,the one your home club issues.Their is no such thing as 'Home & Away' handicaps
rgds
peter hayes

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Home & away Handicaps

10 May 2010, 19:11

hi pete

playing as i do in the states a lot, their system is i believe better.......but bear in mind they prefer scramble formats and competitions are usually in specific classes ie 0-10 11-15......... they still have a distinct lack of belief and transparency in the whole handicap/stableford system at most clubs i encounter..........

id luv to be a 4 when talking golf and a 24 when playing in a comp........

ps im at grande pines orlando on the ewtour this weekend and there wont be a handicap in sight.

keep well

ian

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the interesting Forum topics gone?

10 May 2010, 16:26

Quote " It seems like you want to tell the wife about your game' and how you played ,yet are not interested in anyone else's.Sounds like a case of "DOUBLE STANDARDS" to me."

Thanks Jack. My comments were mean't to be a bit tongue in cheek & maybe provoke a few comments, but the point I was making was that Debbie doesn't really understand the scoring systems of golf, because she doesn't play! She quite happily listens & expresses her approval of how well, or bad I say I play!

I am quite happy for people to report on the forum, how their game went, & any interesting & funny anecdotes. I was just trying to get more folks getting involved in forums.

One final point you raised, about the cost of playing. I pay my 5 day membership at Sherfield Oaks £600 per year, I play approx 3 times per week on lots of different Crown courses for no extra expense. If I play at a non crown course, I usually book it through online offers that come by email every week & give me up to 80% discount. I deduce from this, that as I can afford it, then my addiction, is not a problem!!

Thank you I feel much better now

Good Luck

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Home & away Handicaps

10 May 2010, 10:09

I think that playing your own course where you know what club to take off each tee, you know where you want to be on each fairway, you know where the trouble is and you know the greens well enough to know the speed and where the ball will break - well that's got to be worth at least 3 shots against someone playing the course for the first time.

Also, a shorter more open course is more forgiving for most golfers and so it isn't really fair to say that the Standard Scratch Score for a 5,600 yard, fairly open course is only 4 shots less than a 7,000 yard track with tight fairways, lots of bunkers and forced carries over water.

This works both ways of course, someone who has 'earned' their handicap at somewhere tough will generally always seems to 'play to, or better, their handicap' no matter where they go.

All in all, I think the true reflection of your actual playing ability is when you base your handicap on an assessment of your scores from a few different courses (easy enough to do if you enter all your scores into TSG and ask it to use them to calculate your handicap).

The alternative is that we adopt the US PGA approach of having the 'Slope Index' for a course as well as the 'Course Rating' (our Standard Scratch). I don't know why they call it 'Slope' but it's an adjustment applied to your handicap based on an assessment of how tough the course is for an average golfer (I think based on an 18 handicap). This makes for some interesting results - on a shorter, more open course the Slope Rating adjustment might mean your handicap gets cut whilst the Slope Rating for a longer, tougher course means that, for that game, your handicap goes up.

Do you reckon the R&A will adopt the approach of their rival golf authority...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the interesting Forum topics gone?

10 May 2010, 09:53

Lots to comment on here...

- Roly, okay you're a real golfer and I'm a cissy, I really enjoy my golf and it's at it's best when the sun is shining, the birds are singing, I'm with people who want to beat me but not at the expense of a few laughs and the course looks rolling, green and tree lined (with a little bit of water thrown in for the benefit of the widlife). I don't enjoy walking 6 miles in the rain, wearing a wet glove, carrying a wet bag and swinging a wet club (I think I'd rather be poked with a stick for a few hours). BUT I accept we are all different and I know of other people who, like you, simply cannot get enough golf and hitting one good shot makes their day (not saying you only hit one good shot - I saw your score at Hever).

- Jack, glad you sorted the alcholism out, most of us like a drink but it can be destructive if it gets ahold of you and yes, I enjoyed your review of Woburn (so much so that I have added to my 'Must Play' list - hopefully this summer) and I also read most reviews as they pop up on my home page - although it seems to me that there are a lot of scores added and not so many reviews - why are people so lazy? I want to hear about what other golfers felt about a course and whether it's worth playing!!! So post a bl#*&y review so I don't feel left out.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the interesting Forum topics gone?

10 May 2010, 00:16

Let me start by and saying that I find reading about other golfers games they have played quite interesting,especially the the course reviews,I wish there where more of them posted,I do like to read about how they played and good or bad.and a general report of the day,certainly not a shot by shot account tho'.
I recently posted a review on Woburn G.C,

Like you I wanted to tell everyone about the fantastic day we had, so I posted it on here.

Did you read it,if so what are your views? Have you played there? would love to know.Like you I am passionate about the game,and if it's a response you want about your game tell us on the T.S.G. you will get a reply.
It seems like you want to tell the wife about your game' and how you played ,yet are not interested in anyone else's.Sounds like a case of "DOUBLE STANDARDS" to me.
Just also like to say from the addiction side of it,I had a problem with this 15 years back,that was with alcohol,I fell by the wayside with it,I hit rock bottom and got my life back on track,only with the help of the A.A. attending regular meetings.The recovery part is about sharing with others your experiences and you hopes for the future.at A.A meetings.So as for wanting to tell someone about your golf I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL.
Think on this "if your golf is costing you more than money" that's when you have an addiction.!!!!!!!

ALL THE BEST
Jack

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Home & away Handicaps

09 May 2010, 21:45

I have the same kind of problem.

My golf club has two courses, one long with tight fairways and the other fairly short and very open.

Due to time constraints most of my midweek golf is played on the shorter more open course.

This means I have a managed to get my handicap down to 11 on here (a few months back), but my club handicap is 16 as all of the competitions are played on the longer, tighter course.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Home & away Handicaps

09 May 2010, 19:20

My home course is a Par 71 5622 yards, which is fairly open with wide fairways and very few bunkers. My problem is that i record my cards on TSG and have a handicap of 10.8 which is ok for there, but when I go and play other courses which is one or twice a month I really struggle to play to that sort of Handicap, more like 14-15

I wondered if anyone else has this sort of problem, and is there a solution to the problem apart from playing better on away courses, or not entering my home course scores.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the interesting Forum topics gone?

09 May 2010, 17:11

Okay for the coming week....But it would be C!!

Day	Weather	Max. DayTemperature (°C)	Min. NightTemperature (°C)	Wind Direction and Speed (mph)	HumidityPressureVisibility
SunNight weather	Partly Cloudy		1		This data unavailable for night	More info for Sunday's weather
Mon Day weather	Sunny Intervals	15	4	East North Easterly9	52%1013mbGood	More info for Monday's weather
Tue Day weather	Sunny Intervals	13	3	North North Easterly7	45%1015mbVery good	More info for Tuesday's weather
Wed Day weather	Sunny Intervals	13	4	North Easterly18	43%1017mbVery good	More info for Wednesday's weather
Thu Day weather	Sunny	14	3	Northerly8	54%1015mbGood

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the interesting Forum topics gone?

09 May 2010, 09:53

Ummm, I enjoy my golf, and the feeling of standing on the tee on a beautiful parkland course in the sunshine with a few friends for the banter is always great, having said that I think you need treatment for the level of your addiction!

Put another way, when you see the BBC weather forecast on the Monday and it says RAIN, RAIN, RAIN for the next three days and you turn to Metcheck and it says HEAVY RAIN, VERY HEAVY RAIN, RAIN do you:

a) Cancel the friendly little knock around you had planned for tomorrow?
b) Phone your friends and say 'shall we check the forecast in the morning'?
c) Nip down to the garage to respray your waterproofs, dig out the hat and all weather golf so that you are prepared?

Please don't say (c) !!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \A 3 bedroom luxury home from just over £40,000!

08 May 2010, 17:56

As TSG members know, we have negotiated some amazing deals for those of you who have always dreamed of your own home in the sun. However, not everyone is able to spend 12 months of the year on holiday. That's where our fantastic fractional offer is ideal. Now, you can own a 3 bedroom luxury property for as little as £40,000 with no property purchase taxes to pay either! Fractional gives you all the advantages of outright ownership - don't confuse this with timeshare because, with our fractional scheme, you become the legal owner of a freehold share in your chosen property, with all the potential that offers for future growth. You enjoy as much, or as little, occupancy time as you want - our 12th share scheme gives you one month each year to enjoy the fabulous five star facilities, whilst our quarter share scheme lets you take more time if you can. Either way, you have the choice of self-occupancy, letting it to friends and family (and, believe me, they will be hugely impressed!) or even letting it commercially to generate additional income. What a great way to enjoy a luxury holiday lifestyle for life! To read more about the fractional way of life, please click here. Alternatively, if you have any questions, or would like to book a free inspection visit, please contact us.

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Celtic Manor "Deal"

08 May 2010, 15:49

Anyone looking for a golf break, The Celtic Manor have a great deal for the summer.

£99 - over night stay in the Manor House Hotel / breakfast, rounds on both Roman Road and Montgomerie courses. Valid May - August , Sunday - Thursday. (based on two people sharing room).

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Where have all the interesting Forum topics gone?

08 May 2010, 15:33

I don't know about you, but I like to browse this site & have enjoyed reading some interesting & sometimes controversial topics. Lately all we seem to have is people describing 'a game they had that day', or someone promoting a new product without paying for the advertising!

Come on everyone, lets get some new subjects going & give me something to disagree, or agree with.

I will start the ball rolling.

What is more addictive, golf, drugs or alchohol?

I have to say I do like a drink, but have not had any dodgy substances since my youth, but why is golf so addictive? I have a couple of days without a game & I am hallucinating about driving off on the 1st tee at my club. (don't go left into the OB....don't go right into the lake!!)

I drive along in my car & see a field & think 'Now that would make a good golf hole'. I look on ebay and always search for bargain golf clubs. I pull into American golf, just to wonder around and look at all the shiny new golf things.

I think that if I had to stop playing golf for any reason, I would have to be given a golf substitute (Golf methodone!)

I tell my misses (Debbie) about how I ended 2 up in the Bogey competition last week & then won a matchplay off 3/4 handicap 3 & 2.....Now I know she thinks I am speaking in Chinese or something, but I have to tell her, or I will explode.

I know some people are crazy about playing football, or rugby etc, but do they have the same addictive effect as golf?

Anyway, glad that's off my chest. Looking forward to any interesting responses or anymore new & interesting forum topics.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \UK LONGDRIVE SERIES

08 May 2010, 14:09

230 may not make you world champion

but many people enter purely to donate to charity as well as get discounts from sponsor products

IF YOU DO enter, you should still go hit, take a friend that hits 220!

www.uklongdriveseries.com

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \UK LONGDRIVE SERIES

08 May 2010, 13:17

cant see my sunday personal best of 230 yards doing the business.......

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \UK LONGDRIVE SERIES

07 May 2010, 19:32

Hello

If you are in the UK and would like to help raise money for the RNLI AND VISION charities through your golf please enter the uklongdriveseries.com

YOU - get discounts to al sponsors products and if you are good can even get to the world champs

thank you

please email me for any info you require

admin@uklongdriveseries.com

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \A DAY AT WOBURN G.C

06 May 2010, 00:12

I will show you how to play the shot one day Greg,the reason I said it was luck is because I hit the wrong tree,imagine what would have happened if I had hit the one I was aiming for? (cough)!! Ha! Ha!
P.s Mark showed me how to play it. (didn't he tell you) ??..........................

