Today’sToday’sToday’s

Golfer

JUNE

201

2IS

SUE

295

APR

19-M

AY 1

6 £4

.20

TO

DA

Y’S

GO

LF

ER

JUN

E 20

12 (AP

RIL

19-M

AY

16)

WW

W.T

OD

AY

SG

OL

FE

R.C

O.U

K 2

95

WWW. TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

LEE WESTWOODLEE WESTWOOD ‘MY POWER POSITIONS’

84 TIPS AND DRILLS TO HELP ADD YARDS

SUMMER GEAR GUIDE

AWESOME COURSES FOR UNDER £50

10 CUSTOM-FIT PING DRIVERS

WIN

84 TIPS AND DRILLS TO HELP ADD YARDSDISTANCEDISTANCE

GET MORE

31 DRIVERS TESTEDGET THE BEST CLUB FOR YOUR GAME AND BUDGET

olferolfer‘MY POWER POSITIONS’‘MY POWER POSITIONS’

GolferBUMPER

252-PAGE

ISSUE

is sue 290 ❘ Todaysgolfer.co.uk

ADOpT A ‘READY’ pOsITIONBuilding the correct foundations is crucial when you think about what the golf swing actually is – a two-second explosive movement where the club moves at very high speed and the body needs to move in time

with it. Being ready to hit starts with good balance and fi rm connection to the ground. Th is tip below really helps me engage with the ground, providing a stable base from which to start the swing.

WEST WOOD'S POWER POINT S

is sue 295 ❘ Todaysgolfer.co.uk

H E A D B E H I N DPoor body position in relation to the ball will result in compensations during the swing. � e most e� cient position for your head with a driver at impact is behind the ball. If you assume this position at address there will be no need to compensate during the swing.

coWeN saysGROUND FORCE"If you don’t get control of your set-up to

start with you’ll lose control throughout

the swing. It’s your control arm, where

you get comfortable on the blocks. All

the power in the swing comes from the ground so you need to feel that

pressure against the fl oor before you start the swing."

Ba l a Nc e D s ta r tAt address you want to feel a nice flex in the legs, much like a goalkeeper ready to save a penalty. This is because you’ve got to be in good balance to be ready to move. The swing is a quick movement so being balanced at the start helps maintain it throughout.

Todaysgolfer.co.uk ❘ is sue 295

f irs t move k e ysSetting the club in the right position in the first part of the swing helps achieve good positions for the rest of the swing. Feel that initial move comes from the shoulders and chest turning away from the target with the club parallel to the target line.

CREATE THE CORRECT WIDTH

kEEp spEED THROugH ImpACT

Creating width early in the swing is important for power but doing it correctly is even more vital. Amateurs I see often set the club too early in the backswing with too much wrist hinge. This robs them of width and

promotes a very upright swing, far from ideal when using the driver. I load the club in the first part of the swing by keeping my legs quiet and using the bigger muscles to control the movement.

“Power is sequencing the movement of the feet, hips, torso, shoulders, arms and wrists," says Cowen. "They all need to move at the right time and at the right speed to deliver maximum power to the ball. Speed alone is no good. You must maintain that speed through the impact area.

"Lee knows his swing almost as well as I do. His physical ability to do things now is so much better. His body is able to control the swing. He can hold the key positions in his swing so much better than seven or eight years ago.

"When Steve McGregor, a sports scientist and Lee’s personal trainer, started working with Lee to get his body shape right he found out that Lee’s maximum clubhead speed during the swing was 115mph but at impact it was only 99mph. So he lost that speed he created when he needed it most at impact and that equated to a loss of almost 20 yards. By sorting his body out he was able to maintain 115mph through impact, so in theory he gained an extra 16mph without changing his swing much at all.”

s ta r t the coilI always like to feel like my lower body remains very still as I take the club away and it reaches parallel to the ground. This allows the upper body to coil above it and get the right hip loading properly. I like the feeling of having the shoulders loaded on a very solid base.

is sue 295 ❘ Todaysgolfer.co.uk

More treats for £50 and less…

◗ Boat of Garten, Scotland Claims to be the hidden gem of the Highlands and with some justification as it provides some of the finest views in Britain.Green fees: Mon-Fri £39; Sat-Sun £44.Tel: 01479 831282.

