Welcome to this week's newsletter. That has been one hell of a week of weather, that s for sure. We have gone from scorching temperatures to wet and windy conditions and back the other way again. I must admit though, we really needed the rain we ha
 
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COACHING AVAILABLE > SOCIAL DISTANCING > SAFETY PRIORITISED

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Hello Golfers,

Welcome to this week's newsletter. That has been one hell of a week of weather, that’s for sure. We have gone from scorching temperatures to wet and windy conditions and back the other way again. I must admit though, we really needed the rain we have had. You can really see the difference a little bit of rain makes to the now parched links land. Both courses have now had all the scheduled works done to them and we should see the courses and greens steadily improve throughout the summer months.

A big thanks to Malcolm and the boys for their hard work in keeping on top of the courses in these very trying conditions. I have managed to play a bit myself this last week and I have to admit that if you are a little wayward, that rough is getting really thick now. Great news for the Pro Shop, as we should see a spike in golf ball sales, for sure.

Enjoy the rest of this week's read. 

 
Golf on Tour

Dustin Johnson is a remarkable golfer. Sorry for stating the obvious – he is third in the Official World Golf Rankings after all – but his record speaks for itself.

His victory at the weekend was his 21st in total. It was also the 13th season in a row that DJ has won on the PGA Tour. To put that into perspective, only Palmer (17), Nicklaus (17) and Woods (14) boast a better record to start off their careers.

The only question mark hanging over his head is his inability to get over the line in Major championships, with just a sole U.S. Open victory to his name thus far. Maybe the big-hitting American is finding his form at the perfect time with an exciting few months ahead in the world of golf.

If you're looking for more consistency in your game, we can certainly help. Send us a message via the button below.

get in touch  >
 
Current COVID protocols

All of the tee times restrictions will be staying the same for the month of July. I will be pushing to try and return them to the normal pre-COVID tee reservation restrictions, as from Saturday, 1 August 2020. The Pro Shop, courses and associated practice facilities will continue to open at 7:00am and close at 6:00pm as normal.

Range restrictions will stay the same and will continue to be members and guests only. We will look at returning to the concrete base on the range, as of the Saturday, 1 August 2020. Please ensure you bring your baskets back to the Pro Shop and do not leave them on the range. It isn’t fair making the staff pick them up and bring them back to the sanitising station at the shop. Please think of others whilst using the facilities during this time.

 
Second Tee danger

I am sure you have all been affected by this at some point when playing the second hole of the Championship. From the first tee, particularly in the summer, the second tee is well in range from an errant tee shot from the first.

With this in mind, we have to do something to try and negate the possible danger from tee shots from the first tee. What we are proposing to do is to ban any tee shots from the first tee, if anyone is on or near the second tee. Other options were to create a call-up hole or to change tee times but we thought this would be the best way of helping stop any dangerous play and keep the flow of the golf course to a passable pace.

New signage has been ordered and will go next to the tee blocks on the first tee. This rule will be introduced as soon as the new signage arrives. Clearly, it will cause a delay at the start of play and we will not be changing the published tee time intervals. However, by the time most players reach the 4th tee, we expect that any time lost will have been made due to there being less need to wait on 3rd tee for the fairway ahead to clear. It will take members a little time to get used to this new rule but the safety of all players is of paramount importance, and we believe this new rule reflects that.

Although this is something we have put in place, we still need all members and guests to adhere to common sense. If you think you may put people in danger, please DO NOT PLAY YOUR SHOT.

The Pro Shop will be monitoring the tee and please don't be offended if we ask you to be mindful when playing your tee shot.

 
Clubhouse Re-opens Saturday, 4 July
clubhose

With the changes to the government restrictions for businesses, coming into force on Saturday, 4 July, I can confirm that the main clubhouse will be re-opening to members and guests and serving a limited selection of food and drinks. The finer details of this have been sent out by the Captain and Adrian and takes you through what will be changing to allow us to open this part of the club. 