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \A DAY AT WOBURN G.C

04 May 2010, 21:44

Firstly i'd like to thank Jack for arranging this day, many thanks also to Gary and Mark. While i'm about it i'd also like to thank the "wise old owl" of a course groundsman who after i'd just opted for my pitching wedge on Dukes hole 3, wandered over and said "that'll be an 8 or 9 iron today". Trying to look as if i had'nt really already decided i strolled nonchalantly back to my bag and did a subtle swap for my 9 iron. One well struck 9 iron later..............i was still short of the green,(but at least straight,Jack).
Having never played a championship course before i was'nt sure what to expect, what i did find however were visitor changing rooms that put most clubs members facilities to shame. Staff that were very helpful and accomodating, nothing seemed too much trouble. Yes it costs more than your average golf course but in my opinion it was well worth the money.
Just like to finish by nominating my two shots of the day, 1st place has to go to Gary for driving the green on Duchess hole 3, awesome,followed by a 2 putt birdie. 2nd place by the narrowest of margins is Jacks third shot, from thick bracken on Duchess hole 17,(tongue is firmly in cheek) this is the sort of shot you can only attempt after gaining previous knowledge of your surroundings. This shot, from about 75 yards, was played at some pace but by skillfully? aiming and hitting the dead centre of a tree trunk behind the green, managed to rebound the ball to the centre of the green. Jack tried modestly to pass it off as luck but we who were there know different........................

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Pairs Match!!!

03 May 2010, 17:49

Well I have to say a big "Thank you" to my pairs partner today.

Although we lost our match on the 18th hole he managed to keep us in the game.

I was awful!!!

If I hit a good drive I messed up my approach.

A good approach and the putt was terrible!

My only saving grace was I got a par on the 17th hole to win that hole and take the game to all square.

Then I managed to par the last hole but they did one better with a birdie.

Now I knew we were up against it as the two players we were playing against were both single figure golfers, one playing off five and the other off eight.

Russ

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Can you recommend a 'Must Play' course?

03 May 2010, 12:28

No, I didn't. As I said, I went there for the inauguration of the O'Connor course and played also Faldo course. The Academy wasn't still there.
Marcel

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \McIlroy on a charge

03 May 2010, 11:57

yes, he did it so well that Mickelson said it has one of the best rounds he has seen in a long ,long time when after a birdie on the final hole gave him a 68 and second place alone.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \McIlroy on a charge

03 May 2010, 09:44

His win was even more special as he only just made the cut. very impressive i'd say...never give up anything can happen.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \McIlroy on a charge

02 May 2010, 22:14

Great finish for McIlroy, after waiting for ages to tee off on the eighteeth he found the middle of the fairway.

Then he hit his iron shot onto the green and proceeded to sink a monster putt to finish on -15.

His round for the day was a new course of 62 shots, beating the old course record by two shots!

I'm playing golf tomorrow so watch out Rory I'm coming for you....

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \McIlroy on a charge

02 May 2010, 22:09

Rory McIlroy is leading the USPGA event at Quail Hollow.

He's having the round of his life and at this moment in time is on -14, four shots clear of the field.

It's really nice to see him playing so well, especially as he's not been doing too well recently.

Go Rory.

Russ

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Dreaded Shanks!!!

01 May 2010, 17:16

Thanks for the info Colin, but I'll have to make do with the clubs I've already got as my wife won't be too happy with me!

It appears as normal service has been resumed.

I played in the club competition today and didn't have any problems, was striking the ball well with all my clubs.

Let's hope that yesterdays practice session was a blip and I'm over it now!

Russ

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Can you recommend a 'Must Play' course?

01 May 2010, 17:13

HI Marcel

Glad you liked the Amendoeira courses. Did you get the chance to play the floodlit Par 3 course - the Academy - they have there also? It's been called a mini-Augusta!!

[quote=Marcel White]Hi Pete,

I just read the message about the fantastic offer you got to TSG members. Both Faldo Course and O'Connor Course, on Oceanico's Amendoeira Golf Resort, are worth to be included in any MUST PLAY list. I played both (O'Connor in the inauguration tournament) and found them excellent and challenging.
Some piece of advice: use the course guides and don't get out of fairways unless you know how to get the ball out of rough thick as hell and 3" high.
Add those 2 to your portuguese short list ( Praia D'El Rey & Quinta da Marinha) and remove Quinta da Marinha.

Marcel White
[/quote]

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

01 May 2010, 16:33

trust me, the drop outs, re negotiations with course caused by that...... late changes, id take you up on that my friend next time, wife charged me a bottle of chablis... good golfing young fella

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

01 May 2010, 13:01

"Tournament Director"? I'll organise it for you, for a fiver!!

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Can you recommend a 'Must Play' course?

01 May 2010, 12:05

Blimey SH, what a terrible job, but I s'pose someone had to do it....(is the position vacant??????)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

01 May 2010, 10:01

the original format was one i use in the south sfrican, floridian and australian events... seperate comps for women, men, different classes within these groups... unfortunately we simply did not get enough women participants to cover the costs for the extra prizes this would entail, remember we had constant drop outs, pete also tells me £60 was considered expensive. on organisation, it could have run smoothly but again because of lack of numbers it was uneconomical to bring in my tournament director.. hopefully next year all the comments above can be encapsulated in ensuring the uk social open becomes a model of a stableford comp, open to all abilities, gender and age, at a reasonable cost at a great venue an as i think the above does show that a great social days golf was generally had by all. again many thanks to all participants, i had a great day.....thanks for taking time to comment above, pete and I certainly will take on board each and every point. Anyway got to fly, off to Florida to play in the GRANDE PINES CLASSIC on the Edwin Watts Tour were i am sure there will be hiccups similar to the above. good golfing friends. ian

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Motocaddy S3 Help

30 Apr 2010, 23:28

I purchased a Powa Kaddy Freeway new about 12 years ago,it cost about £400 then,that was with 2 batteries and was the best investment I made,although it seemed expensive at the time,it was part of an insurance claim when i had all my golf gear stolen from my shed.I had to put some money towards it but it worth its weight in gold.
I am still getting by with the same batteries,one has just done 18 holes round the Dukes course at Woburn,although I need to replace them this year.I had a new gear box fitted 3 years ago that cost £90,and had a new handle fitted this year,for about £45.It is still going strong.I couldn't play 36 holes on a society day carrying my clubs,it probably saves me 6-7 shots around.For me it's been a godsend and would recommend Powa Kaddy any day of the week above anything.I used to be known as the Tart with the Cart. in my society,funny how most of them now have an electric trolley.
Perhaps another idea is to look on E bay there are quite a few bargains to be picked up there,but buying a new one is all ways best.Remember you will only get what you pay for and thats Powa Caddy for me

good luck in your search
Jack

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Dreaded Shanks!!!

30 Apr 2010, 22:00

Buy some of these;

http://www.f2golfshop.com/F2-Plus-Series-Irons_c_1.html

HTH

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Dreaded Shanks!!!

30 Apr 2010, 20:23

I played a round of golf yesterday evening after I got home from work.

During the course of this round I hit three seven iron shots that were dreadful!

Tonight, again after work I took my seven iron and pitching wedge to the practice ground.

Well, what a nightmare!!!

I couldn't get the ball off the ground.......

It was going right of the target and slicing.......

Nothing I tried seemed to stop this.

I had only hit about eighteen balls when I decided the best course of action was to stop the practice session as I had no idea what I was doing wrong.

With my pitching wedge I went down to collect the few balls I had hit down the range, this was made more difficult due to the golf club having held a demo day and there being loads of range balls all over the place.

Now with my pitching wedge I was hitting the ball well, apart from the very odd shot.

Once I had collected my practice balls I started hitting some of the range balls with my seven iron.

It was then that I noticed the marks on the hosel of my club.

This explained all those poor shots, I was shanking the ball!

Now I've never done this before and it comes as a bit of a shock especially as I've been striking the ball so well lately.

Any ideas what I should do to correct this problem?

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

30 Apr 2010, 18:49

Thank you for a great day, meeting new and old friends and a great days golf what could be better oh yes winning a prize!
Speaking for the Ladies I do think a longest drive and Nearest the Pin for both Men and Ladies would be better, and if we have more ladies next year maybe prizes for Ladies and Men , for first, second and third. Another format I have found successful is to divide the field into either, age groups or handicaps it really dose give everyone something to play for. I am in favour of producing a handicap cert.
If I can be of any help next year just call.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Motocaddy S3 Help

30 Apr 2010, 17:35

My s3 is three years old and is beginning to have probs. The batteries were always a problem area and I now have two 18 hole batteries which I alternate, seems to work ok. the engine has only recently started making a ginding noise as it moves along, and I have contacted Motocaddy to try and get it serviced ,but still waiting for a reply. I play four times a week so t has done a few miles, but I now have to stop when moving near other players lest the noise disturbs them.
Overall a good trolley but after 2 1/2 years is it about to start costing me dosh!

good luck, Hwk.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\2 Thumb Putter Grip

30 Apr 2010, 17:26

Instead of using it as a two thumb grip, try dropping the right hand down and keeping the left hand as passive as is possible further up the grip. This will cause you to hit the power of the putt with the right hand only, and feel that you are rolling the ball to the hole with your right hand only. I have found that i am much more consistant with this grip than the two thumb method.

good luck, hwk.

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Can you recommend a 'Must Play' course?

27 Apr 2010, 18:35

Hi,

I spent 2 years as a senior Golf Course evaluator for Golf Monthly and during this period played just under 60 of the top 120 UK courses. It is very difficult to arrive at just one, for a number of different reasons, but my must play courses are Wentworth West Course, Woburn Dukes Course, Royal West Norfolk (Brancaster) and Hankley Common. With the cost of my daughters County Golf career and her University place I am afraid these courses will remain just happy memories. Regards S

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Can you recommend a 'Must Play' course?

27 Apr 2010, 12:42

Hi Pete,

I just read the message about the fantastic offer you got to TSG members. Both Faldo Course and O'Connor Course, on Oceanico's Amendoeira Golf Resort, are worth to be included in any MUST PLAY list. I played both (O'Connor in the inauguration tournament) and found them excellent and challenging.
Some piece of advice: use the course guides and don't get out of fairways unless you know how to get the ball out of rough thick as hell and 3" high.
Add those 2 to your portuguese short list ( Praia D'El Rey & Quinta da Marinha) and remove Quinta da Marinha.

Marcel White

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

24 Apr 2010, 22:37

Thanks for a great golf day, just a shame Myself and Gary had to scoot before the prizes giving but I had to get back to Hastings due to going away for a holiday later that evening.

Congratulations to all winners but specially to Tom on coming second, had the pleasure of playing with him and scoring his card.

One suggestion for next years event, would it be possible to have a longest drive prize for both men and women. myself and Mark Quant hit drives measured at 285yards (skycaddy and laser range finder) and we were still 30 yards short of the winning post..........

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Golf day at Stapleford Abbotts (priors) 24th april

23 Apr 2010, 09:52

Sorry forgot to say....

you can just play the golf which is £20 plus a £5 for prizes

Regards

Mark

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \World Kids Golf 2010 - Be part of it with TSG!!

22 Apr 2010, 19:24

The 2010 World Kids Golf Tournament is the most fantastic event for the whole family. Hosted at the Oceanico Group's fabulous Amendoeira Golf Resort in the sun-drenched Algarve between the 26th and 30th of July, it's the perfect way to combine a dream holiday with one of the best kids golf tournaments in the world!

And with Oceanico being one of TSG's great new partners, we have some absolutely fantastic deals on holiday accommodation at the event.

So, if you think you have a budding champion in the family, or just fancy some summer sun, simply click here to contact us and we'll send you all the details.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Golf day at Stapleford Abbotts (priors) 24th april

21 Apr 2010, 10:01

Hi all,

I'm haviving a golf day this weekend at Priors course in Stapleford Abbotts

it's 10.30 meet for coffee n bacon rolls

18 holes

one course lunch after

and some fantastic prizes

all for £35

please email me at staplefordabbotts-shop@crown-golf.co.uk to enter

or

phone; 07827 908 293

Regards

Mark Quant

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Mr Consistency

20 Apr 2010, 01:41

i deny being mark quant's stalker.

the other day when we played the same comp at hever castle he text me three times asking wat time i was arriving as he was bored. my wife will be a witness if anyone wants proof. who's the stalker now.

plus i beat him with the driver he sold me. you should have kept it mark.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Poor Finish!