◗ Thetford, Norfolk Classy, underrated heathland layout carved out of the Breckland Forest.Green fees: Mon-Fri £40; Sat-Sun £45.Tel: 01842 752169.

◗ Thurlestone, Devon Delightful Devonian seaside track with views to match.Green fees: £42.Tel: 01548 560405.

◗ Machyns Peninsula, South Wales Pulsating Nicklaus

L U F F E N H A M H E A T H P A r 71 , 6 , 41 8 y A r d sIt’s heathland golf at its sparkling best. Indeed if this track was located in the Home Counties you would almost certainly be paying double.

It’s just over a century old and is the pride of Rutland, England’s smallest county. Luffenham is also steeped in history and pedigree, the graceful layout being initially crafted by Harry Colt before James Braid made his mark with significant alterations a few years after the course’s 1911 opening. The course has also benefited from a major renovation and modernisation project carried out by Martin Hawtree about eight years ago.

You’ll particularly enjoy the challenge provided by the 11th, 12th and 13th holes, Luffenham’s own Amen Corner, though undoubtedly the signature hole is the sensational par-3 penultimate hole – downhill over a tangle of mounds and protected by devilish bunkers.Playing tips: “If you’re good and straight off the tee you’ll have a lot of fun but if you’re wild you’re in for a long, hard round because you’ll be lucky to have a follow-up shot. It’s best to be short and safe off the tee as opposed to trying to be long, only to find the semi-rough... or worse. Beware of the greens too and I would say take 50 per cent more borrow of the break than you think.”Ian Burnett, club professional.

◗ FactfileLocation: Five miles west of Stamford, Lincolnshire.Green fees: All week (except Tuesday)

£55 (£35 after 4pm).Contact: 01780 720205.

A s T B U r y H A L LP A r 71 , 5 , 9 87 y A r d sIt’s one of the best new courses to emerge in England in recent years. Astbury Hall only opened last year but already looks a picture and is playing an absolute treat as TG discovered first hand at the end of last summer when we took on owner and Judas Priest co-founder and guitarist Ken Downing, in a TG20.

In many ways, including the topography of the layout and its general condition, it reminded us of The Grove in Hertfordshire – high praise indeed. Like The Grove, Astbury features a combination of open and tightly tree-lined holes – there are no stand-outs as such, but plenty of good ones, specially around the turn. The 9th is an intriguing left dog-leg par 5 to a raised green while the reverse nine starts with a short par 4 to a green virtually surrounded by sand.

A memorable round is unusually but spectacularly climaxed with a

200-yard par 3 over a lake and afterwards your joy, or otherwise, can be discussed in Ken Downing’s majestic mansion home which is currently doubling up as Astbury’s impressive clubhouse!Playing tips: “The old saying ‘drive for show, putt for dough’ certainly rings true here at Astbury Hall. You need to bring a well oiled putter because the greens can be pretty quick. In fact they’re very pacey even in the depths of winter. Taking out a course planner with you will also save you some shots – don’t go into the round blind or you’ll suffer.

“A lot of golfers play the opening par-4 hole as a par 5 – it helps you get into the round and getting a par feels like a birdie.” Ken Downing, owner.

◗ FactfileLocation: Just outside Bridgnorth, Shropshire.Green fees: Mon-Thurs £30; Fri-Sun £40.Contact: 01746 767394.

Play the excellent Luffenham Heath for just £35.

Boat of Garten,

Scotland

Rolls of Monmouth is a hidden gem.

L U X U R Y F O R L E S S

OTHER OPTIONS

>>

>>

Todaysgolfer.co.uk ❘ is sue 291

‘ d r I V E F O r s H O W A N d P U T T F O r d O U G H C E r T A I N Ly r I N G s T r U E A T A s T B U r y ’

Astbury Hall is owned by

Judas Priest’s Ken Downing.

