Highlights from 2020
2020 was a challenging year for many of us, not least due to coronavirus, but there have been some positives. Here are my highlights for 2020:
1. New partnerships announced
In 2020, I announced two new partnerships for NC Golf. The first is with Chartered Management Accountants, KARA and the second is with private jet charter company, TailHail. Both organisations are keen to offer my customers access to their services - so if you're wanting any accountancy services, such as account management, online bookkeeping, payroll or self-assessment, or fancy a once-in-a-lifetime luxury golf holiday with flights by private jet, get in touch! If you do make an enquiry, please mention NC Golf.
2. Coaching holiday in Portugal
In February, I took 23 golfers to Portugal for a 5-star, five-day golf coaching holiday. The weather was fantastic, 20-24 degrees, and such a difference to the rainy February morning we left behind. During the holiday, we played a 72 hole competition on the Faldo and O-Connor courses and hired the 9-hole floodlit course for night golf. It was a really great few days and I'm looking forward to being able to organise another golf coaching holiday, hopefully in 2021.
3. My 30th birthday
At the end of March, I turned 30! My birthday fell just as we went into the first national lockdown and despite lots of plans like going to Centre Parcs with the family, Barcelona with Naomi and having a big party - it didn't quite happen that way. Instead, I had virtual birthday celebrations, with a video made my friends and family and a Zoom party on the night. At the time it seemed surreal but I guess for everyone who's had lockdown birthday's since, it's almost become the new norm. I might celebrate my 30th again in 2021!
4. Lockdown videos to improve your game
During lockdown, I created lots of videos to help improve your game while we couldn't get to the course. They're all available on my Facebook page, and I've included the full list below:
Stop the over the top - a drill to help anyone who hits the ball over the top
Setting up correctly - a drill to work on your alignment and set up
Stop that hook - a drill to help anyone with a flat swing or hook
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
Drill: Improving distance control - a drill for working on your short game
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
5. Launched the NC Golf Junior Academy
In July, I was really proud to launch the new NC Golf Junior Academy at Southampton City Golf Course. The programme is designed to allow juniors, of all abilities and ages, to play holes on the course and improve week-on-week whilst learning the rules and etiquette of the game. It's proved really popular with juniors and parents, and I'm looking forward to starting again in the new year when we can.
6. Hosted a Pro Tournament at Skylark
In July, I hosted an invitational Pro event at Skylark Golf and Country Club for 20 professional golfers from across the region; all playing for the £600 prize pot. It was a really enjoyable day and I enjoyed hosting. A big thank you to Kara Accountants Ltd for sponsoring the event.
7. Playing at Sunningdale
Despite the impact of Covid at the beginning of the year, my golf society - the Top 100 Tour - still had the opportunity to play some incredible courses this year, including the Old and New Courses at Sunningdale - the 1st and 5th best golf courses in England, which were absolutely incredible. We also played St. Enodoc in Cornwall (number 6th) and a host of others. I've loved organising the Tour again during it's second year and have already announced the schedule for 2021. Anyone can get involved - come and join us as we play at these incredible courses!
8. Built a putting green in my garden
Towards the end of the year and with the impact of lockdown meaning I hadn't had as much chance to play as I would have liked this year, I got a putting green in my back garden! It's great!
9. The birth of Oscar James Cook
And, finally, in October, Naomi and I welcomed Oscar James Cook into the world. He was born on Sunday 4 October at 4.10am, weighing 5lb 5. Big brother Isaac (5) and big sister Eloise (3) are absolutely besotted and it's been lovely to spend some quality time together this 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 such a tough year.
I hope you have had a successful 2020 and I wish you all a happy, healthy and hopefully more golf-filled 2021.
Happy New Year!