20 Apr 2010, 01:35

oi quant

don't be horrible to my playing partner.

stalker dave

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Surrey Medal Golf Day

19 Apr 2010, 22:14

[quote=David Pipe]How do you register for this event as an individual? The Entry Form doesn't appear to cater for that ... do you just include your own details, and send in 1/2 the fee?
[/quote]

Hi david, im sure u would just include your own details and send half the fee, they will send you out your tee time nearer to the date and im sure you will be paired up with another individual to make a pair.

This is only my second year of taking part and for only £29 this is excellent value.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

19 Apr 2010, 18:01

Just to say well done to the organisers, it is never a simple matter to arrange and advertise and the format/personnel constantly changing made it interesting. Anyway, good food, good company, good golf (well Andrew played well in my four ball). Interesting track and quite a long walk for someone as out of shape as me... but I did manage to score some points and had a good swing at a few of the other holes.

In fact the one ball I contrived to lose (just through the OOB on the 2nd hole, actually ran through the little gate) was visible but not worth the effort of climbing over and retrieving. I had some good sand shots and made some long putts... we won't mention the penalty shots though...

Good day, and nice to see a lack of bandits in play.

Spoilt only by the M25 being closed for me on the way home to Essex... otherwise a great day out...

Sure - the visible organisation could have been better, we could have had handicap certs scrutinised, and there could have been a welcoming announcement - explaining all the rules... and there could have been lots... but what there was was good enough for me.

Rgds Stephen

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Surrey Medal Golf Day

19 Apr 2010, 11:28

How do you register for this event as an individual? The Entry Form doesn't appear to cater for that ... do you just include your own details, and send in 1/2 the fee?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

19 Apr 2010, 11:16

i would like to say that i enjoyed the day at hever castle. not attempting to slag off the day but it could have been organised better but that comes with experience. also it doesn't help with people putting their names down and then removing them.also people who never turned up on the day should be excluded from the next event.
it not all about winning but i think the first prize should have been better than the villa in florida unless it also included help towards the cost of flights etc.
it was good to see old faces and new ones.
not sure if i've missed the scores but it would be good to see all the scores posted so that we can see where we finished overall. it just allows the opportunity to have some banter with people you know who played.

david roth

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

19 Apr 2010, 10:28

I'd like to thank all those involved in organising the event - which was my first competition at Hever (where I took up the months trial membership on 26 March, my CONGU handicap is held at Boarshead) & first individual "Open" event in the 3 years I have been playing.

I am looking forward to playing TSG events and hope that the Open becomes an annual tournament.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

19 Apr 2010, 09:29

The day was great fun. I didn't hear anyone saying anything other than that.

I know that Andrew (the winner and member of Hever Castle) paid the same as everyone else but I think he should have been cut 10 shots for having personal knowledge of the course. Plus, while I'm at it, I think anyone with a handicap less than me should have to give me 5 shots. Yes, I think that should do it...

Roll on the next one, my golf swing has moved from awful to adequate so with the same rate of improvement I should be playing off scratch by mid-summer :)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

19 Apr 2010, 09:02

I would just like to say what a good day me and my son tom had it was great. As for some saying about an offcial congu handicap me and my son Tom whom came 2nd did bring and show our handicap certificates. And as tom plays off 6.8 i think he did well so to me it does sound a bit like sour grapes.And as for playing a round with TSG, my son is still a student and so it is very difficult to find time to play these games without him messing up exams.

Roger Hurcombe

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \A DAY AT WOBURN G.C

18 Apr 2010, 23:39

I said in an earlier forum post that I would give a feed back on the day we had at Woburn G.C. .four of us from the T.S.G made the day after I posted an invitation on the forum last year.WHAT A DAY WE HAD!!!!!
The three guys that joined me made it one of the most enjoyable days golf that I have had in many years.I would like to say they where fantastic company and enjoyed every minute of it.Thanks for making the day so special. (Mark, Gary and Greg).
Both the courses Dukes and Duchess where in fantastic condition,just as you would expect from a club of this calibre,and every hole had a story to tell.We teed off at 7.30a.m on the Dukes to start the day,and then it begun,walking the fairways the best in the world have graced.
The 1st is a par five a real test to start the round,and what start I had,on the green for two ,putting for eagle.Missed the long putt but still walked off with a birdie.HERE WE GO -1 UNDER after 1 HOLE on a championship course.
Held par on the 2nd still 1 under,then came the signature hole,par 3 3rd 125 yards downhill and what a hole,it's one of the most photographed holes in golf,its on the front of the scorecard.I Shanked my tee shot straight in the undergrowth,and finished with a 5,the wheels had suddenly come off,my game.
The rest of the round was a bit up and down in places,and was more than happy with 84 in the end.
Every hole is different and unique,close cut fairways,greens that run fast and true,all set in tree lined fairways,hit a shot off line and your in forest if you find your ball it's a bonus,chipping out sideways is normally the only choice.That's golf at Woburn for you.
The round took about 41/2 hours to complete,and then it was off to the clubhouse for lunch,a two course meal roast and all the trimmings,followed by desert,it was food to die for for cooked to perfection.
We resumed golf at 1.45p.m on the Duchess course,this is alot tighter than the Dukes and the one I prefer to play,again tree lined fairways fantastic greens loads of undulating lies,care has to be taken on every shot or trouble awaits,it also rewards good golf.I have played this course a few times over the years,this was the best condition I have played it.
Apart from finishing with 2 double bogeys it was the best score I've had on this course well pleased with 81.
It was a great day for me and look forward to playing with Mark at the HELP FOR HERO'S golf day at Charthills in May.
For £125 it was worth every penny the club made you feel most welcome nothing was to much trouble.Again thanks to the guys for making it a special day and hope to do another one sometime later in the year.
FOR ANYONE THINKING ABOUT GOING ON A DAY TO A CHAMPIONSHIP VENUE DO IT ---YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR MISSING.
Jack Shelton

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Surrey Medal Golf Day

18 Apr 2010, 21:02

Hi all

The annual Surrey Media Golf Day(formally the surrey herald) is to be hosted at Hoebridge Golf Club in woking on the 25th june.

The overall winner (man or woman) of the individual 18-hole Stableford competition will win the Surrey Herald Shield and a super round for four at Wentworth, kindly donated by the club.

There will also be separate first and runners-up prizes for men and women, a cup for the best 60-and-over player, and longest drive and nearest-the-pin prizes.

This year, for the first time, we have introduced a betterball competition for team pairs.

The Surrey Advertiser Cup will also be up for grabs, the winning duo clinching a round for four at Burhill, kindly donated by the club.

You can enter the competition as a pair or as an individual, who will be paired with another entrant.

Entrance is limited to a maximum handicap of 24 (men) and 36 (women). A handicap certificate is preferred, but not mandatory.

The event is designed to give all readers, from club members to pay-as-you-play golfers, a chance to compete, but any improper handicapping will be immediately disqualified. Tee times will start at 8.30am approximately off the first and 10th tees, and the prizes ceremony will be held after lunch.

The entry fee has been held at a very modest £29 per person, which includes coffee on arrival and a two-course lunch.

for an entry form please follow the link http://www.surreyherald.co.uk/surrey-sport/golfday/

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

18 Apr 2010, 20:55

"quote"

Finally, & believe me this is not sour grapes, I think as a TSG championships, where it is stipulated that, the competitors must have an official congu handicap, or a TSG handicap it would have been nice if the first 2 places had played at least 1 game with TSG prior to the day! I believe no one was asked to produce a handicap certificate at any time.

The fact the winner was a member at hever castle the question i would be asking myself is did he pay the same entry fee as everyone else

STEWARDS ENQUIRY

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

18 Apr 2010, 10:18

Mystery holes,

Originally there were 5 holes............. I think Karen chose 1 , 10, 13, 17 and 18........ guess who won.........

yours truly........... so we looked at second there were 7 on next no of points..........

i asked her to pick 3 holes, checking 40 cards and 5 nos was no possible......... lordy we missed andrew out of main draw............. this she did and pia with 3, 3 and 4 won easily...................

hope that clarifies this for everyone............

rest of points valid, and we would put right next time,but in my and petes defence.......... the problems we faced, with late no shows, matching pairs up rather than an open draw...... getting a good deal from hever when we had consistently changed numbers was always going to be fraught with difficulties.

but as I said we invite comment so we can make the next one much bigger and better..... and it served the three principal criteria, pete and I wanted at beginning..

1. It established the Concept of an Annual Tourney

2. It broke even and actually raised funds for the Strok Association.

3. The Golf was good, fun and competitive.

Ian

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

18 Apr 2010, 09:57

It was a great day, so many thanks again to those who made the effort to attend, you all contributed to making the day the success it undoubtedly was.

Special thanks to Ian and Karen who organised the day (and drove down from Wigan to do it), Hever Castle Golf Club who were good to us and the weather, which once the cloud cleared, rose from a chilly 10c to a positively balmy 15c, plus our sponsors who donated some superb prizes:

- Ian Halliwell who donated 2 weeks in a luxury villa in Orlando Florida
- www.PackYourClubs.com who donated 2 * £100 discount vouchers for any of their listed Golf Holiday Villas
- Hever Castle who donated a complimentary four-ball
- www.berrygolf.com who donated packs of their superb own brand golf balls

Plus of course, congratulations again to the winners who shot very respectable scores around a beautiful but tough course (but then they should with handicaps for the winners ranging from 7 to 14).

With regard to the comments made, thanks for these they will be acted upon to make future events even better (and yes, we intend that this was the first of what will become an annual event).

The Stroke Association Mystery Five Hole 'Mini-Comp' was based on the scores achieved at a random selection of 5 from the 18 holes (made before the start and known to none of the players). Sorry if that wasn't made clear when players were asked if they wished to enter it.

Finally, about the handicaps, the only players who could not prove a Club or TSG Handicap were individually advied that they were included in the Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive and, if they wished, the Stroke Association Mystery Five Hole Mini-Comp, but their scores would not be included in consideration for the main 'TSG Competition, Prizes and Cup' (and they were not).

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

18 Apr 2010, 08:37

I attended this event & generally had a very enjoyable day. The food was very nice & the club & course were all excellent. I do feel however a few things could have been improved on.

Firstly it would have been nice to have had a welcome speech from any of the organisers.

It would have been good to be reminded of the exact format eg Stableford, must putt out etc, & the reasons why the ladies were initially told to play off Yellows & then played off the reds?

For an event of this size, it should really have had the results put into a laptop programme to ensure the embarrassment of presenting the trophy to the wrong person could not happen.

I did not really understand how the mystery holes were calculated, it was explained something like "there were only 3 holes, where this lady in my group scored two 3 pointers and a 4 points, so she wins a Florida holiday"?

Finally, & believe me this is not sour grapes, I think as a TSG championships, where it is stipulated that, the competitors must have an official congu handicap, or a TSG handicap it would have been nice if the first 2 places had played at least 1 game with TSG prior to the day! I believe no one was asked to produce a handicap certificate at any time.

Well done to the eventual winner, who I believe is a member at Hever castle!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Winners - TSG Golf Day, Hever Castle Golf Club, Fri 16th April

17 Apr 2010, 20:33

Many Thanks to all the 40 Competitors who participated in The Inaugural Event. I hope you all had a Great Day, I certainly did............ for the record and of course this might change..... thats an In joke for all those who attended, sorry TOM for the false presentation and Ian...

