GOLF GUIDE
FUN | FRIENDLY | UNINTIMIDATING
CONTENTS:
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A word from the team........................................................................... Thanks from our CEO............................................................................ Putting 101: Your Simple Guide to Putting.............................................. Chipping 101: Mastering the Chip Shot................................................... Swing: Building Your Foundation........................................................... Pitch Shot 101...................................................................................... Fitness / Wellness: Mobility and Golf...................................................... Bunkers Play: Mastering the Sand Shot.................................................. Tee Shots and Woods: Starting Strong.................................................... Rules & Etiquette: The unwritten laws of the course................................ Course Play Fundamentals: Navigating the Greens & Fairways........................................................................................... FULL Swing: Adding Power & Flow......................................................... The Golfer’s Lexicon..............................................................................
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A WORD FROM THE TEAM
Elia Egdes
Bernard van de Meeberg
Dylan Gouverneur
Louis Thornhill
Leroy Fourie
As General Manager of The World of Golf, I’m incredibly proud to be part of what truly feels like a new chapter in our golfing journey, one where the ladies community is not just growing, but thriving. Launching this 12-week Ladies Club programme is more than just a schedule of classes. It’s a celebration of passion, progress, and the shared joy that golf brings. I’ve always believed that the game has so much more to offer when it’s inclusive and inspiring, and this group is exactly that. I couldn’t imagine a better place to host this than right here, at our very own Leisure Parks. These facilities aren’t just where I work, they are my home. And there’s no better feeling than seeing them become the backdrop for something so meaningful. To all our ladies: welcome to something special. I can’t wait to see how far this community will go.
As a Coach myself and my teams are very excited to have you all as a part of our new Ladies program. Whether you’re picking up a club for the first time, playing regularly or returning to the game, with us on your side on your golfing journey you’ll grow, challenge yourself and have fun doing it. Golf is a journey of patience, dedication and personal achievement to all different levels and goals. Our program is designed to support you every step of the way, guidance to all aspects and a community that lifts you up. So, bring your energy, hunger to learn, and maybe even a friend or two and let’s enjoy the game together.
Hi Ladies! We’re so excited to welcome you to our brand- new Ladies Club Program - a fun, supportive space created just for you, our amazing lady golf members! Whether you’re just picking up a club or you’ve been playing for years, this is all about helping you grow your game, build confidence, and most importantly - have a great time doing it. With access to our fantastic practice facilities (driving range, short game area, and putting greens!), you’ve got everything you need to take your skills to the next level. Even more exciting? This is your chance to be part of a growing community of like- minded women - a space to make new friends, share laughs, and celebrate each other’s wins both on and off the course. We believe golf is more fun when you’re surrounded by great people - and this group is full of them! We can’t wait to see your games improve and your confidence soar. And remember… if you make a birdie, don’t forget to tweet about it! Let’s tee off on this awesome journey together! Dylan Gouverneur General Manager, Golf Village Centurion
Welcome to our new Ladies Club Program! It’s our time to give our members our all. Whether you’re new to golf and just picking up a club for the first time, or you have a few more miles in your golf shoes, we are here to help you grow your game, build confidence, and make friends to play golf with. Gilloolys Golf Village is a world-class facility where you can practice and refine these skills. We have everything you need to improve, covering areas such as Driver and long game, Short game, Bunkers, and Putting. This is your chance to meet a community of like-minded ladies who share your passion for the game of golf. You will start your journey at our facility and progress to playing on the golf course! The coaches from all facilities and Tamika are looking forward to seeing you and meeting all new members. We, the Golf Village Gilloolys team, are truly looking forward to witnessing your growth and hearing the stories of how your golf journey is progressing.
I’m really excited to be part of this next chapter at The World of Golf. Our women’s community is growing fast, and it’s amazing to see the energy and support all around. The addition of the Fitness Masterclass to the 12-week Ladies Club programme is all about feeling good, moving your body, clearing your mind, and connecting with others. Golf is a great way to stay active and mentally strong, and when you add a group of like- minded women, it becomes something truly special. The World of Golf is a space to grow, have fun, and feel empowered. To everyone joining us: welcome! This programme is here to boost your game, your health, and your confidence. I can’t wait to support you and celebrate all the wins, big and small, along the way.
Let’s tee off on something great!
