Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2016 i Golf Monthly

Surely only the most pessimistic golfer could fail to get excited by the start of the golfing year. It's a time that, to me, always feels full of possibilities and potential. If the 2015 season was a vintage one for you, there's the belief you can carry that form on. If your performances over the past 12 months were forgettable, this is a chance to start afresh. Wherever you are coming from, 2016 really could be your year! With all this optimism around, it's no wonder the golf-equipment manufacturers schedule most of their new launches for the early part of the year. I don't believe there's a golfer out there who doesn't wonder whether a new driver or putter in the bag might make a difference to their game this…

The end of an era? With an unusually sombre press release from Tiger Woods casting doubt on when he will be back playing golf, the forum discussed whether this is finally the end of the road. Crow reflected that he had never heard him “so negative and downbeat” and the absence of his usual levels of resilience and optimism were a cause for concern for other forum members. Sweep commented: “He seemed very downbeat which I don't think I have seen before. It's not looking good, but let's wait and see and hope!” Slab certainly hoped he would be able to get fit enough to “play for the love of the game” at the very least, but Imurg wondered, “Would he ever be content to be a journeyman?” He continued…

Photography: Michael Denker Talk us through your plans for 2016, and what you’ve been up to recently… I've been doing stuff with Sky Sports, which has been really good fun. I've really enjoyed doing a few bits in the studio. I'm just focusing on that sort of work, and also doing some things to help grow the game of golf. I was part of the 'This Girl Golfs' campaign recently, which is something I'm really proud of. Hopefully that's worked well and helped with getting young people into the game, and more specifically more girls into the game. I think women's golf is going places at the moment so it's a really exciting time. You’re passionate about making golf more accessible to young girls. Tell us about some of the…

Photography Mark Newcombe Angles within the golf swing are, in principle, what make it all work. Good angles stem from a good grip, which brings motion and freedom. So I would advocate a nice neutral grip because it offers full mobility in terms of wrist hinge and rotation, lines your wrists up properly and puts your hands in a very free position. With a strong grip, where the left hand sits too much on top and the right hand too much underneath, the capacity to hinge becomes very limited. But golfers always find a way to do this somehow, and will invariably hinge the clubhead too much behind them on the way back, keeping the clubhead low to the ground. Reverse those hand positions and the weak grip also offers…

Photography Paul Severn “It’s possible to let one or two bad experiences get to you, but as a European Tour player, you should be good enough to find a way around any golf course” Given free choice, I would say that the type of golf course that would give me the best chance of success would generally be soft – not 'spinny' soft, but just soft. And driving is my strength, so I also like drivers' courses where there's a real emphasis on strong play off the tee. But beyond that I'm not really sure. I tend to play well at St Andrews, but that's just a good feeling about the course. That doesn't always work though – The Majlis is a perfect course for me, but I haven't had…

In November 1961, Jack Nicklaus announced he was turning professional. It was a big decision for the 21-year-old. He was a new father and, after he won a second US Amateur title just a few months earlier, he maintained he would remain amateur and pursue a career in a more predictable profession. But Nicklaus had some assurance in the shape of Mark McCormack. Arnold Palmer's agent, McCormack had also added terrier-like South African Gary Player to his stable of players by 1961. He promised Nicklaus he could secure him $100,000 in his first year as a professional, irrespective of earnings. This was massive for a young player starting out. McCormack was hardly taking a risk with Nicklaus, though. Through his phenomenal performances as an amateur, it was clear he had…

Release. Day has one of the most powerful ‘releases’ in golf. As the angles in his elbows and wrists are released through impact, his head turns so his body can do the same Dynamic balance. Day has a classic weight shift (right on the way back, left on the way through), giving his swing power, rhythm and balance Connection. His arm swing is beautifully connected to his body rotation. They are almost a passenger in this aggressive core move Rotational speed. Day’s trademark is the speed of his body turn, which creates the room required for the club to swing through impact on the perfect path “There cannot be a modern player who rotates his body faster through the ball” From tee to green, Jason Day is the most technically…

