Only a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of addressing my peers at the PGA golf trade show in Harrogate. It was a particularly good trip because I got to listen to Dave Pelz who was on the podium before and after me. Many of you will have heard of Pelz, but for those of you who have not, he is a short game guru, former NASA scientist who has made understanding the short game a life's work. Not only has he come up with some interesting techniques, but a lot of fascinating statistics that will make you think a lot more carefully about the time you spend practising your short game. 

I grew up watching Seve play golf and he was a hero to me the same way Rory is to many kids today. I used to mimic his actions and intensity around the greens and I often think that it is one of the main reasons my handicap came down so quickly at a young age where strength and distance would later come. Seve and Dave Pelz are probably at opposite ends of the spectrum. Seve so natural and feel orientated and Pelz technical and analytical but both give us much to learn from. 

They say that good technique creates feel, but feel alone can't create good mechanics and I believe that to be true. I personally can't be a great ball striker, chipper, pitcher or putter without applying a technique that works! Whilst I enjoy teaching all aspects of the game, I think there is nothing more rewarding than playing a well struck pitch or chip shot with precision and control. The sound and feel of the ball off the clubface and watching that ball stop on queue! Fantastic!

I hope to share some of those techniques and ideas and what I have learned from studying this vital part of the game with you at my short game class on Saturday, 15th November from 9.30am -12noon. The cost is €65. You will also be receive a teaching aid and a sleeve of recommended golf balls. This is a side to your game I encourage you to learn more about. I only have a couple of spots left so if you would like to attend, please click here or call/text me on 0868326676. The class is suitable for every standard of golfer....I look forward to seeing you there!

Despite the recent wet weather, there are still plenty of you getting out to play. Keeping your hand in, as they say, is very important if you want to play well next season, so make sure you get something done each week on top of your weekly game. Even chipping and putting in your own back yard or on a carpet at home maintains your sense of feel for these shots. If you have an issue with a certain aspect of your game, book a lesson or have a look at that driver your using, is it the right one? Can you play better than you are at the moment and would you enjoy it more if you did??