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Posted December 12th, 2022 by TheGolfersClub & filed under Blog.

The article below was written by Alex Perry and George Cooper of National Club Golfer.

If there’s one figure who’s been as vocal as anyone during golf’s not so civil war in 2022, it’s Rory McIlroy.

The World No 1 has continued to play a leading role in speaking out against LIV Golf, ardently defending the PGA Tour and his stark principles while clashing with Greg Norman on countless occasions.

In the process, McIlroy has polarised debate. For the most part, the Northern Irishman has been held up in high regard by fans and peers alike, admired and saluted for his honesty and eloquence while producing the perfect balance through his on course success.

On the flip-side, McIlroy’s vocalism has often intensified the ever-growing rifts in the sport, his candidness acting to provide further ammunition to the LIV Golf contingency.

Rory McIlroy vs Greg Norman

So what are we to make of McIlroy’s role over the past year? Has the four-time major winner gone too far with his condemnation of the breakaway series? Has he helped bolster LIV’s notoriety? And have his words exacerbated the tumultuous climate the sport is now in?

Here’s what two of our writers make of all the noise…

‘His actions are absolutely justified’

We called him the guardian of the PGA Tour, says Alex Perry, and people mocked that idea. But actually, that is what he’s been. He’s been the one doing all the fighting for the benefit of not just the PGA Tour, but his peers and the fans alike.

You could say why doesn’t McIlroy just step back and let Greg do what he’s got to do? But McIlroy has managed to defend the PGA Tour in a way that’s not been a distraction to his own game – because obviously he’s been out of this world in 2022 – all while being incredibly funny and entertaining for the rest of us.

Norman deserves everything that he’s had this year. If McIlroy had been unprovoked, then I’d say he’s been unjust, but the way LIV has been created, the way they’ve made all this noise, and the way they’ve gone after the PGA Tour means McIlroy’s actions are absolutely justified.

‘He’s exacerbated the friction’

I’m not saying they’re not justified, argues George Cooper, but McIlroy’s words have been problematic. No matter how well he speaks and how valid his points are, whenever he’s chimed in and taken a stab at LIV, it’s only exacerbated the friction and helped fuel their agenda.

If Rory hadn’t been so vocal this year, had he just sat back and not given LIV the time nor day, the rifts wouldn’t be as tetchy as they now are.

As golf’s biggest star, the media and fans hang on his every word. So, by coming out and acting the way he has – at times inconsistently – he’s made the drama much worse.

LIV must be loving every minute of it. After all, any attention is good attention. McIlroy has played into LIV’s hands this year. Greg must be loving it, because whenever McIlroy speaks out against LIV, provoked or not, suddenly every headline under the sun is LIV, LIV, and more LIV. It’s free advertising for them.

I appreciate it’s easier said than done given the provocation, the media bombardment, and the personal attachment to the controversy. But surely, sitting back, saying nothing, and letting LIV self-destruct would prove way more effective. Now we’re stuck in this divided situation, a situation Rory has unquestionably exacerbated.

Posted December 12th, 2022 by TheGolfersClub & filed under Debates.

The article below was written by Steve Carroll of National Club Golfer.

This is probably golf’s biggest myth. It just refuses to die, no matter how much you shout about it, or just scream into a mirror. It’s a belief that’s just so widespread on our fairways that it will probably always have legs.

But let’s have a go at squelching it anyway—because the more of you that read this and pass it on, the more we’ll have a chance of finally silencing one of the sport’s largest misunderstandings…

Lost golf ball rules: Can you declare a ball lost?

No.

One more time: No.

Simple, isn’t it? But I get so many emails telling me that’s exactly what someone has done in a particular rules situation, and it’s dominated how they’ve then proceeded on the course.

When I’m out playing too, people will often say to me, after hitting a shocker, “I’ll declare that lost”.

But you can’t say that, and you haven’t been able to for quite some time.

I think one of the reasons this has stuck as long as it has is that back in the dim and distant rules past you were indeed able to consider that your ball was beyond salvation and say so.

It was right there in the definitions, like this one from the 1960 Rules of Golf: “A ball is ‘lost’ if… it be declared lost by the player without searching for five minutes.”

That book is pretty significant, actually. Because it was the last time that assertion appeared in print. Fast forward four years to 1964 and it was completely gone. You’ve not been able to declare a ball lost since.