CHIPPING CHECKSChris Ryan shows you how a consistent set-up will lead to better chipping results

IS SUE 295 � TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

B A LL P O S IT I O NTo ensure you strike the ball first, position it toward the back of the stance just inside the right heel. Having the ball here increases the consistency of the contact with a downward strike.

I N S T R U C T I O N

HOW IT WORKS…Too many amateur golfers waste shots by having a scrappy game from just off the green. A combination of poor strike or control of distance leads to a length of par putt they can’t hole frequently. Many problems among amateurs start with a faulty set-up and often lead to inconsistency of strike and distance control. There are so many variables in a chipping address position and it only takes one to be wrong for things to go awry. Ticking off all these chipping checkpoints in your set-up should lead to shorter putts for par.

WEIGHT FORWARDAmateur golfers often follow the ball with their upper body, which moves the weight back and adds loft to the club. Setting the sternum behind the ball moves the low point here incorrectly.

FU LL S H OT FAU LTToo often, a club golfer’s chipping action is a scaled-down version of a full shot with the stance too wide and the weight even. This creates too much momentum in the club leading to deceleration.

C H E C K P O I N TSetting the sternum in the right place should also see the shoulders close to horizontal at address. Having the right shoulder too low will shallow out the angle of approach too much, causing both thin and heavy contacts.

D R I L L : Q U I E T W R I S T S

T I P T W O : S T E R N U M A H E A D

T I P T H R E E : L E G A L I G N M E N T

HANG A CANEThe sternum needs to be fractionally ahead of the ball at address to ensure the bottom of the swing occurs after the ball and the club is descending into impact. Hang a cane down from your shirt buttons and check it points in front of the ball. This will help to check if the spine angle is fairly close to vertical.

TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK � IS SUE 295

T I P O N E : N A R R O W Y O U R S T A N C E

C H E C K P O I N TOpening your stance to the target will encourage the feet and knees to point more to the left in front of the ball at set-up. Remember to swing the club down the target line, not following the line of your toes through impact.

C H E C K P O I N TYou should be able to keep the ball in place right throughout the shot. Another great drill to limit your wrist action, which is the most important thing to achieve when chipping, is to place a pen down the back of your glove.

TWO-CLUB RULEWhen you chip, your stance should be much narrower than for a full shot. Be consistent – a good checkpoint is to set the feet two clubhead-widths apart. This provides a stable enough base while also quietening the lower body during the motion.

C H E C K P O I N TAs well as narrowing your stance with the rule above, withdraw the left foot slightly so your stance is open to the target. This creates room for the hands to swing through that the hip action would create on a full shot.

POINT THEM IN FRONT OF BALLAim to position both your feet and knees so they point at an angle diagonally in front of the ball, demonstrated by the two canes on the ground here. This restricts the leg action in the backswing and encourages the shot to be played more with the bigger muscles of the upper body, creating more control over the strike.

KEEP THE BALL IN PLACEOnce you have a sound set-up you can then work on the motion. A great drill to encourage a lack of wrist action is to position a ball between the back of the forearm and the top of the grip. Make some practice swings aiming to keep the ball in place. If there is any excess wrist action or quick changes of direction it will cause the ball to drop out.

sand savioursAdrian Fryer on how to adapt your sand technique to suit the shot in front of you

OUT OF THE TR APS

hit and missTo gain height, the club must attack the ball on a shallow angle. This station is set up to promote it. Your mission is for the club to strike the first tee, take sand from under the ball, yet rise sharply enough to miss the second peg. Simple!

the h igh floaterPile some sand up and put the ball on top. Stick your first tee into the sand an inch behind, pointing back at your wedge. Stick the second tee six inches in front, on the ball-target line. Set up as usual, ensuring the ball is inside your left heel.

You can only generate the correct contact for this shot through a shallow angle of attack. A shallow strike preserves the loft on the face for a quick launch; it also maximises the spin you create, helping the ball settle quickly on landing. This drill will help you achieve it.