Copyright ©2015 TI Golf Holdings, Inc, reprinted with permission When you chip, your arms and the shaft should form a lower-case ‘y’. Maintain this position through impact for crisp, accurate shots How to hit crisp-y chips The word “duff” is to chipping what “shank” is to the full swing. And it's a four-letter word. You can get rid of the these score killers by achieving the same position on your backswing and follow-through. Here's how you do it. When you take your normal chipping stance (feet close together, ball back of centre, hands ahead of the clubhead), your forearms and the clubshaft should form a lower-case ‘y'. Take a mental picture of that ‘y', because it holds the key to solid contact. As you swing back, maintain the ‘y' and…

Photography Kevin Murray “Today’s equipment goes so far it seems unnecessary to search for those extra five yards” The process of getting new clubs in the bag involves far more than just hitting balls on a TrackMan. At the end of the day, numbers are numbers and being at a testing facility offers you a great baseline for new gear, but it's out on the course where new equipment makes all the difference. On the TrackMan and on the driving range certain clubs can look good, but you have to make sure you can still hit all the shots you need. When the wind is down off the left or in off the right and when there is out of bounds everywhere, do the clubs work then? Starting from scratch…

SHAFT OPTIONS The stock shaft is the Fujikura Pro 80h Key technology The TaylorMade M1 rescue has been designed using input from the brand's leading staff players. The result is a traditional, tour-inspired shape which increases playability from different lies, as well as workability. It features interchangeable 3g and 25g weights that create a neutral or fade shot-shape bias. There's also an adjustable hosel, so golfers can modify the loft up or down by up to 1.5 degrees. A Speed Pocket on the sole increases the size of the sweetspot lower on the face – essential on fairway shots – and reduces spin. Will suit Golfers seeking a compact, versatile hybrid who are looking to dial in a specific trajectory and shot shape. GM verdict The profile at address is…

Photography Kevin Murray “Our access may help sway your buying decision for the right reasons” In today's congested digital landscape, everyone with access to a video camera and a driving range is now a golf-club ‘expert'. But what most of these self-proclaimed gear gurus don't offer you is the insight behind the technology, the people and the brand that can only be gained through the unparalleled access we're given to some of the biggest names in golf. Informed decisions You're probably asking, “Why is that important, all I care about is how the product performs?” At Golf Monthly, we've been at the heart of the game for more than 100 years, and every member of staff has been, and still is, a keen, passionate golfer. Not only do our informed…

BEST DEAL Until 29 February you can enjoy unlimited golf on both courses, a three-course dinner in the Brasserie, an overnight stay in a Resort room and a full West Country breakfast for just £104 (Mon-Sat) or £99 (Sun). WHERE St Mellion is situated 11 miles north of Plymouth on the west side of Dartmoor National Park, with access from the M4 (London) and M6 (North West) linking up with the M5, which takes you into the local area. CHECKLIST Green fees: Nicklaus Signature: £40/45 week/ weekend; Kernow: £25/30week/weekend Buggy hire: £20 Push trolley hire: £5 Club hire: £35 Driving range: Yes Putting green: Yes Short-game area: Yes Pro shop: Yes Changing rooms: Yes Sky TV: In clubhouse Wi-Fi: Free throughout Price of a pint: From £4 CONTACT St Mellion…

Letter of the Month will receive a year’s supply (six dozen) of the best Titleist golf ball for their game Photography Getty Images, Kenny Smith Credit where it’s due I am a links ticket holder at St Andrews and recognise the excellent work done by The St Andrews Links Trust on a weekly basis. The staff could not be more helpful to visitors and locals alike. The courses are always immaculately presented and the facilities are world class. I don't think the Links Trust gets the recognition it deserves, especially among the locals of St Andrews. I am too young to remember, but from what I hear the green staff have made vast improvements over the years and the hospitality staff are second to none. Well done and thank you…

One of Scandinavia’s finest new golf complexes lies at Farum, 20 miles north west of Copenhagen, where two Robert Trent Jones II creations have been laid out over a former rifle range. The Old arrived in 2010; the New just 12 months later. Both demand accuracy, with length more of a prerogative on the New, although its opener boasts one of the narrowest fairways around. The adventurous may wish to test themselves off the back tees on 12, a water-strewn 643-yarder. Water comes into play on 12 holes on the Old, where sharp doglegs also feature often. The 18th boasts both, and those hoping to get home in two must dice with water left and right to bring the green into range. The club’s distinctive, award-winning clubhouse draws its inspiration…

