ROWGC Finals Day 2020

Congratulations to all finals day players, it was another fantastic day for the club with some great golf on display. This really is the pinnacle day for any ROWGC member and to reach the finals is a huge achievement in itself.

The winners of the competitions were as follows ...

CompetitionWinner(s)

Mens Club Championship - Cameron Haines
Ladies Club Championship - Rhian McGinley
Ladies Bronze Scratch Cup - Pam Duke
Ladies 18 Hole Knockout - Ruth Kirchmeier
Huggett Putter - June Savidge
Yates Cup - David Warwick
Len Weston Trophy - Steve Woods
Trevor Lane Cup - David Warwick
Hospital Cup - Paul Warwick
Harold Bradley Cup - Andrew Reeves
Cinderford Cup - Richard Moore & Jason Gale

Congratulations to all the winners and obvious commiserations to all those who came so close but lost in their respective finals.

A number of competitions were unable to be decided on Saturday and the winners of these will be emailed out as soon as they have all been completed.

ROWGC Press Officer Keith Ray has already written the report on the mens final which i have included below. The ladies final report will feature in next weeks newsletter.

'Cam & Tim Make Worthy Finalists'

It reflected well on the Ross Club's Competitions Committee combined with the 'collective spirit' of members from all sections, that the pandemic did not prevent the traditional Annual Knock-Out Finals Day of matches from taking place. Social distancing regulations in place did mean however that the Trophy Presentation evening which in normal times completes a marvellous occasion had to wait for another day.

As customary there were some intriguing contests for members to savour with the 36 holes men's singles final to decide the 2020 Men Club Champion bringing together two in-form players in 20 years old reigning Champion Cam Haines, a scratch handicap player and 4 handicapper Tim Wyatt. However, Tim is no stranger to major honours board successes winning a hat-full in his 2012 season and he added to his collection only recently when he won the Winston Wildsmith Salver in which 136 members took part.

While most of their morning 18 holes session promised a close match, in his winning 3 of the last 6 holes, Cam was best placed to enjoy his lunch break being 4 holes up at the half-way stage. The afternoon round saw Cam make a blistering start with 2 birdies in the first 3 holes and after 27 holes he stood on the verge of victory. Cam and Tim ultimately exchanged acknowledgements on the 11th green enabling Cam to celebrate his 3rd Ross Club Men Champion status in the past 4 years. For Cam, a former Ross Juniors Captain, he is a real credit to the Gorsley based Club and to himself and can reflect upon an ongoing highly meaningful golfing career since he joined in 2014 as a 16 handicapper. In this respect Cam will point to being in the care of the Ross Club's Head Professional Tim Hall and his School of Golf Academy team and their 'continuous improvement' culture as having provided the key ingredients.

In the final of the Harold Bradley Cup, affectionately known as the Rabbits Cup being for players with handicaps 18+ Andrew Reeves found himself competing against a newcomer in Joe Hiram. Joe has enjoyed an impressive first season with the Ross Club including being runner-up with 40 points in his inaugural competitive seniors stableford event in June, shortly after 'Project restart' in which 137 players took part. With both Andrew and Joe sporting 20 handicaps the scene was set for a good tussle although on the day it was Andrew who enjoyed his first taste of silverware with a 4/3 victory. Like Club Champion Cam Haines, it was typical of Andrew to graciously dedicate his success to the short-game learning he has received from Tim Hall's School of Golf team and in particular Oli Leett, their specialized Aimpoint Level 3 Putting coach who is highly rated nationally within the industry.  

Pro's Prize Dates Announced

What better way to learn to play better golf than watching and playing with your professional out where it matters. Your professional team here at the club are all very much looking forward to getting out their and doing battle against each other and hopefully treating you to some great golf along the way.