In the 2019 Rules of Golf, there was an interpretation to the definition of lost that explicitly said ‘Ball May Not Be Declared Lost’.

It stated: “A player may not make a ball lost by declaration. A ball is only lost when it has not been found within three minutes after the player or his or her caddie or partner begins to search for it.”

But maybe the message hadn’t got through as the R&A and USGA have addressed it again the 2023 Rules of Golf. Now, it has been written into the definition of lost.

For the avoidance of any further doubt, it states: “A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost”.

Why does it matter?

You always have the option of taking stroke and distance relief – no matter where your ball is on the course. Sometimes you’ll hit one so badly you won’t even look.

It’s because there are occasions where thinking you can make such a declaration, when you can’t, can get you into trouble.

There was a great example of this in the 2019 interpretation. While that might be scrubbed clean in the new rule book, the example is still very relevant.

It outlined a player who is searching for their ball and spends two minutes doing so. They get fed up, declare it lost, and start walking back to put another ball into play.

Before that happens, and within the three-minute search time, their original ball is found. That ball is still in play. The player has to return to that ball.

And what if you announce a provisional? Yep, it becomes the ball in play after the end of the three-minute search time, or when that provisional is played from a spot nearer the hole than where the original ball is estimated to be.

So, once and for all, put any thoughts of declaring a ball lost out of your minds.

Posted December 8th, 2022 by TheGolfersClub & filed under Playing Tips.

Many golfers call it a day when the sun sets early, and the grass gets a touch of frost. However, little do they know (perhaps) playing golf in winter can be the most enjoyable of all the seasons.

The fresh, clear winter mornings, quieter courses and fabulous deals can really make it feel like you’ve hit the jackpot.

That aside, if you’re keen on improving your golf game, giving up completely during winter is not the way to go about it—you really don’t want to lose your momentum.

To ensure you hit the ground running when the new season starts, check out our 9 top tips for keeping your game up to scratch when playing golf in winter.

Keep playing

Yes, it might sound obvious, but keeping up the momentum is vital at this time of year. Everything else aside, you’ll improve your skill by testing yourself when playing conditions are at their most trying.

You’ll learn to perfect a wide range of shots when you’re braving the elements, whether it’s the low punch into the January wind or the runner that scampers across a frozen fairway to find an icy winter green.

After all, these shots will stand you in good stead when the milder weather returns. While you’re here, reading Bernard Gallacher’s top tips for playing golf in the rain might also be useful.

Wear the right winter golf clothes

Playing your best golf requires feeling comfortable in what you’re wearing. Here are some of the most essential garments to help you brave the adverse weather and keep your winter golf game the best it can be.

Wet weather gloves – keeping your hands warm and dry is essential when playing golf in winter. These gloves are a great purchase because the wetter they get, the firmer the grip, making holding your clubs a lot easier
Efficient base layer – wearing layers upon layers is likely to limit your movement, particularly your swing. But at the same time, you don’t want your body to stiffen up in the cold. That’s why a thin base layer is the way forward
Thermal socks – wearing more than one pair of socks, or a thick pair of winter socks, is likely to make all the difference to your body temperature

Have the correct equipment

Playing golf in winter comes with unpredictability, so having the necessary equipment to tackle a range of climates—from wind and rain to frost—is essential.

Here are a few things that will make your golf more enjoyable this winter…

Purchase some winter wheels – winter wheels pick up less mud, making them easier to move, and they’ll also cause less damage to the ground. However, ditch the golf buggy and carry your bag instead if you can. The course will thank you for it, and you’ll be a lot warmer
Use a high-vis yellow ball – they’re a lot easier to spot on icy courses
Add loft to your driver – your ball simply won’t roll as much when the ground is boggy and soft. Adding loft to your driver will add more carry and distance
Umbrella – come rain, sleet or snow, a good-sized umbrella will ensure you stay dry and protect your bag when you’re taking a shot

Keep your golf balls warm

Sounds daft, right? However, it’s believed that for every ten degrees the temperature drops, a golf ball will carry two yards shorter. If this is indeed the case, you’ll want to keep your golf balls toasty on the course. Keep them in your pocket as much as possible, and even throw a hand warmer in there for extra measure.

Having said that, the construction of certain balls makes them ideal for cold weather. Check out this article to find out which golf balls hold up best in winter and why.