S h a l l o w a t t a c k

Add loft to the face by opening it, the leading edge pointing right of your target. Place your lower hand more over the top of the grip into this weak position, an anti-rotation hold which helps preserve face loft. A tee between thumb and forefinger should point holeside of the ball.

o p e n t h e f a c e

Assist this lofted strike by allowing your wrists to flip forwards through impact. This is not a rotation; you should feel your glove badge face the sky and create some angle in the back of your right wrist. You will feel how important this forward hinge is in missing the second peg.

t h e f l i p S i d e

One minute you are under the lip of a deep bunker, the next, you have 30 yards of sand and green to cover.

Naturally, one technique won’t cut it in both those situations. On one you are trying to create height and spin while on the other you want a more powerful, forward trajectory –

with minimal spin on the ball to help it run out to the cup.

Over these two pages, I will show you a simple drill to help you develop the shot for each. All you need is a practice bunker and a handful of tee pegs. Here, we start with the right approach for the high, floating shot.

TodAysgolFer.co.uk ❘ is sue 295

LoW CHasEr

On this shot, backspin is your enemy; you need the ball to come out low and running. A delofted face that ploughs forward through the bunker generates neither height nor spin. By missing the first tee but taking out the second, you get this driving, downward strike.

p u S h a n d d r i v e

As with the high shot, grip and face aim are key. This time close the face a touch; it removes loft and bounce, helping that ‘ploughing’ action. Place your lower hand more under the club to promote face rotation. A third peg should this time point behind the ball, as shown above.

c l o S e t h e f a c e

This time, the feeling you want to generate is of the right arm driving down and forwards, through the sand. Assisted by your strong grip, the forearms will want to rotate. That’s fine; with the toe of the clubface turning over, the ball will come out low and running.

r o t a t e f o r r u n

doWn and deloftedThe station is set up to promote a downward strike with a delofted clubface. This time, your goal is for the club to miss the first tee, but collect the second. Achieve that and you will ingrain the technique needed for ‘running’ sand shots.

Use this shot when you have a low lip and plenty of sand or green to cover. You can go down as far as your 9-iron – which could have as little as 43˚of loft – for this shot, depending on the lip height and distance needed.

reactionPosition two tees either side of the ball, on the ball-target line, as shown. Make sure both pegs are opposite your toe caps. Play the ball just forward of centre in your stance, so the ball is closer to the forward tee than the backward one.

is sue 295 ❘ TodAysgolFer.co.uk

IS SUE 295 � TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

ADAMS SPREAD WINGSForgiving new hybrids and irons from the brand lower-handicappers rate

E Q U I P M E N T

a12 OS hybrid ironsFrom £599 I www.adamsgolf.com Adams have created the new a12 OS hybrid irons to be big, long and o� er higher handicappers loads of assistance. � e OS stands for oversize and the set sees hybrids, transitional hybrids and irons all combined within the one set for the most playability.

� roughout the set, ultra-thin faces o� er fast ball speeds while low CG and maximum perimeter weighting o� er extreme forgiveness on o� -centre strikes.

� e hybrids in the set (4-6) feature Adams’ velocity slot technology for fast ball speeds while the mid irons (7-8) are a transitional hybrid somewhere between a hybrid and an iron. � e short irons (9-SW) feature a deep undercut cavity to enhance perimeter weighting and pull the CG lower.

Idea a12 hybrids£199.99 I www.adamsgolf.com Building on their Tour success, Adams have aimed the new a12 hybrid at the mid-handicapper who seeks forgiveness and a higher ball fl ight – but without the overly large and o� -putting clubhead.

It features Adams’ patent-pending velocity slot in the sole and the crown, which is designed to increase ball speeds across more of the face, bringing them closer to the legal limit of a driver.

Adams say compared to their previous Idea a7, the a12 o� ers a much higher launch angle and increased ball speed without increasing spin – and that is a recipe for more distance.

� e hybrids in the set boast Adams’

special velocity slot to produce

fast ball speeds.

TG SAYS: We’ve been big fans of Adams for the better player for a good few years but last year’s Idea V3 Tech irons and now the a12 OS hybrid irons really o� er something to higher handicappers as well. TaylorMade-adidas Golf's recent $70m agreement to buy Adams can only be good news for the brand and UK golfers alike.

