February 2024 Newsletter

28 February 2024 · By Chris Crowder

A frost-covered putting green and flag, with bare trees in a misty winter landscape.

Hello everyone I hope your all keeping warm this winter and managing to work on your game or mindset.

Some things for to consider in the off season.

Course Management and Expectation
Fitness
The Correct Equipment

I discuss all 3 in a little more detail below.

Three Video Tips this month

Tip 1 – Best putting advice you have ever heard
Tip 2 – Stop Slicing
Tip 3 – How to play a chip and run

Club Adjustment & Repairs. For Price List Follow Link.

Club Repairs

Chris working on a golf club at a workshop bench fitted with club-adjustment equipment.

Course Management

DECADE dispersion plot of a tour player’s 7-iron shots: blue landing points scatter around a red target rather than clustering exactly on it; the article describes a spread of 34 yards wide and 20 yards long.

Above is the shot pattern of a USPGA Tour Player hitting a 7iron. The image is taken from Decade Golf by Scott Fawcett.

What it demonstrates is the randomness of a shot pattern even by a Tour Professional.

This was taken during a practice session. No wind, no pressure trying to hit the same shot. This is about the best shot pattern you’re likely to see. Yet the widest shots are 34 yards apart and long too short is 20 yards apart.

Scott jokingly says in his seminar the only place the ball didn’t go is the intended target. Tiger once said “as a professional golfer I have never aim directly at the flag”

Firstly – I recommend getting a realistic view of your shot pattern. Shape, distance and dispersion. Driving ranges are fantastic for gathering data like this. Secondly – picking realistic targets and managing your expectations “Pick a conservative target with a cocky swing, not a cocky target with a conservative swing!”

Fitness

Stretch for Better Golf exercise poster: illustrated stretches for trunk rotation and mobility, shoulders, chest, wrists and forearms, calves, spine and hips, plus balance exercises. Sequences show a golfer holding a club to guide the movements.

I don’t believe you have to be an Elite Athlete to play really great golf. However how can you get the best out of yourself. Three areas I concentrate on.

Strength – I lift weights 3 x week 35 minute sessions
Cardio – I feel I get this from walking the dog playing many holes of golf.
Flexibility – stretching and mobility work. I do prior to practise or playing.

Hopefully my routine helps me on and off the course.

Equipment

I discussed this in the last newsletter. I just think it’s worth experimenting in the winter to be ready for the season. Is your equipment fitted for you? Have you the correct gapping throughout your set? Have you got the correct clubs for the shots you need?

Also do you have a range finder? the correct golf balls to suit your game etc. What could have a positive impact on your game this season?

Next month I will share with you what I will have in the bag for the 2024 season.

A full set of golf equipment laid out on grass: woods, irons, wedges, putter, balls, gloves, shoes, accessories and a golf bag.

Video Tip #1

Best Putting Advice you have Heard

Best putting advice you have ever heard

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Watch “Best putting advice you have ever heard” on YouTube (external site). If playback is unavailable, try this link.

Video Tip #2

How to Fix Slice

How To Stop Slicing. Why some golfers slice!

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Watch “How To Stop Slicing. Why some golfers slice!” on YouTube (external site). If playback is unavailable, try this link.

Video Tip #3

How to play a chip and run

Low running chip shot

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Watch “Low running chip shot” on YouTube (external site). If playback is unavailable, try this link.

For lesson info and prices please follow link. Price list & Gift ideas (historical JPEG)

Clinics

In addition to 1-1 coaching

I also run monthly clinics from April to September 2024

Each clinic has a dedicated theme that I believe will have a positive impact and really improve your game and scoring this year.

Each clinic is limited to 6 to 8 pupils and will be 3 hours long. Time 5pm to 8pm.

Monday 15th April – Short Game Secrets
Monday 6th May – Playing Better on the course
Monday 10th June – Short Game Secrets
Monday 15th July – Playing Better on the course
Monday 12th August – Short Game Secrets
Monday 9th September – Playing Better on the course

Contact me via email or phone to book

If you need any further information, contact me via call, text or email:

Reserve your place on a coaching clinic

Enquire about current coaching