hi,
Am new on this forum, so excuse if I am breaking any rules. Taking my first golf holiday and visiting Chicago & NY/NJ. Looking to play with a friend who is fighting a serious health condition. Any suggestion on good courses that I should play around NJ. We currently have Baltusrol GC and Crystal Springs. Any others that we should visit?

We will be 2 of us, and looking to play 1, 2, 3 Oct. We both shoot in the early 90s (or less on a good day) Any swingers around who can let us into their private clubs?, will be a good outing for him. Happy to buy the beers.

Keep swinging..

hi,
Am new on this forum, so excuse if I am breaking any rules. Taking my first golf holiday and visiting Chicago & NY/NJ.
Any suggestion on good courses that I should play. Medinah is Upper Class & aspiration, but looking at Premium economy options ) We will be 2 of us, and looking to play 28, 29, 30 Sept & 5 Oct. Any swingers around who can let us into their private clubs. Happy to buy the beers.

I will be travelling to the USA (Chicago area) in August. Besides playing at Medinah, could anyone recommend any other courses to play in the area and would any other swingers like to join me for a round?

Simon

The USGA and R&A today announced that a
worldwide ban against anchored putting strokes, applicable to professionals and amateurs alike, will go into effect Jan. 1, 2016.

Personally, I tried anchoring a long putter a few times and could never get comfortable with the stroke. What say you, Swingers?

Is Swingers golf fun or serious, i play golf for fun and enjoyment but obviously l love to win like most people. Does the great prizes offered to the swingers via this excellent site make it more of a serious competition or do you still see it as a fun tournament. I personally see it as a fun site that encourages me to fly virgin(instead of BA) in the hope of qualifying for a final and i have made some good friends in the process of playing golf with fellow swingers. Just wondered what your thoughts were???

Greetings fellow Swingers! I'm going to be taking a golfing Holiday in London from 23 May to 28 May. Staying near Paddington Station. Any recommendations for pubs/courses to play or if any swinger wants to play a round, please let me know!
Cheers!

Is there anyone else in our Swingers group going to the De Vere Masters shoot-out for the Masters Trip 2014?
Final Eliminator Golden Shoot Out which will be hosted by De Vere Wychwood Park, Weston, Crewe, CW2 5GP on Thursday 23rd May.

Well pondering I was about days of old pre 1979 GB and Ireland versus USA. Well I know we didn't fare too well at the end, but I reckon GB and Ireland could give the USA a real run for their money indeed a beating. I will suggest the following McDowell, Rose, McIlroy, Willett, Laird, Fleetwood,Wood, Westwood, Poulter, Donaldson, Laurie, Donald. Reserve Lowry. Captain- Lyle. What does everyone else think??Would we be wasting our time, lets see the team suggestions and also how about suggestions for a Fantasy Ryder Cup any golfer any era. Maybe be a good competition???

With the reecnt form of Tiger, do you think he can break Jack Nicklaus's record of 18 Majors?

Hi Mark, Ali, Alan and all triumphant Miami swingers. Can not make Copt Heath, been selected to play County Seniors Golf. Have a great day. Its a great track.

It was good to see the Big Easy contending again. His swing still looks good, but I’d like to see him with the short putter again. Should Ernie use the belly putter or the short putter?

Just heard yesterday about Janet Melville's great success in the English Championship last week. Delighted to see she's still playing as great golf as ever - really was a privilege to have that standard of player at the Swingers Final last year.
Although I certainly wish I could still have her hitting half my drives...

https://www.englandgolf.org/news.aspx?itemid=5504&itemTitle=Home+win+for+Janet+Melville+in+senior+championship&sitesectionid=1057&sitesectiontitle=Tournament+Newsroom

How important are gap wedges for you? I carry a pitching wedge, 52 degree and 56 degree (which doubles as my sand wedge). Do average amateurs need more than this? What's in your bag? Can you use your wedges effectively?

Can anyone tell me when the next swingers days a scheduled and where?

I've sent a message to every US Swinger in the Orlando/Gulf area asking if they are available for Matchplay and haven't had one response.

Any Brits out here looking for a game? No chance of the 20 bonus points but, a game is a game!

As someone who has to play exceptionally well just to play to my handicap of 7, it's impressive how some can shoot 5 or 6 [or more] better than their handicap several times over a season.
Should the handicap committee, ie Swingers organisers make use of clause 23 of the CONGU handicap rules, and make additional handicap adjustments for exceptional play, in terms at least of the Swingers competition?

I am working on Farnborough area - am free for a late game of golf around 5pm is Monday 29th or Tuesday 30th - anyone available ?

What a lovely way to spend a Friday, Paul did you or Sir Richard B arrange the weather, a tad cool and breezy, but the sunshine was delightful.
Enjoyed the company of John, Alastair and his dad Dennis.
Well done and looking forward to more opportunities to play with fellow VS competitors.

Bob

I am staying in a hotel near Worplesdon on Thursday night as working in Farnborough during the day. Not sure what time I will finish but anyone else staying close fancy a drink?

With all the Aussies preforming so well and Angel nearly taking another green jacket, I feel that we have a better chance at President's Cup this year.
Brendon Grace was unlucky in his first round and the normal boys Ernie, Charl and Louis should be in good form later this year! Would also have loved to see the Rest of the Team play Europe! Could be some awesome golf!!
Well played Adam! Awesome win! I watched until he put the green jacket on at 2am!

Whens the best time to take a lesson?? when your playing well ( if it aint broke, dont fix it ) or when you feel your playing bad ??

Well done to Adam Scott, holding his nerve after a pumped celebration on the 18th green in normal time thinking his birdie was good enough to win the Green Jacket, except a stunning approach by Angel Cabrera to two feet when he needed it.

Then Angel nearly holing his chip on the 1st playoff hole, only for Adam to hole a 15 footer down the hill on 10 the 2 nd playoff hole and the 1st Aussie to win the Green Jacket after several near misses by Norman and Day to name a couple.

I think most people were rooting for him after handing the Open at Lytham last year to Ernie Els.

Should be the first of many, Mr Scott congrats again.

Surely any other golfer that made a mistake like that would have been disqualified? I know the rules have changed, but rules are rules... If it had to happen to anyone else, I am sure they would have been disqualified.. Not sure... What are your thoughts? Ernie believe Tiger should have been booted.

Nothing to do with the bet I have on him to win....cough....but I do feel some sympathy for Tiger this year at Augusta. While everyone else seems to be bouncing off trees into the middle of the fairway, he hits a sublime shot into 15 for a certain birdie, hits the pin and into the water, takes what looked like a reasonable penalty drop, then some muppet phones up and complains. Get a life!. Whatever the outcome no doubt he's the greatest golfer ever. errr and it would be handy if he won )

I hope the PGA official at Augusta who imposed the one shot penalty is able to make my next Club Medal because he would have a field day.It's about time the vast majority quickened their game up at all levels of play.
Swingers Golf Day at Worplesden here we come....quickly I hope.......

After watching the master, you have a 14 year old playing and some much older guys playing... I know many of them are champions from the past?
Should other younger golfers not be given the oppurtunity to play in place of some of the guys aged over 55?? Just a thought?

Fred Couples yet again after driving down Magnolia Lane seems to forget all of his ailments and shoot -4 (68) to looks to continue his awesome record in the first major of the year.

If he makes the cut that will 27/28 times.

Has 17 career top-25 finishes and 11 career top-10 finishes at the Tournament, including an iconic victory in 1992. His tee shot on No. 12 in the final round that year came up short but refused to roll into Raes Creek. He made par on the way to the Green Jacket.

With this being one of the rounds of the day, also pushing hard has to be the 14 year-old Tianlang Guan to shoot 73 (+1) in tournament conditions in your first Masters and also not hitting very far (avg drive 250yds), just shows there are hope for all of us!

Drive for show, putt for dough!

Looking forward to the first Virgin Swingers golf Day on 19 April at Worplesdon...who on here is playing?

Will this signal an end to the Par 3 winners jinx...

When you make equipment choices, how important is 'what the pros are playing' in your decision-making process?

We had our 1st club medal on Saturday the 6th April, has everybody else started their official season yet, i know a lot of players from the ROW will have started getting there scores from last december and us poor europeans only have 4 months worth of medals to get our 6 best scores. It doesn't sound too bad 6 medal scores in 4 months when you look at it like that but it is all the negative scores at the beginning that depress you. In the swingers who has the longest season and who has the shortest seasons.