Bernard van de Meeberg Head of Teaching, GOLFTEC & Gary Player Golf Experience
Leroy Fourie Head of Strength and Conditioning, The World of Golf
Elia Egdes General Manager, The World of Golf
Louis Thornhill General Manager, Golf Village Gilloolys
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THANKS FROM OUR CEO Making friends, getting to know them and helping them play better golf more often is our core purpose and north star. Being able to provide an environment that grow their networks and build confidence both on the golf course and in the boardroom. We are extremely privileged to be in a position where we can so positively impact the lives of others. Welcome to your is Fun, Friendly and Unintimidating has been paramount to us being
new home away from home and I hope you enjoy this journey as much as we enjoy being of service to you. Daniel Egdes CEO | MoreCorp Membership
“Making friends, getting to know them and helping them play better golf more often”
able to grow this beautiful game from day 1. Growing participation levels, enabling golfers to have more fun, score personal bests and get greater enjoyment on their golfing journey. The Ladies Club is of huge importance to us and something very close to our hearts. Introducing women to the game of golf in an environment suited to them with a hand holding, unintimidating approach for all skill levels. Developing and fostering a community where women feel welcomed and heard. Enabling women to connect with like minded individuals, foster relationships,
Daniel Egdes
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PUTTING 101: Your Simple Guide to Putting
Your Special Club: The Putter within the game” on the green. Our goal is always to get that ball into the hole in two putts or less! Sometimes, you might even putt from the fringe, which is just the short grass right next to the green. For putting, you’ll use a club called a putter. It’s specially designed with a flat face, perfect for gently rolling the ball smoothly along the green, directly towards the hole. Think of it as your magic wand for getting the ball in! Alright, let’s talk about putting! This is where you finish each hole and complete your score – it’s often called “the game
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Getting Ready to Putt: Your Simple Setup
I. Your Grip: Holding Your Putter • Relaxed is Best: Imagine how tightly you’d hold a feather – that’s the kind of light, relaxed grip we want for putting. On a scale of 1 to 10, aim for about a 4 out of 10 for tension. Too much tension means you lose that gentle “feel” for the ball, and feel is so important in putting! • Hands Together: Focus on keeping your palms facing each other. This helps your hands work together as one stable unit, preventing any wobbly movements. II. Aiming: Picking Your Path • Read the Green: Before you even think about swinging, take a moment to “read” the green. Look at the subtle slopes and curves to figure out if the ball will roll straight or “break” (curve) towards the hole. Greens are rarely perfectly flat, and that’s part of the fun! • Aim Smart (For Curves): If the green slopes, you’ll aim your putter face slightly to the “high side” of the hole. Then, gravity will gently pull your ball back down, making it curve perfectly into the hole. • Line Up Perfectly: Your putter face and your body need to line up perfectly parallel to where you want the ball to start rolling. This helps you send the ball exactly on your chosen path.
Grip
• Putter Face: Aim it straight at that starting spot you picked on the green. • Your Body: Your feet and body should be lined up parallel to that same path, usually just a little “inside” the ball’s intended line. • The Train Tracks Idea: Imagine your putter is on one train track (the outside one), pointing to where the ball will start. Your feet and body are on the other track (the inside one), running perfectly parallel. This mental picture helps keep everything straight and aligned.
Alignment
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Your Stance & Body: Getting Stable A good, stable stance gives you a clear view and a consistent stroke. • Comfy Feet: Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. This gives you a nice, balanced, and steady base for your swing. • Eyes Over the Ball: This is super important! Make sure your eyes are directly over the golf ball. This helps you see your putting line correctly and encourages a smooth, straight-back-and- through stroke.
Your Stroke: A Smooth Rocking Motion
Your putting stroke is different from a big swing – it’s all about smooth, controlled movement, like a gentle pendulum.
• Shoulders & Arms Lead: Let your putting stroke be controlled mainly by your
shoulders and arms. Imagine them moving together as one unit, like a pendulum swinging back and forth on a clock. • Keep Wrists Quiet: Try to keep your wrists very firm throughout the entire stroke. Don’t let them “flick” or break. Any extra wrist movement can make your putts inconsistent, so keep them locked in!
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Putting Basics: Your Keys to Lower Scores
These are the simple ideas that, once you get the hang of them, will truly transform your putting and help you lower your golf scores! • The Two-Putt Goal: For every hole, make it your mission to get your first putt close enough to the hole so you can comfortably tap it in with your second putt. Avoiding those frustrating three-putts is a game-changer! • Touch & Aim: These are the two most important skills in putting. “Touch” is your amazing ability to hit the ball with just the right amount of power for distance. “Aim” is about hitting it on your chosen line. These skills get better and better with practice and a little focused attention. • Master Short Putts: Spend extra time practicing putts from that crucial 3 to 5 feet range. Consistently sinking these short putts is your secret weapon! They’ll boost your confidence, ensure more two- putts, and really help trim those strokes off your total score!
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LONGER PUTTS & READING GREENS: TAKING THE NEXT STEP
As you get more comfortable, you’ll love learning to “read” greens even better and make those wonderful “lag putts” – which are long putts designed to get the ball close to the hole, even if it doesn’t go in. This will truly make your whole game shine! I. Types of Putts You’ll See Greens offer a fun variety of challenges. Generally, you’ll find five main types of putts: • Uphill: The hole is higher than your ball. • Downhill: The hole is lower than your ball. • Left-to-Right Curve: The green slopes, making the ball gently curve from left to right (for right-handed putters). • Right-to-Left Curve: The green slopes, making the ball curve from right to left (for right-handed putters). • The Occasional Straight Putt: These are a lovely little bonus when you find one! II. How to Read Your Surroundings • Look Around You: Always take a moment to look beyond just the straight line to the hole. Check the surrounding area of the green – can you spot a “high side” on either side of the hole compared to your ball? This helps you guess how much the ball will curve or “break” as it rolls. • Uphill vs. Downhill: It’s super important to figure out if the hole is higher or lower than your ball. • Uphill Putts: These will need a little more power and a firmer, more confident stroke to make sure the ball reaches the hole. • Downhill Putts: These will need less power. Your main focus here is on very gentle distance control, so you don’t roll too far past the hole. Gravity is quite strong on these!
