Highlights from 2021
2021 was another challenging year for many of us with lots of ups and downs, but there has been lots of positives - including a boom for golf! Here are my highlights for 2021:
1. More tutorial videos in Lockdown 3.0
The beginning of 2021 feels like a lifetime ago and you might have forgotten that we couldn’t play golf for 10 weeks, but this did mean a chance for me to film more tutorial videos. There’s something for everyone and they’re all available for free. I’ve put the full list below and you can see them all on my Facebook page, button below:
How to hit a consistent pitch shot - set up and hit a perfect pitch shot
How to control your wedge distances - take the guesswork out of distance control
How to get quicker results - get the best of your practise and hit your targets faster!
How to get a more consistent strike - improve your strike with wedges and irons
How to start your downswing - how to start and when to turn your hips
Simple way to hit a high and low pitch shot - a simple, low-risk way to adapt your loft shot
Drill: Stop the over the top - a drill to help anyone who hits the ball over the top
Drill: Setting up correctly - a drill to work on your alignment and set up
Dill: Stop that hook - a drill to help anyone with a flat swing or hook
Drill: Improving distance control - a drill for working on your short game
Drill: Shaft lean to hit it mean - want that Tour Pro compressed strike?
Drill: The 2p putting aid - the cheapest putting aid you’ll ever buy!
Drill: Stop being wristy when putting - a drill to help anyone who moves their wrists too much when putting
Drill: Keep the putter on track - a drill for anyone who struggles to keep the putter in line
2. New way of thinking to improve your game
Earlier this year, I changed my mindset when playing a round of golf. Instead of thinking about the course as a front 9 and back 9 or a full round of 18, I split the holes into three.
Instead of having two chances at playing well and re-starting on the 10th hole if things weren’t going to plan, I now had six chances and my game improved. The method can be used by professionals or 28-handicap golfers so have a go and let me know how you get on.
3. Launch of ‘Play 18’
This year I launched ‘Play 18’ - a chance for three amateurs to play 18-holes with me at Skylark Golf and Country Club. It’s been a really great opportunity to play with new people and for everyone to benefit from seeing my club selections, shots I play and choices I make. It also gives me chance to observe the players and send them an observational coaching video with tips and recommendations to improve their game following the round. If you’re interested in taking part in 2022, just get in touch.
4. Junior Programme extends to Dibden Golf Centre
After launching a new Junior Programme at Southampton in July 2020, I’ve been really pleased to extend the programme to Dibden Golf Centre this year. Juniors play seven holes on the course to improve their game while learning the rules and etiquette and progress each week by playing each hole further from the tee. It’s proved really popular with juniors and parents with more exciting things planned for 2022.
5. Top 100 Tour visits 10 top courses
In 2021, we organised events to play at 10 of the best golf courses in England and there were some magnificent courses. The photo in the middle of the grid is from Woburn where we played three courses but we also played at Woodhall Spa, Cavendish and Hankley Common to name a few. Our schedule for 2022 has now been released with spaces already being booked so if you’d like to come along, let me know.
6. Lowest score at Skylark
In June, I scored my lowest ever round - a 60 at Skylark. A really enjoyable round with two of my friends, Steve and John.
7. Coaching juniors
This year I’ve had the privilege of teaching some incredibly talented junior golfers including many who are now playing, and winning, junior tournaments. It’s great to see their enthusiasm, commitment and confidence grow as their game develops and I’m looking forward to seeing more from them all in 2022. I’ll keep sharing their progress on my social media channels too!
8. The best golfing experience at Valderrama
Towards the end of the year I was very fortunate to attend an overseas Pro Am at Valderrama Golf Club in Spain. It was the best golfing experience I’ve ever had, such a challenge and a really good week with the team. I finished 4-over off the white tees and fourth overall for the week, which included two other rounds at Finca Cortesin and La Reserva. I’ll be looking to organise some more golf holidays abroad in 2022 so just let me know if you’d like to come along.
9. Top 50 Coach
And, finally, today (New Year’s Eve) I have been announced as one of Golf Monthly’s Top 50 Coaches! It’s a real honour and privilege and I’m looking forward to sharing more information in the new year.
As always, I'd like to say a huge thank you to you for continuing to support NC Golf. Whether it's as a monthly member, through lessons, attending events and holidays, being part of the junior programme, buying gifts for other people, or being a member of the Top 100 Tour, I am truly grateful for your support - especially in another challenging year.
I hope you have had a successful 2021 and I wish you all a happy, healthy and hopefully more golf-filled 2022.
Happy New Year!