After yet another short season, we are now truly into
what are the winter months where darkness and poor weather inhibits our
addiction to playing on the fairways – and thank goodness! For many Scottish
golfers we have a culture of putting the clubs away and succumbing to the
weather overtaking, although for some diehards , we are out there battling
the elements no matter what, but the happy medium I am going to suggest
would seem much more sensible and help you to improve your golf for the
season to come. It is ironic we envy those in a ‘better’ climate and wish we
could be there too, when actually we should feel sorry for those people! –
I’m sure you are now questioning my sanity but all will now be revealed.
The bottom line is: if we played all year round we would
never get the chance to work on our game productively. For those who do play
constantly, they become confused as to what they should be doing and how
they are going to play their best shot. They never get the chance to rectify
this because they are continually trying to hit the ball and play the game!
So, here is the winter and your chance to work on your
game and get it in shape for the season ahead. The average handicap has not
improved over the past 20 years and that is down to the repetition of the
same poor habits, lets try and change that together.
Firstly you need to analyse what your greatest needs are,
then you need to formulate a practice plan to work on over the winter
months. Practicing can always be done no matter what the weather outdoors –
so NO excuses! To analyse your game you have to look back at your past
season and be honest about what you need to work on. All parts of your game
should be put into your plan but you might like to prioritise what needs
most attention – this way you will benefit from the improvements sooner. We
often practice what we are best at and shy away from the elements we
struggle with but this is not what is going to help us achieve our
potential. Formulating a plan can be done for all levels of golfer, this
will allow you to build a routine, cover all areas of the game and you may
also measure your improvement. Your plan should be regular, consistent and
progressive.
Throughout the season we should continue to check our
approach to the game and our technique and after a winter of productive
practice – this will be easier to remain focussed on the relevant areas and
what we are trying to achieve.
There we have it ‘Winter – a
Golfers’ Best Friend!’ – If you should need any help or guidance
with the above you can contact me at the academy, my details are below. If
you book a lesson, I can formulate your plan for you and help you on your
way to becoming a better golfer and of course be there to support you
through the season all the way to achieving your potential!
I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at the
academy soon.
During the month of December, the Academy are going to
help you practice!
With every Lesson Programme purchased you will get money
on your membership card to use for your practice balls!
Example:
Purchase Programme 1 – Adult 6 1hour lessons and
receive and ‘eagle’ card worth £50
Or
Purchase Programme 3 – Adult 6 half hour lessons
and receive a ‘birdie’ card worth £25
If you are serious about your practice – this is an
opportunity not to be missed!
Gift Vouchers Available
Contact the Academy reception desk for further
details.
Karyn Burns
PGA Golf Professional
Mearns Castle Golf Academy
Waterfoot Road
Newton Mearns
G77 5RR
Email: karynburns@yahoo.com
Academy telephone: 0141 644 8200