It is April and The Masters will be starting up next Monday with all the pomp that USA golf can muster......what is the biggest title in the world of golf???

Did you see this?
Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5u_2bGPdUY&feature=youtube_gdata_player


Sent from my iPad

Is any one playing golf over Easter?? Still snowed under. No golf for forseable future. Getting the shakes.

Has anyone got any plans for the Easter holidays playing golf? It is pouring with rain in Durban, South Africa and a few courses might be closed. I am working, so I will not be playing, but would be extremely jealous if you have a good game planned...

Been playing golf in Mexico. Just found out about Slope Ratings. Slope ratings on courses start at the hardest ( slope rating 160) to the easiest (slope rating 75). Played Playacar, slope rating of 148. Holiday golf just got harder.
Anyone heard of this before?

Up until this year it's been pretty simple to decide on the 'cut' for final places - but with 6 divisions to draw from for each team it looks far from that this year. For example there are 33 euro club swingers 0-9 handicap, but only 3 fun swingers in the same category - is it likely that some divisions will be amalgamated, otherwise the numbers just won't add up!

I am a 22 handicap. Driver is a 6 year old Callaway that gets the ball to about 200yards +/-.
Need to get another 25 yards :)

Suggestions?

Where I live Tayside/Fife Scotland we've got great courses (Carnoustie, St Andrews, Cairdie) but we've got 100's of them!!! Clubs are all down on member numbers and there's few if any young members coming forward........clubs are cutting prices, all competing for the reducing business.........a good problem to have you say...maybe but short term..what future for some of these courses......back to potato farming? Where else has this problem, it would be good to know.......could do an exchange visit :)

I've thought that over the last decade or 2! that the length of courses are getting too long.

I thought that I was alone in this until I was priveleged to be at a presentation by Jack Nicklaus in which he reiterated that the sport technology was damaging the game.
A case of hitting it further the tees go back and so no advantage to the player but the costs of maintenance increase and the length of time to play.

Now balance this with a presentation from a rocket scientist that the R&A use to calculate dispersion patterns, flight, distance etc. The conclusion is that the average golfer only hits the ball 1 yard further than 20 years ago but they hit the ball straighter. Perception is further.

However, we all know that now a round of 4hrs is the norm! 20 years ago I completed a medal in 2hrs 15mins, full 18.

Should the courses be shorter and the technology limited to bands of players, requiring greater skill as you improve. Without having to start a Sunday round at 7 to get in before lunch!...

Thoughts please.

Remember ......if you can't play it doesn't matter what clubs or new fangled nonsense you use.....you can't play. How many high handicappers with the most technologically expensive custom fitted clubs in the world, would beat Tiger Woods, Rory McIlRoy or even young Tommy Fleetwood playing with a set of hickory shafted clubs from days of yore.......probably none !!! Invest the money on lessons and the time for practice and you'll be amazed just how well you can play with the clubs you've already got, that you thought couldn't hit, I know I was. Its the swing not the tool box!!!

Well the golfing powers that be have decreed that soon the pros will no longer be able to use any putter that "anchors" itself to the player, out go the brooms and bellies.Now should this apply to every golfer including us non professionals who regularly struggle around the courses every week,well let's see.We all play month medals or forms of match play to differing levels of seriousness and should your opponent have what is considered now to an advantage, is it fair for them to be able to overcome their obvious previous putting deficiencies, cos otherwise why invest the money on the new equpment i.e who changes what isn't broken? Does it take a greater degree of skill to sink a putt with a conventional putter, in probably doesn't at the end of the day you have to read the line and get the wight right..most importantly it is in the head, it is not a physical affliction that gives you the yips,look at Alliss and Langer two old greats, it was in the mind,should all those who struggle in this way be allowed a cure through technology,cos after all the club manufacturers can't wait to pick our pockets with next new trend,adjustable this adjustable that, this shoe, that new shirt fabric, grip etc etc and we all fall for it thinking that technology will provide the cure,does it most times no.
Personally I think that the pros are gaining an advantage and should not be able to use anything other than a conventional putter and work to erradicate their "issues",does the advantage of the equipment get greater the higher the handicap.. probably but don't most of us play for the sheer pleasure and sadistic qualities of golf ?? If my playing partners are using a belly putter or broom handle,fair play to them as long as they can take the banter and ridicule that will inevitably highlight thereir failures,harsh but fair..and we all do it..let them get on with it,after all we all come back after that one great shot that gives the darkest cloud a bright silver lining.

What I struggle with is why a player from China can play off scratch beat the pros and maybe get to the Masters, when I have been playing golf for four times longer than he has been alive, still can only at my best play to 17 handicap and probably spend more on lost balls than he does on clubs....strange but true.

Are the worlds top golfers selling out to sponsorship? Is the form dip by McIlroy down to switching to Nike, given that Woods did same and struggled in subsequent tournaments? I've not changed my clubs 'sponsor' and my form never changes .....always rubbish )

Whilst listening to Cheltenham racing on the radio yesterday there was a discussion about the greatest commentary ever and it got me thinking has there ever been any memorable golf commentary and if so when?
I haven't been able to think of anything so far!

This event is going on near Edinburgh over 4 days between the 18th March and the 22nd this year? Gullane No1 & 2, Longniddry & North Berwick. Has anyone played these courses and if so do they have any tips?

Given McIlroys statement yesterday re toothgate do you think he should be frozen out of Ryder cup contention as seems to have happened to Sandy Lyle ( the only member of the Major winning 'golden generation' Ballesteros, Langer, Faldo, Woosnam, Olazabal not to have captained) after he quit the Open a few years back?

What does everyone feel about drinking whilst playing golf. Someone I play with now and again has started to bring a few cans of beer in his bag convinced it helps him to remain 'loose'
Personally I try to stick to Lucozade Sports.
Anybody with any experiences to share

Hoping Rory tells the tooth, the whole tooth & nothing but the tooth in his press conference at Doral 0)

Any others on recent golf topics?

Shortly the Tampa Open, played on they Copperhead Course at Innisbrook, will take place without a major sponsor. It will be Interesting to see the turnout of top pros. Do you think the massive purses to be played for at most USPGA events is good or bad for the game of golf?

With three disastrous starts to the season, is McIlroy spending too much time on the tennis court and not enough on the range?
Nike must be looking on with disbelief - Tiger can win a major with a broken leg but Rory limps off the course with a sore tooth!!

On two separate occasions in the last week I have played with players who use their putter to get out of a bunker. One occasion was in a sandy bunker in Barbados, the other was in a wet bunker in Surrey! I have also been told that someone in Barbados uses his driver to get out of a bunker. Any comments or recommendations that this is a reliable way to get out of bunkers ( I often land in them!)

One of my playing partners at the weekend boldly predicted that Tiger Woods will never win another major golf title. Is there anybody else out there who agrees with that?

Played my last round of golf in Barbados this morning. Am I going to enjoy the golf in England this week?

Great to see a snow delay in the States - nice to see the world trying to balance out the weather somehow.

Any good snow golfing memories? The last time I played in snow, the studs on my shoes ended up freezing over with ice and I slid down a hill at the back of the 3rd green in Woodbrook.

'Earn 15 bonus points by playing golf in any Virgin Atlantic destination having flown there with Virgin Atlantic.'

Can you claim the bonus points after taking a domestic Virgin Atlantic flight, for example a golf trip to Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Manchester or London?

Anybody care to share their memories from any of the past finals - right back to Season 1!
There have been may but mine would be the sunset BBQ overlooking the beach on the Saturday night of Season 5 Final California.

Guys,

Is it possible we can have a new column on the leaderboards this year, that maybe get's updated on 1st of each month to show who has a qualifying flight.

I know I keep harping on about this addition and it may take some of the fun out of waiting for the final email to drop into the inbox, but speaking from experience and missing out last year by bonus points, I think this will be very useful addition to an already excellent website.

So come Paul, Jenny get this moving forward 0)

Also a bit off the subject how good was the goals at the Valentines Game Spurs vs Lyon last night, lots of love for football, especially THFC and Bale fans..!

Can we have a nice weekend this week? Played in snow last week at Burnley, i'd like to wear less layers this week.

I am after a set of new graphite irons.
Anyone heard about Benross Golf Irons ?

What a great idea! Although I predict that the winner will come from the Staes as their handicap system will lend itself better to this event. Am I wrong?

How do you choose a new set of clubs? So many to choose from. Having a new set for my birthday. New clubs, new S10. New season. Bring it on!!!!!

Unbelievable season in prospect here - let's get Team Europe up and running to defend the title in Gleneagles!