Zuel enjoyed a glittering amateur career, winning 17 under-18 opens and never finishing outside the top ten in 50 other tournaments. She collected a host of other titles, finished 7th as a 16-year-old amateur at the Mauritius Open and represented Europe in the Junior Solheim Cup. Zuel turned professional in early 2008 and made her professional debut in the Ladies European Tour Turkish Open. In 2011, she won two events on the LET Access Series, the LET’s feeder tour – the Terre Blanche Ladies Open and the LETAS Ladies Open – to earn a full LET card for 2012. She enjoyed her most successful year to date in 2012, making eight cuts from 12 tournaments and recording three top-ten finishes, including a career-best tie for 3rd at the ISPS Handa…

“You could learn so much from Nicklaus, Palmer and Player just by being there and watching their demeanour. Sometimes you didn’t need to talk” Who you take advice from can be a very big thing for any golfer, but I never had a mentor as such. In my early days on tour, I tended to gather my information the best way I could, which was by playing with the best players. I made it my business very early on in Britain to play with the likes of Peter Alliss, Dai Rees and Dave Thomas – guys who were a generation older than I was. And then it wasn't long before I was playing with people like Nicklaus, Palmer and Player. I just learned so much from them, and if you…

“Many names from the past have promised so much but ultimately failed to deliver” If the headlines are to be believed then the top-three spots in the world are reserved for the foreseeable future. A glance at the rankings does seem to support that theory, but are we getting slightly ahead of ourselves? There are plenty of players capable of challenging, but who is most likely to emerge from the pack? The obvious name for most is that of Rickie Fowler. If 2014 cemented his status as a Major contender, with top-five finishes in all four, 2015 proved he has what it takes to be a winner. His victory at the Players Championship, where he shot six-under-par for the final six holes to force a play-off, could well have instilled…

Covering the ball. Notice how Rory’s sternum is over the ball through impact. This is something all great ball-strikers have in common, as they maintain their posture from address through to impact Weight shift. Rory’s heel is off the ground here, revealing a textbook weight shift onto the left side through the strike Extension. Rory’s arms extend fully through impact (unlike Spieth) as he releases the angles in his wrists and elbows. This provides a real explosion of power Hip rotation. Rory’s magic move injects power and helps the club work on a great path through impact. His body rotation leads his arm swing, providing fantastic consistency in his long game “What separates him from other drivers of the ball is the speed of his hips through impact” Rory McIlroy…

I've known Thomas since he was 13. I used to go to Belgium five or six times a year. He was always the one with questions. He was one of those kids determined to get better. You could see he had a hunger. You can see the ones who really want it. The Flemish Golf Federation wanted to put in place a system that would produce some European Tour players. I told them it might take ten years. We had terrible facilities. But because we put a system in place they got better. Everybody asks me what makes a great player. I say the problem is it isn't just hitting balls. If that were the case, there would be hundreds of great players. Most of them unfortunately get stage fright.…

1 Keep it loose The pace at which you hit your putts is the most critical element of putting. Here, I will help you to hone your pace putting and really understand where pace comes from. Let's start with loose arms. Let them just hang freely from your shoulders as you don't want any tension creeping through your hands, into your forearms and up to your shoulders, as that will completely fuse your putting stroke. You want to feel nice and loose with a gentle grip so that you're comfortably in control, yet still able to move the putter back and forth freely from the shoulders. Photography Mark Newcombe 2 One-handed putting For a right-hander, your ‘feel' hand is your right hand, but many golfers think that if they stay…

Photography Tom Miles Lee Westwood has been a successful player for many years and by taking a detailed look at his swing, you can see why. However, one thing you can only really appreciate by watching him live is his rhythm. It is one of the best on tour. Here, he is using a 6-iron but he could be using a driver – the only things that would change would be his ball position and how far away he stands from the ball – his rhythm would be identical! Starting at address, notice how his hands hang directly underneath his body. He isn't reaching for the ball, or getting too close to it, and this makes him look both comfortable and athletic. In addition, his posture is superb and his…

