I believe regular players should have a game development plan. It is important that you know what you are trying to achieve and how to get there. Lots of golfers are looking for the dreaded quick fix approach and they try different swings daily on the range, this will only lead to inconsistency, with little improvement and lots of frustration!
You have to work a long time with your coach to build on good solid fundamentals to succeed and improve, not swapping and changing. Once the strengths and weaknesses are recognised then you can draw up an action plan and you will be heading in the right direction. Golfers learn in different ways and at different speeds, continuity practice is important for steady progress as it is all to easy to fall back into those old habits!
Start you training early, don't wait for the day before you play, you will not have enough time to get used to the new swing changes. Once you can do this it will build up confidence and self belief.
WORK SMART AND THE RESULTS WILL TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES
Happy golfing
Thursday 15 December 2011
Monday 28 November 2011
TESTIMONIAL
"By chance, I met Carla at the local driving range in my first few weeks of playing the wonderful game of golf. She quickly showed her style of communication and coaching skills by having a very relaxed chat about my current level of play, issues I had and what I would like to achieve.
When I arrived for my first lesson I was very nervous because of being watched by a stranger. Within 5 minutes Carla had calmed me down and I felt totally relaxed. When we got into the coaching of this lesson Carla used a range of techniques, gadgets and gizmos which all helped me achieve the core fundamentals of my golf swing.
I have currently been playing golf for 6 years and have gone from shooting scores anywhere from 85 to 95 to recently shooting between 75 to 80 regularly. My game is so much more stable in general than it used to be which means I am more consistent on the golf course especially under pressure in competitions.
The most important ability Carla has given me is I can now coach myself around the course from all her experience and I am aware of my swing mechanics, as well as knowing I have been given the correct 'tools' to hit the ball exactly where I want it to go most of the time.
From time to time when things slip a little with my swing, I need a little recap or a tweak here and there I will contact Carla for a lesson and she has put me back on track within 10 minutes!
I can thoroughly recommend Carla as a PGA Teaching Professional, I have been coached by her for 6 years and I am still improving she also has expertise in clubfitting which goes hand in glove with the golf swing.The coach who you have lessons with is the person who should be fitting your clubs as they know all your swing characteristics. I couldn't have done it without her!"
PHIL 10 HANDICAP
When I arrived for my first lesson I was very nervous because of being watched by a stranger. Within 5 minutes Carla had calmed me down and I felt totally relaxed. When we got into the coaching of this lesson Carla used a range of techniques, gadgets and gizmos which all helped me achieve the core fundamentals of my golf swing.
I have currently been playing golf for 6 years and have gone from shooting scores anywhere from 85 to 95 to recently shooting between 75 to 80 regularly. My game is so much more stable in general than it used to be which means I am more consistent on the golf course especially under pressure in competitions.
The most important ability Carla has given me is I can now coach myself around the course from all her experience and I am aware of my swing mechanics, as well as knowing I have been given the correct 'tools' to hit the ball exactly where I want it to go most of the time.
From time to time when things slip a little with my swing, I need a little recap or a tweak here and there I will contact Carla for a lesson and she has put me back on track within 10 minutes!
I can thoroughly recommend Carla as a PGA Teaching Professional, I have been coached by her for 6 years and I am still improving she also has expertise in clubfitting which goes hand in glove with the golf swing.The coach who you have lessons with is the person who should be fitting your clubs as they know all your swing characteristics. I couldn't have done it without her!"
PHIL 10 HANDICAP
Sunday 27 November 2011
CARLA'S COWBOYS/GIRLS GOLF SOCIETY - FAREWELL TO JOHN BISS
One of the founding members of our Society, and Secretary, was John Biss. Sadly, John died very suddenly in October this year. Just after his death I wrote a few words as a tribute to him, to be used at his funeral and in the annual Society Newsletter. See below:
Memories of John
Big Bad Biss was his Cowboy name but he was far from bad. John was a proud member of Carla’s Cowboys Golf Society. In fact it was his idea to start the Society back in 2000.
When Margo sent John for golf lessons to Carla in 1997 he soon got hooked on the game. Carla ran a Gents morning every Wednesday with tuition and 9 holes of golf afterwards. We had quite a regular gathering, always lots of fun.
John suggested forming a golf society and we were all for it. John became our very faithful and loyal secretary. From that day onwards John organised a game every Wednesday without fail. He was a superb man and an excellent organiser. He loved his golf with his dear friends in his society.
His mission statement was “if you are serious about golf, don’t join the society”. That’s how it was every Wednesday for 14 years, pure fun with a little good golf in between. The 19th hole was always John’s favourite when he would tell his stories and tales of his travels over a large glass of red wine, tucking into his steak pie.
