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).