Winner............. Andrew Siggs 33 points
Runner up...... Tom Hurcombe 32 points
3rd Place........ Helen Harding 29 points
4th Place.......    Ian Mullins    28 points
5th Place.......    Ian Halliwell 27 points

nearest to Pin............ Ray Edby     longest Drive       Helen Harding    Mystery Holes   Pia E Sun

as you can see not many bandits, Indeed the course really showed its teeth but then thats surely what we want of what I hope will become our National Yearly Championship.

On a personal note, the event raised over £ 500 for THE STROKE ASSOCIATION.... Sincere thanks to all...

Im sure Pete and I would welcome any constructive comments as to how we can improve and make the event bigger and better.

Finally there are a mulititude of pics from the day on THE FACEBOOK, site for THE SOCIAL GOLFER and
on www.thesocialgolfer.blogspot.com.

THANKS AGAIN

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Summer is here, official!

16 Apr 2010, 22:24

That's right, I've just had my lad get my trolley and summer golf bag down from the attic.

So from tomorrow you can put away your jumpers and waterproofs, shake off the dust from those tailored shorts and get ready for some hot weather...

Well I hope so!

Russ

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Golf helps?

16 Apr 2010, 18:29

I took a few lessons and the pro told me to stay with the 3-wood since I can depend on 250 plus with it. Better to be in the fairway and shooting for the green than to be longer and hitting from the rough.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Ryder Cup 2018

16 Apr 2010, 17:53

One of TSG's newest partners, Oceanico Group, has announced its bid to host the 2018 Ryder Cup. As some of you will know already, Oceanico is Europe's biggest golf resort developer and has been a stalwart of the European Tour for some time through it's headline sponsorship of the Portugal Masters, hosted on the Victoria course in Vilamoura, one of seven championship standard courses they own in the region.

Two of their highest profile property owners, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke, have already added their personal support to the bid.

TSG has negotiated some incredible deals on property ownership or golf holidays with Oceanico - just take a look at the Property and Holiday pages and you can soon be playing these amazing courses yourself!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

16 Apr 2010, 16:55

Just read the two articles and agree. I also take it Tiger will carry on insulting golf by only playing in the majors. Golf can do without the likes of Tiger but Tiger cannot do without golf. So it is about time golf pointed this out to him.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Want to know where Lee Westwood lives?

15 Apr 2010, 19:27

Hi to all fellow TSG members. You may have noticed something new about TSG this week? Like the brilliant new section on buying property in Portugal's glorious Algarve. Think you can't afford it? Then you need to check out some of the latest news. TSG have reached a deal with two of Europe's best Golf Resort operators - Pestana and Oceanico Group to offer you some truly amazing deals. Those of you with a keen eye will have seen Oceanico's logo on Lee Westwood's shirt during the Masters. Not only are they sponsors, but Lee, together with Darren Clarke, Retief Goosen and Padraig Harrington, all own Oceanico property. And with the special deal for TSG members - they could soon be your neighbours. I'll be around to answer any questions you might have and to provide you with news and gossip from the world of Algarve golf!! Enjoy. Golf In The Sun.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Disabled

15 Apr 2010, 16:00

Thanks for that.
Being disabled thats a shame.

Roger

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Prizes for TSG Golf Day at Hever Castle, Kent, Friday 16th April

15 Apr 2010, 16:00

Yes, down to a single game now but with other prizes thrown in (Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive, Mystery 5 holes, plus a couple of random prizes as well).

Weather is looking good. I'm very much looking forward to the game.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Disabled

15 Apr 2010, 15:58

Yes tomorrow should be great.

The separate categories (including the Disabled Golfer category) were scrapped because not enough people who fitted into the various categories committed to the game. So now it seems there is a single category but with other random prizes as well

See you tomorrow.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Disabled

15 Apr 2010, 15:18

Looking forward to tomorrow

A while ago I read that there was a disabled catergory (disadvantaged golfer) with prize accordingly but now I cant seem to find anything about it.

Has that now been scrapped?

Roger

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Prizes for TSG Golf Day at Hever Castle, Kent, Friday 16th April

15 Apr 2010, 14:48

Have the categories been removed, as I had expected there to be prizes for each category, low handicappers-men, high handicappers men, Ladies and Disabled (in no particular order)...

I'll still look forward to the day regardless...

Rgds

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Prizes for TSG Golf Day at Hever Castle, Kent, Friday 16th April

15 Apr 2010, 09:22

Hi Roly, if you come 10th I'm sure you be allowed to take a picture of the Halliwell Cup which you came nowhere near winning!

Looking forward to tomorrow. Should be great fun (and weather getting warmer & sunnier all the time...)

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\golf palm springs usa

14 Apr 2010, 20:55

Hi,
have got a four ball going to palm springs in october this year for a golf break and wondered if any of the american gang could recomend a few courses. Have been to Arizona and had a great time now moved on to a different area so wish some local advice.

any assitance would be good.

regards

steve

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Prizes for TSG Golf Day at Hever Castle, Kent, Friday 16th April

14 Apr 2010, 20:17

If I came ...say 10th. could I get a thimble size, teeney weeney replica of the mini replica Halliwell cup? Looking forward to a great day out. Thanks

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Prizes for TSG Golf Day at Hever Castle, Kent, Friday 16th April

14 Apr 2010, 19:58

The Prize list for TSG Golf Championship at Hever Castle Golf Club is as follows:

1st Prize:
- Prestigious Halliwell Cup for 1 year (replica cup to keep thereafter)
- Two weeks in Luxury Florida Villa (Orlando)

2nd Prize:
- Replica of Prestigious Halliwell Cup

3rd Prize:
- Mini Replica of Prestigious Halliwell Cup

Nearest the Pin:
- Trophy
- £100 off golf holiday booking via PackYourClubs.com

Longest Drive:
- Trophy
- £100 off golf holiday booking via PackYourClubs.com

Stroke Association Mini Comp Winner (Mini Comp is based on best score from the 'preselected mystery holes'. £5 entry fee. All proceeds donated to The Stroke Association):.
- Trophy
- Two weeks in Luxury Florida Villa (Orlando)

Other Prizes:
- Various other prizes (Complimentary 4-ball at Hever Castle, dozen golf balls etc) will be awarded based on 'luck of the draw' awards in the clubhouse.

Not bad aye?

Good luck to everyone, enjoy the day and may the best and luckiest golfers win the goodies.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Westwood doing well

14 Apr 2010, 19:37

It was a shame that Lee didn't win - his time must come soon though. He's a great player and a really nice guy.

Incidentally, look out for some exciting news on TSG concerning one of Lee's sponsors. As a clue, their logo was on his shirt throughout the Masters!!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \No Golf Shoes

13 Apr 2010, 18:59

Hi Russ, remember last year when I sneaked on and hobbled round MAYLANDS in Sandals, after 2 massive blisters from new Stuburt shoes? Using the cheapest Footjoys now and so comfortable, I nearly drove home in them from Cranham today.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Westwood doing well

13 Apr 2010, 18:56

If it had to be an American ... pleased it was Micholson. Really wanted Westwood though, think he will find it hard now after losing these recent Major leads. Nice to see the new improved respectful Tiger ;-) never seen anyone drop his club in disgust so much. He will be winning again very soon though.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \POGT 2010 Assistance

13 Apr 2010, 15:30

HI All

The People's Open Golf Tournament is starting its qualifiers next week. I am hoping to see quite a few of you at Wokefield Park, Reading on Monday.

David from POGT has asked me to see if there are any golfers that might be interested in helping out at some of the events as he won't be able to be at both on the same day. Details are below. If you are interested please visit the website www.pogt.co.uk or contact David using the details below:

********************************************************************************************************
On behalf of POGT:
We are looking for assistance at some of our qualifying rounds.

The dates and venues are;

Monday 10 May - Oulton Hall

Tuesday 11 May Botley Park

Wed 26 May - Carden park or Linden Hall

Monday 7th June Belton Woods or Cameron House

The assistance (could be 2 persons) would be expected to

1. Set up a reservation desk - at least 1 and half hours prior to play

2. Check all players have a valid handicap certificate.

3. Have their own lap top and or know how to use an in-house computer

4. Be able to use the handicap master system to record scores

5. Be able to work with the resident Pro and be familiar with the rules of golf

6. Have their own mobile and be able to communicate with me at regular intervals.

We shall be able to offer
Overnight accommodation
All meals
Out of pocket travel expenses
A fee

David Dryer
Manager POGT
Tel 07825 302822
Email info@pogt.co.uk

****************************************************************************************************

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

13 Apr 2010, 09:13

Totally agree with you, Alan. I thought both of the articles below captured it well:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/threedotblog/detail?entry_id=61052

http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,1981176,00.html

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

12 Apr 2010, 17:06

Agreed Dave, one of the best Masters ever, and Phil Mickelson absolutely deserved his win. He was bold and brave. Cannot say that about Westwood - not nearly aggressive enough when it mattered.
My big disappointment was in Tiger Woods, he was incredible, and as the commentators said, ONLY he would have ended up 11 under the way he played..BUT, his fit of pique when he missed a birdy put, and walked off with a bogey, and his subsequent 'couldn't care less attitude, spoke volumes. If I can't win, I don't wanna play....an insult to everyone else. I was once a great fan - no longer I'm afraid. He will always be the best golfer in the world for me, but I now agree with Clark, he is a very poor role model.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

12 Apr 2010, 14:58

Well, so much for my predictive abilities ... What amazed me was how well Tiger actually did, despite really not being on his game. Westwood played inspired golf ... just a little short of what Mickelson was able to produce. And a great run by Fred Couples ... all in all, a great Masters.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

12 Apr 2010, 12:23

Well I hope no-one put any money on him missing the cut!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Mr Consistency

11 Apr 2010, 20:44

Well it had to happen!

The last round of golf I had above 89 shots was the 6th March 2010, when I shot a 90 round the Priors course.

I have played twenty seven rounds of golf since then and today my run finally came to an end.

The Sunday Medal at my golf club was today, and I have been playing really well lately, but today I shot a 96!

Don't know what happened, just hoping that it's a blip and things will return to normal on my next round.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Westwood doing well

11 Apr 2010, 09:29

Sat here last night watching the Masters and I really enjoyed the coverage.

For once the TV didn't concentrate on the US players but I suppose they had to follow Westwood and Poulter seeing as they were the leaders.

My only concern is that Lee didn't get a big enough lead for the final round.

I would have like to see him with a two or three shot gap between himself and the rest of the field.

Poulter was a bit sad, don't know why, he just didn't seem to start! Straight from the first tee he seemed to struggle. Let's hope he puts in a charge today.

So I'm playing in my golf club's medal competition today and then I'll be home tonight ready to watch the Masters.

Come on Lee......

Russ

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Two Scores

11 Apr 2010, 09:27

Thanks Neil.

Russ

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Two Scores

11 Apr 2010, 08:47

Hi Russ,

I'll check it out.

Regards,
Neil, TSG Golf Team

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Two Scores

10 Apr 2010, 20:35

I was lucky enough to play two rounds of golf today.

When I went to add both rounds the system appears to add everything together and shows it as one scorecard!

I was one shot under my handicap for the morning round so my handicap was reduced from 11.5 (12) to 11.3 (11).

So adding my afternoon round of 83 would mean a 0.1 increase in my handicap, taking it upto 11.4 (11).

The problem is that due to the system adding both my scorecard together it isn't getting my handicap correct!

Russ

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Fourball At Stapleford Abbotts GC

10 Apr 2010, 09:10

I have a voucher for sale that is for four people.

You will get coffee and a bacon roll on arrival.

Followed up with 18 holes on the Abbotts Course.

Then, when you have finished your round of golf you will get ham, egg and chips.

This voucher is valid until the end of July 2010

The cost is £100, that is £25 per person.

You can use this voucher at a weekend, but if you are not a member there then you cannot tee off until after 1pm

PM me if interested.