John was the core of our society. We will truly miss him, not just on the course but off as well. He was a dear, dear friend, a great sport and a great golfing buddy.
Saturday 26 February 2011
Fit for Golf at Fifty
As a professional golfer, I am of course biased when I say that golf is a marvelous sport for all ages and abilities, it is also a game that offers many benefits.
Nowadays, people expect to lead a healthy, active lifestyle in their retirement years. This is reflected in the increasing number of older people enjoying membership of gyms, leisure centres and participating in a wide variety of sports. People approaching retirement often decide to take up a new activity and many choose golf. After cycling, swimming and football, golf is the 4th most popular sport in the UK, with over 4 million adults taking part.
So what are the benefits? For senior players, golf is great for physical health and fitness. Like any form of regular exercise it improves circulation, breathing and can help to reduce high blood pressure. It also promotes flexibility, balance and stability as the golf swing requires movement of all muscle groups and joints.
As well as the obvious fitness benefits of the game, walking in the fresh air in the beautiful setting of a golf course helps us to switch off from everyday worries or tensions. It promotes general feelings of well-being and is a great stress reliever - as long as you don't hit too many bad shots!
Golf is also a very social game and is a great way to meet new friends and companions, especially for older single or widowed people. The famous comedian Jack Benny once quipped "Give me golf clubs, fresh air and a beautiful partner and you can keep the golf clubs and the fresh air!"
For the last twelve years I have run a golf society for, mainly, retired men and women. Over this time I have seen many long lasting friendships established. Members really look forward to their weekly game at different courses. There is much fun and laughter to be had every time we play, especially at the 19th hole over a drink and a bite to eat. For some people the golf can almost become secondary to the social benefits of joining a society or club.
So how do you start to play? Your local driving range really is a good place to learn the basics of the game. Do start with lessons from a PGA professional who will safely instruct you in the correct techniques of the swing and give advice on suitable equipment for your needs. Well meaning friends and spouses issuing their own theories about the swing and how it should be executed have put many a beginner off the game!
Good Professional coaching is all about communication and building confidence. It's all about adapting a way for people of all ages, shapes and sizes, with different levels of physical ability, to be able to play comfortably and enjoy the game. What does the player need? Just a willingness to learn and a sense of humour! I have coached many retired men and women from novices to experts, from 50 to 90 years old. Who said that golf, like measles, should be caught young?
I can promise you that it's never too late to start the game, learn new skills, meet new challenges, keep active and enjoy the benefits.
Nowadays, people expect to lead a healthy, active lifestyle in their retirement years. This is reflected in the increasing number of older people enjoying membership of gyms, leisure centres and participating in a wide variety of sports. People approaching retirement often decide to take up a new activity and many choose golf. After cycling, swimming and football, golf is the 4th most popular sport in the UK, with over 4 million adults taking part.
So what are the benefits? For senior players, golf is great for physical health and fitness. Like any form of regular exercise it improves circulation, breathing and can help to reduce high blood pressure. It also promotes flexibility, balance and stability as the golf swing requires movement of all muscle groups and joints.
As well as the obvious fitness benefits of the game, walking in the fresh air in the beautiful setting of a golf course helps us to switch off from everyday worries or tensions. It promotes general feelings of well-being and is a great stress reliever - as long as you don't hit too many bad shots!
Golf is also a very social game and is a great way to meet new friends and companions, especially for older single or widowed people. The famous comedian Jack Benny once quipped "Give me golf clubs, fresh air and a beautiful partner and you can keep the golf clubs and the fresh air!"
For the last twelve years I have run a golf society for, mainly, retired men and women. Over this time I have seen many long lasting friendships established. Members really look forward to their weekly game at different courses. There is much fun and laughter to be had every time we play, especially at the 19th hole over a drink and a bite to eat. For some people the golf can almost become secondary to the social benefits of joining a society or club.
So how do you start to play? Your local driving range really is a good place to learn the basics of the game. Do start with lessons from a PGA professional who will safely instruct you in the correct techniques of the swing and give advice on suitable equipment for your needs. Well meaning friends and spouses issuing their own theories about the swing and how it should be executed have put many a beginner off the game!
Good Professional coaching is all about communication and building confidence. It's all about adapting a way for people of all ages, shapes and sizes, with different levels of physical ability, to be able to play comfortably and enjoy the game. What does the player need? Just a willingness to learn and a sense of humour! I have coached many retired men and women from novices to experts, from 50 to 90 years old. Who said that golf, like measles, should be caught young?
I can promise you that it's never too late to start the game, learn new skills, meet new challenges, keep active and enjoy the benefits.
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