Looks like the Virgin/Milestone team have been hard at work even while the Season 9 final was going on (great video blog)

How are the splits from the leagues going to decided and does team Europe only have 10 spots available this year with the others going to the Gold Members?

Awesome job, keep up the good work being able to play the Centenary Course before the 2014 Ryder Cup just shows how far this competition has come in the 10 seasons, I played in the first one at the Grove which was just a day trip!

I'm in Barbados until 25/2/13 if anyone would like a matchplay at Rockley.

In match play you give your opponent the difference between the two handicaps as shots. I play off 5 and my opponent plays off 10. I give them 5 shots on the stroke index 1-5 which are also the holes I would get shots on in other competitions. I have never understood why I give shots on the holes I would have a shot on and not the holes index 6-10 which my opponent would have. I do appreciate that the hole indexes are not exactly the hardest holes and are set up for match play conditions.

Are Supplementary Round cards admissable for Virgin Swingers?
These are qualifying Medal Round cards against the SSS of the course. They are official handicap rounds particularly of benefit to people who cannot guarantee to play in sufficient qualifying competitions during a season, dur to work commitments, injury or illness, etc.

Paul and team?

I see a tweet that scores can be counted for season 10 from 14th December? Isn't that a bit ante or even unfair given that most of us won't have qualifying club competitions starting before April 2013? Or is it best for everyone just to join the fun section?
OK I accept that many RoW players enjoy excellent year round golf, but not in Scotland I can guarantee!

Hope i didnt upset you!!!!!

WOW What a week. well done to paul , luke and all for a fantastic final. Allready practicing for next year. Did anybody play decent golf saturday? My head was still in Miami .

Thank you to everyone at the Finals players and organisors alike, a wonderful time both during the day and long into the night.....Janus you're a wicked man ( only joking ) I shall nickname you J.D from now on !!!!!!!!

Just a big THANK YOU to Michelle, Jenny, Paul, Luke, Fran, Stephanie and Gary for the fabulous trip to Miami, you all made it so special for everybody involved and i am sure all players from both sides will agree it really was a fabulous experience, so thanks again and we all look forward trying to qualify for next year, Well done to both team ROW & team Europe for your great efforts and sportmanship over the last week.

Well done Andrew winning 2 out of 3 of your matches. I'm sure that is a better contribution to ROW than I could have achieved. Many thanks Mo

Well done team...unlucky this time Kribs....bring on season 10!

Bob

Come on Paul and Team Virgin what is the score?

Hi Krib,
Many congratulations on qualifying and ROW Captain but please don't change the great colors for boring! The ROW with Jetlag have a serious disadvantage. I really do think expecting me to spend 4 nights out of 7 in the air or in transit in premium economy is unreasonable and many of the ROW from SA have 3 nights out of 6 in the air, a serious disadvantage for ROW golf performance against team Europe! Please appeal for some upgrades or extra handicap to help us be competitive! Anyway, hope I can be more help to the team this year. Congratulations again.Mo

Good morning ladies and gents - Fellow team mates.

I am so excited to be going to play in the Finals.
I see a few of you have made it before, so this is nothing new to you.

We have had so much rain in Durban that it has been tough getting onto the course to hit some balls, but I managed to brave the rain and lightning and played a few holes yesterday. If only I could hit that ball that well everyday! Nice feeling to be level after 8 holes.
Any suggestions on what to bring for the trip? Clothing etc..
In 2 weeks time we will boarding our plane to Miami in Heathrow!

Go TEAM ROW!!
All the best

Janus Horn

Apologies to Team Europe, but my form this year prevented qualification...I am sure you will all have a great time and with the Ryder Cup momentum behind you, bring back the Cup!

Nice to receive some Glenmuir socks this morming as a prize for predicting Rory for the USPGA. Pity about the credit card bill and the electricity bill in the same post :-(

How superstitious are you? I hate to use a brand new golf ball on the first tee.

Is it just me or has it been harder than ever before to do a decent medal score? It is now October but middle of August was the last time that there were decent scoring conditions. The rest of the time I have been squelching through the mud, can't remember the last time there was any "run" on the ball. Off to Lincolnshire this week, surely it must be drier than Lancashire! Great to see more prizes on offer will they include Flying Club brollies & wellies?

With the recent changes regarding the use of belly putters will this mark a departure for us as the amateur players who seek any help we can. Personally i have never used a belly putter or a long putter, but have tried every single weird and wonderful combination of putters over the years,I gravely regret losing my first ever putter, a hickory shafted affair I found in a second hand shop, that was the best I have to admit, but it went the way of all flesh, now I have settled on a "Heavy Putter" by Boccieri. My question is if the rules are to be applied to change the use of putters that create a "hinge" with the body, will further "changes" be enforced re weight, length, size and shape etc or indeed inserts and so forth. Again another question is, all the pros currently using belly putters etc will their game deteriorate or will we see that indeed as with all golf the hardest part to overcome is the mind and not the equipment or the course ???? Thoughts.

With the recent changes regarding the use of belly putters will this mark a departure for us as the amateur players who seek any help we can. Personally i have never used a belly putter or a long putter, but have tried every single weird and wonderful combination of putters over the years,I gravely regret losing my first ever putter, a hickory shafted affair I found in a second hand shop, that was the best I have to admit, but it went the way of all flesh, now I have settled on a "Heavy Putter" by Boccieri. My question is if the rules are to be applied to change the use of putters that create a "hinge" with the body, will further "changes" be enforced re weight, length, size and shape etc or indeed inserts and so forth. Again another question is, all the pros currently using belly putters etc will their game deteriorate or will we see that indeed as with all golf the hardest part to overcome is the mind and not the equipment or the course ???? Thoughts.

Absolutely superb three days, I have to think the best Ryder Cup I have ever seen, the crowd were fantastic and were fair to all the players I think.
The European team coming back from that deficit in the singles was unthinkable even to the most ardent supporters, The respect and acknowledgement shown to the late Seve Ballesteros was also a fitting tribute and topped off by the win, which in a way reflected the character of the man himself, as Olazabal said in the interview afterwards they did it for him. Wonderful.
Also the USA team played their part superbly and one has to say were by far the better team on the first two days, wasn't it ironic though, that the final result rested on the shoulders of the four players who had struggled the most in the competition and not one a match.

We've started an opinion poll asking who was the best performer in the Ryder Cup. Was it Ian Poulter, or do you give it to Martin Kaymer just for holding his nerve on that putt? What about Jason Dufner, who performed well all week or Bubba?

Never in my short career of following golf in person or on TV have i seen such an impressive "will to win" competition as i watched this afternoon.....
Congratulations to the Europeans for such an amazing comeback!!! Fantastic play and good fun to watch!!!!

Does any know that if you recomend a friend to the swingers league do they have to be a virgin member ?
Many Thanks

Well we are about to set sail for the Americas and take on the Americns on their home greens. My question is what level of crowd interaction will be permitted, it is not unusual for the crowd to perform in a manner that would at least be termed unsportsmanlike. Crowds can determine an outcome if left unchecked.....let us see how the stewards perform and hope that they are strong and above all unbiased, or better still the USA supporters can determine the difference between the Superbowl and The Ryder Cup, yes make noise....but be fair.

I am over in NYC the first week of October 2012 and was wondering if anyone has any contacts or fancies a game around NYC in this week.

I know Bethpage is quite close to the city, so anyone interested drop me a message

look forward to hearing from you, also please dont be put off by my +1 handicap, there are plenty of people on this website that will tell you, I am easy going and willing to share my knowledge of the game.

Cheers look forward to loads of replies..

It's the Ryder Cup this month! Who do you think will win, and what do you think the winning margin will be?

If you had the job of Ryder Cup captain would you have chosen Harrington over Colsaerts?

what are the feelings on dress codes for golfers. Many of our younger " hot " pros have introduced some great new looks...including and here I have been castigated as a sacriligious modernist...non collared shirts. Slso should we be forced to tuck in our shirts, wear belts and long socks withh shorts, or should we be able to have a greater freedom of choice whilst at the same time remaining smart but casual enough to be comfortable and wait for it....how about trainers in the clubhouse ??? or am I going too far. We want our game to encourage youngsters and whereas we dont want to go round shouting...pull up your trousers !!! we do want to move with the times.
Last but not least the phrase having "eyes in the back of your head" is most apt with todays Pros, given that their very expensive sunglasses are mostly placed there, the joys of sponsorship.

There’s some amazing golfing destinations around the world, but in your opinion what’s the best golfing city?

