All good plans need a start point!

The use of hard evidence and facts eliminates opinion!  This leads both the coach and player to work together in harmony, motivated to achieving improvement in the fastest way possible....

On Monday our Game Improvement Champion Ian Moore took to the putting green for the first of his 8 sessions with me.  The plan for our first two meetings is to test 6 departments of his game, 3 aspects of putting and 3 of short game.  These tests are designed to create an element of pressure, so Ian feels as though he is in a competitive environment, thus making the results more creditable.  Each test has a scoring systems outlined, this system relates to a handicap chart, which gives Ian a great indication of skill level (see below Ian's test results).

The handicap system highlights key areas of Ian's game that are in good shape and some that can do with a little fine tuning... hopefully. Ian currently plays off a handicap of 24, yet the results from the tests carried out on Monday suggest Ian has a fairly solid putting game.  The big question is where does he lose shots on the course if the putting is this strong?

I can only hope the short game tests paint a clearer picture, or maybe my mere presence might be the change Ian's game needed.  My caddie rates are very reasonable!

• Lag Putting, points scored: 17, Hcp: 12-10
• Tap in putting, points scored: 17, Hcp: 12-10
• Hole out putting, points scored: 19, Hcp: 9-7

Profile:

Name: Ian Moore, aka 'Fat Wallet'

RCPGC Member Since: 2005

Current Handicap: 23.8

Program Ambitions: To shoot lower scores and improve overall consistency

Ian's thoughts:

'What challenge can this 24 handicap, over weight, pensioner really pose?  My first session this week went well, I wasn't overloaded with information and went away with 2 drills to work on.  The initial tests went surprisingly well, giving me new found confidence in my putting.  I hope to develop new skills over the coming weeks that will help me to give a better account of myself on the course.' 

Monthly Medal & KCPFA Cup

With the summer(ish) weather finally appearing, growth on the course is occurring at a fast rate.  Unfortunately this means that the long rough is living up to its reputation and claiming many a golf ball (no need to panic, the shop has some fantastic multi buy offers on to help losing golf balls much more enjoyable).  Saturday, the Monthly Medal & KCPFA Cup witnessed strong winds (again) compounding matters and scoring accordingly was exceptionally tough for a vast majority of the field.

Best score of the day and winning not only division 2, but the overall competition was a fantastic 66 from Kurt Ridgewell, holding off a late charge from Mika Sandhu who fired in a 67.  Mika's score was good enough to secure victory in division 1, giving his Pro Shop account a healthy injection of cash.  Kurt not only won the competition and his division, he also made 2 at the 11th, meaning his Pro Shop balance now looks akin the bank account of a FIFA official!  All in a days work, eh Kurt?

That's 2 shots off of the handicap in only 2 months, your coach will be pleased, must be due a bonus with all those tour earnings you keep picking up ;0).

Calling All Members!

We are appealing to the good natured members to give up just 1 afternoon to help us retrieve all the range balls which have never quite held the short stuff and ventured into the rough.  This will take place on Friday 26th June, 3 - 6pm.  In return for giving up your time we would like to give you a range card, a drink and some nibbles; not to mention our sparkling company!

If you would like to lend a hand then please let the Pro Shop know.

Some of you may have seen the dates on the Pro's noticeboard for all Captain/Pro matches.  If you are confident that your game can withstand the pressures of taking on Peter and myself, there are still spaces available.

The sign up sheet can be found on the Pro's noticeboard. If you are fortunate enough to nick a win there will be no fee to pay, but in the more likely event of you fluking a half, or being dismantled by a fine performance from us, you will have to pay £10 each to my retirement fund.  Our first match this coming Saturday still has an opening if anyone is up for the challenge.

Vice-Captain/Assistant Pro Matches

In addition to Peter & Warren's Captain/Pro Challenge, Vice-Captain Terry Heaver and I are running our own challenge matches which are on July 21st and 16th August.  If challengers manage a win there will be no fee to pay however if they get a half, or lose the match, they will have to pay £10 each to myself.  If you are interested the sign up sheet is on the Pro's noticeboard although you will need your A game, Terry and I will not be taking it easy! 

US Open Par 3 Comp

Right around the corner is the second major of the year, The US Open at Chambers Bay Golf Club, 18th - 21st June.

Rather than run the usual sweepstake, we thought setting up a 9 hole par 3 championship would make a very pleasant change.  The championship will be held on Friday 19th June over the front 9 holes of RCPGC.  It will be a shotgun start, sharp at 5:00pm, so we would like all competitors to register in the shop from 4:30pm, where you can collect a scorecard and draw your sweepstake entry for the evening.  The golf will be followed by a fish and chip supper, before propping up the bar whilst watching the big boys battle it out on the big screen.

It's short notice, but if you can make it, or would like to play, please email us or contact the Pro Shop as soon as possible.  Entry fee will be £10, this will include, fish & chips, a sweepstake entry and prizes.  The format is individual stableford points, off of full handicap.  Outside of the 2 regular par 3's, the remaining 7 holes will be played from blue tees, these will be situated from 110yds and in.

This will be a blast, don't dare miss out on one of the best events of the year.