If you struggling out of the bunkers try the following:

• Stand squarer to your target
• Play the ball further forward: The ball should be in line with the inside of the left heel, or even the toe.
• In this position you will now be able to open the face correctly, exposing the back edge (the bounce) to the sand. When this is done correctly you will have the impression that the shaft is leaning backwards, this is exactly how it should be. Furthermore it will appear that the ball is being played nearer to the toe of the club than the centre.
• Adopt a slightly wider stance and add a little more flex to your knees
• Maintain the loft which has been set at address throughout the swing
• On the downswing try to replicate the shaft angle you had at address so that you are hitting the sand with the bounce of the club
• DON’T DECELERATE!

A good drill to help get the feeling of how the club is delivered correctly is to separate or split your hands apart slightly at address. This will help ensure that the hands don’t cross over through impact, that the bounce works properly and that loft of the club is maintained.

It is a highly specialised shot with a high risk factor, which even the top players will only attempt when there are no other options.

It is however a great shot to have in your armoury so here’s some advice on how to play it correctly.

• The set up will be similar to that of the bunker shot, with the exception of having to widen the stance or flex the knees in the same manner
• It may seem obvious but having a club with right amount of loft is essential – a 60 degree lob wedge is perfect
• Determine your lie: If your ball is on a bare lie it is important to ensure you have a little more weight on your left side. If the ball is in long or fluffy grass it is advisable to maintain a more central weight distribution
• The swing itself is very similar to that described when playing the bunker shot, with the emphasis on retaining the loft which was presented to the ball at address
• Keep swinging through with club and don’t stop or decelerate as this will cause the hands and club to “flip” or cross over through impact
• Do not attempt to help the ball into the air – inevitably this results in leaning back on the shot, a sure fire recipe for a thin or fat shot.

It’s the start of a brand new year, but we start our newsletter taking a look back at Luke Donald’s incredible 2011 and share some of his amazing stats with you.

The start of a new year often means new products as golf’s leading equipment manufacturers launch their latest wares and we have a run down of many of this year’s most exciting product launches.

With it being January we naturally have our New Year Sale on in the Pro Shop at the moment with a number of bargains available – we have listed the top five below, but why not pop in at any time and have a look around?

If you have anything you would like to discuss about your game, whether it’s equipment, your swing or even rules, please do not hesitate to come in and talk to us.

01376 343465

As part of our continuing Course improvement, this week we have carried out some extensive tree transplanting using trees from our nursery to further enhance the 8th and 3rd holes.This is also necessary to replace the ageing poplars between these two holes.

The continuing mild weather is helping to bed the turfs in on the new bunker arrangements and we hope to have all the recently refurbished bunkers back in play in early spring.

One request.

We would ask all members and visiting golfers to adhere to GUR notices, lines and roped off areas to enable the repairs to establish. There has been evidence in the last few weeks of people taking their trolleys over some of these areas and even playing off them!!

We are continuing to work on Fusarium attack on the greens. We have stopped the disease spreading and now promoting, through feeding, getting the grass to grow.

So far the winter has been kind to us, lets hope it continues and that we can all look forward to a golf course in top condition come the spring.

With the continued superb winter playing conditions things have remained busy for the time of year. Our sale is now in full swing with many great bargains to be had. Some of our 2012 new arrivals are starting to be delivered and we will have most of our new stock in store by mid March. As always if there is anything that we can do for you please don’t hesitate to come and see us.