The Format -

Teams 4 - Waltz Sford / 75% Handicap / Double points on Par 3’s
Entry fee is £3 per player
Prizes awarded on 1st April 2020 -
1st place F9
2nd place F9
1st place B9
2nd place B9

Here are the dates for January & February -

Tim’s
Thurs 9th Jan @ 10am
Wed 15th Jan @ 9am
Fri 24th Jan @ 2pm
Mon 3rd Feb @ 10am
Thurs 20th Feb @ 1pm
Fri 28th Feb @ 2pm

Oli
Mon 20th Jan @ 2pm
Mon 27th Jan @ 2pm
Wed 5th Feb @ 2pm
Thurs 13th Feb 2pm
Mon 24th Feb 2pm

James
Fri 10th Jan @ 9am
Thurs 16th Jan @ 9am
Mon 20th Jan @ 9am
Mon 3rd Feb @ 12noon
Wed 12th Feb @ 9am
Mon 24th Feb @ 8am

Neil -
Thurs 16th Jan @ 2pm
Thurs 13th Feb @ 2pm

Niall -
Mon 6th Jan @ 10am

To book any of the above time slots please click here

The 2019 THSG Short Game Weekend

Its one of the most anticipated weekends of the coaching calendar for THSG pupils, yes the Short game weekend is back and this year…..BIGGER and BETTER. We are so excited to bring you the very latest theory behind making all shots from 100 yards and in easier for you!! Don't forget the average golfer takes around 75% of his/her shots from 100yards and in......Dont you think its time to get good at this part of the game!?? 

If your serious about improving this weekend simply can not be missed!! Our THSG short game festival which runs from Friday 19th - Sunday 21st July is your ticket to improvement in 2019 and beyond. 

Myself and the team have designed an improvement program that caters for all golfers that need help from 100 yards and in. Our sole focus is to offer clinics both on and off the course that cover all aspects of approach play and the short game. We are even offering special clinics with our putting guru Oli Leett who will be on hand giving expert advice on the flatstick. 

Our clinics will be held in a group format that will be limited to just 6 golfers. Sign up will be on a first come first serve basis. We want to create an interactive learning environment that will help us work closely with each pupil within the group. Our group clinics are always well subscribed so if you want to sign upto any of the below please don't hesitate. We will be charging our normal group clinic of £10 p/p, per clinic. 

All weekend we will be doing demonstrations using the Vokey SM7 wedges and Scotty Cameron range. If you would like to book a VIP fitting over that weekend, please get in touch.     

Here is the Itinerary of the weekend - 

Friday 19th July  

11am-12noon - The Only Bunker Lesson You Will Ever Need..!  
If you struggle out of the sand and want to learn more about how easy this shot can become then sign up to this clinic. We will take you through the basics and give you an insight into how the tour players play this shot so well. 
CLICK HERE to sign up

1pm-2pm - Improve Your Bunker Mentality - Problem Shots  
We will cover all shots from greenside bunkers with just one club and explain the reasons why the pros on TV make it look so easy. We will cover plugged ball, high/low shots, playing out of different sands and varying the length of shot.
CLICK HERE to sign up

2pm-3pm - Putting - Learning From The Pro’s  
Our putting specialist Oli will take you through the attributes of a great putter and what we can learn from the worlds best. He will explain how you can take these attributes and apply them in your game, helping you hole more putts and improve confidence in your all round game.
CLICK HERE to sign up

3pm-4pm - Putting - Practice Properly Don't Waste Your Practice Time
We are massive on making everyones practice time more useful and new research has certainly showed us that there is a real skill to practising properly. Don't waste you practice time on the putting green, Oli will take you through the perfect 60 minute practice session. 
CLICK HERE to sign up

4pm-5pm - How To Use Bounce When Chipping & Pitching
Understanding the term 'Bounce' and using it in technique could be the secret to unlocking your short game. We will cover all shots in and around the green (inside 30yards) with just one club and explain the reasons why the pros on TV make it look so easy. You will walk away from the session with clarity and a formula that is easy to understand. 
CLICK HERE to sign up FULLY BOOKED


5-00pm - 7-00pm -On Course Problem Shots & Q&A With Tim
Tim will be taking this session out on the course, where it matters…!! He will be covering all shots from 60yards and in. This session will be all about those problem shots, low, high, medium shots, in bunkers, over bunkers…..you name it, we will go through it. We will also leave 30minutes for a Q and A back in the clubhouse talking through those key decisions.