Just because some golfers in the United Kingdom haven’t heard about the brand, doesn’t mean they don’t have a reputation for quality. Here are seven things you might not know about Adams Golf...

WHO ARE ADAMS GOLF?

1� eir sta� players include

the great Tom Watson, Robert Karlsson, Aaron Baddeley and Kenny Perry, not to mention the world No.1 in the ladies’ game, the highly-impressive Yani Tseng.

2Adams are the No.1 used

hybrid on the PGA, Champions and Nationwide Tours and recognised as a utility specialist.

3� e brand was founded in

1987 by Barney Adams.

4Six-time Major winner Sir Nick

Faldo signed with Adams in 1997 and the TV pundit is named as the inventor of a Tri-Level sole wedge on a patent awarded in 1999 and still held by the company.

5In the late 1990s Adams

stunned the golfi ng world by introducing an 'upside down' fairway wood with a curved sole and fl at crown. � e Tight Lies fairway wood is still in use today.

6Last year Adams Golf

bought Yes!, the renowned putter brand popular on the world Tours.

7March sees TaylorMade-

adidas golf agree to buy Adams Golf for $70m.

� e a12 comes in 17°, 19°, 22° and 25° lo� s and boasts UST’s ProForce VTS Silver hybrid sha� .

TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK � IS SUE 295

CLEVELAND EXTEND 588 RANGEPopularity of the forged wedge has seen two new irons launched

FootJoy have entered the growing spikeless shoe market with the launch of the new Contour Casual Series, designed for summer golf.

� e shoes are designed to be worn both on and o� the course and FootJoy say they expect them to be a big hit in the drier summer months

and for players who'd relish not having to change shoes before and a� er a round.

In terms of technology, they feature so� full-grain leather uppers and a plastic urethane Fit-Bed for great cushioning. � ey are fully waterproof and also feature similar

technology to the best-selling Contour Series shoes to aid fl exibility and boost support.

� e shoes are available from April 1 and come in a range of size and width options. � ree colour options are also available: White/Navy, Brown/Orange, Black/Taupe.

FOOTJOY DO A SOFT-SHOE SHUFFLEThe spike-less Contour Casual range looks great and remain waterproof

In addition to the new a12 clubs (le� ) Adams also have two new sets of irons for better players. � e Idea Black CB3 irons (£699) follow up the CB2 model and have a shallow cavity and slightly wider sole to o� er a bit of forgiveness while the MB2 irons (£899) are a classic muscle back design with brass weights.

EQ U I P M E N T E X T R A

A British company is o� ering golfers the chance to spruce up their wood sha� s if they're a bit on the dull side. Batskinz stick onto the outside of the sha� , without a� ecting performance, and come in a range of designs.

John Letters have a new TP-S wedge (£69.99) for 2012 that has been developed following feedback from their Tour pros such as Sam Torrance. Forged from 304 stainless steel the wedges feature a classic shape and a new satin fi nish.

A new golf ball brand has reached the UK promising premium performance at lower prices. Flake Golf is big in Germany and has now launched its two and three pieces here. � ey are only available online – hence their cheaper prices. www.fl akegolf.com/uk

A new device has arrived in the UK that turns your putter into a belly instantly. � e Belly Putt (£29.95) is attached or removed easily to switch between a standard length and belly length. Available from www.perfectmygolf.co.uk

FJ Contour Casual£100 : www.footjoy.co.uk

Cleveland 588 Forged£599 I www.clevelandgolf.com

Late last year we were the fi rst to bring you news of Cleveland bringing back the legendary 588 wedge in a Forged version. Well, now they have decided to add two sets of irons to the famous model range.

� e new 588 Forged irons will incorporate both a Muscle Back (MB) and a Cavity Back (CB) design – but both models are aimed fi rmly at the better player.

� ey have been forged from 1025 carbon steel, a so� er metal to enhance feel, and feature the same Tour Zip grooves and laser-milled faces as the 588 Forged wedges.

� e laser-milled faces see four intricate score lines etched between each groove to maximise surface roughness for more spin.