Russ

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

10 Apr 2010, 09:07

I did the same thing about three weeks ago.

Was practicing my pitching from 20 to 40 yards.

So I used the 'Mark Ball' function to measure out the two distances from the flag.

Then I threw 100 balls into the air and hit pitch shots.

Russ

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

10 Apr 2010, 07:32

I also found a new use for my SG5 yesterday. I'm been struggling a bit with 'in between club chips' and so went to the chipping green at my club. Using the 'mark ball' feature I could start at the pin and measure 30 yds back to give me the distance that I want to practice.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \People's Open Golf Tournament 2010

09 Apr 2010, 20:04

There is still spaces availible for the POGT 2010. Hopefully I will see a few of you at Wokefield Park on 19 April and maybe even St Andrews!

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Hitting Long

09 Apr 2010, 17:41

Hi all,

Thank you all for your comments, i am playing tomorrow and sunday so i wont mess around to much but i will go over the range next week and have a go at all tips given.

Cheers
Andy

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

09 Apr 2010, 10:56

I have the SkyCaddie SG5, and I think it is excellent. It used to lack the ability to track your scores/stats, but that has since been remedied with the latest software update. So now, not only does it give you the distances, but it also can track your scores and stats - and it automatically downloads them into a web-based analysis tool. You can see where you're missing the fairway on your drives, for example ... mostly right, mostly left, etc.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Hitting Long

08 Apr 2010, 15:24

Hi Andy

I am New to TSG so I hope you don't think I am butting in or anything. The best way for more distance is better swing technique (obvious I know).

The fundamentals to a powerful swing are (right handed golfers)
- A bend in the right leg at the top of your back swing, keep the same bend you have at setup, practice this without a downswing to ingrain it into your swing.
- A straight left arm throughout the swing (some bend is okay, I mention this because my dad bends his arms to look like chicken wings.
- A full turn so that your chest faces away from your target at the top of your swing
And finally (and this was one of the biggest improvement to my swing)
- You must not let your left arm collapse too much across your chest at the top of your swing, all of your power comes from a hip/back rotation not an arm swing. By that I mean, if your left arm lies across your chest at any point during the back of your swing, you will find it very difficult to allow your body to swing the club effectively (unless you are very very strong(and coordinated)). Email me back if you need me to explain this last bit any more, it's not easy to imagine without diagrams etc.

I hope this has made sense

Thanks

Neil

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

08 Apr 2010, 08:14

looking forward to alot of golf this year to welcome aboard

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

07 Apr 2010, 23:18

yes good point............ I hope I can be involved with your games as much as possible as well. I would really like to start playing a lot more this year!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

07 Apr 2010, 23:14

once your in a group you can list a game whenever you want ..

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

07 Apr 2010, 23:10

Do you suppose any of these games will be played on a weekend as I am in full time employment and its difficult to get time off in the week. Its not ideal but sometimes I can take holidays, just that as you probably are well aware holidays are sacred!!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

07 Apr 2010, 23:04

I'd have to check by playing with the Kent Group but I think you can say what format you want for the Group Leaderboard - free format?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

07 Apr 2010, 18:17

surrey crown is group name have seen personnal scoring is group scoring an option too

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

07 Apr 2010, 17:47

Perhaps set it up as a proper TSG Group because the Groups functionality offers a Group Leaderboard ?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

07 Apr 2010, 15:13

A good place for a main match would be surrey as then all areas could get involved a kent, surrey, hampshire, berkshire shoot out .. would make for a good day ..

maybe a group leader board is possible ...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

07 Apr 2010, 15:08

no no I think most people are happy to drive for an hour once we get under way i,m more people will join in have you started a group if so i,ll join as i,m in kent 4+ times a year..

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

07 Apr 2010, 13:46

I don't think a fourball from Kent would be a problem as long as not intending to travel to deepest Hampshire for a day - the M25 is a killer!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

07 Apr 2010, 12:51

Orpington, Addington Court loads of courses on the way...

starting and running a kent group would need a captain (you up for it) as I would join games, I am looking to post a game group/area challenge in kent fingers cross may.

what sort of size team you thinking (fourball?).

I,m working on a team willing to travel but I think to start to split the distance between teams to get a few matches underway..

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

07 Apr 2010, 09:34

I'm sure we can raise a Kent group and, contrary to my previous ill-informed opinion of it, Chelsfield Lakes is a nice course in the Crown Golf Group and... it accepts the Open Fairways Card so 50% discount (4-for-2).

Lets get a few dates & courses agreed and then we can arrange the teams.

Over to you David...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

06 Apr 2010, 20:23

more groups the better ... is that the start of an anti-crown group lol

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

06 Apr 2010, 20:19

some of the club members get vouchers through or discounted rates (just got some free 2 for 1s at milford)..
anyone that joins surrey crown can post games it doesn't have to go through or be done by me.
so anyone that wants to get involved can .. any ideas and all help welcome (because its free for us games got a better turn out).

roll on the summer and some great golf....

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

06 Apr 2010, 19:38

how about a non crown golf team, would have to be a crown course that accept 2-1 vouchers to keep the cost low for the non crown team, im sure i can gather a bunch of boys to compete.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Hitting Long

06 Apr 2010, 19:18

Andy, it doesnt seem that long ago when we played your first ever round (18 months ago?!) and you are already down to playing off 25 and jugding by your entered scores you have already broken 90 once!!

My advice would be to be patience, keep playing as often as you can and it will come.........alternatively invest in some decent hybrid clubs - these will improve your distance off the fairway and are much easier to hit than the average 3/4 iron.

And as Russ says experiment with ball position.

Good luck.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Hitting Long

06 Apr 2010, 09:40

Andy

Experiment - as Russ suggests - ball position, check your grip (nice and light often results in a better strike). Try exhaling before beginning and during your backswing...

Know your own limitations and don't worry that the next guy can hit it further, plan your way around the course - keeping within your own capabilities.... focus more on approach and short game and putting, you'll save lots more shots that way...

I played with a guy who drove 150 yrds on average but he still made par 5s, just by being straight where he aimed.

Know how far you are liable to hit each club, easy enough to work out... take 10 shots with a 9 iron, all the same stroke, measure the average distance and work out the rest from there (adding approx 9-11 yrds per club). Once you know how far you are liable to hit the 7 iron, 3 iron, it's the same swing without extra effort to get the ball a bit further...

So saying it is good to drive the ball 300 yrds now and again...

Rgds Stephen

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Hitting Long

05 Apr 2010, 22:52

One thing you could try Andy is to move the ball back in your stance when using your irons.

Only move it back about two ball widths.

This will produce a punch like shot that will stay lower but travel further.

Not much good if you are hitting an approach to a green that is higher than you are!

But for your second shot on a par five it's worth a try.

This kind of shot would be good on a hard, dry fairway as the ball will run much further.

Try moving the ball around until you find a place that you hit well from.

Hope this helps.

Russ

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

05 Apr 2010, 21:56

Another Skycaddie user here. Don't waste your money on a SG5 though. The 2.5 is more than adequate.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Hitting Long

05 Apr 2010, 21:55

Answer is - as always - it depends. As a starter; how far do you hit your 7 iron? And your driver? Also, what it your shot shape (fade, draw, slice, high, low...?).

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

05 Apr 2010, 20:53

Hi Richard, I'm with Russ on this. I bought an SG5 and I couldn't be more pleased with it. The stats tracking when you save your scores in it is excellent once you upload it to the skycaddie website. I'm using it to keep track of my number of putts, greens in regulation and fairways in regulation.

Great piece of kit.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Hitting Long

05 Apr 2010, 12:55

Thank you russell, i understand as regards to the air but even in the summer i still dont hit long, its just my style of play, so was just on the look for tips to try.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Hitting Long

05 Apr 2010, 12:05

Andy, due to the current weather conditions you have to accept that you are not going to be hitting the ball as far as you normally would.

The air temperature is still cold and the ground is wet, so your ball won't travel as far through the air, and then when it lands it's not going to run very far.

As the ground gets drier and harder you will start to notice your ball running much further.

Try and concentrate on making a full turn and getting a good strike on the ball, the rest will come as the air temperature gets higher and the ground gets harder.

Russ

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Hitting Long

05 Apr 2010, 10:08

Hi does anyone have any tips or can offer advice on best clubs ect for someone who does not hit the ball far, as much as my game has started to improve i do feel this costs me a number of shots each round, its also a big problem during the current weather period we have at the moment.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

04 Apr 2010, 17:23

I have iphone. i use Golf card 5.99 and is great for holding stats and a great range finder tracking your handicap and other stats ie putts, G.IR among oter things . Also there is my caddie pro which is a free app and is quick and simple range finder using google maps both are great in there own way

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Belek Turkey in May 2010

04 Apr 2010, 09:47

I enjoyed all the international golf courses in Belek --awsome to play before and after the heat sink season.

Cheers :)

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Belek Turkey in May 2010

03 Apr 2010, 20:14

Our party are going on the 18th April and we have booked again with Bilyana golf..here is the UK branch..

http://www.bilyanagolf.co.uk ask to speak to Steve Nicholson.

The Faldo course is fabulous.
if your looking for a shorter course ... the Pasha
If you want a links...LykiaLinks
Heard great reports about Carya

Gerry.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Shaping Your Shots

03 Apr 2010, 15:15

Hi Russ, so why not aim to hit the ball into the hole?

Seriously I would tend to try the simple approach, hit it straight and two putt.. the rest is too complicated, but you know that if I see someone else fading ir drawing I'm always tempted to play the'glory shot' as well...

I'm looking to play the easy shot for the rest of this year and see if it is as much fun playing off the fairways as it is out of trees...

btw.. Played a round at altitude in South Africa, imagine an extra 60 yards on every drive... that was a different problem (ok when it went straight, but advised to leave it when it went that extra 60 yards into the jungle). Also good incentive to keep up with play...

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

03 Apr 2010, 14:08

If you have an Iphone you could always take a look at the Golfshot GPS app. For £17.99 it takes a bit of beating

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Belek Turkey in May 2010

03 Apr 2010, 12:13

Anybody have any suggestions of courses to play in Belek, Turkey and know of a on line booking site for Belek.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \No Golf Shoes

02 Apr 2010, 19:14

I have a pair of spikeless golf shoes that I keep at my house in Vegas. You normally don't really need spikes to play in such dry conditions - not even soft spikes. These shoes are made for Porsche Design by Adidas ... hideously expensive, and I never really could afford them, but last time I was back home they were having some insane sale at Porsche Design - got them for 60% off. They are super comfortable, and the best thing is that I don't have to change my shoes! Just put on my golf shoes, and drive to the course!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \No Golf Shoes

02 Apr 2010, 16:36

I was wondering what he was wearing,they had a blue undersole so i couldnt work out if they where golf shoes.So is there a rule that golf shoes must be worn or is it a medical thing with Mr Couples........outside bet for the Major Fred Couples...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Poor Finish!

02 Apr 2010, 14:02

get a life!!!!!!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \No Golf Shoes

01 Apr 2010, 22:44

I was watching the Shell Houston Open tonight and Fred Couples was playing a shot.

The presenters then explained that he didn't wear golf shoes, just normal training shoes.

Now at my golf club if you haven't got golf shoes then you don't get on the course!

I suppose this could be the same thing as wearing a glove, most people wear them but some people don't.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Poor Finish!

01 Apr 2010, 21:03

The last two rounds of golf I have played have all ended with me having a poor finish.

On both rounds I was going to finish with a round of golf that was below my handicap as long as I made nothing worse than a bogey on the last hole.

I must admit in this strong wind the final hole is tricky.

A par three, 138 yards with a carry all over water. Out of bounds behind the green.

Nothing worse than playing well in a strong wind and then blowing it on the last hole!