CLICK HERE to sign up FULLY BOOKED

5-00pm-7-00pm - On Course Putting & Q&A With Oli
Oli will be giving a practical insight into putting out on the course, going through key pre shot processes, playing on slopy greens, tackling green reading and adapting your game to differing green speeds. He will also be joining up with the other group in clubhouse for a Q & A.
CLICK HERE to sign up

Saturday 20th July

10am-11am - The Only Bunker Lesson You Will Ever Need…!   
Same as above.....
CLICK HERE to sign up

11am-12noon - How To Use Bounce When Chipping & Pitching
Same as above .....
CLICK HERE to sign up

12-30pm-1-30pm - Distance Wedges - Know Your Numbers   
Did you know from 100yards the tour average is around 10ft from the hole?? Pretty impressive, hey ?? Their distance control is the most impressive part of this and this doesn't just come down to feel, they have a bullet proof system which we will cover in this session. We will cover all shots from 100-30yards. During this session we will be working with our GC2 launch monitors so you will have accurate information on your yardages from the key the distances. 
CLICK HERE to sign up FULLY BOOKED

12-30pm-1-30pm - Putting Under Pressure
Take your 'A' game to the course, its what the PGA Tour players do so well!! Oli will give you an insight into the processes that involved pre-swing, these processes will include the crucial steps that need to be taken when preparing for all putts. He will touch on the importance of green reading, positive visualisation, positive self talk, breathing and our think/play box theory. 
CLICK HERE to sign up

2pm-3pm - Putting - Is your grip holding you back
We see a whole range of grips on the PGA tour, but which are better than others. Oli will take you through the pro's and con's of the different grips in putting. He will explain the importance of grip pressure, placement and how this has a direct influence on the outcome. 
CLICK HERE to sign up

3-00pm-5-00pm - Putting -Aimpoint Express Clinic   
This new green reading method has certainly taken the golfing world by storm. Oli is one of the few coaches in the UK that is fully qualified to coach this method and for this weekend only, he is charging £50 for this two hour clinic.

** PLEASE NOTE this is a 2 hour clinic for £50 per person **

CLICK HERE to sign up

Sunday 21st July

2pm-3pm - Zone In Your Approach Play
Distance wedges is often overlooked in practice but is an area i get asked about all the time. During this session we will cover distance control and give you a system that suits your game, we will delve into the importance of set-up and the key roles they play in controlling shot trajectory. We will also touch on the basic swing principles that we look for in this unique stye of shot.

CLICK HERE to sign up

3pm-4pm - Improve Your Bunker Mentality - Problem Shots   
Same as above

CLICK HERE to sign up

Don't forget we will be limiting these group clinics to just 6 golfers so sign up now. Please bring 9iron-LW to all clinics except for the putting ones. 

Please be aware that pre-payment for these clinics is compulsory. 

We will also be looking to add to these clinics in due course depending on early bird bookings. 

THSG Equipment Testers Report

Its been a busy start to the 2019 season for the top manufacturers, their has been some awesome product releases from Ping with the G410, Taylormade with their M5 & M6 range and Titleist with their TS project family.

Sometimes we get bias reviews on these products from various media sources within the Industry, here at the THSG we have our own panel of testers and this week we are looking at drivers….!!! In particular the G410, M5 and TS2/TS3.

First up we had ROWGC member Tim Rigden file his report on the highly anticipated Ping G410 driver. The G410 comes in two different heads the SFT (straight flight technology) and the plus head.

Tim’s Report -

I am pleased to have the opportunity to offer the following observations on the new Ping G410.

Currently, my handicap is 11 and I am playing with a Nike VRS Covert which has an 11 degree flight, a stiff shaft and more often than not I use a Titleist Pro V1X.

The Ping G410 was matched with a 12 degree flight and a slightly open set up and again to give it a fair test I used the Titleist Pro V1X golf ball.

First impression  -  it looks good, which is hugely important for me, it is well balanced and is very comfortable in the set up and having a matt grey/black head negates any dazzle on a bright, sunny day!

When using this driver from the tee, with an orange castle, the sound of the ball strike had a very pleasing resonance and not all tinny or clumpy.  For me the sound and look of any club is very important from a confidence, point of view, and the mental aspect.

The Ping G410 had an excellent high flight and a tight angle of dispersion which enabled me to obtain good distance, approximately 10-15 metres further than my current club.

