Greetings golfers, in this week's newsletter...

- Sponsor a junior follow up 
- Turn your old clubs into cash 
- How to Practice 
- Something a bit different 
- A note from the Match Captain

 

Sponsor a Junior follow up. 

I feel I need to start this week's newsletter by saying how overwhelmed I have been by the incredible generosity of people regarding our 'Sponsor A Junior scheme'. It really has been a phenomenal response by not only members of Llanwern but also several lesson clients of mine as well. It really does mean such a lot to myself, Paul and the entire junior section the support you have shown. The money will be put to very good use and we will keep you updated throughout the season. 

Once again a massive thank you to everybody. 

We have a packed fixture list this year with tournaments and fun events planned for most weekends during the season. Please do get in touch if you would like more information on junior coaching or how to join our Juniors. We will publish the Jnr Fixture list in the next couple of weeks.

   

     

    

 

Ebay advert 

Does this picture look familiar? Old clubs lying around gathering dust in the garage? We can sell them for you on Ebay and put the money on your shop account. 

Simply drop them into the shop and we do the rest. (T&C's apply) 

 

How to Practice 

It's that wonderful time of year when we start thinking of getting our game in shape with some well overdue practice. Depending on how you go about your practice sessions will ultimately determine if you improve or not. Below are a few of my thoughts on how you should practice more efficiently and ultimately effectively.

Ask yourself this question. Do you practice or do you just exercise? If you answer NO to any of the following questions then the answer is exercise! Fine if you want to get fit but not if you want to improve. 

1. Do you plan your practice session? 
2. Do you structure your practice session? 
3. Do you review your practice session? 

Trying to juggle the life/ work balance is always difficult so ensure that your precious hour or two of practice time is productive and not wasted by just hitting balls. 

1. Always plan your session. What are you hoping to achieve. It may be better distance control, working on a grip change, posture etc. Always have an objective. 
2. Structure the session. Time it, break it up, do not hit 70 balls in 15 mins, you will gain nothing from this.
3. Review it. After the session, take a couple of mins to think what went well, what could be improved, what did you actually learn and what will I change next time. 

How do I practice productively and efficiently? 

To learn a new motor skill it needs to be practiced. There are two types of practice. 1. Mass practice 2. Random/ interleaved. Most people use mass practice, that is why they temporarily remember the new skill but do not retain it in the long term. Hitting more than twenty balls with the same objective will not be efficient in terms of retention. When using a new motor skill the muscles are not used to working in a certain way or pattern so they fatigue quickly and you will return to the old way. This happens after about 15 balls. If you have time restraints you need efficiency in your practice. 

Structure your session - (below is a great structured practice session) 

- Warm up 
- 15 balls working on specific motor skill, using routines and drills 
- 15 balls working on different skill, maybe chipping 
- 15 balls working on original skill hitting one ball to one target then changing your choice of target and club after every shot 
- 15 balls working on another skill perhaps pitching. Never more than 15 balls for 1 skill. 
- Review session 

If you can't get to the range 6 one minute drills per day will quickly lead to skill retention. 

Make your sessions, interesting, fun and challenging. Practice should not have to be a chore. Good luck.

For more information or to book a lesson click here.

 

Something a bit different 

A little bit of fun for you this week. Some of you hardcore golfing traditionalists out there may not like this video, but I think it shows the camaraderie of the players out on Tour. 

Watch as Sullivan, Pieters, Uihlein and Wiesberger take on this brilliant challenge.

Please click here to view the video. 

 

A note from the Match Captain 

Please click here to read a small note from our Match Captain. 

It contains information on knockout competition entry and several important fixtures throughout the season.