How long does your routine take before hitting your ball. Is it necessary to take numerous swings and then site your shot from behind the ball then take practice swings again.Can you cut down time taken on the greens. What do you think?

In our opinion Tiger Woods was unquestionably the most influential golfer of the noughties. Of the current crop of young golfing superstars, who do you think will become the most influential in the current decade?

Paul and Team
Thank you for my lovely lilac shirt received today and my sleeve of Srixons....how come Karen got some cherry red lip balm and I didn't!
Karen says thanks for her turquoise number too...

Els could as could Nicolas with his drives and chips ! The mistake Nicolas made was not to attack the 7th !Baffling ! Level first 6 with amazing drives and layup on 7th where even the conservative went with woods!
Jim Furyk will win if no one in the top 7 hit 67tonight .in my view only Nicolas ,els or tiger can ! It's not over yet as McDowell is not scared to rise to the chase !

Wow Day 2 : the scores speak for themselves ! Tiger in the hunt . What an amazingly difficult course even to walk along ! Tom is showing age counts to keep calm and play conventionally ! Can't wait to get back to hole 8 today ! The uncertainty is so clear as tiger approaches his shot game ,he needs to back himself and play through !

Offer of free room at the Intercontinental for 2 nights on 21st June is no longer available after Wednesday 13th so please contact me soon for details if interested. Many thanks Mo

Hi, Does anyone fancy joining us on 21st June for 2 or 4 days golf? We have a spare King Garden room for 2 nights bought with reward points.
Mo & Tony Reardon

If you have the choice, do you prefer to walk or take a golf cart round the course?

What are your worst witnessed Golfing Faux Pas? Mine a player who walked over to the green and kicked another players ball off the green, as he felt he was playing too slowly. He then proceeded to walk back to the clubhouse....never to be seen again. Another and this may be just a little strange, a golfing partner who insisted on playing in odd shoes, one white one brown, because he insisted it brought him good luck his major problem however, was that his clubs appeared to be cursed!!!

Has anyone got any history of Golfers Elbow ?
I used to play once/twice a week but have been out of the game for nearly 2 years now only managing the occasional game. Only managing 5 or 6 games last year I really thought it had gone this year after giving it a solid 5 month rest over the winter but NO it's now worse than it has ever been and they have now offered me surgery !!! I've heard mainly bad things about the surgery and it only has a 50/50 chance of working in the first place, What should I do has anyone got any experience???? PLEASE HELP !!!

i would love to hear what degree wedges Swingers are carrying in their bag..... and what about the bounce???
i personally carry a 50-54-58 cleveland.....i am finding i am using my 54 more and more ...with more success!! comments???

Can Tiger keep changing his swing and get his groove back, I think not

How much time should you dedicate to practicing before a round? Is there such a thing as too much practice?

After just the first two days of the Masters at Augusta the best professionals in the world have had real problems with their putting. Even putts under four feet have been missed frequently with the burrows and napps slipping them away from the hole.I appreciate that it puts the professionals in our amateur league of missing short putts but this is in one of only four majors in the year. Also it slows play so much with most matches taking over five and a half hours to complete the round. The time spent by the players on the greens is rediculous. Its not just them trying to work out the line but some of them seem to wander around totally bemused, probably plucking up the courage to play the shot. I think you can still have a great golf tournament without such severe greens.What do you think?

After just the first two days of the Masters at Augusta the best professionals in the world have had real problems with their putting. Even putts under four feet have been missed frequently with the burrows and napps slipping them away from the hole.I appreciate that it puts the professionals in our amateur league of missing short putts but this is in one of only four majors in the year. Also it slows play so much with most matches taking over five and a half hours to complete the round. The time spent by the players on the greens is rediculous. Its not just them trying to work out the line but some of them seem to wander around totally bemused, probably plucking up the courage to play the shot. I think you can still have a great golf tournament without such severe greens.What do you think?

Am struggling to get out to play between looking after 1 yr old daughter and spending "quality" time with wife!

What is the best excuse you have given to give yourself 5 hours to complete a golf round in peace?

Best answers will be tried... :-)

A small comment about the southerners starting the season earlier than us poor nirthen folk who can actually breath freh air. I read an article about a chap from down south who got out of bed every Saturday made a flask of coffee and went to his golf club, he put his ball in a shute went back to the car drank his coffee and slept there until after 8am. When he played it took him over 5 hours and his fees were astronomical. The same guy came to Scotland for a holiday, in one day he played 3 rounds of golf paid less than the one would cost him at home and had a great time. I have lived in Scotland a long time and play 3 times a week for pennies. I don't think that the southerners have the best of it( apart from weather).

After our opinion poll last month, it seems the obvious question to ask next. ‘Who’s the best putter in history?’ Is it the likes of Wood or Nicklaus or one of the legends from the past such as Bobby Jones? You decide.

Hello fellow swingers!! I will be in Dubai on May 26th and am keen to take advantage of travelling alone for once and arrange a round somewhere (Emirates ideally). Anyone around or can put me in touch with friends / colleagues who fancy a friendly knock, then that would be great - I am 15 hcp, thanks!

Just had a look at the state of the team Europe top club swingers. You Southerners don't know you are born. Please have some sympathy for us golfers playing in the North i.e. Lancashire. We don't get back onto proper tees and fairways till May so we can't start to submit medal rounds till then and then we finish in October. It must be great to have a full season on the proper course. I suppose the up side is we can hit drives over 300yds when the course is frozen.

Just a quick query - once you have selected your pick for the tournament - I take it that it's not possible to change that pick??

In winter at my course we play a winter league that alternates week by week, Stableford and Bogey. There is no method to enter a Bogey score, just Stableford and Medal. I have entered what I would have scored in Stableford, but the club's website will show +4, not 40 points when verifying my score.

Cleveland Golf, our new golf equipment partner, are famous for their wedges. Who is the best wedge player in golfing history?

How come there are some scores already submitted but I cant put mine on?

My inbox waiting expectantly for the Swingers season 9 invitation......

HI Everyone, I run a society and and we are having a 36 hole (two round) day this season at Stapleford Park).
This will follow a Ryder Cup Matchplay format and you match wins/losses will qualify for league points.
This will be held on a tuesday and we have 6 places spare which I am offering to fellow swingers.
It is first come first served - send an email to me at jon_crickmore@hotmail.com if you are interested for more details and costs(cheap).
Swing Easy.

So I shoot 39 points off my new handicap of 17.6, off the yellows (2 shots difference SSS from whites) so a kind of nett 37 points, I come 11th (44 won it, bandit!!), and 50 others below me. I don't get cut 0.3 as I was hoping and expected but stay the same.....howdididothatthen? Mathematical geniuses please explain....

With courses in the UK closed during this cold snap there are few options open. Either taking on Tiger Woods on the playstation, or hitting a bucket of stones if one can find a driving range open, are two of the options.
Best option is clearly booking a flight (on Virgin Atlantic obviously) to escape to somewhere warmer.
As an alternative to pass some time, please reply with your best golfing joke, to put a smile (even if a wry smile) on people faces as they look longingly out of the clubhouse window.

The best one I've heard is a Willie Nelson (country & western singer) story (allegedly). He owned his own golf course. He said the best thing was that he could decide on the par for each hole. As example he had played the 7th hole the week before, and had struggled scoring 8, but at least he had got his birdie!

If the Swingers golf days are so succesful why not have one or two more and spread out the regions a little.
Unfortunately this year i can`t make it to the south region event having just come back from a golfing trip in Spain but would love to play in another but can`t because one is way up North and still close to me coming back from my trip,it`s more likely that i would travel up North if the dates were further apart.
What do you think ?

The PGATour is the only tour not to allow the payment of appearance money to golfing superstars, but should that matter?

Last week lots of the top golfers like Woods, Donald, Westwood etc received appearance money to appear in the Middle East. That clearly affected the quality of the field at Torrey Pines, even though the tournament prize money was substantially more in California [ near Monarch Beach! ]

One top pro once said 'the best place to finish in an overseas event is 2nd, because you get a nice cheque, justify your appearance fee, and don't have to come back and defend !'

So should the European Tour change its rules and only allow sponsors to pay into the prize fund, which would help everyone in the field according to merit?