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Practice Drills: Keep Improving Between Lessons!
These fun drills are perfect for you to practice on your own between lessons. They’ll help you build that amazing feel, consistency, and ultimately, your confidence on the green. I. The 3ft & 5ft Railway Drill • Setup: On a practice putting green, lay two golf clubs or long sticks on the ground, perfectly parallel to each other, just a bit wider than your putter head. • How to Do It: Practice putting from 3 feet, then challenge yourself from 5 feet. Focus on keeping your putter head moving straight back and through, staying perfectly between these “rails.” This drill is fantastic for getting that consistent, straight stroke down pat – it’s fundamental for accurate putting. II. The 3ft & 5ft Clock Drill • Setup: Place 5 or 6 golf balls in a perfect circle around the hole at 3 feet. Once you’re feeling good there, make another circle of balls at 5 feet. • How to Do It: Try to sink as many putts as you can from each distance, moving around the hole like the hands on a clock. This drill builds incredible confidence in those important short putts from all sorts of angles, just like you’ll find on the course.
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III. Longer Putts (The Square/ Dice Drill) • Setup: Use four tees or small markers to make a square around the hole (imagine the hole is the center “5” on a dice). Start with a square about 2-3 feet wide. • How to Do It: Begin 10 feet away with 5 balls. Your only goal is to stop all 5 balls inside that square. The exact line isn’t as important as getting the distance right here! • Keep Going: Then, challenge yourself by moving back in 5-foot steps (15ft, 20ft, 25ft, etc.) And repeat the drill. This drill is purely about developing that essential “touch” and distance control for longer putts – a super important skill for reaching your two-putt goals. IV. Par = Two Putts Drill • Setup: Pick three different holes on the practice green. Ideally, choose one that slopes uphill, one that curves from left-to-right, and one that curves from right-to-left. This makes it feel like a real golf round! • How to Do It: Your goal for each hole is to successfully two-putt. Focus really hard on getting your first putt very close to the hole, then confidently tapping in the second. This drill truly simulates what you’ll face on the course and builds that smart, strategic mindset for consistent putting, preparing you for success out there!
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CHIPPING: Mastering the Chip Shot
Chipping is a vital short shot in golf, typically played from just off the green, or when the ball is up to about 20 meters away. Unlike putting, where the ball stays on the ground, a chip shot involves lifting the ball gently into the air. The ball then lands on the green and rolls out towards the
hole, preparing for a straightforward putt.
The Goal of Chipping:
The main goal of chipping is to get the ball onto the green quickly, allowing it to roll close to the hole, and setting up an easy putt to finish.
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Clubs Used for Chipping: Your Lofted Friend For chipping, wedges are your go-to clubs. These are designed with higher lofts to help the ball get airborne. The right wedge helps control how high the ball flies and how much it rolls.
Here are the main wedges useful for chipping:
• Pitching Wedge (PW): Lowest loft (typically 44-48 degrees ). Great for lower flights and more roll. • Sand Wedge (SW): Medium loft (commonly 54-58 degrees ). A versatile club for medium height and moderate roll. • Lob Wedge (LW): Highest loft (usually 58-64 degrees ). Perfect for high shots that land softly with minimal roll.
By choosing the right wedge, you can control your chip shot’s trajectory and roll, helping you get it closer to the hole!
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THE G.A.S.P. METHOD FOR CHIPPING: YOUR EASY SETUP GUIDE
This simple acronym, G.A.S.P., serves as a helpful reminder for the key setup fundamentals needed for a great chip shot. G - Grip • Standard Grip: The standard golf grip is used for chipping, maintaining consistency with a full swing. • Grip Down: To enhance control over the club, gripping down slightly on the handle (placing hands lower on the grip) is beneficial. A - Aim • Consider the Slope: Similar to putting, the slope of the green requires consideration. Since the ball will spend time rolling, compensating for the green’s contours is essential. • Club Face First: The club face should be aimed precisely at the intended landing spot on the green. • Body Parallel: The body should then align parallel to the club’s aim line. • Alignment Drill: For improved aim, place two clubs or alignment sticks on the ground like train tracks. The outer stick represents the target line (where the club face aims), and the inner stick represents the body line. • Hands Forward (Shaft Lean): Pushing the hands forward towards the target creates shaft lean. This aids in consistent striking and ensures the ball lifts off the ground correctly.
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S - Stance • Feet Closer: The feet are positioned closer together, with a stance narrower than shoulder-width apart. • Weight Forward: Weight should favor the lead leg, with a slight lean towards the target (a 60/40 split, with more weight on the front foot, is a good starting point). This encourages hitting down on the ball, allowing it to roll up the club face and lift. P - Posture • Bend from Hips: The body bends forward at the hips, maintaining a straight back. • Arms Hang Naturally: Arms are allowed to hang down naturally. This position results in a feeling of being slightly closer to the ball compared to a full swing.
