Getting the correct swing path

An often overlooked part of the backswing and a big key to a better swing plane is ensuring you load the right glute. This happens as a result of correctly shifting your weight to your rear side (right leg for right hander) during the backswing. 

The most common fault golfers make is shifting their weight to the rear side but not keeping enough flex in the rear leg and as a result they don't engage their right glute muscle. 

Make sure when you shift to the right during the backswing that you retain some flex in your right leg and feel a slight stretch in your right glute. When you do this you have maintained the swing plane through the first half of the golf swing.

As you commence the downswing it's vital you maintain all the good work you've done in the first half of the golf swing. There's a vital part to this to ensure you keep your swing on plane.

As you shift your weight to the front leg (left leg for right hander) make sure you maintain the flex in both knees. When you do this right, you'll fix one of the biggest problems I see in golfers swings that negatively affects their swing plane. Maintain the knee flex, keeping your butt out or engaged and make sure the right foot is down on the ground until the point of impact.


 

The Open Sweepstake

The pro shop is offering a unique deal as part of The Open sweepstake. Of the 156 squares available on the board, each person receives either a FREE sleeve of Titleist Pro V1 (valued at £12.50) or Velocity golf balls. 

If you pick an even number you get the Pro V1's, an odd number gets a sleeve of Velocity's.

Even better, the first prize is a custom fit set of Titleist irons, second receives the new Titleist Vokey SM6 wedge, and third place receives 2 dozen Pro V1 Open edition golf balls. 

All this for just £10 per square.

 

New additions to the Sale Rail! 

- Ashworth, FootJoy and Puma shirts all available with upto 50% OFF these items!


Puma Offer

- FREE Puma shoe bag with ANY purchase of Puma waterproof shoes.


 

Sheila Dornan, Colchester Golf Club's ladies' captain, held her Captain's Day competition last week just a day after heavy rain. Despite the underfoot conditions the sun did her proud and the day went well.

The winning team with a score of 98 points were Philippa Deman, Heather Dennis, Bridget Whitworth and Annie Johnston. In a close competition Sheena Nunny, Jan Murray, Wendy Smith and Janet Austin came in second just one point behind.

With the same margin third place went to Chris Clarke, Maureen Devenish, Linda Freeman and Judith Robertson. Again just one point behind on 95 points in fourth place were Adrienne Strover, Rosie Helliwell, Gill Minns and Penny Fairs.

Nearest the pin prizes went to Cherie Clarke on the 8th and Claire Withnall on the 16th. Rosie Helliwell took the putting prize.

David Drake kept his nose ahead of the chasing pack last weekend when he won the Essex County Standard Silver at Colchester Golf Club.

First presented in 1984, this year must have been played in the wettest conditions of them all, with almost 175mm of rain falling on the course in the previous three weeks and 58mm on the preceding Wednesday and Thursday. The fact it was held at all is a minor miracle and a very positive reflection of the course and the greenkeeping staff.

It was even more appropriate that Drake won, as during the course of the day a deluge caused many to walk off the course as it almost became waterlogged.

Nevertheless, his nett 69 from his 17 handicap was just the one shot clear of six others who all returned a nett 70, impressive for all in the conditions.

Shaun Holmes (10) was deemed runner up after the countback with Julian Munson (9) in third. Adam Lock (6) was fourth with others sharing the same score being Richard Withnall (4), Steve Bozier (12) and Andrew Smith (8).

The Vets continue with their friendlies having mixed results. After an 8&0 defeat away to Burnham on Crouch, a home win over Colne Valley 6&2 gave them some relief.

The ladies Silver Trophy team in a match played at Stapleford Abbotts lost out 4&1 to a home side excelling on their own greens. The team however turned the tables when hosting a strong team from Boyce Hill whose handicaps were all less than Colchester's. However in the match, played off scratch, Colchester came out winners by 4&1.