I have been very pleased with how you have all responded to the reopening of the Pro Shop and supporting it. I can confirm today that the Pro Shop takings have not only beaten our COVID adjusted budget but we have actually smashed our initial years budget for June by a whopping 40% for the month of June alone. 

This is down to the support of you, the membership. Thankyou and there is plenty more to come in the coming months with special offers, amazing deals and the launch of the members-only goods, which I can assure you, look stunning.

 
Coaching Online Booking System now online
welove

As some of you may now be aware, I have been working over the last 12 months in trying to get the coaching diaries and menus into an online format. Finally, I have managed to get it all up and running. To begin with, I have set it up with just my coaching availability, but if all goes well with the first stages of the launch, I will be signing the boys up to the same system if they wish to. This will give you all the ability to book your lessons online and see when is available without having to speak to the pro directly. You can also see what they have to offer and the pricing.

Even if you don’t have lessons with me, I would like you to take a look at the system and see if it works as an entity and feedback accordingly. Your feedback positive or negative is always appreciated.

Group Coaching sessions will be going live once again from Friday, 10 July. There will be an Intermediate session on a Tuesday at 10:00am and a Ladies Only group session on the Friday at 10:00am. Booking will from now on be online and if you would like to attend please book using the new Online Booking System. These group sessions are limited to SIX people and will be on a first come first served basis through online booking. Group sessions are a great way of learning with a group of friends and a cost-effective way of getting some coaching advice. At £10 a session, it is great value as well.

Online Booking System
Online Booking System  >
 
World Handicap System update
whs

So, why are we changing at all? It’s a question I have heard several times over the last few weeks and here is a brief explanation why.

Golf already has a single set of playing Rules, a single set of equipment Rules and a single set of Rules of Amateur Status governed by the USGA and The R&A.  Yet, today there are six different handicap systems used around the world.  Each is well developed and successfully provides equity for play locally, but each of the different systems produces slightly differing results when calculating players’ handicaps.  The WHS will unify these six existing systems into a single system that will:

- Enable golfers of different abilities to play and compete on a fair and equal basis, in any format, on any course, anywhere around the world

  - Be easy to understand and implement, without sacrificing accuracy

 - Meet the varied needs and expectations of golfers, golf clubs and golf authorities all around the world and be adaptable to suit all golfing cultures.

After significant engagement and collaboration with the existing handicapping authorities and other National Associations, it has been agreed that the time is right to bring the different handicapping systems together as a fourth set of Rules, to support the global game. 

In addition, this project has provided an opportunity for the existing handicapping authorities to come together and share their combined experiences to produce a system which is modern and relevant for the way the game is played today around the world.

The WHS will encompass both the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System (formerly known as the USGA Course Rating and Slope System). 

It will be a transition for us all to get our heads around and I can see November being a month where I may book a holiday but the more I drip feed this to everyone the easier the transition will become November. I will be holding a Q&A ZOOM session in a few week’s time and if anyone is interested in taking part please let me know and I will sign you up.

For now, here is what its all about in simple terms.

click here to view 
 
WHS education coming soon

There will be an all-new WHS campaign starting worldwide very soon. We will have some of the documents for each of the members to peruse.

We are expecting these very soon and as soon as they are available, I will let you know they are available for you to have a look at.

whs
 
Golf in the Field

Now there has been in the last two decades, a huge amount of research into the game of golf. Many papers have been written on the mechanics, the systems, the anatomy and the mentality of this great game and I am sure many more will follow in years to come.

In the early 90’s Dr Bob Rotella a basketball mind coach began to look into golf in a big way and came up with several methods of mind control during a game of golf. It was groundbreaking in its day and set off a truly mind-boggling array of ideas from some very clever people.

A number of years ago I came across the film The Legend of Bagger Vance. A film starring Will Smith as the caddy turned mentor to Matt Damon the rustic golfing genius. There was one scene in that film that resonated more than any other in the film. The scene where he talked about the field and what it was. 