So Tiger Woods won his own competition that had a very limited field and yet earned a large amount of ranking points that propelled him back into the top 50. I personally don't think the points should have been awarded, people say that the field had x amount of top players in it, but unless you have a full field you really cannot say you have won by merit. It all boils down to the argument of is the best player in the world there by merit ?. Luke Donald is number 1 by merit, ok so he has not won a major yet but who cares. I think that each event should be allocated more points, so for example a major would carry 3 times the amount of points than a normal game, and WGC events two times the amount. All other games regardless of world location would carry the same amount. this would make golfers travel more to obtain points.

Nice to see the early organisation of two Swingers events in the South and Midlands of England but it seems that Scottish VA Flying Club members continue to be at a big disadvantage in the league - why isn't there an event in the 'Home of Golf'?

If you are a golfer with a registered handicap then I think the workplace should support golfers on days with blue skies and temps above 24C by leaving work at 3pm to go and play some golf. Lets face it, on such days, the majority of golfers are looking out the window and day dreaming of course records and also such days with such weather are few and far between in the UK....!

Technology developments are all very well, we can hit the ball further, generate more spin etc. However, our overworked greenkeepers seem to be turning into off road driving junkies. Why the hell if trolleys are banned do they still insist on driving all over the place ad using tractor mounted leaf blowers on the greens! relief from tractor marks is all very well on the fairway but on the greens? Get a brain and use shank's pony occasionally when the greens are wet. Not happy bad greens and Barnes Wallace crazy putting ruin a game of golf!

What do you consider to be the most important part of your game? Is it your set up, stance or maybe it's the mind game? What do you have to get right to make your game tick?

Many, many thanks to you and the whole team for an excellent event. It was great to meet your team and the Europeans and the rest of ROW, what a wonderful bunch of people.

Everything was so well organised and planned to the last detail it was a great pleasure to be there and enjoy the venues, menus, competitions, flights and entertainment.
Mo Reardon

A great time had by all.
Thanks to Virgin, Paul & Luke for brilliant week!
Made new friends, and more golfing trips are planned.

Can I be the first to congratulate Paul, Luke, Michelle and the entire team at the Virgin Golf Swingers for a memorable experience over the last 4 days out in Orlando. Fantastic organisation, great course and wonderful company...roll on Swingers Season 9 next year.....

What a final round...unbelievable!

With our finalists about to be confirmed for the US, it’s time for Europe to attempt to wrestle back the trophy from the ROW. It could be a classic like some of the Ryder Cups on US soil in years gone by. Which was your most memorable?

As my golf club welcomes visitors some problems must be expected. However an interesting problem, totally unexpected, is occuring regulary. The areas around the hole on the greens are becoming very scuffed due to players obviously dragging their feet with their soft stpikes. it means continually changing pin positions but is very frustrating when putting immediately after a green has been badly scuffed. It never seemed a problem with real spikes. Any ideas????

All, anyone out there got recommendations for my wife and I to play golf anywhere between San Francisco and Las Vegas?

We have no set route that we are planning to drive, apart from being in Carmel directly before we head to Las Vegas.

Google Maps suggests Rte 101 south, I5 south, then i15 to LV. Happy to scoot north up towards Death Valley though if anyone knows of any good courses up there.

Regs....David.

We are heading out to Orlando next month to make final preparations for the Final. We are also looking at potential excursions to give everyone a break from the golf course! It would be good to hear what you think of these, and whether you have any ideas of your own. We are planning to look at airboat rides and alligator safaris followed by a BBQ, kayaking with Manatees followed by a BBQ and a trip to see Cirque du Soleil. Or would you prefer access to one of the Theme Parks or time to do your own shopping?

Let us know your thoughts

Thanks
Paul

This year’s Open Championship saw one of Europe’s ‘old timers’ win his first major and it was hard to imagine a more popular winner. With so many up and coming youngsters in the game such as McIlroy and Fowler, some of the more seasoned pros have fallen out of the media spotlight in recent times. But Darren proved that you shouldn’t be written off just because you’ve been around a while.
In light of this, which seasoned pro do you think could break their major duck next?

I will be there from around 1st August to the 15th if anyone is available for a game..

Any pointers....over there for the next three days

With the Open starting this week, which course do you think is the toughest test on the current rota?

I will be on vacation with the family (end Jul beg Aug)...understand there is a new course on the island Apes Hill. Played the Barbados and the Sandy Lane in the past, Royal Westmorland continues to elude me....advice please. And if anyone on the island or on holidays fancies an away match play pls drop me a message.

PLEASE! All Ozzies who disagree with GA introducing a new system in September 2011, tell them so. Will they rewrite the R & A next!?

The society day was a greate day out and the course was in top condition and was not over priced, when you consider coffee bacon roll, golf on a top course, a meal after and prizes. yes you can play the course cheaper but this was a well organized event and the price reflected that, there are events on the same format that are twice the cost so well done Paul

Hey all,

I've never been one to use any kind of distance measuring tool other than sprinkler heads and the occasional cart with a gps module on it. However, after playing with a few friends who use rangefinders, I think they are absolutely fantastic! I'd like to get one, but there are so many choices out there.

Bushnell seems to lead the market, but I wanted to get people's opinions on what to look for in a range finder, and get suggestions on which one to get. I don't want to spend a ton of money, but I know they are all pretty expensive anyway so I may not have a choice.

Thanks in advance,
Nathan

Today I received the prize for last month's Glenmuir competition. Thanks very much Virgin Atlantic and Glenmuir.

It is a fabulous Dublin Fine Striped Cotton Polo Golf Shirt and there are NO intrusive advertising logos on it. They are obviously relying on quality and design to do their on-shirt advertising instead.

Alan Clifford

In May, we heard the very sad news that golfing legend Seve Ballesteros had passed away. We thought as a tribute we would get Swingers from all over the world to send in their memories of Seve. You can see ours on the latest news section, but please add yours on this thread.

This month in our opinion poll we ask ‘Who’s the greatest female golfer of all time?’ Who has done more than anyone to take women’s golf to it’s current heights?

Hi Jason !

I am writing this mail to thank you for the best tip i ever recieved on x factor
" One way to achieve this is at the address position turn your right foot towards the ball. "
My handicap was around 7 in the past but since last couple of years, went up to 12 all because of DISTANCE.
You will be glad to learn that i implemented your above tip in todays round ( did not practice this tip ever on Driving Range) and to my & my 4ball surprise, I was hitting longer than every one with the result that I touched 9 Greens in Regulation & scored a 76.
I would like to give you the credit for me playing so good today.
Best regards
pk

On Virgin of course....... but which course to play?
Any advice greatly appreciated.

Paul/Luke - great job on the goody bags again this year!

When I asked what css was I was told that it was the same as sss and on the top of the card. It seems that as I won the "C. Division" with an over par score and came second with an under par score this is not the case

The swingers day at Forest Pines at Scunthorpe is in my opinion very over priced. If booked 2weeks in advance the cost is around £30 midweek and £40 at weekends. Perhaps if the organiser wants to extract water, then a hazel twig would be a better tool than a golf bag. Elsham (expensive) or Laceby Manor (not) would be a better choice and test of golf.

Due to medical problems I have been advised not to play golf without wrist supports. As I am trying desperately to get back playing after over a year off, has anyone had experience of playing with them? Also which type are recommended.

This month we ask ‘which player has/had the best swing in golf?’ What swing makes you tick, who makes striking a golf ball look so easy? Who has the perfect rhythm and balance?

Sorry if I cant see this detail on the web site but I cant really, how is the rest of the world team chosen? If its purely based on league position and scores submitted surely its open for abuse?? I cant even scramble to get in the top 85 and Im not playing great golf but I cant understand how the leaders are so 'fantastic'... A random draw would be more fair than a league of who can be the best bandit! lol

Hi

I have a spare ticket to the Great North Tour Event at Styrrup Hall on Friday - its yours if you want it - Tee-off sometime after 10:30 includes free bacon roll/coffee etc.

Let me know on 0770-3456-848

http://greatnorthgolftour.com/amateur-golf-tour-venues-2011/south-yorkshire-golf-tour-styrupp-hall.html

Be quick!

Jon

Anyone like to play at Terrey Hills on Tuesday 26th April if weather OK? 1 or 2 players welcome.

Happy Easter! Mo & Tony Reardon

This year I am playing a series of events on the Great North Golf Tour http://greatnorthgolftour.com/ - any swingers who fancy a match the day before of after an event in their area?
Drop me a message if you do.

Kevin Na's tragedy just makes me realise that when I am 5 off the tee, it could get worse!!

I do not understand how the leaderboard scores can be so high if people are submitting legitimate handicaps? The USGA states that players should ONLY be shooting their handicaps 1 in 4 rounds AT MOST. And, even then would probably be adjusted down.