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Before executing a chip shot, a quick review of these key points can improve consistency: • Narrow stance • Ball slightly back (in the stance) • Weight forward (on the lead leg) • Hands ahead (of the ball, creating shaft lean) • Still head (through impact) Chipping Checkpoints: A Quick Glance Before You Swing
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Regular practice with these drills helps improve chipping consistency and control. I. Towel Drill • Setup: Place a towel a few feet onto the green. • Execution: Attempt to land chip shots directly onto the towel. This drill is effective for developing distance control and accuracy in the landing spot. II. Bucket Chip • Setup: Set a bucket a short distance away. • Execution: Practice chipping balls into the bucket. This drill enhances aim and trajectory control. III. Trail Foot Back • Setup: Position the trail foot (back foot) slightly behind the body. • Execution: This setup naturally encourages weight to remain forward on the lead leg and lean towards the target through the swing, promoting proper contact. IV. Shaft Extension Drill • Setup: Extend an alignment stick or a spare shaft through the lead side of the grip, pointing towards the lead hip. • Execution: This helps prevent excessive wrist movement through impact, contributing to a more stable club face and consistent strikes. Practice Drills for Better Chipping: Building Skill and Confidence
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V. Distance Control Tees • Setup: Place tees in a circle with a 6-foot radius around the hole. • Execution: Practice chipping to stop the ball between these tees. This drill focuses intensely on precise distance control, a critical aspect of effective chipping.
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SWING: Building Your Foundation
The golf swing is a full motion used to hit the ball with maximum distance and accuracy. It’s a coordinated movement that, when done correctly, feels effortless. In this section, we’ll break down the fundamental setup and motion to help you build a solid foundation for your swing.
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The G.A.S.P. Method: Your Setup Checklist A consistent setup is the cornerstone of a consistent swing. Remember the G.A.S.P. method: • Hold the club with the same grip you’ve been using from chipping, but your hands will be positioned slightly higher on the handle. • Maintain a relaxed grip; avoid tension. • (Refer to your manual’s image showing knuckle position for the standard grip.) • G - Grip: • When you set up to the ball, ensure your shoulders, hips, knees, and feet are all aligned parallel to your target line. • (Use two alignment sticks on the ground to demonstrate this: one pointing at the target, and one parallel to it where your feet should be. This is like the “Railway Drill” for your body.) • A - Aim:
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S - Stance: • For iron play, your feet should be approximately shoulder-width apart. • For woods and drivers, your stance will be slightly wider than shoulder-width. • Ball Position: •
For short to mid-irons (PW, 9, 8, 7-iron), the ball should be positioned in the center of your stance. As clubs get longer (from 7-iron upwards), the ball position will move incrementally half a ball rotation forward towards your front foot for each longer club.
•
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P - Posture: • Keep your back as straight as possible to avoid a hunched position; bend primarily from your hips. • Your knees should be slightly flexed, providing athletic readiness. • Your balance should be equally distributed 50/50 between your feet, and you should feel balanced on the balls of your feet (not too much in towards your toes or heels).
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Effortless Technique: The Core of the Swing
The golf swing should feel like an effortless motion. We aim to avoid any tension, as the natural rotational movement of your body is efficient enough to swing through the ball and get it in the air. • Think Rotation, Not Force: Imagine spreading your arms out like wings and rotating your body as if you’re making “helicopters.” This analogy helps visualize the rotational movement we’re trying to implement in the swing.
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• Strike First, Then Distance: Your primary goal in the early stages is to make solid strike/contact with the ball
and get it consistently in the air. Once you achieve consistent contact, we can then build on adding distance.
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THE SWING IN SIMPLE STEPS
Although there are many moving parts, the golf swing, from setting up to being ready to start, can be simplified:
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1. Swing Back:
The club is taken back, rotating your shoulders and hips away from the
target, with limited sideways movement and maintaining head stability.
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2. Swing Down: A controlled acceleration towards the ball, with your weight shifting towards your target.
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3. Strike the Ball:
Make contact with the ball.
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4. Follow-through:
The swing continues after impact, ending with a balanced finish.
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Make sure every practice session counts! It should always be about quality over quantity. • Measure Your Progress: Use the Inrange app to measure your progress. Whether you’re “dialing in distances” with open practice to see how far you hit each shot, or doing “target practice,” “shrinking target,” or “long drive” challenges, the app helps measure your progress and challenges you to improve next time. • Inrange Handicap: You will also get an Inrange handicap. This is another fantastic way to measure your progress; as your Inrange handicap comes down, it signifies that your skill level and ability have improved, leading to more fun on the golf course! Practice with Purpose: Quality Over Quantity
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When you’re starting out, your main goal should be consistent contact and getting the ball in the air. • Practice with a Purpose: Take 10 balls at a time and set a specific goal. For example, aim to get 3 out of 10 balls consistently in the air, or 5 out of 10. This turns practice into a focused exercise rather than just hitting balls aimlessly. Once you achieve your desired goal, increase the percentage to strive for even higher consistency! Beginner’s Goal: Contact & Airtime
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PITCHING: It’s All About Those High Shots and Soft Landings
Why Use a Pitch Shot? You’ll usually pull out a pitch shot when you need to clear obstacles like bunkers, thick rough, or even water hazards. The magic of the pitch shot is its higher trajectory, which means the ball flies higher and lands softer on the green, often stopping much faster than a chip. The pitch shot is your secret weapon for those tricky distances between a short chip and a full swing, typically ranging from 20 to 90 meters. Think of it as your aerial assault.
• To clear trouble:
Bunkers, deep rough, water.
• For a softer landing:
The ball will fly higher and have more spin, helping it stop quicker on the green.