� e MBs feature minimal o� set and a short blade length for maximum workability while the CBs have a touch more o� set and a slightly longer blade length for added confi dence over the ball.

� e CBs also feature a progressive cavity design with more of a pocket-cavity in the longer irons which evolves into a shallow cavity in the shorter scoring clubs.

� e sets can be combined to create a combo set and they both feature a new True Temper Tour Concept Steel sha� , which has been developed exclusively for Cleveland to o� er a lower, more penetrating fl ight preferred by many better players.

� e CB version have a marginally longer blade to encourage extra confi dence at address.

Both the MB and CB versions come with a True Temper Tour Concept sha� for a more penetrating fl ight.

John Letters have a new TP-S wedge (£69.99) for 2012 that has been developed following feedback from their Tour pros such as Sam Torrance. Forged from 304 stainless steel the wedges feature a classic shape and a new satin fi nish.

three pieces here. � ey are only available online – hence their cheaper prices. www.fl akegolf.com/uk

the sha� , without a� ecting performance, and come in a range of designs.

A new device has arrived in the UK that turns your putter into a belly instantly. � e Belly Putt (£29.95) is

longer irons which evolves into a shallow cavity

� e sets can be combined to create a combo set and they both feature a new True Temper

developed exclusively for Cleveland to o� er a

IS SUE 295 � TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

E Q U I P M E N T

COOL UNDER THE COLLARThere's a colour and style to suit every mood and taste this summer

P OL O SHIRT S

STUBURT ESSENTIALS URBAN POLO £24.99

www.stuburt.com

STUBURT SPORT STRIPE £34.99

www.stuburt.com

PING COLLECTION BECK POLO £50

www.pingcollection.co.uk

SUBSEVENT Y Z ANE POLO £37.99

www.subseventy.co.uk

AQUASCUTUM TIGHT STRIPE £89

www.trendygolf.com

CALL AWAY BENTGRASS STRIPE £47.99

www.callawaygolf.com

GOLFINO EX TRA DRY PIQUE POLO £79

www.golfi no.com

I JP DESIGN GOLO £50

www.ijpdesign.com

AQUASCUTUM T WO TONE BIRDSE YE £125www.trendygolf.com

TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK � IS SUE 295

SUNBLOCK IN A SHIRT No need to refrain from wearing black when the sun shines...Genuinely new technology in polo shirts is hard to come across. � ey all promise breathability, comfort and moisture-wicking properties but Under Armour's new Coldblack range is a little di� erent.Many golfers will refrain from wearing black on a hot summer's day because it holds the heat –but UA's new Coldblack treatment means that even dark

fabrics will refl ect the sun's heat, keeping you cooler on even the hottest of days on the golf course. � e technology works by blocking 60 per cent of the sun's UV rays to prevent heat build up, keep the body cooler and reduce perspiration. � UA ColdBlack polo available in black and concrete grey. From £45 www.underarmour.co.uk

COOLER CLIMESStudies have shown that ColdBlack technology will keep the body 5°c cooler than a standard black shirt. This is the same as the temperatures in a light beige shirt.

NO SWEATThe reduced body temperature in hot weather as a result of ColdBlack technology means a 58 per cent reduction in perspiration levels.

SAFE SUNThe ColdBlack technology offers a minimum of UPF 30 protection from the sun's UV rays meaning it is not only keeping you cooler but safer on the golf course as well.

TOUR TESTEDThe UA ColdBlack polo shirts have been extensively tested on Tour. Scotsman Richie Ramsay debuted the shirt during the Desert Swing in Abu Dhabi.

LAB RATSThe UA R&D team measured the effect of ColdBlack technology using a specially-built metal cylinder with 20 different sensors to represent a torso.

SPORTY CUTThe ColdBlack polo is manufactured from 100 per cent lightweight polyester and features the sporty and athletic styling with which UA are accustomed.

P OL O SHIRT TE CHNOL OGY

A dark fabric that has been treated with the ColdBlack finishing technology will reflect the heat.

Dark textiles without the ColdBlack treatment will absorb heat and transfer this to the body.