Matt Bannister

Hello Golfers,

Welcome to another edition of our newsletter.

In this week’s mail we preview the key holes at Carnoustie ahead of the Open Championship, announce fitting day news, and report on the Lombard Pro-Am Qualifier.

Enjoy this week’s read!

Pro's news

The key holes at Carnoustie

The Open Championship gets underway on Thursday at one of the most difficult courses on the championship’s rota – Carnoustie. We take a look at the key holes which could see the Claret Jug won or lost.

Hole 6 (Hogan’s Alley)

Named after the legendary Ben Hogan who won the Open Championship in 1953, this menacing par-5 is where Carnoustie starts to come into its own. Wind direction is normally against the player, adding extra distance to an already lengthy hole. Out of bounds is a constant threat on both the drive and the second shot, with a relatively straightforward approach to an undulating green the only reprieve. If a player leaves Hogan's Alley with a five, they'll be pleased.

Hole 16 (Barry Burn)

At 248 yards, you might wonder if its even possible to make par at this infamous par-3. That was certainly the case for Tom Watson in 1975, who failed to card a three throughout the tournament. A prevailing wind usually blowing against the player, along with significant hazards at the front of the green, means Barry Burn’s reputation as one of Carnoustie’s toughest holes is justly deserved.

Hole 18 (Home)

And you thought the 16th was hard! The final hole at Carnoustie, Home, is potentially the most difficult finishing hole in tournament golf – fairway bunkers line the right-hand side of the fairway, whilst the burn awaits for any drives to the right or left of the hole. The burn then snakes devilishly back round in front of the green, waiting to collect any mishit approach shots.

Jean Van De Velde will have plenty of advice to offer on how not to play this hole; he carded a seven in 1999 after finding the burn, leading to Paul Lawrie winning the tournament in a play-off.

As for our tip of the week, keep an eye out for Sergio Garcia, who is looking to go one better than his 2007 showing, after losing in a play-off to Padraig Harrington.

Fitting news

Get your hands on the number 1...

In last’s weeks newsletter we mentioned the Callaway Fitting Day happening here on Thursday 31st July. Well, spaces have been getting booked up so if you want to get your hands on the latest range of clubs, including the Rogue driver which is the number 1 driver on the European Tour, then get in touch or book your slot in the Pro Shop.

Click here to reserve your place.

Pro's news

Let's put it to good use!

This week Paul McEwan and I will venture into battle at Sandy Lodge in the hope of winning a spot in the finals of the Lombard National Pro-am. Hopefully in next week’s edition I can give you all some good news on how we played. This is one of the highlights in my playing calendar each year and I’m really looking forward to getting out there with Paul tomorrow.

Also I hear he has got back a shot, so well done Paul let’s put it to good use!

Club news

Club Championship weekend...

This weekend sees Stevenage Golf Club compete in the Club Championship; a 36 hole event over 2 days.
On Tuesday, new Greenkeeper Peter and I went and marked out the tees and pin placements. We have tried to create a test for the Club Championships, but also a fair one which everyone can enjoy.

To preview the event I thought a ‘Ones to Watch’ feature would be good to include in this week’s newsletter.

First up Phil Gregory! Going for the Three’peat after winning back to back CCs the last couple of years, can Phil make it 3 in a row? Phil is in form, having witnessed his play close up last week at Sandy Lodge in our practice round and his win at the weekend in the club away day at Aldwickbury shooting level par round there.

Could he be the man to beat? It’s difficult to look past him this week.

Next up Luke Simkins, our very own shop Manager, who joined the club earlier this year and with his scratch handicap must be one of the favourites. Luke hits a very high ball flight which could work to his advantage when hitting into the firm greens we are experiencing through this dry period. Although since obtaining his club handicap of scratch he hasn’t been in-form with a card in his hand.

But he has the ability to go low round this course and will be one of the favourites.

Kev Fisher has experienced considerable improvement the last year and as a Category 1 player will be one of the favourites. Coming off the back of an unplanned layoff, the question will be whether the ‘match sharpness’ will be there?

A competitive player I’m sure will be in the mix coming down the stretch.

An outside pick is Steve ‘Swainey’ Swain, playing off 7 handicap he knows this course extremely well and having knocked up numerous ‘lowest gross’ scores during the year in medals and stablefords has the potential to cause an upset if he can string two rounds together.

It promises to be a cracking weekend!

Shop news

Fancy a FREE cart bag?

Motocaddy is one of the world's best-selling trolley brands, which is in no small part down to their continuous innovation. Take their S5 CONNECT electric trolley for example, which was the world's first trolley with GPS capabilities, showing you distances to the front, middle and back of every green. Well, between now and Friday 31st August, if you purchase an S5 CONNECT electric trolley from us, you can claim a FREE Motocaddy cart bag worth at least £159.99. What a deal!

learn more>

It's good to push

If you haven’t used a push trolley for a while then it’s definitely worth trying one in the not too distant future. In years gone by they were made of metal and were heavy to use, but that couldn’t be further from the truth with today’s lightweight options.

Nice and easy
This BIG MAX IQ+ 360 push trolley is a great option and tips the scales at just 6.3kg, which makes it effortlessly easy to push so you remain full of energy to the end of your round.

As well as its lightweight frame, it boasts a 360-degree front wheel so you can steer it to any spot with ease (watch our video to see for yourself), plus a handbrake and a spacious console that has room for all of your valuables and accessories.

If the white frame in this photo isn't to your liking, the IQ+ 360 is also available in black as well as black and red.

shop now >

Roll, roll, roll the ball

For many golf fans, this week is the most exciting of the year as the world’s best players head to the British Isles for The Open Championship at Carnoustie. Links golf throws up several unique challenges that many tour pros don’t experience all too often, the greens being a classic example.

Unlike driving off the tee or hitting into greens when they have to consider the wind, club selection and much more, on the greens, like Carnoustie’s 18th (above), all the pros have to worry about is line and speed. The latter relies on getting the ball rolling quickly and smoothly, which is helped by the faces on modern putters.

The Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 for example, has a milled face inlay that creates a smooth roll on the greens. Behind it, vibration dampening material connects the face inlay to the putter’s body for improved sound and feel, while preserving the feedback needed to aid precise distance control.

watch our video >

Video of the Week

It's Open Championship week at Carnoustie, so Foremost TV caught up with past champion Henrik Stenson to talk Carnoustie, his chances at claiming a second Claret Jug this week, and his infamous battle with Phil Mickelson.

I hope you enjoyed this week's newsletter. As always, if you have anything that you'd like to contribute please speak to one of the pro shop team. I'll see you at the club over the coming days.

Stevenage Golf & Conference Centre
Aston Lane
Stevenage
SG2 7EL

Phone: 01438 880424

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