• When you need more distance control than a chip can offer, but less power than a full swing.
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Choosing Your Club For pitch shots, you’ll reach for your wedges. These clubs are specifically designed with higher lofts to get the ball up in the air.
Here are the wedges you might use:
• Lob Wedge (LW): Around 60 degrees of loft – great for very high, soft shots. • Sand Wedge (SW): Around 56 degrees of loft – versatile for both bunkers and pitch shots. • Gap Wedge (GW): Around 50-52 degrees of loft – fills the “gap” between your pitching wedge and sand wedge. • Pitching Wedge (PW): Typically 44-48 degrees of loft – your go-to for many standard pitch shots. Your club choice depends on the distance you need the ball to travel and the height you want it to achieve. The more loft, the higher the ball will fly and the shorter it will go with the same swing effort.
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Setting Up for Success
Just like baking a perfect cake, a great pitch shot starts with the right ingredients in your setup.
Your Grip
• Neutral Hold: You’ll use the same neutral grip you use for your full swing. • Quick Check: Make sure you can see two knuckles on your lead hand (the one closest to the target) when you look down. • Hands Together: Always ensure your hands are securely joined, whether you use a 10-finger grip or an interlock grip. • Finger First: Your grip should start in your fingers and flow into the palm of your lead hand. (Imagine a picture showing this proper grip.) • Pressure & Control: Keep your grip pressure firm but not tight – think a 4 or 5 out of 10. For extra control and feel on these shorter shots, you can grip down slightly lower on the club’s handle. (Imagine a picture showing gripping down.) • Hands Ahead (Shaft Lean): Gently push your hands and the club handle slightly forward towards your target. This creates what we call “shaft lean” and helps you hit down on the ball, leading to more consistent contact and a clean strike. 37
Aiming True
• Clubface to Target: Your clubface should be aimed directly at your intended target. • Body Parallel: Your feet and body line should be parallel to the inside of your target line, like a railway track. (Imagine a picture demonstrating this setup with alignment sticks like train tracks.)
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Stance, Posture & Technique Now that you’re gripped and aimed, let’s get your body ready to make that perfect pitching motion.
Your Stance
• Narrower Base: For pitch shots, it’s usually best to have a narrower stance than your full swing. About shoulder-width apart is also perfectly acceptable and provides a solid base. • Ball Position: Place the ball in the middle of your stance. (Imagine a picture
showing the ball in the middle of a slightly narrower stance.)
Your Posture
• Bend from Hips: Once you’ve set your stance, bend forward from your waist, maintaining a straight spine angle. • Soft Knees: Introduce a slight flex or “softness” in your knees. This helps you stay athletic and balanced throughout the swing.
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The Pitching Technique Unlike a chip where wrist movement is minimal, the pitch shot introduces more rotational movement of your body. This means your torso will turn back and through. • Swing Length = Distance: The length of your backswing is what determines how far the ball will travel. We often use a “clock system” as a guide: • 8 o’clock position: For shorter pitch shots. (Imagine a picture showing the club pointing back to 8 o’clock.) • 9 o’clock position: For medium-range pitches. (Imagine a picture showing the club pointing back to 9 o’clock.) • 10 o’clock position: For longer pitch shots, approaching a three-quarter swing. (Imagine a picture showing the club pointing back to 10 o’clock.)
• Wrist Hinge: As you take the club back, you’ll introduce a slight wrist hinge. This helps create power and height. (Imagine a picture showing the wrist hinge at the top of the backswing.) • Accelerate Through Impact: In your downswing, focus on accelerating smoothly through impact. Don’t slow down!
• Mid to Three-Quarter Follow Through: Your follow-through will be
shorter than a full swing – aiming for a mid to three- quarter finish, letting your body naturally turn towards the target.
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Practice & Drills for Pitching Mastery Practice makes perfect, and our facilities are designed to help you dial in your pitch shots.
Ideal Practice Spots
• The Supersport World of Pitching is your ultimate
playground to work on your distance control with all your different wedges. It’s the ideal place to truly “dial in” how far each club goes with different swing lengths.
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Effective Drills • Vary Your Clubs: Pick a specific distance (e.g., 50 meters). Now, try hitting that distance with your Pitching Wedge, then your Gap Wedge, and then your Sand Wedge. Notice how the ball flies differently (trajectory) with each club, even though you’re aiming for the same distance. This teaches you versatility. • The 10-Ball Challenge: Choose a specific target or distance on the practice range. Take 10 balls and challenge yourself to see how many you can land directly on or very close to your chosen target. Track your progress!
• The Ultimate Short Game Test: Wedge & Putt Course: • Take your practice to the real course at our dedicated Wedge & Putt Course. • The goal here is to test your “greens in
regulation” for your short game. Out of the 9 holes, how many times can you get your ball on the green from the tee shot?
• This course provides a holistic short game practice, as you’ll also
likely encounter situations requiring bunker shots, delicate chips, and crucial putts to finish off each hole. It’s the closest thing to real course play for your short game.
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GOLF WARM-UP & SWING MOBILITY SESSION
Chipping Checkpoints (Quick Glance)
This session is designed to help you prepare your body for better golf. By improving your mobility, warming up key muscle groups, and reinforcing good swing mechanics, you can enhance your performance and significantly reduce your risk of injury on the course.