Overall, it was an extremely pleasing and enjoyable driver to play with and if I was in the market for a new driver, then it would be one that would be well worth considering, not withstanding the price.

ROWGC member Andy Baldwin was up next testing the new Taylormade M6 driver. Taylormade always have huge presence on tour with some of the worlds best players playing their products inducing Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods….to name just a few!!

Andy’s Report -

I currently use a PING G Series Driver (SF Tec 10 degrees) and the M6 i tried out was set up to give a similar loft to my PING.

First impressions of the M6 were that it was a well balanced club that felt good to swing and in that it seemed similar to my own club.

However as a relatively high handicap golfer (19) the big problem I had with the club was its lack of forgiveness, if I got the sweet spot it went really well and the "Twist Face" did seem to straighten the shots out a bit.

If I didn't get the sweet spot - which didn't seem all that large to me - then it all went horribly wrong, much worse that my own PING

The ball flight was also similar (when it came out the middle) quite a high trajectory from a 10.5 degree setting, distance off the tee was longer than my current club - but not much maybe 5 yards.

In summary a good well made club but probably aimed at the low handicapper who can consistently hit it out of the middle. With a price tag of £440 it is not an investment i will be making.

Steve Jones - THSG Pupil / Tested the new TS2 Titleist driver set-up 10.5 tensei blue - stiff shaft

I play off a 17 handicap and have always struggled with a driver off the tee, short and wild is not a good mix around any course and in the past i often just settled with using my 4iron just to keep it in play.

I was a little bit fearful of being a tester for a driver because this area of the game has plagued me for years…….I bit the bullet and tested out the new Titleist TS2 driver set up with a stiff shaft and 10.5 loft. My previous driver is a Callaway Rogue and as mentioned i have never got on with it.

As soon as i put the TS2 behind the ball i gained confidence, the looks are sleek and streamline and gave me an inner confidence that this area of the game could improve. Upon on strike it felt solid and with the adjustments in the shaft i started to get rid of my slice. Tim set it up on a draw setting and my it made a difference.

Never before have i hit the ball so well off the tee, the TS2 made a huge difference and i reckon i was 20-30yards further. This confused me as i was now hitting 3 clubs shorter into the greens!!! First time out in testing i shot under my handicap for the first time in 8months……For me the testing was a real eye opener, Titleist have come up trumps and made a driver that sorted out my slice and helped me gain yards…..so much so i have booked in for a custom fit with Tim to purchase one myself!!

John Palmer ROWGC Member - Ping G410 SFT driver 10.5 degree

Tested by John Palmer, senior, handicap 12.7. played for 40 years.

Current driver Ping G25 - 10.5 degree

First impressions on sight was very good.

The head is shallower and less bulky than the G25 and with the turbulators give it a more streamlined look.

The club feels light and nicely balanced.

It is comfortable to play with and seems easier to swing and to generate a greater speed.

On impact it produces a nice sound with a high ball trajectory and straight. The weight in the head obviously getting rid of any fade. Distance is slightly longer than the G25 probably due to the 410 going straight and the slight fade i usually get with my existing driver.

The only drawback i found, when i tried to fade a shot, the ball went straight out at an angle which is a problem for example the 11th hole around the tree.

Overall:- a beautifully balanced club with straight flight and high trajectory. An ideal driver for anyone who tends to slice.

Thank you to all the testers that took part in the driver testing. It makes a huge difference listening to real golfers give their honest opinions on these latest clubs. Hopefully this will help you shape your decisions when it comes to purchasing a new driver in the future. If you would like any further information on custom fitting or club testing please see one of the team.

Everyone Loves A THSG Quiz!

For the first time ever at the THSG we are holding a ‘golf inspired quiz night’ on Wednesday 5th April, the eve of the 2017 Masters. This quiz will have everything and is certainly for EVERYONE, no matter what the age and IQ level!! 

With six quick fire rounds and as usual a THSG twist this promises to be a fantastic evening to kick off the season. All proceeds raised will be donated to the development of junior golf at the club. 

We are looking for teams of 4 which can consist of both members and non members.

* £10 per person including a curry and prizes

* Meet at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm prompt start.

To ENTER your team please CLICK HERE

Payment must be paid in the pro shop prior to the event.