As I mentioned in my best Ryder Cup course thread I am hosting French company colleagues at the Belfry in June. I will have to do a couple of presentations and an after dinner speach and was looking for some witty content. Keep it clean please!
Thanks in anticipation.
Bob

I was lucky enough to win the bonus prize in last years swingers comp and now have a round-trip ticket to use.
As I do a little freelance golf journalism I thought it might be a good idea to work-up a piece on golf hospitality in 2011.
What I'm looking for is for a few people who would be prepared to put me up in their homes and arrange a round of golf at their club for me on a one night one round basis - do you think that you might be interested?
I need at least 7 people to get this off the ground in the Australia, South Africa or America.
Contact me if you have a group of fellow swingers who would like to particpate in this project.

Group of boys heading for South Wales playing Pennard, Fairwood, Machynys and Royal Porthcawl (on Friday 29th!) over the forthcoming bonus Royal Wedding Bank Holiday weekend .... any South Waleans have any advice on the 4 courses (and I'm not talking soup thru to cheese)?

I have in the last 4 weeks played 6 rounds of golf at my home club...I have posted 9 under, 10 under, 3 under in social rounds and yet in club comps I am 2 over, 4 over and 5 over...is it all in the mind?

With the recent WGC events still fresh in memorable, outside of the major championships and the Ryder Cup, which pro tournaments do you look forward to watching most? Is it The Player’s Championship at Sawgrass or the WGC Matchplay at Dove Mountain, Arizona. Perhaps it the traditional European PGA Championship at Wentworth?

Does Tiger's performance in recent weeks and particularly in 2nd place in Tavistock Cup team result signal alarm bells for the Masters?

I am currently planning my annual company Ryder Cup event UK v France...each year we venture to a new course (Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille, Edinburgh, Dublin, etc) but this year we are returning to the first venue (started by our CEO 19 years ago)...The Belfry...what in your opinion is the best ever REAL Ryder Cup venue?

how long do you need to take over your pre shot routine?
i was playing with a 16 handicapper- his routine took forever. After our round i confronted him on how long he took- he replied i need to go through this at all times to focus my attention. yet again another 4 1/2 hr round of golf.
your thoughts

I really enjoyed the coverage of the WGC matchplay golf from Arizona this last weekend and was delighted that Luke Donald got a long overdue win. However, I was amazed at how poor much of the TV coverage was from the American host broadcaster. Missed shots, shots shown out of order, long gaps (presumably for US commercials) between play being shown, poor on-screen graphics, poor commentary, etc. It made me grateful for the superb coverage, and commentary, Sky Sports provides us with every week.

I'd be interested in hearing other members' views on this.

Have we seen the end of any one or two players dominating the professional game, not only with Tiger - but going back to other multi major winners such as Faldo, Singh, Watson, Nicklaus etc. Already this year we've seen guys like Tommy '2 gloves' Gainey, Johhny Vegas, Mark Wilson, DA Points win events in the US, and in Europe it has been a similar picture with the worlds 123 failing to impress at Dubai, along with other superstars like McIlroy.

Is it just that they are all now super-competitive or is equipment levelling the playing field too much?

Which pro has inspired you to take up or play better golf over the years? Is it one of the big names like Seve, Jack, Tom or Tiger or has someone less obvious made you tick?

What's the recommended interval between regripping your ball retriever?

What's the recommended interval between regripping your ball retriever?

Why do we have Ladies Tees?
Coming up to sixty years of playing golf the one thing that has always bugged me
is why golf, based on the handicap system, needs special tees for Ladies. Before
you say this is a male chauvinistic viewpoint let me explain my views. I belong
to a small golf club in France and two days during the week we have senior
afternoons. Actually everyone who arrives are invited to play including
visitors. It is in fact an oppurtunity for those who enjoy the simple enjoyment
of the game to play with no pressure. Usually there are about 30 players 20 to
25% of whom are Ladies. Balls are placed in a hat and drawn into threesomes or
foursomes. It is therefore the norm for most groups to be of mixed men and
ladies. With a foursome comprising of two Ladies and two men it is off to the
first tee. The Ladies sensibly position themselves behind the men while they
drive off. Then its off to the Ladies Tee for the Ladies to drive off. So from a
group of four it is immediately split into two groups. For some reason it never
seems to go back to four players out to enjoy an afternoons golf. This is caused
simply by having separate tees for Men and Ladies. So Ladies tees cause
segregation where the handicap system could be used to negate the difference. So
why do we have to have Ladies Tees?

Has anyone else tried this swing model which seems to be the talking point in golf in the states?
One of the key points is keeping the weight forward during the swing which, if anyone saw my video swing analysis on the site they would see that weight transfer has been a big problem for me.
I've just started using Stack & Tilt a week ago and have found some amazing results so far. Yesterday at S&A I scored 35 points which was great considering that it is the first time I hit golf balls in about 6 weeks and its about the toughest track in this area.

I started an earlier thread on golf ball tech, but I've just acquired some of the new 'Truvis' Srixon balls - the ones with the blue pentagon markings which make the ball look like a mini football.

www.truvis.com is the website if you want the technical stuff.

Due to 6 inches of snow and ice I haven't been able to hit them on the course, but even chipping and putting around the snowman in the garden the markings seem to help make a more solid contact.

Has anyone else tried them on course to good effect - or is it taking psycho-technology too far?

Oh..and Merry Christmas !

Christmas is just round the corner, and that means the inevitable pair of socks amongst other gifts. But if you could choose a golfing present for yourself this year, what would it be?

I am thinking about buying some orange balls for this year's winter season as I am fed up with losing reasonable (i.e. long but not quite as straight as good) drives in the frosty glare on early Sunday mornings.

I also read recently that in the cold and frost, there is little difference in ball playability (i.e. a Pro V1 resembles a Dunlop 65).

Any thoughts or experiences (or are orange balls not the done thing at your club)?

Last weekend I played in a very enjoyable social competition at my club. The only noticeable problem is that slow play in the winter becomes even more of an issue as muscles get cold whilst waiting for the next shot and what light there is fades away.

This got me thinking about ways to speed up the game in winter time.

Some suggestions are:
i) Have only a general play tee to make the course short (my course has the sense to do this already).
ii) Increase the hole size on temporary greens - this would offset the problem of trying to cope with hobbles and bobbles etc. (and an effort akin to stopping a marble on an upturned bowl)
iii) Implore people to be sensible with Winter Rules - not every shot needs to be reset on a fluffier lie
iv) Always play 'ready golf' - show less concern for who has the honour and more concern for putting balls in play.
v) And even though the rain is pelting down like the recent event at Celtic Manor remember that we are not all playing in the Ryder Cup.

The benefit is that we all get round quicker (in a relaxed sense) and get to spend more time in the bar with friends before dashing off to a Sunday roast.

Any thoughts and any ideas?

It seems our club is not willing to address this and they are dragging their feet. Do we have any clubs that have implemented and how is it all going? I am a working lady that would love to play competitive golf on a Saturday and would be happy to pay the same fees as an ordinary male member. At present me and my husband work all week, he golfs on Saturday and I on Sunday - therefore leaving no family time as such. Can this be resolved?

With the wind and rain battering down on the UK today, what better way to pass the time then think of great golfing destinations in Europe, US and other areas of the world where you are guaranteed some sunshine. Which are your favourites?

It's that time of year again when we start looking back on sporting achievements of the past year, and the BBC gets ready to roll out its Sports Personality of the Year. I would imagine Europe are dead certs for the team award, but if there was one individual golfer who deserves the award of Personality of the Year, who would you give it to and why?

In our opinion poll this month, we ask who will end next season as Number One in the World? Obviously Lee Westwood holds that title for now, but is he just keeping the seat warm for a revitalised Woods or will one of his Ryder Cup team mates, such as Martin Kaymer take over?

I would just like to say thanks for the kind comments from both captain's in their final's interviews

Just managed to read them off the final newsletter

Joan's comments

Q: Who do you think was the biggest threat on the European team?

A: The European team was very competitive but without a doubt you gotta love the play of Alastair Price. He has the canny ability to get the golf ball up and down anywhere on the course. He is a true class player and individual. We all wish to play to that handicap!!!


Nigel's comments

Q: There were some great performances from your team as well, is there anyone in particular you would single out for praise?

A: I’m reluctant to single any one player out as I feel everyone within Team Europe gave 100%, we were just beaten this year by a more focused team. If I was to single out one player, it would have to be Alastair Price. It was an absolute pleasure to have played alongside Alastair and undoubtedly he was the best golfer in the Final.