LENGTH OPTIONS The X7M comes in 33”, 34” and 35” shaft lengths Key technology The Futura X7 and X7M putters feature a lightweight aluminium face-sole core surrounded by a stainless-steel frame, delivering improved stability and forgiveness while producing the softest sound and feel in the Futura X family. Larger than the Futura X5, the X7M has a unique pop-through bar and more horizontal sight lines. The M stands for MOI due to the extra forgiveness the bar brings. It is also available in Dual Balance, adding stability via a 50g heavier head and 50g counterweight in the butt of the shaft. Will suit Golfers who prefer a premium look to their mallet-style putter, combined with high levels of forgiveness and a soft feel. GM verdict Scotty Cameron putters have always…

When tackling wet rough and soft ground conditions, the state of your shoes often comes to the fore. It’s at this moment you probably ask yourself why you didn’t go for something a little sturdier, or something with a better guarantee. Well, with our help you don’t have to make the same mistake twice. Nowadays, there’s a great range of options, from colourful sporty models to classic subtler designs. Nearly all have some sort of value-adding waterproof guarantee, while grip and traction have been innovatively harvested through a range of clever sole designs. A few years ago, the desire to have the lightest shoe had taken over the market, but now a more sensible ‘right-weight’ approach has become the norm. This school of thought recognises the need for both stability…

Stay South Beach Hotel, Troon W: www.southbeach.co.uk T: 01292 312033 Situated between Royal Troon Golf Club and the town centre (walking distance to both), the family-run South Beach Hotel is a popular choice for visiting golfers. With a plethora of great courses nearby and just a well-struck drive away from the beach, its location alone is a big draw. Inside, it doesn’t disappoint either. The walls throughout are decorated with golfing memorabilia and the bar is generously stocked with a selection of local whiskies to help you feel fully immersed in the Scottish surroundings. Eat Lido, Troon W: lido-troon.co.uk Lido is a recently refurbished trendy bistro with a subtle Mediterranean influence. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Lido focuses on quality meat dishes and pizzas without the premium price…

Letters The Editor, Golf Monthly, 7th floor, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London, SE1 0SU Email golfmonthly@timeinc.com Twitter @GolfMonthly Facebook facebook.com/  golfmonthlymagazine Golf Monthly forum golf-monthly.co.uk/forums Google+ +golfmonthly YouTube youtube.com/GolfMonthly Vine vine.co/Golf.Monthly Instagram instagram.com /golfmonthly All contributions must be original, not copies or duplicated to other publications. The editor reserves the right to edit letters. Time Inc. (UK) or its associated companies reserve the right to reuse any submission sent to these pages of Golf Monthly, in any format or medium.…

Photography Kevin Murray “When Rory is on song, he has the ability to absolutely obliterate golf courses, making them beg for mercy, with players around him standing in awe” It's amazing how fast the new golfing season comes around these days. A few weeks ago I was in Dubai for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, then I get home to Australia, turn on the TV and the 2016 season has already started! It really is a whirlwind. The new season promises so much. Can Jordan Spieth emulate his phenomenal feats of 2015? I just can't see it I'm afraid. I hope I'm wrong for his sake, but I just can't see it. No human being can putt like he did, and hole that many putts, unless he's Ben Crenshaw's…

JORDAN SPIETH JASON DAY RORY MCILROY *Rankings and stats from the 2015 PGA Tour Who will be World No.1 at the end of 2016? Jason Day. I think he has the all-round consistent package. He drives it well, his irons are great, his short game is really good and he putts very well. I think Jordan is relying too much on his short game and Rory is like a box of chocolates – you just don't know what you are going to get. But, when you do get it, you get the full package! In terms of all-time Major wins, I'm going to say Rory. I'm only saying that because he's got a head start – a lot of me wants to say Jordan, because he putts so well. If…

Looking at the hole. Spieth looks at the hole on some of his shorter putts. This takes his attention away from the mechanics of the stroke and onto his ultimate target – the hole Left below right. This enables the back of the left hand to mirror the putterface. If it is flat through impact, you get both a better quality and direction of strike Tempo. Spieth has a brisk tempo to both his routine and stroke, ensuring that both are as rhythmical and free-flowing as possible Posture. This is a crucial building block for every part of the game and Spieth’s naturally athletic posture allows his arms to hang naturally beneath him – tension free! “The flow and tempo of his action is a thing of beauty and he…

