Upcoming events 

	Captains' Mixed Club Night These are NEW events, to be held throughout the summer on Wednesdays, with the emphasis on MIXED golf. The format is a mixture of Foursomes, Greensomes and Scrambles with competitions played over 13 holes. You will be able to sign up for a time slot from 4pm and after golf, food will be available. The events are open to guests as well. There will be prizes for each competition and an Order of Merit table that will run throughout. I’m very keen that there should be more mixing of the men and ladies, so I hope they will be keenly supported. Diaries at the ready – here are the dates: 6 May, 3 June, 1 July, 12 August, 26 August, 23 September
			Coaching Sessions with the Pros These appear to be ever popular and for the first one with George on 18 March, we have had to add a second session at 11:00. Make sure that you check what time you have been booked onto. There is still time to sign up for sessions 2 and 3 with Jason. These should be lots of fun, so don’t miss the opportunity to improve your golf game.   Wednesday 18 March – Short Game with George Wednesday 25 March – Bunkers with Jason Wednesday 8 April – Heather + Trouble Shots with Jason All sessions are for ONE HOUR and cost £5
	Big Match – 19 March The pairings have been made, so use the opportunity to learn from your opponent. If there’s something you struggle with, ask them how they deal with it. We have also fitted in a late addition to the calendar, a 9-hole competition and I note as writing, six ladies have already signed up.
	Bring & Win – 26 March This year’s theme is ‘Spring’. We suggest a spend of about £10, but feel free to spend more…but not less! This will be followed by a FORUM. Please send questions or concerns to me or Céline in plenty of time to give us the chance to give you considered answers. These questions will take priority although if time permits, we may be able to answer more. It’s an opportunity to voice your opinions and to discover why some things are done, or not done!
	Rules Talk – 9 April Chris Spencer, R&A Level 4 Rules Official has again agreed to answer your questions regarding rules, alongside Steve Williamson. To help Chris, please send in any questions, or uncertainties regarding rules. Our aim is to keep this to an hour, starting at 14:30 and if time runs out, Chris and Steve will stay on to answer any further queries.
	Friendlies Not long to go until the first match at home to Wildernesse on Monday 27 April. We do need more players, so please sign up. Friendlies are arranged for everyone, irrespective of handicap and Wildernesse always send a strong team, so lower handicapped players are always welcome. I appreciate there are Division 3 and Trio matches that day, so if you are not involved, please put your name down. Mary and Anne are keen to get the team announced.

Past Events

Feb 26 – Inner 9 Waltz

At last, a competition and congratulations go to steady Karen Langston, dynamic Patricia O’Shea and reliable Hannah Addyman for amassing 35 points over 9 holes.

March 5 - 2- Ball 15 Hole Texas Scramble

In form Karen Langston topped the leaderboard again with Division 3 Captain, Pippa Smith, who narrowly edged out consistent Hannah Addyman and big hitter Rebecca Dawson on countback with 56 points.

March 12 - Stableford

Congratulations to omnipotent Sally Fowles who mastered the blustery conditions in the first Stableford competition of the year coming home with a marvellous 40 points. And how amazing that 30 of you braved the ‘far from perfect’ conditions to be out there with Brenda Clift and Valerie Wills playing 9 holes as well. I would like to mention my partner on the day, Sally Gomer, who starting golf from scratch, has progressed from the Foundation, through the Academy to become a full member in just three years with a handicap under thirty! Well done Sally!

Dates for your diaries

Captain’s Meet and Greet – Welcoming new members – 1 April

Club Day – 27 June

End of Season Dinner – 9 October

Top Tips for Carrying a Golf Bag

If there is one thing that can cause me to grumble, it’s carrying my golf bag! But I do it, just so I can play the wonderful game. There are several bags to choose from, including Stand, Carry and Cart. Carry bags are generally considered the lightest and most minimal option, with cart bags generally being heavier although offering more space. Most ladies choose stand bags, which are typically lightweight and come with dual shoulder straps.

Lighter bags reduce the strain on your shoulders and back with the strap system significantly affecting distribution of weight and how comfortable it is to carry. Ease of carrying is significantly affected by how you load your bag. Heavy items should be placed at the bottom of the bag which lowers the centre of gravity and helps maintain balance. Weight should be evenly distributed with extra golf balls or accessories placed evenly across different pockets. Frequently used items should be easily accessible, reducing the need to rummage through.

Properly adjusted straps can significantly improve comfort and reduce the risk of injury:

Equal length – bag will sit evenly on your shoulders, as uneven straps can cause imbalance and lead to discomfort or strain

Snug fit - adjust the straps so the bag fits snugly against your back, which will distribute the weight evenly and prevent the bag from bouncing around

Adjust on the go – maintain comfort by adjusting the straps during your round

Winner of February’s Competition

Sue Adams correctly answered the two questions.

You can mark and lift your ball on the green at anytime, as long as you mark its position first.

If you accidentally cause your ball to move on the putting green, you do replace it. There is no penalty for accidentally causing your ball to move on the putting green, but you must replace it on its original spot before making your next stroke.

And finally…

I am so excited about the forthcoming season and the full programme of events that are planned. If you need any more information, or you are not sure of anything, please phone, message or email me. And don’t forget, the last sign-up date for the Hamilton Russell and Summer Foursomes is 30 March.

Confucius once said, “If you are planning a round of golf, always bring your clubs and shoes with you – it really does help!”   

Annie