After yet another short season, we are now truly into what are the winter months where darkness and poor weather inhibits our addiction to playing on the fairways – and thank goodness! For many Scottish golfers we have a culture of putting the clubs away and succumbing to the weather overtaking, although for some diehards , we are out there battling the elements no matter what, but the happy medium I am going to suggest would seem much more sensible and help you to improve your golf for the season to come. It is ironic we envy those in a ‘better’ climate and wish we could be there too, when actually we should feel sorry for those people! – I’m sure you are now questioning my sanity but all will now be revealed.

The bottom line is: if we played all year round we would never get the chance to work on our game productively. For those who do play constantly, they become confused as to what they should be doing and how they are going to play their best shot. They never get the chance to rectify this because they are continually trying to hit the ball and play the game!

So, here is the winter and your chance to work on your game and get it in shape for the season ahead. The average handicap has not improved over the past 20 years and that is down to the repetition of the same poor habits, lets try and change that together.

Firstly you need to analyse what your greatest needs are, then you need to formulate a practice plan to work on over the winter months. Practicing can always be done no matter what the weather outdoors – so NO excuses! To analyse your game you have to look back at your past season and be honest about what you need to work on. All parts of your game should be put into your plan but you might like to prioritise what needs most attention – this way you will benefit from the improvements sooner. We often practice what we are best at and shy away from the elements we struggle with but this is not what is going to help us achieve our potential. Formulating a plan can be done for all levels of golfer, this will allow you to build a routine, cover all areas of the game and you may also measure your improvement. Your plan should be regular, consistent and progressive.

Throughout the season we should continue to check our approach to the game and our technique and after a winter of productive practice – this will be easier to remain focussed on the relevant areas and what we are trying to achieve.

There we have it ‘Winter – a Golfers’ Best Friend!’ – If you should need any help or guidance with the above you can contact me at the academy, my details are below. If you book a lesson, I can formulate your plan for you and help you on your way to becoming a better golfer and of course be there to support you through the season all the way to achieving your potential!

I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at the academy soon.

During the month of December, the Academy are going to help you practice!

With every Lesson Programme purchased you will get money on your membership card to use for your practice balls!

Example:

Purchase Programme 1 – Adult 6 1hour lessons and receive and ‘eagle’ card worth £50

Or

Purchase Programme 3 – Adult 6 half hour lessons and receive a ‘birdie’ card worth £25

If you are serious about your practice – this is an opportunity not to be missed!

Gift Vouchers Available

Contact the Academy reception desk for further details.

Karyn Burns
PGA Golf Professional
Mearns Castle Golf Academy
Waterfoot Road
Newton Mearns
G77 5RR

Email: karynburns@yahoo.com

Academy telephone: 0141 644 8200