On July 20, 2015, a 22-year-old amateur called Paul Dunne was the last player to tee off in the final round of the Open Championship. Playing alongside the 2010 winner, Louis Oosthuizen, Dunne had become the first amateur since 1927 to lead golf's most prestigious tournament after 54 holes. Since then, he has gone on to play a pivotal role in a triumphant Walker Cup side, turn professional and earn his European Tour card by finishing tied for 13th at Q-School. As far as career trajectories go, this one is up there with the very best. If you're looking for a rookie to make a splash in 2016, Dunne has the pedigree. In this exclusive interview, the Irishman tells us more about his career to date. From his time at…

Ask people to name a golfing fairytale that nearly came true and most will cite 59-year-old Tom Watson's agonising play-off loss at Turnberry in 2009. But that monumental effort eclipsed a romantic story of so near and yet so far just a year older. At Royal Birkdale in 2008 Greg Norman, aged 53 and with just a few recent competitive rounds under his belt, came within nine holes of lifting The Claret Jug for a third time. It took the sparkling play of a battling Irishman to deny the Great White Shark. When Padraig Harrington won the 2007 Open, his career changed. His reputation was transformed from Mr Consistent on the European Tour into a world beater. A proven links specialist and defending champion, Harrington was a favourite in the…

1 Swing path If you are suffering with toe strikes, your first checkpoint should be your swing path. In particular, I want you to check if your swing is too steep and if you are cutting across the ball. If the club is moving from outside to inside the ball-to-target line, you'll create a glancing blow through impact that's likely to come from the toe of the club. To help, keep the club low to the ground during the first phase of the swing – this should shallow out the plane, helping the clubhead to work on a much better path. Practise this move and then, as you swing for real, try to drive the club from inside to outside the target line through impact. Again, this will help you…

In association with the 1 In stroke play, Fergus removes a pine cone lying in the same bunker as his ball. There is no improvement to the lie of his ball, the area of his intended stance or swing or his line of play. A. There is no penalty. B. Fergus is penalised one stroke. C. Fergus is penalised two strokes. 2 Jezz and Fergus are playing a match. While both players are waiting for the 16th fairway to clear in order to tee-off, Jezz has a couple of practice chips on the teeing ground. A. There is no penalty. B. Jezz loses the 16th hole. C. Jezz loses the 15th hole. 3 In a singles match, Jezz brushes aside sand that is on his line of putt with his…

Aesthetics 1 Address view On show is a new Photo blue crown with a Volt-coloured Nike Swoosh in the heel section. The honeycomb pattern, indicating where Nike has saved weight in the crown, is visible towards the rear of the pear-shaped head. Black face and sole sections differentiate the Pro from the standard model, which has a silver face. 2 Shelf appeal The vibrant cosmetics would suggest this driver is aimed at a younger audience. The overall look may divide opinion – it's certainly far from being a traditional-looking driver – but it will definitely catch your eye on the shelf in your pro shop. Components 3 Stock shafts The mid-launching stock MRC Diamana S+ Blue Board shaft in the Vapor Fly Pro has a higher balance point than the…

SPEC TESTED Dynamic Gold AMT steel shafts Key technology Titleist has used tungsten weighting in the perimeter of the 3- to 7-irons to create a low CG for increased speed, launch and forgiveness. These weights are secured to the perimeter using an advanced co-forging process to generate a solid feel and higher MOI. One of the stock steel shafts is the Dynamic Gold AMT (Ascending Mass Technology), where the shafts are lighter in the long-irons to increase club speed and launch, and heavier in the short-irons to create a more penetrating, predictable trajectory. Will suit A wide spectrum of abilities seeking a combination of distance and forgiveness, a soft feel and tighter dispersion. GM verdict It's rare to find a family of irons that offers ample distance and forgiveness while…

Photography Tom Miles “Suddenly Miller had to start thinking about his game again and the magic departed as swiftly as it had arrived. His greatest days were over” I'm confused. No change there you may feel, but so, no, yes, really, I mean... I really am confused. Remember mindfulness? Of course you do, everybody does. The M word became one of the buzzwords of the last 12 months. Everyone was talking about it, you must have noticed. For those of you who were too distracted by (a) the England rugby team's wonderfully amusing performance in the World Cup and/or (b) the imminent release of a new Star Wars film and yet another opportunity to relive your childhood or at least one of the good bits, then here's a reminder: mindfulness…