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Worst Part Of Your Game

01 Apr 2010, 18:32

Some days my driving is On, and the second shot is off, or the short game is on and the long game is off, there are times though (not too frequently) when the driving is on, the second shot is on, the short game is on, putting is on, then the alarm clock goes off...

Seriously I've only just begun to hit fairways from the tee, so still getting used the choosing the second shot that I can manage instead of trying for something that is outside of my capability... managing my own expectation of my own capability... it would help if I could reconcile myself to playing the shots I can do, as opposed to the shot I want to.

Rgds

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who's the best golfer you've played with?

01 Apr 2010, 18:23

Played a round of golf with a PGA pro at Landon Hills at a Pro am last year, scratch golfer, nice young guy John Woolley (worthwhile remembering his name) and he played effortless golf, making birdie/par for every hole except 1 (where I managed to outscore him using all of my shots). For the first 9 holes it was relatively close and our SSS scores were just about the same (give or take 2), but he just continued to play consistent easy stuff - making his putts and keeping in the short grass..

I had a bit of a poor back nine and he turned in a score of 38 points (in difficult conditions) for the round... and he was a little disapointed to not par one hole...

Good to watch and not sure if I learnt anything other than he was much better than me... or maybe I was just a little unlucky on some holes... Perhaps I began to learn to play within my own capabilities and not to compete with someone so much better than me... must have been very distracting for him to play with me...

But he never complained in person.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

01 Apr 2010, 17:12

Hi Richard, as you know I've got the SkyCaddie SG5 and I cannot recommend it enough.

I've seen the SureShot but haven't really looked at what it does.

The SkyCaddie SG5 clips onto your belt easily and they also do a trolley holder.

You can keep your score on it and then download it to the website and it will keep your scores for you.

There is a 'Mark Ball' button so you can see how far your drives have gone, or how far you hit each club.

If you haven't bought one before the next time we play together again I'll show you how it works.

Russ

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Sureshot vs Skycaddie

01 Apr 2010, 13:02

I'm thinking of getting a GPS system and was looking at either a Skycaddie SG5 which I can get 2nd hand for £140.00 or a Sureshot 8800 which I can get brand new for £150.00. Does anyone have any advice regarding either of these units?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

01 Apr 2010, 11:36

Fair enough Clark, but was John Daly EVER in the position that Tiger was...not even close, and to suggest thet he put himself on a pedestal is a bit over the top don't you think. The media and sponsors were certainly to blame for that. I would also question your assertion that he couldn't hold a candle to the greats. Even they have said he is a phenomenon.... Nicklaus in particular. As far as his personal life is concerned, I am sure he is not alone in his personal failings, but, and I certainly do not condone his actions, (I think he was a prat), everything he does in put under the media microscope, unlike lesser mortals. The man is a world celebrity even among the non golfing community. You could not say that about the greats of the past. Would that I was in his position, I could easily be a prat for a while. :-)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

01 Apr 2010, 09:57

will be looking at surrey / kent game shortly after details on the way, any ideals lads.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

01 Apr 2010, 09:41

looking like surrey, hampshire will be a joint group until the numbers are up. oak park is looking like a good course for a surrey/hampshire/berkshire game. 3 way match would be a good start most points wins the day. any ideals welcome.
would be looking at may, as I can only book 2 tees would have to get each captain to book there teams tee and we,ll work it so they are in sink.

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Any advice about Turkey (Belek) golf holiday?

31 Mar 2010, 19:23

Didn't get to Turkey (few people dropped out) but off to France in a few weeks which should be fun.

Maybe Turkey later in the year.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Worst Part Of Your Game

31 Mar 2010, 18:21

The first 4 or 5 holes every Saturday Medal
Way to much drink on Friday night
Keep saying i'm staying in...but that wont happen.

Must say worst part of my game is old father time catching up with me.

Gerry.

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Any advice about Turkey (Belek) golf holiday?

31 Mar 2010, 18:14

Hi, our party leave for Belek on 18th April,this is our 3rd time in Turkey after 4 years in costa del sol and 3 in Villamoura in Portugal.
We book our own flight and book the golf, hotel & all shuttles with...
http://www.bilyanagolf.com/
who are ultra competitive.
Staying once again @ Cornelia Deluxe 5 star all inclusive
http://www.corneliaresort.com/
Playing The National-Faldo twice and the Carya, Everything for £850...great value
19 days to go ...but whos counting.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

30 Mar 2010, 23:23

I do not disagree with you on Tiger’s golfing skills but he could not tie the laces of the three greats that put golf where it belongs. Also as far as the apology is concerned I would agree with you Tiger does not need to apologies to the people who have made him so rich but if he had not put himself on such a pedestal he would not have had to. I mean have you ever hear John Daly apologise for all his faults and yet the press are not after his throat. Yes I also agree with you that Tiger will make the cut unfortunately and I still say his attitude is the wrong one for young golfers to follow.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \stuart freeman

30 Mar 2010, 21:22

does anyone know whats happened to stuart freeman.all his posted games have been taken off and he hasnt replied to emails.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

30 Mar 2010, 12:57

I'll have a £50 wager that you are wrong, and another £50 that he will win it. ;-)

Tiger - Best thing to have happened to golf since the good old days of Palmer and Nicklaus...heady days.

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\Villa Rentals for Golf Holidays from PackYourClubs

30 Mar 2010, 10:24

As promised the Golf Holiday Accommodation Section is now live (it can be found under the 'Golf Property' menu item).

This section is powered by PackYourClubs.com so all of the golf villas, apartments and houses, whether on the Algarve, Lisbon Coast, Costa del Sol or Florida are actually on or very near some of the best golf holiday resorts and courses.

So if you are planning a short break to the Algarve with friends, or a week on the Costa del Sol with the family (but want to get in some golf while you're there), support us by starting your search here:

http://www.thesocialgolfer.com/GolfPropertyRentals.aspx

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Mr Consistency

30 Mar 2010, 09:51

I have now made it to sixteen rounds of golf all within a ten shot range.

A couple of times I've struggled to get going but I was pleased to stay within this range.

I played yesterday in the rain and with a wind blowing.

Started off well with a good par on the first hole, but after that it was hit and miss!

I needed to bogey the last three holes to make eighty seven shots, managed to go bogey, bogey, par for an eighty six.

In a way I'm pleases as I'm not striking the ball as well as I was a month ago but I'm still staying within my ten shot range.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

30 Mar 2010, 08:37

Why do so called fans think Tiger woods owes them an apology, I'm a fan of golf, what Tiger got up to off the course is his business, Though I think he would of passed Jack's total of majors if he hadn't had quiet so many "off course" interest on the go at the same time. :)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

29 Mar 2010, 17:16

I Hope he does American golf has been great without him never knew there were so many other golfers in Tournaments I know it is not his fault also the way he thinks he apologised to his fans was an insult to them. I also do not think he is the sort of person who is a good role model for younger players

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

29 Mar 2010, 14:07

[quote=Pete Connon]Hi Pat, I see you're from NJ. What's the tv coverage been like for Tiger in the States? Has he been receiving bad press or supportive press?[/quote]

It seems to be a very interesting mix of coverage: initial coverage was very bad: as each of his "players" surfaced, press up in not such a good light; however, things have calmed a bit and players seem to be sticking by him outwardly when questioned with press. Where are u from?

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Scottish Disability Golf Partnership - Free PGA Tuition & Golf Open Day

29 Mar 2010, 12:13

The Scottish Disability Golf Partnership are inviting anyone, of any age, with a disability or serious health issue (and their coaches or carers) to join them at their PGA Tuition & Golf Open Day at Mearnes Castle Golf Academy, Glasgow.

With funding from the Voluntary Action Fund's Community Chest the SDGP has arranged the free golf
training day at the Mearnes Castle Golf Academy on Saturday 10 April. The training will be provided
by PGA qualified Professionals from 10:00 and for more established players some golf is also
available at a heavily subsidised price.

The Scottish Disability Golf Partnership is the only group in Scotland which actively encourages and
involves anyone of any age, with a disability, serious health problem or mobility issue and their
coaches, who wish to play golf and includes amputees, the blind, deaf, those with learning
difficulties, downs syndrome, stroke and heart attack victims, wheelchair users and anyone with
other similar issues, who wish to learn or play the sport.

Further information about the event and the SDGP can be found at www.sdgp.co.uk or by email at
SDGP.Secretary@ntlworld.com

Golf Breaks, Golf Holidays, Golf Courses\London Golf Show - Free Entry

28 Mar 2010, 21:28

I picked up a leaflet for the London Golf Show 2010 at my club today.

It states that if you are a member of a golf club you get free entry to the golf show.

The event is being held at the ExCel center between the 30th April and the 2nd May 2010

For those of you who are interested in Tennis as well it will get you free entry into the London Tennis Show.

The tickets for the golf show are £15 at the door or £10 if booked in advance. So if you are a member of a golf club then it makes sense to register and get your free ticket.

You have to register on their website http://www.londongolfshow.com before the 17th April to qualify.

To be honest I've never heard much good about this golf show, and I attended the Golf Show at the NEC a few years ago, it was poor!

But with free entry it might be worth a day out.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who's the best golfer you've played with?

28 Mar 2010, 18:56

Nice story David.

You can just imagine this guy in a morning saying to his wife, "I'm just going to go upto the golf club and boost our pension money".

Probably plays three or four days a week doing the same thing, old guy who everyone feels sorry for when betting against him, and him walking away with all the cash and a big smile on his face.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \the round the world trip

28 Mar 2010, 12:17

summary of golf related matters

hardest course played......................... koolau............hawaii

best course played..............1. cape kidnappers 2 pebble beach 3. kauri cliffs

best value for money.............. northlands vancouver

best country visited.............. new zealand

must revisit.......................kauri cliffs the most scenic golf course

favourite hole................ 7th at pebble, still cant believe my fully cmmited, well hit 6 iron only went 60 yards into the wind...

see you all i hope at hever

youes

ian

www.thesocialgolfer.blogspot.com

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who's the best golfer you've played with?

28 Mar 2010, 12:01

A couple of years ago, I was back home in the San Francisco Bay Area for a visit - went out to play a round with my best friend and a friend of his. The friend of his brought along his father-in-law, who was 67 years old ... he asked us if we wanted to have a little wager. We felt bad about maybe beating up on an old man, so we tried to keep the bet low - but he insisted, so we went along.

Not sure what his handicap was, but he kicked our ass up the front-9, and again down the back-9, and took all our money. I can only hope to play that well when I'm his age.

He did invite us back to his house for dinner, where his wife cooked us a really nice meal. But I won't be betting with him anytime again soon!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Worst Part Of Your Game

27 Mar 2010, 17:37

Same as Stuart my short game until recently, i have started using a 5 or 7 iron around the green.I now feel confident in this shot and its something that i havent practise ,its just come natural i treat it like a putt which is the best part off my game ...ive never liked short chips,could never judge how much power to use so it would go 5yards or 50.....

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who's the best golfer you've played with?

27 Mar 2010, 17:30

I played with a work friend in hampshire who played off 1 and made the game look like a sickly easy,oh he shot a 4under just to add insult,but watching him play made me play better has i was taking tips and just watching what he was doing.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \My Short Game

26 Mar 2010, 19:36

Further to my post 'Who's the best golfer you've played with'.

I realised that each and every good golfer I've ever had a round of golf with had a really good short game.

Most of them didn't miss the green from 100 yards in, putted really well.

On the few occasions when they did miss the green they pitched/chipped the ball into a position where they could one putt.

I've spent an hour on the practice ground today just concentrating on the 20 to 40 yard pitch shots.

At the moment these shots are the worst part of my game and desperately needed some work.

I spoke to the assistant pro at my golf club and he confirmed that I was setting up correctly for the pitch shot. So after the hour working on this part of my game I now feel a lot more confident on these shots.