Thanks again, hope to see you in Season 8 and you would both be my vote for captain if you both qualify.

Excellent job...

After sitting in the rain for 7.5 hours on Friday waiting for a ball to hit, I was cursing the choice of venues for the Ryder Cup. However, watching it on tv today, Celtic Manor looks great. How do you think Celtic Manor deserves to be remembered as a Ryder Cup venue?

Just a quick post to say say congrats to ROW team this year, who gave Europe a good hiding over 2 days days of really competitive and most enjoyable golf.

Milestone and Virgin with the help of Manor House got it spot on with regards to the event and the finals seem to getting better and better...Thanks again to all involved.

See you in Season 8 hopefully!

Hi all,

My wife and I are spending three weeks in South Africa in Nov/Dec and would be interested in hooking up with some other Flying Club Swingers to play some golf.

We will be up around Johannesburg/Kruger for the first week then down around CapeTown/Knysna for two weeks.

Anyone got course recommendations, tips for reduced green fees or be interested in meeting up and playing?

I can give me details of our itinerary outside of this discussion group.

Regs....David.

After Langer's back-to-back majors, our opinion poll this month asks which senior tour players could be worth a spot on either the European or US Ryder Cup teams. Feel free to discuss this topic here.

hi, how do i send in a score card so i can get the bonus points?
thanks

What's the best tip or advice you've had for improving your swing/game?
About 6 months ago I came across a set of online videos by Don Trahan (also known as 'The Surge'). For me a simple grip adjustment has found me playing the best golf of my life. I now take a more solid swing to the course and have better ball striking, with a hint of a draw. With few pointers from an old Jack Nicklaus video on course management, and a few pointers on the short game from an old Seve video I feel set up to bring in more pars than bogies.
I would be interested to hear top tips from others.

How has your club dealt with the Equality bill – ladies & gents to pay equal fees for equal access, which is becoming law in the Autumn? I have heard that some clubs have changed mens & ladies memberships to be 7 day & 6 day memberships & either gender can be a member of either class. Has anyone any experience of this being successful? I have also heard that 6 day membership means you can play at 5.30 on a Saturday i.e. after the comp. What do you think is the best & fairest way to deal with the Equality Bill?

This month in our opinion poll we ask what is the greatest European win on US soil in the last 20 years? Was it McDowell's recent win at Pebble Beach or maybe Faldo's two Masters in the 90's?

The 17th tee at St. Andrews has been moved back onto the driving range area (outside of the course boundary) to leave players a longer second shot to the road hole green.

I thought Pebble Beech was a great example, (well done Graeme McDowell), of how to take out the need for length and reward the consistent player.

I for one hope that the lengthened tee option is used sparingly, and other measures such as building up the rough, making the run off areas quicker paced, greens firm are used to the fore.

Good luck to Tom Watson for the main event, and I can't wait to see Seve in the Champion's Challenge.

Monty's pick as Ryder Cup captain for 2010 was controversial at the time - overlooking Lyle and Olazabal, and with most people expecting him to be a shoe-in for Gleneagles in 2014.
But will it be a beaming Monty leading the team to victory, or in adversity will the Americans be able to exploit 'Mrs Doubtfire's' fragile temperament leading to volcanic eruptions in South Wales?

With the dual start on the 1st and 10th tees at Pebble Beach for the US Open, what are people's views on starting on the 10th.
For me it ruins the round, since the holes are not played in the order intended. I recently played at Mystic Dunes in Orlando, and ended up playing the great show hole 11th hole par 3 as my second as we had to start on the 10th. So rather than having had 10 holes under my belt and a warmed up swing, I only had 1.
So should the holes be played in the order intended, or perhaps we should all dual start in the monthly medals so we can all get back in the bar for Sunday lunch.

I would like to see competition tees for ladies. At club level we only play from red tees, we should be like the men and have two tees, even if it means playing from the yellow.

Surprised this one hasn't been raised, since it's widely acknowledged that ball technology is probably the most important factor in the ease with which professional golfers can shoot such ridiculous scores. But for the average golfer does it really matter? Should you play a Titleist Pro V, or would a Donnay Pro One yield very similar results?

I personally tend to play a softer premium ball like the Pro V, mainly because I don't hit it all that far, and off 7or 8 I need an accurate short game, however on Saturday I was playing in the club stableford and before an early tee at 7.16am I gave my selected Pro Vs a quick scrub before leaving them behind in the kitchen! Hence on the tee I discovered that I only had one 'decent' ball which I proceeded to lose off the first tee due to a stiff back. I then finished the round with an old Callaway Warbird and despite the double at the first managed a scratch 75.

So does it really matter - or are we just suckered by the marketing of the big companies? I do tend to think that [even tho they are a rip off] premium balls are of some benefit even to higher handicappers - and of course they are nicer to pull out of the pond than Top Flites :)

I try and play once a week and where possible pop along to the range to waste a few good shots. However, I do feel that I am often building permanent bad elements into my game, altering grip, stance and anything else to correct that errant "Armitage Shanks". And far from reaching perfection I am a victim of bad shot muscle memory!!. I think it's time for a lesson or some other intervention, whaddya think/advise?

The recent discussions on laser range finders, markers and GPS software are missing the point. You have to hit balls at the range to find out your average distances per club. I use a laser range finder to get accurate distance readings at the range. On the course, GPS software apps especially on the iPhone can be slow, infuriating other players. Getting an accurate distance to the flag with my range finder helps me learn my distances in real play and update my yardage marker book. They speed up play and help me plan my round. My handicap has come down 6 points in the past 6 months since using it.

Joe

How do we get clubs to follow the CONGU rules on handicaps. I enjoy playing in open competitions but get annoyed when you book in for a 4 Ball Better Ball open and I am told that the handicap allowance is 7/8ths. This is completely against the CONGU rules ( which are now Mandatory ) that 4 BBB's should be 3/4 hanicap allowance. It happens quite often and, some of the clubs involved are open qualifying courses so they should know better.
Anyone any suggestions so that we can all have an equal chance of winning no matter what the handicap. It's the only sport I know of where the harder you practice and the more time and effort you put in, the more you are penalised.

Here's the thing, you strike a perfect drive, dead centre of the fairway, in the appointed target zone on the scoresaver planner.

Trouble is, someone has been there before you and your perfect drive is in a divot hole. To make it worse your playing partner's ball rolls off the fairway into light rough and his ball is almost teed up for his second shot.

Should (or how could) the rules be changed to allow you to move the ball out of the divot hole. Equity suggests you should be able to, but how to you ensure fair play?

I've watched it a few times and I have to say, besides the subtle product promos in there, the stuff he teaches is great. The videos are meant for slightly more advanced golfers, because he assumes you know proper grip, stance, etc. The video really tries to teach you how to get close from 50 yards and in.

I started using his "Hinge & Hold" method and I like it a lot. I feel like I have a lot more control over the golf ball. It was tough to get my distances at first, but I've found that now I am much more consistent from the fairway, rough, and bunkers using that technique.

Has anyone else seen the vids? Any other recommendations?

OK maybe I'm on a loser with this one, but I don't think rangefinders nor GPS devices should be allowed on competition rounds. I know the USGA and R&A allow that a local rule can permit their use but it's still a 'device that assists during play' and surely the luxury of a 150 yard marker along with his/her skill and experience should be all that a true golfer needs?

Should you enter every score? Start with low scores and then go high? Start high and then go low? How do you play the game to make it to the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Swingers Finals?

Just wondering what people are using in the way of putters out there and what they think of them?
I use a Scotty Cameron Circa 62 #5 mallet - its fantastic.

Their comments on it are:
Drop-dead curvaceous, yet completely refined. Art meeting technology meeting performance. A completely new spin on a classic. The Circa '62 No. 5 embodies each of these statements as it truly breaks new ground in mallet style putter design. With a unique, never-been-seen-before convex flange and concave sole—and already a PGA Tour event winner—the No. 5 is shafted directly to the putter head for a classic look that is familiar, yet altogether new. In keeping with the Circa '62 line’s design characteristics, the No. 5 has high toe and a straight topline for a pleasing look, which also helps to keep the putter soled at address. Players will find the melt-into-the-ground-smoothness—the result of hours of meticulous milling—the solid feel, and ball performance extremely satisfying. Complementing the refined putter head and single bend shaft setup is the rich, gun-blued finish that gives the No. 5 the aesthetics of a modern, high performance mallet that still retains old world charm and style.