Estimated Duration: Approximately 85 minutes
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1. Getting Started: Introduction & Briefing (10 minutes)
• Welcome & Session
Overview (5 min): We’ll kick things off by outlining the session’s core goals: • Getting your body ready to move. • Improving overall mobility. • Connecting better movement directly to your golf swing. We’ll emphasize how these steps are crucial for injury prevention and boosting your performance. • Your Check-In (5 min): This is your chance to share! Feel free to mention any existing injuries, areas where you feel stiff, or specific mobility challenges you’re experiencing.
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3. Targeted Swing Mobility (20 minutes)
This section focuses on movements crucial for your golf swing.
• Upper Back & Hip Drills (10 min): • Cat-Cow Stretch: Perform 10 repetitions to articulate your spine. • Open Book Stretch: Complete 10 repetitions per side to improve thoracic rotation. • World’s Greatest Stretch: Do 5 repetitions per side for comprehensive hip and spine mobility. • 90/90 Hip Rotations: Perform 10 repetitions per side to enhance hip internal and external rotation. • Golf-Specific Rotation Mobility (10 min): • Split Stance Rotations (with club): Use a golf club for 10 repetitions per side to practice rotational control. • Lunge with Rotation: Perform 5 repetitions per side, twisting your torso over your lead leg.
• Standing Club Rotations: Complete 10 repetitions, focusing on upper body rotation while keeping your lower body stable. • Pallof Press with Rotation (banded):
Optional (if you have a resistance band). Do 8 repetitions per side to build core stability with rotation.
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4. Swing Prep & Tempo Drills (15 minutes)
5. Integrated Swing Mechanics & Short Game (25 minutes) • Speed Ladder or Club Swings with Tempo Change (5 min): • Practice swings from light to medium to near full speed, paying attention to controlled acceleration. • Practice Swings (No Ball): • Take 10 half swings, then 10 full swings, focusing on tempo, balance, and a smooth transition. • Mirror or Partner Feedback (5 min): • Use a mirror to observe and correct your posture and rotation patterns, or have a partner offer constructive feedback. • Start hitting actual golf balls, beginning with wedges and progressing to mid-irons. • Focus on achieving fluidity, maintaining balance, and driving your swing through mobility- driven rotation. • Optional: Try constraint drills like hitting with your feet together or using only your trail arm to isolate movements. • Emphasize good posture, a proper hip hinge, and effective upper/lower body separation in your short game shots. 47 • Full Swing Mechanics (15 min): • Short Game Activation (10 min): • Practice your chipping and pitching.
6. Cooldown & Reflection (5 minutes)
• Stretch & Reset (3 min): • Gently stretch your hamstrings (seated or standing) and quads (standing). • Perform shoulder rolls and neck mobility exercises. • Practice deep breathing techniques like Box Breathing or the 4-7-8 method to aid relaxation. • Debrief & Takeaway (2 min): • Reflect on how your body feels after the session. • Identify one key drill or movement you found most beneficial to incorporate before every round.
Key Equipment You’ll Need: • Golf club(s) • Resistance bands (optional) • Yoga mat or soft ground • Mirror or coaching partner (optional)
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BUNKERS PLAY: MASTERING THE SAND SHOT
Bunkers, often referred to as sand traps, are designated hazards on the golf course. The bunker shot is one of the most intimidating shots in golf for a beginner. But it doesn’t have to be. We’re going to break this down simply, and by the time we’re done, you’ll be splashing those balls out like a seasoned player. Forget everything you’ve learned about hitting the ball first. This is the one time in golf where we actually want to hit the ground before the ball. Think of it like a little explosion – we’re splashing the sand out, and the ball just happens to go along for the ride. Now, there are different types of bunkers, while frequently positioned near the green, they can also be found on the fairway. Unlike water hazards, there is no penalty for hitting your ball into a bunker. Our focus within this section will be on greenside bunkers.
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Choosing Your Club: Your Sand Specialists
For greenside bunkers, you’ll want to reach for your high-lofted clubs. These are designed specifically to help you get the ball up and out quickly. • Lob Wedge (typically 60 degrees): This is your highest lofted club and is excellent for getting the ball to fly high and land softly, especially when you have very little green to work with. • Sand Wedge (typically 56 degrees): This club is specifically engineered for bunkers. It has what we call “bounce” on the bottom, which helps it glide through the sand without digging too deeply. It’s often the go-to club for most greenside bunker shots. Remember, the goal with these clubs is to ensure we get it out and onto the green.
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THE SETUP: YOUR STABLE FOUNDATION IN THE SAND
Getting set up correctly is absolutely crucial for success here. 1. Your Grip: • Use the same comfortable
grip you would for your full swing or your precise pitch shots. Consistency here is key.
2. Aim & Body Alignment (An “Open” Stance): • Here’s a key adjustment: your feet and body will be aimed slightly to the left of your target (for right- handed golfers). We call this an “open” stance. This helps you make a swing that cuts across the ball a little, which is exactly what we want for sand shots. (The accompanying pictures will show you this alignment with clear lines). up your clubface slightly first, then take your grip. If you grip the club normally and then try to open the face, it won’t add the necessary loft. Opening it first adds that crucial loft and allows the club’s “bounce” to slide beautifully through the sand, preventing it from digging in too much. (Observe the picture demonstrating this open clubface). 3. The Clubface (Adding Loft and Glide): • This is a vital step: open
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THE TECHNIQUE: THE CONFIDENT SAND SPLASH
This technique is all about commitment and generating that powerful sand explosion.