Make the most of the driving range

We’re all guilty of making excuses for not going outside much in the cold winter months. It’s definitely easier to head down to a covered (and sometimes heated) driving range for your golf, too.

Visit the driving range as often as possible during winter and work out a practice routine that works for you—don’t just bludgeon balls wildly without an objective in mind. Pick a flag or other spot to aim at and work your way through the clubs, hitting different types of shots.

Take lessons

Whether at the driving range, down at your club’s practice area, or on a deserted winter course (AKA the dream), a series of lessons throughout the off-season could make all the difference to your golfing fortunes come spring.

Winter is the perfect time to make changes to your game—you don’t want to make major alterations when competitions are just around the corner.

If you’re unsure where to turn, a simple Google search like “golf lessons near me” will do the trick.

Use a golf simulator

Golf simulators are a great way to help your game if you prefer practising indoors when it’s cold out. Although indoor simulators aren’t great for putting, they’re fantastic for driving and iron shots.

Buy a net

If you have enough space, it might also be an option to buy your own golf net so you can practise in the comfort of your own home.

Some of the best nets on the market include The Net Return Golf Practice Net, which automatically returns the ball to you, and the IZZO Golf Tri-Daddy Golf Hitting Net—check them out!

Read and watch

It’s amazing how much you can learn about golf without actually swinging a club or hitting a ball. Winter and the Christmas holidays, in particular, are a perfect time to swot up, and many instructional books might strike a chord or spark a thought that could change your game.

Why not add one to your Christmas list?

If not, re-watching golf tournaments and YouTube videos are also good ways of picking up on bits and bobs during the off-season.

Posted December 8th, 2022 by TheGolfersClub & filed under Golf Equipment.

For some golfers, mid-layers can feel too bulky to swing a club in. Even though modern golf sweaters and jackets are made from stretchy material so as not to restrict the golf swing, many would still rather play in a tee shirt all year round if the weather allowed it.

This is where a gilet, or vest, becomes a fantastic option. These garments tick many boxes for those who would rather not play with long sleeves.

Sound like you? You’re in the right place. Here are some of the best golf gilets for ladies on the market.

GOLFINO Berarda Gilet, RRP £149.95

This windproof, water-repellent gilet is made from durable synthetic material. The comfortable lining is made from a blended cotton fabric with good breathability. The lining keeps you cosy and warm out on the fairways but prevents an unpleasant build-up of heat around the body. The sporty design also features two closable side pockets and an inside pocket, giving the wearer plenty of room to store accessories. Meanwhile, the high collar and the impermeable two-way zip fastener offer additional wind protection.

Adidas COLD.RDY Gilet, RRP £64.99

This stylish full-zip mid-layer, made from PRIMEGREEN recycled materials, has been designed with a combination of textured herringbone and flat-knit panels. The brand’s COLD.RDY technology works by trapping heat against the body, and it’s also brushed on the inside for increased warmth and a soft feel. It has been cut to provide a regular fit and is highlighted with the Adidas badge of sport on the left lower hem.

Ping Cece Quilted Gilet, RRP £95

The stylish Cece is a lightweight vest with stretch properties that offers wind and water resistance, plus it is highly breathable for extra performance. It’s designed with a full-zip opening with front pockets and full zip opening and is reversible for a combination of distinctive styles. It comes in two colours: Navy/Aquatic and Black Multi/Black.

J.Lindeberg Rosetta Double Diamond Logo Hybrid Vest, RRP £220

This lightweight style is waterproof and has been prequilted for optimal insulation. A high collar and elasticated hem help provide additional warmth and protection from the cold and wet, while the contrast chevron design creates a flattering silhouette that’ll undoubtedly make this a wardrobe favourite. In fact, this particular gilet has plenty of off-course appeal as well.

Galvin Green Lene Vest, RRP £189

Galvin’s Lene vest features INTERFACE-1™ technology. These garments are made with materials that offer optimum protection and comfort in windy conditions. The soft materials also offer high levels of breathability as well as windproof and water-repellent properties. It includes front pockets with zippers and is suitable for wear off the course as well on it.

Puma Cloudspun WRMLBL Vest, RRP £89

The Puma Cloudspun vest offers lightweight comfort and warmth due to the Primaloft gold insulation in the front and back panels. It features a full zip, zip hand pockets with soft, brushed lining and cloudspun side panels for additional comfort. The quilted detailing is a popular style.