In our opinion poll this month, we ask who, of the competing nations, is your choice to host the Ryder Cup in 2018. Is it France who have put in a very strong bid, previous host Spain, Germany, Portugal or the outsider Holland? Here's your chance to discuss future Ryder Cup host venues - European or American.

The BBC have asked us whether any Swingers would be interesting in assisting them with their research on a new documentary series exploring lifestyle and spending habits.

If anyone is interested please email Tara.Okelly@bbc.co.uk

Thanks!

We have received requests to organise a Swingers golf day where existing Swingers pay a fee to enter a fun competition, have a bite to eat and make friends with other Swingers in the area.

In order to gauge interest amongst our Swingers members, if you would be interested in paying to take part in such a day, please email golf@flyingclubevents.com or comment here indicating in the title whether you would be interested in a SCOTLAND & NORTH day, MIDLANDS AND WALES day or SOUTH day. Although we are not currently looking to run any of these events overseas, Rest of the World Swingers who might be travelling to the UK are welcome to register their interest.

At this stage, we have made no commitment to run such events, but are interested to see what the take up might be.

What do other swingers think of the ground-breaking move by DeVere to open membership of their clubs up for a mere £295.
I've played a few of their tracks and the big benefit to me is that I can go to any of them and spend some of my 100 points on a round - if like me, you travel a lot its almost magical!
Being from an area where joinig fees are £1200-£3000 its great that there is no joining fee with this either.

The hardest course I have played to date, is the re-design west course at Wentworth, the coures is closed, in prep for the BMW PGA later this month. Holes 1, 3, 8, 9,15,16,17 & 18. demand so much respect that said the other 10 holes will keep you awake long after you should be in dream land.

Win

As Chairman of competitions and Vice Captain of Mentmore Golf club, I was recently faced with a dilemma.
In our May stableford we were faced with some rather unpleasant weather conditions.
Our members sign up in advance for tee times to play in the monthly qualifiers. We had a number of members that after seeing the weather conditions on the Sunday morning cancelled there tee times for the competition, as the weather improved through the day, they then signed up on the roll up touch screen system we have and took advantage of the better conditions. One of these members actually won the competition and the rewards that go along with it.
I can find nothing in the rules to say that this is not allowed.
My question is, should this be allowed or stopped somehow? The majority of players went out and played the conditions as they were and others took advantage of the system and in my opinion broke the ethics of golf competitions and were rewarded financially.

For me it is Americas home of golf - Pinehurst No2.
The thing about Pinehurst No 2 is that it is just majestic! Its Americas version of St Andrews and like the the Old Course it is not a course that lives through its asthetic beauty, in fact there are not many great "views" on it at all, and like its scottish counterpart it relies on its great design to offer any golfer one of the most memorable rounds of his life.

This is a course that test you but not in the way a more modern design will. Today we are pushed to make long drives and pinpoint approaches, but Pinehurst will forgive those of us who can't make a 250 yard drive because it cleverly focuses us on our skills at and around the green. In this way it makes you use the club that we all carry but seldom draw on - our imagination.

To play Pinehurst No2 well you must chip, bump & run, flop but most especially putt to get your ball close to the hole - using your full powers of concentration will make a round here something that you will return to in your thoughts time & time again.

Remember you are walking in the footsteps of Hogan, Snead, Nicklaus, Tiger & the charismatic Payne Stewart when you tread these fairways, so like me opt for a caddy to you can take in the atmosphere from the centre of the fairway and not from the cart path. My own experience was greatly improved by my caddy as I birdied the 8th, he had the knowledge to inform me that this was the hole that John Daly scored an 11 on in the 1999 U.S.Open. Admittedly he later asked me to buy him lunch, as he'd left his wallet in his car - but it was worth it for that snippet of information alone.

On the course itself you will find that most fairways are tree-lined but that they are wide enough to accomodate errors from the tee. The bunkers are real "features" as they are, more often than not, surrounded by long grass but will only punish you when you let your ego reign in your choice of shot from them.

You'll find that Pinehurst No 2 has

In terms of money it is probably the driver, but I would suggest that the most often used clubs are putters and wedges. Would you spend £300 on a wedge or £300 on a putter? Or maybe you have a 'trusty hybrid'. For me, my MVC (most valuable club) is my 52 degree wedge.

How often have you been to a course which is either much easier or much harder than your home course - but you still have to play of the same handicap. Why doesn't the governing body grade the courses so you should aim to play to the same handicap everywhere?

Quail Hollow - 30th April 2010
Rory Mcilroy makes the cut right on the number at 1 over par and we all think, hmmm, he is still struggling with his swing. 2 days later he has walked away with $1 million, after making 17 birdies and an eagle over the last 2 rounds, obliterating some of the best players in the World, including Phil Mickelson.

His flawless final round was probably the most inspiring golf I have EVER seen played, perhaps with the exception of watching a young Seve Ballesteros. This kid has it all, power, accuracy and a strong mind. If he can continue to putt well, he will surely win Major over the next few years.

And for all those out there who think Nick Faldo is an arrogant git (me included!), bear in mind that Rory is a prodigy of the Faldo academy...sorry Sir Nick, you have redeemed youreslf in my eyes!

And to see Paddy Harrington, Lee Westwood, Jim Furyk and others waiting for Rory and applauding him as he came back to the Locker Room, was a wonderful testament to the sport and the majority who play it professionally. With a few exceptions, they are true Gentlemen and sportsmen.

I have a feelling that the youg Mr Mcilroy will shortly be known as Master Mcilroy, just turned 21 and with the golfing World at his feet.

Nice one Rory, we salute you!

Ian "Red" Readman

Why do the major club and ball manufacturers think golfers are a bottomless pit of funds? They have parts made cheaply, put them together cheaply and then add a massive quantity of money for so called marketing and overheads to round out the exhorbitant prices. And then they bring out the same club or ball with "new technology" some six minths later. It would be great if golfers could somehow force the prices down to what would be reasonable and fair, as this is not about attacking the manufacturing company but making golf affordable for more or, at least, more affordable for current players. Any ideas out there?

It certainly had its roots as an elitist sport and the expense associated with playing is hardly helping that: clubs, endless quantities of balls to lose (especially if you play like me...), lessons, not to mention the cost of a round, or even a session on the driving range. Even the way we dress plays to the elitist nature - how many other sports do you go to play dressed in what could pass in many offices as "business casual"?

Having said that, there are a lot of ways to cut the costs severely nowadays - community courses, second hand clubs, wading around in that out-of-bounds marshland to collect a barrage of shanked balls, etc

So what's the verdict - is golf still elitist? Should we be doing more to encourage young kids in poorer communities to take up the game? Are there ways to broaden out the overall reach of the game? Would love to hear your thoughts :)

Best

Boris

There seems to be an increase in the amount of help caddies give to players. For example standing behind their player on the tee box helping them to line up the tee shot. Also on the greens helping to line up the putts. I don't think this is really in the spirit of the game, a caddie should just give a yardage and the player should decide on the club and aim point. Apart from delivering extra help to the player it is also slowing play down. The game of golf is after all the individual playing against the course.

This month's opinion poll asks what's the toughest hole in golf. Check out The Extreme 19th Par 3 at the Legend Golf and Safari Resort in S Africa on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3_W_JryhR0&feature=player_embedded

If you want to nominate a course not on our list, here's your chance to discuss it.

I just want to thank Virgin, their sponsors Stewart Golf and Paul & Luke at Milestone for running such a great league.
I was lucky enough to win the Stewart Golf waterproof bag and it's just fantastic!
I played at the Burnley Open just after I took delivery of the bag and it poured down.
The bag was terrific unlike my golf on the day and it kept the contents completely dry. It's just a shame that the pockets were not big enough for me to get in to save myself the soaking.

What golfing experience are you most proud of? Is it a hole-in-one, becoming a single figure handicapper, winning your club championship or something else?

Being a pretty poor golfer, mine are limited, but I'm pretty proud of holing my second shot on the first at the Grove!

Tiger probably had a better Masters than we all expected given the last few months. Assuming he makes the Ryder Cup team, will he be a better team player for his experience and therefore will the US be a much more dangerous proposition for Europe?

Lee Westwood had a great Masters tinged with disappointment that he was so close. There's no doubt he's getting closer but can he go on and win one? Does he need to change anything about his game to make the ultimate step up?

If you could start over, what would you do differently, how would you start? Would you start with lessons, at a driving range? What kind of clubs would you get? Where would you play? (I live in Tunbridge Wells).