Click here to view the clip  >

I have always understood ‘the field’ but have never really been able to describe it. I am much better now at describing what this is in relation to golf, so here goes my description of the field.

When I stand over a shot I look (almost stare) where I am about to go and I “see” what I am about to do, I visualise the shot. I see it take off, hit its peak and then drop where I want it to go. I no longer think of my backswing, rotation or overactive legs, I see only what I want to happen. I then walk to the ball pick my spot (which is very specific) and waggle. The waggle gives me looseness and then I am away with the swing, no thoughts just feel. The description in the film perfectly describes this feeling of playing golf well and allowing yourself to do it well. It is so easy to get in your own way in a golf swing. Maybe its time to let it all go.

There are some great ways of getting such habits in your pre-shot routines, so why not ask a bit of advice next time you’re in the shop. We would be happy to help.

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Upcoming Fitting Days

Callaway Fitting Day
Friday, 24 July: 11:00am - 5:00pm

Why not try the awesome Mavrik range with Tour Fitter Ryan Godwin? Check out the huge Mavrik driver and the firm favourite Rogue driver. All the shafts you could think of in this fitting event. Spaces will go quickly so get in touch


PXG Fitting Day 
Friday, 31 July 

The choice of your Director of Golf and ten other players in the club are now members of the PXG troops. An expensive investment, but I can vouch for the fact that these irons are worth every penny. Got to be worth a try if your serious about your golf.

Join, Jack Penn Tour Fitter and dark side specialist and find your next and final set of clubs. You will not be disappointed. Welcome to the dark side.

PING Fitting Day
Friday, 14 August: 10:00am - 4:00pm

With the G410 being our most popular driver by some way, it is a must to have a go on the spectacular piece of kit. With Tour Fitter Jack Parmentier on hand, he will guide you through the full product range and get you fitted into something quite special.

reserve your fitting appointment  >
Callaway Fitting Day
PING Fitting Day
 
Competition golf reminders
rfghrth

As I am sure you are all aware, we have now set up the competitions for July on the IG system for all sections and both courses. There will be no online sign up for the first month of these competitions and will be a roll-up entry for all the events online. Please take a look through them and if there is anything which doesn’t look correct, please let us know in the Pro Shop so we can alter them. They have been checked and rechecked but we can always miss something.

As a reminder please read the following LOCAL RULES.

To make these competitions qualifying, we need to bring in two local rules.

- Preferred lies are now no longer in operation on both courses.

- Bunkers
You make take a preferred lie in a bunker as long as it is not closer to the hole and is within 6 inches of its original spot. You place the ball not drop.

- Holes and Holing out
Notwithstanding that the hole has been modified such that players may remove a ball without touching the flagstick, a ball shall be deemed holed if any part of the ball IS below the surface of the putting green, even if not lodged against the flagstick.

I had a few people ask about the flagstick moving within the hole in windy conditions. I have sought clarification from the county and this morning England Golf have changed the current rues to allow the following. 

Committees may:

Allow players to centre the flagstick in a safe manner which does not involve using the hand, even when wearing a glove or using a towel (for example, by using a club). The centring of the flagstick may be allowed while another player putts (this may be desirable in windy conditions when the flagstick is required to be left in the hole and is leaning towards the player making the stroke). You could use your club to centre the flagstick if windy. YOU ARE STILL NOT ALLOWED TO TOUCH THE FLAGSTICK WITH YOUR HAND. Any player doing so consistently will be reprimanded under the conditions of competition we have in place.

Players may enter their own hole scores on the scorecard (it is not necessary for a marker to do it).
It is not necessary to have a marker physically certify the player’s hole scores, but some form of verbal certification should take place if at all possible.

Just as a reminder we may well not process the cards after each competition it may take a day or so to get the cards processed. So please be patient.