1. The Swing Path:
• Because your body is aimed slightly open, your swing path will naturally follow that body line, creating a gentle “out-to- in” motion relative to your target. Allow your body alignment to guide this path. (The pictures will illustrate this natural swing arc). 2. The Impact (The “Splash”): • Your primary focus here is to strike the sand first, aiming about one to two inches behind the ball. • When your club makes contact with the sand, you’ll feel resistance. This is the moment to maintain and even increase your acceleration through impact. Imagine splashing a large quantity of sand onto the green – you need to commit to that forceful motion. The sand itself will act as a cushion, slowing the club head slightly, but crucially, it will also push the ball out. “scoop” or lift the ball. This often leads to poor contact. Trust the sand to do the work. • Commit fully to your swing, completing a natural follow- through, much like you would with a full swing. Don’t stop your swing short after impact. You want to propel that sand forward. • Maintain stability in your lower body throughout the swing. Avoid any tendency to lean back or shift your weight away from the target, which can cause mis-hits. • Important: Do not try to 3. The Follow-Through:
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Practice & Drills: Building Confidence from the Sand
Confidence in the bunker comes directly from consistent practice.
1. The “Line in the Sand” Drill: • In a practice bunker, draw a clear line in the sand. Without a ball, make swings where you aim to strike the sand directly on the line and splash it forward towards your target. This drill is excellent for developing the feel of hitting the sand first, without the pressure of the ball. (A demo picture will show a clean sand splash). • Extend your drawn line a little. The point where your club enters the sand in relation to this line will provide immediate feedback. If you’re hitting too far behind the line, you’re taking too much sand; if you’re hitting ahead, you might be hitting too close to the ball. (Pictures illustrating correct and incorrect entry points are highly beneficial here).
2. The “Circle Drill”: • Draw a small circle around where the ball would sit (or place a ball in the
center of a drawn circle). Your objective with each swing is to splash out the entire circle of sand from the bunker. This drill encourages you to take a sufficient amount of sand and ensures a full, committed follow- through, leading to more consistent ball exits.
Keep practicing these fundamental principles, and soon, those bunkers will become opportunities to showcase your elegant and effective bunker play!
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TEE SHOTS AND WOODS: Starting Strong
The tee shot is the very first shot you take on every hole, marking the start of your journey towards the green. For most holes, especially longer ones, the goal is to hit the ball a long distance while maintaining accuracy, setting you up for an easier approach shot.
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CHOOSING YOUR CLUB: Driver vs. Fairway Woods
For tee shots, you’ll typically use your driver or fairway woods, depending on the distance of the hole and any obstacles or hazards that might be in play. • Driver: This is your longest club and is designed to hit the ball the furthest. It’s ideal • Fairway Woods: These clubs (like a 3-wood or 5-wood) are shorter than a driver and offer more control. They are a great option if there’s a hazard (like a fairway bunker) within reach of your driver, allowing you to play safely short of it. for long par 4s and par 5s when you need maximum distance.
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Teeing Up Correctly
• Driver Tee Height: A good rule of thumb is to have about half of the ball sticking out above the top (crown) of your driver’s club head when it’s resting on the ground. • Fairway Wood Tee Height: For fairway woods, the tee height will be lower, but the same measurement applies: aim for about half of the ball above the crown of the club head. When you hit a tee shot, you’ll use a tee to elevate the ball off the ground. The height of your tee plays a very important role:
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• Fairway Wood Tee Height: For fairway woods, the tee height will be lower, but the same measurement applies: aim for about half of the ball above the crown of the club head.
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• Wider Stance: Your feet should be in a wider stance, slightly wider than shoulder- Getting your setup right for a driver tee shot is crucial for launching the ball effectively: Setting Up for Success with Your Driver
width apart, to provide a stable base for your most powerful swing.
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• Ball Position: The ball should be positioned off the inside of your lead
foot’s heel (for right-handed golfers, this means the ball is off the inside of your left heel). This position helps you hit the ball on the upswing.
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• Spine Tilt: Tilt your spine slightly away from the target (for right-handed golfers, this means a slight tilt to the right). This tilt helps you create an ascending swing path, which is ideal for launching the ball high and far with a driver.
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• Taller Posture: Since drivers and woods are longer clubs, they require a taller, more upright posture compared to your shorter irons.
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PRACTICE DRILL: Mastering the Tee
• Setup: Place a tee in the ground, but without a ball on it. • Execution: Make practice swings, focusing on trying to tip the top of the tee or hit the tee out of the ground without touching the ground with your club. This drill helps you learn to swing slightly upwards through the ball, which is essential for effective driver contact. Here’s a simple drill to help you practice your tee shots and ensure you’re making good contact:
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RULES & ETIQUETTE: The Unwritten Laws of the Course
Time Keeping 1. Arrive Early: Tee times operate in 8 to 10-minute increments. Therefore, it’s essential to arrive at the course early enough to check-in and spend some time on the practice green and practice tee before you start your round (we recommend 15-30 minutes). This helps ensure you are ready and relaxed for your scheduled tee time. 2. Maintain Pace of Play: Always strive to keep up with the group in front of you. This ensures you are not holding up players behind you and helps maintain the overall pace of play on the course for everyone’s enjoyment. 3. Ball Search Limit: You are allowed to search for your ball, but there is a 3-minute limit once you begin searching. After this time, if the ball is not found, it will be declared lost. Understanding the fundamental rules and etiquette of golf is crucial for an enjoyable and fair experience on the course. These guidelines ensure smooth play, safety, and respect for fellow golfers and the course itself.