It's my first game tomorrow as a single player in the Jubilee Cup (inter-club competition) and I don't want to let either myself or the club down.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Who's the best golfer you've played with?

26 Mar 2010, 19:29

I was sat at home thinking about the people I've played golf with and how good they were.

So who is the best golfer you've ever played with?

And what was their handicap?

I've played with two golfers who were playing off a handicap of six.

Not once have I ever played with a professional golfer (pro-am, etc).

So who have you played a round of golf with and what was their handicap (if it's a professional then don't bother with the handicap, just name names!!!).

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Worst Part Of Your Game

26 Mar 2010, 19:28

1. rushing, i tend to play at 100mph, need to take my time over shots(chipping and putting)

2. all in the mind, distracted very easily(I need to hire a sports pyschologist)

3. leave my mobile phone at home(so wife, work cant phone me), tend to play better in 4 balls when the pace is slowered

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Do you throw your golf club when you hit a bad shot?

26 Mar 2010, 07:05

Had the same problem playing with a 2 handicap HACKER.Kicked his bag,clubs going right,left and every where else.His sense of language was choice.
My solution was as follows,refused to sign his card at end of round ,told him he was a thundering disgrace and left him on the 18th green,wondering what to kick next.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Worst Part Of Your Game

25 Mar 2010, 20:10

Hi,

I am an 8 handicap golfer who has a terrible short game from about 20 yards out. Having said that I am a really good putter which is just as well. How do I know this well the ball never or very rarely finishes close to the pin. I have spent many hundred of hours (and I am not joking about this) on the short game area but have not managed to resolve the problem. Now I use my putter from 20 yards out and have had a lot of success with this shot.

Regards,

Stuart

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Worst Part Of Your Game

25 Mar 2010, 17:51

What I want to know is what is the worst part of your game?

Also, why do you think it is the worst part of your game?

And finally, what are you doing to fix it?

Russ

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\New Menu to support great new functions

25 Mar 2010, 14:45

OK, yep got it now. Many thanks! Ian

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Do you throw your golf club when you hit a bad shot?

25 Mar 2010, 14:15

5 putted the 10th green at mannings heath today(kingfisher course), so much steam coming out of my ears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\New Menu to support great new functions

25 Mar 2010, 13:44

Hi Ian

Try search, drop down menu ,games and comps link

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\New Menu to support great new functions

25 Mar 2010, 13:28

Great to see the site continues to be updated but can anyone tell me where I find the 'games' section now? Ian M

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\New Menu to support great new functions

25 Mar 2010, 13:25

Thanks Guys For a great web site, that has just got even better

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\New Menu to support great new functions

25 Mar 2010, 11:24

As you've probably noticed (hard not to!) we've changed the format of the TSG menu. This change was required to support the addition of all the new functionality we've got planned.

Coming very, very soon will be the Golf Property Sections (Holidays & Sales).

Closely followed by Online Tee Time Booking, starting with the UK, then Europe, followed by others as we can (we're still looking for suitable solutions for the rest of the world so if you know of a good one - let us know).

Lastly the new menu allows us to easily integrate other services. We've had discussions with a few complementary service providers and when we've got a short list of good ones we'll open a Poll for you to vote on which you want to see.

All the best,
TSG Golf Team.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \People's Open Golf Tournament 2010

23 Mar 2010, 21:04

I have received my entry papers for the qualifier at Reading. They are also doing a deal for £79 to stay the Sunday night and play practice round. Half board twin sharing. Anyone else going? I might just book into a B&B near there and play a round the Sunday afternoon.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

23 Mar 2010, 11:52

Hi Pat, I see you're from NJ. What's the tv coverage been like for Tiger in the States? Has he been receiving bad press or supportive press?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

23 Mar 2010, 00:30

cant' wait to check out the action; should be one of the most tv watched events, even for none-golfers.
Yes, sad to hear re: Billy Hills.

And, yes, Woods: he will be ready-- he is not only spending a few moments in front of cameras, but LOTS OF TIME ON THE COURSE! He has a game plan! Believe me!!!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Just another reminder...

22 Mar 2010, 18:58

Hey Social Golfer members! I just wanted to again remind you that we are currently hosting a Swing Challenge at the National University Golf Academy. Its a chance to pit your swing against others and win some great prizes, including a $1,000 NUGA scholarship and personalized swing lab sessions. Social Golfer members are encouraged to come on over and check us out. Thanks! http://bit.ly/swingchallenge

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Mr Consistency

21 Mar 2010, 22:29

OK, make that the last 11 rounds of golf I have played.

Played in my last Winter League game today on the Priors course and shot 84.

This included three triple bogeys!!!!

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

21 Mar 2010, 19:38

Tiger being back can only be a good thing,after all he is still the man to beat unless your a blonde female.Come the Sunday he will be there or thereabouts...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Mr Consistency

21 Mar 2010, 18:55

Mark, I don't live on here but I do have to divide my time between this forum and other ones!

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Mr Consistency

21 Mar 2010, 12:31

DO YOU LVE ON HERE RUSS?????

and for everyone who wants to know my stalker is dave roth :)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Celebrity Golfers handicaps

21 Mar 2010, 09:31

I seem to recall that Samuel L Jackson plays off 5 or 6 and Kurt Russell about 8.

So it would seem that the American film stars get more time to play than the UK stars!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Celebrity Golfers handicaps

21 Mar 2010, 08:42

That's true Russ, but I've only had 78 forum posts, not 264!!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Celebrity Golfers handicaps

21 Mar 2010, 08:26

Roly, you've got far too much spare time on your hands!

I suggest taking up a hobby, say golf, what do you think?

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Celebrity Golfers handicaps

21 Mar 2010, 08:14

I woke up this morning wondering what Handicaps some well known golfing celebrities play off? (Sad I know) I thought they might all pop up on one 'celebrity golfer UK website' but unfortunately had to do a bit more digging.

The first few suprises were that:

Sean connory is listed as between 15 & 17.9 (depending which site you look at)
Alex Ferguson 24

Bruce forsythe 10

Ant 24

Dec 28

Chris Evans 14

Hugh Grant 7

I couldn't find a find some of the ones listed below, so can you help?

Sir Terry Wogan

Ronnie Corbett

Jimmy Tarbuck

….etc

I did find out that US celebs Dennis Quaid plays off 1.1 &Alice Cooper 2 & Kenny Gee is off Scratch.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

20 Mar 2010, 20:50

Lots of funny stuf in here but I do not think Tiger woods will be missing the cut at Augusta, He was still #1 when he left for a bit.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Mr Consistency

20 Mar 2010, 18:23

I've just added another score to my scores.

When I looked at my last ten games I realised that they have all been within ten shots of each other.

My best score was a 77 (did it twice) and my worse score was 87. The best thing is that these scores are from three different courses.

Three of the scores dropped my handicap by a full shot. Three of the rounds were outside my buffer zone by just one shot!

Hopefully as the weather gets warmer and the greens get better I'll be able to drop my handicap down to my target, single figures, who knows.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Changing Back To Pro V1's

20 Mar 2010, 17:36

Well I played the Priors course again today and the wind was blowing!!!

Decided to play the NXT Tour ball as I didn't need any extra spin in that wind.

I was pleased with my shots so maybe I should hold off going back to the Pro V1's for a month or so, until the weather gets even warmer.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Shaping Your Shots

20 Mar 2010, 11:47

Mark, Mark, Mark....

First things first, congratulations on your win in the Pro-Am, your stalker wasted no time in telling me how well the team had done.

Now back to my question.

As I'm still in the process of trying what you told me last week, and it's working by the way! then the draw would be out for me. Too much of a risk if I push the ball.

The fade would be good as I'd take an extra club knowing that the ball won't travel as far.

I'd probably try and hit a staight(ish) shot, but aiming five yards left of the flag. Then if I push it I should be on the green right of the flag. If I hit it well then it would be close enough to the flag to give me a one putt chance. And if it goes were I was aiming then I'd be on the green and I would take the two putts and walk away happy with another par.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

20 Mar 2010, 10:09

No way, Woods will come very close to winning , if not will actually win it.

he has been playing behind the scenes alot last couple of months

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Shaping Your Shots

20 Mar 2010, 10:02

Russel Russel Russel,

I would hit a draw shot into the green because i can control the ball very well as youu know.

BUT
'
for you i would say none of them are good if you want to lower you handicap as 9/10 time you will end up in the pond with a draw shot, in the bunker with a fade shot cos fade shot go shorter than a draw.

NMy advice to you would be, hit the ball to the centre of the green and 2 putt!!!!!

this is the easiest option.

what you think??

Regards

Mark

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Changing Back To Pro V1's

20 Mar 2010, 09:08

The Pro V1 (and even more so the Pro V1x) is designed as a softer ball (more feel) which allows slightly more spin to allow the golfer to 'shape' the shot.

The NXT is designed to minimise spin, so better for trying to keep it straight !

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Shaping Your Shots

20 Mar 2010, 08:43

Imagine the scene....

You've got 160 yards to the center of the green.

The flag is on the right hand side of the green (about six paces on from the right hand side of the green edge).

There is a pon about five yards to the right of the green and the ground between the green and the pond slopes down to the water.

There is also a bunker just in front of the bunker.

This means that you cannot run the ball upto the green but have to carry it over the bunker.

The green is receptive and will hold a ball.

So what would you do and why.....

1) So would you hit a draw, starting the ball at the edge of the pond and bringing it back to the flag. The problem with this option is that if you don't get the ball to draw you'll probably end up in the pond.

2) Would you hit a fade, starting the ball at the middle of the green and fading it towards the flag. The problem with this option is that if the ball doesn't fade then you'll have a monster putt.

3) Hit the ball straight at the flag. Not the kind of shot that most people can play.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Jubilee Cup Information

19 Mar 2010, 20:08

I've been selected by my golf club to represent them in this years Jubilee Cup.

Stapleford Abbotts GC won this cup last year so I'm very proud to be asked to try and retain the trophy.

Last year the Jubilee Cup had a website (jubileecup.co.uk) but a couple of weeks ago the website went missing from the internet!

Has anybody any ideas on how I would get any information on the games, etc?

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Changing Back To Pro V1's

19 Mar 2010, 18:02

Over the winter months I've been using Titleist NTX Tour golf balls.

Last summer I used the Pro V1's and really liked them.

Over the last few weeks I've been hitting Pro V1's alongside my NXT Tour golf balls.

Today was the first time that the Pro V1's were travelling as far as the NXT Tour balls. So after nine holes I changed golf balls.

Over the last couple of months I've started hitting the ball really well, and straighter than I've ever hit them.

Today, after changing balls I was starting to get a fade with my driver. Although the front nine with the NXT Tour ball wasn't that good!

So now I'm wondering if I should stay with the NXT Tour during the summer months.

All I can do is start to get the ball going straight again and then use a Pro V1 and see if the shots stay straight!

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \White Tees Are Back

19 Mar 2010, 17:49

I turned up to play the Priors course at Stapleford Abbotts GC today and the white tees are back in play.

When the weather turned cold and wet last year the white tees were removed from this course. Oddly though, they remained on the main course but were always situated with the yellow tees!

The Priors course is a far better course to me when played from the white tees.

It also means to me that the weather/course is getting better.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

19 Mar 2010, 17:27

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

19 Mar 2010, 17:08

Be interesting to see if the Yanks still Love him, or hate him!...I mean he has "apologised to all his fans"!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

19 Mar 2010, 14:10

13/2 to miss the cut with billy hills

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \I predict Tiger misses the cut at The Masters

19 Mar 2010, 13:45

... and gets a fat lip, after being hit in the mouth by a mobile phone thrown at him from some chick in the gallery.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

17 Mar 2010, 17:34

your surrey dont worry i,ll keep the games moving

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

17 Mar 2010, 16:40

Hi David,

I have added myself to the Surrey team.

