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).