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What’s in the Bag 1. Club Limit: A golf set consists of various clubs, and you are allowed a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag. You can have fewer clubs, but you cannot exceed this maximum. Your set typically includes woods, irons, wedges, and a putter. (Various options for club selection will be explained in a dedicated session).
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Starting Your Round
1. The Tee Box: The starting point for each hole is called the tee box (or teeing ground). You will find two tee markers on every tee box,
indicating the designated area from which to start.
2. Teeing Up: Make sure you tee your ball up in between the tee markers. 3. Positioning: You can tee the ball up anywhere in between
or up to two club lengths behind the markers, but never in front of them.
4. Order of Play (Honours): • The player with the lowest handicap typically tees off first on the first hole. • For subsequent holes, the player with the lowest score on the previous hole (or who scored the most points in a points-based game) will have the “honours” to tee off first. • During the play of a hole,
the player whose ball is furthest away from the hole plays next.
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Starting Your Round (Continued) 1. Fairway vs. Rough: The short, neatly mowed area leading from the tee box towards the green is called the fairway. If applicable to the local rules, you may sometimes place your ball on the fairway for a better lie. Anywhere off the fairway, such as in the rough (the longer grass), the ball must 2. The Green: The flag/hole will be placed on a nicely short-mowed area called the green, where you will finish off the hole. You are allowed to pick up your ball on the green after you have marked its position with a ball marker or coin. (The process of marking will be explained and demonstrated in a session). be played as it lies and cannot be touched or improved.
3. Flagstick on the Green:
When putting, you have the option to have the flagstick removed from the hole or leave it in the hole.
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Obstacles, Hazards and Penalties
1. Water Hazards:
• Red Markers: Indicate a lateral water hazard. If your ball enters this area, you have options for relief, typically dropping within two club lengths of where it crossed the margin, or on the opposite side, with a one-shot penalty. • Yellow Markers: Indicate a regular water hazard. If your ball enters this area, you have options for relief, typically dropping behind the hazard on a line from the hole, with a one-shot penalty. • Dropping the Ball: When taking relief, the ball must be dropped from knee height. (The specific relief options and dropping procedure will be
explained and demonstrated in a session).
2. Out of Bounds (OB) : • Marked with white stakes or white lines. If your ball lands outside these stakes
or lines, it is considered out of bounds. You must
re-hit from your last position (where you played the previous shot) and will face a one-shot penalty.
(Various scenarios will be explained and drawn in a session).
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Obstacles, Hazards and Penalties (Continued)
1. Bunkers (Sand Traps) : • Sand bunkers can be
found throughout the course. We distinguish between greenside bunkers (close to the green) and fairway bunkers (a fair distance from the green). Although bunkers are called a
hazard, you do not get penalized for your ball ending up in a bunker. • Important Rule: You are not allowed to ground your club (touch the sand with your club) in the sand behind the ball or in front of it before your swing. 2. Ground Under Repair (GUR) : • GUR is a part of the course that has been marked with white lines or stakes around an area that is temporarily unplayable or under maintenance. Free
relief will be granted in these areas if your ball
ends up within the marked boundary.
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Weather
1. Rain: Play can continue during rain unless the course has become waterlogged due to excessive rain and is deemed unplayable by the course management. suspended during lightning for safety purposes. • When lightning becomes a threat, the siren will sound once. This means 2. Lightning: Play will be you need to get to the nearest rain/lightning shelter on the course or make your way back to the clubhouse immediately. • When the siren sounds twice, it signifies that it is safe for play to resume, and you may head back out to your last position before play was suspended.
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COURSE PLAY FUNDAMENTALS: Navigating the Greens & Fairways
Sharpen your golf course knowledge with the following essential information:
Understanding the Golf Course Structure
A standard golf course consists of 18 holes, which are typically broken down into three main types based on their length and the expected number of strokes to complete them: • Par 3s: These are short holes, designed to be completed in three strokes. • Par 4s: These are medium-length holes, designed to be completed in four strokes. • Par 5s: These are long holes, designed to be completed in five strokes. For a course with a total par of 72 (the most common standard), the distribution of holes usually works out to have: • 4 x Par 3 holes (total 12 strokes) • 10 x Par 4 holes (total 40 strokes) • 4 x Par 5 holes (total 20 strokes)
Preparing for Your Round
Before heading out for a round, having the following aspects covered will make execution easier on the course. Lessons in each discipline will help fast-track your progress to playing on the course: • Tee Shot: Learning to hit a driver (your tee shot) effectively. • Approach Shots: Understanding how to hit approach shots using different irons, hybrids, and woods. It’s crucial to know approximately how far each club goes. Utilize the in-range facilities to measure and understand your distances.
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