Under Armour Storm Revo Vest, RRP £75

As the name suggests, the Storm Revo vest offers protection from the rain. The brand’s Storm technology repels water without sacrificing breathability. Meanwhile, the stretch-woven outer fabric with soft fleece lining keeps you warm without excess bulk or weight. The reflective details enhance this garment’s style, while the zip hand pockets offer the wearer a good amount of room for accessories. For those who don’t like pink, this gilet is also available in Black/Metallic Silver, which looks particularly smart.

Sunderland Tania Gilet, RRP £75

Sunderland’s Tania vest is an ultra-lightweight shell with ripstop fabric for increased weather resistance. Active smart fibre thermoregulates to climatic changes to release excess heat. It also recirculates body heat to maintain body temperature for thermal warmth. Smart and stretchy, it stands up well to rain showers and wind.

Abacus Elgin Hybrid Vest, RRP £88.95

The Elgin Hybrid vest has a seamless quilted windproof fabric that is padded at the front and back. The side panels and shoulders are made of stretchable fleece, allowing you to swing the club without feeling restricted. It’s also brushed on the inside and has a square pattern for better air circulation that will keep you nice and warm. Meanwhile, elastic binding at the armhole keeps the wind out. It also features a full front zipper with reflective piping and two front pockets.

Posted December 8th, 2022 by TheGolfersClub & filed under Debates.

The article below was written by Steve Carroll of National Club Golfer.

I’ve known a few people who could best be described as temperamental. As the shots got wilder, the clubs went flying. It wasn’t a matter of if, but when.

If I’d played enough with them, I’d be used to it. The moment was a split second of age before being instantly forgotten. But it turned some otherwise very pleasant people into a real-life Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

It was much more disconcerting for anyone who didn’t know what was coming – or didn’t care for the distraction.

The one that really sticks out in my mind is when a player, after a wild approach to a green, sent his 7-iron soaring high and long into a group of bushes.

His playing partners spent more time looking for the club than the ball. The third member of our group decided it was all a bit beyond the pale and, to be honest, I’d pretty much lost my patience too.

I’ve seen people do all sorts of things in the wake of a less than perfect strike. There have been clubs that bent and broke, umbrellas smashed in fury into bins, even trolleys dismantled.

Look, we’re all human and when we’re not having the day we expected, or hoped for, it’s only natural to let off a little bit of steam. We’re not robots.

But when does a strop become too much? When is the line crossed? When does golf etiquette become bad golf etiquette? Is it ever really OK to throw a golf club on the course?

The Rules of Golf don’t really come to the rescue. Slamming a club into the ground, damaging it, throwing it towards a bag only for it to hit someone – these kinds of irritants are classed as misconduct but are unlikely to be serious.

So, unless you’ve done it on purpose, you probably won’t get disqualified for chucking a club unless it spears someone in the side of the head.

Your club committees can do something about it in a Code of Conduct, but even the repeat offenders are going to have to get pretty regularly out of order for even that to make a difference.

So what can we do? Is just hoping people won’t sulk enough? A one-off should be treated as such, as I said we’re not machines, but it really isn’t acceptable to throw your clubs – even if it is out of anger or frustration.

You could injure someone, or damage the course, and you’ll quickly become a figure of fun at the club and, perhaps, someone that everyone stays away from.

Easy to say, in the heat of battle, that it’s only a game. But if you’re the sort that just can’t stop performing the Highland Fling with your driver after an errant tee shot, perhaps it’s just time to accept you’d probably be better off doing something else with your time.

Posted December 8th, 2022 by TheGolfersClub & filed under Golf Equipment.

Finding the best golf club sets for beginners can be difficult, especially when you’re new to the game.

There are many different club combinations and specifications, so it’s easy to become lost in the jargon.

Here you’ll find the best beginner’s golf clubs in the UK, from premium products to more budget-friendly options. We’ve also included tips for choosing the best club sets.

1. Inesis 100 package set, £199.99

One of the most budget-friendly golf club sets for beginners, the Inesis package has everything you need to get started.

There are seven clubs included, with a 15-metre difference between each of them to ensure you can cover all distances. Each features an enlarged clubface for more forgiveness on off-centre hits, making them ideal for improving your technique.

The clubs are incredibly lightweight and won’t weigh you down. They also have an ergonomic grip to improve hand placement, so you can stay focused on the key elements of mastering your swing.