 
100+ Club Draw

Result of the June Draw is:

1st - Kevin Burston - £290
2nd - Rosa Reynolds - £220
3rd - John McAdam - £145
4th - Martin Young - £75

The 100+ Club will have been operating for five years in July and in that time will have distributed over £43,000 to members as prizes as well as raising a similar amount for the club. The committee have been considering how this milestone can be marked and have decided to hold a special draw in August which will coincide with the next roll over. The idea is to give more people a chance of winning a significant prize and we expect to be able to have 11 prizes of £200 available to be won.

Currently there are five numbers still available for issue and now would seem to be the ideal time either to join the 100 Club or take out another number if you are already a member. Of course, only Full memberships will be accepted. First come first served, so either download an application form from the website or contact John Mabberley direct on johnmabbs@btinternet.com

 
Sad times, fond memories

As some of you may know, my Father in Law died suddenly three weeks ago and this week we said our goodbyes to him. I met Andrew for the first time back in late 2010, when I first came down to Folkestone after Emma and I met in Liverpool in 2010.

Andrew was a lovely man and introduced me to Littlestone during a conversation we had on our way to visit family in Hastings. Driving past the club, he described how good Littlestone was as a golf course and how I should try and work there. It was here that the seed was placed for my eventual return to the links to work, in 2018.

Thanks to him I see the south coast as my home and where I will spend much of my life, doing what I love. Thank you, Andrew.

Sad times, fond memories
A big thankyou
 
Where am I?

The answer to last weeks 'Where am I?' was outside the main clubhouse. Just opposite the flagpole on the corner of the clubhouse, you can see the post and the wildflowers. So, tell me where is this week’s where am I?

Where am I ?

I’m in the grasses, deep and rough, if you lose a ball here, you’ll need to be tough.

A long walk spoiled to this point but a rewarding hole to par for sure.

Short left and right gives you a sandy pot to play from.

Where am I?

First correct answer gets a very special prize.

 
 

Well, that’s just about it for this week’s news. As always, if there is anything you need or if there’s any queries you need answering please let me know. Enjoy your week's golf in the field, my friends.

Best wishes, James.

 
 
 
 
How has your putting been?

We all missed golf and we’re all delighted to be back on the course, especially now that the sun is shining. But, in all our excitement, it’s easy to forget the importance of checking the shape of our game. So, how is your putting?

PING Heppler Putters

You’ve heard it a million times before, but a round of golf really is decided on the greens. A couple more up-and-downs and a few less three-putts can drastically improve your scorecard.

So, let’s make sure you have the right putter in your bag. PING’s Heppler putter range is designed for golfers desiring a firmer feel and satisfying sound on impact. Whatever you need, we will ensure you find it.

Challenge us to find your perfect putter by calling us on 01797 363355 opt1, or visit our website via the button below.

view PING putters  >
 
 
 
 
A couple of options worth trying

Do you regularly buy new balls or do you use any old one that you can find on the course? You may be surprised by how much the right golf ball can help.

Callaway Chrome Soft Triple Track Golf Balls

With the advanced technology of today, golf balls can make a real difference to your game. Whether you’re after more distance off the tee, spin around the greens or feel in your putting, there’s a golf ball out there for you. And, with our expert advice, we can find the right golf ball for you and your game.

Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls

If you struggle with putting alignment, Callaway's Chrome Soft is available with Triple Track alignment, making it easier than ever to line-up your putts correctly. Meanwhile, Callaway’s Supersoft balls help game-improvers drive the ball further with fantastic feel.

You can visit our website via the button below or call us on 01797 363355 opt1 for more information on Callaway golf balls and finding the right ball for you.

explore Callaway golf balls  >
 
 
 
 
 
 

Video of the Week

Golf is made a lot easier when you have accurate distances to hand (or wrist!). With several Golf GPS options available, enjoy this week's videos as we review two of Garmin's newest watches that are available through us. Enjoy.

Garmin S40 vs S62 review
 
 
We hope you enjoyed this newsletter. If you need any help with your game please contact us in the proshop and we'll be delighted to help. James and the golf team.
 
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Littlestone Golf Club Shop
St. Andrews Road
Littlestone
New Romney
TN28 8RB

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