Don't chunk your chips
Chipping isn't complicated, but a lot of golfers make it so. One issue I see is that they stand too far from the ball, like they're hitting an iron shot. From there, the club swings around the body on a circular arc good for the full swing but bad for chipping. That bigger motion makes you slow the club down before impact for fear of hitting the ball too far. You wind up chunking it.
To simplify things, get closer to the ball with the shaft more vertical. Feel like the club head is up on its toe. This sets up a straighter swing path, with the clubface always looking down the line you want to hit the ball, not rotating open and closed. Plus, the swing will be shorter, so less can go wrong.
Try this routine: First, step in with your back foot, directly across from the ball and about 10 inches from it. Then, aim the clubface at your target. Finally, step in with your front foot that'll help settle your weight forward, where it needs to be throughout the swing. Make sure the shaft is leaning a bit toward the target, and then it's just a simple brush back and through.
How to add feel...
I use my putting grip when chipping because it gives me better feel and little chips are serious feel shots. It also gets me in a putting mind-set, feeling more "over the ball" and zoned in on a target. All you're trying to do is get the ball over the grass in front of you and let it run out. Why land it on the green instead of the fringe? The bounce is more predictable.
Come in the shop and have a chat with myself, Jack and/or Glenn and improve your short game.
The second Major of the year
Erin Hills takes centre stage this week as the US Open rolls into town for the very first time.
It's probably the closest course America has to a links course we see every year at The Open with its tremendously undulating greens and fairways, not to mention the ridiculous 8,100 yardage from the back tees. Be sure to click on our Video of the Week here to view the course for yourself.
So who's in with a chance of winning? Well, accuracy off the tee is going to be paramount; not just to give the pros the best opportunity to hit the right portion of the green, but also because if they're two yards wide of the fairway then they're sure to be hacking out sideways from the two-feet tall rough.
Reigning champion Dustin Johnson is the unsurprising favourite heading into the week having been in incredible from with three wins already this year. Can you see past the world number one?
Rory McIlroy has criticised the cutting of heavy rough two days before the start of the US Open after players posted videos of the knee-length grass. Click here to read more.
Book your place!
You are all cordially invited to help us in the pro shop to celebrate my 5th year here at the Club with our first ever 'Pro's Day' here at Thurlestone.
We have a fantastic day planned with a Mixed Vegas Scramble during the day and a buffet and a live band planned for the evening!!
The competition format will be a Mixed 'Vegas' Scramble Competition with teams of 4 players (any combination). Each player will be numbered 1-4 and will all tee off on each hole. Once everyone has tee'd off you then role a dice and if 1-4 is rolled then this will be the persons drive you must take. If 5 or 6 is rolled then you can choose from all 4 drives.
We will have £1000 worth of prizes on the day so we are hoping for a good turn out. If you would like to put your name down then go onto the online booking and enter your team.
The buffet meal is included in the separate evening ticket, with live music from 'Filthy Gorgeous'.
Is all set to be a great day and evening!
Father's Day
We have a great deal on the FootJoy Contour Casual shoes heading into summer. The shoes feature an all leather upper and waterproof guarantee whilst maintaining a very comfortable spikeless sole design. These are an excellent option heading into summer and with £20 OFF now is the perfect time to buy! We have a good size run in both black and white but with stock limited, head in now before you miss out!
If it's a spiked shoe that you're looking for, we have the FootJoy DNA Shoe also on sale. At just
£99 it is
£50 OFF the usual price, featuring an extremely soft full leather upper and eye catching design, it's not a shoe to be missed!
Galvin Green SaleWe have some excellent offers in store on Galvin Green Jackets. With Gore-Tex Waterproof jackets starting at just
£149.99 with a lifetime Gore-Tex guarantee, it is a superb offer! These truly are the very best waterproofs on the market so a great opportunity to buy at a reduced price. We hope you wont have to use them but at least you know you'll be coming home dry if so!
Alternatively we have lots of other gift ideas in store ranging in price, you can even purchase vouchers for lessons or shop credit. If you're stuck for some ideas, why not pop in so we can help!