2. Wilson ProStaff SGI graphite golf club set, £399.99

One of the biggest names in golf, Wilson surprisingly offers some of the best beginner’s golf clubs in the UK at a fair price.

This set comprises of a driver, fairway, hybrid, and 6-SW irons, all of which have a lightweight graphite shaft to provide a higher ball flight if you have a slow to moderate swing. What more could a beginner need?

The Wilson bag included in the purchase is extremely high-quality, lightweight, and has a divider to make organising your clubs a breeze.

Overall, the set has a real premium feel, which is exactly what you’d expect from this brand.

3. Callaway Edge complete golf set, £689.59

There are ten clubs in this set from Callaway, each specially designed to help you hit straighter, longer, and more consistent shots.

The 6-9 irons each have large cavity backs and a stabilising arch to increase stability and tolerance, even on mishits.

The Odyssey White Hot Pro Putter is a unique selling point, as the smooth-rolling white hot insert provides quality stabilisation and precision. It also comes with a SuperStroke golf grip for extra feedback and comfort.

4. Confidence Power III beginner’s golf club set, £179.99

Want to avoid those difficult-to-hit longer irons? This set from Confidence Golf contains a 24-degree hybrid iron, so you needn’t worry about those lower loft, thin-face clubs.

All clubs within the set are fitted with regular flex steel shafts, ideal for golfers looking for extra control over their shots.

Confidence has created one of the best beginner’s golf club sets in the UK regarding value for money. The bag has an upgraded five-divider design, auto-pop legs, a rain cover, and a dual padded carrying strap.

5. TaylorMade RBZ SpeedLite set, £949

TaylorMade has just the answer if you want to invest in a high-end beginner’s golf set.

The irons are massively forgiving, as each is designed with a large cavity back and advanced weighting. This prevents the clubface from twisting on off-centre hits and provides much more consistency.

You’ll also benefit from the tolerance the 4 and 5 hybrids bring compared to long irons. This is ideal for beginners and means you can get straight to mastering your technique.

The bag is high-quality and lightweight for easy carrying across the course. It also comes with wood and putter headcovers, a nice extra touch.

How to choose the best beginner’s golf clubs

It’s not easy to determine what you need from what could help you become a better golfer.

That said, we have a few tips to save you the extra time and energy that goes into researching this, the first being that beginners don’t need custom-fitted clubs or those manufactured by top golf brands.

When purchasing your first set, make sure you have the essentials:

a driver
a 3-wood (or a hybrid)
at least two irons
a putter

The best golf club sets for beginners will include these, alongside a sand wedge, pitching wedge and perhaps some additional irons to aid your game.

Other than this, here are a few factors to consider when checking out individual clubs.

1. Loft

If you’re unfamiliar with this term, it simply relates to the angle formed between the clubface and the ground. The higher the loft number, the bigger the angle.

Loft directly impacts how far the ball travels after the clubface makes contact. Clubs with a lower loft number will give the ball greater distance, and vice versa.

Check out this complete golf club loft guide to boost your understanding and ultimately learn more about the loft you want for each of your clubs.

2. Grip

Before buying a beginner’s golf set, it’s a good idea to test your swing with a few different clubs. This way, you can get a feel for the grip thickness that works best for you.

Clubs with a thinner grip can increase your hand actions at the start of your swing, while a thicker grip can limit your hand movement.

Both can cause issues on impact, so it’s best to eradicate any grip types that hinder your progress early on.

3. The shaft

There are two factors to consider when selecting the correct shaft for your clubs: length and flex.

The taller you are, the longer the shaft you’ll need to get the best out of your clubs.

Flex relates to how stiff or soft the shaft is, which can affect your technique. Too much stiffness causes slicing, while a soft shaft can hook your ball flight to the left.

The best golf sets for beginners feature well-balanced clubs that help you perfect your swing.

4. Price

Rather than going for the most expensive clubs that money can buy, it’s best to focus on getting a reasonably priced set that suits your needs.

There’s no need to go for the same clubs as your favourite golfer. After all, brands create custom-fit sets for professionals, so what works for them might not necessarily work for you.

Be open-minded and prepared to research different brands to get a feel for what’s best for your game. That’s the best way to find a great set of beginner’s golf clubs.

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Has McIlroy gone too far in the LIV row?