Hopefully we can get enough players to cover the counties.

Let me know if you need me to move to another county if numbers are short - when I say move, I won't be moving house!!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

17 Mar 2010, 15:14

Hi,
Great to have you on board, If you guys want to mail Roger Marsland about starting a group for hampshire or add yourself to surrey crown or crown golfers berkshire. Then you would of met some of the players before the team events.
Going to start to list surrey crown games next month and start getting some feed back for county games

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

17 Mar 2010, 14:51

Hi,

Would be happy to play, work permitting . I live in Fareham so would be part of Hampshire team.

Cheers

Guy...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \how to have a good downswing,mentali and physicaly

17 Mar 2010, 09:16

What's the problem with your downswing?

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \how to have a good downswing,mentali and physicaly

16 Mar 2010, 07:10

who can help me in my downswing?im 18 handicaper.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

15 Mar 2010, 10:22

Hi Guys,

I would really like to be involved with your team events over the year, and time permitting with work then I am sure I can make a fair few of these events this year. I am from Southsea, Portsmouth so imagine I would be in the hampshire's.....

jsut shout if you need some support

Chris

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \sabre tooth putter cover

14 Mar 2010, 13:03

Steve, try giving Callaway a ring www.odysseygolf.com/Global/en-GB/CustomerService/ContactUs.html. They're usually pretty helpful. I said THEY'RE USUALLY PRETTY... Oh never mind...

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \sabre tooth putter cover

12 Mar 2010, 23:41

TRY EBAY YOU CAN BUY MOST THINGS ON THERE

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \ UK Long Drive Series 2010 starting near you NOW..

12 Mar 2010, 13:34

You can now enter online all over europe

www.uklongdriveseries.com

thank you

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \sabre tooth putter cover

12 Mar 2010, 09:27

Hi, ive lost the cover that comes with the sabre tooth putter and cannot find anywhere to buy a replacement. anyone know where i can get one. thanks

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Forums now work okay with Google Chrome

12 Mar 2010, 09:27

Thank you for sorting this out.

Obviously I am going to post this with a few paragraphs.

It seems to be fine.... I see I have emoticons also.. never had those before

Keep up the good work TSG

Site News, Questions, Suggestions and Help\Forums now work okay with Google Chrome

12 Mar 2010, 09:06

Hi All,

We have now sorted the problems with the text editor used when posting a forum response so that it works properly with the internet browser 'Google Chrome' (the paragraphs were being ignored).

Any other problems, let us know.

All the best,
Pete, TSG Golf Team

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Amazing...

12 Mar 2010, 09:03

I was going to delete this spam, but your responses are far to amusing to lose. So I'll delete it later (so that he doesn't benefit from Google Link-backs from us).

Pete, TSG Golf Team

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

12 Mar 2010, 03:35

good man looking forward to running a few ideas by you for team events

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

12 Mar 2010, 01:12

Hello All..... well i have re'name the crown golfers group name and i agree with roger..... regardless of how many people are in the group ( 4 ) players at a time playing a singles match is a good start.

So i could get 4 players to come to South Winchester to play and then then of course the return match at Blue Mountain...so and so with other areas. I have to say though to be fair, a player can ONLY play for 1 county once its all started otherwise it will get silly and un fair.

So get ready to shout....... 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ha ha

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\2 Thumb Putter Grip

11 Mar 2010, 23:23

Been using mine for around a year to and have the pro light version so it didnt affect the balance of my putter. Would find it hard to go back to a normal grip now i like it that much.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Amazing...

11 Mar 2010, 20:17

I agree, If you want to advertise on this forum at least make it a bit more subtle.....we are not still in nappies you know...you will lose business by patronising us!!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Amazing...

11 Mar 2010, 18:29

Not very given you work there. Getting a bit desperate for visitors are you?

Little tip, if you're going to Spam forums as least do it using an alias.

uk.linkedin.com/pub/ergul-sahin/13/656/785

Knob.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\2 Thumb Putter Grip

11 Mar 2010, 16:16

hi
been using mine for a year now wont go back .. short putting it helps alot .. long putts take a bit of getting use too..

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\2 Thumb Putter Grip

11 Mar 2010, 16:08

Hi,

Does / has anyone used the two thumb putter grip and if so, what do you think?

My putting is the worst part of my game and I know there is no substitute for practice but wondered if a two thumb grip would provide me with any assistance. I have quite big hands so I can't comfortably hold the grip with hands side by side which I could do with the two thumb grip.

Any views would be appreciated.

Richard

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Team TSG V The Gloucester Golf Society Match - St Pierre.

10 Mar 2010, 19:34

Great couple of days. Would certainly recommend both courses. Theres a good few holes on both the players and St Piere that i would take completely different clubs from the tee. Lucky with the weather and had a few beers and a laugh on the way. Thanks to Brian and Mark for the organising and count me in for the return match. Steve

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

10 Mar 2010, 16:50

I have serious hearing powers being a dj and i heard my name mentioned...ha ha.....

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

10 Mar 2010, 15:05

Hi everyone please add me to your friends lists if your thinking of starting your area groups i think the easiest way to get the ball rolling would be to start close get everyone to pick courses at a halfway point give plenty of notice ..

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Team TSG V The Gloucester Golf Society Match - St Pierre.

10 Mar 2010, 10:18

I'm gutted, mediocre, middle of the pack score, no nearest the pin, no longest drive, I didn't even win the prize for last place!

But thoroughly enjoyed the day, great course, lovely weather, good company. Thanks to Brian and Mark for organising and looking forward to the rematch.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Two Balls With One Shot!

10 Mar 2010, 01:18

Hi Guys - As I had money on him to finish top 5 and top 10, as the "two ball" incident wasn't his first attempt to get out of the mud - I was choked !!!! Think he ended with a six (triple bogey) by holing out from 15 feet - unfortuneately it was all too late for my flutter by then !!!

You have to laugh

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Two Balls With One Shot!

09 Mar 2010, 15:28

Hope he had a 2 shot penalty...playing the wrong ball!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Team TSG V The Gloucester Golf Society Match - St Pierre.

09 Mar 2010, 09:34

The challenge match held between The Gloucester GS and Team TSG held at St Pierre golf course Monday 8th result Team TSG consisting of 9 TSG members(sadly due to some late withdrawals)3 guest and six Gloucesters players. Took on The Gloucester GS Team of 20 over the Old course.

Scoring was stapleford with the best 15 scores counting for each team.

Team TSG took the Honors with a total of 392 pts against 373pts.

Notable TSG prize winners:
- Ivan - Best score of 35 pts deserved winner who answered a phone call at 10pm Sunday evening from Richard E and drove down from Birmingham Monday morning as a late replacement.

- Steve - took nearest the pin in 2 on the 10th and second best score.

- Gary B - third best score.

- Gary M - nearest pin on the 235 yard 18th (only one to hit the green) best front 9.

- Mark - Longest drive on the 16th (a fantastic drive).

- Richard E - best back 9.

Overall an excellent match held on a very good course, plans are currently in the early stages for the return match with The Gloucester Team coming down to the South East for either August/September. I would like to thank all the TSG Team who made the trip up to St Pierre and a special thanks to Brian from The Gloucesters for doing 99% of the organisation.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Do you throw your golf club when you hit a bad shot?

08 Mar 2010, 22:11

The only way to cure your friend's temper is to walk off the course and tell him when he stops acting like a child you will play with him again.

Tony Silvestri
Dataw Island Club
South Carolina, USA

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Do you throw your golf club when you hit a bad shot?

08 Mar 2010, 20:29

I have been known to throw the odd club now again,ask Roger.Until that is the day i threw a expensive putter costing £135 on a society day,not the dum thing.Now just result to swearing at myself much to the amusement of everyone i play with.I once played in a society day when my mate John hit his golf bag so hard,he snapped his putter head clean off and had to put out the 12 remaining holes,with his 4iron..And they say golf is a social game..By the way Rog your getting worse yuo swear more than me ha ha (joking)

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Do you throw your golf club when you hit a bad shot?

08 Mar 2010, 19:52

I think it might be frustration - my Dad used to throw his clubs all over the place - we've spent ages in the rough looking for a 6,7,8,9 irons. Remember him bending his 9 iron round a tree after one particular bad shot. 'nother time he hit his trolley so hard it bust the wheel - served him right had to carry his big summer bag all the way from the furthest part of the course. He'd still have a good chuck even when he was seniors captain!! I bet he's still throwing his clubs about in heaven. Think you just need to laugh it off with a "what did the club do this time then" I'm sure the individual will get the message eventually.

Andy

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Do you throw your golf club when you hit a bad shot?

08 Mar 2010, 14:45

Thanks Dylan....It's good to have differing points of view!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Two Balls With One Shot!

08 Mar 2010, 09:28

Just sat here watching the US PGA on Sky.

A player (Green) had hit his ball into the edge of a pond.

His golf ball was visible and he decided to play it.

He's put on his waterproof jacket to protect himself.

So he's taken his swing and he hit well behind the ball, big splash of water and his ball popped up about five feet and dropped into the semi-rough in front of him.

When Sky have replayed the shot in slow motion it turns out that two golf balls have come out of the pond!!!

There must have been an old golf ball buried in the mud, and seeing as he hit so far behind his own ball he's collected this other ball at the same time.

You do see some odd things on a golf course!

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \Do you throw your golf club when you hit a bad shot?

08 Mar 2010, 05:27

i have never done that thing ,

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Golf Ball Cleaner

07 Mar 2010, 12:58

lol I didnt keep mine long .

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Golf Ball Cleaner

07 Mar 2010, 12:20

Its called spit 'n' shirt

I had one of those ballzee things once. Total waste of money imho.

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Golf Ball Cleaner

07 Mar 2010, 09:20

ballzee

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

07 Mar 2010, 09:16

lol ... it will only really matter on team event but if one team is light you or anyone can make up the numbers your just playing for that area .. our weeks games will have points but there are a few ways that can work we,ll all have a chat and see how it should be worked..

Golf Equipment, Golf Tips, Golf Advice\Golf Ball Cleaner

07 Mar 2010, 09:15

I did ask this question last year but due to old age I've forgotten the answer!

There is a golf ball cleaner available that works quite well.

If I remember correctly it's a small circular pouch that you put some water in before your round.

Can anybody remember what it's called?

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

07 Mar 2010, 08:52

I was going to offer to set up the Berkshire group, because I live in Reading. But I play at Sherfield Oaks, which is Hampshire! Perhaps someone from Blue Mountain (John, Martin?) Could do this.......Who should I play for Hants Or Berks?.......Highest bidder i suppose!!

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

06 Mar 2010, 22:38

I've just opened the surrey group i will be looking to join other areas group as well as being happy to see other members joining surrey .. looking forward to some great golf matches .. thanks for all the support .. maybe social golfer could do a group leader board too ..

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

06 Mar 2010, 22:09

Sounds good to me, this is going better then i thought. Four areas covered already come on berkshire.
great to have you on board Essex.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

06 Mar 2010, 20:56

I already run a winter and summer league over in Romford, so you could say the Essex section is already up and running.

All we need is the venue(s) for the county games.

How about each county puts in a team of players and then you get points for you finishing position, or stableford points, could even go down the matchplay route.

Russ

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

06 Mar 2010, 18:42

At the moment its not letting me start the group .. keep the cider cold .. dont forget Addington Court and Orpington down the road .

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

06 Mar 2010, 18:20

They are almost across the road from each other and whilst Chelsfield lakes is nice it's a bit 'open', Brokehill Park is much better.

The Kent boys & gals will be ready.

General Golf Chat / The 19th Hole \crown golf social golfer league

06 Mar 2010, 17:52

Dont forget guests will be welcome at all events and so will the discount they,ll get as members guest. Its run by us thats why its a crown league.